obedience – Page 12 – Be Still…

Ephesians 4:1-6 – Do Something

Today was an epiphany for me, and I just have to share it with you. Have you ever had an experience where you were absolutely certain God had a message for you? Today was one of those days for me. One of those times when it seems like several “coincidences” take place. I don’t know about you, but I look at “coincidences” as God sightings.

So here is my story. David and I had just said goodbye to my father who is newly transitioning into assisted living. I was feeling a little blue as we drove away. It wasn’t long before David plugged in a recording of a mindset call from one of my favorite coaches. Steve quoted lyrics from one of a song from Matthew West. It tied in so beautifully with the context of his call. I was beginning to feel so much better. Then, about an hour later, as we were getting closer to the St. Paul metro, I tuned in one of my favorite Christian radio stations. Guess what song was playing? It was a goosebump moment. Today’s reading feeds into that notion as well.

Here’s the Matthew West song, Do Something so you can listen in.

Continue reading “Ephesians 4:1-6 – Do Something”

Luke 12:35-48 – Are You Ready?

Read Luke 12:35-48

For centuries, there have been forecasters, theologians, even common folk trying to figure out when Jesus will return. This is one of the passages that is often reviewed. I don’t know about you, but the line, “for the Son of Man will come when least expected,” tells me it will be hard to predict.

I don’t think God wants us to know. It’s like the analogy of the burglar. If you knew your house was going to be broken into, you would be ready for that! You would prepare with stronger locks, have a diligent watch underway, and maybe even the police on the line (or 911 on speed dial). God wants us to be prepared because we want to not because we have to or should.

The key message here is to be ready. Don’t assume you’ll get an email announcing Jesus’ return. There will be no social media event scheduled. When we least expect it, Jesus will return. I want to be one of the servants he rewards. Don’t you? Continue reading “Luke 12:35-48 – Are You Ready?”

Luke 8:22-25 – Stormy Days

Read Luke 8:22-25

These short verses really speak volumes, don’t they?

Jesus has a plan; he wants to go across the lake. For the moment, think about a plan he has for you, perhaps you have been convicted of something that you are felt led to do to further his kingdom. Now back to the story.

The disciples apparently agree, for off they go. First lesson – obedience, follow the Lord’s direction. I suppose Jesus was tired and knew a trip across the lake would afford him a good rest. Did he know they’d encounter a storm? Was it a test for his disciples? The Sea of Galilee, the lake they were crossing, is known for it’s strong storms, and they can produce monstrous waves I’m told. Continue reading “Luke 8:22-25 – Stormy Days”

Luke 5:27-32 – Are You Sick?

Read Luke 5:27-32

This may be a short reading today, but a powerful one. Let’s unpack it a little bit.

First of all, Levi (Matthew) was a tax collector. It’s hard for us to really grasp what this means in our own context. When you think tax collector, think ruthless, think swindler, think selfish. It was a job that would make men wealthy because they were taking more than the government required. Yet, so long as the government was getting paid, little was done to monitor and hold these officials accountable.

With that in mind, Jesus picked one, Levi, to be his disciple, his follower, his friend. The Pharisees had a field day with this one! The NLT translation refers to them as “scum.” Other versions would say, sinners, crooks, etc. Continue reading “Luke 5:27-32 – Are You Sick?”

Luke 3:1-20 – Prepare the Way

Read Luke 3:1-20

Today we have a snapshot of John the Baptist. Just several short verses ago we learned how an angel brought the Lord’s message to his aging parents, telling them their son would prepare the people for the coming Messiah. We see that prophecy, as well as Isaiah’s words from the Old Testament, coming alive before our eyes.

John is quite a character. We are told he was living in the wilderness. I suppose that elicits a certain image in your mind, doesn’t it? He would have been very resourceful to maintain that lifestyle. He listened to God’s call on his life and gave it his all. Continue reading “Luke 3:1-20 – Prepare the Way”