Meditating The Word

Today's meditation is on Luke Chapter 14
I am careful not to get into hypocrisy or to judge others for their actions. There may be circumstances of which I am unaware. In fact, that is almost always the case. 
And I do not strive to sit in a place of honor, but practice humility. It is far better to take the lowest place and be promoted, than to take a place of honor and have to give up my position for someone more worthy or honorable. If I exalt myself, I will be humbled. But if I humble myself, I will be exalted. 
I practice random acts of kindness toward those who cannot repay me. And whenever possible, I do so anonymously. I do not look for a reward from my fellow man. If Father God feels I am due a reward, he will repay. It will be blessing enough to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God.
I have chosen to follow Jesus. I am willing to give up father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters -- even my own life, if necessary -- in order to carry my own cross and follow him.
I count the cost of every undertaking before I start. It would be foolish to begin construction on a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it. I would be a laughing stock if I ran out of money after completing only the foundation. I will not start something that I cannot afford to finish.
If I were going to war, I would sit down with counselors to discuss whether my army could defeat the opposing army. If not, I would send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy was still far away. 
Likewise, I know I cannot be a disciple of Christ, without being willing to give up everything I own. 
I live as pure a life as possible, to maximize my ability to bless others through my good works. Like salt is used for seasoning, I let God use my life to bring flavor to the lives of others. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Today's meditation is on Luke Chapter 13
I have repented of my sins and turned to God. In God's eyes, there are no better sinners or worse sinners. All have sinned and fallen short of God's best for them. I am no better or worse than anyone else in that regard. 
While anyone else would have given up on me long ago, God is patient. He tenderly cared for me, nourished me, pruned me, and gave me every opportunity to grow and flourish under his tender loving care.  I was in bondage to the enemy, but Jesus released me and set me free and gave me right standing again with Father God.
He taught me that the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. And even though it is the tiniest of all seeds, it grows into a tree large enough for birds to nest in its branches and raise their young. 
It is like yeast. Even though only a small amount is added to flour, it permeates every part of the dough and makes the bread rise. 
He taught me about the Kingdom, because many will try to enter in, but will fail. The way is narrow, and once the master of the house has locked the door it will be too late. So, I will seek the Kingdom and his righteousness above all else, and I will not be left standing outside knocking and pleading. 
I will be in the number of those who come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their place in the Kingdom of God. In that day, those who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then. So I do not try to earn a place of honor among men. My heart and mind are set on the Kingdom of God.
Blessed is Jesus who came in the name of the Lord. He has gathered me to himself. And I am protected under the shadow of his wings.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Today's meditation is on Luke Chapter 12
I am careful to not be contaminated by false teaching. I do not try to hide my true self, behind a religious mask. Sooner or later, a mask will slip and my true face will be known. I cannot whisper one thing in private and then publicly say something different. Everything that is hidden will be revealed, and whispers will be repeated all over town. 
I do not allow myself to be bluffed into silence or insincerity by the threats of religious or political bullies. Even if they were to take my life, they cannot do anything to my soul. I fear God alone, who holds my entire life -- body and soul -- in his hands.
Sparrows may be common and considered of little value, but God never overlooks a single one. He remembers them all. And he pays even greater attention to me, down to the last detail, even numbering the hairs on my head. So I have nothing to fear. I am worth more to God than many sparrows. 
I will confess my love for Jesus before the world, and Jesus will stand up for me before Father God and all the angels. 
And I will not speak against Holy Spirit, who was sent by Jesus to help me. To deny him would be an unforgivable sin.
If I am attacked and have to defend myself, I will not worry about what I will say or how I will say it. The right words will be there. Holy Spirit is my teacher and will give me the right words when the time comes.
I am careful to not allow greed in my life. I do not covet what others have. My life is not defined by what I have even if I have an abundance of things. I store up treasures in heaven, and fill my earthly life with God.
I do not take anxious thought about what I will eat, or what clothes I will wear. There is far more to life than the food I put in my stomach, or my outer appearance and the clothes I hang on my body. I look at the ravens free and unfettered, they don't sow seed or reap harvests, they don't have bank accounts, they are carefree in the care of God. How much more God cares for me than for the birds.
I can't add a single inch to my height by worrying about it. So if worrying can’t even do that, why worry at all? I look at the wildflowers in the fields. They don't work, or fuss over their appearance—but they are decked out in beautiful colors. The richest people with the largest and most expensive wardrobes, pale in comparison to them. God clothes them himself, in unique designs. How much more he takes care of me and makes sure I have everything I need. 
So I relax and have faith. I am not so preoccupied with getting that I miss responding to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but I both know God and how he works. I steep myself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions, and I find all my everyday human concerns are abundantly met. I'm not afraid of missing out. I know the Father wants to give me the very kingdom itself.
