"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

"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.” v13-14

Jesus did not come to be served but to serve:

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

In the same way we are to be a blessing to others...to serve.

This is something I think we need to be more mindful of...to serve others.  But not to be repaid as Jesus says, but to glorify God and for heavenly riches.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You don't need to serve but You want everyone to be part of Your kingdom so You serve us so that we can depend on You, follow You, model You, etc.  How great You are!  I certainly am not deserving of such love and blessing - I am impatient, quick to anger, selfish, harsh with my words, etc.  Thank You that You love me anyway Jesus but please forgive me!  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me and help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.

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

Luke 14

"For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” v11

I often think of myself as humble...yet in the workplace I strive for recognition and status, believing that I deserve more recognition and status...how sinful! As I read yesterday, I must focus on serving others, primarily the Lord Jesus.

At work, I must serve my earthly masters...

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 1 Peter 2:18

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and in need of nothing...yet You came to serve.  How great You are and so full of love!  I am not worthy of Your love and blessing.  I seek glory for myself...I know this is wrong.  Thank You Jesus that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me turn from such sin and help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

"Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”

Luke 13

"Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” v30

Clearly the measures that are typically used on earth don't concern Jesus...wealth, power, status, accomplishments, etc.  Jesus cares about how You are serving and glorifying Him for that is why we exist.

Another verse earlier in this chapter is relevant for me today:

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to." v24

Earlier in Luke is also very relevant:

 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You certainly went through the narrow door and denied Yourself...all for me.  What a great God You are!  You continue to love me even though I am quite unworthy!  I am selfish, lazy, prideful, impatient, etc.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus!  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart soul, mind, and strength.

When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

Luke 13

When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. v17

I am often confronted with truth...either in the Word, by a sermon, or on other occasions by brothers and sisters in Christ.  The question is whether I accept the truth or do I run from it...as do those described here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  I KNOW no one comes to the father except through You.  And You provide like no other person or way can....I need not have any reason to seek other Gods.  Yet I do...my own powers, other pursuits, etc.  Yet You still love me and bless me.  I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  Please forgive me for turning from You.  Please help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.

“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

Luke 13

“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” v8-9

Jesus is indeed patient beyond what we deserve but it is my understanding that His patience is not unlimited and that all sin is punished either now or in heaven.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God, full of patience and second chances for me.  I am not worthy of such love and patience. I am impatient myself, also lazy, quick to anger, slow to listen, and full of pride.  Thank You that You love me anyway Jesus but please forgive me.  Help me turn from such sin and help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

"I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”

Luke 12

"I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.” v59

I know that I am to be prepared for no one know the hour of Jesus' return.  Being prepared for Jesus' return of course means accepting Him as your Lord and Savior.  It is also means committing to get to know Him better every day...through prayer, study, and reflection.  It also means action - doing what the Word says.  From this verse in Luke today I am reminded that we must also have a healthy fear of Christ in that his patience is not unlimited and we will all be held accountable for our actions or lack thereof...regardless of whether we have accepted Christ.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You indeed are a great God...full of love, mercy, kindness, patience, generosity...etc.  Of course all of the fruits of the spirit are present in You.  You are worthy of my worship...yet I am not worthy of You love...I sin - I am impatient, quick to anger, slow to listen, critical of others, etc.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

Luke 12

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." v48

I know Jesus has entrusted me with much...financial resources, spiritual gifts, etc.  The question for me is the extent to which I am using these gifts for His glory.  One area where I know I am not glorifying Jesus as I should is with my attitude at work.  I am to submit to my masters:

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 1 Peer 2:18

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know You have blessed me...abundantly!  You have provided me with a job, resources, health, family, friends, etc.  I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  I often have a bad attitude about work, at home and elsewhere I am quick to anger and slow to listen...I am prideful and impatient.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus!  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.