Luke 24:1-52

Good Friday - Jesus died on the cross;

Holy Saturday - Jesus is 'sealed in the stone-cold tomb' (from "We Three Kings");

Easter Day - Jesus leaves the tomb.

ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN ... THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED, ALLELUIA!

Here are some quotes from Luke, the Gospel writer, who recorded the events surrounding the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"The Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and three days later rise to life", said two men, wearing bright shining clothes, at the empty tomb.

"We recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread", reported the two disciples who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus.

"The Lord is risen indeed! He has appeared to Simon!", the disciples told the two men who had traveled through the night to tell the others that they had met the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus.

"Peace be with you" is how Jesus greeted the disciples when He appeared to them after the Resurrection.

"The message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations" was the instruction Jesus gave His disciples as they prepared to send God's message to people around the world and down through the ages ... even today.

To help them (and us) achieve God's mission, Jesus promised to send them (and us) "the power from above". God keeps promises.

The disciples were "filled with great joy", they worshiped Jesus, and gave "thanks to God".

ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN ... THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED, ALLELUIA!

Question: What are you doing for Jesus, yourself, and others today?

(Today's post submitted by Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)

To all our faithful readers:

This concludes our Passport to Life, 2008. On behalf of all of us involved with this project, we pray you and your families will have a blessed and joyful Easter celebration.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your Lenten journey.

Please join us again next Lent!

Blessings,
Allison Lynn and Rev. Hollis Hiscock.

Luke 23:26-56

From the cross Jesus spoke 7 times... ironically, the perfect number of times, since 7 is considered the perfect number.

If we were caught up on the numbers only, then we would miss the real messages of the 'last words of Jesus' spoken as He was being crucified on a Friday we call GOOD.

The 7 words or sentences (more correctly) show where Jesus' concerns were that afternoon. He had concerns for others and He revealed His inner feelings and fears.

Firstly, His concern for other people ...

1. "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Jesus was erasing the actions and sins of His enemies, as well as those of His friends.

2. "Today, you will be with me in Paradise." Jesus promised the dying thief that they would enter eternal life together immediately. It shows that it is never too late for God to receive us.

3. "Woman, here is your son. Son, here is your mother." Jesus wanted His mother to be cared for and He knew His friend would need maternal care, so He entrusted the care of each to the other. There are many examples of this action in our own lives as we care for each other.

4. "It is finished" or "It is completed." What Jesus had come to Earth to accomplish - His becoming human to save us from temptation, sin, suffering and death - was now done. This 'gift' would be an eternal one.

Secondly, His inner feelings and fears ...

5. "I am thirsty." Jesus wanted to show His humanity as well as His divinity. This basic physical need, expressed by Jesus on the cross, indicates His being fully human, like us.

6. "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" Jesus felt utterly abandoned and alone at that moment - He descended into hell. Sometimes we need to scream out at God in our moments of despair.

7. "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." Jesus had regained His closeness with God and was ready to place His spirit or soul into the everlasting and loving arms of God. So can we.

Question: How do the words of Jesus resonate in your life this Good Friday?

Two more days to Resurrection Sunday.


Tomorrow's reading: Luke 24:1-52

(Today's post submitted by Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)

Luke 22:39-23:25

‘Jesus … as He usually did … went to the Mount of Olives …. and knelt down and prayed’.

Luke brings us into an intimate prayer moment with Jesus.

Jesus was speaking to God in prayer, as a child would talk over some serious decision with a parent.

Jesus was asking God for a favour … a huge favour.

He knew what would happen over the next few days and the prospects were not pleasant. He called the events of the next few days ‘a cup of suffering’, and He asked God to take away the ‘cup of suffering’.

As we look back on the last days of Jesus’ life on this earth, knowing as we do what lay before Him, the request sounds reasonable. We, lesser mortals, would not be asking; we probably would be begging.

But Jesus asked if another way, besides suffering and death, could be found to save God’s people from sin, suffering and death. He wanted to make certain that the ‘way of the cross’ was THE only way to salvation and eternal life.

I can imagine Jesus going over a list of alternatives, and eliminating each one in turn.

Finally, concluding there was no other choice, Jesus consented ‘not my will, but your (God’s) will be done’.

