The Daily Dose

Point Break

So he (Judas) promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude. Luke 22:6

Have you ever been pushed to your limit by the circumstances happening around you?  So many unexpected disappointments that it put you over the edge?  Maybe it was financial pressure or family trouble?  Maybe politics at work or the betrayal of a close friend?  Maybe it was all of these at once?  One could certainly understand if you met your breaking point if your world seemed to be crumbling around you.  The important thing is, what do you do next?  Do you give up?  Do you try to fix all the problems yourself or do you surrender them over to your Father in heaven?  The decision you make at that point will either make your way established or could break and destroy all that the Lord has been doing in your life and in your heart up to that point.

In today’s reading, Judas was at his breaking point. In Marks account of this event, this happened right after a woman came to Jesus and began to anoint Him with a very extravagant gift.  It was the most precious thing she had, and she poured it out on Jesus because she loved and honored Him so much.  Jesus didn’t correct her, but He protected her from the scrutiny of the crowd and taught them how her gift would mark her as one who gave it all for Him.  This was the final straw for Judas.  It was the offense that pushed him over the edge.  Judas had already betrayed the ministry by stealing from the funds, but he was no longer able to hold back the contempt he felt.  I don’t know if he thought the priest would be unable to take Jesus because he had seen Jesus in tight spots before? Or if he really wanted Jesus to be brought down by the hands of men.  I do know he was out for the money they offered him, but in betraying Jesus, he went further than he was ever able to come back from.

What do you think?  If Judas had confessed and repented would Jesus have forgiven and cleansed him from all unrighteousness?  I certainly believe so.  It was a terrible thing to do, but Jesus most certainly could have restored him.  However, Judas was unable to live with the shame of his actions and instead of running to Jesus, he ran aways from him and took his own life.  It is one of the saddest events in the bible.  One of Jesus closest and trusted friends on the outside, yet on the inside there was deception and lies.

Today I want to encourage you to examine where your breaking point is.  Take a look at your life and think about what things would push you close to the edge.  Imagine what your decision would be when you got to that point and consider would you run to God or away from Him?  Put together an action plan that will help you to surrender all your struggles over to Him to receive His peace and solutions.  You plan should start with spending time with Him each day and making it a habit to surrender your day and everything in it now when things are going well.  Then you will already be in the habit of running to Him with everything and you will not be as tempted to run and hide when problems randomly come up.  Next get around others that are fully surrendered and they will encourage you when you need it most.  Don’t let the enemy push you over the edge when you get close, call out to Jesus and He will come and rescue you from all your troubles.

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 22:1-6

1 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. 

2 And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people.

3 Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. 

4 So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. 

5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. 

6 So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.

Watch and Pray

Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36

This passage is a little disturbing to me, but mostly exciting.  It says that the Master (Jesus) could come back unexpectedly in verse 34.  It says that if we are distracted with the things of life, we will be caught by surprise when He comes.  It makes me consider, what are my priorities?

Today’s reading instructs us to be ready at any time, all the time for our Master to return.  If I think about how that would look, I of course, would be on my best behavior all the time, ready to be taken away with Him, but also ready for inspection of my life’s activities and responsibilities to be in order.  Though it is a part of kingdom living to steward our time and property well, there are those times that my guard is down.

Verse 36 of this passage says: Pay attention by watching and praying. Yes, we see the things happening in the world today and hear how the evil seems to be growing, but that is not for us to focus on.  We are to watch and pray for His return and see that we keep our own “house” in order.  If we knew that He was coming back today, what would we be doing?  If we knew it was a week or a month from today?  I know for me; I would be making sure that His work and His plans for my life were being completed each day so that I would be ready when He did arrive.

That is how we watch and pray.  Watch that we are keeping God’s kingdom and righteous first and number one priority and pray for the grace to lead others to watch and pray also.  Rescuing the lost and making His agenda our agenda. This is not to secure our salvation. We are saved by His grace, through His blood, not our works. The point of watching and praying is to be ready and get His work done before He comes to get us .

Today I want to encourage you to watch and pray.  Watch, so that you are not caught off guard and unprepared when He comes.  Watch by seeking His plans first each day.  He wants to lead you in that perfect path of righteousness, but you must start out by fully trusting and following His lead each day.  Second, take time to pray.  Not just a quick “Good morning God, watch over me and protect throughout the day” prayer, but an earnest surrender to His plan for the day kind of prayer.  Determine to accomplish down to the last detail your entire missions before it is too late.

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 21:34-48

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 

35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

37 And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet. 

38 Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.

