Photo - Flame Nebula

 

The Flame Nebula

The Flame Nebula sits on the eastern hip of Orion the Hunter, a constellation most easily visible in the northern hemisphere during winter evenings. This image shows a vast cloud of gas and dust where new stars are being born.  The Flame Nebula is the brightest and largest in the image. It is lit by a star inside it that is 20 times the mass of the sun and would be as bright to our eyes as the other stars in Orion's belt if it weren't for all the surrounding dust, which makes it appear 4 billion times dimmer than it actually is.

I am amazed at the images that NASA takes.  Sure there is technical things like above.  What I see is a beautiful image that God has made.  It looks as if it's a guardian angel reaching out to someone.  I love to see the images that are in space.  They have been there for all time yet we only get to see them now due to technology.  Just like there is as spirit realm that we can not see unless He gives us the ability to truly see it.  We are so small indeed.  Makes me think that the cares and concerns I have are not at big as I think them to be.

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/iotd5.html

Luke 11:29-54

v. 29-30 Jesus warns against unbelief.  He said "This is a wicked generation.  It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah."  I can only imagine He would say the same thing to us today as He did back then.  We love to hear of miracles yet God does not use them the most.  I believe that He uses people all over the world to do His work.  Jonah went to preach in Nineveh after a slight detour of being in a large fish for three days.  He decided it would be best to go and tell the people about God so they could repent.  It is amazing to me when people get so excited to see Jesus in a piece of toast or on a water tower, yet are they that excited to repent? 

v. 31-32 Jesus said "The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here.  The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here."  The Queen of the South and the Ninevites turned to God with far less evidence than Jesus was giving the people of that time period.  Today we have access to the bible and know the stories and the history so we have much more information than they did back then.  Our response should be even greater because of it. 

v. 33-36 "No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden or under a bowl.  Instead he puts it on it's stand so that those who come in may see the light.  Your eye is the lamp of your body.  When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light.  But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness."  The lamp is Jesus, the eye is spiritual understanding and insight.  If you have a hard time seeing God at work in the world, check your vision.  Is there anything blinding you?  We are to be lights for all the world to see.  Unfortunately many Christians are dim most of the time.

v. 37-41 Jesus was invited to a Pharisee's house to eat.  He did not wash His hands first before sitting down, they were surprised.  Jesus said "You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.  Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?  Give what is inside the dish to the poor and everything will be clean for you."  They did not wash there hands because of health reasons.  They did so as a symbol of washing away anything that was unclean.  The Pharisees had everyone do this which was originally meant only for the priests.  They thought themselves clean because of all their rules, but they did not care for the poor and have hearts for God.  Your generosity reveals how you much purity is in your heart.

v. 42 Jesus is warning the leaders that their hearts have become cold.  The meaning of woe is grievous distress, affliction, distress or trouble.  Here Jesus says it five times in the section.  How important do you think we should pay attention to this section as well?  "Woe, to you Pharisee's, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God.  You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone."  Don't think just because you give to your church that your done and have to do no more.  If there is a need then we are supposed to fill it, we do not need to go and pray and wait to receive a sign before we help others.  Tithing is important, but do not stop there. 

v. 43 "Woe, to you Pharisee's, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplace."  Are you the type of person that must have the closest parking spot or the best chair at dinner?  My son always likes to be the first to get on the school bus.  The kids take turns and when there are other kids waiting for the school bus I like them to let them go on first sometimes.  If you are always thinking of your self then that is all the reward you will get, but if you place yourself last then you will get your reward in heaven.  How much better is that!

v. 44-46 "Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing it.  Woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them."  The Old Testament said that a person who touched a grave was unclean.  Jesus said they were making others unclean by their spiritual rottenness.  They corrupted everyone who came into contact with them.  The burdens were man made laws added to God's laws.  They added to the commandment - Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  They added how far a person could walk, which kinds of knots could be tied, and how much weight could be carried.  Healing a person was unlawful, but rescuing a trapped animal was ok.  How insane is that! 

v. 50 "This generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world."  The people were rejecting the Messiah himself so that is why they were held accountable for all the blood shed from the beginning until then. 

v. 52 "Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge.  You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who are entering."  They gave a legalistic view of scripture to the people and added their own rules.  I have read that there were more than 600 rules that they made up.  That sounds so stressful having to keep up with all the rules.  They made God's truth hard to understand and put into practice.  They had closed the door of God's love and thrown away the key.  Those in a position of influence need to beware, you will be judged for your actions of keeping others away from God.  I know that some other beliefs have you going through religious leaders to get to God.  When you are a Christian it is a personal one on one relationship with God.  You do not have to go through anyone else to get to Him.  We need church leadership in our lives but they are not going to be beside us on Judgment Day.  We stand on our actions, our thoughts, our beliefs, what we did and nothing else.

