Dec 13 = Luke 13

A mustard seed. If you've ever made Alton Brown's mac and cheese, you've seen one... if you haven't you really need to go look up the recipe, grind some mustard seeds, and give it a go - it's delightful.

They are pretty tiny. I decided to learn more about what they grow into and they can get to a decent size (20-30 ft) (although the mustard seed used for the condiment is more of a shrub). If you've never looked at your child and pondered the universe for a moment - at how two single cells can grow, shape, and evolve into the living, breathing, and thinking blessing that is standing before you you're not paying attention to the wonders God has created like you should.

In this chapter the kingdom of God is compared to a mustard seed that is planted and grew into a tree. The birds could perch and find shelter in its branches. Remember what we said yesterday about the birds... if God has prepared these things for them, what has he prepared for you?

This chapter also talks about the kingdom as an open, but narrow, door. It is open for but a time and will someday be closed. See the preparations made for you, the open door that awaits. Take shelter in the kingdom that has been prepared and opened for you.

Dec 12 = Luke 12

Not a single sparrow is forgotten by God - and we are far more valuable to Him. God provides to the birds, will he not do the same for us?

The most important thing in this chapter that I need to hear daily and feel like I have a good number of friends that need to hear it too: "Who by worrying can add a single hour to their life?"

Our worries don't change the situation it just eats us up. I'd venture to say in some cases it also keeps God at arm's length and tells Him "no, no - I've got this" at which point you can guarantee with our free will that He will allow us to flail as we've chosen. I can almost imagine God saying "really? ok. I'm waiting... let me know when you're ready" as He stands patiently like the good father that he is - waiting with a hand ready to extend and catch us as we fall.

My heart always warms for the passages in the bible that speak about sparrows. I pay attention the birds in the trees out back and flying about as I drive. They're beautiful to me and they should serve as reminders of our value to God and the freedom He provides if we only accept it.

Dec 11 = Luke 11

In this chapter Jesus addresses "how to pray". In addition to presenting a portion of the well known Our Father prayer, Jesus tells us to ask, seek, and knock.

We seem to interpret the "ask" indicated here to treat Him like Santa Claus: here's my list of things I want from you. Clearly we're doing it all wrong, and we're asking for the wrong things.

God knows what we're going through. He knows the outcome. He wants good for us. Why then do we need to ask/pray/talk to Him? The answer is relationship. Jesus wants a relationship with you. Only when you have a close and personal relationship with someone can they help you change. Imagine a stranger telling you something harsh about yourself that needs to change. What do they know?! Imagine a close friend telling you the same thing with love and knowledge of who you are, your hurts, your desires, your heart.

Jesus says "whoever is not with me is against me". Who do you chose to align yourself with in your daily actions, decisions, thoughts, and beliefs? Are you working against Him in your own life and delaying the good things He has planned for you because you are not asking, seeking, and knocking?

Try praying by asking for help understanding. Try praying that God would help you grow/change/evolve. Work with Him rather than against Him.

Dec 10 = Luke 10

The disciples were a pretty small group. Here in this chapter the Lord appoints seventy-two others and sends them out to do His work. They, much like the disciples healed people and cast out demons in His authority.

But what happens to those that received the healing from these seventy-two or even from the disciples? It does no good, we know, to keep that light to ourselves. Instead we have to see the gifts and knowledge we are given when we get to know the Lord like we're part of the original multi-level marketing scheme (before the concept got a bad wrap). It is our job to then set forth and spread the word about this amazing product - Jesus!

Sure, sometimes we are to pray or act in 'secret' (Matthew 6:6), but we are also to be step forth and offer Jesus' love and even His healing to those we encounter.

I hate to say it as I can hear the doubt I wish I didn't have as i type it: I don't know about you, but I don't feel so confident that I can "heal". We do think "gosh, if only my prayers and touch could take away that person's disease or help them see the light". I think it can, but it also depends on the person you're praying for - they too have to be willing to accept and receive, even if they don't know you're praying for them. Please don't be discouraged if your prayers seem to be "unanswered". I know that's a tall request when you see someone you prayed for in earnest pass away or suffering. Keep praying for them! Ask God where and how else you should be praying.

Dec 9 = Luke 9

I've often felt sorry for those with fame. They have no lives of their own, no privacy, and even their children and loved ones have paparazzi breathing down their neck at every move. (Side note: IMHO The way to get famous is to voice a cartoon. People might recognize your voice, but might not piece together who you were right away and the papzz sure wouldn't be chasing you down, but I digress.)

When Jesus and His disciples withdrew the crowds followed and so ensues the story of them feeding 5 thousand me (plus how many women and children) with 5 loaves and 2 fish.

I can't imagine how exhausting this constant barrage would be both for Jesus and the disciples. As those closest to Him, I am sure the disciples longed for a moment of peace where they could just sit alone with Jesus.

Picture that crowd. Imagine all of those people. Could you ever possibly get close enough to hear a word even if Jesus was shouting? No, but yet they were drawn, they followed. I often struggle with hearing His voice. I truly wish it was audible. Is this an excuse to not follow? No! We must deny ourselves, take up our cross - daily - and follow Him. Sometimes it's mighty hard without a clear map of the road we're expected to follow. We must trust that He will lead if we chose to follow each and every day. Sometimes we will require course correction from other believers. Sometimes we will get misled by the crowds and wander from the path.

Dec 8 = Luke 8

No one lights a lamp and hides it. God isn't pouring into you without the expectation that you will then shine as a light. No, this passage tells us you take the light and you put it on a stand - so that others may see the light.

When God calls you. It isn't about calling one person, it's about calling all people. He will use your light (and your life), if you let Him, to act as a beacon to others. This makes me think of the many works of Thomas Kinkade. (Aside: His work was lovely, but it didn't call to me.) He was called the painter of light. If it were so easy to distinguish the light within mankind as it is in his work. Also, think of how often he would put lighthouses in his pieces.

Side note for discussion and insight from others: Jesus expels the demons from the man. He then tells him to return home and tell how much God has done for you. Later in the chapter we read of Jesus bringing back to life a dead girl and He ordered them to not tell anyone what happened.

Why in the second case were they not to tell anyone?

Dec 7 = Luke 7

A lot of people question if there is a God based on the argument that their prayers don't always get answered. Why wasn't my loved one healed? Why do bad things happen to good people? etc.

Death is the cost of life. We all must face it some day. We're often not ready for our own passing, nor do we mentally comprehend it. We're certainly never ready to say good bye to those with whom we share love.

I think it is the smugness with which we ask "why" that answers the question. In this chapter Jesus performs miracles for those who don't count themselves even worthy enough to ask for His touch. Those who were giving their all, those who recognize the great debt they were in.

In my personal life I enjoy giving of myself to someone when it is unexpected and met with thanks. I admit, I am not as gracious of a giver when I feel like something is expected of me, it steals the joy. In all things - have a grateful heart.

His love and forgiveness is given freely. Accept this with that grateful heart. Be in awe of His mercy and goodness. Know that you are and always will be unworthy, but He did it anyway - gladly - for _you_.