Luke 13, Part 1

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Observation: The Jewish people have believed that a person's suffering is parallel to their sins; therefore a person who suffers much, sinned much, and is suffering the consequenses of their actions. This had also been the belief of Job's friends. Jesus explains that these events show how fragile life is, but to change the tragedy of death to the blessing of life, repentance is needed. Jesus then calls for national repentance, because what is important is not our life now, but judgement after death.

Application: Repentance is one of the difficult parts of Christian life; it means admitting our mistakes, our failures, our sins. We easily see sin in others but have much trouble seeing sin in ourselves. Yet this passage tells us repentance is imperative or else we will perish.

Prayer: Father, I know I'm a sinner, unworthy to even look up to heaven and Your Holy Throne. Yet when it comes to admitting my sins, I hesitate. I don't like pointing out my frailties and struggles to please You. You don't expect perfection from me; You want humility. I'm sorry, Father, because each day I grieve You with my thoughts, attitude and actions. Give me wisdom to reject that which pains You, and seek what glorifies You. Keep me from walking in sin. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Luke 12, Part 4

Scripture: Luke 12:49-59

Observation: Jesus gives His disciples some not so pleasant news. His ministry will bring division, not peace. Families will be divided, both in the home and spiritually. However, the warning comes to alert the disciples that God is at work. The signs will be as clear as the signs of weather in the skies. Most important, our spiritual debt will need to be paid.

Application: Now is the time. Divisions are clear all around the world, families fall apart more than stay together, and Jesus' signs are seen all of the time. It is time to be reconciled with God. To wait is foolishness; we have a Redeemer who paid the price for us. If we don't accept His payment for our sins, we have to pay for them ourselves, and we simply don't have the means.

Prayer: Father, Jesus came to redeem us, to pay the hefty price for our sins. I believe in Jesus, in His death and resurrection, in His faithfulness at completing the work He was sent to do. But so many still don't know, still don't believe. Lord, give me the words to tell people the urgency of the need to be reconciled to You. While we are alive we have the chance to be cleansed in Your blood. Holy Spirit, help me to share this truth. In Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Luke 12, Part 3

Scripture: Luke 12:35-48

Observation: Jesus warns His disciples to be ready and waiting for His return. He doesn't tell them when that return will be, if the wait will be long or short. He simply tells them to be ready, because that return will be when least expected, and the slave who is faithful and prudent will be blessed. The slave who is unfaithful will receive a severe beating.

Application: We hope and await Jesus' return, though we still don't know when it will be. People have tried to pinpoint the day, yet have repeatedly been proven wrong. Ours is not to know the day but to remain faithful. Since it's unknown when that day will come upon us, we are to live as though it's today, doing the work that the Master entrusted to us.

Prayer: Father, I've no doubt Jesus will return, because He promised it. Am I ready for His arrival? I want to always be focused on You and Your will, not concerned with the day and time, but concerned instead with my actions, my thoughts, whether these are in keeping with Your plan for my life. Help me to keep my focus on the eternal, on Your kingdom, and not on the temporary. Help me to keep my eyes on You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Luke 12, Part 2

Scripture: Luke 12:13-34

Observation: Jesus tells the parable of a rich man who plans covetously for his future and doesn't consider God or his fellow man. He lets the crowd know how fleeting life is, and how meaningless our possessions become after death. He then tells His disciples not to worry about food, or clothes, or any of the things the world worries about. Instead, He instructs us to put first the kingdom, and everything else will be given us.

Application: I sometimes start to think about how we're going to manage on one salary, and God reminds me of these verses. It's been almost a year, yet at no point have we worried because we have no money for bills or food. As long as my focus is on the Lord and His will, I don't need to worry, or even think about the rest. It's taken care of.

Prayer: Father, You certainly have shown Yourself faithful in this area of my life. Two years ago I wouldn't have thought it possible, but here I am, thankful for being obedient to Your Word and trusting in You. Keep my focus on heaven, and the work that needs to be done here. I don't ever want to strive for worldly riches again. I want only to strive for what is important to You. In Christ Jesus, Amen.