At that moment there was no turning back for Jesus.

Then an angel appeared to Him and ‘strengthened Him’. Maybe Jesus remembered the encounter with the evil one in the desert when He fasted 40 days and was tempted at least three times. There, as here, angels surrounded Him to give Him strength.

The message for us is encouraging. In times of decision making and direction mapping in our lives, God (or angels) are present to help us through the critical moments. ‘I am with you ALWAYS’, said Jesus.

Two days before His own crucifixion, Jesus needed to be assured that the words He spoke to others about God being present with people in all circumstances and situations of life and death, also applied to Him.

They did.

Question – When have you faced similar situations and wanted God’s assurance?

Three more days to Resurrection Sunday.

Tomorrow's reading: Luke 23:26-56

(Today's post submitted by Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)

Luke 22:1-38

Judas betrayed Jesus;
Jesus predicted Peter would deny knowing Him;
Peter denied Jesus;
The disciples argued about 'who is the greatest?';
And the chief priests and teacher of the law plotted to kill Jesus.

Jesus was not having a super week.

Jesus knew it was coming;
Jesus was prepared for the terrible days leading up to His crucifixion;
Jesus knew this was the reason for His birth in the stable in Bethlehem;
Jesus remembered the meanings of the gifts of the Magi - gold for a KING, frankincense for a PRIEST and myrrh for ONE WHO IS ABOUT TO DIE;

Jesus was ready to do what He had come to Earth to do.

But...

Jesus wanted to do one more thing;
Jesus wanted to give the disciples something by which to remember the next few days.

Jesus took His place with His disciples in an upstairs room;
The celebrated their meal of antiquity - the 'Passover';
Then the Passover meal took on a new dimension, a new meaning.

Jesus called the wine 'my blood';
Jesus called the bread 'my body';
Jesus told them His body would be broken for them;
Jesus told them His blood would be poured out for them;
Jesus told them to 'do this in memory of me'.

They did;

Others have done it down through the ages;
We do it this week;
We will continue in the days ahead.

Jesus' followers and disciples will gather around tables throughout the world to 'break the bread' and 'drink from the cup' to give thanks and celebrate God's love and care for each individual.

Four more days to the Resurrection Sunday.

Question: What are you doing to get ready?

Tomorrow's reading: Luke 22:39-23:25

(Today's post submitted by Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)

Luke 20:45-21:38

As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." (21:1-4 NIV)

These few lines have been quoted again and again in sermons through the ages. We respect and admire this unnamed women who gave all her financial resources to God's work. But how do we apply this to our lives?

Years ago, a famous businessman publicly gave one million dollars to charity. He challenged other wealthy people to do the same. He was openly criticized for not giving enough. His critics claimed that a man worth hundreds of millions could afford to do more.

Should we take this story of the "widow's mite" literally - giving away all our money and living in poverty? Is a million dollars not enough to give? Is there no middle ground?

Here's the story that brought this lesson home to me:

Before moving to Nashville, I sang in a 'farewell' concert. We had many people in attendance, and several people gave us cards and notes, expressing their love and support of our ministry. I put the cards in a bag, so I could read them at home.

That night, I pulled out a card from a woman I knew from a downtown church. She lives in assisted housing and wears second-hand clothes. I don't know much about her personal life, but I imagine most days it's a struggle to make ends meet.

The envelope felt thick and lumpy. As I ripped open the paper, colourful beads and jewels spilled out into my hand. Within the fold of the card, she had stuffed six pieces of jewelery. None of it was 'high-end'. It probably all came from the local Goodwill. But from what I know of this woman's situation, this would have been an extravagant purchase for her.

She gave me the best she could afford. I started to cry - This was the "widow's mite".

Question: Are you giving you best to God?


Tomorrow's reading: Luke 22:1-38

(Today's post written by Allison Lynn.)

Luke 20:1-44

...He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (20:25 NIV)

In today's reading, Jesus addressed the often sticky topic of taxes. We feel this is a modern day burden, but a quick read of this story tells us that people have been complaining about taxes for thousands of years!

The first half of Jesus's statement seems fairly easy to decipher: Give to the government what belongs to the government.

