The Daily Dose

A Just Man

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.  Matthew 1:19

Joseph was a righteous and compassionate man.  Although he was within his rights according to the law of Moses to have Mary arrested, he did not want to disgrace or humiliate her when he found out she was pregnant.  He made the decision to call off the marriage, but before he could do it, God sent an angel to him to give him the message that Mary was carrying the God’s child, the Messiah.  Even though Mary probably told him what had happened, it was too farfetched to believe.  What a relief it must have been for Mary when Joseph came and told her the message the angel brought to him and that he would be there to help and protect her and the baby.

I can’t even imagine how great of a step of faith this was for Joseph.  We can look back now and see that it all worked out.  However, as it was happening, they didn’t know how it was going to be. Even though God had sent His messengers to both of them, I know there was still plenty of opportunity to be anxious, worried and even afraid about being responsible for God’s Son. Joseph, accepting the news of Mary’s condition, was only step number one in a long nine-month period of faith and trust in what God was doing.  Mary and Joseph submitted their lives to God and allowed Him to complete all that was in His heart to do.

I want to make note of Joseph’s response and reaction to the news Mary brought to him.  She had been gone for three months to visit her relative Elizabeth and when she returned, she came back with the news that she was carrying the Son of God.  Joseph didn’t freak out at the news (although I’m sure the thought crossed his mind) he carefully considered the best way to proceed.  When he finally decided to handle things in a way that wouldn’t shame Mary, that’s when God’s angel showed up.  He never had to make that tough choice of breaking the engagement with Mary.  They were able to be married and Joseph provided for and protected his new family.  He was a man full of God’s grace and love.  God knew exactly what He was doing when He placed His Son in the care of this faith filled couple.

Today I want to encourage you when making tough decisions or when you are under pressure to choose a path, to wait on God.  God will show up and help you to step out in the right direction.  If you are unclear what the next step might be, don’t move until you are sure you are moving in the direction that God has planned for you to go.  God will always make the way plain and clear, it’s up to us to wait for the plan and not rush into anything. Put away a life full of regrets by waiting on God’s Spirit to lead the way.

Today’s scripture reading:  Matthew 1:18-25

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 

20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 

21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 

23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 

25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

The Shepherds

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.”  Luke 2:8 

I was impressed to write about the shepherds today.  The only problem is I don’t know much about shepherds.  So, I asked the LORD, “LORD, why did You send the angels to shepherds as the first people to get the news of Jesus’ birth?” To me they have always seemed like an unlikely group to be chosen to spread the word for such an important event.  As I thought about shepherds in general, I considered, “maybe because they are diligent to watch over their sheep or maybe because they were faithful to stay with their flock to keep them all in one place?”  However, all of my considerations didn’t answer my question.  I thought, “maybe I will do a little research on shepherds so I can begin to understand them more?”  Then my next thought was, “no, I will just let God reveal what I need to know.”  Suddenly, it hit me that Shepherd is another name we call Pastors and Pastors shepherd their “sheep”.  Pastors also preach the good news of the gospel.

So, if we look at today’s scripture passage, that is exactly what the shepherds did.  First, they went to the place where Jesus was and met Him, then they made widely known the things that were told them concerning their Savior.  Their message caused many to marvel and wonder about the things the shepherds said.  That is exactly what happens today.  God appoints and anoints Pastors to make widely known the gospel concerning our Savior and that anointing on their words causes all who hear to think about the message and receive it.

God knew exactly what He was doing when He sent the angels to the shepherds.  He planned for them to be His ministers of the good news that Messiah had come.  Lastly, they rejoiced because of the great news and because they were chosen to spread that news. This celebration solidified the message in their hearts so that they would have the confidence and boldness to proclaim this good news to all.

Today I want to encourage you this Christmas season to appreciate your Pastor for the anointing and message he has received from God.  Send him a card or gift to show your grateful heart for watching over and keeping you as part of the flock and for his diligent and faithful service in the work of the ministry.