Luke 12, Part 1

Scripture: Luke 12:1-12

Observation: Jesus knows the religious leaders are outraged by His words (see chapter 11) and so He warns His disciples not to fear men, for they can only kill the body. Fear God and confess Jesus, because those who acknowledge the Lord will be acknowledged by Him in heaven.

Application: Jesus made clear that physical persecution was to be expected; after all, the words He proclaimed were not popular, and He would have to be quieted. We speak His words today, and they are probably less popular now than ever. Christians are persecuted and ridiculed all around the world for repeating and teaching the Gospel. Our trust, however, must be in the Lord. While man can hurt us for a time, and even kill us, our eternity is dependent on our Creator, and He has promised us eternal life in His Father's house. In addition, we have the Holy Spirit to aid us here on earth.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, on my own strength I could never defeat my enemies, those who would have me quieted because they don't want to hear Your Word. They don't understand that Yours are words of life. Holy Spirit, You provide the words and the strength so that I may speak truth, because the world needs to hear. I trust in You to lead the way. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.

Luke 11, Part 4

Scripture: Luke 11:37-54

Observation: Jesus is eating a meal at a Pharisee's house, when the Pharisee notes that Jesus has not washed before eating. Jesus takes this opportunity to point out to the Pharisee that he (and the others) are more concerned with the outside (appearances) than the inside (their characters). Next He tells them they tithe every small herb but neglect the pursuit of love and justice. One of the scribes (lawyers of the law) protests, saying that by offending the Pharisees Jesus offends them also. But Jesus calls all of them to repentance, and calls them all hypocrites.

Application: Jesus was not concerned with political correctness. He was at the Pharisee's house, sitting at the Pharisee's table, yet He didn't flinch or try to white-wash His message of repentance. He knew it was necessary for all to repent, even if they didn't want to hear about it. Am I more concerned about the Gospel, or stepping on people's toes?

Prayer: Father, speaking Your truths is not popular. No one wants to be told that their way of thinking is wrong. But how can they repent if they aren't told? Everyone needs to have a chance to hear and receive the Gospel, just like I did. Please give me words to speak to everyone, whether pleasing or not. Take away any fear of speaking up that I may have. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Luke 11, Part 3

Scripture: Luke 11:29-36

Observation: The people asked for more signs, but Jesus told them there would be just one more sign: the sign of Jonah. Ninevah would condemn this generation who asked for much but didn't realize Who was among them. Jesus then explained that the eye is the lamp of the body, and our eyes need to be healthy if all our body is to be healthy.

Application: God has given us something the Israelites didn't have: His complete Word. We have everything in the Scriptures: past, present and future. We need nothing else. If we ask for more we're like the Pharisees who couldn't see what was in front of their faces. Our eyes should be focused on Jesus - He is the light in this world of darkness, and our eyes need to be filled with His light so that our being will not be in darkness.

Prayer: Father, how thankful I am that I have Your Word! Without it there would be no knowledge, no wisdom worth anything. I pray that as I remain in Your Word I will see more clearly Your Will for my life. May Your light guide me, and may I too be light in this dark world, for Your glory. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Luke 11, Part 2

Scripture: Luke 11:14-28

Observation: The crowds watch as Jesus casts out a demon from a mute. They claim He does it by the power of Beelzebub, a false god. But Jesus tells them how illogical this is, because no kingdom can survive divided. He also accuses them, by reminding them that their own exorcists are casting out demons. Jesus explains that an unclean spirit looks for a place to rest, and looks for a place that looks clean, making it worse for the person. When a woman in the crowd declares His mother blessed, He tells her that the blessed ones are those that hear God's Word and obey.

Application: The enemy looks for a place to settle, and that place is in a heart that isn't filled with the Holy Spirit. Our true happiness comes in giving ourselves over to the Lord, in hearing His commands and obeying them. Only then are our souls secure.

