Hall of Fame Generosity--- Day 34 Saturday March 27 2010

Day 34 Saturday March 27 2010



TODAY’S INTRO

Yesterday Jesus chastised the religious leaders for not caring, for putting their needs first, and letting the “helpless widows” of the world be trampled on.

TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 21:1-4

He looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; 2he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3He said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES

Yesterdays text was about widows being “trampled on” by the wealthy religious leaders. Community had been jeopardized because one group put there needs over the rest. The irony is that today, Jesus shows us one of the ways that community forms- through radical and sacrificial generosity. The widow today, who has little, gives so much. It is a gift of gratitude and thanks and offered with heartfelt devotion. Giving, being generous, and sharing without seeking reward is one of the most profound things we can do. Lets get to it! Let’s build community through our actions of gracious generosity.

A GREAT STATUS- "BUILDING COMMUNITY" Day 33 Friday, March 26 2010

Day 33 Friday March 26 2010



TODAY’S INTRO

Once again- the religious leaders circling around Jesus—trying to trap him. Once again, Jesus ends up challenging them and likely—upsetting them!

TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 20:27-47

27Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28and asked him a question, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. 29Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; 30then the second 31and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. 32Finally the woman also died. 33In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.” 34Jesus said to them, “Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.”

39Then some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you have spoken well.” 40For they no longer dared to ask him another question. 41Then he said to them, “How can they say that the Messiah is David’s son? 42For David himself says in the book of Psalms, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 43until I make your enemies your footstool.”’ 44David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?” 45In the hearing of all the people he said to the disciples, 46“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. 47They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES

Luke has shown us that Jesus is the champion of the poor and the oppressed. Here again, we have Jesus commenting on the power players of the day; the scribes. They are people with wealth, power, and respect. They wore special clothes and had special privileges. Yet, Jesus points out the simple fact—they have shown no concern for the “widows” of their day (a group that was not self sustaining in Jesus’ day and needed the community to support).

Jesus is saying something we can relate to. He is reminding us that we can’t simply look out for ourselves without building up and caring for the others. If we only look out for self and our own gain and status, we tear apart community. If we say, my best “status” is this- WILLING AND READY TO CARE, we become agents of care for Jesus.

The Author of New Chapters-- Day 32 Thursday March 25 2010

Day 32 Thursday March 25 2010



TODAY’S INTRO

Tense moments. It seems like the wagons are circling around Jesus. Many are trying to capture him, yet he does not appear to be tense about this. Rather, he tells what I consider a “sticky story”- foreshadowing what will happen in the days to come.

TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 20:1-26

20One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders 2and said to him, “Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?” 3He answered them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: 4Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” 5They discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ 6But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” 7So they answered that they did not know where it came from. 8Then Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

9He began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, and leased it to tenants, and went to another country for a long time. 10When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants in order that they might give him his share of the produce of the vineyard; but the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11Next he sent another slave; that one also they beat and insulted and sent away empty-handed. 12And he sent still a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. 13Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ 14But when the tenants saw him, they discussed it among themselves and said, ‘This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When they heard this, they said, “Heaven forbid!” 17But he looked at them and said, “What then does this text mean: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? 18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; and it will crush anyone on whom it falls.” 19When the scribes and chief priests realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to lay hands on him at that very hour, but they feared the people.

20So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. 21So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are right in what you say and teach, and you show deference to no one, but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. 22Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” 23But he perceived their craftiness and said to them, 24“Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?” They said, “The emperor’s.” 25He said to them, “Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 26And they were not able in the presence of the people to trap him by what he said; and being amazed by his answer, they became silent.

TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES

I have great respect for authors. They are able to take blank screens or blank paper and bring a story to life. Their words bring us awareness to others or stir imaginations or can challenge people. Great authors have words that matter- words that people want and need to hear.

Such is the case with Jesus. He is the “author of life” who has inspired many along the journey to Jerusalem. He has written new chapters in people’s lives- sinners, tax collectors, the lame, the blind, and people without much hope.. He wrote a new chapter in their lives. New chapters are hard for some people to read or listen to. The Pharisess seemed to have trouble with Jesus’ words, his acceptance of others, and his willingness to tell new stories that were challenging. They remind him that he is out of line. He should sit down and be quiet in their opinion. But. . . .

