“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap” (Luke 6:38)

March 24, 2012

The word “miser” is the root for “miserable.” If you want to know true joy, be a giver. Givers don’t worry about how their needs will be met. They leave that up to God.

We started reading from Deuteronomy today. If it looks familiar, it’s because it is. The title literally means “second” (deutero)

March 23, 2012

“law” (nomos). In other words, it’s a summary or “second” reading of the law. Moses wrote this to remind them of what God had taught them before going in to the promised land.

“All of us must come to you. Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all” (Psalm 65:2-3)

March 22, 2012

Is there a repetitive sin area that plagues your life? Or a sin that you have trouble receiving forgiveness for? Come to Jesus. Don’t let sin overwhelm you. He has paid for them all. Why should you carry a debt that He has paid? Come, experience true forgiveness. Come and be set free!

“Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” (Luke 5:4)

March 21, 2012

What Jesus told Peter after he’d spent all night fishing and caught nothing. Are you tired and feeling like a failure after working hard without success? It seems reasonable that you should take time off. Yet, Jesus often calls us to go deep at times like this. Listen to Him. Don’t give up. Go deeper!

“The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” (Luke 4:21)

March 20, 2012

What Jesus said after reading from Isaiah in His hometown synagogue. Jesus was the fulfillment of over 300 OT prophecies. Yet, there are many more Scriptures yet to be fulfilled. Every one of them has a date stamp on it that only God can read. On that day, it will be fulfilled. That’s why God’s people must always be ready. Today could be the Day!

“I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him” (Psalm 62:1)

March 19, 2012

David trusted God for the victory in his life. How do you define victory or success? How could waiting quietly before God possibly have anything to do with succeeding? Only those who recognize that knowing and pleasing God is the highest success will understand David’s prayer.

“At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness” (Luke 3:2)

March 18, 2012

Luke wrote his gospel so that it’s historical context was clear. He named the Roman Caesar, the Judean king, even the Jewish high priest at the time when John the Baptist started preaching. This does not read like myth, as some suggest. It is true history. We can depend on God’s Word.

“Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people” (Luke 2:52)

March 17, 2012

Jesus grew mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. As you look at yourself in these 4 areas, which needs some growth? Are you healthy in these 4 areas? Are you growing more like Jesus?

“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress” (Psalm 59:16)

March 16, 2012

David chose to sing praises to God in spite of his circumstances. Are you discouraged? Sing praises to God and be encouraged in the Lord.

“Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, ‘What will this child turn out to be?’ For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.” (Luke 1:66)

March 15, 2012

How the people responded to the birth of John the Baptist. Oh, that every child would be welcomed with such expectation!