Today’s scripture reading:  Luke 2:8-20

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 

10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 

11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 

16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 

17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 

18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 

19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 

20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Behold His Maidservant

“Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”  Luke 1:38

Today I want to consider Mary and her life of faith and obedience.  Having grown up in a Jewish home, she was well train in scripture and prepared for the arranged marriage she would one day be given into.  She was submissive, humble/selfless, and well prepared for every good work she would be called to.  However, the thing that is most impressive about Mary is her words of faith.  When she was visited by the angel Gabriel and after she heard the message he was sent to give her, she didn’t argue or make excuses or even object.  Instead, she said, “Look, I am here (in the world) to serve the LORD, let it be, (or give it to me) just like God said it.”  She recognized the message was from God, believed she was born/called for this mission, and received it immediately.  She didn’t say, “I’ll have to think about it.”  She didn’t consider the struggle or the inconvenience of her calling.  She didn’t even say, “I’ll have to talk to Joseph first.”  She believed God would handle all the details and would get her through every battle she would face.  This is what true faith is all about.

Let’s take a look at the steps Mary took when she received her calling/mission from God through the angel.  She heard the word.  She didn’t argue or make excuses, she gave no objections or refusal.  She recognized the word/call was the reason she was given life on earth. She received the word and didn’t consider the struggles or impossibilities that would have to be overcome.  She rejoiced in that word and let it become a part of her.  Then she watched as God fulfilled the word in her life.  She didn’t try to make it happen, all she had to do was cling to that word and obey any instruction the Holy Spirit gave to move her in the direction of her calling/mission.

Maybe you are thinking, “That’s nice, but how is that relevant for me today?”  The answer to that question is:  Faith still works the same way today and so does God‘s calling.  Each one of us has been or will be called for a specific mission here in this life and if we follow the same steps and example that Mary gave, we will be empowered to complete that mission.  The process will look generally the same.  First, you “hear” the word from God about where and what He is calling you to.  It will come from the Holy Spirit within you and be backed up by the written Word of God (scripture).  Second, don’t argue or make excuses why you can’t or don’t want to do what God is putting on your heart to do.  Recognize the call is the reason you were given life on the earth.  Receive the word and do not consider the impossibility of it.  Then rejoice in the word and calling that God has given you and let it become a part of you by meditating on it daily.  Lastly, watch God fulfill that mission in your life through your obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in the right timing.

Today I want to encourage you to consider your calling.  We all have one and we all were born into this world for a purpose.  If you are a young person just starting out into your adult life, ask God for the wisdom to discern the call and mission He has for you.  If you are older, consider if you have allow/given God access to complete His plan in your life.  Ask Him to make the path plain and clear and sincerely desire to fulfill your purpose.  God will lead you in the perfect path to get you to your blessed place and fulfill in you all you were created to do.

Today’s scripture reading:  Luke 1:26-38

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 

27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 

28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 

30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 

31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 

33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 

36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 

37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

           Do not Fear

“Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”   Luke 2:10-11

So, it’s less than a week until Christmas and of course everywhere you go, you can hear Christmas music as a constant reminder that it is coming up very soon. There are a couple things have really touched my heart this year about Christmas.  The first thing is how the angels were strategically placed to be ready to make the announcement the instant the baby was born.  As soon as the baby Jesus took His first breath, an angel of the Lord was sent to a nearby field where the shepherds were.  It was nighttime, but the angel didn’t wait to see if the shepherds were awake or sleeping, he just stood there until someone noticed him. (I’m sure it didn’t take long.)  Of course, the first thing he says is don’t be afraid because it was obvious that they were.  He quickly went on with the news he has been waiting to tell all evening as the angels waited for the baby to be born.  He said I have some really exciting news and it’s good news for all people!  (not just the Hebrew people) Then he tells them that their Savior is born.  God in flesh.  The Creator has become part of His creation.  After that he is joined by a choir of angels and they all rejoice together!  What a celebration!!

