Scripture:
Luke 8:22-25 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Calms a Storm
22(A) One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of(B) the lake." So they set out, 23and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on(C) the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he awoke and(D) rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased,(E) and there was a calm. 25He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they(F) were afraid, and they(G) marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that(H) he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?"
Cross references:
Luke 8:22 : For Luke 8:22-25, Matt 8:23-27; Mark 4:36-41; John 6:16-21
Luke 8:22 : Luke 8:33; Luke 5:1
Luke 8:23 : Luke 8:22
Luke 8:24 : Luke 4:39; Psalm 104:7
Luke 8:24 : Psalm 65:7; Matt 14:32; Mark 6:51
Luke 8:25 : John 14:27
Luke 8:25 : Mark 1:27
Luke 8:25 : Luke 5:9
Reflection:
How can we fight fear with faith? Jesus' sleeping presence on the storm-tossed sea reveals the sleeping faith of his disciples. They feared for their lives even though their Lord and Master was with them in the boat. They were asleep to Christ while he was present to them in their hour of need. The Lord is ever present to us. And in our time of testing he asks the same question: Why are you afraid? Have you no faith? Do you recognize the Lord's presence with you, especially when you meet the storms of adversity, sorrow, and temptation? Whenever we encounter trouble, the Lord is there with the same reassuring message: "It is I, do not be afraid."
What are the characteristics of faith and how can we grow in it? Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to us. Believing is only possible by grace and the help of the Holy Spirit, who moves the heart and who opens the eyes of the mind to understand and accept the truth which God has revealed to us. Faith enables us to relate to God rightly and confidently, with trust and reliance, by believing and adhering to his word, because he is utterly reliable and trustworthy. If we want to live, grow, and persevere in faith, then it must be nourished with the word of God. Fear does not need to cripple us from taking right action or rob us of our trust and reliance on God. Courage working with faith enables us to embrace God's word of truth and love with confidence and to act on it with firm hope in God's promises. The love of God strengthens us in our faith and trust in him and enables us to act with justice and kindness towards our neighbor even in the face of opposition or harm. Do you allow the love of Christ to rule in your heart and mind, and to move your will to choose what is good in accordance with his will?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, increase my faith in your redeeming love and power that I may always recognize your abiding presence with me. And give me courage to do your will in all circumstances.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Daily Word - Relationships - Luke 8:19-21
Scripture:
Luke 8:19-21 (English Standard Version)
Jesus’ Mother and Brothers 19(A) Then his mother and(B) his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20And he was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you." 21But he answered them, "My mother and my brothers are those(C) who hear the word of God and do it."
Cross references:
Luke 8:19 : For Luke 8:19-21, Matt 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35
Luke 8:19 : Matt 13:55; Mark 6:3; John 2:12; 7:3, 5, 10; Acts 1:14; 1 Cor 9:5; Gal 1:19
Luke 8:21 : Luke 11:28; James 1:22
Reflection:
Do your relationships help you or hinder you in living for God? God did not intend for us to be alone, but to be with others. He gives us many opportunities for developing relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Why does Jesus seem to ignore his own relatives when they pressed to see him? Jesus never lost an opportunity to teach his disciples a spiritual lesson or truth about the kingdom of God. On this occasion when many gathered to hear Jesus he pointed to another and higher reality of spiritual kinship, namely the family of God. An early martyr once said that "a Christian's only relatives are the saints." Those who follow Jesus Christ and who seek the will of God enter into a new family, a family of "saints" here on earth and in heaven. Jesus changes the order of relationships and shows that true kinship is not just a matter of flesh and blood. Our adoption as sons and daughters of God transforms all our relationships and requires a new order of loyalty to God and his kingdom. Paul the Apostle warns us to not form friendships with those whose influence would lead us into sin and unfaithfulness (see Ephes. 5:7). We certainly must pray for them, seek their good, and look for ways to witness the joy of the gospel. True friendship for a Christian should strengthen us in our love for God and for neighbor. Do you seek the company of godly friends and advisors and do you look for ways to help others grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God and his will for their lives?
