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The Pharisee in all of us
The incredible danger in my life is the lurking of the Pharisee. Reading the Common English Bible helps me identify that ugliness a bit better. Jesus told this parable to certain people who had convinced themselves that they were righteous and who looked on everyone else with disgust… (Luke 18:9) I am tempted in this way. It’s that attitude I…
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Living “in the moment” is like having ADHD Christianity
In my particular “tribe” of Christianity, there are good things about the experiential. We really do believe, or want to believe, that we can pray for healing (for example) and healing is possible. A particular “downside” is we tend to live for the “event.” We live for that powerful moment in a church service, a powerful worship song… something that…
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Living in Jubilee
I am reading prayerfully through the Gospel of Luke and today found me in Chapter 7. It has been a chapter I’ve slowly worked through in prayer the last couple of days, and I imagine I may be here a little longer. It is a wonderful place to start a New Year. As I reflect on life and ministry, the…
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May 2014 be a year of speaking and ACTING in power
In Luke 7 there is the story of Jesus raising up the son of the widow in Nain. The story here is not that Jesus had compassion because a woman lost her son… alone. It was not just a matter of a touching scene. It was a matter of justice as well. The widow would have nothing. She was without any source…
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The difference of the Kingdom’s power
Resolution for 2014: Live out the power of the Kingdom. Subset: Love those who have no desire to love you. Drive them crazy in the process. It may be a “win/win.” It may also cost you a lot. Either way, live out the Kingdom’s power.
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The Resolution for 2014
How to live in 2014? Jesus has some pretty direct things to say about that. 27 “But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on the cheek, offer the other one as well. If someone takes…
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The Pharisee in Me
Luke 5-6 has some encounters that typify what Jesus is trying to get across early in his ministry. It’s simple: Get on the Kingdom’s agenda! Those who see that message and come to him get a response. The leper came and ASKED, “Lord, if you are willing…” Levi heard the call of Jesus and immediately left his work to follow Jesus. They got…
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Surprised by answered prayer
Luke 1 begins with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were getting along in years and had no children. It was a constant prayer, but one that by this time they offered up without much hope. Then, the answer comes. 13 The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayers have been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to…
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Observing the Pattern of Prayer… and Action
I am reading/praying my way through Luke right now. One thing I truly love about Luke’s take on the life of Jesus is in the intricate tie between prayer and activity. In Luke 5 there is the constant rush of ministry activity. Healing, teaching, deliverance ministry, but Luke adds in, “Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” (v. 16)…
Tag: Gospel of Luke
