Don’t Be a Hater

Luke 19

Monday, December 26, 2022

            You may have noticed there is a huge culture war going on within our country.  There is no shortage of issues that are dividing people such as politics, abortion, LGBTQ issues, gun control, removing names from buildings, taking down statues, and climate change to name a few.  It is very easy to demonize the “other side”, and both sides do it to each other every day.  However, as Christians, we shouldn’t be demonizing anyone.  God created all the people on both sides of the issues, and we are told to love everyone.

            I have some pretty strong opinions about many issues.  I strongly believe that your mother should not have had the right to end your life, and I believe you became you at conception.  I will go to my grave standing up for unborn babies that deserve a chance to live because they are alive.  However, I will still love those that disagree with me.  I will actually like them, want to hang out with them, and would even call them a friend as well.

            Some of you may think I shouldn’t be chummy with the other side, especially if it is an issue of Christians versus non-Christians.  I can understand why you would feel that way, but it wouldn’t stop me.  It also didn’t stop Jesus from going to Zacchaeus’ house.  The people grumbled that Jesus had gone to be the guest of a sinner.  How dare he get chummy with the other side.  Was he not concerned about his reputation?  Did he not understand how bad a person Zacchaeus was?  He knew exactly what he was doing and stated it in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”  And it worked; Zacchaeus was saved during that visit.

            Jesus knew there were people that lived immoral lives and didn’t agree with him about much of anything.  They were lost.  He didn’t ignore them or dislike them because of their disagreements; he made a point of getting to know them, showed sincere concern for them, and eventually died for them if they would accept him.  He wanted to make a difference in their lives, and it is nearly impossible to do that if you take a side against them and demonize them.  He took sides against issues, but he did not take sides against the individuals on the other side of those issues.  He wanted everyone to be saved.  Did some people fluster him at times?  For sure, but he never stopped loving them.

-Rick McClain

Time to ponder:

Are there any individuals or groups of people on “the other side of an issue” that you look down on because of their beliefs or actions?  If so, you should forgive them for whatever wrong they have done.

Is it possible to strongly disagree with someone’s beliefs, but still love them as your neighbor?

Is it ok to still support a business that has publicly fought for an issue that you vehemently oppose?

Pushy, Pushy

Luke 18

Sunday, December 25, 2022

            Pushy people can be annoying.  They’re relentless until they get what they want.  But you must admit, they usually get what they want.  Luke 18 is loaded with chunks of wisdom, but one of the teachings throughout the chapter is that pushy people get what they desire, and Jesus says we should be just like them.

            Jesus started with a parable about prayer.  He talked about a widow that kept coming to a judge asking for legal protection.  For a while the judge was unwilling to give her what she wanted, but the woman kept pushing and he finally gave in.  He said that the reason he gave her what she wanted was because the widow kept bothering him and he was concerned if he didn’t help her, she would continually come to him and wear him out.  It may be surprising to you that we are told to be like the pushy widow when it comes to prayer.  Don’t just pray for something one time and forget about it.  God wants to see how bad you really want it.  It’s Christmas today and I am reminded of when my kids were young and would ask for a particular gift for Christmas.  If they were relentless and asked for it over and over, there was a pretty good chance they were going to get it.  Furthermore, it was more exciting as a parent to watch their reaction when they opened that gift that they really really wanted because they were extra appreciative when they saw what it was.  God is the same way.  He likes to give us what we want and need, and I am sure he enjoys our reaction when we show Him how appreciative we are.

            A little later in the chapter, parents were bringing their babies to Jesus so that he would touch them.  Apparently, they were being a bit pushy, so the disciples started to rebuke them.  Jesus saw what was happening and told the disciples to back down and let the children come to him because “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these”.  The aggressive parents got what they wanted, and Jesus was happy to give it to them.

            Lastly, Bartimaeus was a blind man who was sitting by the road begging.  He heard a crowd go by and asked what was going on.  They told him that Jesus was passing by, so he called out to Jesus asking for Jesus to have mercy on him.  Those who led the way sternly told him to be quiet…so he gave up and sat quietly as to not bother anyone.  Not!  He kept crying out even more!  Jesus heard him and asked that he be brought to him.  Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted Jesus to do for him.  He said he wanted to regain his sight.  Jesus said, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.”  Immediately, he regained his sight and began following him and praising God.  What do you suppose would have happened if he kept his mouth shut after he was told to be quiet?  I think we know the answer to that, and it doesn’t have anything to do with regaining sight.  It was because he was pushy, and dare we say a bit obnoxious, that he received his sight.

