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LUKE The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date. 1:5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. This is the introduction of Zacharias and
Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist. The eventual mission of John the
Baptist was to prepare the way for Jesus. 1:6 And they were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. This answers the following question: {What do others say about my lifestyle as it relates to obeying the Lord?} It depends on who they are. Non-Christians seem to thing I am very Christian, while the few Christians I know seem to ignore me. The important Person is God who knows my heart. (DRM 12/2/01) 1:9 according to the custom of the priestly office, he (Zacharias) was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. There was nothing unusual signaling to Zacharias that this would be a special day for him. He was randomly chosen, and was going about his normal "job" of priestly duties. God likes to surprise us when we least expect Him. He wants us to always be ready for His arrival - the first time and the second time. (DRM 12/19/04) 1:13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. For both the birth of Jesus and John, angels
came to the parents to tell them what was happening and what to name their sons.
While different, both births were miraculous as John's parents were too old to
children. 1:15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine or liquor; and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, while yet in his mother's womb. This answers the following question: {What characteristics in John would I like to see represented in myself?} The filling of the Holy Spirit would be my desire. Certainly I can't receive it when John the Baptist did, but to walk in His ways is my desire. (DRM 12/3/01) 1:17 "And it is he (John the Baptist) who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous; so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." This is a quote from the angel Gabriel [verse 19] and is a description of what John the Baptist will do in his life. I don't totally understand the capitalized section. Perhaps it refers to how we all must become as children to understand the simple message of the gospel? Still, this is a great prophecy. (DRM 12/20/04) 1:18 And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this for certain? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." This answers the following question: {In what areas might I have a tendency to doubt God's Word?} I have to consider the source. How did God tell me? Is what He told me something that would go with His nature? Is it Biblically sound? I don't think He wants me to be a millionaire. (DRM 12/4/01) 1:30 The angel [Gabriel] said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God . . ." We are told that Mary was a teenager at the
time. What did she do to receive God's favor? Probably there were many other
teenage virgins at the time. Like grace, only God knows why he has chosen us for
individual salvation. 1:31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. What would my (our) life be like if these
words were never spoken? It's easy to look around and see people who don't
believe these words; then think of their destiny. 1:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. To be a servant of the Lord should be every
Christian's goal. To say "I am the Lord's servant" shows total trust
and a willingness to do ANYTHING that is asked. Mary was submissive to the Lord's will. She had just been told that she would have a baby and she was a virgin. Even though the whole angelic statement was impossible in worldly aspects, she believed that He could do a great miracle through her. She showed her faith in God. (DRM 12/21/04) 1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Generally I (we) think of the Holy Spirit
coming at Pentecost. Apparently the Holy Spirit also came to certain believers
before that. 1:48 For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave, For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. This quote of Mary is from the section called "The Magnificat." What did Mary really say here? She was praising the Lord God for what He was about to do. She was humble, and, I think, meant "blessed" to be "gifted by God." The rest of this section points to God, and not herself as of a Holy person. God created Jesus' body, not Mary. (DRM 12/22/04) 1:63 And he [Zacharias] asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, "His name is John." And they were all astonished. Tradition. The Jews at this time normally
named sons after their father (v. 59). No one in that family was named John -
but even the father indicated that would be his son's name - indicating that
they followed the direction of the angel (v. 13). 1:64 And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. This answers the following question: {What response can I give to peer pressure?} Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, certainly knew the Holy Spirit! People were amazed when he couldn't talk, then nearly a year later, he could again. He (and I should) did as the Lord commanded - no matter what. (DRM 12/5/01) It was time to name his baby boy and
tradition said it would be Zacharias, after his father. The people in the family
needed his permission, and suddenly he could speak again. 1:74 To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear. This answers the following question: {What is my manner of service for the Lord?} My services for the Lord have changed from Testimony Newsletter to the bookmarks - but I think of the compassion that I have felt for others. Perhaps someday this will be a ministry. (DRM 12/6/01) 1:76, 77 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS; 77To give to His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins, Now that Zacharias could speak again, he prophesized about his new born son, John. Like most of the Bible, everything Zacharias said later came to pass. I am thankful when the Holy Spirit directs me, but think how much more exciting it would be to have a visible angel directing me about future events! I depend on the Lord [Holy Spirit] to direct me in the right direction. (DRM 12/24/04) 1:78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, This is part of Zacharias' prophecy about his son and the coming of Jesus. I don't recall seeing Jesus compared to the sunrise before, but it is appropriate because it would be a new beginning. Jesus would also become the Light of the world and only be on earth a short time - like a short visit in comparison to when He will return and stay and rule FOREVER. (DRM 12/24/10) 2:1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth (v. 4) and
the Scriptures said the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. How could God cause
this to happen? 2:7 And she (Mary) gave birth to her first-born son; and wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. When I heard this verse last evening in church, I thought of a new association. When Jesus was born, He was wrapped in "cloths" or several bands of cloth to keep his Body warm in the cold manger. After Jesus' earthly life was over, the cloths He was wrapped in were also mentioned - as He didn't need them as He arose. We need clothes on earth, but will get a new "tent" in Heaven. (DRM 12/25/04) 2:12 " . . . This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." The city of David (v. 11), Bethlehem, was not
a big city - it still isn't a big city. The angel was telling the shepherds of
something that was occurring that could only be One person. How many other
babies would be born in Bethlehem that night in a manger (barn stall)? 2:13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, A couple of days ago I had a discussion about
angels "singing," and this is the verse where they are depicted as doing that -
but did they sing? 2:20 And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. It wasn't a dream! The shepherds had seen the vision and followed it's direction - and it was all true! The angels weren't imaginary! They praised the Lord for showing them the Promised One, and I'm sure their faith increased by the event. Like the shepherds, I believe that the event really did occur, and pray that more people will also believe in Jesus. (DRM 12/26/04) 2:22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. . . Bethlehem is just a few miles from Jerusalem.
How long were Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem? According to Lev. 12:4, Mary went to
the Temple on the 34th day, so they didn't leave town right away. Eight days pass and, as was required, the child was circumcised. When cut, he no doubt bled and cried like any of us would. Thirty-three days after that, the child was brought to the temple so his parents could offer a sacrifice of dedication. (Word of Life Diary) 2:25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. This answers the following question: {What qualities of Simeon are true of my behavior and speech?} Obviously Simeon was a holy man of God, he was near the temple most of the time and loved the Lord. I also desire to be close to a church and love the Lord. May my speech reflect that. (DRM 12/7/01) 2:32 "A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Thy people Israel." When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple on the 8th day, Simeon was there. Among other things, he said this statement about Jesus. Since Gentiles were not of their faith, it certainly was prophetic that Simeon would say that. It seems to me the the second statement STILL hasn't fully occurred. While some Israelites trust in Jesus, the majority are still looking for their Messiah. (DRM 12/27/04) 2:33 And His father [Joseph] and mother [Mary]
were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 2:34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed - Jesus was only eight days old and was taken
to the temple to fulfill Jewish law. God had told Simeon that he would see the
Lord's Christ (v. 26). 2:37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. And she never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. This answers the following question: {Which act of service rendered by Anna can I put into practice today?} This verse shows three of her attributes: serving, fasting and praying. I need help with all three! Certainly I am best at praying as I always need more confidence and compassion for others in need. (DRM 12/8/01) 2:40 And the child (Jesus) grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. This verse should be my permanent verse
because "if" I want to become more like Jesus every day, then I should
try to do things in the way He did them. As Jesus grew, He became strong physically
and mentally and spiritually. He was probably learning how to become a carpenter
with His father, Joseph, and growing in wisdom also - if that's possible for
God. 2:46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. It seems that the 12 year old Jesus was trying to acquire wisdom at the temple - but we know that, as God, He already knew everything. I think He was trying to understand the human point of view. He knew He also would have to answer questions in the future. (DRM 12/28/10) 2:52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. This answers the following question: {In what same ways am I growing and maturing as compared to Jesus?} It's interesting that Jesus as God grew in wisdom. Probably the changes of actually living in His creation caused new thoughts. I pray that I will continue to grow in His wisdom as well. (DRM 12/9/01) 3:3, 4 And he [John the Baptist] came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; 4as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, John the Baptist seems to be known more for his final fate than what he preached about. His miraculous birth indicated that he would be telling the Lord's desire - and so he did. After repentance for sins, the congregation was probably asked to be baptized so they could start a new life of faith. (DRM 12/29/10) . . . it seems clear that John is asking them to change how they deal with sin. . . . John is preaching a new way: a way that depends upon being buried and resurrected in newness of life. (Word of Life Diary) 3:7 He (John the Baptist) therefore began saying to the multitudes who were going out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" At first thought, this quote of John's seems very cruel. I wouldn't like to be compared to a snake; but, thinking of Israel's history of cycles of apparent righteousness and unrighteousness, it should be expected that they were probably thinking that it was time for another change. John's preaching was new and different. (DRM 12/29/04) 3:9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. John the Baptist was telling people about the
