Jesus and Praying

This week I finished the book of Numbers and started the book of Deuteronomy along with continuing in Luke and Proverbs. The following are some of my thoughts:

• In Luke 4 the demons acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God

• What boundaries has God established in your life and ministry? (Numbers 34)

• Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16) How often do we?

• God said to Israel, you have stayed here long enough, break camp and advance (Deuteronomy 1:6)

• A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25)

• In Deuteronomy 2 God guided Israel under Moses to move, to fight, to pay others for food and water

• Jesus spent the entire night praying before selecting his twelve disciples the following day (Luke 6)

Well, today marks the completion of my 45th year of life. Highlights of the weekend include dinner with the family and my parents Friday evening, brunch with family Saturday morning, Saturday evening gathering at Apex Community and a small birthday bash with ice cream cake afterwards. Sunday should be a full day of rest and contemplation.

Seven Decisions by Andy Andrews

1) The buck stops here. I am responsible.

2) I will seek wisdom. I am a servant.

3) I am a person of action.

4) I have a decided heart.

5) I will choose to be happy.

6) I will have a forgiving spirit.

7) I will persist and have faith.

Find out more at AndyAndrews.com

A Week of Contrasts

Just like in the final week of Jesus life before he was crucified, this week while reading in the books of Numbers, Proverbs and Luke a lot of contrasts where brought to light:

• Numbers 22 tells the story of a man named Balaam and his donkey. Balaam beats his donkey 3 different times for not taking him where he wanted to go. Then the donkey actually spoke to Balaam and the angel who was blocking their way was revealed to Balaam. Ultimately Balaam gets to where he is going and blesses the tribes of Israel 3 times.

• A gossip betrays, the trustworthy keeps confidences (Proverbs 11:13)

• Balaam did not sell out to Balak (the world) but did what pleased the Lord (Numbers 24)

• In Luke 2 Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Simeon was moved by the Holy Spirit and blessed Joseph and Mary along with prophesying about Jesus and his future

• Jesus grew and became strong, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and the grace of God was upon him (Luke 2:40)

• A kind man benefits, a cruel man brings trouble (Proverbs 11:16-17)

• In Luke 3 the lineage of Jesus is traced all the way back to God

• The righteous attain life, the evil death (Proverbs 11:19)

• Luke 4:1 states that Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and he was hungry after 40 days of eating nothing. This shows us his humanness.

• What a contrast between Luke 4:22 where all the people spoke well of Jesus and Luke 4:28 where all the people were furious with Jesus. What did he say that made such a change?

Happy Easter Everyone!