So, I am generous. I give to the poor. I store up treasures in heaven, safe from theft or decay. I know that where my treasure is, my heart will be. 
I live my life like a house servant waiting for my master to return. I am awake and ready to open the door when he arrives and knocks. It doesn’t matter what time of the night he arrives; I will be awake—and so blessed! I do not allow myself to be lazy or careless, because I do not know the day or the hour he will return. Just when I don’t expect him, he will show up.
When the master shows up, I will be doing my job. I have been given so much! Great gifts mean great responsibilities; the greater the gift, the greater the responsibility.
Jesus came to start a fire on the earth. He changed everything and turned everything rightside up again. He didn't come to smooth things over and make everything nice. He came to disrupt and confront the status quo.
My faith and belief in him will automatically turn some people against me. He brought a change in the weather, a change in the season. So I will be watchful and I will occupy while I wait. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Today's meditation is on Luke Chapter 11
Jesus gave us an example on how to pray. 
Father God, your name is holy. May your Kingdom realm be established here on earth. Let your will be done here on earth just as it is in heaven. Thank you for meeting my daily needs, nothing is too big or too small for you. Thank you for forgiving me for my sins. You have removed them as far as the east is from the west. And I also forgive anyone who has wronged me. You help me to avoid temptation and you have delivered me from the evil one. 
When I go to Father God in prayer, I am shamelessly persistent. I pray until I have complete faith, for Jesus said that when I pray, I must pray believing. 
He has promised me that when I ask persistently, I will receive. When I seek diligently, I will find. And when I knock persistently, the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door is opened.
If my child asks me for a fish, I won't give him a snake instead. If he asks for an egg, I won't give him a scorpion. If I give good gifts to my child, how much more will Father God give me the Holy Spirit when I ask?
I do not ask for miraculous signs from heaven as proof. God's Word is all the proof I need. 
I work with God, not against him. When I eliminate something from my life -- and especially from my mind -- I don't leave a void. An empty space is an open invitation to the enemy to fill it. So, I fill it instead with what is good, and pure and holy. I eliminate lies and replace them with truth. 
I am blessed when I hear the Word of God and put it into practice. I listen to the wisdom of God and I repent of my sins. 
I will be a light for the kingdom. I will not hide the revelation light God has revealed to me, but I will put it on a stand where it's light can be seen by others. 
My eyes are the lamp of my soul. I look only at the light, and my whole body is filled with that light. The light of God searches out every corner, and my whole life is radiant, as if a floodlight were filling me with light. 
I make sure that I am clean inside and out. I don't mindlessly follow religious tradition, but I love my neighbors and do good. I give gifts to the poor. And because my heart is right, I am clean all over. 
I give God the tithe of my first fruit, but do not neglect the more important things. I do not care about sitting in seats of honor, or being greeted by everyone when I walk around in public. I do my best to ease the burdens of others and to share with them the keys to the Kingdom. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Today's meditation is on Luke Chapter 10
Jesus has commissioned me to bring others into the Kingdom. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. So I will do my part and go into the field to harvest. Even though I may be like a lamb among wolves. 
I will speak peace over people wherever I go. If there is someone who promotes peace, my peace will rest on them. If not, it will return to me. I am willing to do the work assigned to me. And I deserve my wages for that work. 
When I am welcomed into someone's home, I will eat the food that is offered to me, for everything created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected. Rather, I will receive it with thanksgiving. I will lay hands on the sick and tell them the Kingdom of God has come near to them. 
If I am not welcomed, I will simply shake it off and move on, like shaking the dust off of my feet. I will not take any resentment with me, or get into strife over it. Perhaps the next laborer will be heard.
Whoever listens to me when I tell them the Good News of the gospel, listens to Christ. Whoever rejects my message, rejects Christ. And whoever rejects Christ rejects the Father. 
Even demons submit to me in the authority of Jesus' name. Satan fell like lightning from heaven. 
Jesus has given me authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm me. But I don't rejoice that the spirits submit to me, but I rejoice that my name is written in heaven.
I praise Father God, Lord of heaven and earth, because he has hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children. He was pleased to do this.
All things were committed to Jesus by the Father. And no one knows the Father except for Jesus and those to whom Jesus has revealed him. 
I have been blessed because I have seen the Lord... not with my physical eyes, but with my spiritual eyes. Many prophets and kings wanted to see and experience the Messiah, but did not. They wanted to hear him, but did not. I am blessed beyond measure to be born in this age.
I love the Lord my God with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength and with all my mind; and, I love my neighbor as myself. And I experience true life -- the God kind of life. God has shown me great mercy, so I have mercy on others. 