            I don’t think the lesson here is that it is a good idea to be rude and bad-mannered to others; rather, when you really want something from God, be persistent in your prayers and tell God how badly you really want it.  And then ask Him again and again.  It pleases Him to see that we are reaching out to Him and depending on Him instead of relying on ourselves.

-Rick McClain

Time to ponder:

What messages are we giving to God when we continually ask Him for something?  Conversely, what messages are we giving to God when we don’t continually ask Him for something?

Is there something you really want from God, but you haven’t spent much time letting Him know that?  What are you waiting for?

How can you bring children to Jesus, rather than being like the disciples who tried to keep them from Jesus?

How are you doing at showing appreciation for God’s greatest gifts? Specifically this holiday season, how will you show thanks for the gift God gave – his Son born to die (and welcome children, and show the Pharisees a better way, and heal the blind, and open the way to eternal life …) – and rise again (Luke 18:31-34) – and come again!

Some Big Jobs to Do

Luke 17

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Forgiveness. We’ve all been there and have wrestled with this single task. Except, it isn’t a single task is it? Forgiveness happens over and over and over again. Forgiveness can be a hard concept to grasp. It is human nature to want to fall into our sinful desire to repay evil with evil, turn a blind eye to those who hurt us, or to decide that one is simply not deserving of our forgiveness. Luke 17:4 states, “Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent’ you must forgive them.” I find the next verse to be so interesting as the apostles reply back to Jesus as he’s teaching and call out, “Increase our faith!” How easy is it to feel like we do not have the kind of faith that is capable of believing in the teachings we’ve learned, to feel like we simply can’t trust God in every circumstance, or that we don’t have the strength to obey God’s commandments? We are not perfect by any means, but we are able to serve the Lord and fulfill our duty even with the smallest amount of faith. 

In this chapter we are encouraged to do many things: to teach little ones, not causing them to stumble or cause a hindrance to their faith, to forgive anytime you can, and to serve with all that you have so that when you return to your master you can tell them that your duty has been fulfilled. Can you imagine the great and mighty things that can be done if we take our faith, no matter how small it may be, and place it into an all powerful, all knowing God? We as humans are not strong enough to bear the stumbling blocks of this world alone. May we rely on the strength that comes from God to overcome such things to live a life that is pleasing according to God’s perfect will.

Romans 12:2 

“Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing, and perfect will.  

– Kayla Elwell

Reflection Questions

  1. Is there currently somebody you need to forgive? Do you feel like you need an increase in faith to do what Jesus has told you to do? What would Jesus say? (Check Luke 17.)
  2. As today is Christmas Eve, consider the faith of those in Luke 1 & 2. Whose faith is an example for you to follow? Whose faith fell short for a time?

Give so that you get?

Luke 16

Friday, December 23, 2022

I love the parables of Jesus.  But I’ve got to admit, this one about the shrewd manager threw me for a loop.  Take a minute to read it. 

“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly.” (v.8)

Is Jesus commending this shrewd manager for cheating his master out of his money by canceling debt without his master’s permission? Can that possibly be true?  The rich master found out that his money manager was misusing his money, so he fired him.  The manager did not want to be homeless and live on the street begging, so he granted favors to the master’s debtors before his exit from his employment. The purpose of his deceit was to guarantee that he would have some “friends” from whom he could ask for future favors. Give so that you get. Sounds shrewd, right?  Sounds like the master and Jesus seems to think so.

But, is his behavior ethical?  His former boss commends his shrewdness, and it looks like Jesus is using him as an example that we should follow.  Perhaps we need to take a closer look at this parable. 

First, do not be confused about who the rich master is.  In other parables, a master is considered to be God, but in this one, that is not true.  God would not be commending us for being dishonest and a thief.  So, what is the point?  What is Jesus teaching?

“For the people of this world are shrewder in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.” (v8) Jesus is comparing us, the people of the light, with people of this world.  People of the world look out for themselves, and people of the light are not doing this.  So, how do we as people of the light look out for ourselves without being dishonest?  It actually is simple, but we often find it very difficult.

“When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. (The shrewd manager’s game plan).  But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.  Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:12-14). (This should be our game plan!)  Throughout His ministry Jesus told us to give to the needy, love your enemies, and do good without expecting anything in return.  As a result, your reward will be great, and you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

By doing these things, we are being shrewd by laying up treasures in heaven.  We are taking care of ourselves by taking care of others.  However, our focus is not on this present world, like the shrewd manager, but on our future at the resurrection of the righteous. This requires us to walk in faith, believing that God will indeed remember that we have been seeking “first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). 

