Thursday, January 1, 2009

Thoughts While Reading Luke, Part Four

Chapter 14
--how do I try to exalt myself and take honor rather than being humble?
--How often do I choose to go about my business instead of coming to feast at the table of the Lord?
--verse 27—God, I’ve been wrestling with this one recently. On the one hand, I think that I have taken up my cross, only by your grace working in me, because of the things I have done so far in my walk with you. But when I read this, I wonder how much I’ve really let it cost me. I guess I’m saying that it has cost me some, but not as much as others. Help me Lord to “take my next step” in following you harder. Fill me with the Holy Spirit—be my strength.
--33-35—wow. I remember Chan’s words on this. I don’t want to be considered so useful that I’m not even helpful to a pile of crap.

Chapter 15
--Lost sheep, lost coin, lost son. Love these stories!
--It matters to you, God, when people turn from sin. It means people choosing life, your will, You, over sin and death. Thank you for finding me, your lost lamb.
--Lord, please get rid of the elder brother in me. I hope that of all the places I could be that you find me humbling myself before you realizing I need you.

Chapter 16
--This chapter is a bit tough to understand without further study. I love how the parable of the rich man and Lazarus ends though—Jesus is making a point to his followers.

Chapter 17
--Confront sin, then forgive! How often to we harbor negativity towards another? How often do we fail to confront others?
--“the Kingdom of God is within you.”
--Jesus’ description of his second coming is quite scary unless you are his faithful follower. Jesus, may you find us faithful to you and ready for your coming.

Chapter 18
--“always pray and not give up.” How comparatively rarely I pray and how easily I give up! I need to practice prayer!
--29-30—Have I given it all up for you God? I feel so afraid to pray that I would seek less and less my own comfort. But your promise here makes it worth it. God I pray that I would run after you with more abandon and passion, that I would seek your kingdom harder. I pray that for those around me as well. I pray that we would see you as the prize, see the blessing of knowing You as worth all of our sacrifice.

Chapter 19
--LOVE the story of Zacchaeus—His life was changed on the spot—and look how it changed his heart and his perspective! Thank you Jesus for seeking and saving the lost.
--The story of your entering into Jerusalem and what you did when you got there—one can feel the suspense rising in the story. Let me remember that you weep over those who continually reject you, that you wish people would turn to you.

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