Κύριος Notes:Jesus In The Details

Adoration

This morning as I woke up this song was going through my thoughts...and I almost started humming it but it was too early to make noise.

His name is Wonderful, His name is Wonderful,

His name is Wonderful, Jesus my Lord;

He is the mighty King, master of everything,

His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.

He's the great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages,

Almighty God is He;

Bow down before Him, love and adore Him,

His name is Wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.

Scripture Reflections:Luke 22

7Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover." 9"Where do you want us to prepare for it?" they asked.

Lord Jesus--You knew that days of your ministry were drawing to a close. It was no surprise to you how things would end in Jerusalem, and you knew that it would shake the world of the disciples. I am sure that you sensed their excitement, anticipation and their fear all at the same time.

This is one of the few recorded events where the disciples were tasked and we have record of they interactions. When the five thousand were feed, Phillip questioned...

John 6
5When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" 6He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
7Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"

Maybe Phillip and his friends has learned some things since that incident. They did not ask the: "You want us to do what?" question. They did not ask the: "How are we going...? question." Nor did they ask the infamous: "Where are we going to get the money? ...question." Instead the only question that was asked was where do you want us to prepare the meal.

10He replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11and say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 12He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there."

Lord Jesus, these men had learned at you feet the lessons of faith. They knew without a doubt that you would provide the means to do what you tasked them to do. If it was healing you healed through them. If it was feeding a hungry crowd of people you did it through them. Their job was to allow themselves to be guided and directed and to be used in the process. At this point in their spiritual formation they understood that you would not task them with a job that could not be done. They trusted that in this situation that you would make sure that even the details were covered. They were not done with the formation process but they were on the way. They were not done, nor am I: continue to form and conform my spirit by the work of the Holy Spirit

13They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

Lord Jesus the same is true in Saratoga Spring in the 21st century. You continue to manage the details, you provide and sustain, you lead and guide, you encourage and bless. I can almost hear the conversation as they look for the man carrying the water pot. They knew with out a doubt that the man would be there...carry a water pot to a house that would be available for passover with the Master.

Lord Jesus teach me the lesson of the details. You control them and I need to notice them. The reality is that you provide the answers even before we can form the questions.

Great Shepherd, the Rock of all ages ... be in
in the details of my day.

Κύριος Notes:Fear or Faith

Adoration

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Scripture Reflections:Luke 22
1Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people.

Lord Jesus fear is the reaction that your teaching brought up to the religious leaders of your day. Following you can be frightening you don't always bring me to places that are comfortable. Which always leaves me with a choice: I can follow when the path leads through dark places, or I can go it on my own. Lord Jesus I choose to follow. Help me to make that choice even when I am afraid.

3Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.

One of the tragedies of the New Testament was this simple choice of Judas to reject your teaching and to betray all that he had been taught and all that he had seen. Lord his story is a story of caution, I would like to think that there is a qualitative difference between Judas and myself. That there is a difference of kind, in the choice that he made. But the truth is something different. My choices are just like his...that is the scary part. I could make the same twisted choice.

4And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus.

There will always be those who cheer on those who have allowed Satan entrance. Lord Jesus these leaders who should have been a source of wisdom, but instead just cheered as Judas ran headlong over the cliff. They used him for thier own ends.

5They were delighted and agreed to give him money.6He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

In the end Judas made his choices. I choose differently Lord Jesus.

In this day I choose to be a person of light...a person of obedience and I choose to follow even when the way creates fear in me. I know that you will not lead me anywhere where your grace can not support me.

This little light of mine

I 'm going to let it shine...

Κύριος Notes--The Kingdom of God is Near

Adoration

Revive Me

Revive me, according to your loving kindness

Revive me, that I may seek your word

Revive me, according to your loving kindness

Revive me, oh Lord

You give me understanding

According to your word

Great peace for those who seek your face

I long for salvation

My lips shall praise your name

I rejoice in the treasure of your keep
Jeremy Camp

Scripture Reflections: Luke 21

29He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

Lord Jesus--what would you say to me? The Kingdom is near. That was the simple message that the disciples preached when you sent them out. It was the message that John preached and was the theme of his revival before your coming. It is a simple message, but just as true today as when you preached it. The kingdom of God is near.

