Luke 11:24–26

Luke 11:24-26

English Standard Version 

  Nature abhors a vacuum.  

  If we remove all the bad things in our life, that is good.  But what if we don't replace them with something good?  Eventually, Jesus says, all those bad things will return. 

  It's like removing all the junk food but not getting any healthy food... eventually, we'll go find more junk food, because we'll be hungry.  We need to make it easy on ourselves to surround ourselves with healthy food.

  In the same way, let us pursue Jesus, putting positive spiritual exercises and disciplines in our lives.  When you have idle time, fill it with prayer or study.  Read a chapter of Scripture.  Fill your time and mind with thoughts and words of God.  

Luke 11:18–23

Luke 11:18-23 

English Standard Version 

  In our sin, we were stuck, trapped and separated from God.

  Jesus, however, is the strongest man -- he overcomes the devil, who would prevent us from reunion from God.  Jesus takes away the devil's armor and claims us as his own.  This is the reality of the power dynamic -- in defeating death, Jesus demonstrates his power.

  That leaves us with a choice.  Jesus is clear about the stark difference -- are we with Jesus, or are we against him?  We have a choice.  You have a choice.  As Joshua says, Choose this day whom you will serve.  

  May we choose wisely each and every day.

Luke 11:14–17

Luke 11:14-17 

English Standard Version 

  Have you ever witnessed a debate that, while academically interesting, doesn't actually get to the heart of the issue?  Sometimes I hear people talk and realize that they're talking around the point, rather than driving straight to it.  

  Here, Jesus has cast a demon out of a man.  This should be cause for celebration, right?

  Right?

  Some of the people, however, are opposed to whatever Jesus is doing.  They see him as a threat, and there is nothing that can be done to change their minds.  Perhaps they are afraid.  Their hearts are closed off, and they will not hear his words or see his miracles without doubt in their hearts.  

  Jesus sees through their opposition, though, and he sees where our hearts are hardened as well.  He doesn't leave us in this place, however -- he loves us and comes for us, pointing out our opposition and calling us into the waters of discipleship, however timid or afraid or opposed we may be.  Your Savior loves you and does not leave you.

Winter Baseball and The Gospel