Here is a hint

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Luke 21:33

This passage is about the end times and what signs to watch for as the end approaches, but I believe this is one verse in the passage that is key, but often gets overlooked.  It is verse 33.  Basically, it says no matter what happens and no matter when it happens, there is one thing that will remain and always be the same in strength and power, in heaven and earth, that is the Word of God.

God’s Word!  What a precious gift we have been given.  Having a written form accessible to us 24/7 is something that up until the last 200 or so years, was not available to everyone.  We are blessed more than any other generation before us because of the unrestricted access we have to the eternal words and promises of God to His people.  Sadly, we are probably the generation who ignores it more than any other generation, also.  Of course, I don’t know if that is the case, but certainly this present time in the world, people have a greater responsibility to know God’s Word since it is at our fingertips continuously.

Oh, we get excited about the latest headlines and the current crisis and think this could, be it?  Surly He is on His way back for us now, but we don’t take the time to bask in the love of His word that He gave us to know Him so intimately.  Plainly said: God’s Word needs to become our focus and our main priority in life again.  We should know if better than we know how to use any devise or any other written word we study.  We should value the Word of God as the great treasure that it is, bury it in our heart so that all our responses will be in line with Him, not against Him. We should turn to it before and more often than looking to the news, headlines, media or any other worldly attraction.

Today I want to encourage you to get deep into God’s Word.  If you don’t already have a quiet time that you spend with Him and His Word each day, start today.  If you do have that time, then start really appreciating the gift we have in His Word and recognize it as the authority that will stand forever and as the answer to anything you face. His Word is life to those who find and health to their whole body. (Proverb 4:22)

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 21:20-33

20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 

21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 

22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 

23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 

24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 

26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 

27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 

28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 

30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 

31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 

32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 

33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

The End is not yet

But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.” Luke 21:9

 I can remember from a very young age looking for the Lord’s return.  We have believed for years that He could come back for us at any time.  What a glorious day that will be!  With the crazy times we are living in, sooner rather than later is what my hope is.  However, my greatest desire is to make the greatest impact with the remaining days I have here in this world and to reach as many lost people as possible.

In today’s passage, Jesus gave His disciples a look into the future as He explained some of the events that they would be up against and the rest of the world in the coming years.  He gave a list of some signs that we all have seen and continue to see, but then He said, but that is not the end.  He said: wars and rumors of war. Check! Nation rising up against another nation. Check! Earthquakes. Check! Famines and pestilence. Check!  Fearful sights and great signs from heaven Check! 

In Mark 13, this account ends with the phrase: And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.  We have not seen this accomplished yet, now or even in the past.  I was recently at an event that spoke of translating Bibles into many languages of nations that still do not have the massage of salvation.  I remember thinking:  with today’s technology and travel, how can there still be part of the world that have not been reached with the messages of God’s love and provision of salvation.  Yet, Jesus said before He comes to get us, first the gospel must reach every nation.

Is there anything we can do to help that happen?  To this I say, yes!!  First of all, we can pray.  We can pray for the provision and the people to take the message.  We can pray for every corner and far out village that has not been discovered, to be revealed.  We can pray for hearts to be ready to jump on the opportunity when it finally gets to them, and we can pray that we will know what our place and part is in reaching the nations.

Next, we can support missions and outreaches that are taking the message out. And most of us have access to the world through the world wide web and can begin to ask for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and insight on how to use this resource and all other tools we have to get the message out.  This is an “All hands on deck” call.  We all have a part and we all have been commissioned.  We cannot live this life the way the world does and be content to let others do the things we were born into this time to accomplish.

Today I want to encourage you to get alone with God and seek His love, grace and direction.  Praise and worship Him for the great things He has done in the past, is doing right now in the present and the things He will do in the coming days.  Seek out the mission you have been assigned to if you do not already know what that is and begin to go through the doors that He opens on that road today.  If you are already on your called way, continue to press in to hear and know the next steps He has for you to take today and every day.  Let’s get His love and grace to the nations and to the ends of the earth and see Him returning in the clouds to get us, ASAP!

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 21:7-19

7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?”

8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 

9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 

11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 

12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 

13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 

14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 

15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 

16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 

17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 

19 By your patience possess your souls.

She gave it all

For all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” Luke 21:4

Have you ever felt so much love and admiration for God that you wanted to give all that you possessed?  What about just giving Him the things that are most precious to you.  Oh, I know God doesn’t require us to give Him all of our possessions, but has His love ever filled you up so greatly that you desired to lay it all at His feet?