Prayer: Father, I am so thankful to You for sending Jesus to die for my sins. I'm thankful that I have Your Word to guide me in my life. I'm thankful Holy Spirit, that You explain the Word to me, so I can understand Your will for my life. I'm sorry for the times when I try to do things my way instead of allowing myself to be guided by You. Help me to always seek You first in all my decisions. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.

Luke 11, Part 1

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13

Observation: Jesus teaches His disciples to pray. He gives them a simple prayer that says much, placing God's Sovereignty and Kingdom first, our needs second, our admittance to sin and need for forgiveness third, and last our realization of our need for Him. Then He emphasizes the importance of persistance, of remaining in prayer, because in His due time He will answer if we continue to pray.

Application: My prayers, if they are in line with God's will, will be answered. I need to believe that. I sometimes get discouraged because the answer doesn't come when I expect it, as quickly as I anticipate it. Yet my vision is limited, while God's is all encompassing. He sees what I can't see, and answers when the time is right.

Prayer: Father, my impatience can often cause me to worry unnecessarily. I worry that my prayer isn't being answered; I worry that I may not have prayed enough, or prayed too late, or wasn't being specific enough. But You know my needs better than I and before I recognize them. I will trust You to answer my requests when You consider the time is right, and not when I think is the appropriate moment. I love You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Luke 10, Part 4

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Observation: Jesus goes to visit Martha and Mary. Martha is concerned with the daily tasks and serving her guests; Mary is sitting at Jesus' feet. Martha complains because her sister isn't helping her. But Jesus tells Martha that she is distracted by much when she needs only one thing - that which Mary has chosen.

Application: Obviously the Lord is not saying here that in serving and taking care of chores Martha was sinning. What Jesus said was that she was "distracted," in other words she was worried more about what was going on around her and not Who was seated before her. We too, get distracted by TV, Internet, errands and daily tasks. Do we stop and take time to sit at the Master's feet?

Prayer: Dearest Father, I can be such a Martha! I begin worrying about day to day activities and forget the most important activity, making time for You. Forgive my distraction Lord, and help me to be more focused. Even in those moments when I have to take care of my family, home, etc, may I do these things as unto You, and may I always remember to put my burdens at Your feet. In Christ Jesus, Amen.

Luke 10, Part 3

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Observation: The parable of the good Samaritan. A lawyer, trying to test Jesus, asks what he needs to do to have eternal life. Jesus has him answer his own question by quoting the Law. Then the lawyer, trying to get out of his responsibility, asks who his neighbor is. Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, tells the parable of the good Samaritan, teaching that a neighbor shows compassion and mercy to anyone regardless of race, color, creed, religion, etc.

Application: We are like the robbery victim in the parable. Satan has robbed and wounded us. That is the effect of sin. Jesus came and had compassion for us. He paid the price for our sins, even when we were still sinners (Romans 3:23). Now He asks us to go and do likewise. Grace and compassion, as shown to us, must be shown to all, without judgment and without regard to race, color, or belief.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You saw us in distress and sent Your Son to heal our wounds and pay the price for our recovery. How can I not want to do the same? Yet at times I look at people and try to decide whether they are worthy of kindness based on their lives and actions. Thankfully You are so unlike me! You love everyone and want all to be saved. Teach me to be the same; soften my heart towards all people, so I may show kindness to all. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Luke 10, Part 2

Scripture: Luke 10:17-24

Observation: The seventy return joyous because the power Jesus has given them even gives them authority over demons. Jesus rejoices over the fall of satan and for the humble who have received Him and His Word. He warns the disciples that, rather than rejoice in their victory over satan, they should instead rejoice in their salvation, that their names are written in heaven.

Application: It's easy to fall into spiritual pride, and it has been the destruction of many. It's important that we realize that any victory we have over satan is really Jesus' victory, because He has been given authority in heaven and on earth. Rather than take credit for our ministries, we must humble ourselves to the One who has blessed us with salvation and is the originator of our victories.

Prayer: Father, I realize that alone I could never defeat the enemy. I couldn't even stand before him to fight. Only by putting on Your armor can I attempt to stand before the devil (Ephesians 6:11). I need to stay in the Word, and remain in prayer, so that I can be strong in Your strength when the enemy attacks. Thank You for Your Word, the sword of the Spirit, Your truth, and salvation. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.

