Thoughts for the Day:
Jesus had not been on the scene long before he started shaking things up. In today's reading, we have three situations where the Pharisees and teachers of the law are beginning to raise questions about Jesus.
- "Who is this man who says he can forgive sins?"(v.21)
- "Why do you eat with tax collectors and sinners?"(v. 30)
- "Why do your disciples not fast?" (v. 33)
Jesus was clearly on a different wavelength than these Pharisees and teachers of the law. (See verse 31!)
What is it about Jesus that is a "stumbling block" to some of your friends?
What is it about Jesus that is a "stumbling block" to you?
Prayer:
Just as Jesus had a response to each challenge from the Pharisees, ask God to help you with those "stumbling blocks" in your faith. Pray that God would make you more like Levi, who got up and left EVERYTHING to follow Jesus.
Fasting Update:
I gotta admit, the macaroni and cheese is starting to get old. But everytime I start to complain, I am reminded of how fortunate I really am. Last Wednesday night, Peter, a minister from South Africa, spoke to our youth mission groups. He was a fun speaker. I learned a lot about the Black Mamba Snake!(He will chase you,you know!). And I loved hearing Peter's Afrikaans accent. But then he told us: "I will tell you one thing and I don't want you to ever forget it. Your country...is blessed by God!"
Sometimes we forget that. Sometimes we get into having so much that we forget that people around the world are suffering. What will we do with our power and freedom and riches? Peter told us that his church is praying for our country. I think that is a good idea.
-Kelly
P.S. - Here are the readings for this weekend.
Saturday - Luke 6:1-26
Sunday - Luke 6:27-59
Have a great weekend!

Flashback Picture for the Day