The second thing is what a great miracle it was and is still today and will be for all eternity.  God had made this plan from the beginning of creation – to become a man.  He must have been as full of joy as the angels were as He watched and anticipated the birth.  I have always known that it was good news for us, the people who needed a Savior.  However, up until this year, I hadn’t considered how God the Father must have rejoiced.  Now when I think about Him, I consider how He had been waiting for this moment longer than any person on the earth.  He had talked about it from the beginning of time.  He told His prophets for thousands of years.  We always see these words throughout the Old Testament as prophecies or predictions of what was to come.  The truth is the prophets were writing what was in God’s heart.  God was talking to them about this glorious day!  He made the announcement that He was coming to make things right almost continuously throughout the scriptures.  God was coming to live with us, to be in a body and likeness of people and to experience the things we experience.  He wanted a relationship with us so in order to accomplish that, He took on flesh.  He loves us that much!  His heart was to make a creation that He could become a part of not just to rule over, but to live with and be a family.  He made us so He could be our God and Father!  It was joy in His heart to become a man!  Hebrews 12:2 says, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” This is new and joyous revelation to me!!  

Today I want to encourage you to consider that great love our Heavenly Father has for us.  He didn’t just come to save us, although that was the most important thing to us.  He came because He wanted a people . . . a family.  Keep this in mind as we get closer to the Christmas celebration and rejoice with our Father for His wonderful plan that was accomplished the night Jesus was born on the earth.  Thank Him for the plan He has for the future days in the world and give glory to Him that we will one day live with Him forever!

Today’s scripture ready:  Luke 2:8-14

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 

9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 

10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 

11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Increase our faith

And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5

You can increase your faith!  In fact, we all can.  The disciples asked Jesus after He told them about forgiveness to increase their faith.  They had always been taught an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.  This was a radical new teaching, and the disciples knew that they needed to take a step of faith to be able to walk in this degree of forgiveness.

So, how do we increase our faith?  Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God.  When the disciples heard the first time that they needed to live a life of forgiveness, they started asking at that point to hear it again.  They needed His reinforced words to get from their head down into their hearts.  They knew that the only way this was going to happen was if they heard it again from Jesus.  In that way, they would know they were doing the right thing when forgiving others because they had heard His direction on forgiveness many times.

Getting God’s Word on a subject is actually what we need to do for whatever we are taking a step of faith toward, and we may need to read His Word on the matter many times before we are confident in taking that step.  God’s Word is the foundation and the building blocks that we need for every decision in life, and we must hear it repeatedly so that we can establish our way in this dark world.  If you think about it, you are making every decision in your life based on something that you hear.  It could be based on something you heard on the news that others are doing in the world.  Maybe it is something you have heard your friends talking about?  It can even be what you have heard about styles and trends in today’s society.  Whatever the case, you are walking your life’s path based on an influence in your life and taking steps because of what you have been hearing and hearing.  Why not make what you are listening to be the Word of God. His Words are true and will never lead you down the wrong path.

Today I want to encourage you to increase your faith.  Spend time reading God’s Word out loud so you can hear it in your ears. Read the passage many times until it is planted in the ground of your heart.  You will begin to feel hope for your future, and you will begin to experience faith rising up in the core of your being.  Now you are ready to take that step to the next thing God’s Spirit is leading you too, but I have to warn you that you need at least as much of God’s Word in your life as you are getting from the world around you.  In that way, God’s Word will be loud enough to eliminate the chatter of all the voices trying to pull you in the wrong direction.  Start increasing your faith steps today by hearing and hearing what God has to say to you through His Word. Only then will you be making decision without a regrettable outcome.

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 17:5-10

5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”

6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 

7 And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? 

8 But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 

9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 

10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”

No Offense    

“Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!” Luke 17:1

Have you ever been offended?  I know we all have because in today’s scripture Jesus said it is impossible to avoid offenses.  Offense is actually the bait of the enemy to tempt all of us into the trap of unforgiveness.  Most people don’t even realize they are stepping right into a trap of Satan when taking the bait of offense.  When offense comes, we mostly believe we are justified to hold on to unforgiveness because we have been wronged. The initial reaction is to punish the person who did the hurtful action by not forgiving them.  The problem with that is it leads you into captivity by putting a wall/prison around your heart to block any further offense from getting in.  However, what that actually accomplishes is putting yourself into a vault of hurts and bitterness that get locked behind that wall with you to torment you.