coming of Christ, but I believe that there is more to this verse than that. This answers the following question: {How can I apply the principles Jesus taught here to my life?} The principle in verse 9 shows how we should always fear the Lord. If we don't tell others of His love, He is ready to prune us with the ax. He wants us to share, not keep it to ourselves. (DRM 12/10/01) 3:15 Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he might be the Christ, This answers the following question: {What would I have done similarly or differently in this situation?} People wondered if John the Baptist was the Christ. John knew he wasn't. When he knew that Jesus was, he pointed the people to Him. I don't see anything that I would have done differently. (DRM 12/11/01) 3:17 " . . . His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." This was John the Baptist's prophecy about
the Christ who was coming - or at least the second half. 3:22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "Thou are My beloved Son, in Thee I am well-pleased." Sometimes movies have shown the baptism of Jesus with a dove landing on Him, but I wondered if it was a representation of the real thing, or just an illustration to show what was happening in His heart. This verse makes it clear that these things really literally happened. It must have been great to be there! (DRM 12/30/04) 3:23 And when He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age, being supposedly the son of Joseph, the son of Eli, . . . Easily the most important word in this verse is "supposedly," as Jesus wasn't the son of Joseph. We can skip all of the generations until the end of verse 38, ". . . the son of Adam, the son of God." This is really the genealogy of Joseph. Jesus always was - and will always be. Someday I will be in His Kingdom - forever. [Where years won't matter] (DRM 12/31/04) 3:31 . . . the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, . . . This is just one small part of the genealogy of Jesus, the male side, as "supposed' beginning with Joseph, so it's really the genealogy of *. Still, this verse shows that Jesus was in the line of David, as prophesized. To think that each name probably represents about 40 years this line goes back to Adam, the son of God. (DRM 12/31/10) *Luke is interested in His humanity and, therefore, gives us Mary's family and goes back to Adam. Luke shows that Jesus is related to us all, for we have all descended from that one original couple. The Greek grammar indicates that Luke knew that Heli was Joseph's father-in-law, not father (v. 23). (Word of Life Diary) 4:2, 3 . . . for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days; and when they had ended, He became hungry. 3And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." Of the three temptations that the devil gave Jesus in these first 15 verses, I'm sure the hardest for me would be this first one. I can't imagine 24 hours without food - as I would get a headache - so to go 40 days without eating is VERY difficult. Jesus knew His purpose for living. I also know my purpose, but always need navigation. (DRM 1/1/05) 4:8 And Jesus answered and said to him, "It is written, 'YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'" This answers the following question: {How can I resist temptation by following Christ's example today?} Each time the devil tempted Jesus, Jesus responded by quoting correctly from the Bible. He had every verse memorized. I should also spend more time memorizing. (DRM 12/12/01) 4:12 And Jesus answered and said to him [devil], "It is said, 'YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.' " At first, I thought this could be a conflict with faith, where I trust God for the results, but if you put this third temptation of Christ into context, the devil said He could jump off a building and not get hurt. There is a difference between faith and testing God - and jumping off a tall building is clearly defying God's nature. (DRM 1/1/11) 4:17 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book, and found the place where it was written, I just noticed something in this verse, and
the verse before. Jesus had a "custom" to read in His hometown church,
thus the book was handed to Him in church. My church wouldn't allow me to read
in church! He was trusted and respected that day, then things changed. 4:27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian. Jesus had just read Isaiah in his home town
synagogue and said (v. 21), "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your
hearing." 4:40 When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Quite often (even today) I think that I don't
have the powers and gifts that Jesus had and wonder why. The more I think about
this verse, the more I realize that I DO have gifts and probably have gifts that
I don't even know yet. Most likely Jesus popularity was somewhat because of His healing power - rather than His message. I wonder if all that were healed trusted in Him as their Savior, or if they just wanted to be healed that day. Today, Jesus is still alive and still is the Healer, but now we know that He heals from the expression of faith of the requestor, PTL for His love of people! (DRM 1/3/05) 4:41 Demons also were coming out of many, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But rebuking them, He would not allow them to speak, because they knew Him to be the Christ. Satan and his demons knew Jesus from earlier
times when they were under His control. He was recognizable to them. As God,
Jesus still can tell demons to leave people if He wishes — and did at the time
He was on earth. 4:43 But He said to them, "I must preach the Kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose." This answers the following question: {What am I doing to tell others about the Kingdom of God?} Unfortunately, I still don't have the confidence to preach to the other cities. It would be nice to have some human encouragement. At least the bookmarks are going forth slowly. (DRM 12/13/01) 5:4, 5 And when He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." 5And Simon answered and said, "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but at Your bidding I will let down the nets." Simon knew that Jesus was a great teacher. He just let Him borrow his boat to preach from. But Simon was tired from fishing all night. Over his reluctance, he showed his faith in Jesus by going fishing "at Your bidding." His actions showed his faith. So should mine. (DRM 1/4/05) 5:6 When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; Jesus had just preached to some of the people
form the boat, then asked Simon Peter to take the boat out to get some fish.
Simon followed His lead and they filled two boats with fish. 5:11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him. This answers the following question: {What actions show that I am following Jesus?} When Jesus called, they followed - IMMEDIATELY. They heard His verbal call - and the call I've heard is a "still small voice." What am I doing? Not enough. Reading, writing occasionally. (DRM 12/14/01) 5:14 And He ordered him to tell no one, "But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." Human nature or psychology is when someone tells you NOT to do something, that you want to do it all the more. Many times Jesus told people "to tell no one" then they told more and more people! I wonder what the priests thought when they saw all of the healings - but didn't believe inthe Healer? Jesus told us to proclaim the Gospel to all nations - maybe that's why most people won't. (DRM 1/6/05) 5:18 And behold, some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in, and to set him down in front of Him. This answers the following question: {What efforts am I making to bring others to Jesus?} The friends were bringing the paralyzed man to Christ. They had the faith and wanted to share it. Certainly I don't have many friends, but the ones I have know of my faith. Hopefully they will ask me when they are ready to know Christ personally. (DRM 12/15/01) 5:22, 23 But Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, "Why are you reasoning in your hearts?" 23Which is easier to say, 'Your sins have been forgiven you', or to say, 'Get up and walk'? God knows everything about us, including our
thoughts. Here, Jesus knew the thoughts of the Pharisees and teachers of the
Law, proving He is God. 5:31, 32 Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. In verse 30, Jesus was asked why he talked
and ate with tax collectors & sinners and His answer is above. Re: verse 32: This answers the following question: {What can I do so my friends will hear God's call to repent?} Tell them. But how do you tell someone they are a sinner and not offend them? I try to have them see that I care about them, then try to apply their situation to knowing Jesus. (DRM 12/16/01) 5:36 And He was also telling them a parable: "No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and puts it on an old garment, otherwise he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. When I was younger, I remember the "hippies"
who had jeans with many colored patches. Some of the patches were much brighter
than the faded jeans, then they separated and looked ragged. 5:37 "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined." This seems to be about the wine fermentation process. As the alcohol is created, the gas expands the wineskin, thus a new wineskin is needed for each new batch. Spiritually, a new believer has a new attitude in life and a new direction; he/she can't go back to the old lifestyle again, as they have been filled with the Holy Spirit and need to develop spiritually in a new way. (DRM 1/6/05) There is no salvation in our old skin; we need a new skin to hold the new life. (Word of Life Diary) 6:5 And He was saying to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." The Pharisees objected to picking and eating grain on the Sabbath. As Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus said He was above their rules. Recently I was told not to be bold when sharing my faith, as Jesus wasn't bold. This statement seems to prove otherwise. If I said I was Lord of the Sabbath, that would be a bold statement. I feel that we must be bold in proclaiming our faith to SOME people, and slow, but consistent, with others. (DRM 1/7/05) 6:7 The scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath, so that they might find reason to accuse Him. What was more important, to follow the Law or
to heal an injured/sick person? It seems that the Pharisees felt the Law was
more important. Could they have healed the man (v. 6)? 6:10 And after looking around at them all, He said to him, "Stretch our your hand!" And he did so; and his hand was restored. This answers the following question: {What deed could I do for a handicapped person or someone in need?} While I would like to heal them as Jesus did, reality is that I pray for their healing or help them in some way if I am in their presence. Jesus can and still does heal people. (DRM 12/17/01) 6:14-16 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James and John; and Philip and Bartholomew; 15and Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot; 16Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Here is the whole list of the 12
disciples/apostles. Since all followers then and now could be called disciples
