Sin and Suffering

June 18

(Luke 13:1-5 NIV) ““Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. {2} Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? {3} I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. {4} Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them--do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? {5} I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.””

(Ecclesiastes 9:11 NIV) “I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.”

When bad stuff happens and we suffer, does that mean God is punishing us? Scripture teaches that sin always results in suffering, but that our suffering is not always the result of our sin. Sin splatters! It splatters on us, but it also splatters on those we love -- those who are wrapped up with us in this bundle we call life. There is no such thing as “victimless sin”. When we run around in the dark, somebody always gets hurt. What we sow, someone will reap. Sin can trickle down through generations in our family. This doesn’t mean others are to blame for our suffering -- just that those who suffer are not always the ones who did the sinning. Suffering comes even to the righteous. Missionaries are murdered. Innocent babies are killed. Good people are assaulted. Drunk drivers destroy lives. We will indeed reap what we sow, but we also reap what others have sown. There is no fairness in sin and suffering. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Settle Out of Court

June 17

(Luke 12:54-59 NIV) “He said to the crowd: "When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'It's going to rain,' and it does. {55} And when the south wind blows, you say, 'It's going to be hot,' and it is. {56} Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time? {57} "Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right? {58} As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled to him on the way, or he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. {59} I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.””

(2 Peter 3:3-7 NIV) “First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. {4} They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." {5} But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. {6} By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. {7} By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”

(Romans 1:18-19 NIV) “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, {19} since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.”

Jesus taught that a final judgment is coming and we had better get ready for it. There will be a day when God gathers all the souls who have ever lived and we will stand exposed before the Lord. Today Jesus wonders how people could be so good at reading the Earth’s winds, but such dismal failures at reading the spiritual winds blowing around them. Jesus called these people hypocrites because they were in a position to know the truth, but deliberately rejected it. We are in the same position today. We live in a culture that continues to reject the gospel -- a culture that calls good evil and evil good -- a culture that worships money, glorifies perversion, makes heroes of villains, kills unwanted babies in the name of convenience, and worships self as the god of all things. God’s judgment is imminent. Plead guilty and settle out of court with Him today. The time for plea bargaining will soon be over. Today is the day of salvation. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Home Wrecker

June 16

(Luke 12:52-53 NIV) “From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. {53} They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

(Mark 3:20-21 NIV) “Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. {21} When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind.””

(Matthew 12:46-49 NIV) ““While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. {47} Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." {48} He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" {49} Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers.””

(John 7:43 NIV) “Thus the people were divided because of Jesus.”

Jesus is a home wrecker. Loving Him can cause significant family issues. This is probably the most painful division that happens when one follows the Lord. Many Christians have experienced the disapproval of family members because of your faith. Jesus, the great peacemaker, told His disciples that following Him would cause division. This division would begin in families and ripple out into their culture. Jesus made no apologies for this -- He simply stated it as a fact. When we come to Christ, we change families. We get new brothers and sisters, and we are called to new loyalties. Spiritual relationships will begin to supersede family traditions. Biological families will not always be happy about this. We will be chastised and told not to take our religion so seriously. We will be pressured to change our minds and come to our senses. Jesus divides families. If your Jesus doesn’t, He is probably not the Jesus of the Bible. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Divisive Savior

June 15

(Luke 12:49-50 NIV) “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! {50} But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed!”

(Luke 3:15-17 NIV) “The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. {16} John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. {17} His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Many people today see Jesus as one who will unite the world. But the Jesus we find in Scripture is a divider. He began by separating light from darkness and the sea from the dry land. When He came to Earth, He said He had come to bring fire -- fire that would purify as it separated the dross from gold and burned the chaff from the wheat. Jesus knew that He was destined to ignite that divisive fire and that it would come through His death on the cross. The cross divides history. It divides believers from unbelievers -- the saved from the unsaved. For Jesus, the cross divided life and death. He wished that God’s fire could be kindled in some other way, but accepted the fact that He was the kindling. Jesus knew his destiny was a destiny of suffering and division. God had set Him apart and being set apart always causes division. We serve a divisive Savior. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Doing Faith

June 14

(Luke 12:41-48 NIV) “Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?" {42} The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? {43} It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. {44} I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. {45} But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. {46} The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. {47} That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. {48} But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

(James 1:22-25 NIV) “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. {23} Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror {24} and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. {25} But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.”

(James 2:14, 26 NIV) “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?...  {26} As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”

Jesus made it clear that faith is more than just something we believe -- it’s something we do. Faith changes us and moves us to action or it is not biblical faith. Faith involves following Jesus and becoming a disciple. It involves a walk with God that takes time and energy. Some Christians think faith is mostly about receiving from God -- but Jesus said much will be “demanded” of us. A “demand” is not a request. When we stand before God we will not be presented with options concerning the color and décor of our room in the heavenly mansion. We will be presented with the book of our life -- that permanent record of our action or inaction. What will be written on your pages in that book? Both grace and the gospel have been given to us with the clear assignment of sharing them with the world. God’s investment in us should be growing. We’ve been entrusted with much. Much will be demanded of us. Genuine faith produces action. What is your faith doing? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Ready or Not, Here I Come

June 13

(Luke 12:35-40 NIV) “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, {36} like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. {37} It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. {38} It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. {39} But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. {40} You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

