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Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Dad's Ramblings -- Paying Taxes

" 'Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?'.... And He said to them, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.' "
 
                                            Luke 20:22, 25
 
Paying taxes is not only lawful but it is commanded by our Lord Jesus. I may gripe about taxes but I have an obligation to support the governments over me, whether family, church, or civil because God ordained them (Romans 13:1). I may not like or agree with everything the authorities do, but that does not absolve me of my responsibility to pay taxes. Bad government is better than anarchy.
 
Today's Thought: We pay taxes because Jesus said to.
 
Have a responsible day. Love you.


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Monday, June 29, 2009

Dad's Ramblings -- Flattery

"Then they asked Him, saying, 'Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth'.....But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, 'Why do you test me?' "
 
                                        Luke 20:21, 23
 
Everything they said was true, but their motive was wrong. Jesus perceived their craftiness. Flattery – insincere praise – is almost never good. To those who are not perceptive, it causes inflated ego. And it is often given because of an ulterior motive. Praise is good, but beware of flattery.
 
Today's Thought: Avoid giving and receiving flattery.
 
Have a truthful day. Love you.


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Friday, June 26, 2009

Dad's Ramblings -- Tahing It Personally

"And the chief priests and scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him, but they feared the people – for they [the people] knew He had spoken this parable against them. So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and authority of the governor."
 
Luke 21:19-20
 
Everyone understood that this parable was directed at the religious leaders, who understood and took it personally. But in pretending to be righteous, they rejected the word instead of repenting. I need to guard against this attitude. When I hear God's Word and the Holy Spirit gives me personal understanding, I need to apply it to my own life, and not hide behind my own righteousness.
 
Today's Thought: God's Word, when understood personally, demands a personal response.
 
Have a personal day. Love you.


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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Dad's Ramblings -- The Choice

"Then He looked at them and said, 'What then is this that was written, "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone"? Whoever falls on the stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.' "
 
Luke 20:17-18
 
Even though the parable illustrates God's longsuffering patience, there is a limit. His Spirit will not always strive with man and judgment awaits those who reject the Savior. Jude 14-15 declares that Jesus will come to execute judgment on all the ungodly. So either we can fall on Him in broken contrition or be crushed in our rebellion. God will never despise a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17).
 
Today's Thought: The choice is ours – To be broken in humility or be crushed in rebellion.
 
Have a broken day. Love you.


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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Dad's Ramblings -- The Basis Of Salvation

" 'But when the vinedressers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, "This is the heir. Come, let us kill him that the inheritance may be ours." So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those vinedressers and give the vineyard to others.' And when they heard it, they said, 'Certainly not!' "
 
                                          Luke 29:14-16
 
The Jews had been chosen by God to be the caretakers of His revelation. They felt secure in their history and tradition. It was unimaginable to them that their position would ever be taken away and given to another others. But it was removed because they rejected the Son. How many today rest in the security of their religious history and traditions ["My grandfather was a preacher," or "I belong to the _________ Church"] while they reject the Son. Trusting religious position will not save anyone. Only receiving God's Beloved Son will prevent destruction.
 
Today's Thought: Salvation is not acquired by history or tradition but by personal faith in Jesus.
 
Have a faith day. Love you.


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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Dad's Ramblings -- God's Longsuffering Grace

"Then He began to tell the people this parable: 'A certain man planted a vineyard, leased it to vine-dressers, and went into a far country for a long time. Now at vintage-time he sent a servant...But they beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again, he sent another servant...And again he sent a third...Then the owner of the vineyard said, "I will send my beloved son...." ' "
                                Luke 20:9-13
 
Jesus is answering the question of His authority by parable. This is an illustration of God's longsuffering grace. God had entrusted to Israel His "vineyard," and expected fruit. He sent messengers and Israel kept rejecting them – even His beloved Son. Even today, God keeps reaching out to people, even though they keep rejecting Him. What love and what patience!!
 
Today's Thought: God keeps speaking to us even when we reject His messengers.
 
Have a listening day. Love you.


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Monday, June 22, 2009

Dad's Ramblings -- A Proper Response To Questions

"But He answered to them saying, 'I will ask you one thing, and answer me:'....And Jesus said to them, 'Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.' "
 
                                    Luke 20:3, 8
 
I wish I could learn this debate technique – answering a question with a question. Jesus used it very effectively in various circumstances. Sometimes I get sucked into an argument, and I end up defending myself rather than simply explaining my position. Jesus showed that I don't have to answer every question, especially if the intent is only to argue.
 
Today's Thought: Not every question deserves an answer.
 
Have a discerning day. Love you.


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Friday, June 19, 2009

Dad's Ramblings -- Question Authority

"Now it happened...that the chief priests and the scribes together with the elders, confronted Him...saying, 'Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Or who is he who gave You this authority?' "
 
                                               Luke 20:1-2
 
This is perhaps the only time Jesus' adversaries were proper, if not in motive, at least in action. It is always proper to question the underlying authority of a truth claim. No matter how powerful or persuasive the speaker is, one must ask, "What is the basis for his words?" Power and authority are different. A policeman may have powerful muscles. But his authority is represented by his badge – who is backing up his words and actions. It is wise to know what is behind a truth claim to avoid being deceived.
 
Today's Thought: God's Word must be the final authority.
 
Have a questioning day. Love you.


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Thursday, June 18, 2009

Dad's Ramblings 061809

"And He Was teaching in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, and were unable to do anything; for all the people were attentive to hear Him."
 
                                            Luke 19:47-48
 
Throughout the centuries, there have been forces that have wanted to destroy Jesus and His Church. But no matter how hard they have tried, Jesus is still alive. Hallelujah!!!
 
Today's Thought: No matter how much Jesus is hated, He and His Church will never be destroyed.
 
Have a rejoicing day. . Love you.


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Monday, June 15, 2009