Today’s Reading: Luke 4:16-30; Psalm 118

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. – Luke 4:13-15

After 40 days of being tempted by the devil in the wilderness (4:2), Jesus returned home – not worn out and beat up by the devil’s attempts to destroy him but rather “filled by the Holy Spirit’s power.” I love this! God strengthens us through the power of the Holy Spirit as we go through difficult times. At the end of our struggle, our faith is often stronger than before the hard times arrived.

By this time, word had spread throughout the region about Jesus and everyone seemed pleased with what he was teaching in their synagogues. He was in his homeland, but now it was time to return to the village where he grew up – Nazareth. It was TIME TO GO HOME.

When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”

Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

Then he said, “You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: ‘Physician, heal yourself’ – meaning, ‘Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.’ But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner – a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian.”

When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. – Luke 4:16-28

Jesus knew their hearts and their struggle to see him as anything but the son of a local carpenter. They had watched him grow up, watched him play in the streets with the other kids. They were excited that he had come home and amazed at what a good teacher of the Law he had become, but they did not see him as the promised Messiah or the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah.

Jesus laid out his calling for everyone. He was anointed by the Spirit to bring good news to the poor. He was sent to proclaim that captives would be released, the blind would see and those who were oppressed would be set free! The time of the Lord’s favor had come, but Nazareth was not going to experience all that God had for them because they would not accept all of who Jesus was.

I know several people who grew up in the church but who still struggle to fully believe in Jesus. My heart aches for them to have faith – to fully accept Jesus for who He is! They spent so much time in the presence of the church without taking the time to truly seek God. When eyes are focused on religion, we miss out on seeing God Himself revealed.

The village of Nazareth missed out because they wanted to define Jesus one way instead of listening to what he was trying to teach them. How much do we miss out on when we decide to define Jesus from our own perspective and make him who we want him to be? This is who Jesus wants to be in our lives today if we will just stop trying to contain him in a box and truly allow Him to be Lord:

He wants to bring good news to strengthen our faith.
He wants to set us free from the bondage of sin.
He wants to open the eyes of our heart so that we can truly see Him.
He wants us to stop deciding we already understand him.
He wants us to daily open up to what He wants to reveal to us today.

The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is wonderful to see.
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Please, Lord, please save us.
Please, Lord, please give us success.
Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is God, shining upon us.
Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar.
You are my God, and I will praise you!
You are my God, and I will exalt you!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever. – Psalm 118:22-29

Today’s Reading: Mark 6:1-6; Psalm 92

After Jesus left the home of Jairus, two blind men followed behind him shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” They boldly walked right into the house where he was staying, both confessing and demonstrating their faith in Jesus.

Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.

When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed.

But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.” – Matthew 9:29-34

Here are two completely different reactions with two distinct endings. The two blind men believed and their faith led to their healing. Once healed, the men who had once been blind had a story to tell and traveled the region praising the man who had healed them. The Pharisees saw God moving in the midst of other people and their jealousy caused unbelief. Instead of praising God, gossip and criticism were on their tongues.

When God’s people have a strong faith in God and spend much time rejoicing and praising Him, He moves in their midst and the evidence of His presence is marked by miracles and healings. When negativity, pride and jealousy are stronger than our praise and faith, we miss out on what God could be doing in our midst.

I CAN CHOOSE TO BE OFFENDED BY OTHERS OR AMAZED BY GOD.

Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. – Mark 6:1-6

It saddens me how often I run into people who are “deeply offended” because I believe it affects their ability to experience what God has to offer them. Their focus turns inward and they spend more energy feeling sorry for themselves and expecting an apology from someone else than they spend focused on God. I know I have been guilty of this myself, and it is a miserable existence.

Today, I choose to praise God and not worry about who has offended me. I want my coffee with a little room – room for faith and praise, not room for self-pity and pride. I want my coffee to be sweet with grace instead of bitter with unforgiveness. Lord, empty us of all that blocks your presence in our lives today. Forgive us for believing in our own rights more than just trusting in you. We love You, precious Father. Amen.

It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening…
You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!
I sing for joy because of what you have done.
O Lord, what great works you do!
And how deep are your thoughts.
Only a simpleton would not know,
and only a fool would not understand this…
“The Lord is just! He is my rock!
There is no evil in him!” – Psalm 92:2,4-6,15

Today’s Reading: Mark 5:1-43; Luke 8:26-56

“Who is this man?”

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them.

When he saw the storms, he silenced them.

When he heard their cries, he answered them.

When he saw evil, he commanded it to flee.

As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in a cemetery outside of town…This spirit had often taken control of the man. Even when he was placed under guard and put in chains and shackles, he simply broke them and rushed into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power. – Luke 8:27,29

This man may have been under the demon’s control, but Jesus had authority over the demons. He cast them out of this man, who had been forced to live among the dead. He freed him from this bondage and gave him a new life. No power was too large for Jesus to control. He had power over the storm, the demons, and even death itself.