So, because Jesus Himself said that you will, for sure, have opportunity to be offended, there are some things to consider ahead of time to help you not to take the bait.  The first thing to consider is the impact unforgiveness has on your faith walk.  Unforgiveness not only builds a wall around your heart to keep further offenses out, but that same wall becomes a barrier between you and your Heavenly Father.  You become insensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit because it’s hard to hear His leading through the wall.  Because you feel justified to hold on to that hurt, you have placed yourself in a prison of unforgiveness.  The result is being stuck in a cage that does not allow you to move forward in the plan God has for you. This is one reason why many people get stuck in the ruts of life.

The second thing to consider is that only you have the power to release yourself from that prison.  Forgiveness is an act of your will and your faith, not of your feelings.  To release yourself from that prison, you must take that step of faith to begin to share your Heavenly Father’s heart, the heart He has to forgive you for all the offenses you have committed toward Him.   Jesus said forgiving others is a condition that precedes you, yourself being forgiven by Him. (Matthew 6:14-15)

Lastly, Jesus said, “woe to him through whom offenses come.”  He didn’t say this to give us permission to hold on to offense.  He said it so that when we release (forgive) that person to Him, He will take care of them.  That doesn’t always mean it will look like we thought it would.  For Jesus to get the greatest victory is for that offender to turn their life over to Him and that can be accomplished through your act of forgiving.

Today I want to encourage you to check your heart for offense.  Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you if there is anyone you may be holding a grudge toward?  Ask Him to expose any roots of bitterness, resentment, and offense.  If anyone comes to your thoughts, don’t dismiss or justify those feelings, but consider if there may really be something there.  Then begin to pray for that person or people even if you don’t “feel” like it.  Make it an act of your will to be like your Heavenly Father who has forgiven your many offenses.  If you continue to pray blessing and healing over that person, eventually you will be released from that prison of unforgiveness.  It may take some time, but don’t give up! Every time you think of that individual, pray for them.  Thank God that He is working in their life and heart.  When forgiveness takes place in your heart that is when you will release yourself from the prison of unforgiveness that you have been holding yourself in.

Today’s scripture reading:  Luke 17:1-4

1 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! 

2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 

3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 

4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”

He Came Back from Death

But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ” Luke 16:31

Jesus rose from the dead. If you are Christian, then you believe this and in fact your very salvation is based on Jesus overcoming death.  He was sacrificed for our sin and paid the penalty for all sin.  Then after being dead for three days, He came back to this world as a conquering Victor!  If you are a believer than you know it is true.  Yet, how many in the world today have heard the message of God’s great salvation through the sacrifice of His only Son and still do not believe?

That was Jesus’ point in the reading today.  He told a story about a rich man and a beggar that died.  The beggar went to paradise, not because he was a beggar, but because he was a believer.  The rich man went to the place of torment.  Again, not because he was rich, simply because he didn’t believe. In this account, the rich man could actually see the place where Lazarus was and told father Abraham what to do.  This man still thought he had control over his circumstances.  He soon found out that he did not.  When he finally realized that there was nothing that could be done for him now that he was dead, he again tried to get Abraham to do something for his family that were still living.  He wants Abraham to send Lazarus, of all people back to warn his family what was to come after they die in their sin.  Like they would listen to a beggar?  However, the rich man thought if someone came back from the dead, then all would believe.  Abraham wisely told him that they already have Moses and the prophets words in writing and they would have to believe through their words.

Now we know that even though Jesus came back from the dead, many still did not and do not believe.  He gave His all for all people and even though there is an empty tomb, many will not listen.

