"Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else."
Luke 18:9
Luke 18:9
My Take Aways
Something Old:
I sit in church in my own righteousness thinking, "I hope so and so is here. This message is perfect for him/her." "I am glad so and so is here she/he needs to hear this."
Matthew 19:8 What am I doing or have I done that was not God's intention for me?
Something to New:
Matthew 19:27
Then Peter said to him, "We've given up everything to follow you. What will we get?"
Do I believe God owes me something because of what I have given up for him?
Something to Do:
Don't think to highly of myself.
15 Comments:
Wendy, thank you so much my friend. The Lord is using you every day to speak to my heart as you draw out truths from His Word.
Two little words in Mark 10:1 caught my attention. "Once again crowds gathered around him, and as usual he was teaching them." "...as usual". Usual, something that occurs or is experienced or observed frequently; a regular practice or procedure; commonly encountered. Jesus' "usual" was to be found teaching the people about God's Word. I wonder what others who observe my life would see my "usual" to be....
Wendy, I so appreciated what you highlighted regarding Jesus reply to divorce. "...only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended." Applying that personally, immediately something came to my mind, an area where I've made a choice that is not in keeping with what God had originally intended. It has brought me to my knees this morning in repentance.
My final thought today is Luke 18:27, "What is impossible for people is possible with God." God is a God of "possible"!
"They say that the condition for a great miracle is an impossibility." (Faith Like Potatoes)
Have a wonderful, "possible" day with God my friends,
Joy
Morning GIG!
Something Old: Mark 10:27 "Everything is possible with God"
As my faith has grown, I am really understanding and believing that in my heart. What a comfort.
Something New: Luke 18:19 "Why do you call me good? Jesus asked him, Only God is truly good." Did the rich man really know who Jesus was? Did he know he was talking to God?
Also New: Matt 19:28 "you who have been my followers will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Isreal" What about Judas? he wasn't a true follower, so did Paul replace him as one of the 12 who sit on a throne?
Nugget: God's Word is so rich and so interesting....keep digging!
Blessed Thursday all!
Morgen
My dear sweet Wendy, how my own thoughts have been so similar to your thoughts…and I still remember, sitting in my very first Bible Study, listening to sweet Beth Moore, and all along thinking, ‘so and so really needs to be here to hear this!’
And, bout that very same time, the Holy Spirit began doing a number on ME! smile! I had know idea about the plank in my very own eye!
And, over the course of a three or so years…and even more so this past year, I’m seeing how the Holy Spirit is SO VERY CAPABLE of doing his own work in each person. The lesson you gave awhile back, Wendy when you spoke how you were like a “mini Holy Spirit” well, it all came together at that day for me. I realized in a ‘God Moment’ manner – that what I need to do is pray for “so and so” to be drawn to God’s Word. For all believers to love God’s Word - for believers across the nation to get back into the habit of reading their Bible’s daily. Because, when I started reading the Bible daily, the Holy Spirit –all on his own, began teaching me, counseling me, and guiding me. God’s Word. It just keeps getting back to that. We want to “fix” people, and what our heart’s burden really needs to be is salvation. Furthering God’s Kingdom. “May Your Kingdom come soon!” Jesus told us this should be our purpose while on earth – furthering His kingdom. If this could just be our heart’s burden – to reach out and show our love and compassion…and let go…let the Holy Spirit guide those that are already saved, and love, love, love!
Now, Wendy, when I have those thoughts about “so and so” I look close at myself. Woowee, ---“O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner” (Luke 18:13). Lord, help me not be a judging Pharisee! Favor, grace, eternal life- a loving Father, all shown to me. May I return these to those around me.
Lord, you have created me to further your kingdom. Give us a deep desire that people in every nation of the world would know You. One day dear Father, you will rule earth – help me to be your witness today. Amen.
Girl’s ~ enjoy the day - - -
“rejoice always;
pray without ceasing;
in everything give thanks;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus
(I Thes. 5:16-18).
