Day 21 - November 20 - Joshua 1

Hi guys,

Umm I'm going to continue this because well I think it's good spiritual discipline. And well, you'll know what I'm reading and you can ask me about it if you want. If you want to post, please contact me. (I will start commenting on all the threads and posts). Blessings.

And I feel like studying Joshua in the Old Testament. =)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=joshua%201;&version=31;

Chapter 1:6-9
6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

As you can see, Be Strong and Courageous is repeated multiple times by the Lord. Another item that really jumps out at me is in verse 8, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it".

For our application question, I'm want to ask if you meditate on the Bible day and night and be careful to do everything written in it? Do you attempt to do it? (will you read Joshua with us?)
Do you feel God asking you to be strong and courageous? In what aspects in your life?

Day 20 - November 19 - Luke 29

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2020;&version=31;

Paying Taxes to Caesar
20Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be honest. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21So the spies questioned him: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
23He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24"Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?"
25"Caesar's," they replied. He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
26They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.

Why were the religious leaders trying to trap Jesus and how did they try?
What implication does Jesus’ teaching have for us?
Pray that God would help you be a good citizen as you obey the law, and reflect Christ in all your behavior.

Day 19 - November 18 - Luke 19

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2019;&version=31;
How are you using your gifts, talents, and abilities for the work of Christ?
Make a list of your gifts, talents, and abilities. Present the list to Christ and express your desire for Him to use you to accomplish His purpose.

Day 18 - November 17 - Luke 18

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2018;&version=31;

I absolutely love the story about the persistant widow. The parable speaks to me about persistance and prayer and persistent prayer. Prayer Meeting are 8pm on Thursday in the church in Room 102

Luke 18:1-5
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "

How persistent are you in your praying?
Is there something that you have quit praying for because you didn’t think God was listening?

Day 17 - November 16 - Luke 17

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2017&version=31

In Luke 17:3-4, it says:
So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."

Should we always forgive others, even if they repeat their sin over and over again? Explain.

In Luke 17:7-10
"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.' "

When you serve God, do you do so looking for a reward? Is it difficult to serve God just for the joy of serving? Explain.

Day 16 - November 15 - Luke 16

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2016;&version=31;

So today's passages are all about possessions.
1. Be wise and faithful with what God gives you (Luke 16:1-15)
2. Remember that earthly wealth doesn’t translate into eternal life (Luke 16:19-31)
3. Live your life with a grateful heart (Luke 16:11-19)

What is your biggest struggle with finances and possessions?
Verse 13 says: "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." What does it mean to you?

Day 15 - November 14 - Luke 15

Hi guys, the Devo Blog continues on! if you would like to post, please let me know. =)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2015&version=31

Oh today's passage is really good! It has 3 parables of items that were lost, including the prodigal son! But today I want to focus on the first 2 verses that set the context of the parables.

1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

What were the Pharisees saying about Jesus?
Do you think that bothered Him to be known as One who welcomed sinners?
Could you be described the same as Jesus (one who welcomes sinners)? Why or why not? Do you want to be?
Pray that you would have a heart that welcomes sinners, that loves them regardless of what sin they are involved in. Pray God would use you to reach those who so desperately need Him.

Day 14: November 13 - Luke 14

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2014&version=31

Starting at verse 12-14, as Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees he tells the host to not invite those who may repay them, but invite those who are poor, marginalized and cannot repay him. I wonder under what motivation Jesus spoke this, and what the host might have thought, "What is this man doing telling me who to invite and who not to when I have invited him to dinner?"

I wonder how often we make it a point to serve those who cannot repay us. It has been said it is good to give, but it is even better to give knowing that you cannot be repaid.

Moving along, in verse 15-23, Jesus tells of a man who invites all his friends, who, for one reason or other cannot come. Jesus uses a banquet to illustrate 'feasting in the kingdom of God.'

I have two questions:

1) What does it mean to 'feast in the kingdom of God'?
2) What is preventing you from joining in at the feast of the kingdom of God?

