February 24, 2018
Luke 7:1-35
I never knew how much faith I had in God until all I had was faith.  We are not worthy to deserve the love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy that God gives us.  But when we come humbly to Him, like the master did, then he will bless us.  It might not be in the way you think.  It might be in a hard diagnosis, or a loss of a job, or a loss of a friend.  But God is using that.  When the master came, he had amazing faith.  He did not consider himself worthy at all, but came because of the great love he had for his servant and his faith in what Jesus can do.  What if we did that? What if we approached each day with the love for others and faith in Jesus? How could we change the world one day at a time?
Prayer: Dear God, help us to turn to you in all circumstances.  To have faith in your mighty works and to love those we come across.  Amen
 
Devotion by Kelley Wilson
 

 
February 23, 2018
Luke 6: 27-36

We hear “love your enemies” a lot, right? What does that mean? A lot of times we feel that if we are not harming or even simply not interacting negatively with those who are our enemies, we are doing enough. But are we? Is that what loving our enemies means? In Luke 6:35, it says to love your enemies, AND do good to them AND lend to them AND expect nothing from them in return. Love is not a passive emotion – it requires action. We are to do this because God is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. We are to be imitators of Christ and that requires us to actively love others.

Devotion by Rebecca Liljestrand
 

February 22, 2018
Luke 5:33-6:11
So Jesus uses new ways (new clothes) to provide new men (wineskins) with a new message (wine). Jesus is not saying that the message, men, and methods for making disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees are wrong. He is pointing out that their way is not for everyone, and leaves some people on the outside. Their way is good for those who fit the mold. But Jesus wants to reach those who have been abandoned, overlooked, bypassed, and rejected. Those who have lost hope.  Through His words, actions, and selection of disciples, Jesus is showing that the Kingdom of God has arrived. When trying to reach other’s and share the message think outside the box. Show others the “fun” and celebratory side of Christ! 

Devotional by Christy Welch
 

February 21, 2018
Luke 5:1-32
I like to look for important lessons when reading the bible – Practical advice that is applicable to my life.  In Luke 5: 1-11, several essential instructions emerge from the simple account of the calling of the first disciples.
The Lord used (Simon) Peter’s boat as a pulpit from which to teach the people.  If we yield our possessions to our Savior, He can use them in amazing ways and reward us too.
He told Peter exactly where to find plenty of fish – after Peter and the others had toiled all night without success.  Service carried on by our own strength and wisdom is usually futile.  The secret to success in Christian work is to be guided by God.
Though an experienced fisherman himself, Peter accepted advice from Jesus, and as a result, the nets were filled.  This shows the value of humility and obedience.
It was when Peter was engaged in his ordinary work that Christ called him.  While we are waiting for guidance, continue to keep busy and work heartily for the Lord.

Devotion by Brian Molenda
 
 

February 20, 2018
Luke 4:1-44
When I read through the Gospels, I am struck by how many accounts of healing there are.  Of 37 recorded miracles, I count 24 that involve healing or casting out of demons.  Maybe I pay more attention to this because I work in healthcare. Luke 4:38-40 tells of the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, and afterwards how people brought to Jesus many who had various kinds of sickness, and Jesus healed them all, and drove out many demons.   Since Luke was a physician, he was probably also amazed by these miracles.
Every day at work I see evidence of people who are healed.  God is the same today as yesterday, and Jesus still heals today.  Like Peter’s mother-in-law, let us get up at once and serve Him. 

Devotion by Ruth Dotson
 

February 19, 2018
Luke 3:1-38
In this chapter John is sharing the amazing news of baptism leading to the forgiveness of sins.  He also is very direct with the crowd who seem to be coming to him because it was “the popular thing to do.” (verse 7 – The Message translation) He explains, “What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming?” (verse 9) Then he goes on to tell the people how they can change their actions to reflect the love they have received, basically telling them to love each other by sharing what they had, treating each other with respect, and being content with what they had been given.  John’s words of wisdom continue to ring true today.
God, as we devote ourselves to you during this season of Lent, change us from the inside out and help us to find ways to allow our lives to reflect your goodness.  Amen

Devotion by Amy Hiatt
 

February 17, 2018
Luke 2:1-40
"When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.  And the child grew and became strong, he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him." Luke 2:39-40

Home at last, following what must have seemed a multitude of extraordinary events in the lives of two new parents.  The long journey from Bethlehem to Egypt back to Nazareth is over; the wonder of the Holy birth, a time-etched memory.  Now the real work begins:  raising their new son as best they can in the admonition of the Lord.
Luke depicts Mary and Joseph as good and faithful parents.  We see Jesus as a healthy young child who "grew and became strong".  We can just imagine, however, that Jesus and his parents experience the same challenges that all families have in their relationships and as they teach him life lessons.  God saw that His Son was "filled with wisdom" so that he would be equipped to make good choices, and "His grace was upon him" that all he did and became would be pleasing to his Heavenly Father.
Now, that is what we should be praying for our children:  to grow, to be strong, to be filled with wisdom, and for God's grace to be upon them.  AMEN!

Devotion by Gay Lynn Williams
 

February 16, 2018
Luke 1:57-80
Verse 58 says, “And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.” It’s great to celebrate with loved ones! God created us to be in community, love one another and share in joys and sorrows. Is it simpler for you to say nothing, or to share in joys and sorrows with loved ones in your life? If we struggle with our own lives, sometimes it is difficult to reach out to celebrate or mourn with others. Would you have gone to the crucifixion of Jesus? Would you have missed the resurrection? Be challenged to step out and ask someone how you can rejoice with them!
Prayer: Lord, help me be your hands and feet. Amen

Devotion by Vicki Krueger
 
 

Feb 15, 2018
Luke 1:26-56
 
It’s easy to be suspicious when someone promises good news, even more so when it’s decorated with a compliment. “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,” said the angel. Mary’s response is to be ……. troubled. And unsure. It can be difficult to accept flattery, especially when followed by a promise that you have been blessed with a great task. But isn’t that what all Christians experience?
 
“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!” you were told, when you first accepted Christ into your life. “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!” you should know, whenever you take a step out in faith.
 
Serving others. Leading a prayer. Comforting a stranger. Sharing a personal conflict with a friend. If you are troubled at the thought of such tasks and worried about what it could mean, never fear. Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!
Amen.
 
Devotion by Rob Robertson
 

February 14, 2018
Luke 1:1-25
The gospel according to Luke is the most readable of the four gospels.  It is the only gospel not written by a Jew.  Luke was probably a Gentile, was well educated, a physician, and, most notably, a close companion of Paul at various times including his first imprisonment.
According to William Barclay’s commentary Luke’s gospel has the following characteristics:
·       It is written with a historian’s care as a result of much research.
·       It is clearly written for the Gentiles and all the peoples of the world.
·       It is a gospel of prayer as it shows Jesus praying at all the great moments in His life.
·       It is the gospel of women as Luke gives special attention to the women in Jesus’ life.
·       It is the gospel of praise.  Luke uses the phrase “praising God” more often than the rest of the New Testament put together.
·       It is the universal gospel describing Jesus as for all people without distinction.
What a privilege and joy it is to study the gospel of Luke this Lenten season.
 
Devotion by Dean Gropper