32"I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Your word does not fail, your promise to return will be fulfilled. As I write this it is the middle of the night ...darkness surrounds me and I realize that the timing of your return is shielded from my view. It could be tomorrow and it could be years and decades away. Your return has been the hope of the faithful since you were taken from the disciples into the clouds.

I know that this hope...this promise is both a motivator, and it calls me to responsibility. So what should my personal response be to reality of your return?

34"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

Lord Jesus--There is a need to be careful in the way that I live. I haven't had to worry about drunkness for some time but I know that my choices surround me. Choices are both a blessing and a curse. Let my choices let me closer to you...deeper into your grace. Don't allow a hope of your return become a trap for me Lord Jesus. To make sure that does not happen I need to watch and pray...and seek after you each day.

Lord Jesus--Revive my spirit by the work of your Holy Spirit may I sense your guidance in the day that opens before me. In these last days, shine in my heart with clarity and brilliance.

Κύριος Notes-Looking East

Adoration

Psalm 118:22-26

22 The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone;
23 the LORD has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success.
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you.

There is reason to praise you Lord Jesus. You came to planet Earth...you are with me in this place right now...and you made this day and everyday that there is...I will rejoice and be glad in this day which you have given.


Scripture Reflection:Luke 21

20"When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.

Lord Jesus some of these words have been fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem, but it has not had it final and ultimate fulfillment in your return. Lord Jesus I still look to Jerusalem to this day as an indication as to where I am in the time clock of eternity. The clock continues to tick, and we are closer to Your return than we were yesterday. Even so come quickly Lord Jesus.

23How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

There has been a history of oppression of the Jews which has waxed and waned over the centuries since the fall of their home land. These words Lord Jesus remind me of the fact that these days of grace will not last forever. They will come to an end.

Until the time of the gentiles is fulfilled... when is that time going to be fulfilled? The reoccupation of Jerusalem is seen by many as the clearest evidence of the fact that Your return is imminent. I know that Jerusalem is no longer tramped. Lord Jesus as the time of the Gentile's draws to a close...let there be a revival...let there be time of outpouring of your Holy Spirit so that the lost may be found.

25"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.

There will be climactic change where the very foundations that we have depended on will change. These signs have not yet occurred in the intensity that seems to be necessary. The level of fear that is present seems as if it could not get worse, but when as the foundations of the universe shake as they have never shaken before. Humanity who have been so secure in the scientific method and the principles of mass production and interchangeable parts will find itself with the stable environment that is needed to operate.

27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Redemption...being bought back from slavery. Lord Jesus that is the hope. So in a way as I am watching the ramping up of the events that bring me closer to Your return...there is a peace and holy hope.

Romans 8:22-23

22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

As I sit here in the quiet this morning Lord Jesus and think of the climactic events that your followers have looked over the centuries, thank you for the work that Your Spirit has done in me again. We have looked for your return out of the eastern sky. I still look this morning and I remember as the events of my life unfold a bit at a time that in the middle this life you have called me to the usual and the everyday, which in time will lead me to the events of the future.

Should you tarry, this day will be lived in the knowledge that there will be a time when my adoption will be finalized and I will know even as I am known.

Lord Jesus, I am thankful for the first fruits of your Holy Spirit. I am left wondering if Your Holy Spirit has made this life worth living and full of glory, what will your return be like? Even so come quickly Lord Jesus.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD

Κύριος Notes--Right Words at the Right Time

Adoration

Psalm 45

6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;

a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

Scripture Reflection Luke 21
12"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13This will result in your being witnesses to them.

Before Your return Lord, I will be provided opportunity to witness for you in settings that I would never image. I need to be looking for opportunities to talk about you, to be a witness for you, naturally in a way that is not stilled or phony but honest and authentic. The chances that are afforded to say a word for you should be viewed as opportunities not occasions to be fearful or intimidated.

14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

The opportunities that I am offered will come with the right words, the Spirit tailored applications, the wisdom to say the right word that you need said. Clutch times will come when I will have no other resource than that which you give me at the moment, and the words will come. You know me Lord so well, you know that if there is time I will depend on preparation and all the available resources that I can find, but that will not be the case when I am brought into these God appointments of evangelism, the right words will come from you.