Jesus shares another parable in this chapter, The Rich Man and Lazarus. So how are these two parables connected?  The Rich Man was not just rich, but very rich.  He had the finest clothes and he ate huge meals each day.  Just outside his gate lay Lazarus.  It is not that the Rich Man did not know that Lazarus was there, literally begging for some scraps off the Rich Man’s plate.  Nevertheless, the Rich Man ignored the cries of Lazarus.  Then the expected happened.  Both men die.  Because the Rich Man claimed Abraham as his father, he expected a great reward when he died.  Instead, he experienced great pain and torment.  And there in the midst of his pain and agony he saw Lazarus enjoying the peaceful and happy company of Abraham.  So, the Rich Man cried out to Abraham to have Lazarus come to him, dip his finger in water, and cool his burning tongue. How ironic! This same Rich Man refused to give Lazarus scraps off his overflowing table.  The Rich Man wanted grace and mercy, without giving grace and mercy.  The big takeaway is that the Rich Man was not shrewd enough to lay up for himself treasures in heaven.  What do you think?

-Kayla Elwell

Questions for reflection:

  •  What is the difference between “give so that you get” and “give and you will get”?
  • What is the difference between being repaid and being blessed?
  • What is your motive for giving? Is storing up for yourself treasures in heaven a good motive for giving?
  • What does God expect from you when confronted with others in need?

Can You Relate?

THREE PARABLES—Luke 15

Thursday, December 22, 2022

There are so many layers to these three parables of Jesus, but today I want us to think about whom we most relate to in these short stories. Probably we all want to cross off the Pharisees.  You know, those guys who stand on the sidelines, quick to distant themselves from the sinful people in the world. “And the Pharisees and scribes grumbled, saying ’This man receives sinners and eats with them’.”( v.2)   None of us is like them, right?  We are anxious to see all the sinners repent and enter the kingdom when Jesus returns.  Most importantly, we are not quick to criticize people who reach out to sinners, as they did.  They even thought it was their righteous duty to criticize Jesus because He ate with sinners.  Surely, we cannot relate to them.   

Parable One—The Lost Sheep

Jesus narrows in on the Pharisees’ pride in these three short stories.  It seems as though he specifically chose the first two parables to increase the ire of the Pharisees. Jesus’ first words,  “What man of YOU, having a hundred sheep…”(v3) stung.  How dare He compare THEM to a shepherd?  They were, after all, much above a lowly disgusting shepherd.  Their beautiful robes and position in religious society proclaimed their superiority.  Yes, really, the Pharisees thought they were much better than a shepherd was, and undoubtedly disliked Jesus’ comparison of them to a poor sheepherder.

Maybe, however, you relate most to the shepherd.  Of course, you would rush out to find that one lost sheep, even though you have more than enough other sheep (who by the way, are safely gathered together).  Think of a father, who rushes back into his burning home to save his one child who is still inside, even though his other children are safely outside.  Just like Jesus, you would pick up that child and carry him with great joy to safety.

Parable Two–The Lost Coin

The second parable serves to further increase the ire and grumbling of the Pharisees. Once again, their beautiful flowing robes and position got in the way of doing God’s work.  How dare He compare them to a woman, and, an obviously poor, careless woman at that!  But this woman, like the shepherd, has lost something extremely important to her. Perhaps you relate most to this woman who would not stop or sleep until her valuable lost coin was found. 

When Jesus uses this poor woman and shepherd as examples of God’s forgiveness, He is telling these Pharisees (and US), that this woman and shepherd represent God’s desire to seek lost sinners.  To end these two parables, Jesus shares a wonderful scene of great rejoicing in heaven among the angels when the lost sinners are found.  However, the Pharisees probably found it offensive to envision such rejoicing in heaven with sinners. Heaven forbid.

Parable Three—The Lost Sons

Traditionally, we think of this final parable as the Parable of the Prodigal Son.  You know, the son who considered his father “as dead” and asked for his inheritance from him before the father had even died.  He wanted to go out and live the good life, away from his father.  Things did not turn out so well for him, and the prodigal son soon realizes that he made a huge mistake and decided to return home and beg for forgiveness.

“But the father said to his servant, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.  And bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.”  vs. 22-24

 This is a wonderful story of forgiveness, and probably the Pharisees think this story is tolerable because, after all, it is about a rich family, a beautiful robe, and a big party with music and dancing.   But hold on, the rest of the story was about to be told.