(John 14:3 NIV)  "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

(Galatians 3:26-27 NIV) “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, {27} for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

In the game “hide and seek”, children hide while the person who is “it” counts to one hundred. When finished counting, that person yells, “Ready or not, here I come.” Jesus is coming back and we are told to be ready. Christ said to be “watching” -- to be living in anticipation of His return -- to be expecting Him to return. Are you watching? We are to be dressed in clothes of righteousness that God provides for us. Only those who are dressed right will be admitted. Are you dressed? Are you clothed with Christ? Our lamps must be burning as we light up the darkness of our world. Are you shining? Jesus said, “Be ready.” We cannot “get ready” after He comes -- we must be ready WHEN He comes. Are you ready? Are there accounts that need to be settled? Are there sins that need to be forsaken? Are there commitments that need to be kept? Get ready, because ready or not, Jesus is coming. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Pagan Running

June 12

(Luke 12:29-34 NIV) “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. {30} For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. {31} But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. {32} Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. {33} Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. {34} For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

(Matthew 6:19-21 NIV) “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. {20} But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. {21} For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

You will find no Christian T-shirts with the slogan, “Life Goes Better With Worry”. Why then, do so many believers live a worried life? When it comes to anxiety many Christians live no differently than the pagans. Jesus taught that the anxiety arising from our perceived lack of stuff is a pagan thought rather than a godly thought. Rather than the mind of God, it demonstrates a mind pursuing false gods, or no god at all. Jesus also taught that no one can add time to their life by worrying. However, worry may subtract days from our life. Christ told His disciples that worry was essentially a lack of faith. People of faith worry less and trust more. People of faith seek God’s kingdom first. People of faith rid themselves of possessions that entangle them. People of faith invest in a purse that will not wear out -- in things that are eternal. People of faith continuously re-evaluate what they treasure, for they realize that’s where their hearts are tied. Are you a person of faith? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Worry Warts

June 11

(Luke 12:22-28 NIV) ““Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. {23} Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. {24} Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! {25} Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? {26} Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? {27} "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. {28} If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!””

(John 14:1 NIV) “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”

Worry and anxiety are big business today. Billions of dollars are spent each year on prescription anti-anxiety medicine. Billions more are spent on non-prescription drugs and alcohol that directly relate to worrying about life -- yet our “Happy Hours” never seem to produce contentment or peace. We have become a nation of worry warts. We are addicted to worrying as much as we are to the medications we consume to help us cope. On the other hand, Jesus tells us not to worry because it is a pointless waste of time. We constantly fret about things that God provides for His creation on a regular basis. Are we not more important than sparrows, ravens, flowers, and grass? When Christ tells us not to worry, He is not encouraging sloth. God does not bless sloth, but He also does not bless anxiety. The Lord calls us to faith. Will you leave your fields of fret and go there with Him? Will you trust in God’s provision, or will you remain a worry wart? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day    

Bigger Barn Syndrome

June 10

(Luke 12:13-21 NIV) ““Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." {14} Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?" {15} Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." {16} And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. {17} He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' {18} "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. {19} And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."' {20} "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' {21} "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.””

(2 Corinthians 8:13-15 NIV) “Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. {14} At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, {15} as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.””

Sometimes being prudent in how we handle money morphs into greed and we don’t even know it. Any of us can fall prey to “Bigger Barn Syndrome”. This parable does not discourage saving or planning for the future -- it discourages pride, greed, hoarding, and living in self indulgence. It is about what or who we trust in for tomorrow and eternity. Jesus is discouraging the common practice, even among Christians, of storing up things for ourselves, but not being rich toward God. This man's problem was not wealth -- it was thinking that his inner needs could be satisfied by accumulation. He neglected the things of God to build more storage sheds because he thought it would make him secure. He trusted in bigger barns for his future, rather than trusting in the Lord. He thought mostly of himself and failed to consider those who had less. He thought about the things of this world more than he thought about eternity. Be careful -- Bigger Barn Syndrome is a contagious disease. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

The Biggest No-No

June 9

(Luke 12:10 NIV) “And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.”

(Matthew 12:22-24,27-32 NIV) “Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. {23} All the people were astonished and said, "Could this be the Son of David?" {24} But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons… {27} And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. {28} But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. {29} "Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house. {30} "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. {31} And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. {32} Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”

(Acts 7:51-58 NIV) ““You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! {52} Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him-- {53} you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." {54} When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. {55} But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. {56} "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." {57} At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, {58} dragged him out of the city and began to stone him.””

Jesus said the unforgivable sin is blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Jesus had cast out a demon and the Pharisees said He used the power of the devil to do it. But Christ said it was the power of the Holy Spirit. God was present among them. The Kingdom of God had come to Earth and was working right before their eyes. Denying the Spirit of Truth and the Lord Jesus is the unforgivable sin. Denying the call to glorify God, ignoring the Spirit of God when we hear Him calling us to Him, and attributing God’s work to the devil or ourselves -- this is unforgivable. Stephen told the Pharisees, “You always resist the Holy Spirit”. Instead of repenting, they killed him. They heard the Holy Spirit speaking, but didn’t believe Him. They were on the highway to hell. When we hear the Spirit calling us, but ignore Him or ridicule Him, we are blaspheming the Holy Spirit. If we die in this state of unbelief, there is no forgiveness available -- we are lost for eternity -- we have blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Believe God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Denial Syndrome

June 8

(Luke 12:8 NIV) “I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. {9} But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.”