Love ~ Lori
Wendy
Thank you - today was so so good.
Have a great day!
Lynn - OR
Good morning, GIGs,
I don't have a nugget today, but I have a BIG praise report. My sister Denise's MRI showed NO CANCER left in her bladder. The surgeon who, guided by God's hand, removed even the third tumor which was embedded in the bladder wall, got it ALL out! Now Denise just has to have an MRI every three months, and if any more tumors grow, they will be removed in an early stage. Thank you, Lord, for all You have done and continue to do for Denise through Your obedient servants in the medical field, your obedient servants who pray, and through Your awesome, majestic power!
May each of you have a blessed, 4:8 day!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Hi Everybody…
Keep Me Humble Lord….
Oh….right off the bat today… “GUILTY”. Thoughts coming and going. Wondering what I’d be like if I wasn’t in HIS WORD everyday?? Keep Me Humble Lord. This life is short….eternity is forever.
Ladies after reading this commentary. I believe your loved ones will be saved. I’m more worried about myself/ourselves….now thinking just because I go to church….study his word…etc…etc…ect:
Commentary from workbook for lectors and gospel readers, by James L. Weaver:
Luke 18:9-14:
In today’s Gospel selection, two men pray in public (see Matthew 6:5-6). One man is a Pharisee, one a tax collector. These men could not be more different. The tax collector squeezes money out of his fellow Jews on behalf of Rome, helps himself to a slice of the profits, and gives the rest to his bosses. For a poor person to refuse him might mean violence, torture, or even crucifixion. The Pharisee, on the other hand, keeps the traditions of Israel alive even under the boot of Roman occupation. Without Pharisees like him, Judaism might have dwindled and died after the Romans burned and destroyed the Temple in the year 70 AD. And yet it is the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who goes home justified!
Jesus directs this parable to people who exhibit two symptoms of the same sickness (Luke 8:9). Any of us imagining ourselves morally superior to people we deem inferior suffer from it. Confronted with a God who came to save sinners, not the righteous (Luke 5:32), we are faced with a horrible truth: all our good works, alms, scripture study, prayer, Masses, devotions, penance, and sacraments (see Amos 5:21-24) affect neither how much God loves us, nor how much God loves others; whether others cultivate brazen sin and act reprehensibly, or simply live and think differently than ourselves, our pious opinions cannot influence God’s love for those we suppose stand beneath us. To those of us who too much resemble this Pharisee, there is cause for immense gratitude and relief, and perhaps the beginning of humility, in accepting that God forgives the proud and the smug as surely as anyone.
This coming Sunday this will be the Gospel read (Luke 18:9-14) along with his word form readings form Sirach and 2Timothy…. These reading will examine the attitude with which one ought to pray. God is just and plays “no favorites” ….I hope and pray with the help of our Father to start taking them baby steps for a heart full of God’s mercy. May I /We learn that salvation is God’s free gift.
beginning of humility…
Rhonda
Michelle NE....That is awesome News!! That is a nugget in itself.
Jeanne NC...Thinking and praying for you and daughter Laura. Has baby Will arrived?
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i love the family we have formed. my heart is smiling!
Joy- our God is the God of possible! Love that and will be sharing that today.
Morgan, the "new" 12th disciple is chosen in Act 1 and Matthias (1:12-26) is chosen, but not by Paul (he hadn't been converted yet).
Praising God for the good news on Denise. Praying for Joy's mom and dad, and for the family.
with the rich young man- from the Zondervan commentary- Jesus pinpoints the root of this young man's trouble. He does not keep the commandments with his whole heart, only keeps the letter of the law. He fails to love God and his neighbor without reserve.
Have a wonderful day! I am working on a 15 page paper due on Sat. Have to get it done today as I am taking mom to the Dr, tomorrow and I work on Sat.
Dixie, I copied what you wrote on tattoos last night- where I work I see so many and try not to judge- just what I needed to put me in my place and look at things differently. Thank you!
