Fertile Hearts

April 4

(Luke 8:11-15 NIV) "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. {12} Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. {13} Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. {14} The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. {15} But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."

(Mark 4:20 NIV) "Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop--thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown.""

(Psalms 92:12-15 NIV) “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; {13} planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. {14} They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, {15} proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.””

In this parable about soils, the seed is God’s word. It is always good. It is the constant. The soils are the variable, and represent human hearts. The path represents hardened hearts that are closed off to the gospel. The seed can’t sprout there. The rocky soil represents shallow hearts. They may be superficially religious, but have no roots. When the hot winds of testing come, they quickly fall away. Cluttered hearts are like the thorny soil. Worries, pleasure, and riches choke the life out of faith. Anxiety, money, and addiction strangle God’s word. But some seed falls on good soil -- open hearts that hear the word, accept it, and persevere in it. Faith grows and produces fruit. Has God’s word changed your life or are you the same as you were a year ago? Test your soil. Plant good seed. Tend to your soil. Become a disciple -- do God’s word, and let the bountiful harvest begin. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Divine Dirt

April 3

(Luke 8:4-8 NIV) ““While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: {5} "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. {6} Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. {7} Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. {8} Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear.””

(Genesis 26:12-14 NIV) “Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. {13} The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. {14} He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him.”

“The Parable of the Sower” is actually a parable about soil: good and bad. The planting method was “broadcasting”-- the sower walked back and forth, scattering seed from side to side by hand. Seed cast on the hard path had little chance of even sprouting. Seed cast on the rocky soil might sprout, but would die because it couldn’t send down roots. Seed cast among thorns could grow, but would be choked out before it could produce a crop. Seed cast upon the good soil sent its roots deep and produced a bumper crop. Yields were normally ten-fold -- a bushel of seed would produce about ten bushels of grain. The hundredfold yield spoken of by Jesus was only dreamed about in that day, and would have taken a divine touch. Jesus wanted his hearers to know that producing a crop took more than just good soil and a skilled sower -- it took help from God. Spiritually, the same is true today. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Jesus Group

April 2

(Luke 8:1-3 NIV) “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, {2} and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; {3} Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”

(Matthew 10:1-8 NIV)  "He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. {2} These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; {3} Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; {4} Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. {5} These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. {6} Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. {7} As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' {8} Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give."

Christ’s mission included making disciples who would take His gospel to the world. He chose the Twelve, but there were others who signed on. This “Jesus Group” was a mixed lot. Not all were well-dressed, upper crust citizens. They consisted of some blue collar fishermen, an IRS agent, a skeptic, a dishonest bookkeeper, a right wing political radical, a former harlot, and the wife of an elite government official. These are the people who took up with Jesus and followed him day and night for three years. They were the called, the healed, the forgiven, and the delivered. They were diverse in origin, but had the same destination. They understood that following Jesus meant leaving something behind. They cut the strings that encumber most of us and became disciples. They became the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Our calling is the same. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Christ’s Prime Directive

April 1

(Luke 7:44-50 NIV) ““Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. {45} You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. {46} You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. {47} Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." {48} Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." {49} The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" {50} Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace.””

(Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- {9} not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Forgiveness of sin was one of Christ’s main objectives in coming to Earth. Certainly He modeled godly behavior for us, but the obstacle that stands between us and eternal life is our sin. If you are a Star Trek fan, atoning for our sin was Christ’s “Prime Directive”. The Pharisee was a “good person”, and wasn’t looking for a Savior. As a result, he and his friends missed the Lord. But the sinful woman knew her failings, and when she heard the Savior was in town, she came to show her love for the One who could forgive her. She who has been forgiven much, loves much. She who have been forgiven little, loves little. Our love for God is proportional to the mercy we have received. The sinner has no payment great enough for their sin. It is by grace we are saved. Until we realize we have been forgiven much, we will just be religious people, and religion has never saved a single soul. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Biggest Debtor

March 31

(Luke 7:36-50 NIV)  ““Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. {37} When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, {38} and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. {39} When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner." {40} Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. {41} "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. {42} Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" {43} Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.””

(1 Timothy 1:15-17 NIV) “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. {16} But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. {17} Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

As Jesus dined at the home of a Pharisee named Simon, a “sinful woman” came in off the street, weeping profusely. She used her tears to wash Christ’s feet and anointed Him with expensive perfume. Simon thought if Jesus was a holy prophet, He would have known who was touching Him and would have refused to allow it. Jesus taught Simon that those who owe the biggest debts, love the most when forgiven. The Pharisees didn’t think they needed much forgiveness. We still see this attitude today! Some church people don’t feel like much of Christ’s blood was needed for their sins. Their sin didn’t drive any nails. They grew up in church. They know all the hymns and important Bible verses. They think it was all those bad sinners who caused Christ’s death. Like Simon, they are self-righteous fools. Do not be found among them. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

God’s Way or My Way

March 30

(Luke 7:29-30 NIV) “All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. {30} But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.”

(Proverbs 10:29 NIV) “The way of the Lord is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.”

(John 3:36 NIV) “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him.”

(John 12:48 NIV) “There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.”