(Luke 12:11-12 NIV) “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, {12} for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

(Matthew 26:34 NIV) "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."

(Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV) “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, {5} made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.”

Think of all the times you have felt the urging of God to speak up and name the name of Jesus, but you didn’t. We all struggle with denial syndrome. It is a sin to deny Christ and sin separates us from God. Just ask Peter. After his very loud and public proclamation about never becoming a denier, he did just that -- three times -- loudly and publicly. He felt the shame and remorse that comes with sin. But with Jesus, failure is never final. Repent! If you wilted yesterday, you can do better today. Peter eventually became a bold witness for Christ -- in his life, and in his death. We can do the same. Don’t worry about what to say -- God will give you the words. Just tell the truth. When we stand for the faith, we never stand alone. God is with us, and His Spirit will fill us with the right words at the right time. All that is required to overcome denier syndrome, is the willingness to do so. Be willing! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Fear the Right Stuff

June 7

(Luke 12:4-7 NIV) “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. {5} But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. {6} Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies ? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. {7} Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

(Matthew 10:28-29 NIV) “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. {29} Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.”

We all deal with fear. It is a natural human emotion. But Jesus taught that we should fear the right stuff. We should fear judgment more than death. We are prone to put personal survival ahead of everything else. We can be tempted to deny Christ when threatened in some way. We can do this verbally, or with silence. We forget that our souls are destined to outlive our bodies. We fear death more than we fear God. This is a mistake. The God who knows when a sparrow falls and who knows how many hairs are on your head, also knows how to take care of us. Our souls will be cared for when the time comes for us to leave this world and step into the next. Believers, we will not be forgotten or forsaken by God when we die. Jesus is Lord. Fear judgment more than you fear for your life. Fear God more than you fear death. This will change everything. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Hypocrisy Warning

June 6

(Luke 12:1-3 NIV) “Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. {2} There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. {3} What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.”

(1 Peter 2:1 NIV) “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”

Although the religious establishment criticized Him, Christ’s popularity continued to grow. His message was not always positive, but people felt genuine love coming from the Savior. Jesus despised hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is representing yourself as someone you are not. Hypocrites pretend to have virtues, or religious beliefs they do not actually possess. They display attitudes in public that they do not hold in their private lives. This may well be the church’s biggest problem today. Our showy religion often conceals a heart contaminated by sin. We look Christian on the outside, but inside, we harbor darkness. We champion moral causes, but live immorally. We decry murder, but kill reputations with our slander. And the world sees it. Hypocritical Christians have probably turned more people away from Jesus than the devil ever could. There’s an old hymn of the church called “Standin in the Need of Prayer”. It goes like this: Not my mother, not my father, not my brother, not my sister -- not my elder, not my leader, not the preacher, not the sinner -- But it's me… It’s me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. Pray against hypocrisy in your heart. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Six Pack of Woe

June 5

(Luke 11:42-54 NIV) ““Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone. {43} "Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. {44} "Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing it." {45} One of the experts in the law answered him, "Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also." {46} Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them. {47} "Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your forefathers who killed them. {48} So you testify that you approve of what your forefathers did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. {49} Because of this, God in his wisdom said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.' {50} Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, {51} from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all. {52} "Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering." {53} When Jesus left there, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions, {54} waiting to catch him in something he might say.””

Jesus condemned the Pharisees in six areas where they were fell short of God’s will. They failed to honor God in all things. They tithed to their church, but they discriminated against poor people. They put status ahead of servanthood. They loved themselves more than God. Everything they did was designed for maximum visibility. They strutted around like big shots, yet their flowing robes and moral opining failed to impact their culture. They didn’t influence people toward true godliness. Because they didn’t know the Lord personally, they hindered people from drawing near to God. They made faith harder than it needed to be. They always took people down a notch, instead of lifting them up. They honored those who killed God’s prophets, and eventually they would kill God’s greatest Prophet. Like unmarked graves, their lives would amount to nothing when they returned to dust. After His scathing critique, the Pharisees declared open war on Jesus, and eventually succeeded in crucifying Him. This same spirit of deafness, deference, and defiance cripples much of the Church today as we clamor for preachers who will prophesy pleasant things and teachers who will tell us what our itching ears want to hear. Rise above it Christian! Listen to Jesus. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Inside and Outside

June 4

(Luke 11:37-41 NIV) “When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table. {38} But the Pharisee, noticing that Jesus did not first wash before the meal, was surprised. {39} Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. {40} You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? {41} But give what is inside the dish to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.”

(Mark 7:14-23 NIV) ““Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. {15} Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'" {16} If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. {17} After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. {18} "Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? {19} For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.") {20} He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' {21} For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, {22} greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. {23} All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.'””

