Stories of Change

January 31

(Luke 4:37 NIV) “And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.”

(Acts 1:8 NIV) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

(Acts 19:18-20 NIV) “Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. {19} A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. {20} In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”

News of Christ spread rapidly because His preaching and healing changed people. Word of mouth carried His name far and wide as people told others what they had witnessed. Stories of change still produce results for the Kingdom of God. Changed lives are evidence of God’s presence and power here on Earth. The best advertising a church can produce are people changed by Jesus -- disciples who live a Spirit filled life in front of their neighbors and friends. When we live like Jesus, our words of witness carry weight. This requires a people who are bold enough to live for Christ, and give glory to His name when others notice. At least once this week, make it your goal to mention the name of Jesus to someone. At least once, share how Jesus has changed your life. Release your witness. Genuine stories of change produce results for the Kingdom of God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Every Knee Will Bow

January 30

(Luke 4:35-36 NIV) "Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. {36} All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!"

(Philippians 2:9-11 NIV) “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, {10} that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, {11} and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

In the cosmic struggle between Self, Satan, and the Son of God, there will be only one winner. Every being will eventually bow before the name of Jesus. Every mouth will find itself saying, “Jesus Christ is Lord.” All things created will submit to God’s power, for all power and authority lives in the Godhead. This means that when we set ourselves up in opposition to God, we set ourselves up to fail. We may enjoy our power and autonomy for a season, but eventually, we all end up at the feet of Jesus. The wise man will submit to Christ’s power and authority while the choice is still his. Those who wait until they stand in front of God, at the end of all things, will not enjoy the benefits of those who answered the divine call during their lifetime. Every knee will bow. Has yours? Have you given your heart to Jesus? There is no time like today to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Challenging Authority

January 29

(Luke 4:33-35 NIV) “In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, {34} "Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" {35} "Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.”

(Luke 20:1-2 NIV) “One day as he was teaching the people in the temple courts and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. {2} "Tell us by what authority you are doing these things," they said. "Who gave you this authority?""

Among the first to recognize Christ were the demons. They knew God’s Son before we were created. In Luke 4, some demons recognized Jesus as the Holy One of God and made the mistake of challenging His authority. Demons have great power, but they are no match for God. Jesus silenced them and cast them out of the man. Christ spoke, and the demons obeyed. That’s authority. When we speak God’s word, we will be challenged. Evil spirits and evil men always challenge the authority of God. When we shake the world’s tree, all kinds of rotten fruit will fall out. Anyone with power they want to keep will challenge the authority of Christ, including us. If you have a call on your life, but have been ignoring it, you are challenging the authority of Jesus. If you have a sin you are protecting, you are challenging the authority of Jesus. And we all know how that will turn out in the end. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Message with Authority

January 28

(Luke 4:32 NIV) “They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.”

(John 17:1-5 NIV) “After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. {2} For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. {3} Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. {4} I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. {5} And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”

(Matthew 28:16-20 NIV) “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. {17} When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. {18} Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. {19} Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.””

Sometimes a message can be good, but the one speaking it has no authority. Words can have great impact, or words can fall to the ground, never to be remembered. The words of Jesus always cut to the heart. People either hated Him or were moved to follow Him. Few who heard Him remained neutral. He spoke with authority that came from His Father in heaven. He spoke the word of God. Believers should remember this today. Without God’s word, our message will not fly. Without the Holy Spirit, our witness has no wings. But when God’s word is spoken with power and authority, we will see both conversion and resistance. Some will be inspired to follow Jesus; others will hate us. Speaking with authority will bring both converts and enemies. When you speak the gospel with love, you speak with authority given by Christ. Declare it fearlessly and leave the results up to God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Some Will Hear, Some Won’t

January 27

(Luke 4:31-32a NIV) “Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. {32} They were amazed at his teaching…”

(1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV) “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

(1 Corinthians 9:22) “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.”

