Category: Good Life Journal

Scripture

 

2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish

 

5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

 

24 “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then he will answer you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ 26 Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’

 

34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!

 

Observation

 

Jesus laments the widespread disbelief among the Jews.

He also unwinds some wrong beliefs they had.

 

Suffering bad things in your life did not mean you were a bad person.

Those who suffered were no worse than anyone else.

(But those who did NOT suffer were not better either.)

 

Repentance was what distinguished the true believer.

 

What’s more, being around the “right” people did not make you better than others.

Just because you were in the temple or around the right teacher did not save you.

This was not an indicator of repentance.

 

Jesus wants all to repent.

He wants all to come under His salvation.

But they would not.

 

What’s more … eventually there will come a time of judgement.

 

Application

 

Doing good things is not the same as being good.

Eating and drinking in the presence of God does not make me Godly.

Being under the teaching of God does not make me Godly.

 

Repentance is the only way.

The narrow way of repentance.

Do I judge others for their so-called lack of godliness?

 

I must never judge based on appearances.

People … er, I am an awful judge of appearances.

 

God judges the heart … for repentance.

 

Prayer

 

Thank you, God, for gathering me under your wing

Thank you for saving me

In Jesus name

Amen

Scripture –

Luke 12:35-36 – “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.”

Observation –

After Jesus tells the crowd and disciples not to fear and seek the Kingdom of God, He warns that His disciples must be on guard and stay ready.  Jesus is telling disciples to continue to seek him by preparing our minds and hearts with the hope of the gospel for action.  Our lamps are not to be hid under a table but to keep burning and be a light in the darkness.  Be ready to answer the door when Jesus knocks.

Application –

Jesus is telling all believers that we have to put on the full armor of God by being in the word, in prayer to let the Spirit guide us in wisdom and discernment.  We are called to go out armed with the truth into a spiritual battlefield and proclaim the hope we have in the name of Jesus Christ.  These commands from Jesus are verbs that require us both to be prepared and move.to   Fear immobilizes, paralyzes and faith will move.  While I am waiting for the return of Jesus and His feast, I can’t become consumed with when exactly that day will come. I must seek first the Kingdom myself and be a light to others who are looking for the hope we have in Jesus and make him known.

 

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for your love, grace and mercy in sending Jesus so we can repent be reconciled and have a relationship with you.  Let the power of the Holy Spirit have me seek you in word, prayer to be prepared to share your love and gospel to glorify you.

Journal Luke 11 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him…so (Jesus) went in and reclined at table.

 

The Pharisee was astonished to see that (Jesus) did not first wash before dinner.

 

And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.  You fools!!  Did not he who made the outside make the inside also?  (but) Give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you.”  Luke 11:37-41

 

Observation:  Simply: What is more important?  The inside or the outside?

 

Analysis:  Most folks would nail this on the first try: “Why the inside, of course.  Give me another softball question, please.”

 

What is easier to address?

 

If a house is repainted, afterward it looks pretty good; it can be represented as in good shape, well taken care of, etc., with the house actually have just gone through “Zombie Housing Flip.”

 

Of course, the outside is easier; we all go through the “do this, don’t do that” cycles.  Stop smoking, cursing.  Stop drinking/don’t get drunk, illicit sex.  Clean up my act, etc.  Unfortunately, if I clean up my outside and start to feel good about that and even get compliments—I can stop going deeper.  I can get religious…

 

Being a Pharisee or any other description of becoming “religious”, concerns itself with what the outside looks like; what people see.  “Looks good, smells good, acts well—must be good, no evil here—move along, move along…”

 

Back to the story: “This so-called rabbi DID…NOT…WASH!!  Horrors!  How can he present himself anywhere close to Godly?  A godly man…. washes!  Oh my, oh my.”

 

Jesus’ response?  “You are fools—focusing on the godliness found in a wet sponge—which is no godliness at all.”

 

Paul picks this thought up to the Corinthians:

 

2 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Prayer:  Father, I am appreciative that you give us songs and lyrics to drive sound doctrine into Man’s heart:

 

To obey is better than sacrifice
I don’t need your money
I want your life
And I hear you say that I’m coming back soon
But you act like I’ll never return

Well you speak of grace and my love so sweet
How you thrive on milk, but reject My meat
And I can’t help weeping of how it will be
If you keep on ignoring My words
Well you pray to prosper and succeed
But your flesh is something I just can’t feed

To obey is better than sacrifice
I want more than Sunday and Wednesday nights
Cause if you can’t come to Me every day
Then don’t bother coming at all
La, la, la

To obey is better than sacrifice
I want hearts of fire
Not your prayers of ice
And I’m coming quickly
To give back to you
According to what you have done
According to what you have done
According to what you have done

Keith Green, 1978

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton

Luke 10

Scripture:

[3] Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.