Jesus didn’t follow the Pharisee’s elaborate custom of ceremonially washing His hands before he ate. Their religious ritual had nothing to do with physical cleanness, but was one of many spiritual rules that made them feel godlier than the people outside of their holy huddle. Jesus made no apologies. Instead, He went on the offensive and scolded the Pharisees for worrying about the wrong stuff. It wasn’t pretty. Here’s the Reader’s Digest version: “You and your partners in crime can wash your hands until the skin comes off, but that will never clean out your filthy hearts. Your ceremonial clap-trap means nothing to God. Your cup may look good to the casual observer, but God knows it is full of sin and greed. You’re stingy and you treat the poor with contempt. You fuss about the externals, but God looks at your hearts, which are rotten to the core. You’re just a bunch of “holier than thou” fools.” How’s that for an encouraging and uplifting message? Let’s just be sure we don’t become like those Pharisees! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Choice: Darkness or Light

June 3

(Luke 11:34-36 NIV) “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. {35} See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. {36} Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.”

(John 3:19-21 NIV) “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. {20} Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. {21} But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

(John 12:46 NIV) “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

(Ephesians 5:8 NIV) “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”

The Lord says we have a choice to make. We can lurk in the darkness, or we can walk in light. We cannot love both. We who believe have His light, but when we hide it, the darkness grows -- inside of us and outside of us. We can become filled with darkness instead of light. Our eyes can get bad and our spirit can become dark. If we remain in darkness long enough, we become like the darkness and no longer reflect the light of Christ. Jesus, the Light of the world, did not die on a cross so we could continue to walk in the darkness of this broken world. Remember, light and darkness cannot dwell together. Wherever light shines, the darkness flees. Is your light shining, or is it covered up by something right now? Come out of the darkness and walk in the light of God. Live as a child of the light. This is the road to healing and wholeness. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Let There Be Light

June 2

(Luke 11:33 NIV) “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.”

(Matthew 5:14-16 NIV) “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. {15} Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. {16} In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Lighting up darkness has been God’s thing since the beginning of time. The very first words spoken by God in Scripture have to do with light. God’s first priority was to light up the darkness. Light is divisive. Every time it shines, it separates us from darkness. For those who desire darkness, light causes tension. It happened when our incarnate Lord came to Earth. A great light announced Christ’s coming and people of the light came to Bethlehem to worship him. But people of the darkness also came, trying to kill Him. Darkness pushes back. The only counter measure to the increasing darkness in our world is light that shines boldly. Light is meant to be seen. It was not created by God to be hidden. Disciples of Jesus are commanded to light up the world. Hiding our light is disobedience. Hiding our light is sin. We are the light of the world. Let your light shine! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Queen of Sheba

June 1

(Luke 11:31-32 NIV) “The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here. {32} The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here.”

(1 Kings 10:1-9 NIV) “When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relation to the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. {2} Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan--with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones--she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. {3} Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. {4} When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, {5} the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord, she was overwhelmed. {6} She said to the king, "The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. {7} But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. {8} How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! {9} Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord's eternal love for Israel, he has made you king, to maintain justice and righteousness.”

The Queen of the South (a.k.a. the Queen of Sheba) once came to visit King Solomon. When she realized what great wisdom he had, saw the splendor of the land, and experienced worship at the temple, she recognized that this had to be the blessing of God. She realized that no one could accomplish all this by themselves, and that God had to be in it. Her eyes were opened to the greatness of the God of Israel, and she believed. With her mouth, she praised the name of the Lord for His love, His righteousness, and His justice. Jesus told the doubters who were seeking a miraculous sign, that because of her faith, this same queen would one day rise up and sit in judgment of their unbelief. He said the same about the “men of Nineveh”. The “men of Nineveh” and the “Queen of the South” would have been considered unclean infidels, but they repented and turned to God because of the witness of Jonah and Solomon. Jesus told these skeptics that One greater than Jonah or Solomon was now with them. The Messiah had come and was speaking in their presence. He is still speaking! Open your ears. Repent and turn to God. Jesus is Lord! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

The Sign of Jonah

May 31

(Luke 11:29-30 NIV) “As the crowds increased, Jesus said, "This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. {30} For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.”

(Matthew 12:39-40 NIV) “But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. {40} For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”

(Jonah 1:15-17 NIV) “Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. {16} At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. {17} But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.”

(Jonah 3:1-5 NIV) “Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: {2} "Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you." {3} Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city--a visit required three days. {4} On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned." {5} The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.”

There were people who demanded a sign from Jesus to prove that He was the Messiah. Jesus told them that only one sign would be given to them. It would not be given to them on demand, but in God’s time, they would be given the “sign of Jonah”. Just as Jonah was in the belly of a fish for three days and three nights, Christ would be in the belly of the Earth for three days and three nights. Jesus would go to Jerusalem and be crucified. He would die there and be buried in a rich man’s tomb. But just as Jonah emerged alive from the belly of the fish on the third day, Jesus would emerge alive from the tomb on the third day. His resurrection from the dead would be the definitive sign that Jesus is Lord. It would be the only sign they would receive. We too have received our sign from God. Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Wicked Generation

May 30

(Luke 11:29 NIV) ““As the crowds increased, Jesus said, "This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.””

(Matthew 12:38-39 NIV) ““Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you." {39} He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign!””