What about you?  Are you trusting and believing in salvation through God’s great plan of redemption through His Son Jesus? Or are you of those who would say “If someone were to come back from the dead and tell me about it, then I would believe.”  The truth is someone has come back from the dead and that someone is Jesus our Savior.  He will tell you all about it in His Word and through His Spirit if you really want to hear about it.  The key is that you must desire to know the truth and then to believe it when you do hear it.  Only then can you receive that great salvation by faith through His grace!

Today I want to encourage you to seek out that great plan of salvation.  Ask God the Father to show you the truth through His Word and Spirit.  Ask Him to send people your way that can teach you and show you how to receive.  If you have already received Him into your life, ask Him to send you to those who still need to know.  Be the witness of His life and death in this world through your life and help those who want to know the truth to find it.

Today you can receive His great salvation by praying this prayer and committing your life to Him: _{God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new today.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to accomplish the things You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen}

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 16:14-31

14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 

15 And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

16 “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. 

17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.

18 “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.

19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 

20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 

21 desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 

22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 

23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ 

25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 

26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’

27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 

28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 

29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 

30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 

31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ”

Money

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.  Luke 16:10

I have heard people say that money is the root of all evil, thinking they are quoting scripture.  The truth is that the Word of God says, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” (See 1 Timothy 6:10) If you continue reading in that passage you will also read that when you covet or chase after money, you will bring many sorrows on yourself.  In the end, money is not evil, it simply takes on the personality of the one who possesses it.  Money can be used for good, and it can be used for evil.  Like all inanimate objects it is a tool and becomes or turns into whatever you exchange it for or use it for.

Today’s scripture reading in Luke 16 is about an unjust steward.  He is a man that has an occupation overseeing another man’s accounts and businesses.  When the employee finds out that his master is unhappy with his performance, he calls in those who have debts to his employer and discounts them so that he can be on their good side and ask a favor in return when he is in need.

The part that is hard for me to understand is when the owner calls the steward in to give an account, he actually gives the unjust steward a compliment because he dealt shrewdly or cleverly in his position.  Verse 8 says that people of the world are wiser when it comes to handling money than people of God’s kingdom. 

Many Christians believe that the way to be a good steward with money is to scrimp and save to accumulate all you can, but a faithful steward according to this passage makes friends with their funds.  This would imply a spirit of generosity and not stinginess.  God wants us to be generous with each other and with those that need help in the world.  This is the way to win others over as friends and to the saving knowledge of Jesus.  When we use the income and goods that we have been blessed with to bless others, then we are truly stewarding what has been committed to us from our Father in heaven.

According to this passage, we have to be faithful in working for others before we will be entrusted with a business, ministry or other resources of our own.  This explains why some people get stuck in a place of employment that they are completely dissatisfied with.  Because they are unhappy with the way the organization that employs them is managed, they do not do their best.  They are simply just trying to get by.  Now there is no faithfulness for God to find them in and they cannot not move beyond the level of mediocrity because of a bad attitude and pride.

Today I want to encourage you to be a faithful steward.  Be faithful to do your best work where you are whoever you are working for.  Even if you do not like the way some things are handled, be determined to do your best because of who you are as a child of God, not because or who your employer is.  I also want to encourage you to be generous with everyone you know and meet. You represent the kingdom of heaven wherever you are in life.  Begin today to be that faithful child in all your ways.  From work habits to generosity, let the kingdom of heaven shine through you in all you put your hand to.  Be shrewd with your finances and the world around you by showing them how good your Father in heaven is by how kind and generous you are.  Let all your money and resources take on the personality of God’s kingdom and you will truly be entrusted with true riches from God your Father.

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 16:1-13

1 He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 

2 So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’

3 “Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 

4 I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.’

5 “So he called every one of his master’s debtors to him, and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 

6 And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ So he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 

7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ So he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ 

8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.

9 “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home. 

10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. 

11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 

12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?

13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

My Journey

The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. Luke 15:12 – 13

We are all on a journey called life. Your journey may be different than mine and most likely is, but it is the path you choose to walk each day. Maybe you believe you have no choice, and you are stuck in the place you are right now, but the truth is, you always have a choice.