Luke 10, Part 1

Scripture: Luke 10:1-16

Observation: Jesus sends 70 disciples to every town, in pairs, to preach the Gospel. He warned them that there was much work to do, and it wouldn't be easy. They would take nothing with them, but trust in God to supply their needs. He made clear that rejection of His disciples was the equivalent of rejecting Him.

Applications: The work of the ministry is not a way to get rich, or become famous, or experience the comforts available to the world. Ministry life is hard work, and requires much trust in God. Missionaries go into dangerous situations to deliver the Gospel. But satan is everywhere, trying to undermine each and every ministry. We need to remember who is sending us, and place our trust and life in His hands.

Prayer: Father, I pray a blessing over those in the mission fields. Whether that mission field is in a distant country, the workplace, or the home, may we never forget the commission we've received, to preach and teach the Gospel of salvation. Those that accept are blessed, those that don't will deal with judgment. May my only concern be obedience to the ministry where You've placed me. In Christ Jesus' name, Amen.

Luke 9, Part 8

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62

Observation: People were interested in following Jesus. They would approach Him with the desire, but when they heard the conditions, they backed out. Jesus told one man He had no place to lay His head (no comforts of home), another who wanted time to care for his parents was told to let the dead bury their dead. Still another wanted time to say goodbye to his friends, but Jesus said no one could follow Him and look back with regret.

Application: We sometimes think that being followers of Jesus means life will be easy. After all, Jesus loves us, so He will grant whatever we ask in prayer, like Aladdin and his magic lamp. We relax in the knowledge of salvation, but that isn't what Jesus called us to do. Christianity is a verb, not an adjective. We believe, and belief must put our faith in motion. It won't be easy; then again nothing worthwhile is.

Prayer: Father, often times I get comfortable in my walk with You. I know the path is narrow, but I forget it also isn't smooth. Don't allow me to become complacent, Lord. In my peaceful days let me rejoice in You and in my troubled times let me seek You, not letting anything else get in the way. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Luke 9, Part 7

Scripture: Luke 9:51-56

Observation: Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem, sends His disciples ahead to a Samaritan village to find lodging, but they are refused. The disciples wish to send down fire on the town, but Jesus rebukes them and continues His journey.

Application: In these few verses we see 2 sins: pride and ambition. The disciples' pride was injured when their Master was rejected, and their ambition was shown in their desire to bring harm. They couldn't see their sin; they felt theirs was zeal for the Lord. But Jesus came for a specific mission, which did not include harming people; it was a mission to do good. He knew the Samaritans were acting out of the prejudices of the day and not attacking Him in particular. Today, Christians are attacked and persecuted in many ways. To attack back, whether in word or action, is not being Christlike, but instead manifests pride. To be like Jesus we must pray for our enemies.

Prayer: Father, that is my request. Those that attack Christians, many like Saul before he became the apostle Paul, believe they're doing right. Others simply don't know better. Please open their eyes to Your truth, and help us to treat our attackers with love and compassion, not with anger and vengeance, so that Your Holy Spirit can do a work in the lives of our enemies and in ours also. In Christ Jesus' name, Amen.

Luke 9, Part 6

Scripture: Luke 9:44-50

Observation: After telling His disciples that He must be betrayed He proceeds to explain true greatness to them. He pulled over a small child, and told them that to welcome a small child is to welcome Jesus Himself, and that the least of them would be the greatest. John then tells Jesus about someone who is casting out demons in Jesus' name who is not one of them, but Jesus tells John whoever is not against them is with them.

Application: This is a huge lesson in humility. The 12 had become a bit full of themselves, seeking who of them was superior and believing that no one else could do that which Jesus had ordained them to do. But Jesus dashed those prideful thoughts by telling them the least of them would be exalted. The child was the symbol of simplicity and humility. He made clear that faithful followers were accepted even if they weren't physically with Jesus.

