TAKE HEED
Today’s Reading: Luke 20-21
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
In the Western Wall tunnel of Jerusalem is this model of the Temple in which Jesus worshipped, turned over the money changer’s tables, engaged with the religious officials, and ministered truth and love. In the building which this represents, the former lame man danced to the amazement of all. Then Peter preached and about 5,000 became believers in Jesus, including many of the priests (Acts 4:4 & Acts 6:7).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: Luke 20:25
And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Today’s reading concludes with, “take heed.” Here is Jesus’ conclusion to almost 100 verses of teaching, “Watch therefore and pray always.” This blog can help us do that! We learn from the happenings here that when someone argues with Jesus, they don’t win the argument. The “coin” is a case in point. The Jews were groaning under the heel of Rome. Jesus’ answer to the tax question was simple, yet profound. Today, we struggle with our responsibilities to government and to God. We use money printed or minted by government, yet, our ultimate values are not government actions, but God Himself. God will put the final period in the last history book of this age. Back in 1967 Billy Graham said, “For the first time in over 2,000 years, Jerusalem is ruled by Jews. The ‘time of the Gentiles’ is over (Luke 21:24). Soon we will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory'” (Luke 21:27).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, here I am. I’m determined to “take heed.” By Your grace, I believe that at Your return, I will “escape all these things that will come to pass.” Please help me to be prepared at any moment to welcome Your coming. Please give me the gift of diligence, consistency, and purity so that, because of Your forgiveness of my sin, I’ll be ready! Amen!
PERSONAL WORDS:
I remember an old preacher saying, regarding those who told the story of the seven husbands who married the woman in Jesus’ story, “They thought by the inch, spoke by the yard, and should be moved by the foot!” I’ve read chapters 20 & 21 twice and some portions three times. Of course, I’ve read these words before. I’ve even taught through the entire book of Luke at a Bible Camp recently. Nevertheless, I’ve had fresh insight from the Holy Spirit today, such as from Luke 21:34… I am not weighed down with carousing and drunkenness, but I confess that I struggle with the “cares of this life.” I sometimes think that at 80, I’m too old for the plans I keep making (for when I’m released from the hospital). I believe God isn’t finished with me yet!
Yours for a more perfect understanding of God’s Word, and for His plans and purposes for my life,
David
Hello from my mission, having some good services and placing some Bibles in the hands of the people. WHAT JOY Driding is treacherous so please keep us in prayer Is a great group. God is good. blessings Pastor David and fellow bloggers.
As I read devotionals quite often to my mother we discuss and then I tell her the people in her retirement home need to hear this, at 91 she says I am to old but I keep encouraging my Mom, I think even if it is just one person who receives Jesus that is victory.
God bless and get well soon David
Pastor David, I believe someone in the hospital needs you. Your witness through this trial will bring someone closer to The Lord. Keep making plans. God is with You. He will never leave you nor forsake you. You will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Blessings, Deborah
Amen!
Yes, amen!!
yes, Amen!
One thing I am learning is God is never finished with us– even if we leave our earthly bodies and return home to Him, we will not be sitting around Heaven twiddling our thumbs– God’s plans for us are eternal– we can get weary, we all need time for rest and nourishment from our Lord– a specific ministry or work may finish, but as long as we are breathing and willing the Lord will work through us for His Glory and to help others know of His Love.
Amen, Donna!
Thank You, Lord, for the blessing of such a beautiful day! The lake swim this morning was divine and I praised You, all the way! Luke 21:19 stood out to me. The translation changes from version to version. The pastor at my church, Andrew Belair, is set on the original King James Version because the meaning of the message can be changed. Here are a few:
Luke 21:19:
New International Version
Stand firm, and you will win life.
New Living Translation
By standing firm, you will win your souls.
English Standard Version
By your endurance you will gain your lives.
Berean Study Bible
By your patient endurance, you will gain your souls.
New American Standard Bible
By your endurance you will gain your lives.
King James Bible
In your patience possess ye your souls.
GOD’S WORD® Translation
By your endurance you will save your life.
I am so in love with the following song, and I share with you, David, and all saints to lift everyone up, this morning. We praise You, Lord, and thank You, for making us new creations and forever changing us! We thank You for Your healing touch upon David, and all saints, who are in need, at this time.
Since Your Love (ft. Brandon Hampton) United Pursuit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWYO7IbK0L8
Father I continue to lift up David M., heal his body. I praise you Lord many times for this blog and for David’s teaching. Bless this work that many may grow strong from your word. I ask forgiveness, as I too, am reminded that I am not to be wrapped up in the cares of this world. May the light of Jesus shine through all brothers and sisters in Christ today, so that we may draw men, women, and children to Him. Equip us Holy Spirit to be about our Father’s business. In Jesus name, Amen.
PS David M. and blog team I so appreciate this work as I am learning so much!
Amen! Anna.
Amen and amen!!
Amen Deborah
May the Lord bless you and Norma -Jean as you have celebrated your 58th wedding anniversary this week. We have been so blessed by your ministry at 100 Huntley Street. Our prayers are with you that your health will allow you to carry the torch longer and keep our nation in your prayers as you are known for spreading the Gospel from sea to sea here in Canada! and throughout the world!
Amen! Blessings on you David and Norma-Jean and your family may the Lord continue to strengthen you and uphold you in the Palm of His Hand!
Amen, and we’re looking forward to hearing that you’ve been released from the hospital! God has marvellous plans for each of us!
Blessings to all!
Oh Yes David .M. youare so being used by our Heavenly Father,
I do believe He will keep you here on earth for some time yet…
I am close to 85 years of age ,and i keep saying I am To old
for the politics of this world… What am i thinking? God in
control…He is keeping me around so I better do my work
for what ever He wants me here for… Maybe just to pray for
our world, country, or family of God, Or my family, So I say again
God is in control , I will leave it in His capable hands…..R….
Amen and amen dear Rosemarie. Blessings to all Eleanor M.
YEP AMAZING GRACE ALL AROUND US!
I can’t figure out how to bring up songs>>>>>>>>>>>>
Blessings to everyone……..
thanks Sah and God’s blessings on you in all you do!!!
What a Glorious Day in the Lord’s World!!! Beautiful Saviour, Lord of all!!!
Thank you, David, for your faithfulness, for your witness, for your teaching, and for your example in Christian living to all of us. And we thank God for blessing us all through your acts of Christian faith, hope, love, and witness. May He continue to use you and your family in the service of His kingdom for many more years.
Praise and thanks to our Lord God! I found my ear rings! I checked my swim bag many times but nothing! Today after swimming I opened the bag and there were the ear rings! I have to chuckle! God cares about every aspect of our lives! TY Lord,
Bless the life guards and their families! We are so blessed to have a wonderful place to swim! TY Lord