Luke 4 - 4.8.24
Scripture
Luke 4:13
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
Observation
This chapter is an account of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, where He prayed/fasted and was tempted by the devil. Scripture says that the Spirit led Him into this wilderness. Jesus overcame every attack. With every attack that the devil used, Jesus counteracted it with Scripture. The devil also used Scripture to tempt Him. The difference is that Jesus was able to discern that the devil was twisting it for evil, not good.
Application
Set aside daily time to be in God’s Word.
Spending time with Jesus through His Word is crucial! As amazing as Pastor Levi and Pastor Katie are, a Sunday sermon is not enough to sustain us until the following Sunday. A lead poster’s SOAP journal cannot sustain us. A good sermon or inspirational message on YouTube cannot sustain us. We need nourishment from His Word every single day. We must study and apply His Word everyday to be able to discern God’s voice vs. the enemy’s voice. The devil knows scripture too, but Jesus is stronger than our adversary, so we must not let that scare us. We will be able to discern good from evil because we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us. We all get tempted by evil. Even Jesus wasn’t exempt from it, but He overcame through knowing God’s Word.
Are we reading our Bible daily and letting His Word fill our minds and hearts, instead of all the other noise around us?
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” -Hebrews 5:14
Let us train ourselves to study and apply his Word daily so that we could distinguish good from evil.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for our daily bible readings and SOAP blogs, where we discipline ourselves to be in Your Word. Holy Spirit, please help us to read, study and apply it to our lives so that we can overcome any evil and temptation the devil throws at us, just like You did. Thank You that we are overcomers through You Jesus. Amen!
-Michelle Gaddi
Luke 3 - 4.5.24
Scripture: Luke 3:2-3 NIV
”during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.“
Observation:
John was in the wilderness when God’s word came to him. “Word” in the original language is rhema. It means that which is spoken or an utterance. It is used in Matthew 4:4 where Jesus says “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Rhema is also used when describing the word as a sword in the armor of God. When John heard God’s word it gave him direction. He received a commission and took action. He preached and called people to repentance. He was bold and called people out. Still they came in “multitudes.” Why? People are hungry for God and long for truth. Repentance brings healing and wholeness. Most of all we are united with God. It says in verse 15 they were “expectant” wondering if John was the messiah. John pointed them to Jesus. That is our job too.
Application:
We have God’s rhema word. Jesus said to go and make disciples. People are drawn to someone who speaks God’s truth when they are doing it with His guidance and anointing. Love is the key. I need to act on the words God gives me and not hold back. John called the people a “brood of vipers.” Not kind words. He warned them and told them to repent. In response they asked “What should we do?” They were open to change and to hear God’s word for their lives.
Jesus died to provide salvation when someone repents. His sacrifice does not help others if we don’t share it with them.
Prayer:
Lord, you choose to use people to share your Word. Please help me to obedient to your call and follow John’s and your example. No matter what the cost people’s salvation is worth it all. Thank you for all you have done for me and your incredible word.
Amen
- Cindy Howard
Luke 2 - 04.04.2024
SCRIPTURE-Luke 2:34-35 NIV
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
OBSERVATION
Mary is the subject of much controversy within various faiths. Some religions bow down and worship her, which the Bible tells us IS Idol worship. God, alone, deserves our Praise and Worship.
That said, there are some valuable lessons to learn from Mary and she is on my heart today as I read through these first two chapters of Luke.
Taking a step back to Luke chapter one, Mary is a teenager betrothed to Joseph when an Angel of God is sent to give her the news that God has chosen her to be the mother of the Promised Messiah. Knowing she has had no intimate knowledge of a man, she asks the Angel how this is possible. The angel replies that “The Holy Spirit will come on you”.
Mary stuns me. Her reply is swift and simple. “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said” (1:38)
Mary risked everything to be the Lord’s servant. Not only did she risk her reputation, Joseph, and her family—people would think she was crazy if she shared the story about becoming pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
And…Had Joseph chosen to accuse her of adultery she would have been stoned to death.
Still…despite these many risks…Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as You have said”.
APPLICATION
A Faith that doesn’t say I am “Willing”—But…MAY it BE
Simeon gave a word to Mary that this honor was going to come at a high price. Following Jesus comes at a Cost. Jesus shared about the cost of discipleship.
“And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.
But don’t begin until you count the cost.” (Luke 14: 27-28a NLT)
Our commitment to Jesus will require us to move from comfort to courage. We will doubt our calling, we will at times think we’re crazy, we’ll want to look for the ‘easy’ way out. We will question ourselves and others may question us.
But Courageous Faith that says to God, May it BE, will bring us to our knees and draw us closer to God than we ever imagined possible.
PRAYER
LORD Jesus,
May it Be to me as You say. I want to be where You are. I am your servant. There are times when it feels terrifying, but I know, like David, I can share those feelings with you and declare how every single time YOU have been My Father, My Provider, My ever-present Help in times of need. Help me Lord to remember and declare Your Faithfulness! When I am tempted and weary, Thank You that Your Word is Life and Light and Strength that girds me. You are WITH me. Here I am Lord, Send me. In Jesus Name. amen.
Tina Lisabeth Kudelka