Jesus is not going to stop. In my mind, he came to write new chapters in our life. If we are stuck, he’s ready to write a new story in our life. If we are in need, he’s ready to tell a story of care. If we are struggling, perhaps his next chapter will about walking right alongside of you. Whatever the next chapters in our lives, Jesus will be the one to write them. He has the authority and no person in power can stop him.

TEARS FOR PEACE Day 31- Wednesday March 24, 2010

Day 31 Wednesday March 24 2010



TODAY’S INTRO

Outside Jerusalem.

Entering Jerusalem

Starting to make an impact in Jerusalem.



TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 19:11-48

11 As they were listening to this, he went on to tell a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 12So he said, ‘A nobleman went to a distant country to get royal power for himself and then return. 13He summoned ten of his slaves, and gave them ten pounds,* and said to them, “Do business with these until I come back.” 14But the citizens of his country hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, “We do not want this man to rule over us.” 15When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. 16The first came forward and said, “Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.” 17He said to him, “Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.” 18Then the second came, saying, “Lord, your pound has made five pounds.” 19He said to him, “And you, rule over five cities.” 20Then the other came, saying, “Lord, here is your pound. I wrapped it up in a piece of cloth, 21for I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man; you take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.” 22He said to him, “I will judge you by your own words, you wicked slave! You knew, did you, that I was a harsh man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23Why then did you not put my money into the bank? Then when I returned, I could have collected it with interest.” 24He said to the bystanders, “Take the pound from him and give it to the one who has ten pounds.” 25(And they said to him, “Lord, he has ten pounds!”) 26“I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and slaughter them in my presence.” ’

28 After he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

29 When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” just say this: “The Lord needs it.” ’ 32So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. 33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ 34They said, ‘The Lord needs it.’ 35Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. 37As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, 38saying,

‘Blessed is the king

who comes in the name of the Lord!

Peace in heaven,

and glory in the highest heaven!’

39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, order your disciples to stop.’ 40He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’

41 As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you, and hem you in on every side. 44They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone upon another; because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.’*

45 Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; 46and he said, ‘It is written,

“My house shall be a house of prayer”;

but you have made it a den of robbers.’

47 Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; 48but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.





TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES

For the life of me, I can’t remember what the pictures are called so I will do my best to describe them. The pictures I am referring to appeared in the mid 1990’s and were these computer generated posters. The posters were a busy mosaic of colors but didn’t appear to be much of anything. However, if you stared and stared and stared and stared (without blinking) for a long time, there was a transition moment—all of sudden a hidden image leaped into view. Without in depth and focused attention, it remained hidden from view.

In some sense, Jesus enters Jerusalem today and stares at the mosaic and is able to see a vision of a peaceful world; a world that lives by his ways but. . . no one else can see it. He weeps.

His weeping is important for he can see possibilities that others can not. His weeping is important for it reminds us that “peace is possible” . One of the tasks of the Christian journey is to not try and change the entire world for that will always overwhelm and disappoint us. The true calling of the Christian is to focus on our local world, in the relationships we have on a daily basis and to say “how can I offer peace and hope to others” where I am.

Blessed are the peacemakers. They give others a glimpse of what Jesus saw in “plain view”.



Jesus, bring the day of peace where there is no more weeping, no more sorrow.

Tranformers Day 30 Tuesday, March 23 2010

Day 30 Tuesday March 23 2010



TODAY’S INTRO

What was Zaccheus’ net worth in the morning?

What was Zaccheus’ net worth in the evening?

Was the change an accident, a drop in the stock market, or intentional?



TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 19:1-10

19He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax-collector and was rich. 3He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycomore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’ 6So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7All who saw it began to grumble and said, ‘He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.’ 8Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’ 9Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.’



TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES

Transformers- they were a popular toy a few years back.. As I recall , they were these action figures that looked like regular people but if you twisted them in certain ways they became these “super heroes”. A few twists and they were radically transformed into something really exciting.



Zaccheus is nothing less than a transformer today. He is in a despised occupation in the morning- a 1st century jerk. By the afternoon, he has encountered Jesus and he is all of a sudden an agent trying to make peace, trying to make a mends, and he has intentionally shared half his net worth to advance Jesus’ mission to serve the poor! In the morning, prior to meeting Jesus he is living for self. In the afternoon, he has been transformed into a follower- overflowing with generosity. Nothing is held back. Generosity prevails. Connecting once more to people is what matters to Zaccheus.