[5] Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ [6] And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.

[8] Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. [9] Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ [10] But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, [11] ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ [12] I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

Observation:

[3] Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.

Not a friendly world for Christins to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[5] Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’

We always want to offer the peace of knowing Jesus Christ as we share His gospel.

[6] And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if not, it will return to you.

If their hearts are open they will receive the Word. If not, you have lost nothing to offer it to them,

[8] Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you. [9] Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’

When the Lord puts people in your path who will receive the Gospel, you will know it. Help them to know what you know.

[10] But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, [11] ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’
[12] I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

Being sent as sheep among wolves, there will be people God has not chosen to have open hearts. It’s okay to give fair warning about the alternatives to following the Lord.

Application:

In our obedience to God, we will share the gospel. There are many in this world who are against us and our Christian message of the Gospel. Be prepared to deal with them but do not be afraid.

While there are many very good apologists gifted in defending the faith and arguing the Truth with Atheists, many of us have not been given the same gifts in the same way. And I would say, that even in those heated debates between apologists and atheists, it’s unlikely the apologist will change the mind of the atheist, but it could very well change the minds of many unbelievers listening.

For those of us who are not gifted apologists, we should focus on those with open hearts and an ear to listen. God chooses them and he will put them in your path. Focus on them, not on the fixated haters with totally hardened hearts. Knock the dust off your sandals and move on. At his choosing, God will work on them in his own way.

Prayer:

Lord I love you and pray for obedience. Always let my actions be a reflection of you and give me the words I need in order to share the gospel in a loving manner to those you put in my path with open ears. Give me discernment to know when I should move on. Above all Lord, I pray I glorify you in all I do. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, amen.

Journal Luke 9 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears…”  Luke 9:43b-44a

 

Observation:  A person needs to be on the ball to find the Jewels in the Sand.  Ever wonder why there are so many things that Jesus says that he says are not to be understood?

Analysis: Today’s journal has to do with the principle of hearing and concealment by the Holy Spirit.

Objectively, I would have thought that the Word of God should be totally open and understandable in every respect.  Obviously, God did not.  Just a few references:

• “But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that (a reason for) they might not perceive it.” Luke 9:45a
• “…he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand’” Luke 8:10

There are a few more like this salted around the Bible.  I wonder what for?

One thing that I have determined is that God the Holy Spirit emphasizes SEARCHING, not waiting around for a drop of revelation to plop in my gray matter—but to think, ponder, grind upon, wrestle with, etc. Scripture.

To paraphrase: “Let he who is determined to pursue God and the sustenance of His Word, let him desire greater determination.”

Prayer:  Ah, Lord.  The things you reveal inbetween sentences.  Marvelous.

Amen,

Rick Sutton

Journal Luke 8 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “…(Jesus) said in a parable, “A sower went out to sow his seed.

 

And as he sowed (the following took place):

 

• Some fell on the path, was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it (think seagulls…)”
• Some fell on the rock, and as it grew up it withered away because it had no moisture.
• Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it.
• Some fell into good soil, grew, and yielded a hundredfold.”

 

As (Jesus) said these things, he called out, “He who had ears to hear, let him hear.”  (excerpts and paraphrase from Luke 8:4-7)

 

Observation:  Jesus’ explanation/keys of the Parable of the Sower:

• The seed referenced is the Word of God.
• The seed on the Path is taken away by the devil so that they may not believe and be saved.
• The seed on the Rock is received with joy initially, but have no root, and loses it when challenged in life.
• The seed in the thorns is choked by the cares of the world growing up together (the thorns are stronger than the initial joy).  The fruit does not mature.
• The seed in the good soil is the Word, held fast in determination and bears fruit in patience.  (excerpts from Luke 8:9-15)

 

Analysis:  He who has ears to hear, let him hear!  He who has eyes to see, let him see!

In some weird way, parables are not meant to be clearly understood.  “…but for others, they are in parables so that “seeing”, they may not see, and “hearing, they may not understand…” (Luke 8:10b)  Even in reading the Scriptures, there may be folks who just don’t get it, despite the explanations of the Bible.