of Jesus, apostles refers to these twelve. 6:21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. This answers the following question: {What godly attitudes need to permeate my life?} Most of the time when I read the beginning of this verse, I've thought of physical hunger, but now I wonder if He really meant spiritual hunger as I need to know Him more. (DRM 12/18/01) 6:22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and cast insults at you, and spurn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man." No earthly person wants to be hated, insulted or spurned. While I don't know that I am "hated," I have been insulted and know of people who don't want to talk to me on account of my faith. When this happens, due to Christ, I smile, as this verse [and the next verse 23] shows me that Jesus will reward that - isn't this just a little of what He did for me? (DRM 1/8/05) 6:30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. This has been a difficult verse for me to
follow, as I live on a fixed income and try to run a unprofitable (to date)
retail store. Different "customers" come in to ask for money, which is sometimes
more than my daily sales - and I have to refuse their requests. 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. This "golden rule" is a easy verse
to learn and memorize, but it is quite difficult to put into practice! 6:34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, in order to receive back the same amount. Really, Jesus is saying that we shouldn't be attached to material possessions - including money - as we can't take it to Heaven. Several times I have lent people money or books or videos - never to see them again. It's difficult to give up something as a loan - and later realize that it will never return - but "in a few years" or less, I won't need any possessions anyway. (DRM 1/9/05) 6:35, 36 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 Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Over the years, I have had people that have "taken advantage" of me. People who clearly lied to me to get me to do something and people who have borrowed money or books and never returned them. Here I (we) are told to forgive EVERYONE for their deeds and not to dwell on the problem. Sometimes it's hard - but I have dealt with it, and keep going on - trusting in Jesus. (DRM 1/9/11) 6:37 And do not judge and you will not be judged; and do not condemn and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. This answers the following question: {How can I apply one of these commands today?} At least I can do one out of three of these. The first two I admit that I need the Holy Spirit's help on. Lord, help me not to judge others so quickly or condemn them for their opinions. (DRM 12/19/01) 6:45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. The "treasure of his heart" is the indwelling Holy Spirit, or lack of it. The actions that people do are based on their heart attitude. A non-Christian is unlikely to read the Bible 30 minutes a day - unless they are searching. A Christian is unlikely to take the Lord's name in vain (curse). Only God=Jesus knows the heart, but we should see the evidence by their actions. Do my actions show the Holy Spirit in me? (DRM 1/10/11) 6:46 'And why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord', and do not do what I say?' I can imagine church-going non-believers that know of Jesus in their mind - as I did - and praying, "Lord, Lord." Unless they are telling Him that they will listen and follow Him in their heart, He won't listen or act on their requests. Without Jesus in my heart, I would never have the Holy Spirit within me to direct me and to hear what the Father or Jesus is telling me. (DRM 1/10/05) 6:48 he is like a man building a house who dug deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood rose, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it. . . This answers the following question: {Upon what spiritual foundations should I be building my life?} This verse reminds me of the foundation that is needed to build a strong spiritual house. That seems to me to be continuous study of His Word as a base before service. (DRM 12/20/01) 7:7 (the centurion leader wrote a note to Jesus stating) for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. This answers the following question: {What characteristics in myself do I see represented in the centurion?} Like the centurion, I don't feel worthy to speak to God, or His Son Jesus. The centurion showed his faith by believing that whatever Jesus said would occur. Jesus wants me to believe His words as written in the Bible. (DRM 12/21/01) My first thought would be that I would personally go to Jesus to ask Him for healing for the servant. This centurion sent others to do that, but still he believed that Jesus could do the healing. This showed the faith the leader had in Jesus' abilities and Jesus healed the servant without being there. With faith, He can heal my ills also. (DRM 1/11/05) 7:9 Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, "I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith." The centurion's servant was ill, and the
centurion asked his slave to ask Jesus for healing. As Jesus approached, the
centurion said if Jesus just spoke, that the slave would be healed. Jesus
marveled at the centurion's faith in this verse. 7:14, 15 And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" 15And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother. When I think of Jesus raising people from the dead, I always think of Lazarus, but there were other occasions like this where Jesus did similar things. This reminds me that, by trusting in Jesus, He can do anything He wants. He can change me however He wants - if I only have faith. (DRM 1/14/05) When I (we) think of Jesus raising someone
from the dead, I usually think of Lazarus, but there were others - and this is
one of them. 7:28 (Jesus said) "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." John the Baptist was a great man of God, but
all the others in the Kingdom are greater than he? John the Baptist was a great servant of God. He was at the bottom in worldly terms. He even ate insects to keep alive, yet he was on earth to proclaim Jesus' arrival. While I am not as poor as he was in earthly terms, I could also be used of God as he was. I hope that God will use me as He did John the Baptist. (DRM 1/15/05) 7:31, 32 To what then shall I compare the men of this generation, and what are they like? 32They are like children who sit in the market place and call to one another, and they say, 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.' This is a quote from Jesus. It seems that "this generation" is always current. People expected John the Baptist or Jesus to act or do things in a certain way. They wanted to play the flute - or tell Him what to do - instead of the other way around. Jesus knew what He came to do, but the people, even today, expect something else. We must be submissive to His will - not the other way. (DRM 1/13/11) But the crowds following John, then Jesus, missed the message. People were attracted to Jesus' miracles rather than His point: repent and change your mind about what it means to be blessed. (Word of Life Diary) 7:44 And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears, and wiped them with her hair." Simon was not the disciple here, but the name of the Pharisee whose house Jesus was visiting. The woman had many sins that needed forgiving, but the Pharisee claimed few. Jesus pointed out that her actions showed her desire to be forgiven, whereas his didn't. The attitude that I have makes a difference in all parts of my life. (DRM 1/16/05) 7:49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, "Who is this man who even forgives sins?" Jesus' feet had just been anointed with
perfume (v. 38) by the woman and Jesus forgave her sins. 8:3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means. This answers the following question: {What can I do to support missions and motivate others to do likewise?} The people in today's verse were "unknown" because they didn't preach, but donated money to the cause. Those of us who can't or are fearful of speaking can help pay the expenses of the more vocal ones. (DRM 12/22/01) 8:10 And He said, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND." Two people listen to a parable of Jesus. One totally understands its meaning and the other gets nothing from it. Why? When a person makes a commitment to trust in Jesus with their soul for all future events, then the Holy Spirit enters and suddenly we can understand the Bible, and these parables, in a new way. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to the Truth. (DRM 1/15/11) Parables are illustrations of the truth and not purveyors of truth. (Word of Life Diary) 8:14 "And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity." While I want to be a "good soil" Christian, sometimes I think I'm closer to the one who fell among thorns. Only one or two people have told me that my witness caused them to come to Christ, and any others who might have are invisible to me. Perhaps I am like the sower of bookmarks, and hope that my life will be in good soil. (DRM 1/17/05) 8:15 "And the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance. This answers the following question: {How does this parable help you in sharing your faith with others?} When the seeds are distributed, the sower doesn't know what will become of them. That's why many seeds need to be sown. Only God knows which seeds will grow in good soil. (DRM 12/23/01) I consider the bookmarks to be seeds. (DRM 2/16/05) 8:16 "Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. . . " This verse, like so many others, has a
literal and spiritual interpretation. Of course the literal is easy. In those
days, a lamp held a fire. . . 8:24 And they came to Him and woke Him up, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And being aroused, He rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. Why did the wind descend on the lake [verse 23]? Jesus' Father wouldn't do that, but Satan, who lives on the earth, could have done this, I think. As soon as Jesus was awake, He was in control again. When I get diverted away from the Lord - a.k.a. temptation - sometimes it's hard to get back on track. I must stay the course! (DRM 1/17/05) [re: 8:24b] When a non-Christian reads this verse, I wonder what they think. Who was this Man and what power did He have to do this? I thank God for enlightening me as to the real meaning of Jesus Christ in my life! (DRM 8/14/87) 8:33 And the demons came out form the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake, and were drowned. This legion of demons knew Jesus and who He
is. They were afraid to die in the abyss [verse 31], so asked Him to let them in
the swine nearby. Why they rushed down the bank is a mystery to me. Meanwhile
the man's personality dramatically changed, but the villagers didn't believe
until later. 8:34 When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran away and reported it in the city and out in the country. What did the herdsmen SEE when Jesus sent the man's demons into the swine? They saw Jesus come and a herd of swine run into the lake and drown. They didn't see the benefit to the man, but the "murder" of the pigs. That's why they didn't want Jesus to stay longer. (DRM 1/17/11) 8:47 When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. This woman had faith that if she would only
touch Jesus' cloak (v. 44) that she would be healed of her hemorrhage. Really,
Jesus healed her before He met her. Her faith made her well. 8:50 But when Jesus heard this [the child had died], He answered him, " 'Do not be afraid any longer,' only believe, and she shall be made well." In every instance that I can think of, Jesus healed people because of their, or a friend/relatives faith in Jesus being able to do the healing. Without faith, they wouldn't have come to Jesus. I'm sure that the work that He did should have caused more people to trust in Him. It helps me to. (DRM 1/18/05) 9:1 And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons, and to heal diseases. Jesus gave the 12 apostles two incredible
gifts here. To be able to heal people of their diseases is truly a wonderful
gift. It this exists today, I believe it is rare. 9:3 And He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. Times have changed - even in my lifetime.