Jesus addressed these problems:

• they washed the outsides, not the insides
• remembered to give a tenth, but neglected justice
• loved praise and attention
• loaded the people down with burdensome demands
• would not accept the truth about Jesus
• prevented others from seeing the truth 

NIV notes

We are to focus on the inner condition of the heart, not on the outward appearances.  People may fool others to thinking they are holy, but only God can see the inner life and He will judge based on this alone. 

Luke 11:14-28

The Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out demons by the power of Beelzebub (prince of demons).  The Pharisees also drove out demons so they were in fact saying that they were also driving out demons from demonic power. 

v. 17 Jesus said "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.  If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand?"  Why would Satan want to drive out his own demons?  He would not, there would be no profit in it if he did.  A house divided will also fall.  The divorce rate in America and probably around the world is that half of all marriages end in divorce.  Whether it is a kingdom, government, marriage or business they all will fall if they are divided and can not come to an agreement. 

v. 23 Jesus said "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me, scatters."  There is no neutral ground here.  You are either for God or the devil.  I know that many would think that they are not believers but that they are not for the devil either.  For those that do not like this you must bring it up with Jesus, since He is the one who said it!  Since we know that God is the winning side (see Revelations).  Why would we want to be on the losing side?

v. 24-26 "When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.  Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.'  When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order.  Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there.  And the final condition of that man is worse than the first."  The bible is full of stories of people doing this, they come to God then turn away.  Then when enemies were coming against them they came back to God.  It is not enough to be emptied of evil, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit and keep watch against the enemy.

When I was a teen I gave my life to Jesus.  No one ever mentioned that when this happened the devil would attack with such fierceness that it sent me adrift in an ocean of darkness for may years.  When you give your life to God beware for the devil is roaming the earth to seek someone to devour.  He knows that if he can get you right after you give your life over then it will be so much easier to pull you away.  Your roots are not set in solid ground yet at this point.  Do not let the devil in once you have turned to God, for he may over stay his welcome for decades to come. 

v. 27-28 A woman called out "blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you."  Jesus responded "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."  The family line was extremely important in that time period.  There ancestors proved that they were part of God's chosen people.  A man's value came from his ancestors and a woman's value came from the sons she bore.  Jesus showed that was not the case anymore.  A person's obedience to God was more important than where they were on the family tree. 

Many here God's word, but how many truly obey Him? 

Luke 11:1-13

v. 2-4 The disciples asked Jesus how to pray.  The prayer in Matt. 6:9-13 and here in Luke 11:2-4 differ a bit.  This shows that there is not just one correct way to pray, although this is the guide line that we can follow. 
"Father, hallowed by your name, your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation."

Father, first Jesus praises God and establishes His place as Father.  We are to come to God as a child.
If you do not recognize His Holiness then your prayers might just turn into a checklist as if it is nothing special. 
The next part is focused on today, not yesterday or tomorrow.  God gave the Israelites enough manna in the wilderness for that day.  What happened when they took more than they needed for that day?  It turned into rotten food.  He gives us what we need for today and no other.  We are to rely upon Him daily. 
Forgiveness - Something that is last on our list yet we want it first from God.  It is so important to forgive.  Would you like it if God held forgiveness from you like you hold forgiveness from others?  I can not stress enough how important this is.  I believe prayer if blocked if you have unforgiveness.  Matt. 5:24 "Leave your gift there in front of the altar.  First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift."
Last, God can keep us from temptation.  God will allow us to be tested, but we can pray for guidance and to be kept from many tempting situations.  He will give you a way out.  The Holy Spirit is here to help us pray.  If I feel the Holy Spirit leads me to pray for something then I pray it and I also believe it even if it doesn't seem to make sense or seems impossible. 