Nothing gives me more pleasure than to sit at the feet of Jesus in worship and to listen to every Word that he has spoken. This world has ample opportunities to be worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed, in fact, only one. I choose that one thing, and it will not be taken away from me.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Today's meditation is on Luke Chapter 9
Jesus has given me the authority to use his name and the Holy Spirit's power flowing through me is able to cast out demons and cure diseases. I have been commissioned to preach the news of God's Kingdom. If I am not welcomed, I don't make a scene. I don't engage in arguments over God and his Word. I simply speak his Word -- without commentary. If it isn't accepted, I move on.
God is able to take whatever I have and multiply it into more than enough, just like Jesus did with the five loaves and bread and the two fish. He is a God of increase. He blesses what I have so I can use it for the Kingdom.
He is the Messiah, promised throughout the centuries. He lived and died and rose again. and I will follow him wherever he leads, and whatever may happen. 
My life is not my own, but I have submitted myself to serving him. I embrace whatever experiences come my way. Even when the way seems difficult, he is there, showing me how to get through it. 
Just as he sacrificed his life for me, I now sacrifice mine for him and in so doing, I find my true self. What good would it do for me to get everything the world has to offer, but lose my true self? 
I am not ashamed to follow him, wherever he leads. I treasure and ponder his Words. 
I know that God looks at my heart. My outward appearance means nothing. It is my spirit, not my body, that makes the difference.
My business is life -- the God-kind of life, and my mission is urgent: announce God's Kingdom, tell everyone the Good News. There is no time to procrastinate. This is not a time to look back, but forward. God's Kingdom can't be put off until tomorrow. 
So, I will seize the day and be about the Father's business.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Today's meditation is on Luke Chapter 8
As the women in Jesus in his day did, not only do I follow him, but I give of what I have to spread the Good News of the Gospel throughout the world. I provide financial support to those who take God's Word and sow it in the hearts of others. 
They are like farmers sowing seed. Some falls on the road and is trampled under foot and eaten by the birds. Some falls in the gravel and sprouts, but soon withers because it has no roots. And some falls in with the weeds which strangle it. But some of the seed falls in rich earth and produces a bumper crop. 
This is how the Kingdom of God operates. And these are also the tactics of the enemy. As soon as I hear the Word of God, the enemy comes to try to snatch it away before it has time to grow.
And if I hear the Word enthusiastically, but I don't have a deep understanding, when trouble comes, I will give up on it before it has a chance to develop in my heart. 
If I hear the Word, but allow the cares of the world, worries about the future, financial concerns and having a good time, and don't make time for the Word, it is crowded out and nothing come of it. 
So, I prepare my heart and my mind to receive God's Word so that the seed falls on good earth. I seize the Word and hold onto it no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.
I don't hide this Kingdom Knowledge, I don't keep the Good News a secret. I tell the world, bringing everything out into the open. Like a lamp on a stand, I shine the light of the Gospel so that others can find their way. I'm not  a miser of what I have learned. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.
Some will believe, but others will scoff and ridicule me for my beliefs. My family are those who hear and do God's Word. Obedience is thicker than blood.
I know that no matter what my circumstances may look like, I can trust God. The one who told the wind to be silent, and the waves to quiet down and they obeyed him, can calm the chaos of this world and create peace and stability in my life. 
I will tell everyone everything that God has done in me. He has healed me--body, spirit and soul--and allowed me to live well and live blessed. God isn't making the decision to save me now anymore than he did the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment. Health had already been provided. And she received it by faith. Salvation has already been provided -- complete salvation. In him I died, and in him I have been raised to new life. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Today's meditation is on Luke Chapter 7
The Kingdom works on the principle of authority. Jesus walked in the authority of the Father while he was here on earth. He spoke, and even the wind and the seas obeyed him. I am an ordinary person, but I understand the power of authority. And this authority operated through Jesus. 
All Jesus had to do was speak the Word, and healing flowed. He was following in the footsteps of Father God. God simply said Light Be, and light has continued on throughout the ages. The kind of faith God is looking for, does not rely on the senses, but strictly on his Word.
By Jesus' Word, the blind were able to see again, the lame were able to walk, lepers were cleansed, the deaf were able to hear, the dead were raised back to life. God's Word still works miracles today. His salvation has been extended to all people. But it's up to me to accept it. The blessing of heaven has come upon me because I do not lose my faith, no matter what happens.
In God's Kingdom, even the lowliest person is lifted to a place of honor. My sins were great, but God's mercy was greater still and he has forgiven my many sins. I am so very grateful. I have been saved by grace through faith. And I walk in the ways of peace because of what Jesus did for me.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Today's meditation is on Luke Chapter 6
I do not blindly follow religious traditions. The letter of the law leads to death. But the spirit of the law leads to life more abundant and eternal. I was not meant to be a slave to the Sabbath, but rather the Sabbath was made for me. Just as God rested from his work, I am to rest from mine. Even more, Jesus has invited me to rest in him every day and at any time. He has promised to give me rest. 
