Luke Chapter 9 - Nathanael

Verse 23-24 - Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

In our lives we often get distracted from the main things of life. Jesus called us to something radical and different but instead we struggle so hard to be "normal" and "fit in".  Jesus said we must deny ourselves daily.  We struggle when we occasionally have to say no to our flesh and our desires. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves daily!  He tells us to take up our cross daily - to die to ourselves daily.

I'm afraid that I/we so often end up like those from Jesus' parable of the Sower (Chapter 8) who are not the good soil.  We have God's words taken from us regularly, we turn back in the face of opposition and persecution, we get choked out and distracted by the cares of this life and the worries about riches and pleasures.  God help us!!  God save us!! God change us!!

I want to see the world the way that God sees it!  I want to see that God and his kingdom are what matter in this life!  I want to put the spiritual above the natural!  I want more of God and less of me!
I don't want Jesus to be ashamed of me but I want God to say "Well done good and faithful servant"!

Father, change my vision, my values, my life, my treasure, my perspective so that you are all in all!

Luke Chapter 8 - Nathanael

Two things stood out to me as I read this chapter, both of them relating to the need and importance of putting into practice what we've heard from God.

Verse 15 - But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Four steps here: 1) hear 2) retain 3) persevere 4) produce crop

It is interesting that producing the crop comes by persevering - keeping going, holding on, being faithful - despite all that life brings our way.  This is putting into practice God's word over time.

Verse 21 - He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

Two steps here: 1) hear 2) put into practice

Jesus counts as his close relatives those who are close to God versus the family that came by birth.  He elevates the spiritual relationships over the natural relationships.

This is both a good model for us and a cause for great hope!  You and I can be Jesus' family!  God adopts us and draws us into his family as we trust in Jesus.  As we grow in faith in Christ, we also make choices and decisions to obey and do what God says.  Clearly we cannot do this on our own, but we still have choices to make and effort to make as we obey Jesus and pursue him.  God works in us both to will (to want) and to act in order to fulfill God's good purpose (Philippians 2:13).

So if we recognize that we aren't putting God's word into practice - that it is slipping away - or if we see that we are giving up or getting tired and not persevering, then we need to take action!  We need to pray and ask God for help! Ask him to change us, fill us with his Spirit, and we need to choose to pursue God no matter the cost.

Father, please do your work in my heart so that I put into practice and persevere in doing your will!  I love you and I thank you for your love!

Luke Chapter 10 - Hanjun

Verse 2, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Lord, I pray you show me the harvest fields that you want me to go and send me there to reap in my daily life. 

 

Verse 20, "However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." It is because of Jesus' name and his authority that He gives to us, we can win the battles against devil. Driving out demons is not the purpose or goal as a Jesus' follower, but having the eternal relationship with God.        

 

Verse 27, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; love your neighbor as yourself." It is always the core value of the faith in God. 

 

Verse 41 also stands out to me, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Sometimes we are easily attracted by the problems, get worried, and forget God's promise, 

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6: 33) I pray the Lord reminds me of his promise.

Luke 9 & 10

It was interesting to me when Jesus called the twelve and gave them power and

authority over the demons,  to cure diseases, and when he sent them out

to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.  It tells me we can have more than

our salvation, we can be healed and have our freedom.  We not only can tell

others about God, we can also pray for them to be healed. 

Denying yourself- It's a daily thing not just once.  This actually encourages me.

That giving up to the Lord is not just for a empty cause, but there is a purpose in it all.

We will win!!!  

I like to watch how Jesus prayed, "He rebuke the unclean spirit and healed the boy."

It's interesting to me that the Father concealed what Jesus was telling his disciples

about his death.  LK. 9:43-45.

In Chapter 10 - Jesus' instructions for the disciples (we are his disciples).

How to pray for the Lord to send out  laborers, to heal the sick in the towns that receive you.

To eat what is set before us, to remain in  one house and not go from house to house.  To

speak peace to the house.

 

Jesus' warning about rejoicing over our names written in heaven and not over authority He has

given to us over the demons.

Luke chapter 10- Wun-gwi

The last short passage at Luke 10 struck on my heart.

I am feeling that I may be living like Martha, distracted by many things around me such as parenting, work, literally reading bible, etc.

However, I need to choose what is better and hold that as like Mary sat at the Lord's feet listening what he said!

Luke Chapter 9 - Hanjun

In verses 1 and 2, Jesus gave his twelve disciples power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases. I believe today Jesus still gives his followers power and authority to drive out demons, heal the sick, and more importantly, preach the gospel of salvation. In most times, I don't recognize the power and authority that Jesus gives to me, and feel not confident in praying for myself and the people around me for healing the physical and emotional sickness, 

but rely on medicine or doctor. Medicine and doctor are good, but relying on them is not God's will. God is the ultimate and true healer for all the problems, since he is the creator. I pray the Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit help me to recognize and use the power and authority for the people who need salvation and healing.  