In today’s reading, there was a poor widow woman that came to the temple to give.  She only had a little bit to offer, but she gave it all.  Even though there were many others there that were rich and gave large amounts of money, Jesus told His disciples that the widow gave more than all of them because she gave her whole livelihood.

This concept seems foolish to some people.  Why would you give your money away? And especially to the church?  This poor widow was giving at a time when it was obvious that the priests were getting rich off of the people’s giving.  Why would she give all that she had that they would never appreciate?  She knew something that they didn’t know.  She loved God and was giving her gift to Him, not to the leaders.  What they did with her gift was between them and God.  She gave because of God and what happened to the money after that was not her concern.  She knew that her offering was accepted in heaven at the throne because it was from her heart to the heart of God.

Maybe you are someone who gives tithes and offerings at the church or donations to ministries supporting the work of God in various places.  These are certainly worthy gifts, but if given out of duty or obligation, there is no love for God and His work being done in this world.  It is important to check your heart when giving and purpose that you want to love and honor God with all your giving. 

Proverbs 3:9 says: Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; and 2 Corinthians 9:7 says: So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.  The instruction in these passages are clear, we are to give from every increase we receive and not just give, but to honor God by giving it to Him, not to an organization.  Also, to purpose or plan to give so you will not be compelled to give grudgingly.

Lastly, consider when giving to individuals in need.  Sure, if a friend or loved one comes to you and asks for help, you would certainly give willingly.  Probably not even considering that you are giving to God. But what about those on the street corner that are looking for their next meal?  Do you give willingly out of your account, or do you judge who it is and what they will do with your gift?  Proverbs 19:17 tells us that He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord.  It doesn’t tell us to consider and scrutinize what will be done with the funds, it just says that when you give you are giving to God. What a great promise and such freedom.  You no longer need to decide who is worthy to receive blessing and who will appreciate your sacrifice.  Instead, you can see these opportunities as an occasion to give to your Father in heaven and trust Him to see to how the substance is used.

Today I want to encourage you to give.  Give your tithes and give your offerings.  Very few things in this world are transferable into the spirit world but giving from your heart is seen and received by God.  Don’t worry about how God will provide for you if you give, just honor Him with your love and giving and His blessing will follow you in all the areas of your life.  Look for opportunities to bless others whether you know them or not and let God be the one who makes sure your gifts are used to reach the souls of others.  Remember, your love for Him is evident in what you are willing to release into His hands to reach those who are far from Him. Use your finances to reach the world with God’s love!

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 21:1-4

1 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 

2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. 

3 So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; 

4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”

His Enemies are His footstool

Now David himself said in the Book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Luke 20:42

In the previous section of this chapter, Jesus had a discussion with the Sadducees about the resurrection.  By the end of that conversation, they didn’t want to question Him anymore.  It was safe to say that He shut them down. Then He went on to ask them if David calls the Messiah Lord, how can He (the Messiah) be David’s Son?  It almost sounds like a riddle.

I believe He wanted to let them know that the Messiah/Christ was indeed the Son of God and not just a man born from the line of David.  He was declaring His Lordship to them and letting them know that if they took the side with His enemies, they would be put under His feet.

This is contrasted with who we are today as Christians, believers and children of God.  Ephesians 2:6 says we sit together with Him in heavenly places.  We are not under His feet, but we are as His body under His head.  He is the Head of the church the body of the anointed Christ and His Head directs and moves the body to complete the mission we have been placed here to do.  We don’t always get it perfect, but the message has successfully survived for 2000 years as His Spirit has given utterance to spread the good news.

My encouragement for you today is if you are a part of His body, the body of believers in the world today, then get in line with His plans for the role you play in the days we are living.  Step away from the distractions of this world and begin to make His Word, His heart and worship your priority.  Join together with the rest of the body to lead the lost ones to the knowledge of salvation in Christ Jesus and use your gifts and talents to invest in your eternal future by serving others in love.  If you do not know Him personally, then start that conversation today.  Invite Jesus into your life and world by praying this short prayer right now from your heart:

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.  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 do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 20:41-47

41And He said to them, “How can they say that the Christ is the Son of David? 

42Now David himself said in the Book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand,

43Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’

44Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son?”

45Then, in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples, 

46“Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 

47who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

He is the God of the Living!

For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him.” Luke 20:38

Some people, believe in God, but they think His love and grace is only for after you leave this world.  Others believe that God’s Salvation through Jesus is only to secure our future with Him after we die.  However, that is just not the case!  God is the God of right now.  He is the Father of those living in this world right now that have made a place for Him in their life.  In fact, when God spoke to Moses in the Old Testament from the burning bush, He told Moses “I am” to let Moses know that He is the God of right here and now, not the someday, far and away.