But what about that second half: "...to God what is God's." Many people interpret this to mean that we should tithe a portion of our income to God.

But what if it means more?

A few years ago, I heard a wonderful sermon about this passage. (I wish I could take credit for this interpretation, but I can't!)

The preacher told the story this way:

One of the men sent to spy on Jesus stepped forward and tried to trick Jesus with a question on taxes. Jesus answered, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's," and putting his hand on the man's shoulder finished, "and to God what is God's."

Doesn't this change that story for you?

We are completely and fully God's creation. He will never demand our service, but He asks that we give ourselves fully and generously back to Him.

Question: How can you give yourself to God? If this seems daunting, think about a talent or skill that God has given you. How can you use this gift for God?


Tomorrow's reading: Luke 20:45 - 21:38

(Today's post written by Allison Lynn)

Luke 19:28-48

"Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it.' " (19:30-31 NIV)

Growing up and hearing this verse, I used to think, “Jesus was psychic.” How else could he have predicted the location of the colt and the questions of the owners?

Later, in a Bible study, someone suggested, “Jesus knew His time was short and there would be a lot to do to go into Jerusalem. Perhaps He arranged for the colt to be there, in preparation."

Either way, how can you not be amazed at how things have come together for this triumphant entry into Jerusalem?

In today’s church, we celebrate this event on Palm Sunday. Tomorrow morning, around the world, Christians will be grabbing palm branches and shouting “Hosanna.” Some will do a procession on the the church grounds or around the sanctuary. Many will sing praises of “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.”

Palm Sunday is the start of our journey through the last week of Jesus’ life: Holy Week.

Let’s take time to celebrate the arrival of the Prince of Peace!

Challenge: Attend a Palm Sunday service in your neighbourhood.


Monday's reading: 20:1-44

(Today's post written by Allison Lynn.)

Luke 18:35-19:27

...Jesus asked him, “What do you want from me?”
“Lord, I want to see,” he replied. (18:41 NIV)

The blind man is direct with Jesus.

He doesn’t hem or haw. He doesn’t give a long testimony of how he was born blind and now lives as a beggar. He doesn’t explain or try to convince Jesus of his need.

He simply tells him, “Lord, I want to see.”

We can learn so much from this man.

Sometimes in approaching God, we say too much. God has infinite patience, and will hear every word we say. But He knows what we’re going to say before we even think it.

Sometimes in approaching God, we try to bargain. “God, I’ll spent the rest of my life serving you if you’ll just answer this prayer." But God has no desire or need to bargain with us.

Sometimes in approaching God, we are afraid to ask for our dreams or desires. We feel they must be frivolous and not worthy of God’s time. But God wants us to be happy. Our dreams come from our imagination, one of our greatest gifts from God.

God is never afraid to speak to us directly. He has given us prophets, apostles, and a bestseller in an attempt to communicate His message to us. He even summarized the basics in John 3:16.

We can learn from the blind man. Don’t be afraid to ask God for your needs, in simple and clear terms. In doing so, we will practice and discover a faith that is confident in God’s power and glory.

Question: Are you honest with God about your basic and most important needs?


Tomorrow's reading: Luke 19:28-48

(Today's post written by Allison Lynn.)

Luke 18:18-34

"...How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (18:24-25 NIV)

The number one cause of divorce is money. It's also the number one topic for arguments between couples. Most people, in their adult life, will go through some period of time when they are worried about their finances. Entire television stations are dedicated to shopping, while on competing networks, entire shows are dedicated to helping individuals get out of debt.

We are obsessed with money.

In today's reading, Jesus warns us against placing a love of money ahead of a love of God. If money can destroy our relationships with other people, imagine the dangers of letting money cloud our connection with God.

I have been blessed to sing several times at a church in downtown Toronto. The congregation is very small. Most members are poor and live on the margins of society. They don't pass a collection plate, so as not to shame anyone who can't afford a donation. This church is primarily funded from outreach efforts. I first volunteered to visit them when I heard the pastor say, "Our congregation can't support themselves, so they can't financially support their church."

Last year, I brought two friends with me to sing on a Sunday morning. We participated in the worship and had a great time of fellowship. In the car after the service, I asked my friends what they thought of this unusual church.