To be a truly wise person, we must acknowledge that God’s way is the right way, and that it is better than our way. We can be highly educated, but never reach this level of wisdom. This was the difference between the sinners who went out to hear John preach, and the highly educated Pharisees who went out to pick him apart. The sinners accepted God’s way and changed their lives. The Pharisees rejected God’s way. They felt no need for correction -- they were the ones who corrected others. They rejected both John and Jesus, because both told them they needed to change. They rejected God’s way and went their own way. Wisdom produces children who know that God’s way is right. Do you know God’s way is right, or are you still walking in your own way? The choice is simple: reject Jesus, and the fate of the fool awaits you -- believe Jesus, and gain life and wisdom. Wise up! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Whining Fault Finders

March 29

(Luke 7:31-34 NIV) ““To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? {32} They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’ {33} For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.'” {34} The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.””

(Philippians 2:12-15 NIV) “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, {13} for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. {14} Do everything without complaining or arguing, {15} so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe…”

(James 1:5 NIV) “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

Every church has their share of whiners and fault finders. They usually focus on the trivial and make it into a major issue. We can all use legitimate critique. It keeps us honest and relevant. But whining and fault finding are destructive to the body of Christ. There is very little wisdom to be found in finger pointing. It will be very difficult to work out our salvation and shine like stars while we are complaining. God is willing to give his wisdom to us and overlook our faults. We are called to do the same with those around us. This doesn’t mean we should never critique or correct. But we should not live for it. We should not live with our finger constantly pointing at other people. We should not live with a magnifying glass in hand, unless we are looking in the mirror. The church is in a serious battle for the souls of people. We do not have time for trivial pursuits. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Greater Than John

March 28

(Luke 7:26-28 NIV) “But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. {27} This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' {28} I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

(Isaiah 30:9-11 NIV) ““These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction. {10} They say to the seers, "See no more visions!" and to the prophets, "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. {11} Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!””

Jesus said that those who are least in God’s kingdom will be greater than John the Baptist. Believers are called to a prophetic ministry of declaring God’s truth, even in the face of stiff opposition. As Scripture is marginalized and trivialized by the world, raging secularists would like nothing better than a cowering, intimidated Church. Many believers continue to grow in knowledge, but have refused to be a prophetic witness to the world. Some even choose what to believe based on popular opinion and personal feeling. Many have begun to bless sin, simply because they know some nice people who practice these sins! We must stand against the enemies of the cross as prophetic disciples, full of grace and truth. We must become more like John the Baptist, speaking the truth in love in spite of the ridicule heaped upon us by both the religious and the secular. This is our calling. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Wisdom in the Wind

March 27

(Luke 7:24-35 NIV) ““After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? {25} If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.””

(Ephesians 4:11-15 NIV) “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, {12} to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up {13} until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. {14} Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. {15} Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”

Children of wisdom will not be like reeds swayed by the winds of this world’s teaching. They are rooted in the bedrock of Christ’s teaching and stand like mighty oaks in the face of gale force winds. Those making the trip out into the desert to hear John the Baptist were not looking for another blowhard wise guy. They were looking for a deeper and higher wisdom. We would be wise to do the same. Stop bending in the winds of cultural theology. True wisdom is not swayed by the blustery words of the latest Bible guru. It is not blown here and there, but maintains a steady course. Many of our pulpits today are littered with entertaining speakers who say what people’s ears want to hear. They disseminate pop psychology disguised as theological teaching. They scratch where it itches, and the money rolls in. This should not be! Obtain genuine wisdom, or be blown away. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Wisdom

March 26

(Luke 7:35 NIV) “But wisdom is proved right by all her children."

(Proverbs 2:1-11 NIV) “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, {2} turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, {3} and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, {4} and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, {5} then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. {6} For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. {7} He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, {8} for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. {9} Then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path. {10} For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. {11} Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”

(Proverbs 4:5-9 NIV) “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. {6} Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. {7} Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. {8} Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. {9} She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.”

In this world of instant Wikipedia and Google knowledge, one thing lacking is genuine wisdom. We can be a treasure trove of facts, but have little wisdom. We can be a computer genius and have an IQ of 160, but still live a life that reeks of foolishness. Wisdom is not something you get from books or even sermons. You can buy knowledge (thus, the booming market for higher education), but wisdom cannot be purchased with money. It is most often attained by paying the price for foolishness. Wisdom is something you grow through years of learning from mistakes… from reaping the fruit of both wise and unwise behavior. It can only be acquired through personal experience. How do we know if we have wisdom? We know it by the children it spawns in our life… the fruit it produces in our living. Wisdom comes from the Lord. Its discretion will protect you. Wise up! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Performance Based Faith

March 25

(Luke 7:20-23 NIV) ““When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?' "  {21} At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. {22} So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. {23} Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.””

(Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV)  "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, {2} to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, {3} and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."

John the Baptist had doubts that Jesus was the Messiah. Christ told him to consider the evidence. The blind, the lame, the deaf, and lepers were being healed, and the dead were being raised. Good news was being preached to the poor as Isaiah had prophesied. This was Messiah-level stuff. Fortunate is the disciple who accepts Christ for who He is, instead of coveting a better Lord. Many today want a Jesus who will kick all the bad stuff out of their lives; who will put an end to their suffering; who will do what they want done. They want a Lord who serves their needs instead of them serving Him. And when God does not measure up, they reject Him and miss the blessing. Stop placing your expectations on God. God is the one who has expectations of you. Genuine faith takes whatever comes and still praises God. Genuine faith is not dependent upon God’s performance! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Expecting Someone Else

March 24

(Luke 7:18-19 NIV) ““John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, {19} he sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?””

