evil – Page 4 – Be Still…

Deuteronomy 17:1-13 – Judicial Process

This is an example of a continuance between chapters of the same thought or theme. Our last reading was on justice, and this one will be the same. What is important to notice here is that Moses is talking more about the process and who does what. Keep in mind, the words Moses is speaking here are meant to help the people assimilate into a new reality. While they have been wandering around the desert for the last 40 years, they have not had to have such processes in place because Moses and his helpers have kept the peace and brought wisdom to the people.

Interesting to see the brief reference to sacrificing. It must have been expected that people would try to give God their second best or defective animals. Didn’t we hear previously that defective first-born animals should not be given to the Lord. Moses felt the need to repeat this again in this context as we’re talking about justice. Now, at least, we know why. They are detestable to the Lord.

1 Peter 5:5-11 – Blessings Abound

Read 1 Peter 5:5-11

This passage really spoke to me today as a leader. There is so much hope here to keep us going full of encouragement. We need to be humble leaders, not proud and arrogant. God has gifted us to lead, so we should lead, not be interested in all the attention.

I know for me personally, I am uncomfortable when somebody compliments me. I need to get better at accepting kind words while still honoring God with my humility. For me, it’s a hard distinction. I’m sure I’m not alone. Continue reading “1 Peter 5:5-11 – Blessings Abound”

Luke 11:29-36 – Shine Your Light

Read Luke 11:29-36

Bring on the floodlights! I don’t know about you, but I want to shine with the light of Jesus. When people tell me I’m glowing, that is the greatest compliment! For us to truly shine, our hearts need to be in alignment with God and his will for us.

It is his light and love that fuels us and keeps us going. Like the energizer bunny has a battery, we have Jesus. But we need to be careful not to be distracted or drawn in by evil. As we know, the evil one is crafty and often tricks us into believing lies. Those lies may start as corners of darkness in our lives, but it can soon envelope the room of our hearts if we aren’t careful. Continue reading “Luke 11:29-36 – Shine Your Light”

Luke 6:43-49 – What’s in Your Heart?

Read Luke 6:43-49

Jesus’ own words, “What you say flows from what is in your heart.” He has been talking about good and bad trees, as well as good and evil people. We have all seen a bad apple. Can we assume it came from a bad tree and all of those apples were bad? If worms have infested one, they have likely taken over.

Here in Mexico, I’ve seen my share of ugly looking fruit. That was just the outside. You have no idea how delicious the fruit is on the inside. Probably the best fruit I’ve ever eaten. You would never find “ugly” fruit like that for sale in the United States in a grocery store produce department. Sad. How many times have we given up on someone because of their appearance? We have lost an opportunity for their inner beauty to radiantly shine. Continue reading “Luke 6:43-49 – What’s in Your Heart?”

Luke 4:1-13 – What Tempts You?

Read Luke 4:1-13

Does it make you feel better to know that even Jesus was tested? What can we learn from his response to the devil’s schemes?

We see Jesus in this passage from the perspective of knowing who he is and how his life played out. Imagine if we were only seeing him for the first time in these few verses. What if we didn’t understand or realize he was the Son of God? Read the passage again through that lens (yes, I know it’s hard).

What are your impressions now? Here are some of my observations.

The devil knew Jesus was the Son of God. I wonder how?
I can’t imagine not eating for 40 days! I definitely would be hungry, I’d want to eat everything in sight!
Boy, Jesus was strong to resist that bread!
The devil tried to use Scripture, too, to fool Jesus. Crafty. Some people try to use it for their own purposes, too.
Why didn’t Jesus run away from the devil?

Continue reading “Luke 4:1-13 – What Tempts You?”