I also like God's words in verse 48, "For he who is least among you all - he is the greatest". This totally contradicts with the world's rule, and reminds me what God loves. 

When the Samaritans did not welcome Jesus, James and John felt angry and wanted to burn them, but Jesus rebuked his disciples. I remember it made me dissatisfied or angry when I preached the 

gospel to the people but they refused or even said  some opposing words. I pray the Lord help me accept the refusal and opposing words with patient and kindness. 

Luke Chapter 9- Randy T

Verses 49-50: "Master," said John, "we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us."  

"Do not stop him", Jesus said, "for whoever is not against you is for you."

I think this is a clear directive, it is common for Christians and members of denominations to openly "spar" with each other.   It unfortunate that  sometimes we get wrapped up in debating quite frankly what is minutiae in the grand scheme of saving a lost world. The message here is - if they aren't trying to stop us or prevent us form doing our work- then let them be. Stay focused on the mission, don't let small differences among ourselves throw us off-course.

Verses 52-56:  And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When thee disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village.

If we encounter a situation  where we aren't welcomed or supported, then simply go around it.  Again, I think this is a lesson on ho to use our resources and energy wisely. There  is no need to fight those who resist, simply move onto those who are hungry for the message, people who genuinely want a better way. Don't let those who are unwilling or not interested discourage us, there are plenty of people who are in desperate need and will welcome our efforts.

Maurice-Luke chapter 9

I like when Jesus said "If any man comes after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me. it's a reminder to me regardless if I am having a good day or bad day (good times/bad times) the kingdom of God and his righteousness should always be what I seek first and that it is not always going to be easy. Jesus said John 16:33 "be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" it is very comforting to know & realize this. It is also important to know that we are
to preach the Gospel to every creature,healing and cast out devils just as the disciples did. (Mark 16:15-18).

Luke Chapter 9- Wun-gwi

I was happy to read how Jesus actively did his work.

Teaching, driving out demon, providing food, etc.

There are a lot of things we logically don't understand,

- Feeding the five thousand

- Peter said what he didn't know after seeing Transfiguration

The Cost of Following is everything of us.

Even though I don't fully understand,

I want to follow him and ask him for understanding on his plan for my life.

Luke Chapter 8 - Randy T

Verse 14:  "The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures and the do not mature."

Isn't this most of us? Its interesting that the words "worries, riches and pleasures" are grouped together here, like each is equally bad or constraining. How many of us chase the "American dream" at the cost of our own spirituality?  We want it all, but when forced to choose, we choose the things, which leads to worries and stress, which leads to less space for God.  Even tv ministers tells us how we can have it all- they say that God wants us to have it all- I think God wants to have us, our undivided attention and love. God doesn't want to come in second to our mortgages, car loans, and other trappings.

Verses 17-18:  "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into  the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Those who have will be given more; as for those who do not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them."

I need some help here. I understand the first sentence- there are no secrets, nothing is hidden.  We may try to conceal our bad behaviors in darkness, but in time they will be exposed, they always are- just ask any seasoned politician.

Its the last sentence I don't understand- maybe someone on this blog can help me interpret?

Verse 27: He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."

Pretty clear here,  I go the first requirement nailed- "those who hear God's word" but there is an "and" and here is where I fall- "and put it into practice" I know I need to spend a lot more time practicing, Its like, we just need to hear a little of God's word, but we need to "put it into practice" a lot. Maybe we should come up with a ratio like 4 parts practice to one part hearing.Of course I'm being a little silly- or am I?

Verse 50: Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe and she will be healed."

This is one of those verses that have probably alienated many people. We all have lost people we love, seen tragedy we don't understand.   Many of us have been at the bedside of a dying loved one, and someone with good intentions have quoted this verse, yet the person passes, anyway. Its almost more than we can stand or comprehend.  I would like to understand this verse more, it's context and when it is applicable.  A deep and complex topic for sure, but many who do not believe hold this verse up as a false promise.  This is a verse that every Christian should take time to understand, if possible.

Luke chapter 7 -Nathanael

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little."
Luke 7:47 NIV

This statement reminds me of the importance of remembering that we are sinful and how much we have been forgiven. The truth is that we have all been forgiven a lot. The problem is that we forget and start to feel self righteous like the Pharisee and then our love for God declines.

Father God, help me to always remember the depth of my sinfulness and how much you have forgiven me. Your love for me is overwhelming and I thank you and I love you!

