Author: David Worcester

Lead Pastor of Compass Church http://CompassChurchSD.com #Jesus, #Family #ChurchPlanting #CollegeMinistry. #Missions http://GospelAppointments.com @collegiatecoll

How Perfectionism Kills Your Relationship With God – Luke 10:25-42

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From my reading in Luke 10:25-42 in the One Year New Testament.

The Danger of Perfectionism 

There is a powerful story in the Bible of two women who both wanted to please Jesus but had different approaches to relating to him. Martha and Mary were hosting Jesus at their home. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened carefully to his teaching. Martha, on the other hand, wanted to make everything perfect for big dinner for Jesus.

Martha complained to Jesus that it wasn’t fair for Mary to just sit and listen while she do all the work, and she told Jesus to tell Mary to go help her.  First of all, it’s not a great idea to tell Jesus what to do, but Jesus graciously responded in a way that gives us two powerful lessons.

“My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41–42

1. Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

The fact that Martha was working hard to prepare a meal was a good thing. The problem Jesus had with her was that she was worried and upset over the details.

One of the reasons we get worried about the details is not because we want to serve the people but because we want everything to be perfect so that we look good.

The perfectionist gets their idently from their performance instead of from Christ.

Men and women both struggle with this desire to make everything perfect in the name of serving God. I encourage you to make sure that as you work hard for God’s glory, you don’t get so focused on minor details that you forget what life is really about – loving God and others. Jesus is our first priority, and other people are our second priority. Next time you find yourself worrying about the details ask yourself…

Am I really motivated to serve God and others or make myself look good?

2. Don’t sacrifice time with God for service of God.

Martha was doing a great service for Jesus, but was missing out on valuable time with Jesus. Those of us in ministry can get so caught up in spending time working for God, we fail to get adequate time simply enjoying his presence and listening to his voice. Jesus modeled a life of sacrificial service while maintaining healthy amounts of time in prayer to the Father. He modeled this principle…

Our relationship with God is the fuel for effective service of God. 

Stop focusing on minor details and make sure that you take the time you need to slow down and connect with Jesus. Another danger of perfectionism is that it not only hurts your relationship with Christ but it also hurts your relationships with people. Don’t get so busy focusing on petty things that you forget about the people in your life. Ultimately, though, if you are focusing on your relationship with God, then a love for others will naturally flow out of that!

Slow down, take a chill pill and just sit at Jesus’ feet for a while; it is the most valuable thing you can do!

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What Is The Source Of Your Joy? – Luke 10:1-24

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From my reading in Luke 10:1-24 in the One Year New Testament.

Some Christians get a lot of their joy from how productive they are for Jesus. If they are leading people to Jesus or they can see God using them then they are happy.

This was the case for the seventy two other disciples that Jesus sent out on a short term mission. They were excited about all the spiritual fruit they saw. They were excited that even the demons would submit to Jesus’ name.

Jesus gave them authority over the enemy but that was not meant their source of joy.

“But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” Luke 10:20

We should not look to the results of our ministry for joy but the fact that we are going to heaven! 

Basically Jesus told them there is a guest list and you are on it! What a privilege to be on the King’s guest list!

If we have the assurance of heaven it will give us joy to face the hard circumstances and we can see the  good times previews of heaven. I am so grateful that I have an eternity with no crying or pain to look forward to.

If you have repented of your sins…

and trusted Christ to forgive your sins by dying on the cross…

and committed your life to follow him…

Then you to can rejoice that your name is registered in heaven! 

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Stay Focused Like Jesus – Luke 9:37-62

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From my reading in Luke 9:37-62 in the One Year New Testament.

Jesus was totally focused on his mission to save us. Jesus knew that Jerusalem would be the place where he would be killed and sacrifice himself for our sins. He was totally committed to getting there.

“As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51

I looked up the word “resolutely” in the Louw-Nida lexicon and it defined it as,

“(a Semitic idiom, literally ‘to fix one’s face’) to make a decision, with emphasis upon finality—‘to decide firmly, to resolve, to make up one’s mind definitely.” Louw-Nida Lexicon

Jesus set his face toward his greatest challenge and didn’t look back. Instead of backing down from the pain and suffering ahead he decidedly and firmly moved toward it. He made up his mind that he would finish his mission and die for our sins.

Have you resolutely set out to accomplish the mission God has for you? 

I’m very grateful Jesus carried out his mission. He gives us the greatest example of grit and determination.

Whatever challenge you are facing it is not greater than what Jesus faced. I encourage you to stay focused on the mission God has for you even if it means experiencing pain.

Jesus wouldn’t let the distractions of this life get in the way of why he was here.

God has given each of us a mission.

Stay focused and resolutely move towards fulfilling God’s mission for your life.

