Luke 3

John is reprimanding the crowds who come to be baptized because they basically were wanting to avoid punishment from God so they thought getting baptized would be a good idea. They weren't ready to change their lives. I really liked verses 10-14...

The people asked John, "Then what should we do?" John answered, "If you have two shirts, share with the person who does not have one. If you have food, share that also." Even tax collectors came to John to be baptized. They said to him, "Teacher, what should we do?" John said to them, "Don't take more taxes from people than you have been ordered to take." The soldiers asked John, "What about us? What should we do?" John said to them, "Don't force people to give you money, and don't lie about them. Be satisfied with the pay you get." Luke 3:10-14 New Century Version

As I read that..I thought "How obvious!" "Duh!". But as I thought about it more, I realize how we still struggle with these same issues today. How many shirts are in my closet? How often have I gave away my clothes to someone else? How much food do I have in my fridge, but how often do I share it with others?

These people had allowed their culture to creep in and destroy their sense of right and wrong. Their values were influenced by what was "ok" in their society. As disciples of Christ, we have a higher authority that we must listen to and more and more his values and ways are the direct opposite of what our culture and our world feels is ok.

My brother asked if it was ok if he invited a woman to our Christmas Dinner. She has no family in the area, and won't be leaving to see her family until after the holidays because she's in the middle of a messy divorce. My mind hesitated and then I said, "Yeah, definitely." But my first thought, was I don't know this woman, I don't want to spend the day with her...It's Christmas after all! YEAH SHAWNA>>IT"S CHRISTMAS after all! We should open our hearts and homes to people..especially those in need. This woman is down and out and I'm thinking about how it will possibly inconvenience me. Then I read this Chapter in Luke today and had confirmation once more, that I need to be more giving. I need to realize that everything I have, everything I am, and everything I do, comes from God and I should be willing to freely share it with anyone and everyone. It's about life change. Mine being transformed by God and my willingness to join God as He changes other lives. God thanks for the reminder, thanks for humbling me once more.

BOOKS

Finished Experiencing God. Was great. Definitely a much needed spiritual awakening. It really got me thinking and diving into God's Word and listening to God and watching. Highly recommend it, especially if your walk feels stale and cold. Was great.

Finished the first book of Harry Potter. It was cute. The only problem I had was it had one cuss word (d---) in the beginning and that just frustrated me. But beyond that, a thoroughly enjoyable book. I have begun the second in the series and am liking it as well!

Luke

I was nervous when I finished Experiencing God because I had this great routine of spending time with God and now I'm on my own again. So I've started reading Luke. I don't think I've ever read this book in its entirety. So I'm looking forward to discovering it in the next few weeks. I read Chapter 1 on Wednesday and today I read chapter 2

Chapter 1

The one thing that stood out to me was how much I appreciate Mary for living a pure life. I had never really thought about it. But to be chosen to carry Christ! How humbling and nerve-wracking. Can you imagine? I appreciate that there was a woman with who God could entrust the Christ.

Chapter 2

In this Chapter I appreciate how God gave Mary and Joseph confirmation (as He did in Chapter 1 with Elizabeth) that the child they were to raise was indeed the Christ. We have two separate people who come up to them and declare Jesus as God's salvation. I can't imagine being Mary & Joseph..the questions they must have asked themselves. The doubts that Joseph had to have struggled with in believing Mary that she hadn't been with someone else. It is mind boggling. But we see here God anticipating those doubts and struggles and giving them confirmation through other believers. How true that is for today as well! God, you're too cool!

Life is so crazy around here! I feel like someone pushed the fast forward button on my life. It's the middle of November..Holy Cow! I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. Now we're in the middle of Thanksgiving plans and then soon to be Christmas and then the New Year and if that wasn't enough to make me crazy, my brother-in-law is getting married in 2 weeks and both my husband and daughter are in the wedding! Aaaaaaa! :) I do love to be busy though.

It cracks me up because here I am complaining about how busy I am, but the moment this all slows down (about the end of January) I will be complaining about how bored I am..lol. Never satisfied are we?