(Matthew 14:3-4 NIV) ““Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, {4} for John had been saying to him: "It is not lawful for you to have her.””

(Matthew 11:2-3 NIV) ““When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples {3} to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?””

Sometimes we are disturbed when God doesn’t do what we expect. Israel could not accept Jesus as the Messiah because He did not meet their expectations. Even John the Baptist had questions because Jesus was not doing what he anticipated the Messiah would do. The Messiah was to be a political savior, but Jesus was not confronting the Romans. He showed no interest in an earthly throne. Israel’s main problem was not their government or who sat on the throne in Jerusalem. Their main problem was who sat on the throne of their hearts. Their bondage was not as much political as it was spiritual. It’s the same today. Our problem is not who sits in the seat of power in our capitol -- our problem is who sits in the seat of power in our hearts. If we don’t get this right, we too can miss the Messiah because we are expecting someone else. There is no one else coming. Jesus is Lord. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Spread the News

March 23

(Luke 7:14-17 NIV) “Then he (Jesus) went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" {15} The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. {16} They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people.” {17} This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.”

(Matthew 4:23-25 NIV) “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. {24} News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. {25} Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.”

Many times in our religious zeal, we forget that Jesus came to be a miraculous helper to people. In these last days, Christ’s disciples are called to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus to people… to help them, not harm them… to call them, not condemn them. God’s command for every believer is that we would rise up from our self-centeredness and our self-pity to become genuine helpers. One of the ways we can help others is to spread the news about Jesus. People in Christ’s day spread the news by word of mouth. They simply testified to what they had seen and experienced. Who do you tell about Jesus? Where are you spreading the news? The best way for the glory of God to spread across your community is still by word of mouth -- your mouth and your words! Speak up Christian! Proclaim what you have seen and experienced. Rise to His calling. Spread the news! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Conquered Death

March 22

(Luke 7:11-15 NIV) “Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. {12} As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out--the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. {13} When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry." {14} Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" {15} The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.”

(1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NIV) “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. {17} After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. {18} Therefore encourage each other with these words.”

Death and dying strike at the very core of our being. This is why people are so uncomfortable at funerals. We are faced with the death of someone we have known and loved… but we are also faced with our own mortality. We cannot ponder their death without considering our own. This can leave us feeling helpless and hopeless. But for the Christian, there is the resurrection. We live with the assurance of eternal life and we have a living Savior to prove it. When Jesus walked this Earth, He broke up every funeral service he ever attended. He spoke life into the dead, and the mourning was over. Jesus loves to speak life into people! He is the giver and sustainer of life. So if you need to get a life, come to Him. If you’re tired of the death and destruction caused in your life by the gods you’ve been following, come to the one God who gives true life. Come to Jesus. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

 

No Greater Faith

March 21

(Luke 7:9 NIV) ““When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” {10} Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.””

(Matthew 15:21-28 NIV) ““Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. {22} A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” {23} Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” {24} He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” {25} The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. {26} He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” {27} “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” {28} Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.””

When Jesus declared that a Roman Centurion had greater faith than anyone in Israel, His disciples were likely shaken. How could any faithful Jew believe that a Gentile enemy was a man of faith? Then Jesus openly endorsed the Centurion’s faith with a demonstration of miraculous power. From a distance, with no physical touch, Christ spoke the word, and the Centurion’s servant was healed. He didn’t go to the house -- He didn’t lay hands on the servant and speak some mumbo-jumbo incantation over him. He just spoke the word and it was done. It really all boils down to God’s word. He speaks words of creation, salvation, deliverance, and healing. He also speaks the word that calls us home to the other side. He will utter that word and we will take our final breath. This is the power of God. This is the authority of Christ. Jesus is Lord. Are you ready for that word? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Centurion Faith

March 20

(Luke 7:1-8 NIV) “When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. {2} There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. {3} The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. {4} When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, {5} because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” {6} So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. {7} That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. {8} For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

Most Roman Centurions were despised by the Jews, but one was different. He was a man of compassion, with concern for a servant. He respected Christ’s authority and sent Jewish elders to request healing from Jesus. He saw Christ as more than just a religious teacher. His actions demonstrated faith in the Lord’s healing power. This Centurion was a believer! He had the respect of the Jews, who told Jesus he deserved consideration because he loved Israel and had built a synagogue. This Centurion had used what power he had to honor the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He was humble, and didn’t see himself as worthy to receive Christ, but he had the faith to ask for mercy. He believed that just a word from Jesus could bring healing to someone he loved. This Centurion recognized Jesus as Lord! Will you? Do you have a “Centurion Faith” today? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Below, Inside, Around, and Over

March 19

(Luke 6:45, 48-49 NIV) “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks… {48} He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. {49} But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