“A wicked generation asks for a sign.” Why would Jesus say that? These people were not really interested in a sign from God. They were more interested in proving that Jesus was a false prophet. They wanted to humiliate Jesus in some way. No sign would have convinced them. Their hearts were hard and their minds were made up. Wickedness is godlessness and unbelief. It is more about a mindset, than a set of behaviors. You don’t have to be a terrorist or a mass murderer to be “wicked” in God’s eyes. If we consistently push God away and shun His revelation to us… if we ignore His word and consistently show a lack of faith… we have joined the wicked generation that Christ condemned. Jesus will not show off to win your heart. Your heart will be won when you allow God’s Spirit to soften it and when you become convinced of your need for His mercy and love. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

More Than Just Cleaning House

May 29

(Luke 11:24-28 NIV) ““When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' {25} When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. {26} Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first." {27} As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you." {28} He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.””

(Ephesians 5:18 NIV) “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

(Ephesians 6:17 NIV) “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

When we come to Christ for the forgiveness of our sin, we must do more than just clean house. We must do more than just unload our sin on Jesus. We must do more than just change a few things in our lives. We must do more than just detoxify and sober up. We can’t just clean out the old junk that filled our life and expect our house to remain clean. Cleaning house is good, but if we want it to stay clean, we must fill our house back up with something better. If we don’t, we will very likely return to our old ways and end up worse off than we were before. The wise Christian will fill their house with God’s Spirit and God’s word. As we fill ourselves with the word of God, and as the Spirit testifies to its truth, we must then take steps to obey what we hear… because in the end, Christianity is more about being filled than being emptied. We must do more than just clean house. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Finger of God

May 28

(Luke 11:20-23 NIV) ““But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. {21} "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. {22} But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils. {23} "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters.””

(Exodus 8:16-19 NIV) ““Then the Lord said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the ground,' and throughout the land of Egypt the dust will become gnats." {17} They did this, and when Aaron stretched out his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the ground, gnats came upon men and animals. All the dust throughout the land of Egypt became gnats. {18} But when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, they could not. And the gnats were on men and animals. {19} The magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God." But Pharaoh's heart was hard and he would not listen, just as the Lord had said.””

(Deuteronomy 9:10 NIV) “The Lord gave me two stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God. On them were all the commandments the Lord proclaimed to you on the mountain out of the fire, on the day of the assembly.”

Satan is powerful and we would be wise to remember that. On our own, we are no match for this fallen angel and his demonic army. But when pitted against the Lord, the Devil always loses. With one finger, God can defeat Satan. With one finger, God sent plagues on Egypt and defeated Pharaoh. With one finger, God wrote the Commandments on tablets of stone. And with one finger, the Lord drives out demons from those blessed by His presence. Wherever Jesus goes, the demons flee. Wherever you find God’s kingdom, you find demons in retreat. If we go it alone, we may stand for a while against the evil one, but eventually we will be defeated. Without God, man’s power is never sufficient for victory. There is always someone stronger, bigger, smarter, or faster. Trust in the finger of God. We are either with Him or against Him -- there is no middle ground. Which will it be for you? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Demonic Reality

May 27

(Luke 11:14-19 NIV) ““Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. {15} But some of them said, "By Beelzebub, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons." {16} Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven. {17} Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. {18} If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebub. {19} Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges.””

(John 8:37-47 NIV) ““I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. {38} I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you do what you have heard from your father." {39} "Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children," said Jesus, "then you would do the things Abraham did. {40} As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. {41} You are doing the things your own father does." "We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself." {42} Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. {43} Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. {44} You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. {45} Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! {46} Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? {47} He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.””

There are powerful spiritual forces at war in this world, and often we behave as if we had no clue. The same Bible that teaches the reality of Jesus Christ also teaches the reality of the demonic. Star Wars called this “the dark side of the force”. Sometimes these demons make people mute -- sometimes they make people into loud-mouthed religious zealots. Both confronted Jesus in Luke’s gospel. Jesus drove the demon from the man who was mute, but the demons of the religious zealots proved to be more stubborn. These experts claimed that Jesus used the power of the devil to drive out the devil. They said this because they belonged to Satan, and were adept at lying and accusing. Jesus told them they were foolish to think that Satan would drive himself out. No kingdom can survive if it is divided against itself. Neither can we! Choose this day whom you will serve. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

How to Pray: Part 2

May 26

(Luke 11:5-13 NIV) ““Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, {6} because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' {7} "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' {8} I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. {9} "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. {10} For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. {11} "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? {12} Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? {13} If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!””

(Hebrews 4:16 NIV) “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

While teaching His disciples how to pray, Jesus told of a man seeking bread late at night. The man kept knocking at a friend’s door until the friend got up and gave the man what he needed. Christ taught persistence and confidence in prayer. We come boldly before God’s throne because we are confident that He loves us, hears us, and desires what is good for us. We believe He is full of grace and mercy and will be our helper in times of need. We persist in prayer until God definitively says no to our request, or shows us that it is not His will. Being persistent in prayer will help align us with God’s will, and in the end will glorify God. When you knock on God’s door, knock more than once -- and then knock again. Watch for answers in unexpected ways and in unexpected places, but do not give up too easily. Become a pit bull in prayer. Pray with confidence and persistence. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

How to Pray: Part 1

May 25

(Luke 11:1-4 NIV) ““One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." {2} He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. {3} Give us each day our daily bread. {4} Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.””

(Matthew 6:5-13 NIV) ““And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. {6} But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. {7} And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. {8} Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. {9} "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, {10} your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. {11} Give us today our daily bread. {12} Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. {13} And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.””