One friend replied, "It's like their lack of material goods frees them up to communicate with God. There is a spiritual purity in there that I've never experienced in any other church."

Question: Is your love or need for money getting between you and God? If so, how can you clear up those channels of communication?


Tomorrow's reading: Luke 18:35-19:27

(Today's post written by Allison Lynn.)

Luke 18:1-17

In today's reading, Jesus wants us to learn some important lessons about prayer.

Many people are intimidated by prayer. They don't know the words to say, or perhaps they've never been taught how to pray. Sometimes, people are discouraged by 'unanswered' prayers. Or perhaps they feel they can only pray in a particular place, such as in church or outdoors.

Perhaps we need to open ourselves up to the many faces of prayer.

Here are a few simple exercises to enrich and encourage your prayer life:

- For inspiration, listen to or sing one of the many great songs about prayer, such as Keith Green's "Make My Life a Prayer to You" or the classic hymn "Sweet Hour of Prayer". As the old saying goes, "Those who sing, pray twice."

- Recognize that God knows your needs before you even ask. Don't worry if your words are not perfect. Simply be honest, and God will see into your heart.

- Many churches have 'prayer partners'. These volunteers are often available after a worship service for one-on-one prayer, and will also answer your questions about how to pray. If your church doesn't offer this ministry, ask your pastor if (s)he can either pray with you or recommend a prayer partner.

- Browse your local Christian bookstore for a guide to prayer. There are many fantastic books on this topic!

- Join an online prayer team, or create your own! Perhaps you have a group of friends who can email each other once a month with your prayer requests. Maybe you can do this through your blog, myspace.com, facebook.com, or shoutlife.com page. The internet can be a fantastic place to pray with people around the world, long distance family members, or long lost friends.

- Garth Brooks' song "Unanswered Prayers" has a great message for those who think God isn't listening.

- For one week, pray for everyone you phone or email. It doesn't need to be long - "Lord, please bless Susan." The more often we speak to God, the more we realize He's always listening.

- Try keeping a prayer journal. Record your prayers each day, and start to make note of how those prayers are answered. You might be surprised to see how God is working for your good!

- When all else fails, return to the perfect prayer, taught to us by Jesus - The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-14)

Challenge: Take up one of the suggestions on this list. See how or if it changes your prayer life.


Tomorrow's reading: Luke 18:18-34

(Today's post written by Allison Lynn.)

Luke 17:1-37

As we read this section of Luke's Gospel, we identified seven characteristics of a follow or disciple of Jesus Christ.

Before I list them, with appropriate comments, I want to note an observation which I had not noticed before in all my readings of Luke's Gospel.

Sometimes statements of Jesus trigger a comparison with what He said in some other part of the Gospel. In today's reading (17:3-4) Jesus said, "If your sister or brother sin, rebuke the person, and if someone repents, forgive the individual. If the person sins against you seven times in one day and each time comes to you saying, 'I repent', you must forgive." If that happened seven times every day for a year, there would be a whole lot of sinning and forgiving going on.

Elsewhere, in the Gospel of Matthew (18:21-22), Jesus is asked by Peter, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?". Peter thought he was being very generous with his forgiveness. But Jesus stretched Peter's endurance much further when He suggested, "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times seven."

FORGIVENESS is at the top of the list for Jesus' follower/disciple. In His special prayer, Jesus called on His people to forgive others and to ask for forgiveness for their own sins.

A person must have FAITH the size of a mustard seed. It may be the tiniest of seeds, but it can grow into the tallest of trees.

Followers/disciples of Jesus must SERVE others, and go the extra mile/kilometre to assist.

Learn to THANK God for all God's blessings to us.

Recognize that the Kingdom of God is WITHIN you.

We must be ALWAYS READY FOR GOD since we do not know when God will arrive.

Sometimes the follower/disciple of Jesus may have to SUFFER and/or be REJECTED for believing in Jesus as Lord.

Question: What you apply the seven characteristics (bold type) to your own life, how are you faring?


Tomorrow's reading: Luke 18:1-17

(Today's post submitted by Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)

Luke 16:1-31

"The people of this world are much more shrewd in handling their affairs than the people who belong to the light".