Jesus shook the dust off His feet at Nazareth and moved on to Capernaum, which became His base of operations. Five of the original twelve disciples came from this small fishing village. Some will hear -- some won’t. Christ’s teaching was no different in Nazareth than in Capernaum. But in Nazareth, He was booed down and thrown out of town -- in Capernaum, he was accepted as a great teacher. Some will hear -- some won’t. Jesus died to save the world, but only some will be saved. Some will be drawn to Christ, while some will cover their ears and refuse to hear Him. Some will hear -- some won’t. And it’s none of our business who that turns out to be. Our business is to be faithful in our witness and proclamation. We are called to be salt, not to be successful. We are called to be light, and commanded to love. God will sort out the details of who hears and who doesn’t. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

From Reject to Redeemer

January 26

(Luke 4:28-30 NIV) “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. {29} They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. {30} But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.”

(Isaiah 53:1-5 NIV) “Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? {2} He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. {3} He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. {4} Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. {5} But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Jesus came to save people we don’t like, or perhaps even hate. That can cause problems. Most of us have a list of people who do not deserve to ever be forgiven. There are people in our lives that we believe should rot in hell. The Jews hated their Gentile neighbors so much that even the mention of giving them aid set off a firestorm, and even became grounds for a death sentence. These hostile hometown haters took Jesus to a cliff to throw him off. They wanted to kill him. But He didn’t hate back. He didn’t call down fire on Nazareth. He just “walked through the crowd and went on his way.” Their judgment would come later. Christ had received His first rejection notice. It wouldn’t be the last. He is still being rejected today. Everyone likes Jesus the social worker -- very few like Jesus the prophet. But his rejection led to a resurrection and the reject became the Redeemer. Accept Him! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Ratings Plunge

January 25

(Luke 4:22-28 NIV) “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.” {23} “Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.'" {24} "I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown. {25} I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. {26} Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. {27} And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed--only Naaman the Syrian. {28} All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.”

(Acts 20:26-27 NIV)  "Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. {27} For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God."

(2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)  "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, {17} so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Nazareth was proud of their hometown boy. But then, Jesus spoiled his ratings. The crowd went from applause to hostility in less than a minute. Jesus said He hadn’t come to do miracles that impress, but to preach truth that convicts. He said that God sent the prophet Elijah to live with a widow in the region of Sidon, and to heal a Syrian by the name of Naaman. Sidon and Syria were Israel’s enemies, populated by the hated Gentiles. Lifting up these verses was seen as treasonous by Christ’s listeners. Jesus was saying that God loves everyone -- Jews and Gentiles alike. Those living in Nazareth had placed the love of nation before the truth of Scripture. Patriotism had trumped piety. Then, as many Christians do today, they simply ignored the difficult verses they didn’t like. Don’t travel with this crowd. “All Scripture is God breathed.” Receive the whole will of God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Coming Out

January 24

(Luke 4:16-21 NIV) “He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. {17} The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: {18} "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, {19} to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." {20} Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, {21} and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

(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.”

Jesus returned to His hometown of Nazareth, went to the synagogue, and was asked to read from Isaiah 61. The verses speak of Israel’s coming Messiah and what He would do when He came. When Jesus had finished reading, He declared that Isaiah’s prophecy had just been fulfilled. He was the one spoken of in Isaiah. Jesus “came out” as the Messiah of Israel. It was a holy moment. He proclaimed through the prophet’s words that He had not come for the rich, the powerful, and the religious, but for the poor, the prisoners, the oppressed, and the blind. For a brief moment, the crowd was amazed and spoke well of Him, but then the tide turned. This is how it will be when we “come out” as Christians. We’ll get lots of “likes” on our Facebook page, until people realize that we represent radical change and a threat to their way of life. “Come out” anyway. It’s a God thing. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Short Honeymoon

January 23

(Luke 4:14-15 NIV) "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. {15} He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him."

(Luke 2:52 NIV) "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

After Jesus had overcome the temptations in the wilderness, He began actively teaching in the area of Galilee. The power of the Holy Spirit was with Him and everyone spoke well of Him. Word got around, and the speaking offers rolled in. His stock was on the rise. It was a great honeymoon period, but it didn’t last long. Every relationship goes through a honeymoon period, including our relationship with Christ. At first, we love everything He says. But as time goes by, He begins to get personal. Walking in His light reveals our sins. He lets us know that He wants to be more than just our friend; He wants to be our Lord. Being with Him changes us in ways that are not always comfortable. And so we come to that proverbial fork in the road. Will we continue to grow in Christ, or dump Him and go back to who we were? Keep growing! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Simple Little Word

January 22

(Luke 4:13 NIV)  "When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time."