Luke Chapter 9 - Jing

The disciples were panic when the great storm hit their little boat, even when they are physically with Jesus. Jesus calmed the storm and rebuked them "where is your faith". Out of human nature, we tend to loose sight and be easily intimidated in the midst of raging waters. May we always remember that Jesus is with us, and He has the power to calm the storm. 

Luke 9 also talks about the different reactions from the crowds and the parable of seeds. For the seed fell along the path, the birth come and eat them. The people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them when they saw the miracle how Jesus healed a demon-possessed man. On the opposite side, a crowd welcomed him and expected his coming. in this crowd, there are common people are with great faith. They believed in Jesus' power of healing even before they see miracles. What a great faith. 

I may take for granted that the disciples have stronger faith and more mature than common people like us, for they are exposed to Jesus' teach and live physically with Jesus. But faith is simple as Child-like belief. Regardless of our background or the past, anyone can come to faith. But even when our faith is as small as mustard seed, God can still choose you for His work, just like the 12 disciples. And throughout the journey, He will grow our faith more and more. 

Jing

Luke Chapter 7- Randy T

Verses 12-15:As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out--the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said."Don't cry." 

The he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!." The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

This seems to be a prefect example about the power of intercessory prayer. Of all the statistics known to man, I wonder about these two- how many prayers have been prayed by mothers, and how many answered prayers are those of mothers. Is there anything more powerful than a praying mother (or parent, or grandparent)?  
Jesus obviously had compassion for the mom.  He could have pledged to support her financially, he could have comforted her grief, but he went all out on this one, he went beyond anyone's wildest expectations- he didn't do what was expected or hoped for, he was "off the charts" in his action.  Isn't this just who Jesus is- he probably laughs at our low level requests, or maybe worse, he is disappointed and saddened by our petty requests, when he is capable of so much more.  I heard someone once preach a sermon about how we need to think, desire, and believe bigger, because Jesus is that kind of God. On the other hand, we are thankful that we have a God who does listen to and answer our smallest of prayers.

verse 28:  "I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

This is a verse I struggle to understand.  Its hard to imagine anyone being greater than John the Baptist, but here it says "yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." I don't even pretend to understand how this could be so.  Maybe a good question for me to take to Nathanael :)

Luke Chapter 7- Wun-gwi

Centurion loves the servant and he ask Jesus for help with fears.

He didn't use his authority in the wrong way.

Jesus had compassion to Widow and raised the widow's son.

In Pharisees' house, the sinful woman has been forgiven as her great love has shown.

I want to love Jesus Christ and people around me.

Luke Chapter 6 - Hanjun

When Jesus healed the man with the shriveled hand (v6-10), the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious about Jesus' behavior (v11).  They obeyed the rules, but they didn't show compassion on the man who needed healing, which is not God's will for God is love. Jesus warns me not to harden my heart in order to obey the laws and rules. I believe if we really want to help others with love, God will provides wisdom and solutions for us. Obeying the laws and rules is good, but not the purpose of a believer's life.  

Luke Chapter 6- Randy T

Verses 37-38:  " Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned . Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

If only we could take this to heart and believe it!  Just this weekend at Stone Mountain there was some type of confrontation between two groups with opposing views.If we could embrace what is said here, think how many problems would go away. Like so many lessons in the Bible, its easy to see how they should be applied to someone else, but that misses the point, the point is that they apply to me! And here, not only  do we have instruction ,but it comes with a guarantee- so why wouldn't I do this?  The other point here, its easy for me to think, well, I 'll just give to some charity, maybe some international charity, this isn't bad- but is it enough?  I think the not judging, not condemning, the forgiving, and the giving needs to be personal and close to us- we need to be a key player in the exercise. This is one of those verses I need to read daily, because I'm way too good at judging and condemning, I'm terrible at forgiving, and I just don't give enough to the people who are close to me.

Verses 46-49: "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? As for those who come to me and hear my words and put them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But those who hear my words and do not put them into practice are like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation.The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

I have sat in thousands of church services and heard thousands of sermons. If the message is really, really good, it might impact my behavior for a couple of weeks, but not more than that. But I have been sitting in the these services for the wrong reason, like most, I've been going for the entertainment value, to do my duty of attending a one hour sermon weekly,  and maybe even give a little.  This text is clear, I'm to go and do, not to simply listen. Action is expected.I think it takes practice, to do the things God asks of us. I am a big fan of Alabama football, the coach for Alabama says he drive his teams extremely hard in practice, his goal it have them practice so much, that doing the right thing at the right time becomes habit or instinct. I think we (I) should aspire to the same goal.

Luke Chapter 6 - Le Jiang

Luke6:47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice.6:48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.6:49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.

Jesus is telling us the importance of putting his word into practice.