Even though we sin daily it is a comfort to know that we are encouraged to come before God and pray.  We do not always like the outcome, but He will never return void.  I do not believe in unanswered prayers.  I believe they are always answered.  Yes, it may take decades before you see it, but they are answered. 

v. 5-8 Jesus tells of a man that came to a friend's house late at night in search of some bread to feed some friends.  The man was persistent and bold so he received his request.  We are to be the same with God.  I don't think people are bold enough in their prayers.  Just in the last several years my prayers are getting bolder that ever. 

v. 9-13 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone that asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."  We can ask for anything yet we might not get it if it's not in God's will.  Sure it would be great to win the lottery but it just may not be in His plans for you.  I believe these verses heavily lean toward our basic needs and things like wisdom, patience, etc; not material things.  It says that even though we make mistakes we can still give our children good things.  Then how much more will God give to those that ask Him!

Prayer is underestimated in our world.  There are some that think it's quaint or completely useless.  Prayer is more powerful than we know, it is part of our armor.  It is a weapon to be used in the battle against evil. 

What if we prayed boldly and had the faith to back it up?  He is waiting to work in our life, we only need to ask.  God works through people and circumstances.  How many angels sit waiting to get the call for work and no call comes?

Luke 10:38-42

This is not just for women, men can also have these traits.

v. 38-42 Jesus and the disciples went to the home of Mary and Martha.  Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet while Martha was busy getting everything ready.  Martha was distracted by everything she had to do.  Martha came up to Jesus and asked "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"  Jesus answered "Martha, Martha you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Our world is very busy.  I know many moms out there that say yes to every church, school or social event and then are stressed about making 5 dozen cupcakes the day of an event.  When Jesus has to say your name twice, really listen up.  Martha was a people pleaser, her to do list must have been a mile long.  Sometimes when you focus on the details you miss out on the most important one.  Please learn to say no to things that God is not wanting for you.  We are not called to do everything all the time.   Just think if we did everything then there is no room for others to step up and help.  God does not want us to say yes to everyone else, but no to spending time with Him.  There is nothing more important than that.  I am more of a Mary.  I believe Mary was one that looked at the flowers while walking by a field while Martha was too busy to notice.  She also probably didn't care too much for having a spotless house.  I make sure I spend time with God, some days all I get in are my prayers but most days I spend a good amount of time reading the bible and making notes.  Although, I tend to put off things like cleaning when I really should be doing something.  So I think we are to be a balance of both women.

You are the only one to make your schedule.

Mary was at Jesus' feet, not beside Him or sitting above Him.  We should readily come to His feet and dwell in His peace.  Sitting still we can grasp the full knowledge He is sharing with us, yet when we are busy there is no real time for this. 

"This posture benefits me when I think of what I was, what I am, what I must be, what my Lord is, and what He is to me"                                                                                            Spurgeon's Sermon Notes

"Oh, to be more with Jesus! This is true life.
Oh, to hear Jesus more!  This is true service.
Oh, to love Jesus more!  This is true treasure."
                                                                                                                         Spurgeon's Sermon Notes

"The greater the submission, the more grace.  If there be one hollow in the valley lower than another, there the waters gather."  Bishop Hall

Luke 10:25-37

v. 25-29 One of the religious leaders asked Jesus "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"  Jesus had him repeat what was written in the law.  We are to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind.  We are also to love our neighbor.  The man asked "And who is my neighbor?" 

v. 30-35 Jesus tells the story of the good Samaritan.  "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers.  They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.  So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.  He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.  Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.  The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper.  Look after him, he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have." 

At any point the Samaritan could have stopped: he showed compassion by stopping, bandaged the man's wounds, pouring on oil and giving him wine, put him on his donkey and took him to an inn, the next day he gave the inn keeper coins to take care of the man while he was away, then he was going to come back and pay for any additional expenses that the inn keeper had for taking care of the man.  He went above and beyond what most of us would do.  Most of us do not have the time to do all of these.  I ask all of us, what do you have time to do?  There are many ways to help people with whatever time, money, and energy you have.  Do what you can and God can have others help as well.