16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17All men will hate you because of me. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By standing firm you will gain life.

Primary relationships of life will be destrupted and changed as your return approaches.There will be a protection that will be available which is connected to the simple actions of obedience.

Lord help me in these days that you have given to me to just put one foot in front of the other...to watch and be obedient.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

My Savior My God
My Savior loves, My Savior lives

My Savior's always there for me

My God: He was, my God; He is

My God is always gonna be

Aaron Shust

Scripture Reflection: Luke 21

8He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.

Your coming the second time Lord Jesus will be something the beginnings of which may be misunderstood by those who are not listening closely. There will be those who are impostures that will claim to be you. The list continues to grow, from the followers of Hale Bop to those who believe Joesph Smith and went out to the Utah desert a century and a half ago.

Lord Jesus you ask me not to listen to those who would take your place in my heart and life. Not to listen to those who are just looking for a following. 9When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."

10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

Your return will be a climactic event. Your coming will be something that will be preceded by major events and major signs that you are on the way. Wars to end all wars have already been fought Lord. Even a second world world that engulfed the entire globe. We are just a bit away from yet another one if you do not return.

Beyond just political upheaval there will also be natural upheaval...tsunamis? Earthquakes and unscheduled comets...and I am back to Hale Bop yet again. The unusual will become usual is what you seem to be saying...there will be a ramping up of the unusual in a way that will be frightening and spectacular. It is not quite that way right now, but there seems to be an escalation of the unusual.

Lord Jesus in the middle of this life, help me to be balanced in a world that cycles between the spectacualar and the mundane.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

My Savior My God
That He would leave His place on high

And come for sinful man to die

You count it strange, so once did I

Before I knew my Savior

My Savior loves, My Savior lives

My Savior's always there for me

My God: He was, my God; He is

My God is always gonna be

Aaron Shust

Lord Jesus, This morning I am aware of your sacrifce to come to this place that is so far from your home and so twisted from what it was meant to be. You came just to save, just to redeem what was lost and enslaved.

Scripture Reflection: Luke 21:7

7"Teacher," they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?"

This seems like such a simple question Lord, in context these same men watched the people of the nation miss your coming. So they did not want to miss the unfolding of your plan.

Lord Jesus my prayer this morning is: don't let me miss your unfolding plan either in the unfolding of the large plan of your return, or of the smaller little world that I am a part of right in front of me.

So much of the time I want your plan to be spectacular and grandiose...large things happening large plans seen worked out in front of me. But my experience of your plan is as simple as the need that I am unaware of right in front of my feet and hands. Do not let me miss your call of grace on my life today...to see and help the need and hurt that surrounds me that I have some ability to impact.

So my prayer today in the middle of such climactic and at the same time anticlimactic times keep me faithful to the task that you have put before these two hands. Help me to live out these simple words today...

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

My Savior My God


I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior

I take Him at His word and deed
Christ died to save me; this I read
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be

Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior loves, My Savior lives
Aaron Shust

Scripture Reflection: Luke 21:5-6

My trust is where?

5Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6"As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down."

The temple was one of those places that the nation bled for. It was the focus point of the religious life of the nation. It was something that they at times had trusted in..."We have the temple the Lord can not let Jerusalem fall ." That was the thought and at times before the Captivity explicitly stated.

Lord Jesus the external things that I put my trust in, just are not strong enough to hold me in the times when the foundations shake and the world goes off its axis. What do I really trust in when life goes out of focus? I trust in Your word, I trust in Your work in my life, I trust that You will bring times of blessing when I will know without a doubt your presence.

I dare not trust in buildings or in money or power. They can all be gone in a moment. I will not trust in organizations that have been my spiritual home. I will trust in you Lord. Stones are built into buildings and then fall and fail. But there is truth and trust that endures...

