Week 22: Friday, Hope in a New Plant

Week 29: Wednesday, Relax, Eat, Drink, Be Merry!

The pleasure principle seems to permeate modern life. “Enjoy yourself.” “Have fun.” “Have a great day!” These are things that are said when we share plans with friends or family. Except for Sesame Street’s Oscar the Grouch, who would ever desire that we have a rotten day?

Week 29: Tuesday, Plentiful Production: What to Do?

We love productive people! Those who get things done and make things happen are admired in our culture. There is something to be said for those who can marry opportunities and abilities to create something of value. Jesus once told a parable about a productive man.

Week 29: Monday, Guarding Against Greed—Why Jesus Shared this Parable

Two years into His earthly ministry, Jesus faced increasing scrutiny and criticism from the Jewish religious leaders, yet multitudes followed Him because of His teaching and service to the people. In Luke 12, Jesus warned the people that the Pharisees’ negative influence would be detrimental to them. He reminded them that there is no need to fear those leaders because God is sovereign and has ultimate power over life and death.

Week 28: Friday, Have Courage to Remember

God is far greater than the homeowner who provides for the physical needs of his friend’s friend (I hope you followed that). God will give greater gifts (Luke 11:13) and is never inconvenienced. He desires us to ask, seek, knock—repeatedly if need be (Luke 11:8). But I would like to dive deeper and elevate the courage of the homeowner who reconsidered his initial denial, coming back to help in the end.

Week 28: Thursday, My Stuff Ain't My Stuff

The friend who came to ask for help requested three loaves of bread, “Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him” (Luke 11:5-6, ESV). The three loaves may not have a specific meaning, but they represent a sincere request for a physical need. It was culturally shameful to host someone in your home without anything to offer the guest. There was an urgent physical need that needed to be filled. But could there be more?