Day 13: November 12 - Luke 13

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2013&version=31

In verses 22-30, Jesus warns that many who will try to enter the kingdom will not be able to. I think it’s interesting that in the parable, when the owner says, “I don’t know you or where you come from,” the response is, “We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.” None of these things describe a relationship with the owner. They didn’t say, “We ate, drank and conversed with you,” or “You were our teacher and we learned from you and obeyed you.” Just being in the presence of God doesn’t mean we have a relationship with him. God offers himself and his forgiveness to everyone in this world, but it doesn’t mean everyone has accepted it.

1) If God were to ask you now, “Who are you? How do I know you?” what would your response be? Would your answer only be a list of things that God has done? Or would it include your responses to his gifts as well?
2) On a different note, what do you think the parable of the fig tree (v. 6-9) or the parable of the Kingdom of God (v. 18-21) mean?

Day 12 - November 11 - Luke 12

It's a long chapter but I found God spoke to me on a few sections of Scripture.

V32-v34.

32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Jesus taught his disciples in the previous passage to "seek His kingdom" and God promises to provide for his disciples. Verse 32 reminds me that there is absolute joy coming from the Father in sharing His inheritance that is eternal. It speaks so much volume about the generous nature of God. Also, verse 34 states that what we treasure is where we put out efforts.

Throughout this chapter the theme of temporal versus eternal treasure came up. (v13-34)

Some food for thought:

1) Where does your treasure lie?
2) What is meant by treasure in heaven?

Day 11 - November 10 - Luke 11

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2011&version=65
That was a link to The Message (note this is NOT a translation of the Bible)
I always love how Eugene Patterson take on the Lord's prayer is:
vv11:2-4
Father, Reveal who you are. Set the world right. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil."

This is much different from the NIV:
2He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3Give us each day our daily bread. 4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.' "

I love the three square meals part in The Message. =)
Well for the NIV posting the link is:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2011;&version=31;

The section I wanted to share about today is from Chapter 11:37-41
Six Woes 37When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. 38But the Pharisee, noticing that Jesus did not first wash before the meal, was surprised.
39Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41But give what is inside the dish [j] to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

It really speaks to me about religious rituals.
What’s wrong with religious ritual?
Do you have any religious rituals in your life?
Pray that your walk with God won’t just become a dutiful ritual, but that it will remain fresh and authentic.

Day 10 - November 9 - Luke 10

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2010&version=31

Are you a Martha or are you a Mary (or a little of both?)

In 10:38-42
At the Home of Martha and Mary
38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her

Why do you think Martha was upset at her sister Mary?
Do you ever get so busy that you miss time just being with Jesus?
Take time to stop, be quiet, and rest at the feet of Jesus. Ask God to still your soul and speak to you. Don’t be busy or bothered. Just be still.

Day 9: November 8 – Luke 9

Following Jesus is not something that we do on a whim but it is something that has to be taken seriously. When Jesus asks us to "Follow him", we should be fully committed to building his kingdom.

1) Do you have any "Lord, [but] first let me...." obstacles/priorities in your life? If you don't, what kind of encouragement can you give to the rest of us?
2) What does it mean to "deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow [Jesus]"?

Day 8 - November 7 - Luke 8

Luke 8

Along the lines of Elaine's sharing on Luke 8, I want to pass the challenge to you.
It says those who hold on to the Word will bear fruit if they endure.
What does it mean to hold on to the Word?
Why is enduring important and what does it mean to endure?
Are you holding on to the Word and enduring?
Pray for strength to endure and stay the course, being faithful to listen and follow God in everything.

Day 7: November 6 - Luke 7

Luke 7
The thing that always stands out in this passage to me is that the man who is described as having "great faith" is a Gentile, and not a Jew. In fact, he is most probably not even a Roman. It must have been a reproach to any Jews in the the crowd that was following Jesus that there was "not found such great faith even in Israel." In other words, even those not so familiar with the God of Israel (i.e., Gentiles) had faith stronger than those who were very familiar with God.