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Another Lesson From “God’s Not Dead” The Movie – Take Up Your Cross Daily – Luke 9:18-36

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From my reading in Luke 9:18-36 in the One Year New Testament.

In the movie “God’s Not Dead” the main character named Josh was confronted with a professor who challenged his faith. In order to defend God he had to make a series of sacrifices including working really hard on his presentation, having his girlfriend break up with him, and risking his reputation and grade.

Jesus gives us a lifelong challenge for those of us who want to be his followers.

“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23

Luke is the only of the gospel writers that adds the word daily to this challenge. We must each make a choice everyday to be willing to give up what we want and surrender to God.

To take up your cross means to die to your self.

Each day we have a choice. Are we going to look to our own interests or are we going to sacrificially follow Jesus?

Taking up your cross is not easy but it is worth it. 

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?” Luke 9:24–25

The only way to save your life is to give it up freely to God. Running after your selfish desires and the things of this world may satisfy you momentarily but ultimately you will have wasted your life. And worst of all you will forfeit your soul!

How do you take up your cross? 

Take a few moments everyday to confess your sins to God and ask the Holy Spirit to guide and control your life. Tell God that you are willing to obey him unconditionally. After that, keep your spiritual ears open to whatever God might want to say to you and obey what you hear.

Not Ashamed

Another way to take up your cross is to identify with Jesus boldly like Josh did in the movie.

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.” Luke 9:26

Being obnoxious is not the point. Holding a sign is probably not be the most effective method to reach our culture, but you have to give those people credit for their boldness.

When the subject of God comes up in your class, stand up for Christ.

When your friends start talking bad about Christianity, ask them what happened to them that makes them feel that way.

When someone asks you about your life do not be afraid to be honest about going to Church and what you are learning about God.

We are not all called to be pastors, but we are all called to be unashamed. 

For some encouragement on this subject check out the awesome movie “God’s Not Dead“. Whatever God is asking you to do today I encourage you to take up your cross and follow Jesus!

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Jesus Was Too Focused To Meet With A King… – Luke 9:1-17

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From my reading in Luke 9:1-17 in the One Year New Testament.

In a society where we are obsessed with celebrities and status it would be unheard of for a minster to not meet up with a king that wanted to see him. But that is exactly what Jesus did!

King Herod was very intrigued about Jesus and even wondered if he was John the Baptist or Elijah risen from the dead. Ironically Jesus is the only person to raise from the dead on his own power! This is what Herod said,

“I beheaded John,” Herod said, “so who is this man about whom I hear such stories?” And he kept trying to see him.” Luke 9:9

Here’s the thing that hit me. When a King wants something 99% of the time he get’s it. Herod wanted to see Jesus but for some reason he didn’t see him until the mock trial before Christ’s crucifixion.

We don’t know if Herod actually asked Jesus to meet, but it is likely that the news that Herod wanted to see him got back to Jesus. But Jesus didn’t go out of his way to meet the rich and famous king. Perhaps it was because he was wisely avoiding the person who beheaded John the Baptist or he had a habit of avoiding Herods. For whatever reason…

Jesus didn’t  the lure of  a celebrity sidetrack his mission. 

He wasn’t playing the popularity game, instead he was led by the Spirit and helping people who could never repay him, the poor, the outcasts, the lepers, women, and even children.

I encourage you to stop focusing on the lives of celebrities and and start focusing on the mission God has for you with ordinary people in your every day life!

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Don’t Be Afraid. Just Have Faith. – Luke 8:26-56

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From my reading in Luke 8:26-56 in the One Year New Testament.

Jesus was going to heal the daughter of a synagogue leader named Jairus. Tragic news came that the daughter was already dead. The messenger said, “There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.” But when Jesus heard the news, this is what he said:

“Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.” Luke 8:50

Fear is the opposite of faith.

Jesus encouraged them to not fear but to have faith and she would be healed.  Having faith doesn’t mean that God will always do what you want. But in this instance, Jesus promised that he would resurrect the child!

Next time you are tempted to doubt God’s ability, remember Jesus words,

“DON’T BE AFRAID. JUST HAVE FAITH.”

Maybe your car just broke down. Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.

Maybe a family member is sick. Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.

Maybe you have a big test coming up. Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.

If you think your problem is not worth God’s time, remember Jesus response.

“DON’T BE AFRAID. JUST HAVE FAITH.”

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A Spiritual Lesson In The Movie “God’s Not Dead” – Luke 8:1-25

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From my reading in Luke 8:1-25 in the One Year New Testament.

Yesterday, my wife Jessica and I saw God’s Not Dead. Throughout the movie, it was giving opportunities for people stand up for their faith boldly. Jesus shared a parable that illustrates a lesson that relates to the movie.

“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all. Luke 8:16–17

If you have received Christ, then you have the light in you. What good is it if you put your lamp under a bowl or a bed and don’t let it shine? After all, eventually everyone will know you are a Christian when Jesus comes back!