Yes, living, dying, let me bring

My strength, my solace from this spring;

That He who lives to be my King

Once died to be my Savior

Lord Jesus in this day, I will called to trust in you again for the moments needs, be there in each moment reminding me that your grace is enough and is more than enough for what comes in this day.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

Open up the skies of mercy

And rain down the cleansing flood

Healing waters rise around us

Hear our cries Lord let 'em rise

It's Your kindness Lord

That leads us to repentance

Your favor Lord, is our desire

It's Your beauty Lord

That makes us stand in silence

Your love

Your love

Is better than life

Scripture Reflection: Luke 21:1-4

1As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

Lord this is one that catches me every time I read it...in your kingdom more does not mean more. More does not translate into dollars and cents. Giving to your kingdom is about giving not out of much, but giving even when I don't know how I am going to make the ends meet. Is it possible that the economy of heaven works differently than in the free market? Your economy Lord is based not on taking but on giving. When you said that she gave more than all the others? Did that mean that because of her giving more was able to be done with her less than with all the rest that was given with such fanfare and flash?

Why is it Lord that I think that more is always what you want...that more is always more? So many times less is really more. I can get stuck in trying to make it all work out in neat little rows of added numbers, but that is not how more is achieved in your kingdom.

Can it be that real impact for your kingdom comes as I sacrifice to see your work go forward? It is in the giving and depending on you that real and lasting change takes place. Giving can be done is so many different ways...in giving of time, energy, money and skills. All of them are a part of the equation. It amazes me that you allow me to be a part of that process of giving, and of the process of effecting change.

Lord teach me the lessons of giving to your kingdom even and especially when I don't know how all the ends will meet. Be in this day that will begin in just few hours.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

Soulshine
When you cant find the light,

That got you through the cloudy days,

When the stars aint shinin bright,

You feel like youve lost youre way,

When those candle lights of home,

Burn so very far away,

Well you got to let your soul shine,

Just like my daddy used to say

.

He used to say soulshine,

Its better than sunshine,

Its better than moonshine,

Its sure better than rain.

Hey now people dont mind,

We all get this way sometime,

Got to let your soul shine,

shine till the break of day.

--Allman Brothers

Scripture Reflection: Luke 20
41Then Jesus said to them, "How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David? 42David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand 43until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." ' 44David calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?"

We need to shine right in the place where we are, nothing else is good enough. In the middle of life that has it conflicts and controversies we need to be aware of and engaged in conversations about what is real. You Lord Jesus are real. Your birth was predicted as we were leave Eden...and here you leave those who would accuse you and question you speechless.

Lord Jesus in the middle of the days of my life...shine in my soul with clarity and grace. Shine in the middle of the ups and the downs...shine in the days and in the nights.

45While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46"Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."

You call me to authenticity and genuineness no matter where I find myself. Not just in the marketplaces and in the meeting houses of worship but in real life. You want me to be an example of how You would live today. It would not be by becoming rich at the expense of the poor and the oppressed on Monday after praying for them on Sunday.

Lord let the words of my prayers be in keeping with the actions and interactions that form my life. I seek to be like you today Lord.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

Through many dangers,

toil and snares, I have already come;

'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

Scripture Reflection: Luke 20

27Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. 28"Teacher," they said, "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and have children for his brother. 29Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30The second 31and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32Finally, the woman died too. 33Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?"

Just another agenda question...this one you entered into the debate in a way that was able to turn in productive directions. How many of my questions are honest ones Lord...without pre-programed agendas? Lord work within my heart that I may not be stuck with my own agenda items. So much of the time, I am the result of my history, the family that I grew up in and the culture that I am a part of...and you want more for me than just where I have been. You have in this mix you have a destination in mind that does not depend on my history or my skills but on your grace and leading. Questions were not the issues...you are always ready to respond to my questions...but here there was the intent to trick or some who hijack your teaching for the day.

34Jesus replied, "The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection.

There will be a foundational change in the age to come. The structure of it will be fundamentally different. The basic structure of society will remain family the difference will be that God is will be our Father for we will be children of the resurrection...brought to life by the resurrection of Christ. I wonder if I will be able to remember this life with any accuracy. I wonder if I will want to? I have only tasted of that relationship with the Father, but there will come a day when the way things work will be so different that the only picture...the only analogy that makes sense was that of the angels.

37But in the account of the bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord 'the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' 38He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."