Among other areas of the Scriptures, this is a very clear reminder that pursuing Christ, claiming to be a Christian, isn’t a one and done exercise.

Simplistically boiling down being a Christian to: 1) Confessing/believing on His Name, and; 2) Being baptized, is ignoring all the rich specificity of what that means.  And…underestimating, presuming on His Grace.

Who is a Christian and who isn’t?  Not for anybody outside the face in the mirror to answer.  I think Jesus gives this parable so that those are seeing, and hearing can exercise some self-examination.  This is where Forrest’s excellent 1:28 moment on Friday can spur some action in the mirror by asking penetrating questions of myself to the Holy Spirit.  Hard to do if I don’t have some foundational, factual Truth hammered in my heart.  If I am not certain of (believe); If all I have is initial joy but no depth; If I let myself get choked with the cares of the world; If I have initial joy and yet don’t acknowledge my continuing sin, and let myself grow up with these thorns—then examining myself can be a scary proposition.

If I really look at this Parable, I think (while it describes various conditions of Man), it seems like I can take these conclusions: The Trinity will spur me along to love and obey His Word, in the same (parallel) effort I bring to the table pursuing Maturity.

Perhaps it boils down to this, “How dirty do I want to be to stay clean?”

PS., By the way: If I look at others and focus on their failures in following Christ in any way (even irrelevant stuff like dress, tats, etc., anything that is not blatant sin, I am on the way to mongo Legalism and not following Christ at all…If I look at myself, I am fiercely pursuing Christ.  How to deal with blatant sin, is something to study and to talk with Kel and the elders about…

Prayer:  Love you, Dad.

AMEN

Rick Sutton

Journal Luke 7 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.

 

When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him (Jesus) elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.  And when (the elders) came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He (the centurion) is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”  And Jesus went with them.

 

When (Jesus) was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.  Therefore, I did not presume (act presumptuously) to come to you—but say the word, and let my servant be healed…” Luke 7:2-7

 

Observation:  Was the centurion “worthy” or “not worthy?”

Analysis: When I have read on the beginning of Luke 7, the usual expounding is about the Faith of the Centurion.

Today, I was looking inbetween the lines to see if there was something different buried there.

Lately, I have been pondering the “attitude of my heart.”  Where is my heart:

• in response to Jesus?
• In response to the Gospel?
• In response to pursuing Him all my days?
• In response to pursuing humility?
• In response to pursing holiness, walking worthy?

The public gave a good report about this guy to Jesus.  Jewish elders of the local synagogue were glowing in their review to Jesus: “Rabbi, you need to come and do this healing for this guy.  If there was anyone who was WORTHY to receive a gift from you—this is the guy!!!”  Lavish praise and recognition were poured out for the Centurion.

The centurion had a different perspective.  “Oh, no, is that Jesus?  Joe, Bob, Bill: run out there, please, oh please hurry.  Tell him this: I did not go to you, because I am a gentile; I am NOT WORTHY to have you under my roof.

I recognize this: you have Authority!!  I have authority—but not like you.  I tell men to go and they obey me.  You command the winds of the Earth, all of Creation, and they obey you.  All you have to do is say the word and my beloved servant will be healed.”

A man can be recognized as a good man.  That same man can peer into the mirror and know better.

No one is worthy to receive Redemption on their own merits, for Men do not have merits that substantial.  The Worthy Son was crushed for worthless Man so Man can be redeemed.

Somehow the Centurion knew this.

Prayer: Father, only You are worthy; I only see this in a little way.  Help me to see this more.

Amen

Rick Sutton

Scripture

 

Vs 5 And Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

 

Vs 27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Vs 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

Vs 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.

Vs 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.

Vs 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

 

Vs 46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?

 

Vs 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like:

Vs 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock

 

Observation

 

This chapter begins and ends with Jesus’ mentions of “Lord”.

First, Jesus states a fact, “The Son of man if Lord of the Sabbath”.

Later, Jesus asks a question, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you?”

 

Sandwiched between Jesus’ statement about His “Lordship” is a lot of discussion about our doing.

 

And the “doing” our Lord Jesus expects from us is in contrast to what the world expects of itself.

 

We can see this because Jesus begins his commands with, “But I say to you … “

And what does He want us to “do”?

 

So often it’s easiest to focus on the stated verbs to tell us what to “do” …

“Love” … “do good” … “bless” … “pray” … “offer” … “give” … “be merciful”.

 

But to live as Jesus is our Lord … He wants us to notice not just what we do, but who we do it to!