In the movie, the main character had an opportunity to shine his light in his class room. Through his willingness not to place his light under a bowl, many of the people in the class ended up believing that “God’s Not Dead.”

The Bible Knowledge Commentary says,

“Just as one does not light a lamp in order to hide it, so also a person is not given “the secrets of the kingdom of God” in order to keep them secret.”

I encourage you to shine your light and do not be afraid to stand up for your faith. You never know how God will use your light to shine on others.

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The Scandalous Love of Jesus – Luke 7:31-50

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From my reading in Luke 7:31-50 in the One Year New Testament.

Scandalous Love 

Jesus was chilling at a Pharisee’s house and an immoral woman of the town heard he was eating there. Most likely she was a prostitute, or at least someone who was known as loose.

She went and bought a beautiful alabaster jar, filled with expensive perfume, for Jesus. She humbly knelt at Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair and then kissed his feet.

It would have been scandalous for a woman to touch a man in public, let alone a prostitute kissing Jesus. Immediately, the Pharisees judged Jesus for allowing a woman with a bad reputation to touch him and kiss his feet.

Those Who Are Forgiven Much Love Much

Jesus then told a very simple story about a man who loaned 500 days wages (over a years pay) to one and 50 days wages (almost 2 months pay) to another. Neither could repay, so he forgave them and canceled their debts. Then he asked,

“Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.” “That’s right,” Jesus said.” Luke 7:42–43

The larger the debt, the larger the gratitude. Jesus then turned the attention back to the woman. The Pharisees didn’t even do the common courtesy of giving Jesus water to wash the dust off his feet or greet him with a kiss or anoint his head with oil, but this “sinner” washed his feet with her tears, kissed his feet, and sacrificed money on expensive perfume! Then he said this,

“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Luke 7:47

No matter how many sins you have committed, none are too great for Jesus to forgive. People that have messed up a lot appreciate his forgiveness even more than those who grew up in church and basically did good their whole lives.

The truth is that many people who think they are good have fallen into the trap of pride. Just because you are not a prostitute or have a radical conversion story doesn’t mean you don’t need Jesus’ forgiveness just as much!

Personally, I never want to take the forgiveness of Jesus for granted. I am grateful Jesus was willing to sacrifice his reputation to show that any sinner can receive his scandalous love!

No sin is too big for Jesus to forgive, and that is something to celebrate.

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How Do You Recognize True Wisdom? – Luke 7:1-35

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From my reading in Luke 7:1-30 (and continuing to 35) in the One Year New Testament.

Jesus and John the Baptist had different styles of ministry.  People said John the Baptist was possessed because he didn’t eat bread or drink wine and people said Jesus was a glutton and a drunkard and friend of tax collectors and sinners. Here’s Jesus response.

“But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” Luke 7:35

How can you recognize true wisdom?

By the changed lives of those who follow it. Other translations say wisdom is “justified by her children.”

Children in this instance means someone who looks to someone else as a father in the faith. Both Jesus and John the Baptist saw positive results in the lives of their followers. Lives were changed for the good and their messages were compatible.

The health of a church is not judged by the quality of it’s presentation but in the lives of the members.

If people are becoming more like Jesus and loving each other then very likely there is wise leadership in place. There will always be hypocrites and immature people in every church, but overall are people’s lives being changed by Jesus at your church?

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How To Build The Foundation For A Solid Life – Luke 6:27-49

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From my reading in Luke 6:27-49 in the One Year New Testament.

Jesus had just gotten done giving some amazing commands about how to live and love and he ends with a powerful rebuke and word picture. First he starts with the rebuke.

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?” Luke 6:46

If you say Jesus is your Lord then you should obey him. Period. The way to build a soild foundation in life is to listen to Jesus and put his teachings into practice. If we are not seeking to obey him then we are not making Jesus Lord of our life. Jesus then tells a parable but first gives us the moral of the story.

“I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it.” Luke 6:47

First he illustrates what it is like when someone  listens to his teaching and obeys it. He is like a man who built a house and dug a deep foundation on the rock. When the flood came and the stream crashed against the house it stood strong because it was well built and had a soild foundation.

Then he gives the opposite example of someone who hears his teaching but does not obey. He is like a man who builds a house but doesn’t build a foundation! And the stream caused the house to fall immediately and it was completely ruined.

Notice the common denominator  in both of the stories is that they both heard the message. 

They both heard the message, but only one obeyed.

The one who obeyed stood strong in the storm the one who didn’t collapsed.

In order to build a solid foundation for your life it is not enough to just learn the Bible, you must apply it to your life. Jesus wants us to put into practice what he teaches us so that when the rivers of trouble come rushing into our lives we can stand strong.

If you want to build a solid foundation for your life obey Jesus!

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