Willing,
Gaylene
Hey y'all (how's that for a little Americaneese from this Canadian)...just came back to ask for more prayer. I bit the bullet on something I've been ignoring for awhile now, and called and made a Dr's appt for myself at 4:15pm today. Trusting it isn't anything serious, but I'll admit to be nervous. I keep thinking, Lord, with everything else going on right now, I don't need a personal health challenge, but I hold to the promise that He will not give us more than we can bear. Remembering today that God is the God of "possible" and He will give strength in my weakness.
Michelle, rejoicing with you!!!! :)
Joy
Sweet Sisters it is raining in AZ so no walking -so more time to check in here! And, what a treat!!! Gaylene, I’m so glad you mentioned dixie’s post –as I missed it! I just finished reading it – Dixie, you continue to amaze me sweetie – not to mention, crack me up!!! I, too will be looking at tatoo’s definitely! I don’t judge – I just wonder, yikes doesn’t it hurt like crazy to have it done! Now, tho – I’ll be thinking, hmmm wonder what their story is! Our pastor said recently, every tattoo has a story to go along with it! He said it’s an awesome way to open up a conversation with a stranger…I think he’s right. Such a wise man!
PTL Michelle! Wonderful, wonderful news! “Everything is possible with God.”
Everything.
Everything.
Everything.
Lyn ~ something you had mentioned a couple of years ago, came to my mind yesterday, and today – to ‘see you’ pop in again! PTL!
Sweet Joy – continuing to pray over your family…yesterday, when Wendy spoke about reading her jounal one year previous, ---you came to my mind! I thought, “Lord, how long is Joy going to have to suffer! How long must she endure this! Enough is enough.” And, ya know what, - He whispered to me? “Look at what she did in your life!” Joy, because of your walk, because of the suffering you endured with your father last year, because of the evidence of God in your life daily, I was taught how to pray! I saw, ---that I was the benefit of your suffering! When we go through our trials, ladies---we have know idea who is watching our every move! Kingdom work is being done while we are suffering. You, sweet Joy turned my life upside down, and I will be forever grateful for I know God placed you in my life to draw me to Him! I learned how to pray in 2009, in a very deep and intimate way, that I had not experienced before! And, I can just imagine, there are many others’ out there besides me, whom you have greatly blessed! Daily, I’d wonder, ‘what is she going to get out of God’s Word today?’ You were always there applying it to your life. So, deeply I’m sorry for the pain and suffering you’ve gone thru, but at the same time I realize now how God uses our suffering for someone else’s good. It was a God moment to me yesterday, when He opened this up! Love you sweetie!
Now, it's time to shower and get ready for Bible Study!
Know you are deeply LOVED!!!! Hugs, lori
Good Morning!
I hadn't intended on posting today but felt the call to do so very strongly.
I asked a man of God once why I went through the sinning years as I did, and he told me maybe my mission was to let younger women benefit from my experience and to be a mentor to them! This opportunity has never presented itself in the "real" world but here in cyberspace I can reveal myself.
I was divorced when I was 25 and punished myself with some of the words in the Bible all these years. But I have discovered that although it was not what God intended for me, I have been forgiven and something very good came from it. A remarriage to a Godly man and 2 children. It ended with my being a widow at the age of 47 with two teenaged young people. Would I do it again, you ask.
You betcha! I once told a minister when he asked if I were at heaven's door and had to give a reason to be admitted - because I was married to Ernie. I would get in hopefullly on his coat tails..........No more! Not on my own merit either! I hope to get in because now I know ALL my sins are forgiven, God loves me and desires me to enjoy paradise with him forever. Another man of God told me that God hates the sin but loves the sinner. Lord, I have no reason to feel righteous as I have sinned against thee and others by thought, word and deed. Although I may not like the sin, help me to love my fellow sinners as you would have me do. Amen
I haven't belonged to a womans church group in a very long time. Not my comfort zone initially. Today I am meeting with women from my church who are forming a new group. In addition to Bible study, I have ascertained that they will have a mission. And you know by now what mission I will suggest - nursing homes and Special Populations. May they be receptive or even lead me to more missions I never thought of.