When I was younger it wasn't unusual for friends and relatives to visit
unannounced. Today if I want to see almost anyone, I have to make an
appointment. 9:16 And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them, and broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the multitude. This answers the following question: {What can I do to minister to the physical needs of others?} In this verse, Jesus blessed the bread and "kept giving them" to the crowd. We can multiply God's blessings by our donations to His Kingdom through our service and our monetary gifts. (DRM 12/24/01) The feeding of the five thousand has been familiar to me for years, but today this verse got my attention. Jesus blessed the food, broke it, AND KEPT GIVING them the food. The food had multiplied in Jesus' hands before it was given out. All the groups of 50 were fed. The miracle was in Jesus' hands - like it should be for everything we ask of Him. (DRM 1/20/05) 9:22 saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day." Jesus knew His future. If I knew my future,
I'd probably want to alter some of the details. He could have changed His own
death if He wanted to; but He knew His purpose for being on earth - and that was
to be our sin payment to the Father. 9:23 And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. Following Jesus isn't doing your own thing. Following Jesus is following! This requires total submission to His will and not my own. When the Holy Spirit directs me (us) to do something, DO IT. For ours is not to reason why, ours is just to do or die. A disciple follows the Leader. (DRM 1/21/11) 9:24 For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. This answers the following question: {What changes in my commitment would Christ require of me?} A follower of Christ is NOT someone who goes and does as he pleases. With the example of Christ, I need to be a servant to others in some way. There are many choices and I pray the Holy Spirit will teach me His desires. (DRM 12/25/01) Many people want to live forever. They want to save their lives on their own. Jesus said that the people that are 'on their own' will lose their eternal lives in Heaven. However, those of us who give up their 'on their own' lives for Jesus to run His way - they will have eternal life with Him. Praise the Lord that I know my trust is in Him. Sometimes I need reminding!! (DRM 1/21/05) 9:41 And Jesus answered and said, "You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here." I can think of different thing to write about
this verse. Jesus thought "this generation" didn't have enough faith. Jesus
seemed to be acquainted with more than one generation. Jesus was telling them
that He wouldn't be on earth very long. 9:42 And while he was still approaching, the demon dashed him to the ground, and threw him into a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. Demons are rarely referred to today, but not because they don't exist! I think the medical condition of epilepsy is similar. Today's modern medicine has a drug for this, but I wonder if a spiritual cure like Jesus gave could help these people. I need to trust totally on Jesus for all of my needs; spiritual, mental, and physical. (DRM 1/22/05) 9:48 and [Jesus] said to them, "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for he who is least among you, this is the one who is great." This answers the following question: {What characteristic is needed in my life to be great?} First we must receive Christ as a child [born-again] then we must be servants to others as well as to Jesus in doing His will while we are here. (DRM 12/26/01) 9:54-56 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" 55But He turned and rebuked them, [and said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; 56for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."] And they went on to another village. It seems that James and John wanted vengeance, or to punish people who weren't agreeing with their plans. While I would like many to receive Christ, getting rejection shouldn't make me want to hurt them. We all have free wills. Only a few will accept Christ. (DRM 1/23/05) 9:57-58 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, "I will follow You wherever You go." 58And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." My understanding of this conversation is that
to live for Christ, you must be willing to give up everything. All
material possessions. The foxes and the birds don't accumulate all the "stuff"
in life that humans do. We can't take it with us. All earthly relationships, even good ones, must pale in comparison to our commitment to Christ. (Word of Life Diary) 9:60 Jesus said to him; "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the Kingdom of God." I have read this verse before and am
reminded of my own excuses for not witnessing to people about Jesus Christ. This answers the following question: {What would keep you from following Jesus?} It seems that I have diversions, excuses, responsibilities and bills to pay - all of which hinder me from serving Jesus as I feel He wants me to. However, my devotion to Him is still here. (DRM 12/27/01) 10:1 Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come. To me the important word in this verse is
"pairs." God=Jesus doesn't want us to be alone and knows that another person can
motivate you (me) to get more things done - spiritually and physically. 10:2 And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. This answers the following question: {What two ways can I be involved in missions?} I try to "plant seeds" when I can, in season, and pray for opportunities to talk to people individually - which is hard in a controlled work setting. Perhaps I should do more with missionaries. (DRM 12/28/01) 10:3 "Go your ways; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves." Jesus is sending out 70 "others" to spread the gospel to the towns before His arrival. Like many other times in the Bible, believers are compared to sheep, perhaps because we are totally dependent on our Leader for direction in all of our thoughts, like sheep. Like the 70 "others," the world is full of wolves who want to attack different areas of my faith when least expected. I must depend on Jesus to lead me on the path and point me to goals that will honor Him. (DRM 1/24/05) 10:16 He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me. Another complicated verse at first . . . Jesus is speaking. If anyone listens to me, I am representing Christ in my speech. If someone rejects my Christlike speech, they reject Christ Himself. If a person rejects the teaching and beliefs of Christ, then they are also rejecting God. (DRM 8/6/87) 10:17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." I have had a lot of spiritual attacks in the past few days and am sure that it is demon caused. After listening to their attacks, I get fear. Sometimes I wait for too long, then remember to pray, "In Jesus name leave me," over and over, then I calm down. It MUST be Jesus that moves them on - through the Holy Spirit. (DRM 1/25/11) 10:20 "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven." This answers the following question: {How am I rejoicing?} This verse helps me with my confidence. No matter what happens to me, I know that eventually I will be in heaven! I thank the Lord every day for this gift and pray that He will use me to show others the way. (DRM 12/29/01) I can never thank Jesus enough for allowing me to know Him as my personal Savior. Without that, I would not be entering Heaven. This verse Jesus said to the 70 "others" when they returned from sharing the gospel. Jesus had protected them from injury [verse 19] and probably many learned about Jesus and the gospel. Lord, make me bolder each day to tell others of You. (DRM 1/25/05) 10:33 "But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion," This verse is from The Good Samaritan section. Both of the people who passed by this man were religious Jews. I think the Samaritan's were like the working class. God doesn't want anyone to think they are "better" than others - especially when they are in need! Most of the year I feel that my bills are higher than my income, and it's hard to give money away, but helping people in need doesn't happen often. (DRM 1/26/05) 10:36 ". . . which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?" This is from "The Good Samaritan." Since the
priest (v. 31) and the Levite (v. 32) didn't even stop to help the robbed and
beaten man, the answer was obviously the good Samaritan. 10:39 She [Martha] had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word. Mary must have heard of Jesus before He came
to visit and wanted to hear what the "celebrity" had to say. Martha was busy
preparing a meal for them to eat and got frustrated that Mary wasn't helping.
(v. 40) 10:40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." Jesus wants our full attention. When He was on earth, He knew He wouldn't be staying long, but Martha, probably thinking He was a young man, was more involved in preparing dinner. Martha's sister, Mary, had the desire to learn from Jesus - which was the correct attitude. Jesus wasn't worried about food - He could provide for them all if necessary. (DRM 1/27/11) 10:41 But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things;" Martha's sister, Mary, wanted to listen to the Lord Jesus speak, while Martha was busy on preparations for His arrival. Jesus knew His time on earth would be short, and He doesn't want us distracted by anything - rather to listen to Him and to do His will. As He said in verse 42, Mary had chosen the good part by listening to Him. I must learn to avoid all my distractions and keep growing in Him. (DRM 1/27/05) 10:41b, 42 Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things: but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her. This answers the following question: {What causes me to worry and keeps me from listening to God's Word?} Like Martha, I am constantly distracted and doing things that have no eternal purpose. I worry about my health and don't trust Him enough. Lord, lead me to ignore the unnecessary. (DRM 12/30/01) 11:8 "I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs." While it seems that this parable is about a neighbor asking a neighbor for bread, it could also be an example of our asking God for gifts. Apparently, if we are persistent enough and truly love the Father - He will give us the gift we request. I see the word "needs" which isn't the same as wants. Jesus will give us what we NEED. (DRM 1/28/05) 11:9 "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. . . " I think this is misinterpreted. How I would
like everything that I ask for! At the end of this statement (v. 13), Jesus
says, " . . . your heavenly Father (will) give the Holy Spirit to those who ask
Him." 11:13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" This answers the following question: {How can the application of these comments encourage my prayer life?} If we don't ask God for anything, by praying, He probably wont' give it to us. Prayer is our way of communication to God. If we want Him to hear us, we have to talk - via prayer. (DRM 12/31/01) 11:17 But He knew their thoughts and said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls. Jesus had just cast a demon from a mute man (v. 14) and the onlookers thought He was casting the demon out by the power of Satan. The point is that there is a spiritual battle between God and Satan. Since Satan put the demon in the person, Satan wouldn't want to take it out, only the other side (God) would want to help the innocent victim. (DRM 1/29/11) 11:27, 28 And it came about while He said these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice, and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts at which You nursed." 28But He said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it." This answers the following question: {How can I experience Christ's blessing in my life today?} Rather than emphasizing the mother of Jesus, He wants us to dwell on His words as written in the Bible. My goals should be to learn more and more about Him this year and for eternity. (DRM 1/1/02) I've seen statues of Jesus' mother, Mary, in churches and even on lawns of houses. I wonder if the people who put them up are worshipping the wrong person. Jesus' opinion on this is clear: He wants us to worship God and to do His will. My job is to serve God=Jesus and no one else. (DRM 1/29/05) 11:32 "The men of Nineveh shall stand up with this generation at the judgment and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here." Jesus seemed frustrated here that few people saw "the light" of His arrival. In this verse, He recalls that when Jonah preached in Nineveh that the city repented and followed God. Now when Jesus preached, the priests and Pharisees [at least] did not understand that they should repent like the Ninevites did. Jesus is not physically here, so we have the same problem today. This generation also needs a light. (DRM 1/30/05) 11:34, 35 The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. 35Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. Jesus can be represented as different things.