A good tree, with good roots, bears good fruit and is a strong and stable tree. A good house, built on solid rock, is a stable house. So let’s talk stability as a disciple. Stability depends on what’s below us. Good roots make strong trees that withstand the winds of temptation and adversity. A spiritual house built on rock, will be stable in times of storm. Stability also depends on what’s inside us. What fills our hearts will determine the course of our lives. In addition, stability depends on what’s around us. Be environmentally conscious. Even Superman had his Kryptonite. Surround yourself with those who are strong in faith.  And finally, our stability will depend on who’s over us. Who, or what, really is Lord of your life? The answer is in the fruit you produce. What is your life really built on? What’s in your heart? Do you need to change your environment? Is Jesus Lord of your life? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Built on Rock

March 18

(Luke 6:47-49 NIV) “I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. {48} He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. {49} But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

(Matthew 7:26-27 NIV) “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. {27} The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Every Christian will experience storms in life. Any Bible teacher who tells you otherwise is a charlatan. Floods will wash over us. Winds of adversity will blow into our lives. If it hasn’t happened yet, get ready, because it will. Scripture is loaded with faithful people who endured tribulation. We must build our spiritual house on the solid rock of Jesus and his Word. We have to have a solid foundation or we will be blown down and washed away by the storms of life. The fair weather disciple who turns away when trials come, has built his foundation on sand.  We are committed to Christ, not to the abundant life. We are committed to a Lord who said, “You will have trouble in this world, so buckle up and build your house on my solid rock foundation. Houses built on the sands of human wisdom will be destroyed.” Build on the Rock. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Good Roots

March 17

(Luke 6:45-46 NIV) “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. {46} Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?”

(Colossians 2:6-10 NIV) “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, {7} rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. {8} See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. {9} For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, {10} and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.”

Roots are important. They nourish and support the fruit tree. The root system will determine a tree’s longevity and production. But Jesus is talking about more than trees today. He’s talking to us. Our hearts are the soil where we are rooted. The fruit growing in our lives comes from within. Good hearts produce good fruit. But if our hearts are bad, we will live badly and behave badly. Jesus asks one of the most potent questions in Scripture: “Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I say?” If we are going to call Jesus “Lord”, then we need to live like He is Lord. We must do what he says. And if our lives are rooted in Jesus, good fruit will grow in our lives. Look inside yourself. Ponder your life. We will never reach perfection on this side of the grave, but we can make progress that is measurable. Eliminate the excuses. Strive for higher ground, deeper roots, and better fruit. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Good Fruit

March 16

(Luke 6:43-44) “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. {44} Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.” 

(Matthew 7:15-20 NIV) “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. {16} By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? {17} Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. {18} A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. {19} Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. {20} Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

(Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, {23} gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Everyone in Israel’s agrarian society knew the difference between good fruit and bad fruit. They could see it, smell it, and taste it. It made a perfect metaphor for what Jesus wanted to teach. Fruit is a sign of life. If a tree has no fruit, it is likely in the process of dying. Jesus even spoke of cutting down trees that did not bear fruit. They were only good for firewood. Fruit also provides a tree’s identity. It is recognized by its fruit. If a tree contains cherries, only the fool would call it an apple tree. Jesus wanted His disciples to know that following Him would bring life, and a sign of that life would be the fruit of the Spirit that grew in their lives. Their fruit would identify them as disciples of the Living Word. Their love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control would set them apart from the rest of the world. Is this what sets you apart? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Plank Eyed People

March 15

(Luke 6:39-42 NIV) “He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? {40} A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. {41} "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? {42} How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.””

(John 8:3-11 NIV) ““The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group {4} and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. {5} In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" {6} They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. {7} When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." {8} Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. {9} At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. {10} Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" {11} "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin.””

Before we try to deal with another’s sins, we must face the fact that we have a plank in our own eye. Jesus insists that we look in the mirror more than we look around. The Great Physician does miracles for those who confess their sickness, but He cannot help those who refuse to acknowledge their sin. The religious crowd was obsessed with the sins of others. Don’t be like them. When Jesus walked among us, He exuded the love of God. That’s why sinners often responded with genuine repentance. Christ is not prohibiting correction; He is just calling for more reflection. He wants us to stop seeing ourselves as God’s gift to morality. Jesus also knew that redeemed sinners are likely to go and share their grace stories with others. Forgiven sinners understand just how much they owe a Savior who would love them enough to die for their sin. Let's make sure we understand too. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Righteous Judgment

March 14

(Luke 6:37-38 NIV) “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. {38} Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

(Luke 18:9-14 NIV) ““To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: {10} "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. {11} The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. {12} I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' {13} "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' {14} "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.””

(1 Corinthians 5:9-13 NIV) “I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people-- {10} not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. {11} But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. {12} What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? {13} God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you.””

 One of the greatest faults of the church is judging the wrong people in the wrong way. It’s a failing of the flesh in those who should be filled with the spirit of the divine. It’s amazing how those saved by grace can be so graceless toward lost people, yet remain blind to their own sins. When the church’s primary mission becomes maintaining purity, rather than loving and saving sinners, the spirit of the Pharisees has triumphed over the spirit of the cross. There are indeed times when judgments must be made, but we correct those inside, not outside the church. We start with ourselves. Even then, we minister love and preach toward conviction, not condemnation. We resist spiritual pride. We measure with grace, for that is how we want to be measured. We encourage righteousness, not self-righteousness. We strive to be rich in mercy and forgiveness. This is the Jesus way. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Gung-ho for Heaven

March 13

(Luke 6:32-34 NIV) “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. {33} And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. {34} And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full.”