Another interesting phrase is in verse 5, where the Jews sent on behalf of the Centurion assert, "This man deserves to have you do this, 5because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue." I wonder what kind of mindset or thinking these people had, to think that one could ever actually deserve to be healed by Jesus, as if it was almost earned. Ironically, the Centurion sends word in the end of verse 6 (ironically, only one verse after), "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you." The Centurion did not count himself worthy, and understood and had faith in the authority of Jesus. That is why he compared his own authority ("Go" and his servant would go) to the authority of Jesus, with the difference that Jesus had authority over everything.

So, I think, and wonder, two things (ask yourself these):

1) Do I have this kind of faith, that I believe in the absolute authority of Jesus Christ in my life?
2) Do I count myself, like the Centurion, undeserving and unworthy of all that God has done for me?

Jumping down further in the passage, and switching gears a little, Jesus, at the end is explaining the sinful woman anointing Him and taking care of Him, which the Pharisees did not do, even though they were hosting Jesus. But one thing they said struck me, and I wonder what it means "47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

3) What does this mean? What does it mean that the woman's sins were forgiven - for she loved much? And what does it mean that he who has been forgiven loves little? Surely it must not mean that if we sin a lot (and then get forgiven) that we love more than the one who sins little (and gets forgiven little)?

Day 6: November 5 - Luke 6

The one thing that really stood out for me in this chapter is how completely opposite Jesus' thinking and values are from the world's.
The world says, "Money is power"; Jesus says, "Woe to you who are rich."
The world says, "Eat drink, and be merry!"; Jesus says, "Woe to you who are well fed now."
The world says, "Love those who love you"; Jesus says, "Love your enemies."

Living like Jesus means changing our way of thinking. When the world praises you, then it's time to step back and ask yourself, is there something I need to watch out for? Is there some hidden pitfall that Satan has placed in front of me?

So my question to ponder today is (it is related to the question yesterday):

1. What worldly values are you holding in too high esteem?
   For me, I have always struggled with wanting to be accepted and well-liked. And especially around non-Christian circles, I've always hesistated in saying or acting in ways that would distance myself from them. This has been hard for me to let go, and sometimes, it's still a struggle. It's a value that I need God's help to change in me.

Day 5: November 4 – Luke 5

Good morning everyone! Here's a few things that spoke to me from this chapter.

Going All In

Sounds familiar? It should. We talked about that when we studied about the "Cost of Discipleship" a few weeks ago. v11 and v28 carry the same message. "So they pulled their boats up to shore, left everything and followed him." (v11) and "and Levi got up, left everything and followed him." (v28). The disciples made an intentional decision to put their complete trust in Jesus. In the case of Peter, it was after acknowledging that whatever he did, Jesus could do better.

Miracles

There's two more miracles that happen in this Chapter, the healing of leprosy (v12-14) and healing of paralytic (v17-26). Now, we know that Jesus performed miracles (i.e. supernatural) and that he is bigger than our circumstances. But how many of us have conviction that at touch of his hand or just by speaking he CAN perform the impossible NOW?

That leads me into my two questions:

1) We all have things that need to be surrendered in trying to be His disciples. What are some things that you're working on surrendering in order to follow Him? This is similar to Chapter 3 when we touched on repentance and action.

2) Where in some areas of our lives are we "sick" and need to ask for the power of Jesus to heal? I'm convicted we would see a few "Get up, take your mat and go home" moments if we're straight up before God about our current condition.

And to share a bit, my ongoing struggle is discipline in eating healthy and spending money on food, especially under stress. For me, it's a sickness that needs God's power to work. I encourage other sharing as well.

Have a blessed day!

Day 4: November 3 - Luke 4

Luke 4 (NIV)

The Temptation of Christ

I think this commentary best summarises the section about the temptation of Christ.