(1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV)  "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

(1 Peter 5:7-11 NIV)  "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. {8} Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. {9} Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. {10} And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. {11} To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."

Temptation is never permanently defeated. Satan never gives up; he simply waits for a more opportune time. We may win today, but eventually, he will return in a different form with an even greater opportunity. The devil is like a shrewd and cunning lion, circling his prey. He watches for an opening to take us down. He knows our weaknesses and follows our life. Do not let your guard down. We may win today, but if we are not prepared, we can lose tomorrow. Always remember: we have a free will, and that means we always have a choice. God will always provide us with a way out, but we must choose to take it. Sometimes that way out is the simple, but profound little word, “No.” Practice saying it. The devil cannot override a “no” answer from us. He’ll be back later, but we can win many battles when we know the word of God, and when we learn to say “no.” -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Using the Sword

January 21

(Luke 4:3-12 NIV) "The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." {4} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.'" {5} The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. {6} And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. {7} So if you worship me, it will all be yours." {8} Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" {9} The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. {10} For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; {11} they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" {12} Jesus answered, "It says: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'""

(Ephesians 6:16-18 NIV)  "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. {17} Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. {18} And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

When dealing with temptation, one of the keys to winning is the word of God. Jesus used God’s word as a shield and a sword against the devil’s schemes in the wilderness. Christ was tempted in three different ways. Satan even tried to use Scripture as a justification for Christ to sin. Jesus repelled each temptation with properly applied verses from the Old Testament. Jesus used Scripture correctly because He knew the heart of God. One of the keys to winning against temptation is knowing God’s word. But more important than knowing God’s word, is knowing the God of the word. If we do not know the Lord, we will likely end up misusing the word of God, just as Satan did. But when God has our heart, and we begin to know His heart, the word of God can be properly used to combat temptation, rather than justify it. Do you know the Lord? Does Jesus truly have your heart? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Safety and Security

January 20

(Luke 4:9-11 NIV) ““The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. {10} For it is written: "He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; {11} they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.””

(John 8:42-44 NIV) ““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.””

Temptation makes promises it has no intention of keeping. It promises us safe passage, but then ambushes us and does us great harm. It says things like, “Go ahead and jump. God won’t let you get hurt. He’ll take care of you. It won’t cost you anything. You can get away with it.” But in the end, we discover that it does hurt -- it hurts more than we ever thought possible. And it does cost us -- it costs us much more than we ever thought we’d have to pay. What we seem to easily forget is that the Devil is a liar and he will never change. Jesus said that lying is Satan’s native language. So be very careful when you hear that voice whispering in your ear, saying, “Go for it. It won’t cost you anything. It will be fine. No one will know.” There’s a good chance that you are hearing the same tempter who tried to work his magic on Jesus, but failed. May he experience failure in our lives as well. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Power and Pride

January 19

(Luke 4:5-7 NIV) ““The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. {6} And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. {7} So if you worship me, it will all be yours.””

(1 Timothy 6:9 NIV) “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.”

When Jesus was hungry, the devil tempted Him to make food for Himself. When Jesus declined, Satan laid the world before Jesus and offered Him power over everyone and everything. In both cases, the devil appealed to Christ’s sense of pride and power, encouraging Jesus to trust in Himself rather than God. Satan uses the same tactics today. The tempter still appeals to our sense of pride and power: “Did God really say you shouldn’t have this? You deserve it. You should take it. No one can stop you.” And so, we take it… but in the end, it takes us, and we fall. We fall because our pride gets bigger than our faith in God -- our sense of power outpaces our trust in God to provide. We must do what it takes to kill off the prideful spirit that lives inside us, and we must continually give our power back to God. One day at a time, we must submit to God, or we too will be numbered among the fallen. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Flesh or the Spirit

January 18

(Luke 4:2-3 NIV) ““He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. {3} The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.””

(Matthew 26:40-41 NIV) ““Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. {41} "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.””

(James 1:13-14 NIV) ““When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; {14} but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.””