Here Jesus is the Light that we should follow. We have to see the Light and
receive it, internalize it, comprehend it, have it grow within us, then share it
with others. 11:36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you. Only Jesus Christ can light the lamp within
us. I realize that a small candle is within me, but there is a lot of room for
more light!! 11:46 But He said, "Woe to you lawyers as well! For you weigh men down with burdens hard to bear, while you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers. I was confused over the term "lawyers" here,
then the clarification, "experts in the Mosaic Law," which would be like priests
or theologians. 11:47 Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and it was your fathers who killed them. Jesus insulted the Pharisees and the lawyers in this passage. He wanted them to know that God sent prophets to the Israelites for generations and they were always killed from the disbelief of these groups. Here was their final opportunity to repent, and the result was that they planned and plotted against Him [verse 54]. Thank you Jesus for coming, even though You knew in advance that they would kill You too. (DRM 1/31/05) 12:5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! A person must believe God exists first. Then
they need basic knowledge of how He controls our lives and the universe as a
whole. Then we are in the position to fear our Creator - who has the power over
Heaven and earth. Jesus is saying that present power, present wealth, and present life — all of which the Pharisees had — are the enemies of a genuine relationship with God. They must be forsaken in search of the eternal. Eternal life is not an extension of present life; it is a gift from Almighty God for anyone who requests it. (Word of Life Diary) 12:8 "And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man shall confess him also before the angels of God." Yesterday I filled out a job application that asked "how do you know you're a Christian?" and I wrote something like 'before I was a Christian I served only myself, but after knowing Christ, I wanted to serve Him.' The Holy Spirit took up residence in me and I wanted to tell others of His love somehow. This verse assures me that He is watching our actions on earth, and He will allow us to be with Him forever, so long as we confess Him as Lord. (DRM 2/12/05) 12:11, 12 When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. When I am in the position to tell others about Jesus Christ, I still hesitate and fear saying the "wrong" things. On the rare occasions where I was specifically asked about the Lord the words DID come out, but I didn't think of what to say in advance. I need more confidence to speak out and tell people about the Lord and what He can do for us. (DRM 2/27/87) [referring to verse 12]: This answers the following question: {How am I improving my record in taking a stand for Christ?} I continue to pray for confidence in my stand for Christ. This verse helps a lot - because it tells me that I am not alone - the Holy Spirit is ever with me. Praise the Lord! [PTL] (DRM 1/2/02) 12:24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! This example is not limited to just birds - how about the other woodland animals? He knows everything we have gone through, and will provide in His way. He works through others' generosity or other means when times get bad - I KNOW He does and trust that He will also make the hard times improve - when He is ready. (DRM 2/2/11) 12:28 "But if God so arrays the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O men of little faith!" As I get older, I get more concerned about the future, and how I will live in retirement someday. The worldly tendency is to save as much money as possible for that eventuality. Here Jesus wants us to depend on Him for our needs - as He will take care of us. I think the question is how much should we save, and His answer seems to be "little." (DRM 2/12/05) 12:29, 30 And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. 30For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. God will provide. During the past few years I
feel that I have "tested" this verse several times - and God provided in one way
or another. 12:31 But seek for His Kingdom and these things shall be added to you. This answers the following question: {What changes in my priorities need to take place?} This is a section on worry. Jesus didn't want us to worry about possessions, food, etc; but to depend on Him. I need to depend more and more on Jesus and not save for my uncertain future. (DRM 1/3/02) 12:35 "Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps alight." Jesus is coming back! Are you ready? This short verse clearly states what our attitude should be: Always looking for Him, anticipation. To "keep your lamps alight" makes me think of the city on the hill, and how I should continue to show my spiritual light to all that come near. He wants us to glow like the Son, and keep looking for His return. Unfortunately many Christians I know don't believe in this or Him imminent return. . . but I do! (DRM 2/12/05) 12:36 Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. Jesus is coming, Jesus is coming - but when will He arrive to take Christians home? He wants us to be ready and waiting for His arrival. For many people, it is hard to be excited for something that hasn't occurred in nearly 2,000 years - that's why we are given signs that are fulfilled prophecies - so we know the time is near. Are you ready? (DRM 2/3/11) 12:40 "You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect." This answers the following question: {What would I change if I knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow?} ALWAYS be ready. That's the point. If I knew that Jesus was coming back tomorrow, I would either try to put a lot more information on the web site, or try to tell lots of people individually. (DRM 1/4/02) 12:49, 50 I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! 50But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! God=Jesus knows everything. He knew why He
was on earth, and that He would return with fire the next time He comes - but
was so disgusted with some people He wanted to do something to them then. 12:51 "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division;" My first thought when reading this was the division that occurs in families [shown in verses 52,53] where a family will split upon the conversion of one of its members. Then I thought of the more recent division of the church where it seems that differences on every doctrine cause a new congregation. Jesus knew that both divisions would occur - but in Heaven we will all be unified again to one family and one church [bride] to worship Him. (DRM 2/13/05) 13:4, 5 "Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." Why does God let disasters happen to people? Franklin Graham referred to this verse recently and points out that the disaster was not because of the faith of the eighteen, but that we should be sure we are ready if a similar fate were to occur to us. Death can occur at any time from one of numerous causes. Our decision for Christ - with repentance - must be made NOW to be assured of salvation and living with Him. (DRM 2/13/05) 13:7 And he said to the vineyard-keeper, 'Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?' This is really answered in verse 8, where the
seemingly fruitless tree is given a reprieve - the addition of fertilizer. 13:8 And he answered and said to him, "Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down." This answers the following question: {In what ways am I discipling other believers around me?} How am I adding fertilizer? I guess I don't know where the tree is. I pray for salvation for friends, I offer to help a few, but no one wants my fertilizer. In time, I pray that God will provide. (DRM 1/5/02) 13:15, 16 But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead him away to water him? 16And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, should she not have been released from this bond on the Sabbath day?" Satan caused the woman's illness or bondage.
Jesus is/was the healer. The "synagogue official" (v. 14) objected to His
healing on the Sabbath; saying He should only heal on the other six days. 13:20, 21 And again He said, "To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? 21It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of meal, until it was all leavened." I can think of both spiritual and physical applications to this. After we became Christians we received the leaven "seed" and our spiritual love for Jesus continues to grow. Physically, the Kingdom of God [Heaven] will continue to grow in population as more believers join His cause. Our spiritual growth will continue for eternity. God has lots of surprises ahead to look forward to! (DRM 2/14/05) 13:24 "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Salvation is a gift that only God gives to
us. We can not just sit and listen to others speak about it, but we must commit
ourselves to living our lives for Jesus Christ. 13:25 "Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, 'Lord, open up to us!' then He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.' " There are two types of unbelievers in my mind, the religious and the non-religious. The non-religious are easier for me to talk to, as they agree they don't know Jesus. The harder people to talk to are the religious - because they know Jesus in their minds, but not their heart. These are the ones referred to in this verse. Someday soon, God will close the door for admittance, and the "religious" will be outside. (DRM 2/14/05) 13:28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out. Apparently "Heaven" and "Hell" aren't far
away from each other, but separated by some type of chasm. Another illustration
of this is Luke 16:23+. 14:8 When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, This is like a guest sitting at the "Head
Table" without being asked to. We are to be observers of the wedding festivities
as guests. 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted. This answers the following question: {In what way do these verses relate to me?} No matter how much I feel the Lord has honored/provided for me, I must be humble and accept His gifts. I am not to "jump to the head of the line," but be a humble servant as Jesus was. (DRM 1/6/02) 14:13, 14 But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. [re: 14:13] This answers the following question: {How might I invite the less fortunate to my activities?} While I don't personally know people that fit these categories, I know some that are close. Perhaps I should invite them to a meal - or I should help them financially. (DRM 1/7/02) I am trying to imagine someone in this current era following this directive. When I used to put on dinners, I was aware of this and didn't - with the excuse that I didn't know any of these people. That wasn't a good excuse! I stopped the dinners rather than disobeying Jesus. It's difficult to invite strangers to your home. . . (DRM 2/15/05) 14:16, 17, 18a But He said to him, "A man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many; 17and at the dinner hour he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for everything is ready now.' 18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first one said to him, . . . In the past I've also prepared big dinners
and received all the excuses from people who wouldn't come. I felt they didn't
know what they were missing. This is not a story about a simple banquet; it is an analogy about the people of Israel. (Word of Life Diary) 14:24 "For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste of my dinner." This dinner parable is clearer to me, as it has happened to me. A large dinner is prepared, and people have excuses why they can't come, so others are invited. Jesus invites us to His Kingdom, and not seeing the benefits, non-believers make excuses throughout their lives as to why they won't participate. When the dinner is finally prepared for all believers in Heaven, many who were invited won't be there. The dinner will be eaten - and they will be "somewhere else." (DRM 2/15/05) 14:26 "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. At first read this seems very harsh for Jesus, but the word "hate" isn't despise, but really Jesus wants us to love Him more than anyone else. He was our Creator and arranges for all the events in our lives. He knows everything about us - and truly deserves our love and devotion. (DRM 2/10/11) 14:27 "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot by My disciple." This could be a prophetic verse, as Jesus was referring to the cross. Since He knows everything, He knew He would die on the cross. When He was on the cross, He was being submissive to His Father's will. While I'm not certain, I think He could be suggesting that all of us [as disciples] should be submissive to Him and carry our cross, as He was submissive to the Father when He carried His cross on resurrection day. (DRM 2/16/05) 14:33 "So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions." This answers the following question: {What keeps you going in your commitment to Christ?} Knowing the rewards keeps me going. I know that my earthly life will be short in comparison to eternity. I can also feel Jesus' presence and want to please Him like a Father. (DRM 1/8/02) 15:4 "What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? Sheep aren't too smart, but they have value
like money for the owner - as they can be sold as income. No matter what the
possession, a person doesn't want to lose anything of value, so will search
everywhere for the lost item. 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." We are ALL sinners, we should ALL repent of our sins every day. For those 99 of 100 Christians who do this, there is love for us in heaven, but for that one who has gone astray, and returned to the Christian fold, there is a greater feeling of celebration. . . as no one wants a person to fall away from the Lord. (DRM 8/18/87) Now I think the ONE mentioned here is the non-believer. (DRM 1/24/2004) 15:9, 10 "And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!" 10"In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." [re: 15:9] This answers the following question: {How can I get involved in helping a person come to know Christ?} This selection [Luke 15:1-10] refers to "the lost sheep" and "the lost coin." People are also lost without Christ. They need help in finding The Way. Somehow, they should know that we are here to help. (DRM 1/9/02) I lose things quite often. There's always the sense of relief when I find the item later. It's very frustrating when I'm in the looking process. Spiritually, it's the same thing. I could look for salvation in many areas and religions, but when I find Jesus and submit to Him as Lord, then I know that I've found the truth - and the angels will rejoice. (DRM 2/16/05) 15:19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men. This verse is from The Prodigal Son. This verse convinces me that the son truly felt he had done wrong in how he wanted all of his inheritance. He was repenting of his sin to the father. Like this son, everyone needs to repent when they sin; not only when they come to the Father for the first time, but throughout our lives, as we keep sinning and want to correct our ways - and to serve Jesus=God. (DRM 2/17/05) 15:20 So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. No matter how far away the younger son went,
the father still loved his son and hoped for his return. That's probably why he
saw his son's return as he was approaching. 15:21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' This is from the story of the "Prodigal Son."