(1 Peter 2:21-23 NIV) “… if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. {21} To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. {22} "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." {23} When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

Jesus calls us to love our enemies and do good to them. As our hearts rebel at His teaching, here’s something to ponder. Christians often say: “I’ve died to the world. All I possess is now God’s. I’ve given it all up to Jesus and can’t wait to get to Heaven.” But if we really mean that, then why do we resist Christ’s teaching? He says: “Do not harm those who try to take your possessions. Didn’t you say you gave everything to me? Don’t kill those who try to kill you. Didn’t you say you couldn’t wait to get to Heaven?” We struggle with this duality -- Jesus would likely call it hypocrisy. Maybe we haven’t really surrendered it all. Maybe we aren’t really as gung-ho for Heaven as we said. Christ’s words are challenging, confusing, and vexing. They represent the inverse logic of His Kingdom. They represent the heart of God. Can you embrace them? Will you live them out? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Golden Rule

March 12

Luke 6:29-31 NIV) “If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. {30} Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. {31} Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

(Romans 12:17-19 NIV) “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. {18} If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. {19} Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.””

The Golden Rule is simple: Treat others like you want to be treated. This may be difficult, but it’s not really complicated. Jesus gives three examples. First, if someone slaps you on the cheek, offer to let them slap you again. Don’t hit back. The Christian trusts in God, not fists. Second, if someone wants to steal from you, give them more than they demand. Go the extra mile. Show them that Christians value people more than possessions. Third, if someone needs what you have, give it to them. Be generous. There are two types of people in this world: godly and ungodly. Ungodly people love those who are good to them. That’s natural, but there’s nothing special about it. Godly people love even those who hate them. That’s supernatural, and stands high above “normal” behavior. It’s no big deal when we love those who love us, but loving those who don’t love you is God stuff. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Unnatural Love

March 11

(Luke 6:27-28, 35-36 NIV) “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, {28} bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. {35} But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. {36} Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

(Matthew 5:43-48 NIV) “You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' {44} But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, {45} that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. {46} If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? {47} And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? {48} Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Christ’s call to love our enemies is one of His hardest teachings. For the Jew, this meant the Romans. For us, it means those who have hurt, betrayed, cheated, or lied to us. Love your enemies! But how can we love someone we don’t even like? The Greek word for “love” here does not refer to romantic love, or love between a parent and child, or love between friends. It is the word “agape”. It has to do with actions, not feelings. Jesus called his followers to behave with love toward enemies and those who hate us. If people curse us, we are to bless them. If they mistreat us, we are to pray for them. Jesus calls us to a love that is unnatural. There is nothing in us that would cause us to behave in this way… except for Jesus. Only Christ, living in us, can produce this kind of supernatural love. Only God’s love can love like this. Does Christ live in you? Let His love exude from your life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Blessing and Woe: Part 4

March 10

(Luke 6:22-23, 26 NIV) “Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. {23} "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. {26} Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.”

(Luke 11:43 NIV) “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.”

(Matthew 5:10-12 NIV) “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {11} "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. {12} Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Disciples of Jesus march to the beat of a different drummer, which makes them out of step with their culture. Blessed are those who are persecuted for not fitting into this world anymore. Too many Christians spend their lives trying to fit in. Our flesh desires popularity, so instead of standing out for Jesus, we excel at blending in with the crowd. We don’t rock the boat. We keep our faith quiet and subtle. We want Jesus, but we want to look like, act like, and be like the rest of the world. Our idea of what it means to be blessed is all messed up. If this sounds like who you are today, Christ says, “Woe to you! Woe to those who live for popularity instead of living for my Name.” We cannot successfully do both at the same time. Jesus says, “Blessed are the persecuted.” Will your life warrant a blessing like this? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Blessing and Woe: Part 3

March 9

(Luke 6:21, 25 NIV) “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh…. {25} Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.”

(Matthew 5:4 NIV) “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

(Isaiah 30:18-21 NIV) “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! {19} O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. {20} Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. {21} Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it.””

There is blessing in grief when we cry out to God, for He hears us and comes to our side. He doesn’t always mend our broken heart. Instead, He offers us His heart. God knows about broken hearts. We broke His heart when we moved away from him. It broke God’s heart when his Son was crucified on that cross. We break God’s heart today when we love sin more than we love Him. When we constantly pursue happiness and laughter, we are chasing the wrong stuff, for they are usually related to the material. Joy and peace are the fruits of God’s Spirit that we really should be seeking. If happiness is our life’s goal, we will seldom face our spiritual shortcomings. When happiness becomes an idol, we shun the kind of mourning that it takes to bring us to Christ. Blessed are those who mourn their separation from God, and blessed are those who weep over their sin… for they will be saved. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Blessing and Woe: Part 2

March 8

(Luke 6:21, 25 NIV) “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied… {25} Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry.”