Temptation often appeals to our physical desires. Jesus was hungry after forty days of fasting. The devil tempted Him to create food instead of trusting God to care for Him. Satan appeals to our physical desires to obtain spiritual victory. He knows our weaknesses and watches for openings. The flesh is in almost constant tension with the spirit. Even when the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. When we are in need, temptation gains strength. It gets louder and more aggressive. It is amazing how temptation often fits perfectly with the need or craving we have. But we always have a choice. We cannot fault God for not meeting our physical needs. If the desires were not within us, there could be no temptation. Neither is the temptation at fault when we make wrong choices. Our desires give temptation its power. Satan used Christ’s hunger to tempt Him. What is the devil using with you? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day  

Highs and Lows

January 17

(Luke 3:21-22 NIV) “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened {22} and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.””

(Luke 4:1-2 NIV) “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, {2} where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.”

Temptation and testing often follow directly on the heels of great spiritual highs. It happened to Jesus several times, and will likely happen in our lives. Jesus was baptized and the Holy Spirit came to rest on Him. The Father blessed Him and gave Him a stamp of approval. What a spiritual high -- Jesus came out of the Jordon River pumped. But from the river of life, He went directly to the desert of death to be tested and tempted. Later, in Luke 9, Jesus goes up a mountain where God speaks to Him and He is transfigured in glory. But when Christ comes down from that spiritual high ground, He is confronted by a demonic spirit that his disciples could not drive out. His mountaintop experience is followed by a test from the devil. Temptation and testing often follow great spiritual highs. Beware! After a spiritual victory, temptation and testing are often just around the corner. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Don’t Tempt Me

January 16

(Luke 4:1-2 NIV) “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, {2} where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.”

(Hebrews 4:13-16 NIV) "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. {14} Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. {15} For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. {16} 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."

Temptation comes in many packages today: money, sex, power, and greed. A host of lesser motivations can also take their toll on our integrity. Whatever the temptation, its purpose is to draw us away from the Lord. Even surrender to minor temptations can add up over a period of time and our spiritual legs can give out. Or they can take us down paths that distance us from God. In this world, temptation is guaranteed. Even Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was tempted. He was wooed by its seductive power, but was victorious… and in His victory, there are some lessons for us. When temptation came, Jesus was ready. We too, can be prepared for temptation, if we understand its nature and develop strategies to help us overcome. Meditate on this today: We can say, “Don’t tempt me!”, but it won’t work. If the Son of God did not escape temptation, neither will we. Get ready! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Right Lineage

January 15

(Luke 3:23-38 NIV) “He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli, {24} the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melki, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, {25} the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, {26} the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, {27} the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, {28} the son of Melki, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, {29} the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, {30} the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, {31} the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, {32} the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, {33} the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, {34} the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, {35} the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, {36} the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, {37} the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Kenan, {38} the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.”

Early in his gospel, Luke establishes the fact that Jesus had the right lineage to be the Christ. By tracing Christ’s genealogy all the way back to Adam, the first human, Luke testifies that Jesus is the Messiah for more than just Israel. Because God so loved the world, Christ is the Messiah of all humanity. Luke’s genealogy reveals a God who often works through average people to accomplish His glorious purpose. It also reminds us that God keeps records. Our lives matter and God knows our names. Many in Luke’s day believed that God reserved His blessing for only a select few. Some still believe this. But the lineage of Jesus contains the names of regular people, some who lived very questionable lives. Yet they were used by God in His plan to redeem humanity. This means there is hope for all of us. God can use us in spite of our flaws. You have the right lineage. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Mature and Ready

January 14

(Luke 2:42-52 NIV)  "When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. {43} After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. {44} Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. {45} When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. {46} After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. {47} Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. {48} When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." {49} "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" {50} But they did not understand what he was saying to them. {51} Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. {52} And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

(Luke 3:23 NIV) “Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.”

(Numbers 4:23 NIV) “Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.”