In this verse the son returns to the father and confesses his sin. In the same
way, the Father, God, wants us to come to Him when we sin. 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much." Jesus wants our devotion , all or nothing. Every part of us must me committed to Him. I must be faithful in every small detail of my life - as that shows my true commitment to Him. If I have even one small thing that is "hidden" or kept from Jesus, my devotion is suspect. Jesus wants us to enjoy life, but wants us to do things that bring Him honor and glory. A lot of entertainment doesn't do that - so my life must reflect His. (DRM 2/17/05) 16:11 "If therefore you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous mammon [money], who will entrust the true riches to you? This answers the following question: {How am I faithfully serving God with my money?} If we can't use money wisely, how can we serve God? I still don't know if I am giving the minimum tithe, but I am trying to spread His money through donations to Godly organizations. (DRM 1/10/02) 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." I have always had the desire to make a lot of
money, but now feel that I must serve the Lord in some way. 16:15 And He said to them [Pharisees], "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God." Since this section concerns money, "that
which is highly esteemed among men" is money. The Pharisees and today's world
generally think more highly of money than the Lord Jesus. 16:16 "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John [the Baptist]; since then the gospel of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it." This answers the following question: {What steps will I take to ensure that I don't drift away from the Lord?} We are told in this verse that the gospel SINCE John the Baptist is to be preached. Apparently we are to dwell less on the Old Testament Law and more on the gospel of Christ now. (DRM 1/11/02) 16:23 "And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom." I don't think most people in today's world believe in Hell. They think that if they are good, or do good works, that they will go to Heaven. Today's passage about the rich man and Lazarus [16:19-31] clearly shows that there really are two different places that people can go to when they die. The surprise is that one side can see the other - at least in this passage. Verse 28 wants us to warn people of this fact - but am I doing it enough? NO. (DRM 2/18/05) 16:26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.' This is from the "Rich Man and Lazarus." I
had always been taught that Heaven was 'above' and Hell was 'below', but Jesus
clearly teaches here that Heaven and Hell are near each other, but separated by
a chasm. 16:30 "But he said, 'No, Father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!' This answers the following question: {When I backslide, what steps can I take to come back to the Father?} This section [16:19-31] was about the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man was in Hades and wanted to keep his brothers from suffering. The rich man stated their need to REPENT and follow the Lord - as we need to do continually. (DRM 1/12/02) 17:1 And He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks should come, but woe to him through whom they come!" This answers the following question: {What corrections are needed so I won't be a stumbling block?} The people who put stumbling blocks in front of me usually do it by criticizing my thoughts and telling me "God didn't say that" or just being negative on any of my thoughts. I should try to be different. (DRM 1/13/02) I should try to listen to their thoughts and determine if they can help me to a closer walk with Him. (DRM 2/19/05) 17:14, 15 When He saw them, He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they were going, they were cleansed. 15Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, . . . Jesus healed TEN lepers in this incident.
They asked for His mercy (v. 13) which was like asking for healing, but I
wouldn't call it faith in His ministry, but rather belief He would heal them.
Still, it showed some faith. 17:16 and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. This answers the following question: {To whom do I owe a "Thank you"? Do it as soon as possible!} Occasionally, when people do nice things for me, I thank them in person and sometimes I forget if I did or didn't. I never stop thanking the Lord for my health. Don't let me miss anyone! (DRM 1/14/02) 17:17 And Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed (of leprosy)? But the nine - where are they?" Can you imagine asking Jesus for healing, and when He heals you, that you DON'T even thank Him for what He did for you? That's what happened here with the ten lepers and only ONE thanked Jesus. It's also what happens today. I wonder if all of the people who take medications that Jesus allowed to be created for relief - thank the true Creator and Healer of their pain - Jesus. I know He is working through non-believing doctors and scientists. (DRM 2/18/05) 17:33 "Whoever seeks to keep his life shall lose it, and whoever loses his life shall preserve it." This verse could be taken out of context. Jesus was referring to His return in this section. He will come suddenly. There will be no time to prepare. The ones who want to keep their earthly life would live through the rapture, but die spiritually in eternity. The people who are raptured would lose their earthly life, but gain eternal life with Jesus. Depending on when this event occurs, the ones not raptured may have a second chance, but would have to go through tribulation. (DRM 2/19/05) 17:34 I tell you, on that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left. When Jesus comes to take His church (believers) home, it will be very sudden. This is what we call the rapture of the church. While it could be night on one side of the earth, it would be day on the other, so we don't know what time of day or when it will occur, but other Bible verses seem to say we are very, very, close to the day! (DRM 2/16/11) Be careful that you don't "read the rapture" into these passages. Remember when Noah entered the ark, those taken were judged, but Noah survived. Two in one bed - one is taken (in judgment), the other left behind to enjoy the millennium. Two grinding together - one is taken in judgment, the other left behind to reign with the Lord. These verses are talking about Revelation, not the Rapture. The idea of being "left behind" can be confusing, but the context shows that those left behind are those (like Noah) who will be saved and blessed. (Word of Life diary) 18:7,8 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. Sometimes we petition God daily for a special request. As we continue, nothing seems to happen. We should never stop praying for something just because our prayer is unanswered. We should continue to pray and never give up. (DRM 11/19/86) [re: 18:7] This is from the parable of the unrighteous judge. The judge did not fear or follow God, but still gave the woman what she wanted, because she kept asking over and over. According to this verse, believers who come to God repeatedly asking for the same thing, will have their petitions fulfilled. From my experience, there are times that we believers also have to put in some effort, depending on the request. He can change peoples' hearts, but also give us abilities that we have to develop ourselves. (DRM 2/19/05) 18:13 But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God be merciful to me, the sinner!' No matter how good we think we are, we are still sinners in some aspect of life. Each of us has some type of sin. Admit it. Then confess the sin to Jesus=God. Jesus will forgive our sin if we just ask Him to - but don't keep sinning - rather try to stop that sin - then go on to the next one. (DRM 2/17/11) 18:14 "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted." This answers the following question: {How do I view myself and others? How does God view me?} At different times, I have acted both ways. I keep praying that the Lord can use me in a special way, but generally have kept quiet about it to others. I hope God views me as a willing servant. (DRM 1/15/02) 18:17 "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all." This answers the following question: {How is your attitude like or dislike the children in these verses?} I totally agree with the verse. From the time of my birth [born-again] until now has been nearly 16 years and now that I've learned about the Lord, I feel 16 years old and want to serve in HIS business of saving the lost. (DRM 1/16/02) 18:22 And when Jesus heard this, He said to him, "One thing you still lack: sell all that you possess, and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven, and come, follow Me." This answers the following question: {How am I being obedient to the commands given here?} Some people take this literally, and some don't. I do now. I feel that I have accumulated too much stuff! I've sold some and have more to go. Some of the money has gone toward bookmarks which I hope is evangelism. (DRM 1/17/02) 18:24 And Jesus looked at him [Rich Young Ruler] and said, "How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! . . . " Generally rich people depend on their riches to provide for all of their needs in life, whereas poor people often learn to depend on Jesus=God to provide for their needs. A rich person needs to become like a child and depend on the Lord for each day, and also to help those in need. (DRM 2/18/11) 18:27 But He said, "The things impossible with men are possible with God." This verse is in the section of "The Rich Young Ruler," but applies to all of life. While the rich young ruler didn't want to sell all of his possessions and follow Christ, we (I) also have doubts at times that the Lord will provide for my needs. I need to keep growing in my faith and believe that He will provide for all of my needs. Jesus wants us to trust in Him and repent of our sins, then the impossible goals can be achieved, with His help. (DRM 2/19/05) 18:32, 33 For He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and mistreated and spit upon, 33and after they have scourged Him, they will kill Him; and the third day He will rise again." Jesus is God, He knew and knows everything
from the past, present and future. Here He was trying to tell the twelve (v. 31)
the immediate future. 18:38, 42 And he (blind Bartimaeus) called out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 42And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, he had faith that Jesus could heal him from his blindness. He probably heard of Jesus' ministry and healings of others, which led to his belief. Jesus knew all of that, and healed Bartimaeus because of his faith. Jesus can do anything for us also, if we only come to Him in faith. (DRM 2/19/05) 18:39 And those who led the way were sternly telling him [Bartimaeus] to be quiet; but he kept crying out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" This answers the following question: {How is my following Christ impacting others?} Am I stopping people from knowing the Son of God? I have mixed feelings - 99% of the time I say nothing and I also give out bookmarks. Lord, lead me to be more bold in my witness. (DRM 1/18/02) 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up (in the tree) and said to him, "Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house." Zaccheus had never met Jesus [verse 3], but Jesus knew his name and that he had a house - at least. Generally, normal people can't guess other people's names - especially the name of Zaccheus :-) Jesus had special power, He knew about Zaccheus, He healed people from all types of diseases, He made the wind stop, He made wine from water and He rose from the dead. Jesus is God. (DRM 2/20/05) 19:8 And Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much." This answers the following question: {What changes do I see in my life since I became a Christian?} There is a price to pay to be a Christian. For me, it took several years to realize that He wanted me to serve Him, and not money [business]. Its been a long process to liquidate possessions and spend more time serving His will. (DRM 1/19/02) 19:9 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. . . . " Zaccheus, the tax collector, had just said he