In His name and for His glory,
Dixie in Florida
Good morning everyone. Wendy, the lesson today was super! I have also been Guilty of the same thoughts and I also thought of the log in my eye when seeing another's fault and their speck. Forgive me Lord. I don't want to be like the Pharisee, keep me humble as I walk life's journey.
Michelle, wonderful news about Denise. Praise God! SAP for Lauren and Chuck. Keep believing.
Joy, been praying for your Dad and the family.
Karen, SAP for your flight to Basil.
Dixie, convicted of my thoughts about tatoos. Thanks for sharing.
Jacque, rejoicing with you re Michael.
G&P, Lori, Rhonda thank you for your comments.
Believing God to strengthen my throat muscles as I am obedient to do these exercises. When I am weak, HE is strong!
Dear Ones, I look forward each day to study His Word along with each of you. My life is enriched by having you with me each day.
Have a 4:8 Day.
Teeny
Wendy,
Great teaching today. I love that we all share the same foibles. Yep, have sat there at church thinking Oh, I wish my husband/son/father/brother, etc could hear this. Well, God whispered that if I'm hearing it, it's for me, too.
Joy,
I second Lori's comment. You had a big influence in my Christian faith with your daily blog posts last year as well. I have wondered where you got your scriptures and did not realize until later in the year that it was from Wendy's blog! Well, that's why I'm here this year.
Will be praying for peace for you as you go in to your doctor's appointment (also God's appointment) this afternoon.
Michelle,
Praise the LORD for Denise! It makes me want to do a jig eventhough I don't know what a jig really is. We'll do the dance of joy instead. :)
Dixie,
You never cease to amaze me! I laughed when I read your post last night, too. Who would have known? Our Dixie has tats! :) I'm afraid of needles so I can't ever picture myself getting one. Now when I see someone with a tattoo, I will think of you.
Praying that the new woman's group will be a blessing to you. I know YOU will be a blessing to them.
Teeny,
You are a blessing and yes, when we are weak He is strong!
What I gleaned today is the verse in Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” That verse is familiar to me but I never connected it with the verse before it: 26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked. Our salvation is only possible with God. It is impossible with man, meaning nothing we can ever do, not our good deeds, etc. will get us to heaven. Good deeds is not the basis of salvation, it is the manifestation of it.
Beth Moore said in our LBY study re this verse: Luke 18:16 Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples,“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children." She said something to the effect of how little girls dress up like little princesses and think it's normal. It's because as children deep down they know there IS a Kingdom coming and they ARE royalty. Somehow, somewhere along the way we all grow up and lose this.
Have a blessed day everyone. May we all remember that we are Daughters (and Sons) of the King ~
Joy, praying for you and your family.
Michelle, YAY! That's awesome!
G&P, I love that explanation for why little ones love playing princess. So sweet!
I've thought about this before, but today I was just noticing how many of certain accounts were in more than one book, and then how closely worded each account was. How can anyone say that this book is not real when so many people were recording the same event, the same way, so many years later - with the exact same words?
I also never noticed that Jesus tells the disciples that they will be judging the 12 tribes of Israel in heaven. It seemed awfully selfish on their parts to be asking what they would 'get,' but it seems that there really is someTHING. Never knew that.
Bit of an update ... we haven't heard any more about my husband's job, and he's had several good licensed banker sales since then, so I'm cautiously optimistic that it will be okay. The new renters also moved out to go west somewhere, and they left a fridge and an AC unit. It's so odd to me that the last people took the AC and that was one of the problems, and now as I begin the process of cleaning and repainting the house with my son in tow, we've landed with not only a replacement AC unit for the upstairs, but also a fridge! I need to trust more.
Off to clean before company comes tomorrow!
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