This is a very familiar story for most people.  Looking deeper into each role in the story is very interesting.

To the religious leader asking the question............the wounded man was a subject to discuss.
To the robbers.........................................................the wounded man was someone to use & exploit.
To the religious man that walked by......................the wounded man was a problem to be avoided.
To the innkeeper.....................................................the wounded man was a customer to serve for a fee.
To the Samaritian...................................................the wounded man was a human being worth being cared for and loved.
To Jesus......................................................................all of them and all of us were worth dying for.
                                                                                                                                               NIV notes
Three principles of loving your neighbor:

• Lack of love is often easy to justify, even though it is never right
• Our neighbor is anyone of any race, creed, or social background who is in need
• Love means acting to meet the person's need.                                                            NIV notes

v. 36-37 Jesus asked the religious leader "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"  The man replied "The one who had mercy on him."  Did you notice that the leader could not even say the word Samaritan?  Since there was such hatred between the two groups, this is a strong example for us to love all no matter what. 

Being truly thankful

Thankfulness to God can become stagnant if you don't apply the Bible to your life.  If you don't start to change your problem areas with His resources you will be stuck for years or decades in the same rut.  Transform your thankfulness into action by taking an issue and digging into the Word, then move on to the next area.  Look at the Concordance in the back of the bible or biblegateway.com and type in what you are having problems with (anger, jealously, gossip, pride, etc.)  They don't have to be completely fixed just not consumed with your time and mind so you can move on to better things.  What we focus on determines our words, our actions and our path.

Luke 10:1-24

v. 2 Jesus told all the 72 disciples "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send our workers into His harvest field."  We are not only to spread the Good News we are to pray for others to do the same.  There is no unemployment in God's service.  There is work for everyone.  Every corner of the world needs workers. 

v. 3 "Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves"  We are to be extremely careful because we will meet opposition from many people.  The ones that are the closest can cause the most harm.  We are to be alert at all times and face enemies with love and compassion instead of aggression.

v. 8-9 "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you.  Heal the sick who are there and tell them, The kingdom of God is near you."  We are to be gracious to others and tell people about God to help heal their hearts.

v. 12-15 Jesus is giving warning to those who choose to turn away from Him.  He compares those towns to Sodom a very wicked town that God destroyed, but the towns that turn away from Jesus will suffer more that Sodom did.

v. 16 "He who listens to you listens to Me; he who rejects you rejects Me; but he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me."  We are not to take it personally that others don't want to follow God.  We are workers and the harvest is all around us. 

v. 17-20 The 72 disciples came back and said that the demons submitted to them.  Jesus gave a warning that pride would not get in their way.  "Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."  What ever you do on earth will not be as important as the fact that your name is written in the Book of Life.  No matter what gifts we are given, we need to remember who gave them to us. 

v. 21 Jesus said "I praise you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children."  His truth is for all.  Many rewards on earth go to the elite, but in God's kingdom rewards are for all regardless of position or abilities. 

v. 22 The world can not truly see Jesus.  He reveals Himself to those who will heed the call. 

v. 24 Jesus said "For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."  There are many unfortunately that are in the public eye that seem to be all noise and no substance.  We are to compare everything with God's word so we know who to be listening to in the first place.

Luke 9:28-62

v. 28-30 Jesus took some of the disciples up a mountain and Moses and Elijah appeared.  Moses represented the law and Elijah the prophets. 

v. 35 A voice from above said "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him."  We should test all things we hear against the Word so that we know what is truth and not be led astray. 

v. 37 The next day they came down from the mountain.  I would think that after seeing what happened on the mountain they wouldn't want to come down.  When you are in the pure peace of God you do not want to leave for anything that this world has to offer.  Although if we stay on the mountain top we limit our ability to help others in the valley.  We need time for renewal but we always have to come back down. 

v. 38-41 The disciples tried to heal the boy and could not even with the power Jesus gave them.  Did they doubt that they could do it?  I don't know.  What I do know is that there are things we will never be able to do in this world that is why it is so important to turn toward God. 

v. 44-46 Right after Jesus told the disciples that He was going to be betrayed into the hands of men they started arguing which one of them is the greatest!  It seems like this entire time they were not listening to what Jesus had to say, they were only doing what most of us would do today. 

