January 11 - Luke 7

Today's Reading  - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%207&version=VOICE

I love the story of the Centurion.  He didn't feel worthy to approach Jesus but his love for his slave prompted him to send messengers to ask for help. He also understood Jesus' authority. I had to ask myself as I read this "Do I understand God's authority?"

Then there is the widow who's son has died. Jesus felt compassion for her and raised her son from the dead.

And finally, Simon the Pharisee and the woman of ill repute. She knew what people thought of her yet she came to Jesus and humbled herself before Him. She found forgiveness.

Jesus does so much for these three people. In each example we see his compassion and his authority.

This reminds me as well, that our Lord is compassionate towards us and he has authority to heal and forgive our sins.

January 8 - Luke 6

Today's reading - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+6&version=VOICE

There are so many things in this chapter of Luke. Dealing with the Sabbath to our attitudes toward others that mistreat us. But I think for me, today, these verses sum up the chapter:

43 Count on this: no good tree bears bad fruit, and no bad tree bears good fruit. 44 You can know a tree by the fruit it bears. You don’t find figs on a thorn bush, and you can’t pick grapes from a briar bush. 45 It’s the same with people. A person full of goodness in his heart produces good things; a person with an evil reservoir in his heart pours out evil things. The heart overflows in the words a person speaks; your words reveal what’s within your heart.

January 7 - Luke 5

Today's Reading - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+5&version=VOICE

Jesus and the Pharisees:

Pharisees (in low voices): What’s wrong with you? Why are you eating and drinking with tax collectors and other immoral people?

Jesus (answering for the disciples): 31 Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. 32 I haven’t come for the pure and upstanding; I’ve come to call notorious sinners to rethink their lives and turn to God.

A reminder to us that we probably shouldn't spend all our time with "healthy" people. 

January 6 - Luke 4

Today's reading - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%204&version=VOICE

Jesus faced temptations just like us He succeed and with His power we can do!

January 5 - Luke 3

Today's Reading - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%203&version=VOICE


We see John's ministry here as he confronts the religions people and all who come to see him.
I love this exchange:

John the Baptist: You bunch of venomous snakes! Who told you that you could escape God’s coming wrath? 8 Don’t just talk of turning to God; you’d better bear the authentic fruit of a changed life. Don’t take pride in your religious heritage, saying, “We have Abraham for our father!” Listen—God could turn these rocks into children of Abraham!

9 God wants you to bear fruit! If you don’t produce good fruit, then you’ll be chopped down like a fruitless tree and made into firewood. God’s ax is taking aim and ready to swing!

People: 10 What shall we do to perform works from changed lives?

John the Baptist: 11 The person who has two shirts must share with the person who has none. And the person with food must share with the one in need.

12 Some tax collectors were among those in the crowd seeking baptism.[c]

Tax Collectors: Teacher, what kind of fruit is God looking for from us?

John the Baptist: 13 Stop overcharging people. Only collect what you must turn over to the Romans.

Soldiers: 14 What about us? What should we do to show true change?

John the Baptist: Don’t extort money from people by throwing around your power or making false accusations, and be content with your pay.

It appears that at least some of the people desired to change. Verse 9  is key to me - God wants us to bear fruit. That can look different for different people. It's up to me to determine what it looks like for me. 

Jfanuary 4 - Luke 2

Today's reading - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+2&version=VOICE


The story of Jesus' birth and his early life. The first that jumped out at me was verse 52: And Jesus kept on growing—in wisdom, in physical stature, in favor with God, and in favor with others.

A reminder that Jesus although fully God he was fully human and need to grow in wisdom.

New Year - New Start

On Wednesday I was driving to San Diego and thinking about the new year. As I always do I think about what goals I would have for the new year. More importantly how can I do better this year than I have the past two.  One thing that came to mind was the importance of scripture and prayer.  Those thoughts let me back to this site. So I'm back...

Starting with Luke and then moving on to Acts...

So here we are in Luke chapter 1 - This year I'm reading from The Voice:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1&version=VOICE

Key verse that spoke to me verse 50:
Now and forever, I will be considered blessed by all generations. For the Mighty One has done great things for me; holy is God’s name! From generation to generation, God’s lovingkindness endures for those who revere Him