'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

Home waits and Dad will be there is a way that I can only imagine at this point...far beyond the pictures that I have of what a Father is...far beyond the pictures and thoughts that I have experienced of a father.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

Through many dangers,

toil and snares, I have already come;

'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

Scripture Reflection: Luke 20

20Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be honest. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21So the spies questioned him: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

Lord, this could have been a time when you spoke freely about politics...but you choose not to speak to the issues of the day at all. You could have been tied up in a debate of whatever the current issues were. There was an insipid and underlying search for messiah at every juncture. There was a nationalistic desire for a home and for a level of free on the part of the people who lived under a bloody and repressive empire that was concerned with taxes and with the survival of the system of Roman law even at the expense of Roman justice.

There were many topics that you could have spoken on...and yet you just told the crowd that day to pay their taxes.

23He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24"Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?"
25"Caesar's," they replied. He said to them, "Then give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

This is not the place where you spoke to the need for a tax revolt or of the way in which the Romans were stealing money from Palestine to fund military adventurism in England...or that all of North Africa was being over farmed for the support of the of the Roman crooked system of welfare support. You didn't say any about any of that although it would have been accurate you choose not to.

Why? Because politics are not the point anyway. They are not the way that the world is going to be changed in any significant way. Change is something that comes from the inside out...not from the outside in. So why do I get so focused on the externals of change?

I wonder what you would say in the current health debate, I wonder what you have said to a congressman who accused the president during a speech of lying. Something more than a lack of civility...I think. Maybe something about the need to listen to someone before responding.

I wonder what you have said about the health debate. It is clear that you spend a major part of your energy and time bring health care and spiritual care to the poor. What would you say to the middle class American evangelic church about health care for the poor, and for the working poor? What would you say? ...I doubt that it would be to endorse either side of this acrimonious debate.

Maybe you would say..."Kurt I am going downtown to Congress Park...there are some people who need healing. Do you want to go with me?" I am reasonably sure you would not look for an insurance card before you healed them, nor would you be looking for co-pay.

26They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

Let the blind man
say I can see again
Let the dead man
say I am born again
Let the river flow
Let the river flow

Scripture Reflection: Luke 20
9He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. 10At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed.

Lord Jesus I am a renter not an owner...all that you have given is really held in trust. Sometimes I am a good manager of it sometimes not. Always it is a challenge to remember my role in the schema...a tenant farmer...a sharecropper...

When I remember where I belong it makes the whole thing so much easier...you are the owner...all that I hold is yours. You give and take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Too often I end up like these tenants of the vineyard...wanting to become something that I am not and can never be. Lord remind me of where I belong. Really anything other than giving you your rightful place in my life is rebellion, forgive me Lord Jesus.

11He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out. 13"Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.'

14"But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. 'This is the heir,' they said. 'Let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 15So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
"What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When the people heard this, they said, "May this never be!"

These were hard words for this group to hear...they are hard words for me to hear. There is a cost for rejection of the light...there is cost to holding on to what is not mine in the first place. Lord Jesus teach me the ways of the sharecropper...teach me the ways of the faithful steward...show me the places where rebellion threatens.

17Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written: " 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone? 18Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."

This is a wandering and interesting life, you call me to remember my place, my calling, my hope. I am to be the very best holder of this scared trust that I can be...in this day and in everyday that you give me.

Lord there are times when my experience is so capricious and changeable. Life becomes like a angry child who has asked for love and is unanswered still...and it leaves me sometimes laughing and sometimes crying. Wondering, is there any sense that can be made of this? Then You remind me that it doesn't really make any sense at all, looking at it from the side of the looking glass that I am on...my job is to trust...to hope...to endure...to lean...to learn.

Ok. I get it...at least right now, your grace gives me eyes that see...it is a statement of faith this praise that says...

Let the blind man

say I can see again

Let the dead man

say I am born again

Let the river flow

Let the river flow
Let the river flow

Let the river flow

Holy Spirit come

Move in power

Let the river flow

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

Let The River Flow

Let the poor man say

I am rich in Him

Let the lost man say

I am found in Him

Let the river flow

Let the blind man say

I can see again

Let the dead man say

I am born again

Let the river flow

Let the river flow

Let the river flow

Let the river flow

Holy Spirit come

Move in power

Let the river flow

Scripture Reflection: Luke 20
1One day as he was teaching the people in the temple courts and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. 2"Tell us by what authority you are doing these things," they said. "Who gave you this authority?"