When the eternal God of heaven entered time as a human, He did not come as a man and preach His message for as long as it took to get it across. Instead, God came as a baby and grew to manhood in a family. Even though Jesus seemed to know who He was at twelve years of age, He did not leave home and begin His ministry until about age thirty. This may seem odd to us, but in the Jewish culture of Christ’s day, thirty was looked upon as the age when manhood was achieved. A trade had been learned and the young male was now mature and ready for the responsibility of a family. Thirty was also the age at which men would typically be seen as ready to serve as priests. And so our Lord and Savior waited in patient humility for His time to come. He did God’s will, but did it in God’s way, and in God’s time. This is still a good practice for the child of God today. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Three in One

January 13

(Luke 3:21-22 NIV)  “And as he was praying, heaven was opened {22} and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.””

(John 1:32-33 NIV) “Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. {33} And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’””

(Genesis 1:26-27 NIV) ““Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." {27} So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.””

(Isaiah 6:3 NIV) “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.”

Early in his gospel, Luke lays the groundwork for a monotheistic trinity -- a doctrine unique to Christianity. Christians believe that God is one, but that He is also three in one. There is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- three in one. Luke paints a picture of that Trinity today. We see God the Son in the person of Jesus. We see God the Holy Spirit coming upon Jesus in the form of a dove. And we have God the Father speaking His approval from heaven… one God, three persons. This God is the “us” and the “our” of Genesis 1. This is the “three times holy” God of Isaiah 6. It is a difficult concept for us to wrap our finite minds around, but it is the truth of Scripture. God has existed for eternity as a perfect community of three: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit -- three in one. This is our God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

A Baptism of Obedience

January 12

(Luke 3:21-22 NIV) “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.”

(Matthew 3:13-15 NIV) ““Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. {14} But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" {15} Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.””

(John 1:29-31 NIV) ““The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! {30} This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ {31} I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”” 

(Acts 2:36-41 NIV) ““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." {37} When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" {38} Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. {39} The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." {40} With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." {41} Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.””

When Jesus began public ministry, he came to be baptized by John. John was surprised, as his baptism was a baptism of repentance, and he knew Jesus had no sin from which to repent. Jesus, the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world, had no real need of John’s baptism. But Jesus prevailed and was baptized. Baptism is not something that saves us, as Jesus had no need to be saved. It doesn’t bring salvation, it follows salvation. It doesn’t wash our sins away, it is symbolic of the cleansing that repentance and salvation bring. Jesus said the purpose of His baptism was to “fulfill all righteousness”. It was a step of obedience, marking the start of Christ’s public ministry and priesthood. So it is with our baptism. It’s a step of obedience -- a public declaration that we have become a part of the priesthood of believers. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Speak the Truth, No Matter What

January 11

(Luke 3:19-20 NIV) “But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and all the other evil things he had done, {20} Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.”

(Acts 4:16-20 NIV) ““What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. {17} But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." {18} Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. {19} But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. {20} For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.””

Herod had taken his brother’s wife, and was openly sleeping with her. John fearlessly called him out, rebuking him for his sin. John did what so many today will not do. He called it as he saw it. His honesty cost him his freedom, and ultimately, his life. How many of us today are willing to stand up and speak the truth when it’s unpopular or dangerous? The position of many Christians today is, “Be polite. Don’t rock the boat. Be nice people. Do nice things. Don’t judge.” Those who do speak the truth are labeled bible thumpers, hypocrites, and haters. They are put down, marginalized, fired from their jobs, and sometimes even killed. But we’re called to speak the truth anyway. We’re called to confront even the Herods of our day. Our job is not to be popular or to grow the largest church in our city. Our job is to speak the truth, no matter what. Can you do that? Will you do that? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

It’s All About Jesus

January 10

(Luke 3:15-18 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." {18} And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them.”

(1 Corinthians 1:11-24 NIV) ““My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. {12} What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas "; still another, "I follow Christ." {13} Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?””

People began to wonder if John the Baptist might be the promised Messiah -- the long awaited Christ. But John was quick to point out that he was a mere servant of God. He declared that he was not even worthy to untie the sandals of the Holy One who was coming. He was just a voice in the desert, pointing people toward the coming Lord. He preached that all people should repent and watch for the coming Light of the world. His message of judgment was good news because it pointed people toward the Savior of all mankind. Why do we keep making gods out of our human leaders? Why are we so quick to declare that we are followers of this politician or that preacher? We hang on their words and flock to see them. We even faint in their presence. But there is only one who saves and baptizes with the Holy Spirit. His name is Jesus. Only He has the words of life. Follow Him! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day   

Rising Star or Falling Star

January 9

(Luke 3:12-14 NIV) ““Tax collectors also came to be baptized.  "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" {13} "Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them.”” {14} Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely--be content with your pay.””