The other brother, the good other brother, was in the field working for his father when he approaches and hears the dancing and music.  He inquires and finds out the ugly truth.  His brother has returned to his father, and the party is for him.  Instead of going in and being happy that his brother was back home, the pity party began.  He reminded his father how good he had been; always served the father, never disobeyed, and certainly was not a son who wasted his father’s wealth on prostitutes. He made it clear that in his mind his brother is a sinner.  Once a sinner, always a sinner.  How could his father receive his brother back and eat with him? He could not let it go.

“He was angry and refused to go in.”(v.28)   Can you relate?

-Kayla Elwell

Questions for reflection:

  •  Whom did the other good son represent in this last story? 
  •  Can you relate to the resentment and anger the good son felt? Why or why not.
  •  Have you ever felt cheated, angry, upset, jealous, revengeful, or disappointed that you were not properly rewarded when others got recognition for lesser good works, or when others got forgiveness for messing up royally? Where do you believe that those feeling come from? A false sense of pride? A desire to get what is rightfully yours? Wanting to be better than others? Perhaps someone has hurt you deeply.  How do those feelings apply in this last parable?

Your Banquet Invite

Luke 14

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

As life grows busier by the day, holidays grow nearer, preparations for travel are made, deadlines for school are due, or you find yourself putting in those time and a half hours at work, it is so easy to become all consumed in your own day to day life. The same was true in the parable told by Jesus in Luke 14, The Parable of The Great Banquet. As Jesus gathered around the table with the Pharisees and experts in the law, he spoke to them on humbling themselves and serving in the here and now, even when they are giving all and receiving none. He says that their payment will be paid at the resurrection of the righteous. At the mention of the resurrection, one man calls out, blessed is the one who will eat at the feast at the Kingdom of God. Jesus replies with a parable, explaining that a great feast has been prepared for many guests. When word spread that the feast had come, and that it was time to join, many of the guests were found to be caught up in their own world and did not attend with urgency. Excuses were made and the banquet was pushed off. “I just bought a field that I must go and see.” “I bought five yokes of oxen, I must go try them out.” “I just got married, I can’t come.” As a result, each of these guests lost their place in the banquet as they were not ready, not prepared, and were not willing to attend at the call of the host. 

This parable serves as a wake up call to many as it is important to work hard each day and do your best with what has been bestowed upon you, however this life is temporary and our focus should always be on what is yet to come. In the meantime, we need to make sure that we are pursuing our faith, building a relationship with our heavenly father, and implementing spiritual disciplines daily so that when the banquet, otherwise known as the Kingdom of God draws nearer, our hearts will be prepared and our focus will be set on the right priorities. 

As we enter into a busy holiday season, may we be present in the why. Why we celebrate, why we serve, why intentionality matters. Let’s not be a people who become so caught up in each day that we do not humble ourselves before the Lord and serve His great name, no matter the cost. 

Luke 14:11 

“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” 

– Kayla Elwell

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to you that the invitation to the banquet in the Kingdom of God has been extended to everyone in the roads and country side? Who had been included in the original invitation – did it include you?
  2. What excuses have you used when you were neglecting the most important things of God?

Make Every Effort

Luke 13

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.” 

In thinking about one’s faith, how easy is it to get caught up in the motions of religion. “I go to church every week, I attend Sunday school, I make food for the potlucks, I give an occasional offering, I went to church camp as a child, etc…when the kingdom comes, surely I will be known and in relationship with the Lord.” 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ 

“Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’”

Thinking about where your heart is and what kind of faith you have takes courage, honesty, and oftentimes real change within our daily habits. 

Today is a perfect day to renew or strengthen your relationship with God and his son Jesus Christ. This looks different for all in many ways. When I picture a narrow door, I think of a door that not many choose to enter through. This “door” may not be the popular choice, the easy choice, or the fun choice. However, choosing to live a life that is pleasing to God is more rewarding than any earthly desire or temporary pleasure. I encourage you to take a moment today and consider one tangible way that you could get to know God on a deeper level this week. This may be through prayer, worship through song, spending time in nature, reading your Bible, serving others, etc. 

May we be a people who stand outside the door and are fully known as our hearts align to God through his son Jesus Christ. 

-Kayla Elwell

Reflection Questions

  1. Choose at least one way you could get to know God on a deeper level this week? When will you do it? Where? How? Why?
  2. How does “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door” work with Ephesians 2:8&9. Do you think Jesus would say that there are some people who rely too much on their works? Do you think Jesus would say there are some people who rely too much on God’s grace? How do you keep from being in either camp?

