Author: Norm

SCRIPTURE: Luke 23 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. [Luke 23:34] I try to imagine what it was like for Jesus to say these words, and to mean them. Father, forgive them, do not hold this against them, release…

October 22, 2009 SCRIPTURE: Luke 22 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers. [Luke 22:31-32] Satan is moving against Jesus: He agitates the religious leaders against Jesus [Luke 22:1-2], fills Judas with…

SCRIPTURE: Luke 21 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: ‘I tell you the truth,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. [Luke 21:3] Jesus sees things differently, and His perspective is good and right. Worldly eyes measure the amount of money gifts, but Jesus weighs the heart. Worldly eyes are impressed by great buildings, but Jesus…

SCRIPTURE: Luke 20 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: ‘John’s baptism–was it from heaven, or from men?’ They discussed it among themselves and said, ‘If we say, From heaven, he will ask, Why didn’t you believe him? But if we say, From men, all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet. So they answered,…

SCRIPTURE: Luke 19 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house will be a house of prayer ; but you have made it a den of robbers.’ [Luke 19:46] Again and again the Lord stresses WHY we are blessed. God lives among us (symbolized by the temple) and blesses us so that we can lead…

SCRIPTURE: Luke 18 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up… And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? [Luke 18:1,7] Pray, and not give up. ‘Lord, I…