To indicate Jesus is our Lord … the recipients of our doing matters!

“your enemies” … “those who hate you” … “one who strikes you” … “one who takes from you” … “everyone who begs from you” …

 

It is not the “calling Jesus ‘Lord, Lord’ that makes Him Lord of someone’s life.

It is hearing Jesus’ word and doing them that makes Jesus Lord of a life.

 

Application

 

“Hears my word and Does them!”

 

Are there any greater words with a greater sense of  “Application”?

 

Lord is not a title to be taken lightly.

I can call Jesus a lot of things but if I don’t do what He says then I can’t call Him lord.

 

Jesus’s teaching are commands, not advice.

Jesus is not a voice among others. Jesus is not one of my “advisors”.

 

Of course, the world is confused by what it should do … it makes sense to love the lovable and do good to the good.

It’s confusing to do the opposite … to love the unlovely and pray for enemies and give to the thief and beggar.

 

Of course, the world is also confused when I treat Jesus as an advisor, or His commands as mere suggestions.

When I call Jesus “Lord, Lord” and then act and do and live like everyone else … that’s confusing.

What kind of witness and testimony is that?

 

But it’s not just about “witness” and “testimony”.

Jesus says it bigger than that …

Jesus says it about “life” … and the life I want to “build”.

 

Do I want to build a steady life on a firm foundation?

Then I can’t live and do and act like everyone else.

 

The storms of life come for everyone … lives built on rock and lives built on stone.

 

Proper “doing” and “living” does not keep away the storms.

But it does keep steady the house in the midst of the storms.

 

Being a disciple of Lord Jesus is not gaining knowledge of His words.

It is doing what I know … the counter-intuitive, counter-cultural, Truth of Jesus.

 

Prayer

 

Thank you, God, again for your Word

Give me strength to live it out

Help me see others as you see them

Help me see you in them

Help me give and bless and pray

for those that the world would not understand

In Jesus name

Amen

Scripture

Luke 5:8 –11 – But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.  And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid: from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Observation –

Peter, after witnessing the physical miracle of the catch of fish, realizes who Jesus is and that he is a sinner.  Jesus responds by comforting Peter and telling him not to be afraid of his sin, that Jesus will make them fishers of men. When they got to shore they followed Jesus!

Application –

This is the perfect representation of the Gospel that I need to remember, submit to and live out each and every day.  I have to know that I am a sinner dead in my sin separated from God with nothing I can do on my own.  I have to realize my only hope is in the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross for my sins and his resurrection to overcome death.  My response is to place my complete faith and trust in his name as my Lord and Savior to follow him.  By following Jesus, I must live to point others to Him giving the glory to God.

 

 

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word and using a fisherman like Peter to lead the Church.  Let the Spirit  move me to trust you completely, follow you faithfully, love you and others to honor you.

Journal Luke 4 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil.  And he ate nothing during those days.

 

And when they were ended, he (Jesus) was hungry.

 

• The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread….”
• And the devil took him up and showed all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time and said to (Jesus), “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been given to me, and I give it to whom I will.  If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours…”
• And he (the devil) took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him (Jesus), “if you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here for it is written, (the angels will protect you from all physical harm)….”  Luke 4:1-12

 

Observation: I noticed that the devil offered to Jesus everything that we are tempted (longing for/lusting) for: Self-sufficiency, Power/sovereignty, and freedom of consequences.

Again, it is shown true that Jesus suffered every temptation that we encounter so that He could be our High Priest before the Throne.

Analysis:  If I ponder hard on the three “temptations” above, it is evident to me that I can categorize all of them into “I want autonomy”, absolute autonomy.  That is what the serpent offered Eve, who persuaded Adam, “…you will be like God…” (Gen 3:4).  This is what Lucifer wanted as well, “…I will make myself like the Most High…” (Is 14:14b) and it got him cast out of heaven.

This desire of wanting autonomy, of being self-sufficient, to be “like God”, is the daily temptation of all Men and should be recognized residing in us.  It is because of this Indwelling Sin of wanting to be “like God”, somehow an equal that marks us.  It is why Jesus died in our place, bringing salvation to all the world.

Hear the words of the writer of Hebrews: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who is EVERY respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb 4:15)

In the Wilderness, Jesus fasted for 40 days; 6 weeks, wandering around…and the scriptures say suffered temptation.  THEN, after the 40 days were completed, the devil came to tempt.  Jesus was probably at the end of his physical endurance, weaker than he had every experienced.  The normal temptations were difficult to endure (“Ok, I’m done…time to call this trek quits and go to the closest Kentucky Fried Lamb location…”) and then the big guns came out.

