Posted on Mar 8, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 8, 2018
Luke 13:10-35
The passage starts off with Jesus teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, and while teaching, He encounters a woman who has been crippled for almost two decades. She had been possessed, the text tells us, by an evil spirit. He sees her and calls her forward. Then he puts His hands on her, and she immediately straightens up.
So, while the people are amazed and delighted, the leader of the synagogue is put out by it being done on the Sabbath. He tells the people that if you want to be healed, great…just don’t do it on the Sabbath. Of course, Jesus calls him out, calling him a hypocrite because he is willing to allow people to untie their donkey to get water, but not let a “daughter of Abraham” be healed from her affliction.
Jesus then goes on and tells the famous parable of the mustard seed and the yeast, comparing the kingdom of God to seemingly small, insignificant items that go on to have a big effect on what is around them. It seems like Jesus is trying to remind us in both instances (which the synagogue leader clearly misses) about focusing on touching those around us with the love and power of God, and not letting our preconceived ideas about what is right or proper keep us from doing so.
Devotion by Travis Wallace
Posted on Mar 7, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 7, 2018
Luke 12:35 -13:9
In these passages, Jesus provides many examples of the outcome of not being prepared for His return. He stresses that those who follow Him have time to live a life sharing their beliefs with others, and to reflect Jesus’ love as we relate to others. Jesus promises a reward upon His return for all who have spent their time on earth wisely, living a life worthy of His Father. These rewards will be a reflection of our life on earth. Jesus told them how to live until His return. They must watch for Him, obey His commands, and work untiring. These attributes are especially important for leaders. Faithful leaders will be given even more responsibility, and will be expected to work that much harder for their heavenly rewards. Those who fail to live to the Lord’s standards will not see heaven.
Devotion by Bob Smith
Posted on Mar 6, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 6, 2018
Luke 12:1-34
Jesus told the disciples “do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear” (22-23)… “do not be afraid” (32)… “sell your possessions and give to the poor” (33).
Why is it so difficult for us to do these things? We say we trust God to take care of our needs and we know that God is in control, we are not.
When we don’t receive what we pray for or things don’t go how we think they should, do we still believe God is taking care of us?
Are we really supposed to “sell our possessions and give to the poor”? Are our possessions really ours?
What would our lives look like if we truly trusted God to take care of us as we serve Him by serving our neighbors?
When You don’t move the mountains
I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust I will trust
I will trust in You
“Trust In You” song by Lauren Daigle
Devotion by Sue Newell
Posted on Mar 5, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 5, 2018
Luke 11:14-54
This passage includes multiple stories, but all center around one response Jesus makes: blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it. Jesus is calling His people to repent of their wicked ways and turn back toward God. Those who are not with Him are against Him and will scatter; a kingdom divided against itself will not stand. See to it that the light within you is not darkness. God is concerned by who you are, not who you appear to be. Do you spend your time trying to look correct, or do you spend it helping others who need help, teaching and caring for others, giving to those who need it, and lifting the burdens of those who are carrying too much?
Devotion by Kevin Hutelmyer
Posted on Mar 3, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 3, 2018
Luke 10:25-42
“Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus teaches us to love God and love our neighbor.
Heavenly Father, help me to love you with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength and with all my mind.
God, help me to love my neighbor, even when I don’t like them. Give me empathy and compassion to care for my neighbor, even when they may not share my beliefs and values.
Dear Lord, help me to demonstrate kindness and love to all so that they may see the teachings of Jesus in all that I do. Amen.
Devotion by Steve Marks
Posted on Mar 2, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 2, 2018
Luke 10:1-24
In the first few verses of this passage, The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out two by two.