In today’s reading, the Sadducees brought a scenario to Jesus about what would happen to a person that was married after they died. This group of religious leaders did not even believe there was life after death, but because they wanted to trap Jesus into giving an answer that would condemn Himself, they posed the question to Him.  Jesus told them they were wrong, in fact He told them they were greatly wrong.  God is not the God of the dead, but for all of us living in the world right now.  When you die, you will go to be with Him in heaven if you know Him personally, but you will be made whole and live with Him for all eternity.

Here are just a few scriptures confirming that He is the God of the living.  The God of the right now and the God, you can trust your life to in these crazy, messed up days that we live in.

Psalm 91:15-16 – He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.”

Exodus 33:14 – And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Psalms 16:8 – I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Deuteronomy 31:8 – And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Today I want to encourage you to press into the God of your salvation.  His presence is here right now and His Spirit lives on the inside of every born-again believer.  He wants you to know His goodness and He wants you to know He is with you always.  Trust Him today to empower you to overcome every obstacle that comes your way and follow in the direction that He is leading.  He is the God of those living right now and we can share His goodness wherever we are.

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 20:27-39

27 Then some of the Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, 

28 saying: “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he dies without children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. 

29 Now there were seven brothers. And the first took a wife, and died without children. 

30 And the second took her as wife, and he died childless. 

31 Then the third took her, and in like manner the seven also; and they left no children, and died. 

32 Last of all the woman died also. 

33 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife does she become? For all seven had her as wife.”

34 Jesus answered and said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. 

35 But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 

36 nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 

37 But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 

38 For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him.”

39 Then some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” 

40 But after that they dared not question Him anymore.

His Image Inside of You

And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Luke 20:25

Have you ever thought about the image that is inside of you?  We look in mirrors to see our outside appearance, but what is mirroring our inside.  Surprisingly, the answer is simple.  It is what we are taking in through our surroundings each day.  What are we looking at and listening to?  These are the things our inside (image) person/spirit are conforming to.

In today’s scripture, Jesus is answering a question the Pharisees asked to try, once again, to trap Him.  His answer is profound and goes so much deeper than they expected.  He said: “Your money has Caesar’s image on it, so it already belongs to him.  There is no dispute about giving it back to him if he requires it because it’s his.” Then Jesus went on with that thought and says, “but, the most important thing to consider is who God has put His image on belongs to God.  You should be more concerned with giving back to God what belongs to Him.”  I, like the Pharisees, have always been focused on the tax issue when reading this passage, but I realized that Jesus’ focus was different.   What is really important is what are we doing with the life God has given us?”  Most importantly, that would be ourselves and the image of God inside.

The image of God inside is the place to focus our growing efforts.  So how do we do that?  Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world (influenced to be like), but be transformed (changed from the world’s image to God’s image) by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (accomplish God’s plan for your life in this world).”

So, how do you renew your mind to be transformed?  That’s where we come back around to what is influencing you.  What are you looking at and listening to?  It is not possible to be in the world and not hear and see what is going on around you.  It is possible to purposefully pour the things of God inside of you to wash out and override the thoughts, ideas and attitudes of the world.  You make the decision – does your life reflect God or the world? 

Today I want to encourage you to start fresh this year by growing the image of God on the inside of you.  Purpose to put the ways of God into your heart everyday by spending time reading and meditating on His Word.  Talk to Him about the plans and thoughts He has for you.  Make the decision to step up your walk with God and take a step away from the world’s way of thinking.  Make God’s image on the inside of you the #1 priority in your life and give yourself perfect vision for your future!

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 20:20-26

20 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor.

21 Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: 

22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

23 But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? 

24 Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” they answered and said, “Caesar’s.”

25 And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

26 But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent.

What will you do with Jesus?

Then He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone’? Luke 20:17

In today’s reading, Jesus told a story/parable about a wicked vinedresser.  The meaning was symbolic of God sending the prophets to the people and how they were rejected down through the generations.  Then when God sent His Son into the world to save the people, He (the Son) is rejected above all others and killed.  He concluded by saying that the One who has been rejected is the chief cornerstone/building block upon which the age of grace is being built.  He ended with a statement that the cornerstone cannot be destroy.  The priests and Pharisees knew what Jesus’ implication was and they were indignant.  They wanted to kill Him right then and there.  It was a “crossroad” so to speak for them.  They had a choice in that moment to receive Jesus as their Messiah or do to Him as the vinedressers did in the parable Jesus told them.