Why would Jesus make such a statement?

He did it after telling the story about a manager who was being fired. The boss made a mistake. He asked the manager to give him a written copy of his accounts. He should have had an independent audit done. The boss would have received more money than the accounts indicated.

The shrewd manager called in the people who owed money to the boss (owner) and gave them a break by changing their accounts to a lower number. The one who purchased 100 barrels of oil was charged for fifty, and the person who received 1000 bushels of wheat was charged for eight hundred.

The manager gave them a break, so that they would 'owe him one' when he lost his job and perhaps assist him as he helped them. A quirky twist on the Golden Rule - "Treat others as you want them to treat you."

I think Jesus is somewhat like the shrewd manager. He knows that people are burdened by sin and guilt, and wants to change our account so our debt is not as high as it should be. He guaranteed that by 'paying the price' on the cross.

Some years ago, the Church issued a special report called 'Babes in the Corridors of Power". It documented practices to be followed by Church people when they wanted politicians and other power people to change their attitudes about social justice issues and enact new legislation. There was no doubt that when pitted against seasoned secular leaders, Church people were like 'babes in the woods'.

The report wanted people to understand the rules and protocols in order to get their goals converted into concrete results.

It may not be easy to do, but it is doable.

Question: In what ways are you a shrewd manager in your dealings with people?


Tomorrow's reading: Luke 17:1-37

(Today's post submitted by Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)

Luke 15:1-32

"We had to celebrate and be happy, because your brother (my son) was dead, but now is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found", said the father to his disgruntled older son, who was extremely angry and upset because the father welcomed back into the family the one we call the prodigal son.

That scene has been played out and replayed in millions of families throughout history.

The loving parent (father, mother or both) anxiously waiting, hoping, praying for the safe return of their 'lost' child.

We read the story of the prodigal son from Luke's gospel after our lunch; however, earlier in the morning while 'sweating' at the YMCA, I heard a modern version of the prodigal son, but it referred to a prodigal daughter.

I wish I had paid closer attention to the details, but here's the gist of the story.

In western Canada, a television station sponsored and taped an experiment, where a mentor attempted to help homeless people find accommodation and maybe a new life.

Eighteen-year-old Chad (not real names) and his sixteen-year-old girlfriend Andrea left their homes in a small island community and headed for life in a big urban centre.

Unable to find work or a place to live, they slept in alleyways and doorways for three months. Chad resorted to drugs and Andrea was ill and too scared to sleep.

Along came Susan, a volunteer, who agreed to be the mentor to help this young couple find a better life.

She gained their trust and helped them find a direction away from the street.

She mentored them for several months.

The interviewer asked how it turned out for the two young people.

Susan said both are back in school and seem to be doing well.

Andrea, she said, is back living with her mother.

I wonder if Andrea's mother saw her from afar off and went to welcome her with hugs, kisses, words of welcome and a celebration.

Did she say, like the father of the prodigal son in the Gospel story, 'My daughter was dead, but now she is alive; she was lost, but now she has been found'.

I reckon she did.

I bet in her own way, they celebrated.

Question: What would you do in a similar situation?




Monday's reading: Luke 16:1-31

(Today's post submitted by Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)

Luke 14:1-34

"Salt is good", said Jesus.

"Questionable", retorted a dietitian, "Too much salt can harm you health."

It is a salty savouring debate, which may be irrelevant for this discussion, so let's return to Jesus.

He said that when salt loses its saltiness (the reason for its existence), there is no way it can be made salt again. It is useless even to put it in the soil (or even on a slippery icy walkway) or on a manure pile (compost heap). So it must be thrown away.

I never realized the sadness of this statement before.

In most other comparisons of people with the natural elements, Jesus suggests that there is hope for a turnaround. For example the fig tree, which was given a year long reprieve (or longer if figs appeared), or Peter who was advised to forgive his brother "not seven times, but 70 times seven".

But once salt loses its saltiness, poof ... it's gone. It cannot be saved.

So the warning is "never lose your saltiness", or whatever it is that keeps you focused on the essence of your existence. This section in my Bible is headed "The cost of being a disciple", and Olivia (who wrote PASSPORT TO LIFE) asked about the difference between being a 'follower' and being a 'disciple' of Jesus.