The parable of the prodigal son that Jesus told in Luke 15, pretty much sums up the journey I was on. Although I didn’t ask my parents for my share of the estate, mainly because there wasn’t one. My route out was marriage. I made the choice to get married at 18 and move to a place far away from the life I had up to that point. Again, I didn’t squander all I had, but I did marry someone who did. It was a bad situation, and at the end of four years, I found myself back in my hometown as a single mother working two full time jobs, trying to hold it all together.

I never found myself feeding the pigs, though I did live with a few along the way. One bad decision after another led me further from the love of my heavenly Father. Until I came to the point that I thought I was finally settled now in another relationship that was destined to fail. As hard as I tried to keep it together, there just wasn’t enough in me to continue on this journey going downhill faster every day.

Finally, I turned around and ran back to my Father, only to realize that he was there waiting and watching for me all along. I found myself in the same position as that prodigal in the parable: “And I rose up and came back to my Father. But when I was still a great way off, my Father saw me and had compassion, and ran and fell on my neck and kissed me. I said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your child.’ “But my Father said, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on her, and put a ring on her hand and sandals on her feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my daughter was dead and is alive again; she was lost and is found.’ Luke 15:20-24

Now my journey looks a lot different. I follow my Father’s lead wherever He would take me. He has given me a new home and a new life. A wonderful husband and family and good friends. I am connected in and protected by the family He has placed me in…His family, the Family of God!

Today I want to encourage you to take a look at your life journey. Are you on the path your loving Father prepared for you or have you taken a detour along the way? Don’t make the same mistakes that I made and try to figure this thing out on your own. Instead, turn your life over to His plan and walk out the journey He purposed for your life before you were even born. That is where you will find your joy and contentment in life and that is where you will know the reason you exist.

Today’s Scripture reading: Luke 15:11-32

11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 

12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 

13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 

14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 

15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 

16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 

18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 

19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’

20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 

21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 

23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 

24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

25 “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 

26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 

27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’

28 “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 

29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 

30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’

31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 

32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”

You are a Big Deal

Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10

You are a big deal to God!  He created you and loves you even more than we as people can love.  More than a mother for her child and more than a Grandparent for their grandchildren.  That is a lot!  The truth is that God loves all people more than we could ever imagine.  That can be a bit overwhelming and at times could even make you feel insignificant.  But it just isn’t the case.  God knows and loves each one of us individually.  Like a parent with many children of their own, they love them all the same amount in their unique design and personality.  Each on of us is unique to God our Father.  He doesn’t just lump us all together into one category. He sees each one of us as individuals and know the distinct and exclusive giftings of all His people.

Today’s reading shows us just how valuable we are to our Father.  Jesus told a parable about a woman that had ten silver coins.  Equal in value, shape, color and size.  Yet when she lost one, she set aside all that she had until that one was found and back in her protection and possession.  She was not willing to be satisfied that she still had nine others.  That one coin didn’t lose its significance to that woman just as we do not lose our importance to our Father in heaven.  When Satan tricked people at the beginning of time, he thought that he had stolen all that was valuable to God.  He didn’t realize that God would not stop until He got His most valuable creation back.  The people that He had created in His very own image and likeness.  It is true that not all will come back to Him, but He has made the provision for all to enter back into His Kingdom through the sacrifice and blood of His Son, Jesus.  Now, He will stop at nothing to make sure that every person has the opportunity to choose to be back with Him for all eternity.

This passage even says that when someone turns their life back over to God and repents from going in a direction away from Him, there is a great rejoicing and celebration in the heavens over that one soul.  Just as it was for the woman that found her coin.  God makes a big deal over you.  Not just when you receive His great salvation, but every day that you take a breath in the world.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God with your life!  He loves you and there isn’t anything He wouldn’t do to take care of you.  He makes a big deal over your life in heaven and He will rush in to rescue you when you fall into trouble, every time.

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 15:8-10

8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 

9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ 

10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”