As we now know, they rejected Him and by the end of that week, crucified Him.  They didn’t take the opportunity they were given to receive and walk in their chosen heritage.  Today, we have been given the same opportunity to receive the gift of God’s Son.  However, now it is a greater gift because Jesus’ work here in the world has been completed.  We no longer have the ability to take hold of Him and kill Him.  We do have the power, though, to accept Him and all that He died to get back for us.

We have the power to become the children of God. (see John 1:12) We have the opportunity to accept the right relationship with God in heaven through salvation in the blood of Jesus and we have the authority to invite the LORD of all into our heart and life to rescue us from an eternity separated from the Father who loves and created us.

So, the question today is:  What will you do with Jesus?  Will you receive His love and the sacrifice He made to save us from this lost and dying world or will you reject the message of the good news and refuse to believe that it is true.  Maybe you think you can put it off until a better day, but I assure you, there is no better day than today to change your life forever.

Today I want to encourage you to receive God’s gift of salvation and accept Jesus into your heart and life.  He will change your life, He will change your circumstances and He will change your world.  It is the greatest decision you will ever make.  Pray this simple prayer today, Jesus will come in and turn the things your enemy meant for evil into good.

_{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.  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 do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen}

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 20:9-19

9 Then He began to tell the people this parable: “A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to vinedressers, and went into a far country for a long time. 

10 Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that they might give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the vinedressers beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 

11 Again he sent another servant; and they beat him also, treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 

12 And again he sent a third; and they wounded him also and cast him out.

13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. Probably they will respect him when they see him.’ 

14 But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’ 

15 So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 

16 He will come and destroy those vinedressers and give the vineyard to others.” And when they heard it they said, “Certainly not!”

17 Then He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone’?

18 Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”

19 And the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him, but they feared the people —for they knew He had spoken this parable against them.

Who’s Authority

They spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?” Luke 20:2

Authority is a big part of our society.  We have organizations such as government and public servants that have authority to enforce laws and regulations.  Although these authorities are far from perfect, it is still a good thing to have in place for structure and order.  Without authority, there would be chaos and confusion continually.  Crime would be rampant, and structure would be non-existent. 

God is the ultimate authority, and He is the true source of power in this world and this universe.  In today’s reading, Jesus was questioned about where He received the authority to do good works and miracles.  At first, it may look like Jesus is rebelling against authority, but it just isn’t the case.  Jesus submitted Himself to authority, just not the so called “religious” leaders of His day.  He was submitted to God first of all and God’s law to the point that He fulfilled it perfectly.  He submitted to government as indicated when He paid taxes.  He was submitted to His parents.  In fact, He didn’t even start doing miracles publicly until His mother asked Him to.  He submitted to John the Baptist who was the forerunner to His ministry, and He served His followers and many broken and hurting people along the way.  He was the greatest leader, but He wasn’t leading to gain followers, He was leading to be the example of God’s love for all people and to train up more to love others like Him.

We are also to submit to authority today.  Of course, our first allegiance is to God, but He has given us many scriptures in the New Testament that teach us to submit to the governing authorities and to pray for our governing leaders. (see Romans 13 & 1 Timothy 2) Ephesians 5:21 tells us to submit to one another in love and serve one another.  We do this to honor God and to display our submission to His Word.  Hopefully, we are submitted to a ministry (Church) where we can serve and work together in the body of Christ.  Where we come together regularly to worship God and serve one another.  The reality is, we were created to take care of each other and when we fulfill this purpose, that is where true joy and fulfillment come from.

Today I want to encourage you to access your own life.  Are you submitted to authority as God has set it up?  First of all, God and His Word?  Do you accept the Word of God as the ultimate authority on every subject and are you fully surrendered to the plan and purpose He has called you to in this world?  Have you found your place within the body of believers where you can come together and serve each week?  Lastly, consider the time you spend praying for those in authority over you.  Whether the government, your pastor and even your spouse or parents, are you praying God’s grace and protection on them daily?  Do you take time to lift them up to receive the wisdom of God each day?  I guarantee you it will make a difference.  Start today to submit to the authorities that God has placed you under and watch how the world begins to change around you as you faithfully lift them up to God each day.

Today’s scripture reading: Luke 20:1-8

1 Now it happened on one of those days, as He taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, that the chief priests and the scribes, together with the elders, confronted Him 

2 and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority are You doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?”

3 But He answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, and answer Me: 

4 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?”

5 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 

6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” 

7 So they answered that they did not know where it was from.

8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”