Season 1

Episode 211: Luke 6

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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Episode 210: Luke 5

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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Episode 209: Luke 4

Today's meditation is on Luke Chapter 4
The Word of God is my life. It's more important to me than my daily bread. Truly, it is the bread of life. Life flows from every revelation from his mouth. 
I worship God the Father and serve only him. Only he is worthy of adoration. 
He has commanded his angels to guard me and protect me from harm, but I do not tempt God. I live and act responsibly. 
The Spirit of the living God is upon me. He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. They don't have to be poor any longer, for the Lord makes them rich and adds no sorrow with it.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the captives, for whom the Son sets free is free indeed. 
He ha sent me to restore sight to the blind, Jesus said that the believer would lay hands on the sick and they would recover. 
He sent me to declare that the oppressed have been set free. Jesus has redeemed everyone who was oppressed of the enemy and purchased their freedom with his blood.
The time of the Lord's favor has come. 
I speak with the authority given to me by Jesus, in his name. 
I have been commissioned to preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in all the world. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 208: Luke 2-3

Today's meditation is on Luke Chapters 2 and 3
On a dark night, so long ago, God's radiant angel messengers brought good news. The most joyous news the world had ever heard. The Messiah had come. This news still brings great joy. Glory to God in highest heaven! He made a way for peace and hope.
I treasure God's Word in my heart, and often ponder the meaning of his Words. Through Jesus, I have salvation -- the salvation God prepared for all people. He is the light of the world, revealing the Father to all nations. He is my glory. Because of his light, the deepest thoughts of my heart are revealed. 
God's wisdom is available to me -- all I have to do is ask -- and he pours out his favor on me. Each day of my life, I am to be about my Father's business, consumed with him. 
I prove by the way I live that I have repented of my sins and turned to God. My life produces the good fruit of the Spirit. 
I freely give of what I have to those in need. I give food to the hungry, clothe the poor and bless those in need.
I am honest and charge a fair wage for the work that I do. And I do my work with excellence. 
I have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and with his consuming fire. I have been set apart by the Father -- separated from the chaff that is to be burned. 
I am dearly loved by God, and I live my life in a manner that will bring him joy. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 207: Luke 1

Today's meditation is on Luke Chapter 1
Holy scripture provides an accurate account of Jesus birth, life, death and resurrection, so I can be certain of everything that I have been taught.
From Zechariah's experience, I understand how important it is to trust and believe in God's Word, and to not speak doubt, fear or unbelief. When Zechariah spoke in doubt to the messenger from God, he was made silent and could not speak until after his son, John the Baptist was born. God's plan was too important to risk. From this, I know that the words I speak have power. But the Word of God will never fail. 
So I submit myself to God's authority. The correct response to God is, may everything the Word says about me come true.
My soul praises the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior! I am blessed. Almighty God is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He scatters the proud and haughty ones. He brings down princes from their thrones and exalts the humble.
He has filled my life with good things, and satisfied my hunger and longing. He is my helper. His mercy never runs out. The hand of the Lord is upon me in a special way. 
Praise the Lord, because he has visited me and redeemed me. He sent a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.
He has saved me from the enemy. He is merciful to me and brought me into his sacred covenant that he swore with an oath to Abraham. I will serve God without fear in holiness and righteousness as long as I live. 
I will spread the Good News of the gospel and tell people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven has broken upon us. It gives light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and guides us to the path of peace.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Episode 206: Mark 16

Today's meditation is on Mark Chapter 16
After Jesus conquered death, and before he was taken up into heaven, he gave instructions. He said to go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. So, I do my part. I spread the Good News in my own little world of family, friends, work and community. And I also take advantage of technology to spread the Good News literally to ALL the world.
Those who believe are saved. Baptism is a public demonstration of belief. When I was plunged beneath the water, I experienced death with Jesus. And when I was raised from the water, I experienced resurrection to new life. I was born again. But those who refuse to believe will be condemned. 
Jesus said that miraculous signs will accompany me because I believe. I can cast out demons in his name. I speak in new languages. I am able to handle snakes with safety, and if I drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt me. I am able to place my hands on the sick, and they will be healed.
After Jesus spoke these words into the future over my life, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 
So, I do what Jesus said, and I do what Jesus did. I tell people the Good News of the gospel, and the Lord works through me, confirming what he said by miraculous signs.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Episode 205: Mark 13

Today's meditation is on Mark Chapter 13
I do not put my hope in things made by man... whether it's great architecture or human wisdom. I know that there is no stability in these things. Anything made without God will end up in a heap of rubble. 
I know that Jesus' return is coming closer and closer. All of the events he said would happen, are taking place. There are many doomsday deceivers. There are even some who have claimed to be Jesus himself. There are wars and rumored wars. Many claim we are on the brink of a third world war. 
But I do not panic. This is just history repeating itself again. Nations fighting nations. Rulers fighting rulers. Earthquakes happening in places where they haven't occured before. Famines, droughts and climate change are daily news. But Jesus said this is only the beginning of the end. 
The time will come when we will be persecuted for our faith. Already, there is a strong anti-Christian bias in the nation and in the world. But, I have been placed here as a sentinel to Truth. God's good news message has to be preached  across the world.
I don't worry about what I will say. When the time comes, I will simply say what’s on my heart. Holy Spirit will make his witness in and through me.
Brother will turn against brother, father against children, children against parents. There is no telling who will hate me because of my love for Jesus. But I will stay with it. That's what's required. I will stay with it to the end. Following God's path never leads to regret.
I will be ready to run for higher ground. If I'm working in the yard, I won't go back to the house even for a coat. These are going to be hard days—nothing like it from the time God made the world right up to the present. And there will be nothing like it again. But God in his mercy, will shorten these days because of his chosen people. 
Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and bewitching performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better. But I won't be deceived. 
The sun will fade out, the moon cloud over, the stars fall out of the sky, and the cosmic powers tremble. Then I’ll see Jesus enter in grand style, his arrival filling the sky. No one will be able to miss it. Every eye will see him. He will dispatch his angels; to pull in the chosen from the four winds, from pole to pole.
I take this lesson from the fig tree. When I see its buds form, the merest hint of green, I know summer is around the corner. It is the same with the signs. When I see all these things that Jesus foretold, I will know that he is at the door. I don't take anything he said lightly. These things will happen. Sky and earth will wear out, but his words will last forever.
No one knows the exact day or hour. Not heaven’s angels, not even Jesus. Only Father God. So I keep a sharp lookout, because I don’t know the timetable. But I have been assigned a task, and told to stand watch. So, I will stand at my post, watching. I have no idea when He is returning, whether evening, midnight, dawn, or morning. I don’t want him showing up unannounced, only to find me asleep on the job. 
I will stay at my post. I will keep watch. For I know Jesus is coming soon.
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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Episode 204: Mark 12

