No, the title of today’s devotional does not refer to adding another bathroom to our home. We’re fine with what we have. But thanks for asking! In Luke chapter 9, we see Jesus facing opposition from some northern Israeli people, the Samaritans. Rivalry between North and South has plagued many nations, including our own.

These northern Israelis resent Jesus, who now has His eyes set on returning to Jerusalem, the Samaritan enemy’s capital city. Phooey, on that so-called holy city, is the Samaritan attitude. And Jesus can go you know where while he’s at it. That’s not making nice toward your neighbors. Such ungrateful rapscallions and rogues, that bunch.

What was Jesus’ followers’ reaction to this brush-off? “And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?'” (Luke 9: 54). Sounds like ultimate revenge may be in the offing, doesn’t it? James and John opt for wiping them off the face of the earth, ushering them on a one-way trip through the gates of hell.

But what about Jesus’ reaction? I’d rather catch His thoughts, wouldn’t you?–‘But he (Jesus) turned and rebuked them (James and John)’ (Luke 9: 55). Knock it off, boys. Show some mercy, for my sake. From now on I’m calling you ‘the sons of thunder’ for being reckless hotheads. That sobered them up. I’d be mighty ashamed at my obvious lack of love. But would I?

Later, in the Book of Acts chapter 8, the apostles discover that some Samaritans have become believers in Jesus, trusting in what God’s Word tells them. Samaritans? Them? You’re kidding me, aren’t you? So now what does that ‘Son of Thunder’ John propose? Fire and judgment once again? Finish the job once and for all?

No. Quite the contrary. For he’s a changed man. Jerusalem’s head apostles decided to send John and Peter to investigate what had happened. They wouldn’t have sent John if he still harbored revenge and hatred in his heart, but that’s not him anymore.

John has become a new person—quite different. It’s sad to admit that sometimes I find myself like John of Luke—a kid brother of thunder. But the more time I spend in my Bible, the more I want to be like John in the Book of Acts—with more kindness, forgiveness, understanding, and mercy.

Actually, more like Jesus. That’s my prayer this week–to be a changed person more and more.

Please, Jesus, help me to be like you. Amen.

Is the Christian life a simple one? Not too complicated or confusing? Or does it seem like rules and regulations are a tad overbearing? With too many hypocrites inhabiting churches? How about those four-flusher writers of weekly devotionals? Can you really trust the Bible as God’s Word? On and On. Oy Vey, already. What a mess.

I’ll be bold today and say that despite the above objections, following the Lord is as simple as 1, 2, and 3! Hear what the Bible says–‘…choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life…’ (Deuteronomy 30: 19-20).

Here in Deuteronomy, we’re told how to follow the Lord. It’s as simple as 1, 2, and 3! Let’s spell it out. Moses uses three Hebrew language participles to describe a godly life. He tells ancient Israelites to love the Lord, obey God’s words, and hold onto Him as tight as possible. Loving…obeying…holding onto. It’s as simple as apple pie topped with ice cream on a thick slab of extra-sharp cheddar cheese.

But what about those three participles? What are they, smarty-pants grammar know-it-alls? Guess I’m talking about myself since I’m about to explain. So, get with it. What are they? Participles are verbal adjectives. Oh really? Yes, their verbal qualities describe an action. And then, like adjectives, they add color to the nouns they modify. Simply put, when it comes to our relationship with Jesus Christ, we actively love, obey, and hold on tightly to our Lord who colors our lives with excitement and joy, participially speaking, that is.

This week enjoy a simpler life in Jesus. Love Him by telling Him how much you adore Him. Please speak from your heart–nothing wooden, forced, or with buttering-up motives.

And then obey Him. Make Him your first choice in life, never backpedaling your witness for and testimony of Jesus. Then hold on for dear life. The winds of opposition blow strong and fierce these days. Never let go. And He’ll do all the more with you.

Simple? In a way.

Lord Jesus, I love you and want to be your faithful follower. Amen.