Prayer: Father, pride made the disciples want a superior place in the Kingdom, and pride is something I still struggle with today. I enjoy the accolades of those around me, and forget to give You the glory. Yet I know that all I am owe to You, and all I do should be done unto You. Pleas forgive my pride, and guide me always to a better understanding of humility. In Christ Jesus, Amen.

Luke 9, Part 5

Scripture: Luke 9:37-43

Observation: A father comes to Jesus begging Him to heal his son who is demon possessed. The man had asked Jesus' disciples to heal his son, but they couldn't. Jesus has them bring the child, and while on the way the demon attacks the boy, who falls into convulsions. Jesus rebukes the demon and heals the boy to the astonishment of the crowd.

Application: Satan will attack anyone - he doesn't care if it's a child, a woman, the elderly, etc. He has compassion for no one. But we who have access to Christ can rejoice, because Jesus can do what no one else can. When our children recover from sickness, when a family member is healed, when a freind comes through a difficult trial, we know who we have to thank - the One who has power and authority over all.

Prayer: I have more than just a friend in Jesus. I have an All Knowing Savior, an All Powerful Healer, who has all authority on earth and heaven to heal us from any malady, physical or spiritual. Thank You Father, for giving us a Savior to turn to in times of want, of need, of joy and of pain. Thank You Jesus, for loving me so much You would give up Your life for me. May my life give testimony to Your love. In Christ Jesus, Amen.

Luke 9, Part 4

Scripture: Luke 9:28-36

Observation: The transfiguration. Jesus takes Peter, James and John with Him to pray. They watch and see Jesus in His glory, speaking to Moses and Elijah. Peter, overwhelmed by this sight, tells Jesus that some sort of tabernacle be built for them. Instead they are surrounded by a cloud, and they hear the voice of the Father approving His Son. They tell no one what they have witnessed at the time.

Application: Jesus came to earth as a servant of God and a gift to mankind. The transfiguration provided three witnesses on earth (Peter, James and John) and three in heaven (Moses, Elijah, and God the Father) to attest to His glory, the glory the world could not see because He had taken on the form of man. But He was more than man, and because of this He was the only perfect sacrifice for mankind (Phillipians 2:5-11).

Prayer: Lord, the first time I read this passage I was in awe, and still now as I read it I am in awe of You, of who You are and what You suffered for undeserving mankind. I know I can never be worthy of such gracious and act; all I can do is offer myself in servitude to You, my Lord and Savior, because I've been bought by Your precious blood, and You deserve all of me, no less. I am Yours, my Lord and my God. In Christ Jesus, Amen.

Luke 9, Part 3

Scripture: Luke 9:18-27

Observation: Jesus asks His disciples if they can identify who He is. Peter is quick to say that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus tells them He must be rejected, killed, and resurrected on the third day. He then explains that all who wish to follow Him must deny themselves and take up their cross. Anyone ashamed of Christ will get the same from Him.

Application: This is the hardest thing for us to accept, that following Jesus, our Savior and Lord, should lead to hardship and suffering. He is All Powerful; He healed all types of ailments and raised people from the dead. He has authority over all. Why should His followers have to suffer? But we must remember what He suffered for us, and that whatever we suffer is light compared to what Jesus went through for humanity. If we follow Christ earnestly, our souls will be joyous, even if our flesh suffers.

Prayer: Father, no one likes to suffer, myself included. Yet I know this is something I must endure, because suffering strengthens my faith and dependence on You. I also know You experience no pleasure in my suffering, and that You are by my side whenever I go through trials, helping me along the way. May I rejoice in You and Your love no matter where I am or what I'm going through in my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Luke 9, Part 2

Scripture: Luke 9:10-17

Observation: Jesus goes out to Bethsaida, and the crowds follow Him there with their sick. He welcomed them, healed them, and spoke to them of the Kingdom. As it became late, the disciples tell Jesus to send the crowd off to find food and lodging. Jesus tells the apostles to feed the multitude, but they only have 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. With this Jesus fed 5,000 men plus women and children, with food left over.