1. God's word is our foundation of life. Just like a house built on rock, our lives   would be struck but would not be shaken because it was well built. Interestingly, God says Himself is the Rock. And this Rock is eternal. We can trust on this Rock and rely on it. Isaiah26:4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD , the LORD , is the Rock eternal.

2. God's word let us reflect on ourselves. Sometimes we may feel very good about ourselves and ignore all the sins we have been conducting. But God's word will remind us of our sinful nature and need to come to God and repent. James1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.1:23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror1:24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

3. Doing the word let us remember who we are and who God is. We might think that since salvation has been done by Jesus, so I can just sit back and relax. But this may be very dangerous because by doing that we might easily fall back and indulge in our own desires and turn away from God. If we only learn the word, it is easy to ignore the word. But by putting the word into practice, we let the word get into our hearts and it will become part of ourselves. We will constantly remind ourselves who we are and who God is.

4. Doing the word is practicing obeying God and let God work in us. God is pleased if His children obey His will. And He wants to do His work in us and transform us to be more like Him. By doing the word, we are obeying His will and opening our hearts to let Him work in us.

5. Doing the word helps us reign in this world. God does not only want to save us from death, He wants us to reign in this world and have the complete victory. God's word is one of our strongest weapon when fighting our enemies. Doing the word helps us win in the spiritual battlefield.

Le Jiang

Luke Chapter 6 - Nathanael

Verses 12-13- In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.  And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:

Here again we see how much of Jesus' life was grounded in prayer.  Before making a big decision - like choosing the 12 apostles - he spent the whole night in prayer.  This underscores his recognition that God knows the future and if he is making a big decision, it is worth taking the time to ask God and get direction from him.  It is probably also a reflection of simply wanting to spend time in God's presence. (Jesus, though God, had emptied himself of his divine power as he became a man and he thus gives us the example of how we should life)

Father, draw me into a deeper relationship with you!  I need your love, care, direction and protection!  Help me to press in and spend more time in your presence!

Verses 22-23 - "Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

This is a very important perspective to have!  So often our perspective is that of fear and anxiety when we are hated and spoken against on account of Jesus.  But Jesus says we are blessed and should rejoice and leap for joy!  The proper perspective is that we have a father in heaven who loves us and sees when we go through difficulty in his name.  He loves us, rewards us and is there with us to walk through the valley of the shadow of death and will set a table for us in the presence of our enemies.  Our focus, as always, needs to be on God and his love, rather than on the circumstances around us.  Not easy to do, but certainly life changing!

Verse 35 - But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

Father I thank you that you are kind to the ungrateful and the evil.  I know that I am both of those and I am glad that you still love me!  Help me to love and live like you do!  I want to be your won and reflect your goodness and kindness!

Verse 47 -  House built on the rock: Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them,

Three important steps: 1) come to Jesus 2) hear his words 3) do them

This shows that while reading the Bible as we are doing is important (step 2), we also need to go to the final step (doing what we hear) to have our lives built on a solid foundation that won't be shaken.

Father help me not only to hear, but to do what you say!  Your words are hope, and life and truth!  Help me to walk in your ways!

Re: Luke Chapter 5 - Hanjun

Verse 8: when Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" Confessing the sinful nature of ourselves is the first step to get salvation. Then Jesus accepted Peter, forgave his sins, and discipled him to be a great worker of God even though Peter sometimes lacked faith during his growth in Christ. 

I also like Peter's response when Jesus asked him to put out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch, "But because you say so, I will let down the nets". Peter didn't fully understand why Jesus asked him to do something that sounds waste of time, but he still obeyed "Master" and took action. Sometimes, I need to move forward when God calls me to do something, especially when I am afraid of loosing some time and money or facing oppositions from others.

Luke Chapter 5 - Nathanael

Verse 10 - and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.

it caught my eye that James and John, who along with Peter became the core of the disciples had a relationship with each other as work partners before they began to work together in the Kingdom of God.  God is a God of relationships.  Often those relationships that we have in our lives become relationships in the kingdom of God.  Who are your James and John?

Verse 13 - Jesus reached out his hand and39touched the man.

Here when Jesus heals the man with leprosy, he touches him.  He doesn't need to touch him to heal him and most people would be afraid to touch a leper because of fear of catching some disease.  But Jesus cares about the man, not just in his physical being, but also in his emotional and social being and touches him.  He goes outside of the comfort zone to help others.  Lord Jesus, give me your heart to see the needs of others in all dimensions of their lives and the courage to reach out in "uncomfortable" ways to bring your healing and help to others.

Verse 16- But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Of all the things that I need to do, I think that this is the most important.  My focus and time can get so pulled into all the things that I "need" to do, I lose out on what is really needed - spending time with God to speak and listen and soak up his presence and his love.  God is our source and spending time with him gives us what we really need to do all of the other things in life.