Jesus taught by example, praying to His Father on a daily basis. The disciples asked Him to teach them to pray and Jesus taught them what we call “The Lord’s Prayer”. They were to pray aloud -- to “say” their prayers. They were to pray intimately, as though addressing their Daddy. They were to praise God with reverence and remember His holiness. They were to pray for God’s Kingdom to come, in the world and in their lives. Christ was to reign over all mankind, starting with them. They were to pray for their basic needs, represented by “daily bread”. They were to give up self-reliance and trust God for everyday stuff. They were to ask for forgiveness of sin, and the grace to forgive sin. They were to pray for the strength to resist the temptation to sin. These were the important basic ingredients of daily prayer that Jesus taught. How are you doing in each of these areas? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day      

Reducing Our RPMs

May 24

(Luke 10:38-42 NIV) “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. {39} She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. {40} But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! {41} "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, {42} but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

(Ecclesiastes 2:11 NIV) “When I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”

(Colossians 3:2 NIV) “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Busyness and anxiety are killing us and our relationships. We are spending way too much time in the fast lane. Our RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute) are too high and we need to reduce them. Too many RPMs and you will blow your engine. Let’s use RPMs as a different acronym today. “R” stands for more “Reflection”. Slow down and have some quiet time with God each day. “P” stands for clearer “Priorities”. Is your life “crisis driven” or “priority driven”? Our datebooks and checkbooks reflect our true priorities. “M” stands for changed “Minds”. Changing how we think, and what we think about, can change our life. Set your mind on things above. The “S” stands for recognized “Sin”. Let’s recognize that habitual busyness and anxiety are sins because they steal life from us and rob God of the praise due Him. Back off of the throttle. Slow down a little. Reduce the unhealthy RPMs in your life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

The World’s B.A. Degree

May 23

(Luke 10:38-40 NIV) “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. {39} She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. {40} But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” {41} "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, {42} but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.””

(Deuteronomy 28:65-66 NIV) “Among those nations you will find no repose, no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the Lord will give you an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart. You will live in constant suspense, filled with dread both night and day, never sure of your life.” 

This world’s new B.A. degree majors in Busyness and Anxiety, preparing us for our "open seven days a week" culture. Thanks to smart phones, we are always on call. Our eyes grow weary, looking for stuff we don’t have. Our hearts despair that we may not be able to afford it. We live in dread that somewhere, someone may get ahead of us in some way. Jesus confronted this spirit in Martha, who was worried and tense about many things. He wanted her to know that sitting at His feet was a good way to spend time. Her busyness and anxiety distracted her from the things of God. Her addiction to activity made her resentful of Mary’s serenity. Busyness and anxiety do not relieve boredom, increase productiveness, improve relationships, or lead to happiness. Rather, they are addictions that hinder life with God and lessen our quality of life here on Earth. Choose what is better. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Good Samaritan

May 22

(Luke 10:29-37 NIV) ““But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" {30} In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. {31} A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. {32} So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. {33} But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. {34} He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. {35} The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' {36} "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" {37} The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise.””

The man who asked Jesus how to obtain eternal life didn’t like the answer -- it disqualified him and the entire human race from earning eternity. He tried narrowing the definition of a neighbor to justify himself, but Jesus gave him no quarter. Christ told the story of a man who was beaten and robbed on the road to Jericho. Only a Samaritan stopped to lend aid, even though he was considered unclean and held in contempt by the Jews. Jesus didn’t make loving our neighbor easier -- He made it harder. We are called to love and serve those that we are prone to despise. Jesus not only destroyed this man’s hope of earning eternal life, He taught us that religious fervor without love is useless. The two religious men, who should have known God’s will, avoided the man in need. Only the Samaritan gave of his time and money to love his neighbor as himself. Go and do likewise. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Faith or Failure

May 21

(Luke 10:25-37 NIV) “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" {26} "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" {27} He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" {28} "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live.”

(Ephesians 2:4-9 NIV) “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, {5} made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. {6} And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, {7} in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. {8} 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.”

A religious lawyer came to test Jesus, wanting to see if He was faithful to the Law. He asked the Lord what he had to do to obtain eternal life. Instead of giving an answer, Jesus asked the lawyer, “What do you think?” The lawyer answered, “Love God more than anything else and with everything you have -- and love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.” Jesus told him he was correct, and that to earn eternal life he needed to go and do this. But the lawyer knew he couldn’t -- nobody can. We can try, but we all fail. So the lawyer tried to get Jesus to narrow the field. If there were less people that he had to love, perhaps he could succeed at earning eternal life. He completely neglected the first part of the equation about loving God. No one does that perfectly. We can’t obtain eternal life by “doing stuff”. And so it comes down to grace. It’s faith or failure. Take your pick. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Blessed to See

May 20

(Luke 10:23-24 NIV) “Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. {24} For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.””

(1 Peter 1:8-12 NIV) “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, {9} for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. {10} Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, {11} trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. {12} It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.”