Store Your Treasures

Luke 12

Monday, December 19, 2022

Have you ever wondered what your purpose is? Why are you here? What am I suppose to accomplish in this lifetime? 

I think it’s pretty simple yet we make it so complicated sometimes, or at least I do. 

Luke 12:22-23

Do Not Be Anxious

[22] And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. [23] For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.

I am blessed because I rarely worry about what I am going to eat or what I am going to wear. If Jesus is telling his disciples not to worry about their essential needs, I highly doubt I should be worried about what others may think concerning the kind of car I drive, the shoes I wear, the house I live in, or even if I’m going to have enough money saved so I retire in 30 years, etc.  Don’t get me wrong, I believe there is value in planning ahead and being wise with your money, but if you do it at the expense of being less generous, spending less time with family and friends, and most importantly getting so consumed that you forget about your relationship with God. It’s all in vain and meaningless. 

Luke 12:31

[31] Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

This sums up how we ought to live and where our priorities should lie. Seeking the Kingdom isn’t always the easiest decision in the moment, but it is always the best decision. Seeking the kingdom isn’t always the best financial decision in the moment, but it’s always the best financial choice in the end. Seeking the kingdom won’t always give you everything you think you need and want now, but it will give you everything you thought you wanted and needed and so much more when the Kingdom is revealed. 

I challenge you and myself to see how we can make a real difference for the coming kingdom now, and how we can store up treasure in heaven where no thief can steal and no moth can destroy! 

Luke 12:33-34

[33] Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

-Luke Elwell

Reflection Questions

  1. Is there a time when you where anxious about something? How else could you have reacted?
  2. What are some ways to seek the Kingdom? How will you personally seek the Kingdom today?

Teach Us to Pray

Luke 11

Sunday, December 18, 2022

In Luke 11 the disciples ask Jesus how to pray and he gives them the Lord’s prayer, which you probably heard before.

1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins,   for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

There are several parts of this prayer that are important and that I think we sometimes miss.  First he praises God and asks for the kingdom to come.  I think it is important to start our prayers by focusing on God, because he deserves the respect and it helps to remind us that he is more important and greater than our problems.  Then it is important to remind ourselves that we are sinners in need of forgiveness and that we need to forgive others as well.  Also, when praying for ourselves we need to keep it simple, by only asking for the basics of our physical needs and for God to guide us spiritually.

Then later he goes on.

9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

God is very good at giving gifts, and he is not looking to hide himself from us.  If you need something then ask for it.  If you need more wisdom or patience to deal with an issue in your life, then ask God for it, and keep on asking God for it. Just make sure to check your motives as it says in James 4:3.  If you are asking for your own selfish reasons then you may need to rethink your request.  But if you are asking for something for the reason of helping to further the kingdom and the gospel then God is excited to give to his children.

-Chris Mattison

(Originally posted here December 14, 2017)

Reflection Questions

  1. Who has taught you how to pray? What have you learned about prayer? What do you think you could still learn about prayer?
  2. In what areas can your prayer life use another lesson from Jesus?
  3. Are there any sections/topics of Jesus’ short sample prayer in Luke 11:2-4 that you do not often include in your prayers? How could you remember these things better while praying?

Distracted

Luke 10

Saturday, December 17, 2022

I think that Martha gets a bit of a bad rap. Today she might even be what we call a “Karen.” It’s easy to read this last little portion of Luke 10 and think, “Well, better not be her,” and move on. But the thing is, most of us do have a little bit of Martha in us. We all have tasks that need accomplishing, people to take care of, and work to do. And all these things, while completely worthy of our time and dedication, can all too easily become a distraction from a relationship with Christ.


I don’t know about you, but different days I find myself relating to different sisters from this story. Fortunately for us, either way works out, because you either have the affirmation to keep being a Mary, or a gentle nudge that you’re being too Martha. Jesus broke cultural expectations in this story, encouraging his followers to stop and be present, rather than allowing work and responsibilities, however noble, to be a distraction from what really matters. The Bible tells us that we are to be anxious for nothing.


“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7


Even when our anxieties are totally justified, we are not to become anxious, but instead find rest in God’s overwhelming peace. He is here for us, always, all we need to do is be with Him.

-Isabella Osborn

Reflection Questions

  1. Is your approach to a relationship with God and His son more like Mary’s, or Martha’s?
  2. Do you ever find yourself getting so caught up in working for Christ that you forget to just be with him?
  3. On days when you feel yourself drowning in work and overwhelmed with tasks, what can you do to remind yourself to pause, and refocus your day on God? How can you do this during the Christmas season?