v. 47-48 Jesus took a child and had him stand next to Him and said "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the one who sent Me.  For he who is least among you all-he is the greatest."  This is a world view 180.  They apparently needed a child like lesson.  Caring for others is a measure of our greatness in the Kingdom. 

v. 49-50 The disciples pointed out that someone not in their group was driving out demons in Jesus' name and that they tried to stop him, he is not one of us.  This must have been devastating to their pride.  The NIV notes say that 9 of the disciples had not been able to remove demons.  Here is this man doing what they could not and he wasn't even a disciple.  Do not let jealous take hold, it's roots go to the deepest parts and cling on for dear life.  There is no room for jealousy in God's kingdom.  Not all of us are gifted in the same areas even if we want to be.  God gave each of us a gift.  If you do not know yours yet you just haven't found it.   

v. 51-55 Jesus set out for Jerusalem and went to a Samaritan village and they rejected Him since He was on the way to Jerusalem.  The Jews and Samaritans hated each other.  Jewish travelers usually went out of their way to avoid Samaritan towns while Jesus just went right on through.  The disciples wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy the town.  Jesus rebuked them and they just went to another town.  Jesus did not come to destroy, He came to bring life.  Judgment is for God alone.  When you are given a course of action, you have to move steadily toward your destination regardless of the hazards that you may encounter. 

v. 59-62 Jesus says to a man "Follow Me."  The man replied "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."  Right away there was an excuse.  Was it a good reason?  Worldly yes, Kingdom no.  Jesus responded "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."  This is one of the most interesting things for me in the bible.  When I was first learning about the bible things seemed so harsh including this one.  We only know one side of death and we grieve for loved ones which is only natural.  There is another side and how it pertains to the entire Kingdom I do no know but I believe that it is a small part on that side.  It is only the beginning of eternity.  Jesus says "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."  Today we do not have to physically leave our home and families most of the time.  It is our choice to pick our priority while here on earth.  God wants 100%, what percentage will you offer Him?

Quote - Chad Beadles

"It is not the limitations of the potential we are created with that defines our success, it is the degree to which we insist upon achieving it."

Father of a boy who knew nothing about football, never had seen a game, has ADHD and is now an outstanding defensive lineman.

Luke 9:1-27

Jesus is sending out the disciples to preach the Kingdom of God, cure diseases and drive out demons.  He tells them that they are not to take anything with them so they have to rely on others. 

v. 5 Jesus says "If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them" Pious Jews would do this after passing through Gentile cities to show their separation form Gentile practices.  If the disciples did this in a Jewish town it would show their separation from Jews who rejected the Messiah.  It also showed that they were not responsible for how people responded to their message.  If the message is rejected by all, we are not to blame if we presented it correctly.  We must move on to others who may be open to the Word.  Do not let people get you down.

v. 10-11 There was large crowd that had been listening to Jesus speak and it was getting late in the day.  They had followed Him and instead of Jesus telling them to go away He welcomed them.  How do we treat people who interrupt us; as a nuisance or a reason for our ministry/life?  This is something I need to work on.  The disciples suggested that the people go to the town to get food and lodging.  Jesus said "You give them something to eat."  That must have seemed like an unusual request.  They were supposed to feed at least 5,000 people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.    Jesus offered what appeared to be an impossible task.  They responded with what they did not have, food or money. 

v. 18-20 Jesus asked the disciples who the people thought He was.  Then he asked Peter "Who do you say I am?"  Jesus wants each of us to take a stand in our belief and say who He is. 

v. 23-24 "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it."  To take up our cross today is to put aside selfish desires and follow Him.  If your present life is the most important to you, you will do anything to protect it.   

v. 26 "If anyone is ashamed of Me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him, when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."  Ouch!  This seems harsh but is only the truth.  Those that deny Him now, He will deny in the end.

How do you respond to Jesus, with what you don't have or what you will do?  Don't let your lack of resources blind you from your potential. 