Prayer For The Day:
Heavenly Father, you bless us with family and friends, both spiritual and natural. Help me to love them with charity and grace. May I always prefer your will and seek to do what is right and good in all my relationships.
Luke 8:19-21 (English Standard Version)
Jesus’ Mother and Brothers 19(A) Then his mother and(B) his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20And he was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you." 21But he answered them, "My mother and my brothers are those(C) who hear the word of God and do it."
Cross references:
Luke 8:19 : For Luke 8:19-21, Matt 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35
Luke 8:19 : Matt 13:55; Mark 6:3; John 2:12; 7:3, 5, 10; Acts 1:14; 1 Cor 9:5; Gal 1:19
Luke 8:21 : Luke 11:28; James 1:22
Reflection:
Do your relationships help you or hinder you in living for God? God did not intend for us to be alone, but to be with others. He gives us many opportunities for developing relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Why does Jesus seem to ignore his own relatives when they pressed to see him? Jesus never lost an opportunity to teach his disciples a spiritual lesson or truth about the kingdom of God. On this occasion when many gathered to hear Jesus he pointed to another and higher reality of spiritual kinship, namely the family of God. An early martyr once said that "a Christian's only relatives are the saints." Those who follow Jesus Christ and who seek the will of God enter into a new family, a family of "saints" here on earth and in heaven. Jesus changes the order of relationships and shows that true kinship is not just a matter of flesh and blood. Our adoption as sons and daughters of God transforms all our relationships and requires a new order of loyalty to God and his kingdom. Paul the Apostle warns us to not form friendships with those whose influence would lead us into sin and unfaithfulness (see Ephes. 5:7). We certainly must pray for them, seek their good, and look for ways to witness the joy of the gospel. True friendship for a Christian should strengthen us in our love for God and for neighbor. Do you seek the company of godly friends and advisors and do you look for ways to help others grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God and his will for their lives?
Prayer For The Day:
Heavenly Father, you bless us with family and friends, both spiritual and natural. Help me to love them with charity and grace. May I always prefer your will and seek to do what is right and good in all my relationships.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Daily Word - They May See The Light - Luke 8:16-18
Scripture:
Luke 8:16-18 (English Standard Version)
A Lamp Under a Jar
16(A) (B) "No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17(C) For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18(D) Take care then how you hear,(E) for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away."
Cross references:
Luke 8:16 : For Luke 8:16-18, Mark 4:21-25
Luke 8:16 : Luke 11:33; Matt 5:15
Luke 8:17 : Luke 12:2; Matt 10:26; 1 Tim 5:25
Luke 8:18 : Luke 8:11-15
Luke 8:18 : Matt 13:12
Reflection:
What does the image of light and a lamp tell us about God's kingdom? Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood "light" as an expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light ( Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105). God's grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom. In fact, our mission is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception. Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to shut our eyes from the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits, even when we know what those consequences are. And how tempting to hide them form others and even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known to God who sees all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live in God's light and who seek this truth. Those who listen to God and heed his voice will receive more from him. Do you know the joy and freedom of living in God's light?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed.
Luke 8:16-18 (English Standard Version)
A Lamp Under a Jar
16(A) (B) "No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17(C) For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18(D) Take care then how you hear,(E) for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away."
Cross references:
Luke 8:16 : For Luke 8:16-18, Mark 4:21-25
Luke 8:16 : Luke 11:33; Matt 5:15
Luke 8:17 : Luke 12:2; Matt 10:26; 1 Tim 5:25
Luke 8:18 : Luke 8:11-15
Luke 8:18 : Matt 13:12
Reflection:
What does the image of light and a lamp tell us about God's kingdom? Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood "light" as an expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light ( Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105). God's grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God's kingdom. In fact, our mission is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception. Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to shut our eyes from the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits, even when we know what those consequences are. And how tempting to hide them form others and even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known to God who sees all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live in God's light and who seek this truth. Those who listen to God and heed his voice will receive more from him. Do you know the joy and freedom of living in God's light?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed.
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