20-20 Blog

Today’s Bible Reading: Exodus 1–2; Psalm 88; Luke 21

Scripture Focus: Luke 21:34–36

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Observation:

These verses speak to me about perspective. If all I see is the here and now I will be tempted to have one of two responses: Eat and drink for tomorrow we die! or Work my fingers to the bone.

The day is coming when life as we know it will be over. Jesus is coming back, and he tells us to watch and pray. Why? So we may be counted worthy to escape the tribulation of the end days and to stand before him with assurance in the day of judgment.

Application:

It’s very easy for me to get caught up in the cares of this life. Watching and praying is an antidote to that. And I do so want to stand before Jesus someday without regret for the way I lived my life.

Prayer:

Abba Father, Thank you for the reminder that you are in charge, and that the world’s days, as we know them, are numbered. May I be counted worthy to escape all the things that will come to pass and to stand before your Son, Jesus. Amen.

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Today’s Scripture Reading: Genesis 47–48; Psalm 10; Luke 19

Scripture Focus:
Luke 19:45–46 Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, saying to them, “It is written, My house is a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.”

Observation:
Jesus isn’t shy about calling things what they are. When he enters the temple at Jerusalem, he gets to work clearing out people who shouldn’t be there doing the things they’re doing. I could go into the historic reasons for buying and selling—basically it was a good idea gone bad, with greedy people taking advantage of out-of-town guests—but the point is that any church can stray from its true calling: To be a place of worship and a house of prayer.

It’s easy to see the problem with the temple in Jesus’ day, and completely miss a problem with MY church. If Jesus came to my church, what would he find? Fill in the blank: My house is a house of prayer, but you have made it a house of __________________ (gossip, strife, condemnation, self-service . . .).

Application: First of all, I am responsible to keep my church a place of worship and prayer. Do I worship and pray? Or do I come for what I can get out of it, or, even worse, only out of duty? Secondly, I am responsible to keep my leaders responsible. If I see my leaders straying from the true purpose of church, I need to confront them in a kind and humble manner, realizing that God has placed them over me.

Prayer:
Abba Father, the next time I attend church, may I focus in on what’s important: worshiping you and praying as you taught us to pray:

Our Father in heaven
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one,
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power
And the glory forever, Amen.

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Genesis 44–46; Luke 18

Scripture Focus:
Luke 18:1 Then He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart . . .
Luke 18:7–8 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?

Observation:
In yesterday’s reading (Luke 17) Jesus talks about a faith that can say to a mulberry tree, “Go jump in the lake,” and it will do it. Today Jesus talks of a faith that doesn’t give up—even when no answer is forthcoming. Here’s the deal. God says to keep praying. He wants to answer speedily, because we’re his kids, but sometimes he “bears” with us. (He waits with us.)

Jesus then asks, “Will I find this kind of faith—the I-won’t-give-up-praying kind of faith—when I return to earth?

Application:
Whether my prayer is answered instantly and dramatically or whether I have to keep praying for the answer, this is faith God is pleased with.

Prayer:
Abba Father, I’m sorry for wimping out on you when it comes to the persistent kind of praying. Help me remember that you’re looking for faithful prayers, and that you love to answer your kids’ prayers.

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