Dec 20 = Luke 20

Repeatedly Jesus was set up. He was asked questions that required the most careful replies. They tried to trap Him with the very truth that He had dwelling within Him. Notice though that at no point did Jesus ever lie. He continued to speak truth without ever falling into their snares.

Much like Jesus was tested so too are traps set to ensnare us by the devil. Unfortunately, we're not Jesus - on our own we cannot always see these traps or resist those temptations.

Have you ever pondered the words to the "Our Father" prayer? Why are we taught to say "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil", the last of seven petitions in the prayer? It is because we cannot do this on our own. The devil is crafty and clever. He will use his knowledge of the bible to twist God's word and he never rests his watchful eye.

When we separate our minds from God and refuse to allow Him to be a guiding part of our daily lives (this includes His presence in school and the workplace) we make ourselves vulnerable. We need His constant presence, hence we are to pray without ceasing, both for our mental well being and for our spiritual protection.

Dec 19 = Luke 19

Here we have the parable where a rich man gave 10 coins to ten of his servants and went away. When he returned he called them forth to see how much interest they had gained him. The first doubled it to 20 and was thus put in charge of 10 cities. The next gained 50% (5 more) and he was given 5 cities to run. Another returned only the 10 coins saying he hid them away because he was afraid of the man.

On one hand I think the last guy is lying, he invested it too but was trying to keep the earnings for himself. On the other hand, maybe he did hide it away to avoid losing the coins.
Either way the message of doing well with what you're entrusted will ensure you are granted more is valid.

This message holds true not just with money, but every aspect of life. Did someone trust you with their heart? Their feelings/secrets? Has God given you a talent or gift that you're hoarding away instead of using it to multiply his kingdom?

Dec 18 = Luke 18

The pharisee went to pray saying "thank you that I am not like the other sinners" and he went on to beat his breast about the things he does that are good and right. The tax collector went to pray saying "God, have mercy on me, a sinner".

Does God know the good actions we take? Does he know the thoughts in our minds? Does he not see all of our rights and wrongs? Does he not know your heart? Does he not know your needs and worries?

Your prayers aren't telling God anything he doesn't already know. Your prayers are very telling though of how aware you are of who you really are.

Are your prayers mostly about you? Do your prayers focus on your needs or do they also express gratitude for the blessings already bestowed upon you? Do you take the time to reflect on your failures and sin or do they read like a resume, like the pharisee's?

Dec 17 = Luke 17

Like a thief in the night we're told the time will come. I know there is a million reasons to look forward to the kingdom of God, but I'll admit it fills me with a bit of anxiety to think about it.

Everything would continue on until the time comes. We'll eat, we'll drink, we'll go to work, and then like a strike of lightning on a sunny day our time is up. There will no longer be time to pray or ask for forgiveness, our chance to help the others we love come to know Jesus will be gone.

This is the case both with the end of times and the end of our own personal time here on earth. Our days are numbered but yet we refuse to believe it and not enough people prepare their lives.

If you knew you had a day... a week... a month... a year until your day was to come - what would you do with your time and your last opportunity? What is stopping you from doing those things today?

Dec 16 = Luke 16

If someone you loved and trusted that has already left this earth was granted a day to returned to you tomorrow in order to tell you all about heaven and hell how do you suppose it would change how you live your life? Would you be a different person?

In this chapter we hear of a rich man who begged in Hades to send someone to tell his brothers to prevent their doom. The response was simply that they should listen to Moses and the prophets and that if that isn't enough to convince them even someone rising from the dead would not.

I have to liken this to my own idiocy. I know being overweight isn't healthy and it leads to other things, but here I still am. I've known some people who get diagnosed with things that put the proverbial "fear of God" in them and it does change their eating habits or behaviors, but for the most part it doesn't. We all know what smoking cigarettes can do to you and yet look around.

I'll ask you my first questions again: has the first hand account of heaven and hell offered to us changed your life or who you are? Why not take His word on it?

Dec 15 = Luke 15

Today we find several stories of the lost being found again. Most of us know that no matter what, our parents have our backs. If we need them they're there, 24-7. They'd give and do anything to help us. Their hearts hurt when we hurt, they cry and worry (even though we're not supposed to worry) about us.

I may not agree with the things my daughter does through the years. We will argue. We will drive each other crazy at times. But I will never stop loving her. I know this beyond a shadow of a doubt. She will always be welcome in my home, in my life, and in my arms.

So it is with Jesus. He knows your hurts and sees your tears. He will always be there for you, ready to welcome you into His arms.

I know not everyone has the kind of loving parents here on earth that they should have had. I'm sorry if you are one of those people. I promise you however that your Father in heaven does love you, unconditionally, and He would love nothing more than to hear from you. His arms are open wide and He can provide all of the things denied you here on earth due through the failure of humans.

If you do have the kind of loving parents still here on earth that I described above, why don't you go ahead and give them a call. They miss you and nothing would bring them more joy than to hear your voice just because.

Dec 14 = Luke 14

In this chapter Jesus suggests that when one is invited to a feast they should not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished may have been invited. He goes on to suggest that they should take the lowest place, giving the most opportunity that the host might tell them to move to a better place.

Many would say I err on the side of pessimism. To me, I just have more opportunity to be pleasantly surprised. I know, it's not quite the same - this example is focused on being humble. But isn't it true? Wouldn't you rather be pleasantly surprised than shot down? Does anyone truly get reward by beating their own chest about being important?

I think the same applies to the works we take on in this life. We shouldn't need to brag or tell others about the things we do (maybe you paid it forward at the drive through in Starbucks or sent a gift card to a family in need or shoveled a neighbor's walk way after a snow). If someone observes your actions and comments, how warm does that make your heart? Even greater still is if no one has seen - because we know that God has seen, and in Matthew 6 we're told we will be rewarded (THAT is what gives your heart that warm feeling when no one has patted you on the back or sung your praises).

If you must boast - instead boast in the Lord and what He has done.