And so I spend quiet time each day in prayer before God. It is there that I find peace and rest. A sustaining peace that remains with me throughout the day. A refreshing rest that restores me and gives me strength. 
I am happy, blessed, and prosperous, because I am not spiritually arrogant. In fact, I know that without Christ, I am completely insignificant. But because of Christ, the kingdom of God is mine both now and forever.
I am joyful, blessed and nourished by God’s goodness, because I hunger for righteousness and actively seek right standing with God. In him, I am completely satisfied. 
I am forgiven, refreshed and blessed by God’s grace, because I have repented from my sins. I am able to laugh because the burden of sin has been lifted.
I am morally courageous, blessed and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness, even when people hate me, and exclude me from their fellowship. Even though they insult me, and scorn my name as evil because of my association with Christ. 
I rejoice and leap for joy, for I know that my reward in heaven is great. It is absolutely inexhaustible. 
I count myself blessed every time someone cuts me down or throws me out, every time someone smears or blackens my name. It just means that the truth is too close for comfort. I skip like a lamb and all heaven applauds. I know that I am in good company. Even the prophets of old were treated this way.
I do not place faith in possessions, or live a life of self-indulgence. Nor do I live for the approval of others. I don't waste my breath in flattery, nor do I seek it for myself. Popularity contests are not truth contests. And my task is to be true, not popular.
I love my enemies. I let them bring out the best in me, not the worst. When someone gives me a hard time, I respond with the supple moves of prayer for that person. If someone slaps me in the face, I stand there and take it. If someone grabs my shirt, I giftwrap my best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of me, I use the occasion to practice the servant life. I do not seek to payback evil with evil, but I live generously.
I ask myself what I would want someone to do for me; then I grab the initiative and do it for them! If I only love the lovable, I'm no different than any run-of-the-mill sinner -- they do that too. If I only help those who help me, I'm just like the garden-variety sinners who do the same thing. If I only give for what I hope to get out of it, I'm not showing love. The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
So, I love my enemies. I help and give without expecting a return. And I know that I will never regret it. I live out this God-created identity the way Father God lives toward me, generously and graciously, even when I am at my worst. Father God is kind; so I am kind.
I don’t pick on people, jump on their failures or criticize their faults. Otherwise, I would be setting myself up for the same treatment. I don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. I take it easy on people; and I find life a lot easier. I give to others, and it is given to me, poured into my lap in good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over with no space left for more. I know that the same standard of measurement I use will be measured to me in return. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.
I am careful who I follow as a teacher. I follow only those who with faith and patience have inherited the promises of God. If they do not exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, I move on. 
I am careful to pay attention to my own short-comings, rather than those of others. I have no desire to play holier-than-thou. I have plenty issues of my own to take care of. 
Just as a good tree doesn't produce bad fruit, or a bad tree produce good fruit, the same is true with people. Like trees, every person is known and identified by the fruit they produce in their lives. The intrinsically good person produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure stored in his heart; and the intrinsically evil person produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil in his heart. My mouth speaks from the overflow of my heart. And I can be seen for who I truly am, by the fruit I produce in my life.
I take God's Word as my foundation. His words are life. They are the foundation upon which I build my life. I listen to and obey God's Word, and when the storms of life come, I cannot be shaken because my life is securely built and founded on the rock.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Today's meditation is on Luke Chapter 5
When I operate in my own knowledge and my own power, I often come up short. I can work hard all night, and not manage to accomplish a thing. But, when I listen to God and follow his instructions, I receive a miraculous overflow... more than I can even contain. So, if Jesus instructs me to let down my nets, I will let them down!
Jesus has called me to follow him. With him, there is nothing to fear. He has made me a fisher of men and women, spreading the Good News of the Gospel and bringing them into the Kingdom. I will follow him wherever he leads me. 
I know from Jesus' life here on the earth, that the Father's will is health. Jesus did only what he saw the Father do and said only what he heard the Father say. He never turned anyone away who came to be healed. He healed them all.
He demonstrated compassion and humility. Over and over again, he asked people not to tell anyone what had happened. But they were unable to keep silent! He quietly went about doing the Father's will, and not wanting any attention for himself. This is the example I am to follow. To do the Father's will, and expect nothing in return.
As often as possible, Jesus also withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer. From his example, I know how important it is to get away and commune with Father God. If it was important for Jesus, how much more necessary is it for me to spend as much time as possible alone with the Father?
God is impressed with bold belief. Over and over, when Jesus healed the sick, he said they were healed because of their faith. So I build up my faith by hearing the Word, studying the Word, spending time in prayer and meditation, and praying in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus came to save the lost. He invited me to a changed life -- both inside and out. So I celebrate this new life. God's Kingdom realm has come. In Christ, I have been made whole, cleansed by his blood, born again as a new creature, and filled with the Holy Spirit.  
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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