Lord Jesus this question comes in many forms. This was the same question that was asked a slightly different context by John's disciples, this same issue was addressed when you sent out the 70 with the delegated authority to heal and to cast out demons.

Authority to do a task, rest on the person who gave you the task to do. It relates to call, mission and reason for being. For me it to a task and to a place... a call to a mission and to a location of ministry. But the authority...the rests clearly on you. I ask you benediction...your grace...your blessing on this task...your confirmation again that this continues to be your desire. Bless this group and this ministry, may you be seen in every thing said and done.

3He replied, "I will also ask you a question. Tell me, 4John's baptism—was it from heaven, or from men?"
5They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Why didn't you believe him?' 6But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet."
7So they answered, "We don't know where it was from."

8Jesus said, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

The sad thing is if these men had just affirmed what they knew in their hearts without taking a public opinion poll there could have such a different outcome in thier lives, in thier worship and in thier experience of You Lord Jesus. They just had to keep control.

These men who were so concerned with Your authority Lord Jesus really were not concerned with the reality of that mission. They were not really concerned with honest assessment, but with public opinion. The mission does not rest on public sediment, it rests on your call, your empowerment for the task and your blessing the fruits of that effort.

It all really rests on You Lord Jesus...on your grace on your call on your empowering for doing what really can not be done with out you. Lord Jesus by the power that comes from your Holy Spirit at work with in your church...work with power, clarity and authority. Work beyond what is humanly possible, may the power of your Holy Spirit sweep through this group of people. If change is needed, let the change start is me...if further risk is needed let the risk start with me...if further filling is need let the anointing flow without restriction. Lord Jesus work.

Lord Jesus empower for service and bless this group that you are calling together. Lord Jesus you are the reason we are here. Work in this place with power and with consistency.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

Take It All

Searching the world
The lost will be found
In freedom we live
As one we cry out
You carried the cross
You died and rose again
My God I'll only ever give my all

Jesus we're living for your Name
We'll never be ashamed of You
Whoa o oh
Our praise and all we are today
Take take take it all
Take take take it all

Running to the One
Who heals the blind
Following the shining light
In Your hands
The power to save the world
My life

Scripture Reflection:Luke 19
45Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. 46"It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be a house of prayer'; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
47Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. 48Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

The temple area, mainly the court of the gentiles...had become a place where the needs of the worship center were bought and sold...where currency from different areas of the Roman world were exchanged so that the sacrifices could be bought and sold.

It was nothing personal to the Gentiles is was just business...A place of worship had become a place where hawkers were selling at the lowest price and where utility had replaced personal connection with God. Lord Jesus you remind me that it is always personal.

So in the middle of life Lord, how do I make sure that in the middle of doing what seems to be your will do I make sure that the essentials of you work does not get lost. I am sure it was a gradual accommodation to the needs of the worship rituals that over time made worship impossible in the outer courts of the temple.

Part of the journey or the learning is to come to a heart knowledge of how to handle the sacred in the middle of a life that is surround by distractions, by details and by temptations.

Lord Jesus you understand the place where we find ourselves. Your Father's house that had been a source of knowledge and attraction when you were younger had changed into a place where robbers and would murders found refuge. That simple but true fact must have been something that you just could not stand any longer.

Lord Jesus help me to live this day within the knowledge that you want me to live a sacred life among the distractions and details.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

Let Us Adore
The heavens declare,

The glory of God,

And all of the world,

Will join the praise,

His wonders proclaim.

The oceans and skies,

Lift up their voice,

And all all He has made,

Will rise to bless,

The King of all kings.

Let us adore Him.

Let us adore Him.

Jesus Christ is the Lord.

Scripture Reflection:Luke 19

39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"
40"I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

There are times for praise when if we don't praise you...your creation takes over the song. Lord Jesus let my actions in this day reflect your glory.

41As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.

What could have been Lord? If you had been accepted for who you are? Could we all be in Your Kingdom now? Choices have impact of eternal consequence. Could have beens are interesting to think about, but they can't be changed now. Lord Jesus in this day help me to focus on the opportunities that are right there for me to do in this day. What is the lesson Lord? The clear will be hidden from us, if we reject it's implications for us long enough...

