-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / WHAT JESUS DID! --
http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, December 9, 2007
It Is Time!
Then Jesus said to the apostles, "I sent you {to tell people
about God}. I sent you without money, a bag, or shoes. But
did you need anything?" The apostles said, "No." Jesus said
to them, "But now if you have money or a bag, carry that with
you. If you don't have a sword, sell your coat and buy one.
The Scripture says: 'People said he was a criminal.' This
Scripture must happen. It was written about me, and it is
happening now." The followers said, "Look, Lord, here are two
swords!" Jesus said to them, "That's enough!"
-- Luke 22:35-38 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus knows it is now time for him to face the path of suffering and
rejection. The disciples don't have a clue about what is going to
happen to him even though he has repeatedly warned them. In other
words, Jesus knows he must face his suffering and rejection alone and
abandoned. For us today, this story can be a great comfort for two
reasons. First, Jesus understands what it means to be abandoned by
friends and left to face suffering and rejection all alone. When we
face that kind of challenge, we can trust that he understands our pain
and we know that he will never abandon us. Second, because the
disciples blow it and yet the Lord re-makes and reclaims them so they
are useful to the Kingdom, we can know that our own lapses do not
disqualify us from being useful to him. If we are genuinely repentant,
he can re-make and reclaim us as well.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I sincerely hate that Jesus had to die for my sins and
face his horrors all alone, without his friends to support him. Yet,
dear God, I am comforted in those times that I feel alone to face my
problems because I know he cares, understands, and stands with me in
those moments of trial. In addition, dear God, I thank you that, just
as he re-made his disciples after their time of weakness, he has remade
me and continues to transform me to be more like him. I praise you for
your plan of grace and I praise your Son and my Savior for his
sacrificial and steadfast love. In Jesus' name. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
>> available as a book. Click below to order!
http://images.ultracart.com/aff/ACU9/1414/108/185/575/0/index.html
>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/luke/1209-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Luke+22:35-38&sr=1&t=erv
/--- THE LIGHT EN ESPAÑOL! -----------------------------\
The wait for a Spanish language Heartlight is over!
Come enjoy Today's Verse in Spanish, with many more
features already in development. Heartlight is
now reaching even more people around the world with
the positive message of Jesus Christ. Praise God!
\----------------------- http://www.laluzdelalma.com ---/
Content-type: text/html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
WOW HITS 2006, by Various Artists
They're here---all the chart-topping radio hits by your favorite
Christian artists! Two CD boxed set.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?258
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
WHAT JESUS DID! from HEARTLIGHT /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd
\/
This devotional is made possible by YOUR donations! If you've found
our emails encouraging or inspiring, we pray you'll give a voluntary
donation to keep this ministry going. Donations are NOT required,
but they are appreciated!
http://www.heartlight.org/support
What Jesus Did! is a 365-day devotional through the book of Luke.
It is written by Phil Ware <phil@heartlight.org> and is part of
HEARTLIGHT Magazine, the leading Christian living e-zine on the
Web. Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web for even more articles, plus
music, devotionals and more for your Christian walk!
HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-wjd@maillists.heartlight.org
HOW DO I LEAVE?
Send a blank email to the unsubscribe address:
wjd-unsubscribe@maillists.heartlight.org
STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
Find answers to your frequently asked questions:
http://www.heartlight.org/help/faq/wjd.html
======================================================================