Almost everyone finds find comfort and strength in pairs. There are always a few exceptions. We marry as couples, we work in teams, and duos. Pondering why our Lord chose to send his workers by twos: Maybe he did this for safety. If you have something dangerous to do, you want to have somebody with you. Another reason would be for mutual encouragement. While one was speaking the other of the party could be praying. It is also a sign of we are in this together as followers of Jesus. From personal experience, I find comfort, strength and wisdom from being with my mate, a friend and/or colleague. Most comforting is that our God knows what is best for us when he gives these directives even today.
Devotion by Jo Sorrell
Posted on Mar 1, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
March 1, 2018
Luke 9:28-62
“Master it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. (He did not know what he was saying)” Luke 9:33
No one quite knows what the transfiguration was all about, but Peter, James, and John got to witness it on the mountaintop together. Can you imagine seeing Moses and Elijah, two of the greatest prophets of Israel’s history before your eyes? Peter thought it was so awesome that they needed to build shelters for everyone so they could stay there, but that wasn’t God’s plan. (He did not know what he was saying.) Many of us are like Peter, we have those “mountaintop” experiences where we get a taste of the majesty and glory of God and we don’t want to move. Yet, we are called to go back down the mountain renewed and ready for God’s service. This is God’s calling for all of us, because there are others, just like the demon possessed boy who need to experience God’s love and goodness too.
Devotion by Jeff Smith
Posted on Feb 28, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
Feb. 28, 2018
Luke 9:1-27
This selection of verses contains some of our favorite and most quoted stories and verses, including Jesus’ sending out of the disciples with “Take nothing for the journey – no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt,” to the story of the feeding of the 5,000, to Peter’s proclamation that Jesus is in fact, “God’s Messiah.” Combined together for this one day’s reading, a key lesson for us is to trust Jesus as we do His work in the world. If we truly believe He is the Messiah and we are spreading His word while doing good work in His name, then we can believe His promises to take care of us. We do not need to worry about money, what we will wear, or what we will eat – He will provide.
Devotion by Heather Langdon
Posted on Feb 27, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
February 27, 2018
Luke 8:26-56
“The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:38-39 (NIV)
Jesus has just done the most miraculous thing. He has rescued a demon possessed and out of control man from a life among the tombs. Jesus has restored and radically transformed his life into a witness for the Lord.
The healed man wants to join Jesus’ traveling group of disciples, but Jesus has another calling in mind. Someone must be left behind to share what God has done in the area. That is the man’s task. He does that and more, preaching and proclaiming what Jesus has done for him.
Not everyone is called to a mission field far from home. Sometimes Jesus wants those who have experienced his goodness to tell those in their own hometown about him. Some are called to go; others are called to stay. This newly healed and transformed man simply needed to start sharing — which, in fact, he did. He could not tell the story of God’s work in his life without discussing Jesus.
What was your life like before you met Jesus? How is he transforming you? Who do you need to tell about it? You don’t have to go far. Start in your home town.
Devotion by John Newell
Posted on Feb 26, 2018 in Lenten Devotional Blog 2018 |
February 26, 2018
Luke 8: 1-25
Having grown up on a farm, The Parable of the Sower has always been one that I’ve loved and that has had significant meaning for me. The literal meaning for a farmer is that you must tend to your ground, add supplements when necessary and irrigate during dry periods in order to have good soil that will produce a good crop. It can be a lot of work but the outcome is rewarding. For Christians, ‘good soil’ is the foundation on which we grow spiritually. The things we choose to do, the people with whom we associate and the work we put in to know God and His will is what facilitates our spiritual growth. Just like farming, it requires constant attention and work. The results are always gratifying and can be far reaching. Not only does each person benefit, but they provide spiritual inspiration thus enriching and supplementing the spiritual fields of others.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to seek to cultivate, enrich and irrigate our spiritual fields in order to produce a bountiful crop that glorifies you. May our lives be pleasing to you and may we be a source of inspiration and encouragement to one another. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear that we may understand and grow in your word. Help us to step out of the shadows that we may live in your light, letting it shine brightly for all to see. In Jesus name, Amen.
Devotion by Connie Hall
