Profit

For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? – Luke 9:35, NASB

What is most important to you? Your relationship with Jesus is. It determines your eternal state – glorifying God, or not. Don’t concern yourself with the car, the work, the things of this world until you are right with Jesus Christ.

All Will Know

Luke 17:23-24 - “They will say to you, ‘Look there! Look here!’ Do not go away, and do not run after them. For just like the lightning, when it flashes out of one part of the sky, shines to the other part of the sky, so will the Son of Man be in His day.”

The second coming of Christ, unlike the Nativity, will be noticeable by everyone. There will be an unmistakable – seen by all – light. All will know that Jesus is here on Earth again. Do not pay any attention those who point to this sign or that. All will know.

Look for Heart Signs

Luke 17:20 – Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; …”

The Pharisees apparently desired to know the cosmic signs preceding the coming of the kingdom so that they can be sure not to miss it. Jesus replies that the kingdom will not come in ways that can be observed. Because of what follows, Jesus means that the arrival of the kingdom of God will not be evident by spectacular signs in the heavens but rather that the kingdom will come quietly, evident only in the change in people’s lives. Is your life Jesus-is-coming-ready?

Still to Come

“Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory.” - Luke 21:27

Those Christians who say we are in the millennial days have not read and understood all of Scripture or do not take what is written as literal. No one has seen the event Jesus speaks of in today’s verse because it has not happened and it is what ushers in the thousand year reign of the Messiah. Jesus has only been to earth once as a baby in a manger not as a victor coming on a cloud. Study Scripture. Read. Understand. Live it.

Well-pleased

…and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." - Luke 3:22

Ever wonder why, at the very beginning of Jesus’ public life, the Father was “well-pleased”? Essentially the Son hadn’t done anything yet – from our perspective. However, from the all-knowing Father’s perspective Jesus’ payment for your sins was a done deal. Jesus was willing and ready to do what had to be done. God is still well-pleased with the outcome and He's calling you. Have you answered?

Fear God

"I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!” - Luke 12:4-5

Fear God, Jesus is saying. He’s the only one who has authority over your eternal destiny. This is an important fact for us to remember. It will likely come in handy one day with one who has no fear of God. Be a witness for the One to Be Feared.

Fear

"I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!” - Luke 12:4-5

Jesus has just spoken of the death of the prophets (11:47) and of the apostles’ inevitable deaths (11:49) but says what matters is not the physical death of the body but the spiritual death of the soul. He places emphasis on His meaning by repeating “fear Him.” Do your relatives, friends, and acquaintances know what you fear? Be a bold witness today by doing something overtly Christian like pause to pray before eating in the lunchroom or saying “God bless, you” when she didn’t even sneeze.

Being Better than the Sinners

“If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.” - Luke 6:33

When dealing with others, trading kindness for kindness is not enough. Even sinners do that. Can you go the next step? Verse 35 says instead Christians are to “…love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return….” This is the measure of the depth of your love for others and God. How do you measure up? Have you done a kindness for an enemy lately?

Gaining Friendly Enemies

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” - Luke 6:27-28

You’re one of those who have heard so you are subject to this often difficult but rewarding task. Twenty years ago by loving and praying for someone who saw me as adversarial competition we became pretty good friends. Try it. Begin today to pray for someone from whom you sense hostility. You may be quite surprised by what God has in mind.