Reading: Luke 11:14-28

Which am I doing for Jesus?

Not according to how I see it, but according to how He sees it.

Because He sees clearly and accurately.

Because I see a third option: sitting. Doing nothing for Him. Sleeping.

But He says:

“He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth” (23).

Is there truly no neutral ground? Is there really no third option? Is the matter actually that cut and dried?

No. No. Yes. In that order.

Jesus said what He meant. And what He meant is the way things are.

So I better be with Him. I better get busy gathering with Him.

Always.

from Luke 11:17

A little bit more from Luke 11: Hear It and Keep It

Reading: Luke 11:1-13

I wonder which disciple this was (and more importantly, why he asked this):

“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (1).

This morning I am impressed by the brevity of Jesus’ lesson.

I’m also struck by the lesson’s points of focus:

• Remember our relationship with God.
• Declare God’s greatness and holiness.
• Promote His kingdom.
• Surrender to His will.
• Request sufficient-to-the-day satisfaction of basic needs.
• Recognize our sin and ask His forgivness.
• Have a forgiving heart.
• Ask for victory over evil.

Such little and so brief focus on my own needs and desires, eh?!

Oh to pray with a growing consciousness of God, His kingdom, and His righteousness!

And to live that way also!

On that last item on the list: I know my own weaknesses, so pray, Mark! For watchfulness, for carefulness, for strength, for courage, for determination, for victory.

from Luke 11:8

A little bit more from Luke 11: Pursue What You Need