Application: Two important lessons here. First, we need to recognize where all our comforts come from, and who takes care of all our needs. It is Jesus; those who follow Him and are faithful to His Word will not want for any good thing. Second, when the apostles told Jesus to send the crowds away so they could find food, Jesus told them, "You give them something to eat." It's easier to tell people to take care of themselves; what can I do to help my neighbor who's in need?

Prayer: Father, there is nothing that I can call my possession; everything I have belongs to You, and You have graciously provided for me and my family because You are love and You love us. May I also be ready and willing to show that kind of love to others, sharing that which You have given me so that others will be blessed and You will be praised. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Luke 9, Part 1

Scripture: Luke 9:1-9

Observation: Jesus sends His apostles to proclaim the Gospel. He gives them authority over demons, and healing powers. He tells them to take nothing with them, not even money, but instead to stay with anyone who is open to the message. To those that don't accept the message, the apostles were to shake the dust off their feet and go on their way. Word reached Herod, who was perplexed as to who Jesus could be.

Application: What kind of faith and trust is needed to go out with nothing, expecting God to provide everything? Complete and total trust! Jesus was teaching His disciples to depend on God for absolutely everything. It was an example for us today. How difficult it is to let go and give God complete control of our lives! But it is necessary if we are to live a life completely devoted to Him.

Prayer: Father, I know in my heart that You are in control, that everything I have is Yours, and that You take care of me each day. Yet sometimes my head gets in the way, and I wonder how we'll manage on one salary, or how my son will be able to do well in school with his issues. Please put my head and heart on the same track - both completely dependent on You. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.

Luke 8, Part 5

Scripture: Luke 8:40-56

Observation: Jairus comes to Jesus and begs Him to heal his daughter, who is dying. On their way, a woman who had suffered hemorrhages for 12 years came looking for healing. She leaned forward and touched His cloak, and was healed. Jesus looked around, knowing power had come out of Him. The woman admitted what she'd done, and Jesus told her it was her faith that healed her.

As this was happening, Jairus's daughter died. Jesus told them not to fret, and brought her back from the dead, to everyone's surprise.

Application: I wonder, when Jesus stopped to acknowledge the woman, what was Jairus thinking? Was he annoyed at this woman who was taking up Jesus's time? Was he worried they'd be too late? Did he even care that this woman had been suffering 12 years? What about me? Do I become impatient when I see God answer the prayers of others and not mine?

Prayer: Father, I know that You operate on a different timetable than I do. I want everything right now; You take care of everything when the time is right. Teach me to be patient, and to rejoice when the prayers of my brothers and sisters are answered. Don't allow me to grow anxious, or jealous, or bitter, but to have faith in Your infallible judgment, and to believe that my prayers will be answered at the appropriate time. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Luke 8, Part 4

Scripture: Luke 8:26-39

Observation: The healing of the demoniac at Gerasenes. Jesus meets up with a man so filled with demons he's known as Legion. The man was naked and lived among the tombs. The demons recognize Jesus as the Son of God, and beg Him not to send them into the Abyss. Jesus gives them permission to enter into the bodies of pigs. The pigs then commit suicide by running over a cliff into a lake where they drowned. The swineherders tell the townspeople who, terrified, ask Jesus to leave. The healed man wants to join Jesus, but instead the Lord tells him to proclaim what God has done for him.

Application: Several things can be learned here: 1 - There are very many evil spirits. A legion was a military unit of 6,000, and they were ready for battle. 2 - They know how to terrorize us. This man ran around naked among the tombs - who would go near him? 3 - They are unruly because they are under satan's government, unlike Jesus' followers who are governed by love. 4 - They dread and are horrified by Jesus and dread hell as a place of torment. And 5 - They are under the check and control of Jesus - and they know it.

Prayer: Father, how I can appreciate my freedom in You! Those that are against You know only fear and terror, but we who choose to serve You know we have nothing to fear, because we serve and are protected by Almighty God! At Your feet I know I'm totally safe. At Your feet is where I want to be all of my days. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.