Do you ever feel like you’re not doing all you could for the Lord? That you’re holding back some? Whatever I’ve done, with my eye on following Jesus, always seems inadequate at best, especially on good days. Am I the only one?

To be honest, I know that I’m a flawed vessel. I hear old voices rattling in my head saying, ‘You’re no good. Why try?’ Wonder whose voice whispers such bad news? You know and so do I. Tell that blankety-blank so-and-so where he can take his damnable mutterings of doom and gloom. And read Matthew 25 for what your good Lord has to say. Listen to an encouraging voice, which makes me want to get up and go for Jesus!

Well, it’s a parable Jesus tells, a clever story. A man takes off somewhere, leaving his business interests to three capable associates. They all have differing levels of responsibility, probably depending on their abilities. Off he goes with the first two putting what they’ve been entrusted with to work. Each produces a double return. Pretty good, huh? The head honcho agrees–‘Well done, good and faithful servant…’ (Matt. 25: 21, 23).

The third employee. How did he do? Not so great. This know-it-all gets it into his thick skull that this boss-man is a rotten, nasty scoundrel, who never appreciates anything this bloke has ever done. He even accuses the top dog of being a lazy galoot, who doesn’t lift a finger to do a lick of work but expects miracles from those under him. Especially little old him. This head honcho, this big cheese is lucky to get back what was given him. Right? Wrong!

In the end, this third man’s workload is reapportioned, leaving him out in the cold, although that’s not quite the temperature where he now finds himself.

The point? For you and me? Get busy for Jesus. Find out what talents and gifts the Lord’s given you. Surely you must have an inkling? Put whatever to work. Don’t say you’ll do it, do it.

And don’t let the perfect ruin the good we can do. Get off the high horse of performance, not allowing numbers or success figures to cloud the picture. I’m talking to myself now. Know that He’ll appreciate whatever you can do for others for Him. Even that small cup of water given to a thirsty person in Jesus’ name registers high marks with the Master (Matt. 10: 42).

Forget about Jesus ever saying to you, ‘Perfectly done…’ ‘Well done’ is fine and dandy with me. I’d love to hear that from His mouth to my ears. You too?

What a privilege, dear Jesus, to work for you. Thank you. Amen.

This could be the year! Could it? For what? Well, when Jesus comes back. His second coming as He promised. This year? Really? 2025? Could be. 50/50 chance. Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe better.

There was a time when I heard all kinds of predictions about Jesus’ soon return. Some chose a specific date and bet the whole house on it. How did it go? It didn’t. That false alarm should have mortified the folk who tried to foist that on the rest of us. At various times individuals and groups, some possibly well-meaning, played the prediction game, like using a Christian crystal ball or Ouija board to discover the answer to that biggest question. When?

In Matthew 24, Jesus is asked about that very topic–“…the disciples came to him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?'” (Matt. 24: 3). Pointedly, Jesus tells them to knock it off. Cut it out. Don’t even ask. Rather, all the signs and guesstimates are merely starting points of tough times–“And Jesus answered them, ‘See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ, and they will lead many astray…All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.'” (24: 4-5, 8).

When you think things can’t get worse, well, you know. Jesus warns us not to be surprised that so-called believers fall away, rejecting their Lord. Betrayal will abound from unlikely sources, even friends and family. Religious leaders, who spout a good line, will be wolves in sheep’s clothing, lying through their false teeth to get as much moolah as they can wangle out of poor, unsuspecting types. Cover your wallet. Don’t give out your bank account number. So to speak. And this is good news?

Read the rest of Matthew 24. It doesn’t lighten up much, except that Jesus promises He will return. In the end, Jesus wins. And so will we with Him—through Him, because of Him, and by Him alone.

Well, this could be the year. Who knows? Only God does. So, let’s leave it with Him. He’ll bring Jesus back right on schedule–His schedule–never too soon, never too late, and right on time. That’s all we need to know. Are you okay with that? But keep looking up.

Lord Jesus, we look forward to seeing you face to face. Amen.