(Proverbs 11:1-4 NIV) “The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight. {2} When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. {3} The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. {4} Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”

We cannot separate our faith from how we work or run our business. Our businesses and places of work are where most people see our faith represented. In Christ’s day, tax collectors could charge people more than they actually owed and pocket the extra for themselves. They were seen as traitors and despised. But John doesn’t tell them to stop collecting taxes. He tells them to be fair, and not to cheat people. He told soldiers not to extort money from people, or bring false charges against them. These words apply today. Christians should be among the most honest people in the world. Yet almost weekly, we hear of one caught in some kind of dishonesty or lying. Walk carefully believers! The world revels and delights in exposing Christian hypocrites. When you walk in the light, you become highly visible. You will either be a rising star or a falling star. But you cannot be both at the same time. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Growing into Generosity

January 8

(Luke 3:10-11 NIV) ““What should we do then?" the crowd asked. {11} John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.””

(1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV) “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. {18} Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. {19} In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”

Generosity is one of the fruits that should grow out of a life rooted in God. Christians should be among the most generous people in the world because we are commanded to give like no one else. But sadly, that is not always the case. In the USA today, Christians do not really give much more to the church than the average citizen gives to charity. Recent surveys show that the average American gives around two percent of their income to charity every year, while the average Christian gives about two and a half percent of their income to the church. This means that church goers are only about one half percent more generous than those who claim to have no faith. Church giving was higher by percentage during the Great Depression than it is today. Something is wrong here. If we are going to call ourselves disciples of Jesus, we must do better than this. Grow into generosity. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day 

Producing Fruit

January 7

(Luke 3:9 NIV) “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

(Matthew 7:16-21 NIV) “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. {21} "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

(Galatians 5:19-23 NIV) “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; {20} idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions {21} and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. {22} 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.”

Living a fruitful life is important. John the Baptist, the apostle Paul, and the Lord Jesus preached this message. Do we produce fruit so we can be saved? No! We produce fruit because we are saved. Fruit is the evidence that we are rooted in Christ. John preached that if our repentance produces no fruit, the repentance is not genuine. And if we have not genuinely repented, God will take an ax to us, cut us down, and throw us into the fire. How’s that for “seeker sensitive”? Would Jesus approve of that message? Yes indeed! He preached the same thing in His Sermon on the Mount: God will know us by the fruit we produce, and fire awaits those who are fruitless. Perhaps it would be a good time to ask, “What is growing in my life? Is it the fruit of repentance? Is it the fruit of God’s Spirit?” If there is no fruit, perhaps we are rooted in something other than Christ, and it’s time to replant. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Ditch the Religion

January 6

(Luke 3:8b NIV) “And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.”

(Amos 5:21-24 NIV) “I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. {22} Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. {23} Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. {24} But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

Many in Christ’s day thought their religion qualified them for heaven. They thought they were “in”, because they were descended from Abraham, dressed a certain way, ate the right foods, and held the right doctrines. Many Christians today believe essentially the same thing. But both John and Jesus refuted this thinking. Instead, they taught that it is our relationship with God that makes us right with Him. Faith and righteousness are not about what denomination we belong to, what rituals we participate in, or what style of music we use in worship. God did not send His beloved Son into the world to start another religion. He could make better religious people out of rocks, so ditch the religion. What Jesus is looking for are followers who will rebuild their lives around Him. He wants disciples who will let God’s Spirit flow through them like a river. Are you that disciple? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Walk the Talk

January 5

(Luke 3:7-8a NIV) “John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? {8} Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”

(Matthew 7:18-21 NIV) ““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. {21} "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.””