Today's meditation is on Mark Chapter 12
Through the centuries, God sent many wise men and prophets to teach people the truth and turn their hearts back to him. But they were mocked, ridiculed and even killed. Finally, when the time was right and prophecy had been fulfilled, he sent his only Son, Jesus. He too was mocked, ridiculed and killed. 
He was the cornerstone rejected by the religious leaders of the day. Even now, he is rejected by many. Yet he willingly sacrificed his life to save mine. He exchanged his righteousness for my sin. He paid my penalty so that I could go free.
I gladly give God what is his through tithes, offerings and my worship. He deserves all the glory and all the praise. He is the God of the living. The great I Am.
But I also do not neglect my civic duty, and I give my country, my government and my leaders what is due them as well; respect for the office of authority, payment of taxes to maintain our system of government, and always prayers for wisdom and guidance for our leaders.
Jesus boiled the laws and commandments down to two key laws. So I will love the Lord my God with all my passion and prayer and intelligence and strength. And I will love others as well as I love myself. 
The message of the gospel is simple and easy to understand. So I strive to follow it with simplicity and not complicate matters. I have no desire to make a religious show of my relationship with God. I don't want flattery or to hold a prominent position. In fact, you can put me at the kids' table at events. I don't use flowery language or fancy speech when I pray, but get right to the point and talk to God the same way I would talk with a friend. 
And when I give, I give extravagantly. I know that it all belongs to God already. So I gratefully give my all to the one who gave everything to me. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Episode 203: Mark 11

Today's meditation is on Mark Chapter 11
I do not put on a show of spirituality, pretending to bear the fruit of the Spirit when it is not present in my life. 
I embrace this God-life. Really embrace it. And as Jesus promised, nothing is too much for me. I speak to the mountains in my life with the God-kind of faith and I do not doubt in my heart, and the mountains move. I pray for everything large and small. I know that nothing is too big for God, and nothing is too small. He cares about every detail of my life. I embrace God's way and he holds nothing back from me. 
When I pray, it's not all about asking. I give thanks for what I have and for everything that God has given me. And if I have anything against anyone -- or if I know that someone has something against me -- I seek reconciliation first. I practice forgiveness in all areas of my life. I know that if I will not forgive others, then God cannot forgive me, because unforgiveness is a perpetual sin. So I have predetermined to forgive others and to never walk in strife.
Jesus gave me the authority to speak in his name, the name above all names. So I live my life walking in the authority of God's Kingdom.  
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 
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Episode 202: Mark 10

Today's meditation is on Mark Chapter 10
From the beginning of creation, God made male and female to be together. Because of this, a man leaves father and mother, and is joined in marriage to his wife. The two become united into one—no longer two individuals, but forming a new unity. Because God created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart. This was designed to be a lifelong bond.
Not only is the institution of marriage sacred, but so is family. Jesus did not minister only to adults, but to children also. Children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. And unless I accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, I’ll never get in. Jesus took the little children in his arms, placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. He said that the Kingdom of God belongs to the childlike.
No one is good, only God. God gave me his commandments so that I would recognize sin and my need for a savior. The first and greatest commandment, to love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my mind, means not putting anything above him, or putting my trust in anything besides him.
This is why it is so hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God. I examine my heart to make sure I am not holding on tight to the things of this world, and would be willing to let go of them if they interfered with my relationship with Father God. Jesus said it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God. 
I have no chance at all to enter the kingdom by my own efforts. Humanly speaking, it's impossible. But I have every chance in the world if I accept eternal life as a gift from God through Jesus Christ. Everything is possible with God.
I know that any sacrifices I make in this life because of Jesus and the Gospel will be repaid a hundred times. And I will have eternal life in the world to come. So I don't concern myself with position or title. I'm content to be the least important in this life, knowing that my reward will be great in God's Kingdom.
I am willing to drink from the bitter cup of suffering from which Jesus drank. I am will to be baptized with the baptism of suffering he was baptized with. 
The rulers in this world throw their weight around. When they get a little power, it goes right to their heads. I have no desire for earthly authority. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve others. The King of Heaven and Earth submitted himself even to death on the cross to ransom my life. As his disciple, I am content to humble myself and serve others. 
He had mercy on me, while I was sinner. He called me to himself. I cast off my beggar's cloak and ran to him. And he opened my eyes so that I could see -- beyond my human senses. I have been healed by grace, through faith. That's why I follow him. 
Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.
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