Verse 31,32 - Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

These verses always speak to me.  How easy it is for me to feel "righteous" and then not in need of God's grace and healing.  Lord Jesus, please keep me in a state where I recognize my sickness, sinfulness and great need for you!

Verses 38-39 - No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, 'The old is better.'"

God I know that you are wanting to do a new thing in our midst!  Help me to not be stuck in my old ways of thinking but to accept and embrace your new wine.  Work in me in the new ways that you please and not let me get stuck in old ways.  Help me to follow the leading of your Holy Spirit.

Luke Chapter 3 & 4 Debbie

Chapter 3 - The bearing fruit in our lives. vs. 9....Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire. 

Chapter 4 - How the Holy Spirit works and how he comes to people, "He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and Fire."   The Holy Spirit descended on him...

Luke Chapter 4 - Wun-gwi

I was feeling to be in the scene when Jesus was saying "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." after teaching in the synagogue. As a believer of Jesus Christs, that statement comforts me and I am joyful with that.

However, the people in Nazareth was upset about it because they know Jesus is Joseph's son. People tend to believe as they see or their own idea.

Jesus started his work by teaching and driving out demons.

I could see the Jesus has the priority of "proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God", However people (I) are more focused on their needs like healing/ taking care of our lives.

I want to pray that I can put Gods willingness First and he will take care of the rest of my needs.

Luke Chapter 3 - Hanjun

Verse 8, "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance", stands out to me. This means repenting of sins to God and getting saved is important and the first step, so my sins can be forgiven and I could have personal relationship with God. But it would be not enough, I need to grow and help others know our Savior the Lord Jesus. 

When I read the genealogy of Jesus, I think about this question, "How many years have human beings been on the earth?" There are 75 generations from Adam to Jesus, so it would be between 7,500 and 75,000 based on Bible.  But some other resources say, "It is about six millions years". The difference is so huge that it would be worthy and interesting to do some further research about this.

Going great so far!

Thank you everyone who is participating and reading and sharing what God is speaking to them!  It is quite encouraging to me not only to see the ways that God is speaking to people but also the different ways!  Many times the things that you share speak to me as well and often highlight something for me in a new and different way that I've never seen or thought about before.

So thank you and keep up the great work!

Remember that we are learning to recognize God's voice and we are listening to  hear what things he is speaking to us through his word!  This is some good stuff!!

Luke Chapter 3 - Nathanael

Verse 3 - baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins

I've read this many times but it struck me in a new way that John was also proclaiming a way to be forgiven of sins.  He proclaimed that the way to forgiveness was through repentance and that baptism was a outward symbol that testifies to the inward act of repentance.  That is why it would be strange/unnecessary for Jesus to baptized as such.  That was why Pharisees would sometimes not be baptized by John - because it was an outward admission that there was sin that needed to be repented of.  At some point it must have become a "popular" thing to do so he began to warn people to "bear fruits in keeping with repentance" (v 8).  It is striking how forcefully John speaks against those who are doing an outward-only act of baptism without the true inward act of repentance (turning away from sin) which always will cause a change of behavior.

Then, and today, God is interested in our whole person, and especially the inner, heart response.  Crowd dynamics (going with the crowd, fear of man) is common and dangerous and keeps us from obeying God when we want to and pushes us toward empty, external-only actions just to look good to others. 

Father help me to pursue you with a whole heart, in truth.  Help me to know you deeply, find your forgiveness and love fully and follow you with all of me!

Verse 22 - "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."[

Knowing God's love is a powerful thing!  God is a God of love and as he expressed his love here for Jesus, it reminds me of the depth of his love for us!  To have the Father say "with you I am well pleased" is powerful and moving.

From another perspective, in learning from God's example in being a father, we can see here that fathers should tell their children that they are pleased with them.  It seems a common situations where children strive for their father's attention and approval and many times don't receive the recognition/response from the fathers that the father is pleased with them and loves them.  Men often have difficulties in expressing their emotions and when this is the case, it is something that they need to work on. There is also some cultural or spiritual opposition that tells fathers that they should not be "soft" on their kids and tell them that they love them, or that it is a sign of weakness to do so.

Help me Father to be a good and loving father to my children!

Verse 23- Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age

In our "start early" culture, this seems like a late start.  Jesus accomplished all that he needed to - his whole mission - in three years starting at age 30.  The key was following God's plan and being led by the Holy Spirit.  My main observation here is not to compare and see how little we've done in comparison, but rather to look in hope and see that it's not too late!  God can do amazing things through a life that is surrendered to him and in a quite short time frame!  

Help me Father to submit my life completely to you!