What sustained Jesus?  Adherence to his Father’s word, given to the Prophets, written, and studied.  Jesus did not resist the devil on his reasoning but “…because the word of God says…”

I am tempted every moment of the day.  In my weakness I don’t offer a resistance on my own principle, but because the Word of God says…  Yeah, right—not!  But it is my desire to please Him by pressing in by obeying His Word, knowing that He is pleased with my efforts.

Prayer:  Father, daily I examine myself, daily you lovingly reveal my sin.  My song of praise, my confession of dependence on You, is what I want to live for to the end of my days.  I realize it wasn’t one and done 50 years ago, but that salvation is found who endures and perseveres to the End.

Please keep me from independence and reinforce gratitude (1 Thes 5) and dependence upon You.

AMEN

Rick Sutton

Scripture:

 

[8] Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.

 

Observation:

 

As a person repents from his sin and truly loves and honors God, his life will bear fruits that are apparent. Contrary to what the Jews believed at the time, it is not good enough to rest in the fact that they were descendants of Abraham. This will not bring salvation.

 

Application:

 

Just as the John the Baptist tells the Jews they do not automatically get salvation by being descendants of Abraham, neither are any of us given the gift of salvation because of our heritage or upbringing. It means nothing that our parents were Christians. It means nothing that we attended a Christian school. It means nothing that we hang out with Christians. It means everything that we accept Jesus as our Savior and begin our sanctification process with Him as our cornerstone.

 

As we repent our sins and follow Jesus Christ closely, we will strive to glorify Him. Good fruit will follow..

 

Prayer:

 

Lord thank you for my salvation. Thank you for the breath I take every single day. Thank you for the daily reminder of whose I am. As you put others with open hearts in my path, give me the words I need help them t know you. In Jesus holy name I pray, amen.

Journal Luke 2 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Sprit was upon him.  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus (to do for him according to the custom of the Law), he took him up in his arms, blessed God, and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your Word (received by the Spirit); for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples—a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

 

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was 84.  She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayers night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”  Luke 2:25-32 and 36-38

 

Observation: Does recognized, godly devotion come with years?  Does the mature godly get overlooked by the enthusiastic young?

Analysis: Is being excited and enthusiastic about Jesus exclusively a young man’s sport?

Anyone with half a mind would say “Of course not!!”  Yet, from an old guys perspective, does the thought have traction?  All anyone has to observe is what is celebrated.

My bet is that Simeon and Anna were slogging out their walk in God mostly by themselves.  And yet, the Holy Spirit was upon them with power—even before Pentecost.  How is that?  The above Scriptures indicate Devotion.

Devotion is not a subject that gets mentioned a lot.  Think about what does get mentioned and it is evident that Activity is a prime component.

Here is another: Youth is celebrated; not so much Age.  When is the last time Youth has been encouraged to consult with Age?  Encourage to talk?  Spend time?  Mostly Youth can be defensive about their age (“Let no one despise you for your youth…”) but forget the rest of the sentence, (“…but set the believers an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, purity…” 1 Tim 4:12)

I am fully aware that a ton of old guys (including me) fail in being an example to follow.  However, the example may be only that we are walking the walk for a very long time.

Take advantage of the godly Aged among you.

Prayer:  Father, my ambitions are changing the older I have gotten.  Doesn’t mean that the ambitions of my youth are less intense, just tempered with patience in You.  I look for the salvation you have promised, and my hope is always in You.

AMEN

Rick Sutton

Journal Luke 1 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “In as much as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also (having followed all things closely for some time past) to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you many have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”

Luke 1:1-4

 

Observation: Why would Luke write Luke?  This foreword implies that Luke isn’t the first to write about Jesus.  It does insinuate that he wants to write something that:

• Compiles a narrative, that is
• Orderly, and
• Accountable (systematic)
• Based on long time observations

so that Theophilus may have CERTAINTY of the things he has been taught.

Analysis: What kind of guy was Luke?

A learned man by all accounts I have read.  A doctor, a historian.  Someone who want to “get the facts” out there for his friend to read.  A guy taking great pains and time to get it right (“having followed all things closely for some time past”).  According to Wikipedia, 85 CE (approximately 50 years after the Crucifixion).