(Jeremiah 5:23-29 NIV) “But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away. {24} They do not say to themselves, 'Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.' {25} Your wrongdoings have kept these away; your sins have deprived you of good. {26} "Among my people are wicked men who lie in wait like men who snare birds and like those who set traps to catch men. {27} Like cages full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; they have become rich and powerful {28} and have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it, they do not defend the rights of the poor. {29} Should I not punish them for this?" declares the Lord. "Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this?”

(Matthew 5:6 NIV) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

In a world filled with food, it is wrong that some of God’s children have nothing to eat. If we who are well fed would give up what it took for us to accumulate our bulging waist lines, we could eliminate hunger in our world. There is also a spiritual application here. If we overindulge on anything other than Jesus, we cease to hunger for God. Much of the church today is over fed. Instead of taking the gospel to the world, we constantly seek more teaching. We gorge ourselves at the latest Bible conference, but fail to exercise our faith and share the gospel. Many of us should be teachers by now, but instead we constantly demand to be fed more. We have become the “Fat Babies” that Amy Grant once sang about. Jesus says, “Woe to fat babies.” Woe to those who continually take in, but never give back to a culture that is starving. Maybe it’s time to change our diet and start working out. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Blessing and Woe: Part 1

March 7

(Luke 6:20, 24 NIV)  “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God… {24} But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.”

(Matthew 5:3 NIV) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

(Matthew 6:24 NIV)  ""No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

(James 5:1-5 NIV) “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. {2} Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. {3} Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. {4} Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. {5} You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.”

“Blessed are the poor.” These words can be interpreted both materially and spiritually. Jesus spent much of His time with people who were poor in both ways. They just seemed more interested in the kingdom of heaven. They had no power or wealth to protect. They were more dissatisfied with what the world had to offer, and thus, closer to the kingdom of heaven. This is why Jesus said, “Woe to the rich.” We cannot serve both God and Money. Love of money will warp every spiritual decision. It captures our heart and we begin to base our life choices on how our finances will be affected. Materialism is in constant conflict with spirituality. Woe to us if our goals in life revolve around growing and preserving wealth. When we pursue the material, we will seldom take the time to pursue Jesus. This is the bottom line with God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Two Ways of Seeing

March 6

(Luke 6:20-26 NIV)  "Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. {21} Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. {22} Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. {23} "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets. {24} "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. {25} Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. {26} Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets."

(Matthew 5:1-12 NIV) ““Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, {2} and he began to teach them, saying: {3} "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {4} Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. {5} Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. {6} Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. {7} Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. {8} Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. {9} Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. {10} Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {11} Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. {12} Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.””

Many Christians today want the blessings Jesus spoke of, without having to do what Jesus did. But we will never get what Jesus had until we do what Jesus did. Jesus spoke of many good things; things that many of us say we want. But to get to them, we have to do what Jesus taught. And what Jesus taught is that there are basically two ways of seeing and living: materially and spiritually. Living materially makes sense. We work to accumulate. We may give God a share, but materialism drives our lives. The call of the job trumps the call of God. However, there is another way of seeing life, and this is what drove Jesus. We can see spiritually. Unless we begin to see spiritually, instead of materially, nothing Jesus says in Luke 6 will make sense. Christ’s blessings and woes will grate on us. Christianity is the life long process of changing from one mindset to the other. Change your mind! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Power On the Level

March 5

(Luke 6:17-19 NIV) “He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, {18} who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, {19} and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.”

After Christ chose His apostles, He “went down” to a level place to continue His ministry. Every step Jesus took here on Earth was a step down for Him. God came down to touch and teach those He had created from dust. The King of kings stooped to our level and made Himself accessible to us. A large crowd came to see Jesus that day. They came seeking miraculous healing and deliverance. Everyone wanted to touch Him. There was no substitute for the power that came from His presence. No spirit or disease could withstand His touch. No one else was saying what He said or doing what He did. His words never failed to deliver. His touch never failed to heal. Christ succeeded where others had not. Jesus still wants to do that with us. He came down to teach us truth, heal our hearts, and deliver us from our demons. Seek Him out. Level with Him. Let Him touch you. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Diverse Community

March 4

(Luke 6:13-16 NIV) “When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: {14} Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, {15} Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, {16} Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”

(Acts 6:1-7 NIV) “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. {2} So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. {3} Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them {4} and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." {5} This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. {6} They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. {7} So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”

Christianity began as a diverse group effort, lived out in community. Andrew, Peter, James, and John, were common fishermen. Matthew was a Roman tax collector, hated among the Jews. Simon was a political zealot, who would have had no problem cutting Matthew’s throat for being a traitor to Israel. Today he would have been called a terrorist. Bartholomew was the “good boy” of whom Jesus said, “in him there is nothing false.” Contrast that with Judas, in whom almost everything was false. And then there was Thomas, the skeptic… a practical, “show me the money” type of guy… not a good candidate for a faith project. Based on qualifications, this was probably not the best team to select if setting out to change the world. But this mixed bag of common people became the most prolific group of disciple-makers ever assembled. When done right, Christianity still does this today. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Designated Apostles

March 3

(Luke 6:12-16 NIV) “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. {13} When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: {14} Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, {15} Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, {16} Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”

Jesus had a message: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” He had a method: travel, preach, and heal. But Jesus had a couple of problems. First, He knew that He would be leaving. He had come to die for the sins of the world, but wanted His work to continue. Second, He lived in an age before print or electronic media. There were few books and most could not read. Newspapers, magazines, brochures, or tracts would not work. There was no radio, no TV, and no internet. How would the gospel get out? Jesus prayed and chose twelve men. He wrote His message upon their hearts, and their lives became His means of communication. They would go out from His presence and take the gospel to the world. This is still Christ’s plan, and you have been chosen as a disciple and a witness. You are His method and His message. Go! Be an apostle of His grace and truth! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Special Day

March 2

(Luke 6:2 NIV) “Some of the Pharisees asked, "Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?””