Jesus reminded His disciples, and us, of how blessed we are to live with the knowledge of God. We are privileged to work for the Lord. We are seeing things happen that were prophesied long ago. We are living in the age that many of God’s followers preached about and longed to see -- but they died before it came. The original disciples were blessed because they lived in that narrow window of time where they could see and touch the Savior of the world. As Christ’s return approaches, we are also blessed to be living in a time the prophets spoke of -- a time when the name of Jesus would go all over the world. In this age of grace, we are privileged to be a part of a long line of holy messengers. Although we have not yet seen Jesus face to face, we are blessed to have been shown God’s grace. Now we are called to share that grace with the world. Go! Be a blessing! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Sovereign Lord - Chosen People

May 19

(Luke 10:21-22 NIV) “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. {22} "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

(1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV) “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. {10} Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

Our sovereign Lord is selective. Jesus praised His Father for being selective in revealing truth. The truth was revealed to some, but not to others. In turn, Jesus revealed the Father to some, but not to others. We can object to this selectiveness, but God is sovereign. Some will be saved -- some will perish. Understanding God’s sovereignty gave the disciples great courage. They trusted God to know what he was doing. Their enemies and antagonists could only do to them what the power of God allowed them to do. Threats didn’t faze these guys because they knew God was in charge -- not Pilate, not Herod, not the Pharisees -- not the ACLU, not the Supreme Court, not the President. God is in control. God is sovereign. You answer to Him. You receive your orders from Him. He holds your future in His hands. He has chosen you to declare His praises. Praise His name! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Main Thing

May 18

(Luke 10:19-20 NIV) “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. {20} However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

(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."

While the disciples were doing a victory dance because the spirits had submitted to them, Jesus reminded them that the main thing was to keep the main thing, the main thing. When we let the flashy stuff of faith distract us, we can forget the #1 priority. We can forget the main thing. We should rejoice that our names are written in Heaven, but remember that the main thing is seeing as many other names as possible written there. That’s the goal of the miracles, the healings, and the preaching. The main thing is lost people coming to Jesus for salvation. Resist becoming enamored by the latest trendy teaching or the newest fad in church growth. Don’t get sidetracked and forget the main thing. The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing… and the main thing is leading people to God’s Kingdom where their names will be written in heaven. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Power of God

May 17

(Luke 10:17-19 NIV) ““The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." {18} He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. {19} I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.””

(Matthew 22:29 NIV) “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.”

(Romans 1:16 NIV) “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”

When God chooses to exert His power, nothing can resist it. Christ empowered His disciples, and they won a decisive victory over Satan. Nothing can resist the power of the God who spoke the universe into existence. This is the God who parted the Red Sea for His people to walk across on dry ground. This is the God who closed the mouths of lions for the young prophet Daniel. This is the God who brought down the walls of Jericho. This is the God who defeated the 450 prophets of Baal for Elijah. This is the God who helped David slay a giant with a slingshot. This is the God whose power raised Jesus from the dead. This is the God who has the power to change your life if you will surrender it to him. Jesus wanted His disciples to know that it was God’s power, not theirs, that brought them victory. He still wants us to know that. Let His power bring victory in your life. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

God Owes Revelation to No One

May 16

(Luke 10:13 NIV) “Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.”

(Matthew 11:23 NIV) “And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.”

(Matthew 11:27 NIV) ““At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.”

God does not owe revelation to anyone. Mercy and revelation are gifts of God. They come through God’s grace. God does not owe them to us. Not only does the little word “IF” tell us that the Lord has contingent knowledge -- it also tells us that God could have, but chose not to. God is sovereign. Sodom, Tyre, and Sidon did not get a chance to see the same miracles as Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. Why? The answer to that question is above our pay grade. But it demonstrates that God owes revelation to no one. He hides things from some, and reveals things to others. So if you have heard God in the past, or are hearing God today, you are a blessed person. God is revealing Himself to you. He is pouring out His grace onto you. He does not owe that to you, or to anyone. It is the gift of God. Come to him. Thank Him. Bow down before Him. Praise Him. Give your life to Him. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Contingent Knowledge

May 15

(Luke 10:13 NIV) “Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.”

(Matthew 11:23 NIV) “And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.”

This may bother some, but our Lord has contingent knowledge. God not only knows everything that has happened, and everything that will happen -- He also knows what would have happened had things been different. God knows all contingencies. God is omniscient (or all knowing) and in His omniscience, God knows all the possibilities. Note the little word “IF” in today’s Scripture verses. Jesus was saying that “IF” certain things had happened, here’s how a certain people would have behaved in response. He says that “IF” His miracles would have been done in Sodom or other cities of the past, they would have repented and been saved. How does Jesus know that? God has contingent knowledge. That’s a lot of knowledge. We have a big God! A God who knows all things -- even what would have happened, but didn’t. Let the name of the Lord be praised. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Corporate Guilt

May 14

(Luke 10:12-15 NIV) “I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. {13} "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. {14} But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. {15} And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths.”

(Joshua 5:3-6 NIV) “So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth. {4} Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt--all the men of military age--died in the desert on the way after leaving Egypt. {5} All the people that came out had been circumcised, but all the people born in the desert during the journey from Egypt had not. {6} The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land that he had solemnly promised their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey.”