50 years; 5 decades.  That is about how long it has been since I vowed allegiance to Christ—and about the same as I am starting to put it all together, “…accurately dividing the Word of Truth…”, bit by bit, an “orderly account…”

My wife is my test subject.  She gets to hear all my efforts to be wise in the ways of the Word; adhering to the Gospel first, then applications to life and the heart, with the end result/objective to walk worthy of the Gospel in all respects.

Do Christians regularly go through a “self-examination”, presented to the Holy Spirit, to see if their mind needs to be straightened out on certain subjects?  I do, and that is not “polishing my halo.”

Do I cherish the Word so much that I study, read, and talk about what I think with other brothers?  Not enough, to my shame, not enough—and it makes me despondent.

If this is read, think about it some…

Prayer:  Father, it has been a long time, 6 months or so, since I last offered up something for posting.  I have put myself on sporadic missions in your Word.  I have given up on being a faithful writer—but now am trying to get back into the saddle.

Forrest presented “getting into the Wonder of Christ” in a 1:28 moment a number of days ago—a timely word.

Help me gaze out my window and see, feel, and think about your Wonders again, including your Word.  AMEN

Rick Sutton

Scripture

 

5 Every word of God proves true;

he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

 

7 Two things I ask of you;

deny them not to me before I die:

8 Remove far from me falsehood and lying;

give me neither poverty nor riches;

feed me with the food that is needful for me,

 

9 lest I be full and deny you

and say, “Who is the Lord?”

or lest I be poor and steal

and profane the name of my God.

 

15 Three things are never satisfied;
four never say, “Enough”:
16 Sheol, the barren womb,
the land never satisfied with water,
and the fire that never says, “Enough.”

 

Observation

 

The author wants to be completely and fully satisfied in the knowledge and truth of God.

 

The author says he wants two things of God before he dies.

Interestingly, the two things he wants of God are, in fact, things he wants removed from himself.

 

Ultimately, the 2 things the author wants are: Truth & Contentment.

And both are from God, not himself.

 

He wants removed from himself “falsehood” and “riches & poverty”.

Why? Because both would be a distraction from God, Himself.

 

There are dangers of both extremes of having too much or not enough.

The person with too much will be satisfied in his stuff and feel no need for God.

He will say “who is God”?

 

The person with not enough, is willing to break the word of God and act against His truth.

He will be so discontent by his lacking that he will be tempted to steal to satisfy his felt need.

 

The author shows the wisdom of the knowledge of God is beyond anything stuff or materialism can provide.

 

Application

 

I can recall a significant portion of life I felt like the priority was a “happiness quest”.

Life was about being “happy”!

Whatever that meant for that day or year or stage of life … do what would make me “happy”!

 

Ultimately, I came to see life not as a happiness quest, but a truth quest.

Happiness was always changing and never fully satisfying.

What is ultimately true became my goal and objective.

 

Happiness quest became Truth quest.

 

And I found ultimate truth in who God is and his word.

And what’s more is … it became more than mere knowledge of the facts of truth …

It was indeed truly satisfying!

 

The truth quest that ended in the word of god ultimately satisfied my happiness quest as well.

The author gives a very practical thing to do in order to realize this:

Say “ENOUGH”! … “Enough” … “Enough”!

 

The 2 things the author wanted … Truth & Contentment … were given in God, Himself, rather than me trying to create my own “happiness”.

 

Prayer

 

Thanks you, God, for your Truth

Help me see that contentment and truth are in and from you

Help Holy Spirit show this to others, as well

In a world of such discontentment,

Help me be and show peace

In Jesus name,

Amen

Scripture –

Proverbs 29:25 – The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

Observation –

Do not fear man for you are only setting a trap for yourself. Trust in the Lord and be sure you will abide in his safety.

Application –

I need to fear God not man or anything man has constructed.  Fear and manipulation of fear is gripping our country and the world today.  Satan is clever how he can use fear to disguise a choice that will hurt us.  Pastor Tony Evans has said that fear freezes and faith moves.  So I have a choice to be paralyzed in fear of place my faith and trust in God and fear Him.  My/our mission to fulfill the great commission remains the same and there are many who are fearful who need the Good News.  Jesus gives a strong warning on fear in Luke 12:4-5, “I tell you my friends, do not fear those who kill the body and after have nothing more they can do.  But I will warn you whom to fear:  fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell!  Yes, I tell you, fear him!”

 

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word.  Let the power of the Holy Spirit guide me to trust you and not fear man.  Give me the right actions to do and say that I may lead others to know you and give you glory you deserve.