Luke 13 - 4.19.24
Scripture: Luke 13:10-17 NIV
”On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.“
Observations:
The woman, who had been slumped over crippled for 18 years, still was faithful to go to the synagogue and worship God. When Jesus saw her he called her forward and told her she was set free. Then, he placed His hands on her and immediately she was healed! He took the time to touch her. She could have been healed by his words.
*Her first response was to praise God. Imagine how good it felt to physically do that!
When talking to the hypocrites, Jesus pointed out the details of her journey. Satan kept her bound for 18 years and the truth that the Sabbath is a fitting time to set someone free.
The opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted at the wonderful things God was doing.
Application:
What an example of faithfulness this woman had! She was faithful to come to God’s house and worship even though she was slumped over. I want to follow her example and keep pushing through, even when life happens. I need to keep in mind healing awaits. I may not see physical healing every time, but I cannot be in God’s presence with fellow believers and not be changed.
I also want my response to be praise to God first above phoning a friend or posting on social media. Yes, I can give God glory by doing those things, but I want my first reaction to be thanks to Him.
When God works people notice.
Prayer:
Father God,
You care so deeply about me and have planned what is best. Please help me be faithful when I don’t see answers yet. Show me how you want me to move just as you did and reach out to others.
Also Lord, I want to follow your example of not letting what boundaries man has set up stop me from impacting other’s lives. Keep my eyes open and help me look for the crossroads and opportunities you are presenting before me.
Amen
- Cindy Howard
Luke 12 - 04.18.24
SCRIPTURE -(Luke 12:35-36 NLT)
“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning,
as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast.
Then you will be ready to open the door AND let—-HIM in
the moment HE arrives and knocks.”
OBSERVATION
Keep your lamps burning.
Burning- kaiō means “set on fire,” “burn,” or “consume by burning.”
It is used both literally (of something “set on fire”)
and metaphorically (of “passion, love”).
We are to keep our lamps filled with oil and burning with love for Jesus.
Ready for His return.
“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you
when I laid my hands on you.”
(2 Timothy 1:6 NLT)
APPLICATION
Keep your Lamps Burning
The answer to “1” question will tell us—IF we are ready.
What do we love most? This is the truest test.
It won’t matter much what we say.
It will be clear in our actions.
How we Live and How we respond to everyday life.
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said,
“I AM the light of the world.
If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness,
because you will have the light that leads to life.””
(John 8:12 NLT)
Jesus Lights our way in every in every circumstance.
HE is “where” our heart is.
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
(Luke 12:34 NLT)
PRAYER
LORD Jesus,
Every generation thinks we are the one that will see your second coming. We do not know the day or hour. You only told us to—be ready. Please continually FILL me with Your oil. Set me aflame with Your Love. Be my constant treasure. Whatever is happening in my life OR around my life—BE my Treasure. Light my path to demonstrate YOU as a very real, present, and Loving— God--who sees others and knows them. A Savior and Lord who is inviting them into a transforming relationship-set free from sin-and an eternity in Heaven.
In Jesus Name I pray.
Here I am Lord, Send me. Amen.
Tina L Kudelka
Psalm 121 - 4.17.24
Scripture
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalms 121:1,2, NIV)
Observation
The psalmist reminds us to lift up our eyes in times of need. When we see the huge mountains, we remember God who made the mountains. We are the children of God our Father, who has no scarcity of resources to help us. Our help comes from our Father who is the creator of heaven and earth. The Bible says that He rides across the heavens to help us. The eternal God is our refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:26-27). The Lord’s arm is not too short to save, and neither is his ear too dull to hear our prayer (Isaiah 59:1). The Bible says that putting our trust in people is a snare (Proverbs 29:25). “Lord help me”, is a quick prayer that we can pray in every situation. When we trust Him, He will strengthen us and help us (Isaiah 41:10).
Application
Our home is nestled on one of the hills of Santa Clarita, surrounded by mountains in all directions. When I have to face a difficult situation at work, or when I have to deal with an issue at home, I look out of the window to the top of the mountains, and remember that my help comes from my Father, who made heaven and earth. We have a God who performs all things for us (Psalms 57:2, KJV). If we look at His face for help, our face will be radiant, because He will never let anyone who puts their trust in Him to be put to shame (Psalms 34:5).
Prayer
Father, I thank you because you are my help. You have said in your Word that you are near to all your children who call upon you (Psalms 145:18). I thank you because you are always with me. Because you are at my right hand, I will not be moved. (Psalms 16:8). Please help me with everything I need to do. Give me your wisdom. Lead my steps. Bless the work of my hands. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
- Asha Chacko George