would give half of his possessions to the poor, etc., after having Jesus come to
his house. 19:15 When he returned, after receiving the kingdom, he ordered that these slaves, to whom he had given the money, be called to him so that he might know what business they had done. While this parable refers to a person, I could apply it to Jesus. Believers are His slaves and He wants us to serve Him today in some way. When He returns, we will be held accountable for what we did during our lives. No matter what I (you) did in the past, there is always one more day to try to improve and tell others about Jesus in one of many ways. (DRM 2/21/11) 19:17 "And he said to him, 'Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, be in authority over ten cities.' " This parable is like the parable about the talents, but refers to minas as currency instead of talents. Still, the principle is the same. God has given us money and/or talents that we are to use while He is "away." When He returns, He will reward us for what we did with His gift. While I feel I could do more, I pray that I am doing work that will be pleasing to Him when we meet someday soon. (DRM 2/21/05) 19:38 [Palm Sunday] saying "BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" This answers the following question: {If Jesus came to my home, what kind of reception would I give Him?} It depends on His appearance. If He came as King Jesus, I would bow and worship. If He came as a friend in need, I would try to help. I have to try to be compassionate to all of His creation. (DRM 1/20/02) 19:39, 40 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." 40But Jesus answered, "I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!" The Lord Jesus was entering Jerusalem on what
we call Palm Sunday. The term disciples here refers to not just 12, but all
believers in Jesus who were there. 19:43 For the days will come upon you [Jerusalem] when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, and surround you and hem you in on every side, This has happened to Jerusalem in the past,
it seems to be present, and it will be at the time of the tribulation. If I were
to look up the history, I wonder how many times Jerusalem has been taken over by
opposing armies? 19:44 [the city of Jerusalem] . . . and will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation. Jesus had just entered the city. It was Palm Sunday, and the Pharisees objected to His entrance to the city. Jesus knew the future - and that Jerusalem would be destroyed in 70 A.D. Here He told them why it would happen, but how many paid any attention? Like today, people don't pay attention to God, but our [my] job is to let them know in any way possible. (DRM 2/22/05) 19:45 And He entered the temple and began to cast out those who were selling, This action of Jesus has caused spiritual challenges for me several years. If Jesus didn't want people to sell merchandise in the temple, why do so many churches do it today? Some even do it in the sanctuary - or from the pulpit, in advertising. Once I stopped attending a church as they started selling in the sanctuary. While I'm not comfortable with it, I decided to go to a church where the sales were restricted to OUTSIDE the sanctuary. (DRM 2/23/05) 20:2 . . . and they [chief priests and scribes] spoke, saying to Him, "Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave you this authority?" This was a trap, as explained in later verses. The chief priests and scribes were trying to destroy Him (19:47) and would have used any answer to accuse Him of a "crime." Jesus asked them to answer a question for Him first and the same would have happened to them based on their response. To come up with these questions so quickly showed that Jesus was very intelligent and not just a person trying to get attention. He truly is God. (DRM 2/23/11) 20:10 At the harvest time he sent a slave to the vine-growers, so that they would give him some of the produce of the vineyard; but the vine-growers beat him and sent him away empty handed. This verse is from the "Parable of the
Vine-growers." God sent prophets before He sent Jesus to His people. The people
paid no attention to the prophets each time they proclaimed God's message. 20:13 "And the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send by beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.' " This parable of the vine-growers illustrates the man [God] who planted a vineyard and asked others [Israelites] to take care of it, but when He sent slaves [prophets] to collect His share, they were beaten or wounded. He sent His Son [Jesus] and He was killed, then He gave the vineyard to others [Christians], who would do as He asked. I pray that I will be worthy to be a servant in His vineyard and produce much fruit. (DRM 2/24/05) 20:25 And He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." This answers the following question: {What percentage of myself as I giving to God on a daily basis?} It depends on what day it is :-( On work days, it seems that all that God gets from me is talk and no action. On weekends and vacations He gets a lot more of my time with jesusistheanswer mostly. (DRM 1/21/02) 20:35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage; This was an answer from Jesus to the Sadducees. I'd call it "the man with seven wives." The man had to be old to have seven separate marriages in a row! Then he had to be a believer to be worthy of resurrection. Then came Jesus' insight about Heaven. While I may never be married at this rate, I know that in Heaven I won't be alone, because all believers will be a big family of love for each other - and Jesus. (DRM 2/25/05) 20:36 . . . for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. As Christians, we can only die once. After death, we are resurrected and go to an intermediate Heaven while we await our new physical bodies, unless the rapture comes first. In the intermediate Heaven we are like angels and are aware of what's going on. It will be a new experience, but hard for me to comprehend. (DRM 2/25/11) 20:38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive. Heaven really does exist! The people who are
there are not dead, they are alive and serving Christ. 20:39 And some of the scribes answered and said, "Teacher, You have spoken well." This answers the following question: {How can I help someone who wants to argue a point in the Bible?} Most questions that people have, probably are in the Bible already. I meant the answers are. . . With continued study, I hope to be familiar with answers to those who question me. (DRM 1/22/02) 20:46 "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at banquets, Jesus has called on His disciples [like me] to be servants and to bring Him the honor. The scribes referred to here, wanted all the honor themselves and apparently did not refer or worship the God who created them - or else they would be honoring Him! My mind must be set totally on being a servant to Christ, and any way that I can bring Him the honor and the glory; as He is God. (DRM 2/26/05) 21:3 And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; This answers the following question: {How much would I hold back from giving to the Lord?} Yes, God wants a tithe of our money, but He mostly wants our soul. I try to serve Him with the time I spend on reading, writing for jesusistheanswer and distributing the seeds/bookmarks. (DRM 1/23/02) 21:4 . . . for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on." The widow could only put in two copper coins,
whereas the rich had plenty to donate. 21:8 And He said, "See to it that you be not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He', and, 'The time is at hand'; do not go after them. This answers the following question: {What am I currently doing to bring others to Christ before He returns?} Many, many times I've heard "The time is at hand" and still I am here. Perhaps this really is the time, so I should be prepared daily and not wait to tell others. (DRM 1/24/02) 21:12 "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name's sake. People who worship Jesus will be persecuted. When I was young, that would be unthinkable in the USA. Now the majority of people [non-Christians] want abortions and more support gay marriages - so as Christians oppose these things, we are beginning to be persecuted for our views. Soon, we will be persecuted just for being Christians. Jesus wants us to be prepared. (DRM 2/27/05) 21:15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. How many times I miss or am afraid to witness
to people. If this verse was in my mind at that moment, I know I wouldn't be so
nervous! 21:17, 18 . . . and you will be hated by all because of My name. 18Yet not a hair of your head will perish. This is part of Jesus' comments on the
future. 21:20 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near. This paragraph (v. 20-24) seems to relate to
the conditions at A.D. 70, as it refers to the time of the Gentiles (v. 24)
after the battle. Since Israel is a country after the "time of the Gentiles," we
are close to the end - when Jesus returns. By comparing this passage with Matthew 24, it seems clear that this destruction occurs at the middle of the Tribulation. (Word of Life diary) 21:25 "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, " Two months ago, a great wave [tsunami] destroyed the coast of Sri Lanka and Indonesia among others. 150,000 people died and people were perplexed as to why this happened, even though they knew it was an earthquake. NO ONE that I know referred to this verse! This is just another prophecy fulfilled to show me Jesus is coming soon! (DRM 2/28/05) 21:36 "But keep on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." This answers the following question: {How well is my life reflecting my readiness for Christ's return?} Always be ready. While I am real slow, I'm cleaning out the house, selling collections and getting ready for "departure day." The most important part is to live for Him every day. (DRM 1/25/02) 22:3 And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. Was Judas ever a believer? This verse seems to indicate that he was, but I'm not really sure. Even before this, he objected to spending money on items that he thought weren't necessary, as he was the treasurer. Believer or not, his decision to betray Jesus was not his own, but rather Satan's, who gave him the idea. I pray that the ideas that I receive are truly of the Lord Jesus - and will bring Him all the glory. (DRM 3/1/05) 22:10 And He said to them, "when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house that he enters. . . I'm still amazed that Jesus knows everything that each individual will be doing in the future at any moment. Here He knew where the man would be and what he would be doing when His disciples arrived. And they found everything as He told them (v. 18). God knows all that we do and will do, so we (I) have to keep our thoughts pure and do what would please Him. (DRM 3/1/11) 22:26 "But not so with you, but let him who is the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. This answers the following question: {How am I applying this servant principle in my relationships?} In some ways, I felt more like a servant in the Avis Cards store. Right now, occasionally I take people out for dinner, but I also deliver or serve bookmarks to churches - as a "free gift." Certainly I could do more. (DRM 1/26/02) What does 'become as the youngest' mean? To be born-again, you must become as a child to learn the basics of Christianity without the hindrances of "advanced learning." A younger person has a more open mind. Jesus also wants leaders who care for and serve others in some way. That's compassion for the less fortunate and needy - both physically and spiritually. Now I know what a "great leader" is! (DRM 3/1/05) 22:31, 32 "Simon, Simon [Peter], behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Jesus told Simon Peter that he would have a