Maybe 'followers' will never lose their 'saltiness', but 'disciples' can lose theirs. I say this because disciples are more on the front lines, open to constant demands, criticisms, accusations, etc. which can tax enormously the determination, dedication and commitment of the person. Followers do not have the same passion or level of energy-sapping work. Followers can walk away more easily, because they have not made the same investment to the cause.

Maybe that is the difference between following the crowd, and taking an active stand for God.

According to Jesus, a 'disciple' ...

A. must put God ahead of family and friends (give up everything you have);

B. must carry his/her own cross;

C. must consider the cost of being a disciple before starting out on the journey (neat story about building a tower told by Jesus);

D. must be willing to negotiate with those who oppose you (Jesus' story is about a kind and making peace with one's enemies).

Anyone, it seems, can be a follower, but being a disciple means that you have to take it up another notch.

Question: Are you a follower or a disciple? How can you tell?


Tomorrow's reading: Luke 15-1-32

(Today's post submitted by Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)

Luke 13:18-35

Three loud knocks resounded from the main door of the Cathedral and echoed in the ears of the 750 people waiting to give their new bishop a warm welcome into their Christian community and to recognize him as their 'chief pastor'.

It is an ancient ceremony played out over many centuries, where people exercise their right to elect the one to lead the Church in their geographical area (called a diocese), and then pledge their prayers and support to the one chosen.

The door is the entrance into a building but also into a new era, a new time, a new direction an a renewed commitment to Christ and His Gospel.

The Bishop, later in the worship, would speak about doors... doors which are opened or being opened, as well as doors which are being shut.

Jesus speaks in today's readings about 'the narrow door', and encourages us to do our best to 'go in through the narrow door'. Many people will want to go through the narrow door, but will not get through. They want to, but cannot, probably because they are carrying too much baggage. Something like wanting your cake and eating it too, or wanting change 'for everything else but not for me'.

The narrow door only allows you to enter. Your status, your race, your sexuality, your wealth, your good deeds, etc. cannot squeeze through the narrow door to salvation. The hymn writer who penned, "just as I am, I come" captured the essence of the narrow door message.

One of my favourite stained glass windows is Jesus knocking at the door, wanting to be admitted into people's lives. Maybe that is what the Bishop wanted when he knocked on the door of the Cathedral. Neither can enter unless the recipients give permission.

Maybe, we can enter the narrow door only when we decide that we want what is on the other side.

Question: Have you responded to God knocking on the door to your life?


Tomorrow's reading: Luke 14:1-34

(Today's post submitted by Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)

Luke 13:1-17

The story of the FIG TREE reminds me of our RED CURRANT BUSHES.

The first fall we had moved to our new residence in Toronto, we decided to plant 2 red currant bushes. For many years, in our previous location, we looked forward to harvesting the bright red berries which eventually would grace our breakfast toast with a sweet tasting jelly.

So we planted our 2 bushes in 1990, cared for them each year, and anticipated the bright red crop we would have in 1993.

During the summer of 1993, we noticed the red berries on one bush were ready for harvesting, but the other bush still had white, raw-looking fruit. We tasted them and they seemed good for eating but the colour was white, not red.

I went back to the nursery and was told that the label was incorrect... and I had received one white and one red currant bush, rather than 2 reds.

They offered a replacement. I declined, because I did not want to wait for another 3 years for the new bush to bear fruit.

Instead, each year, I harvested them together, and my jelly was somewhat less red by mixing the white with the red.

In Jesus' story, the fig tree had not produced any figs in its three year life, so the owner wanted to cut it down.

The gardener preferred to give it one more year. He said he would dig around it, give it fertilizer and see what would happen.

The gardener is God, always ready to give people another chance.

The God who said to the woman caught in adultery, "God and sin no more."

The God who said to the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in Paradise."

The God who said from the cross to the people who crucified Him, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing."

The God who gives us a second chance, a third, a fourth...

Question: Think about the times when God gave you another chance...


Tomorrow's reading: Luke 13:18-35

(Today's post submitted by Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)

Luke 12:13-59

"There was once a man," said Jesus, as He began another parable, which is a story with a strong moral, religious, or spiritual message about God and God's relationship with people.