Luke 2-3 - Justin

I love the description of Anna the prophetess. She's an "obscure" character in the Bible in that she is mentioned nowhere else, but what an incredible life. She spent most of her adult life, it seems, "never leaving the temple" and serving night and day with fastings and prayers.

I also noticed how John, although he had been prophesied about as an infant, spent most of his life in the wilderness. It seems that his ministry doesn't really begin in earnest until "the word of God came to" him. We can strive and try to artificially manufacture a work for God, but sometimes its just a matter of waiting for God to initiate the process according to his will and his timeline. We must be ready and willing.

Luke Chapter 3- Randy T

Verses 19-20:  But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife, and all the other evil things he had done , Herod added this to them all; He locked John up in prison.

So Herod was being a pretty bad guy, committed all types of evil deeds, in order to shut up John and to diminish the attention to his own evil deeds he locks up John.  Isn't this the very nature of sin? Sin is the master of the "slippery slope" one "small insignificant"  sin paves the way to the next level of sin, and so forth.   I have been guilty of this same behavior, I will perform one evil deed to cover up another evil deed. Perverse logic for sure, its the old "two wrongs don't make a right",  but I think most of us have been guilty of doing the same as Herod here.
Another interesting dimension here s that when someone brings my wrong doing to my attention, I (we) tend to lash out at the person sending the message. I don't know why we do this, its a built in self defense mechanism, maybe.  Maybe we are ashamed and our reflex is to extinguish the source of the shame, in this case, wrongly, the messenger (versus our own behavior).
One misdeed (sin) leads to the next, normally more severe and damaging level of sin.
 

Luke Chapter 3 _ Jinook

I want to live a life bearing good fruit in keeping with repentance.

Luke Chapter 3 - Wun-gwi

Jesus was in flesh in real history at the time of Caesar and the historical facts are exactly consistent to bible.

Reading Genealogy used to be hard to read through, however it became much better by reading together with Jinook this morning.

It was a good brief overview of the Old Testament by the name of sons from God.

Luke Chapter 2 - Hanjun

Jesus, who is God and the creator of the universe, was born in a manger when he came to earth as a flesh. This makes me think about my vanity, including comparing with others about family backgrounds (noble or ordinary), education backgrounds (Chinese or US), research ability (higher impact or lower impact), and even the evangelical skills (mature or immature). God gives me my gifts, which is unique, and he wants me to use these gifts for his kingdom and fulfill his purpose destined for me, and not compare with others. 

Verse 49 also stands out to me (ESV, English Standard Version): And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house (or about my Father's business)?" In my daily life, at home, work, and other places, I need to think about God's business, and seek what He wants me to do or say in every moment, where the true joy comes from. I know it is hard to be in God's business every moment, but I can ask for his help.

Luke Chapter 2- Randy

Verse 10:  But the angel said to them. "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

Verse 30-32: "For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light of revelation for the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."

So why did it take everyone so long to catch on that Jesus was for all people?  Here we see this proclaimed at his birth, by angels and prophets,  that Jesus was for all people.  If I understand what I read in the Bible, this was an open issue well after the death and resurrection of Jesus.  So, Jesus being available to the Gentiles was not some after-thought that came about as some type of membership drive (which is how I have heard it explained at times)- it was in the plans all along.

I wonder how many things have been clearly spelled out for me, about Jesus, about how to be a Christian,and I have simply overlooked and/or missed them somehow?  If it happened with the first followers and disciples (after all they had "front row seats"), I am sure I have overlooked even more basic principles. 

I wonder how many of the issues that the church seems divided over today, are already addressed clearly in God's word, we just don't want to acknowledge/face-the-music, or we aren't willing to search deeply enough to see the answers? 

Luke Chapter 2 - Nathanael

Verse 1: In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

As I was reading this, it struck me that God was the one who prompted Caesar to issue this decree.  God had a plan, and that plan involved having this young couple who lived in Nazareth travel down to Bethlehem for Jesus to be born there.

God is in control of everything, even the pagan leader of the Roman empire who doesn't follow or believe in the true and only God.

I've experienced this at various time in my life such as when God had me hired by a company in an impossible situation.

Often I/we get our eyes off of God and focus on the problem we face and the people involved in the situation and things can seem impossible.  But God has a plan for the whole universe and specifically for each one of our lives (Eph 2:10, Jer 29:11) and his plans will be accomplished!  I/we just need to keep our eyes on Jesus, seek him and follow him and he will take care of the details when we entrust our lives to him.

God, help me to remember that you control and can change all things - even the heart of a pagan government leader.  Nothing is too hard for you!  I thank you that you love us.  Help us to entrust to you and give to you all of our lives, hopes, dreams!

Luke Chapter 2 - Debbie

How the angels work by bringing messages from God and that some angels are male.

