quiet time – Be Still…

Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 – Remember Before It’s Too Late

Read Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

Solomon doesn’t want us to wait too long to remember the importance of God. This passage should speak loudly, even yell, at young people today. Sadly, I could recognize myself in some of the “older” traits Solomon describes here. The outward signs of aging are becoming more of a reality for me. Yet, most of the time, I am in denial that I have reached and passed “middle age.” Thankfully, I remembered long ago how important God is to me. Solomon just confirms that significance.

But whether you are young or old, it is never too late to give devotion to God. He wants to be the ruler of our lives no matter what age we are. I think Solomon worried that the older we get, the more set in our ways we become and making changes can be hard. If we aren’t already remembering God and thinking of him regularly, it can get harder the more time passes.

Mark 1:35-39 – Quiet Time

Read Mark 1:35-39

I love what Jesus models for us here. No matter how busy and “in demand” Jesus was, he made it a priority to spend time in prayer. Alone. If Jesus needed that quiet time to recharge and reconnect with his Father, how much more do we need such connection? I’m so glad you’re reading this right now, quietly spending time with God and making him a priority!

The distracted disciples were missing out on their own quiet time. Did you sense the urgency in the disciples’ search for Jesus? It was like they felt pressured to satisfy everyone else’s desire to see Jesus. They were so busy trying to manage “everyone,” they didn’t notice Jesus’ need for prayer.

Luke 10:38-42 – Are you Martha or Mary?

Read Luke 10:38-42

If Jesus was coming to your house for dinner, would you be frantic about the details or would you be excited to hear his stories? I’m sure Martha was both, but her focus on details kept her from enjoying all that her sister was clearly experiencing.

For me, I would want everything to be perfect, just like Martha. I would only later feel regret I wasted so much time stirring the soup or setting the table that I missed even one story from Jesus. What about you?

As you evaluate yourself, remember it is not Mary vs. Martha. We should be Mary + Martha.

Continue reading “Luke 10:38-42 – Are you Martha or Mary?”

Luke 5:12-26 – Healed & Forgiven

Read Luke 5:12-26

We have many accounts of healing in today’s reading. A few of those are detailed for us. Imagine how in the day without the internet, newspapers, or cell phones that such word about Jesus and his teaching and miracles got around. Jesus was causing a stir, as he should. He was the son of God after all.

So far in Luke’s gospel, we see Jesus as calm and available. I loved the faith of the man with leprosy when he said, “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus was willing and the man was healed. That was a horrible disease, and to be freed from it must have been such a relief. I’m not surprised that he couldn’t keep it to himself.

Despite the throngs of people coming to Jesus, he continued to give and serve. Yet we are told he did need his quiet time, and I always appreciate hearing that. We all need our quiet time with God. Continue reading “Luke 5:12-26 – Healed & Forgiven”

Luke 4:31-44 – Here We Go!

Read Luke 4:31-44

Have you ever witnessed a healing or a demonic possession? I haven’t either, in person. I have heard of them from many friends, and I recently saw a video of a little boy being healed of cerebral palsy in Puerto Rico. God’s power is alive and well.

Here we go, Jesus’ ministry was just beginning, and he was beginning to test the power he had inside that came from above. While Jesus was fully human, yet he was also fully divine.

After leaving Nazareth, he ended up in Capernaum, about a 9 hour hike (today by road). From the sounds of it, he spent some time there teaching weekly in the synagogue. “Once”, indicating it happened during this time or another time and place, we hear of the demon possessed man being healed. Did you notice that the demon speaking knew Jesus was the Holy One of God? Yet, the demon taunted and was called out, never to bother that man again. To see that had to stir amazement and awe. It would for me. Continue reading “Luke 4:31-44 – Here We Go!”