Luke 8:40-56

v. 43-48 Jesus was walking through a crowd and someone had touched him and He stopped.  The crowd was almost crushing Him so why did He stop?  He felt power leave Him.  Jesus asked "Who touched me?"  Jesus knew who had touched His cloak.  He wants us to come forward and not shy away.  The people all denied they had touched Him until a woman stepped up and fell to His feet.  The woman told why she had touched Jesus' cloak and said that she had been healed.  It is interesting to me that Jesus was in such a large crowd that many people must have bumped into Him, although no power left Him until someone with faith came to Him.  I don't think He will release His power until someone is brave enough to come up to Him and ask.  Jewish law prohibited men from being near women who were unclean.  This woman had been "unclean" for 12 years so she must have been alone for all those years.  Jesus showed that women did not make Him unclean and they were no longer second class citizens. 

v. 49-56 Jesus had been on His way to heal a young girl.  He delayed to find out who had touched His cloak.  We are to be faithful in our waiting even when it looks bleak.  Do not lose hope.  He was told the girl had died and told the father "Don't be afraid; just believe and she will be healed."  Jesus told the crowd that the girl was only sleeping, not dead and they laughed at Him.  Jesus spoke "My child, get up!" and her spirit returned and she at once stood up.  The father was brave to come to Jesus since he was the ruler of a synagogue and could have lost his position.  When tragedy occurs we then may fall away from our preconceived notions to find where we should have been the entire time.


"Jesus never disappoints those who wait for Him.  Jesus never refuses those who welcome Him.  Jesus is near us now: will you not open the doors of your hearts to receive Him?" Spurgeon's Sermon Notes

" When the inhabitants of Mentone desired a visit from the Prince of Savoy they made a way for him over the mountains, hills were tunneled and valleys bridged.   If we would really welcome the Lord Jesus, we must make a road for Him by abasing our pride, elevating our thoughts, removing our evil habits and preparing our hearts.  Never did a  soul cast up a highway for the Lord, and then fail to enjoy His company"  Spurgeon's Sermon Notes

Luke 8:26-39

v. 27 Jesus was met be a demon possessed man.  This man had been living in the tombs, he was an outcast. 
v. 28 When the man saw Jesus he cried out and fell to Jesus' feet.  The man said to Jesus "I beg you, don't torture me."  Torture to a demon must be love and compassion.
v. 29 The people in the town had put the man in chains, they probably feared him.  He kept breaking free and the demons made him go to solitary places.  The devil wants you to think that you are all alone and wants to get you away from anyone that could be of help.  When you feel like you are alone then it's easier for him to work. 
v. 30-31 Jesus asked what the man's name is and he said his name was Legion because many demons had gone into him.  Names were very important back then.  Now we name children what we think sounds good.  They had meaning behind each name.  A legion was a unit of 3,000-6,000 men in the Roman army.  The demons begged Jesus not to order them to go into the Abyss.  The Abyss is mentioned in Revelation 9:1 & 20:1-9.  The demons knew about the Abyss and did not want to go there.  Why did Jesus not send them there when He had the power?  I think that He knew what His mission was and it did not include banishing demons at that moment to the Abyss.  God's timing is impossible for us to understand. 
v. 32-33 The demons begged Jesus to put them into a herd of pigs and He did.  When that happened the pigs rushed over a steep bank and went into the lake and drowned. 
v. 35-39 The man was now at Jesus' feet, dressed and in his right mind.  The people were afraid to see such a massive change in this man that they were scared of what Jesus could do.  The man begged Jesus to go with Him but Jesus told him to "Return home and tell how much God has done for you."  Those people knew how the man was before Jesus came so they were amazed at his transformation. 

The worse off we are and the more profound transformation the more likely we are to affect other people so they see that it is not us but God that made the changes.

Luke 8:16-25

v. 16 "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed.  Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light."  When we get the Good News we tend to want to share.  That is part of our job to tell others about Him.  I never used to understand that before studying His word.  I always thought religion was personal and private.  I believe that is not the case the more and more I learn the Word.  We are supposed to be that bright shining light for others to see.  Seek opportunities to be that light in the world. 

v. 17 "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open."  That verse always confused me, I could never really wrap my brain around it.  Thank God for so many bible versions!  The Easy to Read Version (yes there is such a thing) says this "Everything that is hidden will become clear.  Every secret thing will be made known, and everyone will see it." Ok, I like this version so much better!