You can be filled with the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit comes upon a person. The Holy Spirit reveals things.

Also, young people can be filled with wisdom (age 12).  I'm just taking note of

how the Holy Spirit works and how to pray.

Luke Chapter 2 - Wun-gwi

God told me about the attitude toward Law of Moses.

Jesus had been circumcised and consecrated to the Lord, done everything required by the Law of the Lord.

We don't care too much about the Law of Moses nowadays.

However, it doesn't mean it is not important, but Jesus had been fulfilled already.

And Jesus had been sacrificed for our sins and gave us the new covenant!

Luke chapter 2-Maurice

What I got from this chapter was mainly about the birth of our Lord/ Savior Jesus Christ also the importance of me doing the Lord's work, storing up treasures in heaven, not being caught up/involved with the things of this world.

Luke Chapter 1

Zechariah was praying for a son even in his old age. vs.13. and

the Lord answered him.  Tells me to keep praying.

Each person at different times were filled with the Holy Spirit

and prophesied,  Elizabeth, Mary and Zachariah. 

You can be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth. This caught my

heart.

Luke Chapter 1 - Jinook

" Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." - Luke 1:38

I was impressed by Mary's submission. God's amazing work be done in me when I obey God.

It has been a while to read Bible on a regular basis. Thanks to the Lord for giving this opportunity to read Bible daily. I pray that I could find time to read in the morning and that I can keep on reading.


Sent from my iPhone

Luke Chapter 1 - Hanjun

Verse 37, "For nothing is impossible with God", stands out to me.

Before I knew God, I heard this saying, "Nothing is impossible". Now I know "Nothing is impossible" is true only with God. He made Zechariah and Elizabeth have a son at their senior ages, and made Mary give birth to a son even as a virgin. If my will is consistent with God's will, God will answer my prayer. So I think it is important for me to know God's will via daily prayer, reading, listening, testing, and acting.    

LUKE Chapter 1 - Randy T

Verses 1-4: Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us.  Just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning , I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Its clear from this opening statement, that there were many accounts or documentation regarding Jesus and the resurrection. Its great that Luke, a scientific mind, took on this responsibility to document the life and resurrection of Jesus. As he says, after carefully investigating everything from the beginning. So it appear, that Luke did not take a casual approach to this recording of things, but relied on discussion with people who had been there, or who had known firsthand people who had been there. He seems to have went beyond speculation and casual conversation to digging deeper into the facts.  It would be interesting  to see these other accounts (and I would not be surprised that additional documents are discovered in the future) and be able to compare them to the Gospels.  

One could argue that if we had more proof, more documents about Jesus, that were written at the time of his life, then more people would believe. I doubt this to be the case, there is ample proof now, people either choose to believe or not, its really down to someone's willingness to believe, based on the knowledge that we now have.

 

 

Verse 33: " and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, his kingdom will never end." 

Is this cool or what? Over 2000 years ago, as teenage girl tells that an angel spoke these words to her. In what scenario could anyone ever expect the words of a teenage girl (especially one that is pregnant under suspicious circumstances) would have not only survived, but thrived, against all odds, for 2000 years? You just can't make this stuff up. What other institution or organization has this type of beginning, has outlasted so many political institutions and still pursues the mission it started out on so long ago.   

 

 

Verse 66: Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking,"What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him. 

Verse 80; And the child grew and became strong in spirit: and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel.

This is one of events that makes you laugh, because God definitely has a sense of humor. As I read this I think of my own children, the hopes I had for them when they were infants, "my plans" for their lives ,and somehow they chose different paths.   So where is the humor here, well, its a little twisted.

Lets start with Jewish society back at the time of Christ's birth. Until I started reading the Bible, I assumed people of Israel at the time of the first century were just one step above the caveman on the evolutionary scale. But they weren't, in fact when I read about life at that time; their concerns, their commitment to education, to social structure, to issues of character, one could easily argue that in many ways they were more advanced than we are today. Let's face it, 2000 years later we still struggle to grasp the depth of their stories, history, and writings. 

So, John the Baptist is born into this highly structured and highly disciplined environment. Everyone thinks he is going to be the next Billy Graham, or Joel Osteen (probably not the best analogies) of the day, they expect him to grow up following all the rules of convention and tradition, to become the model Jewish leader, wearing robes, attending to the needs of the temple, focused on strict interpretation of Jewish law, etc.  But, he goes off, lives in the wilderness, eats bugs and wears camel's hair clothing, he was quite the radical guy.  So, I imagine the folks in his hometown, probably wondered where his parents went wrong, what happened to the gifted infant that had been called by God, how did he go so far astray?  Well, he strayed away alright, away from what "they thought" and followed God's plan.  He paved the way for the Messiah, but so many (most) probably missed it all. And when he did reappear, boy! did he ever. He made a lot of powerful people very nervous, to the point that it cost him his life.