43The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

They did not recognize that time of that you were working in the middle of their sick, poor and prisoners. You were doing amazing things and yet they did not see it with the eyes of faith and so in time they just could no longer see it. It was hidden from them.

Lord Jesus I want to see...see with the eyes of faith what is not here yet but that you want to bring about because of your grace. Open the eyes of my heart to all that you would see happen in me and in this place.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,

God in three persons, blessed Trinity.

Scripture Reflection:Luke 19
35They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.
37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

The thoughts of the crowd of disciples that day just intrigues me...what were they thinking? Why did they choose this moment to honor you Lord Jesus? What was it that sparked this praise? It all connected for the disciples: the site...maybe of a healed person walking down the road that day, with the fact that you were entering Jerusalem, and all of the other miracles that you had done...all combined to create this spontaneous expression of praise.

Lord Jesus how often is there spontaneous expressions of praise...that just come out of me for what you have done...for the impact of change that you had on my life....for the blessings that you have given to me. Lord Jesus there is reason to praise...there is reason to get excited and to be thankful for the way that you have intervened, protected, sustained and encouraged though out this journey.

There is reason to praise You this morning Lord Jesus...You continue your work in my life, you continue your call on my life, and you continue to give strength for the task at hand.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,

God in three persons, blessed Trinity.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

Holy, holy, holy!

All the saints adore Thee,

Casting down their golden crowns

around the glassy sea;

Cherubim and seraphim

falling down before Thee,

Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Scripture Reflection:Luke 19

28After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30"Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it.' "

32Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?"
34They replied, "The Lord needs it."

This morning I am aware of the little things that validate the reality of your grace and your intimate knowledge of my life and times. Here for the disciples it was a simple colt that was tied just where you said it would be tied. It was nothing big, just something that clued them in to the fact that you were aware of the situation that confronted them even in little ways.

I am aware of your intervention in my life in little and big ways. You are there and you know the issues that form the details of my life. You know all about gas money, rent, mortgages, and utilities...and you care and are aware of my needs. You provide for me to accomplish your will and direction for my life. All I really need to do is to show up and step out in faith.

When the disciples untied the colt they were stepping out in faith...that you knew and that you had prepared the way for them. I will step out Lord in your will even when it takes faith that you are preparing the little things like a colt tied on the side of the way...or maybe the resources that are not here for the next step of faith that you are calling me to.

Lord Jesus--Help me in this day to be all that you would have me to be...help me to follow without hesitation even in the small things.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

Come Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me
Fill me with Your power,satisfy my needs
Only You can make me whole
Give me strength to make me grow
Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me

Scripture Reflection:Luke 19

I never noticed before Lord, that you taught this parable at Zacchaeus's house.

11While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas.'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.'

14"But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, 'We don't want this man to be our king.'

15"He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.

16"The first one came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.'

The key character trait that you were looking for Lord was the ability to follow through and be faithful. How much of my life is learning that simple and yet needed trait of being faithful to what You set before me?

17" 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'

Remind me Lord that you are the one that I am accountable to and that all that you give me is really in trust. I am the caretaker not the owner of what you bring into my life. Help me take good care of what you have put into my hand.

18"The second came and said, 'Sir, your mina has earned five more.'

19"His master answered, 'You take charge of five cities.'

Some receive more and some receive less. The amount is not as important as the way it is tended and cared for. Why is it that I am from time to time more concerned about the amount and what I have been given...than the One who gives it all to me in the first place? Lord forgive me when I focus on the gift and not the giver...when I compare instead of just do my best with the blessings that you have brought into my life for this season.

20"Then another servant came and said, 'Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.'

22"His master replied, 'I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?'

So at the very less what you are saying Lord is...if you aren't going to work hard and the very least work smart?

Where are the places where I need to work smarter and not harder?

24"Then he said to those standing by, 'Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.'

25" 'Sir,' they said, 'he already has ten!'

26"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away.

So here I am in the middle of the time when You are asking me to tend you affairs. I am working on the tasks that You have set before me Lord Jesus. I am working bringing increase to what you have given to me. During this time when I am called to faithfulness help me to not draw back from risks that you would have me take, give me the wisdom to choose wisely.