v. 18 We are warned to consider carefully how we listen.  Any time there seems to be a warning or a woe, I tend to really pay attention.  I guess it was like putting words in bold, capitals & highlighting to really get people's attention. 

v. 19 Jesus' family had come to see Him and could not get to Him.  Someone told Jesus that His family was there.  Jesus said "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."  Isn't that wonderful to think we have such a large family out there!  Satan wants us to think we are all alone.  This is proof that we have a bond that is greater than blood.  There is a catch, those who hear AND put it into practice.  That first part is easy, the second is extremely hard to apply to all areas of your life.  I know, I'm battling every day and failing. 

v. 22-25 Jesus and the disciples got into a boat to cross the lake.  Jesus had fallen asleep and a terrible squall came upon the boat.  A squall is a sudden, violent gust of wind often with rain, snow or sleet.  The disciples woke Jesus up and said "We're going to drown."  Jesus got up to rebuked the wind and raging waters and the storm subsided, then all was calm.  Jesus asked "Where is your faith?"  At this point the disciples had see many miracles.  When we see something happen to another it can be great and amazing.  When we are going through something it is a completely different story.  The storms in life often come on quickly and violently.  We tend to be like the disciples when we do not have steady faith. 

Luke 8:1-15

Jesus traveled with His disciples and many women who He had healed.  The women also helped support His ministry financially.  I love the fact that they traveled with Jesus.  In Jewish culture, women were not supposed to learn from rabbi's.  Jesus showed that all barriers had been wiped away and all are welcome at His table.  Unfortunately it has taken the world thousands of years to catch up and in many countries women are still treated as second class citizens today. 

The parable of the four soils is one of my favorites. 

v. 11-15 Jesus describes the means to the parable.  The seed is the word of God. 

• Seeds that fell on the ground but were trampled on and the birds ate up.  Those are people who hear then the devil comes and takes away the Word from their hearts so that they will not believe. 
• Some seeds fell on rocky places.  Those are people who receive the Word with joy but they have no roots.  They believe for awhile but in time of testing they fall away. 
• Some seeds fell among thorns.  Those are people who hear but are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, they do not mature.
• The last seeds fell on good soil.  Those are people with a noble and good heart, who hear the Word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

I was mainly the seed that fell on rocky places.  When I received the Word I fell away quickly because I had no roots and stayed that way for a long time.  I am finally at the last and it has taken many years to get here.  The soil has to be good to grow healthy seeds.  Sometimes we surround ourselves with toxic people and find it hard to grow in that environment.  Some we can not avoid yet others we can choose to keep away from.  Look around you to see what types of seeds are in your life.  When the seed is planted it needs care right away.  It must have living water to quench it's thirst and it must get light from the Son in order to grow.  The longer it grows the deeper the roots and when the storms come and the roots are strong the plant will not be brought down.  It will remain stable against all odds.

Song - Jesus Friend of Sinners

I love the band Casting Crowns.  The words in their songs truly hit home.  One of my favorite lines in this song is "Lord I was the lost cause and I was the outcast."  If you don't listen to Christian music I hope you will give it a try.  I'm not a fan of old school gospel but I really love pop/rock Christian music.  I like to listen to www.wayfm.com or The Message on SiriusXM.

I'm putting in bold the lines that are the most powerful to me.

Jesus Friend of Sinners by Casting Crowns

Jesus Friend of sinners we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus friend of sinners the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks yours

Yeah...

Jesus friend of sinners the one who's writing in the sand
Make the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring your people to their knees

Nobody knows what we're for only against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and loved like You did

Oh Jesus friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks yours

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good And Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

Oh Jesus friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks Yours

And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah...
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

To hear a sample go to: http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Friend-Of-Sinners/dp/B005SMUQRW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376445009&s=dmusic&sr=1-1

Thank you

Thank you to all that take the time to read my blog.  I'm quite amazed to have people in other countries reading what I have to say. You have no idea who I am yet you check out my blog anyway. Let alone people on Facebook from back home in Ohio, my Army days or here in Tennessee.  You are all in my prayers and I hope that I can express my love for God and what He has done for me.  I am not out to change.  When you know who God is it's natural to want to tell others about Him.  So my goal is to share and I hope that you will get to know Him or know Him better.  I am highly unqualified to be writing about God.  I do not have a degree from a Christian college although when you have a great love for something then maybe you are qualified after all. 