Christ's being led into the wilderness gave an advantage to the tempter; for there he was alone, none were with him by whose prayers and advice he might be helped in the hour of temptation. He who knew his own strength might give Satan advantage; but we may not, who know our own weakness. Being in all things made like unto his brethren, Jesus would, like the other children of God, live in dependence upon the Divine Providence and promise. The word of God is our sword, and faith in
that word is our shield. God has many ways of providing for his people, and therefore is at all times to be depended upon in the way of duty. All Satan's promises are deceitful; and if he is permitted to have any influence in disposing of the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, he uses them as baits to insnare men to destruction. We should reject at once and with abhorrence, every opportunity of sinful gain or advancement, as a price offered for our souls; we should seek riches,
honours, and happiness in the worship and service of God only. Christ will not worship Satan; nor, when he has the kingdoms of the world delivered to him by his Father, will he suffer any remains of the worship of the devil to continue in them. Satan also tempted Jesus to be his own murderer, by unfitting confidence in his Father's protection, such as he had no warrant for. Let not any abuse of Scripture by Satan or by men abate our esteem, or cause us to abandon its use; but let us study it
still, seek to know it, and seek our defence from it in all kinds of assaults. Let this word dwell richly in us, for it is our life. Our victorious Redeemer conquered, not for himself only, but for us also. The devil ended all the temptation. Christ let him try all his force, and defeated him. Satan saw it was to no purpose to attack Christ, who had nothing in him for his fiery darts to fasten upon. And if we resist the devil, he will flee from us. Yet he departed but till the season when he
was again to be let loose upon Jesus, not as a tempter, to draw him to sin, and so to strike at his head, at which he now aimed and was wholly defeated in; but as a persecutor, to bring Christ to suffer, and so to bruise his heel, which it was told him, he should have to do, and would do, though it would be the breaking of his own head, Ge 3:15. Though Satan depart for a season, we shall never be out of his reach till removed from this present evil world.

Jesus' Ministry

This chapter of Jesus' journey according to Luke reveals an overview of his ministry. Jesus's teaching evoked both wonder and rejection. He reads off Isaiah 61:1-2 in the synagogue at Nazareth to proclaim who he was, the Son of God sent to be with God's chosen people. And as with the prophets of old, He too was rejected by his hometown. He continued his teachings and healings outside of Nazareth. The healings and exorcisms that Jesus performed showed his power over evil and diseases. It showed his authority over all, including the evil and maladies that plagued the earth. His ministry/ message is to be shared to all and not just in an isolated corner, as Jesus did his teachings at other synagogues in Galilee.

Day 3: November 2 – Luke 3

Luke 3 (NIV)

Hey everyone,

I apologize for posting this devo this late. I didn't got home from church until 4 pm and spent some time on the road with God.

Repentance and action

John in verse 8 addressed the crowd, "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourself, "We have Abraham as our father." For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."


Often when we share Christ with others..we asked them to pray to Jesus to repent their sins. In this chapter, it seems repentance is more than a word of prayer. John made it cleared that unless there is fruit (action) from the repentance, it is meaningless.


From verse 10 to 14 on, John was asked on what fruits (actions) to produce.

Share and giving (v 10-11)

10"What should we do then?" the crowd asked. 11John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same."

John gave a very simple answer. The fruits is to share and give to those who do not have.


Fairness (v 12-13)

12Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" 13"Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them

The tax collectors are known for their corruption actions. John simply told them to be fair.


Contentment (v14)

Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?"
He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay."

It appears that the soldiers have been extorting money from others (or else John wouldn't tell them don't do it). Why are they extorting money? We can find this in the second advice John give them. They are probably not happy with their pay. John told them to be content no matter what their pay is.

....

In this passage, John stated clearly that true repentance will produce fruits. Those who don't, he calls them harsh names like "brood of vipers (v. 3.). He even warns them, that Jesus is coming to "baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (v. 16-18)
....


In this passage, we also see another important event: Jesus baptized and starting His ministry. In the previous chapters, Luke described Jesus as a miracle birth and his experience in the temple. Now, Jesus is about to begin His ministry as the Messiah and the Christ.

....

After reading this passage, I have two questions in mind:

i) am I (or are you) producing any fruits?
ii) And if so, what type of fruits am I (or are you) producing?
....

For myself, lately I've been convicted of all the blessings that I have. A few weeks ago I
was throwing some food away because it was turning bad. It dawned on me that such act is a
blessing! Most of the people around the world are starving and do not have the luxury to
throw food out. Yet I am provided with all the food to keep me alive.

With more than adequate blessings, I wonder how much of these blessings am I sharing it with others? Where's my role in sharing the 'tunic' with those who had done? Where's my part in
giving food to others who do not have?