Later in Luke, we have Jesus saying:  

"I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; ....."      Can there be a higher statement made, by Jesus of all people. So, its just amazing how God can use the most unorthodox of people in the greatest of ways.  

Luke:1

Prophesy will always be fulfilled
God can and will perform miracles
Apparently the people become songwriters after a blessing

Question: Zechariah was standing before an angel conversing, so what kind of mind did he have to doubt?

Luke 1-Maurice

What I got from this chapter is that God is faithful, he will and has always fulfilled his promises to us, if we/ I believe and not doubt also that no matter what the circumstance or situation God can make the impossible possible.

Luke Chapter 1 - Nathanael

There is much to write about!

Verse 17 - and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.

What struck me was that God sent John the Baptist to prepare for Jesus' coming.  He could have just prepared the way by sending his Spirit, but God chooses to use people to be his servants and instruments to accomplish his purposes.  It is quite notable that when Jesus begins his ministry there are already a group of people who have been baptized and are ready to follow him.  Some of the initial disciples of Jesus were followers of John first.  There is some wisdom here as well when going into a new place to start a work.

Another thing that stood out to me was the active working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these people.  John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit before birth (v15) and could thus respond in the womb with a leap of joy when Mary came with Jesus still in her womb (v41).  Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit (v35).  Elizabeth (v41,42) and Zechariah (v 67) both prophesied and spoke of things to come.

Yet, these were normal people like you and I who had fears and uncertainties, but they chose to believe and follow God and that is what I pray for you and me!

Father God, please fill us with your Holy Spirit!  Speak to us and lead us and fill us!  Help us to trust even when we are afraid and help us to find your joy, your love and your purpose for our lives as you call us to follow you!

Luke Chapter 1 - Wun-gwi

The verse struck to me,

37 No word from God will ever fail

God has solid plans,

God planned the birth of John and Jesus.

When Zechariah didn't believe about it, he became silent and couldn't speak, but he could speak again when he followed God to name John.

Oh Lord, v38, May your word to me be fulfilled!

I pray I can ask and listen God's voice and follow what God direct me, even though I don't understand or not wanting to do.

Luke Chapter 1 - Justin (2nd post)

Another thing that strikes me is the contrast between Zacharias's response and Mary's response.

Zacharias was a mature priest, actively serving God. He was "gripped by fear" when he saw the angel, and had trouble believing the prophecy. 

Mary was a young woman. Instead of being gripped by fear, she was "perplexed" by the angel's greeting. And her response was, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word."

I also love the incredible imagery when Zacharias later prophesies and compares Jesus to a sunrise. "the Sunrise from on high will visit us, To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death."

Luke Chapter 1 - Justin

I love Luke and Acts, both written by Luke. He has such an incredible use of language that really draws me in to the story. The opening really drives home the eyewitness quality of the Gospels, as Luke personally investigated and interviewed eyewitnesses and participants to all these incredible events.

Something I've been thinking a lot about over the last couple years is the apparent Grace / Holiness dichotomy or tension in the Christian life. On one hand, Jesus encourages his disciples to "be perfect" (Matthew 5:48). On the other hand, we read that we obtain righteousness by faith (Romans 9:30)... that it is the righteousness of Jesus, rather than our own, that we rely on... that there is no condemnation for those who are "in" Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

So here in Luke 1 we have Zacharias and Elizabeth who were both "righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord." 

Yet, Romans 3:20 tells us that "because of the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight" and Psalm 143:2 says that "no one living is righteous before you."

So how can Zacharias be "blameless," especially when in the same chapter he is indeed punished for not believing the angel's words?

Welcome!

Hi everyone!

This is the first posting for our Bible reading blog!

We are going to start out reading together in Luke Chapter 1.

Our first day will be April 19th for Luke Chapter 1.

The plan is to read together a single chapter, so April 20 will be Luke Chapter 2 etc.

If you plan to participate, pray before you read and ask God to speak at least one thing to you from the reading.

Then after you have read, send your post update about what God has spoken to you, what thing(s) stood out to you, or about questions you have about what the chapter.  Feel free to comment on posts, ask questions and get involved!

Your active participation will make it better for you and for all the others involved.

Another note, our goal is to have this be an every day Bible reading and sharing experience.  If you miss some days, don't feel like you have to go back and add entries for each day you missed.  You can simply pick up and join in on the chapter that everyone is reading together for that day.

May God bless you and speak to you as you read!  I pray that your spiritual ears become tuned to the voice of God so that you can hear him speak to you and recognize his voice.

In Christ,

Nathanael