I grew up in a broken home.  Maybe many of you can relate to me.  My dad I don't think believed in God for a long time and my mom was an example of someone with great faith even though her situation was not ideal.  Since I did not go to church much I had no idea really about who God was, I assumed I was a Christian but I now know that I was lukewarm at best.  I had no armor to defend against the devil, so when he came calling I fell right in line.  The armor is knowing and applying God's word to your life.

I used to envy those that grew up in church and never seemed to have anything bad happen in their life.  Now I do not think that way.  Maybe if I grew up in church and had not much go wrong in my life then I would be extremely judgmental to others.  I have met many of those Christians.  Obviously there are many people not like that, the weeds will always try to crowd out the flowers.  What the devil means for harm God can use for good.  So if you have had something bad happen in your life you might just be the person who can help another that was in your shoes.  I am more comfortable with those that have shared time in the pit. 

No, this is not my testimony.  For that will come later.  My testimony has some spiritual realm things that might lead you to think I'm not quite stable.  So I will share those when I feel like God wants me to.  Some of my Tennessee girls know some of the stories and they don't think I'm too crazy, hopefully. 

I just wanted to say thanks.  I pray that you will read the bible and study with me no matter where you are in the world or in your belief.  If you like my blog I hope that you will share the link with others because I'm aiming big.  There are many who need His love right now.

Quotes - Spurgeon's Sermon Notes

I really love Spurgeon's Sermon Notes.

 "He will so freely forgive: this may well cause you to bow in the dust before Him."

"A company of those who "love him most" dwelling in any place, would give a tone to the society around them."

"Those who were once far gone in sin ought always to be found in the thick of the battle against sin."

"I have heard say that the depth of a Scotch loch corresponds with the height of the surrounding mountains.  So deep thy sense of obligation for pardoned sin, so high they love to him who has forgiven thee."  C.H.S.

Luke 7:18-50

v. 19 John the Baptist sent men to ask Jesus "Are you the one who was to come or should we expect someone else?"  I think it is natural to doubt, even John doubted.  I think that's ok with God because He gave us the ability to process and reason.  He wants us to think intently and investigate. 

v. 22 Jesus told John's disciples that the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the good news is preached to the poor.  Jesus helped people in their greatest need. 

v. 28 There is no one greater than John yet the one who is least in the Kingdom is greater than he.  John was the last of the old prophets, the ones who would not see Jesus come back from the dead and go on to be with God.  There was a clear divide before Jesus and after He rose from the dead. 

v. 33-34 The Pharisees hated John the Baptist because he fasted and didn't drink wine and they hated Jesus who eat and drank wine.  They didn't like that what they were doing was being exposed so they went to their many man made laws to justify their hatred.  People can justify anything to suit their purpose.  There are those that will not like anything that you do, they constantly are on your case.  Isn't that a relief that you are not here to make them happy! 

v. 36 One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to his home for a meal.  He did not offer Jesus any of the customary things like water for his feet, a kiss of greeting and oil for His head.  He was showing great disrespect to Jesus.  Beware of those that try to lure you in and trip you up. 

v. 37-38 This woman was uninvited to the meal but came anyway.  She wept at Jesus' feet and wiped His feet with her hair.  She poured perfume on his feet.  Perfume then was different than today, while we have many bottles of it and can buy it easily back then it could be as much as a year's salary.  So her pouring this perfume on Jesus' feet was her giving up something great for the greatest thing of all. 

v. 41-42 Jesus told a story about two men who owed a debt, one for a great amount and the other for a lesser amount.  The man forgave the debt for both men.  Jesus asked "Now which one will love him more?"  You see those of us that have been in a pit of darkness that was void of light and were brought out and cleaned up and loved are I believe more thankful than someone that never really was in the pit in the first place.  The bigger the debt forgiven the more thankful you are. 

v. 47 Jesus forgave her sins because of her great faith and love.  Works of the flesh will get you nowhere but having faith like a child and love for Him will get you closer to Him.

Quote - Amy Jones

"When you no longer care about the insignificant you can focus all your energy on the essential."