"And I assure you of this: If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I, the Son of Man, will openly acknowledge that person in the presence of God's angels." v. 8 NLT

The right sort of fear can save your life. As believers, we know the fear of the LORD refers to the awe and amazement we experience when we draw close to and worship God. But things go sideways when the wrong kind of fear creeps in... fear of men and circumstances. The truth of Jesus, His love and gift of salvation is ALWAYS the best response to someone's pain and hurt. Don't let the fear of man rob you of even one chance to win someone for His kingdom.

It is an amazing thing when the words of Jesus meet the action of humans. We live in a very broken world which is home to 8 billion broken people. We know God's word is the balm every human soul desires, but might our own person interactions - showing the love of the Creator to others - be the actual glue that begins to repair and make strong again what is shattered?

"'How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, follow him.' But the people were completely silent." The world makes us choose to follow something... Jesus desires for us to choose Him!

So many folks were anxiously awaiting the 'Kingdom of God' and paying close attention and listening to Jesus' thoughts on the subject. What they actually heard, though, was entirely unexpected. What did they do with what they heard? What do we do as we continue to wait?

Who would've thought so much discussion could surround taking time, after the work is complete, to purposefully rest during the week? But what constitutes work? Conversely, what constitutes rest? Consider the work of creation and redemption... the two most important works in human history. Where did rest fit in?

A sheep, a coin... a son. Jesus wants us to feel heaven's joy - His joy - when one lost soul repents and believes in Him. Consider the return of a son after his period of rebellion and 'freedom' from his family... if sibling rivalry was ever a thing, this might be it. The older son was responsible and obedient, so what gives?

Jesus lays out how he pursues lost people and also his heart for those who wait for them. We see a couple of examples here in Luke - a lost sheep, highly valued by it's shepherd and a lost coin, a woman's significant asset. But the joy is really not about the item's recovery... would life go on if the sheep or the coin weren't recovered? Yes, and that's the very reason why the third example of the lost son hits a bit differently - its personal. Jesus wants us to feel heaven's joy when one lost soul - one human person - repents and follows Him. The younger son who chose to wander and squander in the far country made a mess of his life for sure, but what a beautiful image of repentance and forgiveness between father and son and ultimately our Heavenly Father and his children.

Grandparents can serve a very special purpose in the lives of their grandchildren. Cheerleader, confidant, instigator and participant in all things FUN... but most importantly, prayer warriors. Praying for your grandchildren - that they would make good choices, follow the Lord in their hearts and lives and grow in the truth and knowledge of God - is so important. Building a godly legacy should be a grandparent's highest goal and honor.