Looking For Ways to Catch Jesus

PRAYER PRACTICE

Prayer Journal – To begin your daily worship today, grab a pen and paper and write out a prayer to God. Not sure what to write? Try using ACTS to frame your prayer. Begin with adoration for who God is. Then move on to confession – being real about where you have fallen short in the last day or two. Give thanks to God for all that He gives (including forgiveness for the sin you just confessed!). And then finish with supplication – with your prayer requests to God. When you are done, tuck this away somewhere (so you can read it later and see how God has answered your prayers) and then move into hearing from God through His Word.

DAILY READING

 Luke 20:20-47

REFLECTION / DEVOTION

A David Kind of Difference

by Judy Webb

The religious leaders of Jesus' time were a crafty bunch at best. It seems obvious that the Pharisees had a plan, almost from the start. They weren't going to take any chances that Jesus might be who people were claiming him to be, the Messiah. Their futures were at risk. (If they only knew the half of it.)

Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. (Luke 20:20)

There are so many ways that I want to be like Jesus. His prayer life was amazing, getting up while it is still dark and going to a quiet place to pray. His own personal comfort was not high on his list. He understood that his Father in Heaven had work for him to do and Jesus needed to talk it over with him. That is not unlike our needs. God has work for us also, and the only way to discern it is to go to him in prayer and talk it over.

Jesus' forgiving and understanding Spirit is another trait I would love to boast. He knew the Pharisees didn't like him, were afraid of him, wanted to trap him so they could destroy him. Yet, he met with them, spoke and ate with them. I dare say he loved them and would forgive them if they asked. If only I had a heart like that. If all Christians had that kind of burning desire, maybe we wouldn't be in the fix we are in right now. Thankfully, it isn't too late. It will never be too late--until Jesus returns.

So, what are we waiting for? Why do we hesitate when opportunity stares us in the face? When an unbelieving friend or family member brings up the subject of faith, or their life-struggles, why do we not tell them about Jesus? Why don't we relate the many stories of Jesus coming to our rescue? What are we afraid of? That is the million dollar question, isn't it? What are we, what am I afraid of?

I am reminded of David, the giant killer. When preparing to face Goliath, his older brother was mocking him and David responded, "What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” (1 Samuel 17:29 NKJV) The future of David's whole world was at stake. If you read 1 Samuel 17 and study it, you will note that 'the very purposes of God on earth were at stake'. (from Giants will fall by Dutch Sheets)

Right now we American Christians face this very dilemma. Will we stand up for the cause of righteousness. Will we pray and speak against the evil we face today, the giants our our time? Abortion, trafficking, destruction of families, and much more. How can we take a stand, how can we make a difference?  A David difference. 

Closing prayer or question for reflection:  Father God, fill us with an excited spirit. A Spirit of Truth. Give us the courage to reflect that truth and voice it always.