Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

How often we get frustrated and beaten down by the challenges of life; whether we are trying to get ahead by working and going to school, a stay at home parent trying to keep children on track, house organized, spouse happy, and personal sanity, a single parent trying to provide for and raise children at the same time, one challenged by trama, addictions, or personal tragedies, an executive or professional with a hectic schedule competing with family priorities.

I think what Jesus was telling the crowd, and is trying to tell us, is to look to Him and place our confidence and faith in Him; He will help us have peace amidst life’s challenges.

Dear Lord, help us remember that You love us, like a caring parent with outstretched arms waiting for us to come and find comfort and security. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Luke 1 tells the story of the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth. They had no other children, and were much too old to have children without a miracle, but the angel, Gabriel, came to Zechariah and told him they would have a child, who would prepare people for the arrival of the Messiah.

Zechariah was skeptical and questioned Gabriel. As a result, Gabriel caused him to be unable to speak until John was born.

When Zechariah was finally allowed to speak, he spoke the prophecy of Jesus’ coming in Luke 1:68-79. The final verses are a beautiful and simple summary of the Good news, Luke 1:78-79 “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Dear Lord, We praise and thank you for sending the “morning light from heaven,” which is Jesus who brings us out of the darkness of our sin and into your light, allowing us to live in Your peace. In His name we pray. Amen.

Mark 9 includes the story of Jesus healing a boy who was possessed by a demon who would throw him into convulsions.

Mark 9 :21-22 says, “Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

The man said “if you can” to Jesus. The man must have heard the stories of Jesus healing other people, and was looking desperately to find a way to help his son. Even though he probably had heard stories of Jesus healing people, he was not sure Jesus could, or would, heal his son.

Don’t we sometimes fall into this place of doubt, not sure God can solve the difficult problem we have.

In those times, Don’t ask “Can God?” say “God can.”

Dear Lord, We know that with you, all things are possible. Help us remember to pray and ask with confidence, and remember “God can.”
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jesus warns in Luke 12:15, “Be on your guard against every form of greed”

What is greed? One dictionary definition is “a selfish and excessive desire for more of something than is needed”

I think the key words in the definition are “selfish and excessive” When we always focus on what we have and worry excessively about losing it, or diluting it by giving some away, whether it be our money, our time, “our” parking place, “our” position in the line, we are giving in to greed.

To guard against greed, I like to remember this part of a well known hymn, “All that we have is thine alone, a trust O Lord from Thee.”

Dear Lord, help us remember that you gave us everything we have, and your desire is that we use it to love and serve you and our neighbor. Help us always keep this in our minds. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Psalm 37:28 says, “The Lord loves justice,” We know that the definition of justice is, “getting what is deserved.” We also know as Romans 3:23 says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”

Justice, therefore, would mean that since we miss God’s standard, that we cannot receive God’s reward, heaven. Somehow justice for our sins must be paid. Picture the symbol of justice, the scale, and all of our sins stacked on one side.

Jesus Christ balances the scale, by taking the punishment for all of our sins. God’s love for us gives us the way out of receiving the justice we deserve, and places it on Jesus. As John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” and verse 18 says, “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him.”

By believing in Jesus as our Savior, we are essentially pardoned from the justice we deserve, and that is the ultimate show of God’s love.

Dear Lord, how wonderful your love for us is, and how perfect your plan is to execute both justice for all and salvation for those who believe. Help us be joyful for this great gift and share it with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.