John the Baptist accused those who came out to see him of being a “brood of vipers”… so much for being “seeker friendly”. But John’s calling was not to please a crowd -- it was to call people to repentance. It’s fashionable in Christian circles today to speak of God’s love and grace in a way that requires nothing of those who seek Him. We are saved by grace through faith, so we assume that salvation comes with no strings attached. But salvation calls for repentance, and repentance is turning away from sin and turning toward Jesus. We must turn around and walk in a new and different direction. True repentance requires change. This is the “through faith” part… the “fruit of repentance”. We cannot follow Jesus in faith and continue to live our lives as we always have. Salvation is a gift, but it comes at the cost of our old life. We cannot just say, “Lord, Lord”… we must “walk the talk”. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

God’s Salvation

January 4

(Luke 3:4-6 NIV) “As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. {5} Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. {6} And all mankind will see God's salvation.'"

(Acts 28:25-28 NIV)  "They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: {26} "'Go to this people and say, "You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving." {27} For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' {28} "Therefore I want you to know that God's salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!""

(1 Timothy 2:1-6 NIV)  "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- {2} for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. {3} This is good, and pleases God our Savior, {4} who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. {5} For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, {6} who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time."

John the Baptist and Paul the apostle were from very different backgrounds, but had much in common. Both saw Isaiah’s prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Both realized that God wants all mankind to see His salvation and be saved. Both ended up addressing rulers in authority, and both were eventually martyred for their uncompromising faith proclamations. The reason they were uncompromising is that God is uncompromising. The Lord wants the world to be saved, but will not compromise on how we receive that salvation. There is only one way… only one name that can save us: Christ Jesus. We must leave our crooked ways and come to Him. We must step out of darkness and into His wonderful light. We must acknowledge our sin, forsake our sin, and be willing to let Him wash our sins away. Jesus is the only way for all mankind to see God’s salvation. Proclaim it! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Get Right With God

January 3

(Luke 3:3 NIV) “He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

(Matthew 4:12-17 NIV) “When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. {13} Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali-- {14} to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: {15} "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles-- {16} the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." {17} From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.””

John wasn’t a prosperity preacher who taught that God just loves everybody and wants to bless them. He was not a purveyor of the “I’m OK, You’re OK” philosophy. He was an “in your face” kind of communicator -- an equal opportunity offender who coddled no one. He preached that our sins separate us from God. He preached that the way back to God was in repentance. This is the kind of repentance that requires turning away from sin and walking toward God with our hands up in surrender. It’s the kind of repentance that puts one on a completely new road. His message to everyone was the same: “Repent of sin and get right with God. Change your life and be baptized in water as a sign of your repentance.” It’s a message that Jesus echoed in His early preaching. And it’s a message that we should echo if we want to preach the whole truth. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

Sent By God

January 2

(Luke 3:1-3 NIV) “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar--when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—{2} during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. {3}He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

(Matthew 3:1-3 NIV) “In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea {2} and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." {3} This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.””

John the Baptist was an abrasive prophet, who had no fear of preaching the truth. He would have lasted about fifteen minutes in many of our churches today before they turned off his mike and escorted him from the platform. Church growth gurus would have condemned him for being judgmental. His style was not “seeker sensitive”. His location was poor. His preaching was confrontational. His worship band was non-existent. His clothes were out of style. But his attendance numbers were phenomenal. The word of God came to John and he preached it. He was sent by God to prepare people for the coming of Christ, and the Lord sent people out into the desert to hear the truth. That is still our mission today Christians. We too, have been sent by God to preach the truth about Christ and His coming. Anything less and we fall short of our calling. In word and deed, preach the truth. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day

The Physician Speaks

January 1

(Luke 1:1-4 NIV) “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, {2} just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. {3} Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, {4} so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”

(Colossians 4:14 NIV) “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.”

Luke was a physician from the Greek city of Antioch. He had not walked with Jesus, but likely heard about the Lord through Paul the apostle. After his conversion to Christianity, he went on to become much more than just your average pew warmer. He became one of Paul’s most loyal companions, serving with him on several missionary journeys. Luke was also a writer and a meticulous historian. He wrote the Gospel of Luke, and a history of the early church called the book of Acts. As Christianity took wing on the resurrection of Jesus, these two books chronicle its rise from a local sect to a world religion. Hopefully this year, through Luke’s faithful efforts and the illumination of the Holy Spirit, our faith can also spread its wings and move out into the world. As the physician speaks to us in the next fifty-two weeks, let’s prepare to rise above being just a “Sunday Christian”. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day