Why Do I Worry?

Luke 12:25, “And which of you by worrying can add an hour to his life?” New English Translation

Last year, Derek auditioned for a couple of worship pastor positions. David was excited.

I cried and cried and cried. I worried because that would leave us with two instrumentalists and two vocalists on Sunday mornings. When would I see Gideon?

I wrestled with God and finally gave up. I decided God can move his children anywhere.

They prayed about each position and God closed the doors. I lost a few hours worrying for nothing!

Later, God moved our guitar player and soundman. We miss them.

Sunday, we had a new guitar player join the worship team. Our oldest son Luke will play part-time. (We share him with the army.)

When I was a teen, I dreamed of having a family band. Back then, family bands traveled from place to place. I’m much happier playing with my family in one place! That was another secret desire God granted me.

Did I Say That Out Loud?

John 11:16, “So Thomas (called Didymus) said to his fellow disciples, ‘Let us go too, so that we may die with him.'” New English Translation

I can identify with Thomas. My thoughts have popped out of my mouth more times than I care to admit. And I wonder, “Did I say that out loud?”

Caiaphas showed me the cure. Study the Bible and the Bible will come out of your mouth.

John 11:51, “(Now he did not say this on his own, but because he was high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the Jewish nation.)” New English Translation

How Did He Disperse the Crowds?

Matthew 19:2, “Large crowds followed him, and he healed them.” New English Translation

Last week, I questioned how Jesus dispersed the crowds. Here’s my answer – “He healed them!”

Not everyone needed healing, some needed a kind word. Some were satisfied to go home and ponder His teachings.

But it would take hours. Perhaps this is why He sent His disciples ahead in the boat. He knew they would tire while waiting. And why He fell asleep in the boat?

Matthew 19:13, “Then little children were brought to him for him to lay his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded those who brought them.” New English Translation

When Jesus fed the five thousand, they only counted the men. They had large families. Who knows how many were there – 20,000? Or more?

Yet, he took the time to lay his hands on each child and pray for them. Then He went on his way, verse 15.

Have I Ever Been a Spy?

Luke 20:20, “Then they watched him carefully and sent spies who pretended to be sincere…” New English Translation

Have I ever been a spy – judging another church? Or a Christian artist? Or organization? Repeating what they said?

Am I spying to find faults or to make myself look better? Even worse, do I gossip about it?
Dear God, forgive me!

“Why do you think hypocrites and prideful people will receive a more severe punishment (v. 47)? Ask God to show you any areas of hypocrisy or pride in your life. Ask God for forgiveness and strength to live a humble life.”

New English Translation notes on Luke 20:45-47

What Else Did I Learn?

1. The Lord sent others ahead of himself, Luke 10:1.
2. I need to stay salty, Luke 14:34.
3. Jesus loved Martha and Mary equally, John 11:5.
4. I can either hush the hurting or encourage them to go to Jesus, Mark 10:48-49.

The steps to the temple where Jesus taught.

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