(Luke 6:9 NIV) “Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?””

(Mark 2:27 NIV) “Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.””

(Genesis 2:3 NIV) “And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”

The Sabbath was created for our benefit, not God’s. God blessed it and made it holy. It was given to us by the Lord for our renewal, not our enslavement. It may be even more important now, in our activity addicted, stress filled culture, than it was in Christ’s day. The Pharisees had taken what God gave as a blessing, and made it a religious burden. Instead of bringing joy and refreshment, it had become an oppressive yoke. This is what happens when we take a privilege and make it a law -- when we take a gift of God and make it into a rule. For the Christian who lives by grace, one day in seven to rest is still an important principle, but God will not strike us down if we stumble in it. Just don’t forget that it was made for us, and given to us as a gift. Take it and use it for your physical and spiritual benefit. Find your rhythm. It will enrich your life in ways you cannot imagine. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Lord of the Sabbath

March 1

(Luke 6:5 NIV) ““Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

(Luke 6:11 NIV) “But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.”

(John 5:16-18 NIV) “So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him. {17} Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." {18} For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.”

As the Pharisees railed at Jesus for violating the Sabbath law, He did something even worse in their eyes. He told them that He was the “Son of Man” and “Lord of the Sabbath”. He was saying: “I am the Messiah. I created the Sabbath, and I, not you, will decide what is lawful to do on this day.” The Pharisees knew exactly what He was saying, but refused to recognize Jesus as Lord of the Law. Their hypocrisy had blinded them, and they started making plans to get rid of Him. Bucking the Pharisees could be fatal, as they were willing to violate the sixth commandment, “Thou shalt not murder”, in order to enforce the fourth commandment concerning work on the Sabbath. They were saying, “You must keep the commandments, but we are free to violate them.” This is the essence of hypocrisy. Don’t join with them. The Lord of the Sabbath says it is lawful to do good every day of the week. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Pharisees of the Sabbath

February 28

(Luke 6:1-4 NIV) “One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. {2} Some of the Pharisees asked, "Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?" {3} Jesus answered them, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? {4} He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.”

(Luke 6:6-10 NIV) “On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. {7} The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. {8} But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Get up and stand in front of everyone." So he got up and stood there. {9} Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?" {10} He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely restored.”

(Mark 2:27) “Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

The Pharisees took God’s law seriously. They were adamant that no work be done on the Sabbath. Jesus upset the Pharisees by healing people on the Sabbath and picking some grain to eat. Christ let them know that they had misunderstood the application of the law. He reminded them that King David and his men ate consecrated bread on the Sabbath. Feeding hungry people is more important than following the letter of the law. Their application of the law lacked mercy and compassion. Jesus assured them that it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath, and to save a life. In the Pharisee’s view, it was OK to water your donkey on the Sabbath, but not to pick grain for yourself. It was OK to pull your ox from a well, but not to heal a crippled person. Jesus told them that they had misunderstood the spirit of the law. Let’s not make the same mistake. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day     

Renewal

February 27

(Luke 5:37-38 NIV) “And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. {38} No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.”

(Psalm 51:10 NIV) “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

(Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV) “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; {31} but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”

(Romans 12:2 NIV) “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

(2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV) “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

All things age, but in Christ, all things can be renewed. When we are born again, we are like newborn infants. But immediately, we begin to age. To avoid becoming old wineskins, we must continuously renew our spirits. Renewal is not an option if we want to live in Christ -- it is a necessity. The spiritual giants of Scripture knew this -- the Pharisees did not. They failed to renew their minds and their wineskins became hard and brittle. There will be seasons in our lives when God is shifting things. Blessings and trials will come our way. In going through these God-ordained times, we will experience both shrinking and stretching. If we are inflexible, we will be unable to grow spiritually. Jesus can renew our aging wineskins if we will allow it. We can be renewed daily if we let Him live, and breathe, and work in us. Pray for renewal. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Wineskins

February 26

(Luke 5:37-39 NIV) “And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. {38} No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. {39} And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, 'The old is better.’”

(Romans 7:6 NIV) “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.”