I wonder what is the significance of this parable being told in the house of a former tax collector? Why did you tell this story with Zacchaeus present? Could it be that he needed to hear that faithfulness in the long term is what You are looking for...not just faithfulness in the grand gestures of restitution but also demonstrating faithfulness in the daily grind when it doesn't look like such a big thing to do. Faithfulness and the ability to endure over time at this thing call discipleship is what you are looking for from me. It could be that Zacchaeus needed to hear the call to discipleship that remained true to the call long after the King had departed on his journey to a distant country.

Lord Jesus help me to see the increase that You would like to see in this place and in this time. Help me to be faithful and to be the kind of person who you can be pleased with over the long haul and not just in the grand gestures. Help me to see all the relationships that I have as opportunities where your grace can be shown with power and enduring impact.

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

Come Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit,fall afresh on me
Fill me with Your power,satisfy my needs
Only You can make me whole
Give me strength to make me grow
Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me

Scripture Reflection:Luke 19 --Drawn To You

1Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

What made this little man run to find a place in the tree to see you from Lord? What drew Him to your message? ... To your side and to your message? I can relate to being short and missing things because of the tall people that surround you. I can relate to being drawn to you to your message, to the power of Your Holy Spirit at work in my soul. So climbing that gnarly old tree...he just wanted to get a glimpse of you.

I am left much like this little man climbing this sycamore tree...wanting to see you, hear you with clarity and power. Jesus what do you have to say to me today?

5When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." 6So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
7All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' "

You reached out to this short rich man who made his money at other people's expense. Lord Jesus you reach out to those who make the effort to respond to the call of your Holy Spirit. You did not draw back from entering into his house even though the good people thought that it was a bad career move on your part.

8But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."

As this short man interacted with you his life style and his accomplishments did not seem to be so important. His wealth and the way that he had gotten it stood smack in the middle of his desire to be as close to you as he could get.

As I think of this man and his making amends to those he cheated and as he gave away to the poor I wonder what he must have felt as he was giving away what had been so important just a short time ago. Money and his ability to make it, keep it and spend it had defined his life up to this point.

Now Jesus was a part of the definition of his life. That inclusion of You into his life...changed the whole equation of his life and what was important to him.

9Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."

You came to seek and to save those who had been lost in money, power and greed...those who were lost in the things of this world that tangle and twist the soul to form into it mold. You continue to draw me to your call and to the changes that continues need to be made to be the man that you want me to be.

But this is not the end of the story...I wonder what Zacchaeus went on to do in the early church. Was he the one who was a part of the church leadership that made it possible for the early church to move out of Jerusalem when persecution pushed them beyond where they had gone before. I will have to ask him if I get to see him on the streets of gold.

In this day Lord Jesus give me the strength to respond to your call, to climb the tree one more time to see and hear you speak the words of grace.

Only You can make me whole
Give me strength to make me grow
Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me

Κύριος Notes

Adoration

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see You

I want to see You

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see You

I want to see You.

Scripture Reflection:Luke 18:35-42

35As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."
38He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

It is interesting to me that this blind man knew he was blind and asked for help. Somehow ironic that the disciples were unable to understand what You were telling them of Your impending death on the cross while at Jerusalem.

I wonder what I am blind to? Lord where are the areas that you want to give me greater vision? Where are the places where I don't even know enough to know that I am blind? I have a feeling it is more ways that I would like to think about.

I come from a certain place, from a certain time period...with a certain education and outlook on the world....I am more and more certain that there are massive blind spots in the way that I view the world...the way that I view You Lord and the way that I see your work in the world and in other people. Open the eyes of my heart Lord to what you would have me see...even when it is uncomfortable.


39Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

I am so glad that this man just would not shut up...he was going to get his need met or at least be able to meet You Lord Jesus. I wonder how many blessings I miss Lord because of trying to control what is going on around me.

40Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41"What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied.
42Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you." 43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

This man had a concrete need and was able to ask You even though the crowd wanted him to be quiet and go along peacefully. Lord Jesus thank you for this example of enduring and patience in asking.

Thank you for this day Lord Jesus...help me to live in expectation of what you want to show me today...teach me the way that you see things.