We stand in front of God as individuals. We are judged by whether or not we have repented of our sins and trusted Jesus for salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ. But there is a sense in which we are accountable for the sins of our city and nation. There is such a thing as corporate guilt. As Jesus speaks woe in Luke 10, he pronounces God’s judgment on entire cities. We bear some responsibility for what happens in our community and our nation. If we do not stand for the Lord and live for Jesus -- if we do not reflect God’s light, call for repentance, and pray for our nation -- we are corporately responsible for its demise. We cannot simply point fingers at the “unrighteous” and blame them for contaminating the place where we live. We live there too, and we share responsibility. There is such a thing as corporate guilt. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Punishment by Degree

May 13

(Luke 10:12-14 NIV) ““I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. {13} "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. {14} But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you.””

(Hebrews 10:29-31 NIV) "How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? {30} For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." {31} It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Rewards await those who welcome and follow Jesus -- punishment awaits those who will not. But did you know that there are varying degrees of reward and punishment in eternity? Scripture teaches that heavenly rewards will be greater for some than others. This won’t be a problem, as the envy and jealousy of our sin natures will be gone. Jesus also taught that there are different degrees of punishment in hell. He said that it would be “more bearable” for Sodom than for those who rejected him. He said it would be “more bearable” for Tyre and Sidon, than for Bethsaida and Korazin. “More bearable” means there must be varying degrees of punishment. Hebrews 10 says that those trampling the Son of God underfoot” will be punished more severely than others. How can that be unless there are different degrees of reward and punishment? Seek Christ, and then, seek the greater reward. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Half a God

May 12

(Luke 10:10-12 NIV) “But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, {11} 'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.' {12} I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.”

(Mark 16:15-16 NIV) ““He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. {16} Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.””

Sometimes we forget that the gospel includes judgment. We may even despise the concept. Some see judgment as bad news, but it’s really a part of the good news. Along with Christ’s offer of healing and a place in the Kingdom of God, comes a warning: if a city will not receive the gospel, they will suffer the consequences. God offers healing and new life, but if we refuse the offer, we are in danger of destruction. Many preach the love of God, but avoid the judgment of God. They like the sound of heaven, but cannot stomach the reality of hell. They believe in a God of grace, but not a God of judgment. They worship half a God -- and a half God is not the God of Scripture. We cannot pick and choose the traits we prefer for the Lord without moving into the area of idolatry. There will be a day of judgment. We all choose heaven or hell while we live here on Earth. Make your decision! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Understaffed Harvest

May 11

(Luke 10:1-9 NIV) ““After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. {2} He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. {3} Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. {4} Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. {5} "When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' {6} If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. {7} Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. {8} "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. {9} Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.'”

(Mark 16:15 NIV) “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”

Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples to preach, teach, heal, and prepare the way for His coming. He knew they would have problems and face danger, but they would not want for an abundant harvest. They were in the right place, at the right time, and had the right message. Christ’s one lament was that there were not more workers. The harvest was bigger than His disciples could handle. The same is true today. In the average church, 20% of the people do 80% of the work. There are plenty of pew warmers and joy riders, but very few ministry workers. Many come expecting a full range of ministries, but are unwilling to get their hands dirty saving the lost, healing the sick, loving the children, or feeding the hungry. But Christ’s command has not changed. He still says, “Go!” It’s a dangerous job, with very few perks, but it is our mission. Have faith and be among the few. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Unfit for Service

May 10

(Luke 9:57-62 NIV) “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." {58} Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." {59} He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." {60} Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." {61} Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." {62} Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

(Matthew 7:13-14 NIV) “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. {14} But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

When Christ calls people to follow Him, He offers a “no exemptions, no excuses” contract. When you follow Jesus, you sign on for the entire trip. And the call is for today, not a year from now. Some who offer to follow are naïve, unaware of the gravity of their decision. Others commit to discipleship, but on their schedule and at their convenience. Christ says, “It doesn’t work that way. Disciples don’t set their own hours or make contract demands.” Signing on to work with Jesus means moving forward. Looking back will make us unfit for service. It is toxic to the call of God. And following Christ will always cost us something dear. Because of all this, more will turn Jesus down than will follow Him. The road is narrow and only a few will find it. Those who reject Christ’s contract become like the “walking dead”, who spend their lives burying the dead. Jesus offers life. Sign on! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Wrong Fire

May 9

(Luke 9:53-56 NIV) “… but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. {54} When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" {55} But Jesus turned and rebuked them, {56} and they went to another village.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:15-22 NIV)  "Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. {16} Be joyful always; {17} pray continually; {18} give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. {19} Do not put out the Spirit's fire; {20} do not treat prophecies with contempt. {21} Test everything. Hold on to the good. {22} Avoid every kind of evil."

Followers of Jesus can sometimes have the wrong fire. James and John wanted to bring fire down upon this inhospitable village, but Jesus turned and rebuked their arrogance. Christ came to give life, not take it. He’s into restoration, not demolition. There are those who still practice the “scorched earth” policy of James and John. Disagree with their doctrinal positions, and they will turn you into soot and ashes. They too, have the wrong fire. Don’t join them. Christ’s fire does not burn people -- it warms hearts. The fire of God’s Spirit does not call disciples to destroy the city of unbelief -- it lights their way to a city where Christ will be received. His fire keeps us looking for the receptive, rather than lambasting the resistant. Somewhere, people are accepting Christ. Go there! This is what Jesus modeled. This is the kind of fire Christ would have us acquire. Is this the fire you have? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day