trial - denial - three times before the next morning (v. 34). Still, prophet
Jesus knew Peter would make it through and help his Christian brothers. 22:40 And when He arrived at the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." [Referring to 40b, the quoted section:] As I was talking to someone at work today
about my need for additional money, he came back and asked me to sell my soul to
the devil. That evil grin and sick laugh visualized to me the temptations that Satan
can and will try when a person is in trouble and looking for a way out. This answers the following question: {Why do I need to pray?} Since Jesus prayed, certainly we should! Here Jesus tells us why. There are many temptations in the world. By praying, we are calling on our Creator and not being led astray. (DRM 1/28/02) 22:48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" In our society, and probably also Jesus', a kiss was/is a sign of affection for the other person. Here Judas was using it as a sign of identification to the priests. When referring to Jesus and His teachings, this isn't unusual. To live with Him, we have to die to self. We also must be a servant to be more like Him, both of which are different from the world's teachings. Lord, let me follow Your way, and not the way of the world, currently led by Satan. (DRM 3/2/05) 22:53 ". . . While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours." The chief priests and officers of the temple
(v. 52) among others, had come to Jesus in the night to arrest Him. 22:61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, "Before a cock crows today, you will deny Me three times." This answers the following question: {How have I been like Peter? What can I do about it?} Yes, I deny Christ, - by keeping silent. When I talk to strangers I am slowly getting able to give them bookmarks, but many times I say nothing - and I need MORE boldness for Christ. (DRM 1/27/02) 22:67 "If you are the Christ, tell us." But He said to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe;" No matter what Jesus said, the accusers wouldn't believe Him. They were convinced He was lying and mentally confused. All of the evidence that Christians believe, like His healings, teachings, and raising people from the dead, had no effect on their accusations. In a way, they were also doing what God willed for them to do at that time. As always, Jesus was right with this statement. I must always listen to Him! (DRM 3/2/05) 22:70 And they all said, "Are You the Son of God, then?" And He said to them, "Yes, I am." The chief priests and scribes asked Jesus a direct question, and He gave a clear response here. Now the question they had to decide really was, "Do I believe Jesus' statement?" They didn't. I do. What about you? Eternity depends on what we decide about Jesus. (DRM 3/4/11) 23:3 So Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. How can anyone doubt that Jesus Christ was
the King of the Jews? He knew that by this verse that He was going to die for
it. 23:4 And Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, "I find no guilt in this man." Pilate's statement at this point of Jesus' trial was absolutely true! Jesus was sinless, so He had no guilt. While being falsely accused by the chief priests, He had little to say - and nothing to say to Herod [verse 9] probably because Herod killed John the Baptist? I need to remember that Jesus loves me and wants the best for me - even when people of the world doubt me and think I'm making wrong decisions. (DRM 3/3/05) 23:8 Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him. From this statement, and my recall of some
video biographies of Jesus, Herod seemed to want a magician to give him a
performance instead of the silent Son of God. Jesus was not going to perform a
miracle without faith in Him. Only Jesus was acting out of love for others. It was not the power of the Sanhedrin, Pilate, or Herod that forced Jesus to submit to these atrocities. It was His trust in God and His love for us. (Word of Life Diary) 23:22 And he [Pilate] said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has this man done?" I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him." Pilate didn't want Jesus to die. From his actions, I wouldn't be surprised to see him in Heaven. Still, the crowd spoke and he did what the crowd called for - even though it was against his will. Similar crowd scenes are going on today in the Middle East and it's easy to guess what the outcome will be. (DRM 3/6/11) Don't miss the irony here. These were the people who claimed to keep the Law since childhood. But they would not believe because the Messiah was not Who they thought He should be. (Word of Life diary) 23:23 But they (the crowd, chief priests and the rulers of the people {verse 13}) were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. Pilate had his own opinion that Jesus wasn't
guilty, but he was intimidated by the crowd. He wanted to do the will of the
people, no matter what his personal thoughts were. While this sounds like
democracy, and the right thing to do, perhaps Pilate should have stood up for
his own beliefs? 23:29, 30 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' 30Then they will begin TO SAY TO THE MOUNTAINS, 'FALL ON US,' AND TO THE HILLS, 'COVER US.' Jesus was on His way to be crucified and stopped and said this to His women followers. While this could refer to a different time ( 70 A.D.?), I think it refers to the Tribulation period yet to come. At that time people will be leaving Jerusalem as quickly as possible and those with less items - or children - will be able to leave quicker to avoid the earthquake damage, etc. (DRM 3/7/11) 23:34 But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. This answers the following question: {How can I explain the purpose of the crucifixion to a friend today?} As Jesus said, ". . .they do not know what they are doing." People today also don't know what they are doing by ignoring Christ. Without Christ's death and resurrection there is no hope. Only through the Holy Spirit can people's eyes be opened. (DRM 1/29/02) 23:42, 43 And he (other criminal) was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your Kingdom!" 43And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." This is one of the most important statements Jesus made. The thief's statement (and mine) of trusting in the Lord for deliverance, gave him eternal life in Heaven. Jesus said He would be with him TODAY - immediately - no sleeping in the grave - and Jesus would be there also - so He didn't go somewhere else for all three days after the crucifixion. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ. . . (DRM 3/4/05) 23:44, 45 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. It isn't clear as to the cause of the
darkness from noon to 3 PM. Was this an act of God where the sun stopped
shining, or was it an eclipse - which really is also an act of God? 23:49 And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee, were standing at a distance, seeing these things. Who were these acquaintances? Probably the disciples and Mary and Martha - among many others. They had to experience the darkness and the earthquake and felt His [God's] presence, then knew that Jesus was truly a special man. The events should have increased their faith - but even more so on His resurrection three days later. How would I feel if I were there? Disappointed, but anticipating what God would do next. (DRM 3/4/05) 23:50 And behold, a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man This answers the following question: {What characteristics of Joseph would I like to hear said of me?} Of course I would like to be considered "a good and righteous man," but I fail so often - mostly by frustration when things don't go "my" way. With God's help, someday. . . (DRM 1/30/02) 24:4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; Jesus' tomb was empty. The women didn't know
what to think, then two angels appeared. 24:6 (Two men in dazzling apparel said) "He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, This answers the following question: {What difference does the resurrection make to me?} If Jesus hadn't risen, certainly I'd have no hope. I'm trusting in the promises that believing in Him leads to eternal life. Life isn't worth living without Jesus! (DRM 1/31/02) While there are hundreds of quotable verses in the Bible, these are the eight most important words in the Bible: "He is not here, but He has risen." Without Jesus' rising from the dead, our faith is worthless. We would have no hope for Heaven - our life would end at death. But all of the evidence is in, and He is truly alive and working in my life . . . I know I will be with Him someday. (DRM 3/9/05) 24:19 And He said to them, "What things?" and they said to Him, "The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, This is part of the conversation with two
disciples on the road to Emmaus on Resurrection Day. (v. 13) 24:21 "But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened." These two followers of Christ were walking to Emmaus. This verse shows that His crucifixion shook their faith, as they were "hoping," and still unaware of the meaning of all the events that took place. Before I became a Christian, I also hoped that I would go to Heaven, but after receiving a full explanation of the gospel (like these two men did), my eyes were opened, and I trusted in the Lord for everything. (DRM 3/10/05) 24:31 And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. The followers of Christ from Emmaus just had
begun dinner with Jesus when their eyes were opened. They recalled all of the
truths that He told them as they walked together [verse 32] and now they saw
what His resurrection body was like. He had the ability to come [verse 36] and
go [verse 31] as He pleased. Apparently, when we have bodies like His in
the resurrection, we may also be able to do this. 24:32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? When I first "really trusted" in
the Lord, I had that same feeling! I was listening to someone telling me about
Jesus and saw the true excitement of that person and knew "deep
inside" that he was telling the absolute Truth. 24:38 And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? This answers the following question: {What characteristics in myself do I represent in these people?} Since Jesus has protected and provided for me so many times, I don't doubt His existence, but, yes, my heart gets troubled with fears of the future. I always need more faith. (DRM 2/1/02) 24:39 "See My hands and My feet, that it is I myself; touch Me and see, for a Spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." Jesus made a sudden appearance and some of
His disciples thought they were seeing a spirit-ghost, but He assured them - and
us in the reading - that He is not a ghost, but Has flesh and bones. 24:45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. The risen Jesus was with His disciples. He
talked with them and ate with them, and He continued to teach them something, as
their knowledge about Jesus increased, as well as what is written in the
Bible. 24:46 and He said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, . . . While my Bible doesn't give an Old Testament
reference for this verse, I believe it exists. 24:47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. This answers the following question: {How well have I carried out my assigned task this month?} I am not very good with "cold contacts" and have prayed for more boldness. Certainly my friends know I am a Christian and I hope that the bookmarks are producing fruit - though invisible to me. (DRM 2/2/02)
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