(Colossians 3:9-10 NIV) “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices {10} and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

New wineskins are needed for the new wine of Christ. New wine cannot be placed into old wineskins. They are no longer pliable and will burst as the new wine ferments and expands. With this parable, Jesus was saying to those with ears to hear, “My newness cannot be contained in old forms. I am new life. I bring a new covenant. I am making all things new.” Something new was happening and it called for new hearts and new thinking. The majority of the Pharisees were too “old school” to make the trip to newness in Christ. They were the old covenant. They were old wineskins. Newness cannot flourish in old forms. Christians, we must continually look at ourselves, our structures, our traditions, and our practices. We must ask the question… “Are we becoming old wineskins?” Our wineskins must remain new or they will not be fit for the new wine that Jesus offers daily. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Old Cloth

February 25

(Luke 5:36 NIV) ““He told them this parable: "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old.””

(Matthew 9:16 NIV) "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse.”

Before wrinkle-free, perma-press, synthetic cloth came along, garments would often shrink when washed. When clothing was torn, a patch would be sewn on to mend the garment. Sometimes the new patch would not match the old cloth very well. And if an old garment was patched with a piece of new cloth, the patch could shrink when washed, tearing the old cloth even more. In addition, a new garment would have been ruined when tearing it to make the patch for the old garment. Jesus was speaking of the Pharisees here, and everyone knew it. He was saying that they were old cloth. Trying to “patch” them with new teaching was a waste of time. As we age, we can become set in our ways, making it harder to learn new things. As we become more and more religious, we can grow resistant to change and new ideas. And if we are not careful, we can become the “old cloth”. Beware! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Bride in Waiting

February 24

(Luke 5:33-35 NIV) ““They said to him, "John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking." {34} Jesus answered, "Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? {35} But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast."

(Matthew 22:2 NIV)  “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.”

(Ephesians 5:31-32 NIV) ““For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." {32} This is a profound mystery--but I am talking about Christ and the church.””

(Revelation 19:7-9 NIV) “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.”

When the Pharisees questioned Jesus about His disciples’ fasting, He told them that they were like the guests of a bridegroom. So while Jesus was with them, they would celebrate. The time for fasting would come after He was taken from them. Jesus described the kingdom of heaven as a wedding banquet for the son of a king. Paul wrote that the church and Christ were like a bride and groom, soon to be united as one flesh. John spoke of a wedding for the Lamb of God and a bride who had made herself ready. Jesus is the bridegroom. We who live by faith are His promised bride. The believing church awaits His return for the wedding banquet to begin. Only those who have pledged their hearts to King Jesus will become the eternal bride of Christ. Have you done that? Is Jesus your bridegroom? He will be coming soon for His bride. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day        

Fast Like Me

February 23

(Luke 5:33-35 NIV) ““They said to him, "John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking." {34} Jesus answered, "Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? {35} But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.””

(Luke 18:11-12 NIV) “The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. {12} I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' ”

(Matthew 6:16-18 NIV) “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. {17} But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, {18} so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Fasting is a neglected spiritual discipline today. Fasting is simply going without food for a period of time. Sometimes we fast before a medical procedure. Sometimes we fast to diet and lose weight. But fasting has a spiritual dimension as well, and some fast for the purpose of drawing closer to God. Fasting was a prominent practice in Israel when Jesus lived there. The Pharisees criticized Jesus because his disciples didn’t fast as much as they did. One of the chief faults of religion is that instead of looking at God and saying, “Why aren’t we more like Him?”, it looks at others and says, “Why can’t you be more like me?”. The Pharisees had become religious and were very prideful in their spiritual practices. Thus, the original intent of fasting had been lost. It no longer brought them closer to God, but had become a means of placing themselves above others. Don’t go there, Christian. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Primary Mission Declared

February 22

(Luke 5:31-32 NIV) ““Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. {32} I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.””

(Luke 4:18-19 NIV) “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

(Luke 19:10 NIV) “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

Knowing our purpose for living is a good thing. Jesus certainly knew His. He didn’t come to dine with royalty as one would expect of the King of kings. He didn’t come to muse with the greatest of religious scholars or to fill stadiums. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. He came to preach good news to the poor, and to free oppressed captives. He came to open our blind eyes and heal our sin damaged hearts. He came to seek and save those who are lost. Jesus came for this world’s “have-nots”, “know-nots”, “low-lifes”, and “wannabes”. He came for tax collectors, harlots, addicts, and drunks. He even came for those who classify themselves as “good people”. There are no first, second, or third class people in the eyes of God -- there are only lost people and saved people. Which are you today? And when will His purpose finally become your purpose? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Religious Gripers

February 21

(Luke 5:30 NIV) ““But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?””

(1 Corinthians 5:9-13 NIV) ““I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people-- {10} not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. {11} But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. {12} What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? {13} God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you.””

(1 Timothy 1:15 NIV)  "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst."

After Levi decided to follow Jesus, the tax collector turned disciple threw a big party and invited all his friends. The place was packed with sinners, all having a good time until the religious crowd showed up. They didn’t come to celebrate -- they came to criticize. They came to look down their noses at the rabble, and to do what many church people are still known for today: gripe and complain. They didn’t think someone who claimed to be a prophet of God should be associating with tax collectors and sinners. They were above that, and thought Jesus should be too. Surely the real Messiah would not associate with a crowd like this. The church today still has its share of Pharisees who excel at griping and feeling superior. Don’t be found among them. Never forget that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He came to “save sinners, of whom I am the worst.” And so are you. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day