How do you and I need to be transformed? Have we been transformed? Are we agents of generosity yet? Are we like Zaccheus in the morning, at midday, or in the evening? Which would we like to be?



Jesus, transform us this day as you once transformed Zaccheus. Help us to overflow with generosity each day. Amen

ENDING THE ARROGANCE! Day 29 Monday, March 22 2010

Day 29 Monday March 22 2010



TODAY’S INTRO

Which part of today’s text will stand out for you? There are some sections that challenge, some that comfort, and some that speak of destiny!

TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 18: 9-43

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” 13But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’

15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. 16But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’

18 A certain ruler asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ 19Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 20You know the commandments: “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honour your father and mother.” ’ 21He replied, ‘I have kept all these since my youth.’ 22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money* to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ 23But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. 24Jesus looked at him and said, ‘How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’

26 Those who heard it said, ‘Then who can be saved?’ 27He replied, ‘What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.’

28 Then Peter said, ‘Look, we have left our homes and followed you.’ 29And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.’

31 Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, ‘See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. 32For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. 33After they have flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise again.’ 34But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what he said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.

35 As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth* is passing by.’ 38Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ 39Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ 40Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, 41‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, let me see again.’ 42Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’ 43Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God

TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES

“I’m glad I’m not like that person.” -- I guess that is the one that stands out to me today. In our world, it seems that people are quicker to find the flaws in others instead of celebrating the good things.



We live in an ultra-competitive world where we are often taught early to be better than others or to try and be the best. Finding the flaws in others is often a key defense mechanism. We see the problems of another and feel better about ourselves. That reality, of pointing out the flaws in others, exists in high schools, middle schools, facebook conversations, blogs, news, and in face to face conversation.



Jesus, however, points us to a new way. It is one that does not drag down “the other”. It simply starts with self-examination and a humble request for god to help us with our lives. We ask God to humbly bless us so that we might be a blessing for others. Start there and then seek to bless others & not pick out their faults.



Jesus never looked at the people of this world and said, “I am glad I am not like them.” The great story of God sending Jesus into this world was that he would “become one of us” but then truly show us how to live. His life was marked by humilty, servanthood, and a desire to lift up every person he encountered (even those that others wrote off!)



Will you bless others today or will you be quick to see the flaws? Let’s seek to find the goodness in others today. Let’s play our part in bringing out the best in others.



FRIENDS ADDED

Humble

Children

Those who “give all” for the advancement of the Kingdom

Proper use of possessions



NOTES

We are a mere two weeks from Easter. Our devotions through Luke will finish right around Easter.



On Monday, April 5 we will start walking through Luke’s 2nd edition, the Book of Acts.  http://www.ripplingout.blogspot.com/

DON'T LOSE HEART--- Day 28 Saturday, March 20 2010

Day 28 Saturday March 20 2010

TODAY’S INTRO
We are exposed to photography, artwork, paintings throughout our lives. Some works of art inspire us. Others leave us indifferent. The point is simple- we look at some art and say, “I like that”. We are drawn to it for some reason. Other works of art leave us saying, “I don’t like that picture”. I’m not real keen on the picture Jesus paints today but. . .I have learned that beauty is often not seen at first glance.

TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 18
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ 4For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” 6And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES
Our text today is brief but one that is worthy of a whole sermon and extensive research.

What I like about it is the Lukan addition at the very beginning which reminds us to pray and not lose heart. The people of God are called to be faithful, to hang in there despite obstacles, and to believe that with God- “all things are possible”. That isn’t a passive naivete but an active asking for God to bring a “new day”, a “brighter day”, a day of hope realized.

The widow is persistent. She is not willing to say this is “God’s will” and sit back and wait. She communicates. She states her need over and over and over again. She reminds me that faith demonstrated is continually turning to the one who has the power to bring about change.

Faith is shown in “returning to our sender” over and over again- in times of joy and, as the widow shows us, in our times of need.


NOTES
We are a mere two weeks from Easter. Our devotions through Luke will finish right around Easter.

On Monday, April 5 we will start walking through Luke’s 2nd edition, the Book of Acts.