This time it was a success-driver entrepreneur, who owned an extremely successful farm. There was no end to the crops this person and his 'dirt land' could produce. In fact, his barns could not store all his harvest.

We can compare this story with the miracle of the great catch of fish (Luke 5:1-11), with a very distinctive difference. Peter, realizing that his boat could not store all the fish in his net, called to his partners and maybe others to come and fill their boats with fish. Peter was acknowledging that God was the giver of all that we have ("All things come of you, O Lord...") and therefore what we have should be shared for the good of all ("... and of your own have we given you.").

Not so our farmer mogul, known in the Good News Bible as the "rich fool".

That person wanted it all for himself. So instead of sharing, he decided to hoard his produce in bigger and better barns. On he went, until he realized that he had reached the saturation point. We can conclude that he had come to the end of his 'greed.' He said, 'I have enough'.

Tomorrow I will begin my life.

That night he died.

Others would enjoy his greed.

Not him.

He was gone.

Maybe he should have stopped and smelled the flowers;

Maybe he should have shared with his employees;

Maybe he should have helped his children with their homework;

Maybe he should have spent more time with his wife;

Maybe;

Maybe;

Maybe.

Jesus concluded, ‘This is how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich in God’s sight’.

Wow – what does that say about us?????????

Question – ‘what does that say about ME?'

Tomorrow's reading: Luke 13:1-17

(Today's post submitted by Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)

Luke 11:37 - 12:12

As children, we often sang a hymn with the words "Gentle Jesus, meek and mild". Today's reading, especially 12:37-54, shows Jesus in his non-'meek and mild' mode. In fact, the floodgates of Jesus' emotions must have busted wide open, and he let go with both barrels.

Look what He called the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law, who were the gate keepers, so they thought, of everything God-like:

- You Pharisees clean the outside of your cup and plate, but inside you are full of violence and evil.

- You give one tenth of seasoning herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God.

- You are like unmarked graves which people walk on without knowing it.

- You put heavy burdens on people's backs, and never lift a finger to help them.

- You have the keys to open the gates, but because you do not want to go in, you stop others from going in as well.

And there's more if you want to read further.

This seems so 'unJesus'-like.

Yet it is encouraging to read, because it shows the human side of Jesus. We say that Jesus was/is fully God and fully human, and mostly we see the God-side of Jesus, so it is refreshing to witness the actions of the 'human Jesus'. The cleansing of the Temple, when Jesus drove out the money-changers and merchants, was another example where Jesus let loose with every human cannon available to Him. "My house," he shouted above the hysterical screaming and cursing of the general public running from the Temple, "is a house of prayer", not "a den of thieves".

Because Jesus can let His human side be exposed, maybe we should not be shocked and surprised when our humanity takes control of our life wheel and steers us erratically in all directions. Remember, we are still worth more than many sparrows, according to Jesus.

Question: How do you compare with the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law?

Tomorrow's reading: Luke 12:13-59

(Today's post submitted by Rev. Hollis Hiscock.)

Luke 11:14-36

"Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you." (11:36 NIV)

The word "light" appears in the Bible 270 times.* More often than not, it is used to describe some aspect of God's glory.

In today's reading, we are encouraged to let the light of God shine through us. In pop psychology, we often hear the term "The eyes are the window to the soul." Well, to use Biblical language, 'The eyes are the window to God's light shining in us'.

Sometimes, even as Christians, we experience feeling of doubt, or fear, or frustration. All of these things can push God away and, in doing so, the push our 'light' away as well. Nobody wants to feel this way, and when we look in the mirror, we can see the darkness creeping in.

How can we invite God's light within our selves?

- Pray.

- Read the Bible.

- Listen to a Gospel song.

- Sing a Gospel song!

- Help someone in need.

- Spend time enjoying God's creation.

- Attend a church service.

There are so many ways we can invite God into our lives!

Question: Do you feel full of God's light today? If not, try doing something from the list to feel closer to God and His joy.


*According to Bible Gateway , using the NIV translation.


Monday's reading: Luke 11:37 - 12:12

(Today's post written by Allison Lynn.)