When the sick reached out to him, he healed them.

Then a man named Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come home with him. His only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying. As Jesus went with him, he was surrounded by the crowds. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.

“Who touched me?” Jesus asked.

Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.”

But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” – Luke 8:41-48

What a lonely, isolated life this woman must have experienced. She was considered unclean for twelve years and “untouchable” during her time of bleeding. Only her bleeding never stopped; that is, until she reached out to Jesus. In the midst of her suffering and sickness, she reached out to touch the hem of her Savior’s garment and her life was forever changed.

When death threatens to undo us, Jesus takes us by the hand and says, “My child, get up!”

While he was still speaking to her, a messenger arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. He told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”

But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.”

When they arrived at the house, Jesus wouldn’t let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, James, and the little girl’s father and mother. The house was filled with people weeping and wailing, but he said, “Stop weeping! She isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.”

But the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died. Then Jesus took her by the hand and said in a loud voice, “My child, get up!” And at that moment her life returned, and she immediately stood up! Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were overwhelmed, but Jesus insisted that they not tell anyone what had happened. – Luke 8:49-56

“Who is this man?”

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them.
When he saw the storms, he silenced them.
When he heard their cries, he answered them.
When he saw evil, he commanded it to flee.
When the sick reached out to him, he healed them.
When death threatens to undo us, Jesus takes us by the hand and says, “My child, get up!”

I don’t know what you are facing or the emotions you are struggling with, but my Jesus knows every detail. The One who can heal, who can calm storms, and who can bring back the dead knows. Reach out and touch the hem of his garment. Stretch out your hand and hear him say, “My child, get up!” It’s time to be fed. It’s time to be strengthened again. Jesus is here to restore and it’s your turn to receive.

Today’s Reading: Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25; Psalm 93

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” – Matthew 9:35-38

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them.

When Jesus sees our needs he has compassion on us. But how often do we feel like God does not care about what we are going through? How often does it feel like Jesus is in the back of the boat asleep during our storm? We cry out to him — Do you see me down here, Lord? I’m drowning! I’m doing everything I know to do but it’s not working! I need you!

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, DON’T YOU CARE that we’re going to drown?”

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” – Mark 4:35-41

When he saw the storms, he silenced them.

The disciples had watched Jesus do many miraculous things for other people. Now it was their chance for Jesus to do something miraculous for them. The disciples thought they were simply crossing the lake but Jesus knew there was more for them to learn. He wanted them to see things from the other side of the lake — to see him from another perspective.

“Who is this man?”

Jesus knew his disciples were not fully aware of who he was, that they still underestimated him. I heard a friend recently say that Jesus probably knew it was storming. He chose to sleep while his disciples tried everything they knew how to do. They were fishermen and had been in storms before. Jesus was simply waiting for them to ask, waiting for them to stop trying on their own and call on him for help.

Oh, how often we are guilty of this! Troubles come into our lives and we try to take care of them in our own strength first. The winds and the waves threaten us and we grab a bucket and start throwing water overboard. When we have tried everything we know to do, we finally fall to our knees and do what we should have initially done – we pray.

The floods have risen up, O Lord.
The floods have roared like thunder;
the floods have lifted their pounding waves.
But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,
mightier than the breakers on the shore—
the Lord above is mightier than these! – Psalm 93:3-4

Jesus has power over creation — over the elements and over the storms. Jesus has power over the things going wrong in our lives, whether it is the natural circumstances of this broken world or the consequences of our own sinful decisions. Jesus is bigger than all of it. Let’s not underestimate our Lord today. Let’s PUT DOWN THE BUCKET and stop looking for our own solutions. Let’s make prayer our first reaction to today’s situations.

When he heard their cries, he answered them.

David sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang:

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
He is my refuge, my savior,
the one who saves me from violence.
I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and he saved me from my enemies.
“The waves of death overwhelmed me;
floods of destruction swept over me.
The grave wrapped its ropes around me;
death laid a trap in my path.
But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
yes, I cried to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
my cry reached his ears.” – 2 Samuel 22:1-7

Today’s Reading: Mark 4:21-34; Luke 13:6-9, 18-21 (what about Mark 4:21-25)

Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given —and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” – Mark 4:24-25

The closer we listen, the more we will understand; the more we choose to block out or ignore the words of Jesus, the more our understanding will fade away. God is calling us to lean in and pay attention — to be a student of the Word, seeking to understand the Kingdom of God.

Spirit of God, give us a new understanding of the parables Jesus taught his disciples. Open our ears to hear, and give us clarity of mind to grasp the truth of your message. Help us to understand the Kingdom of God.

Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” – Mark 4:30-32

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE A MUSTARD SEED.

The Kingdom of God has the potential to grow exponentially from even the smallest moment of faith or action of obedience. God takes our humble willingness to be used by Him and does things too amazing for us to fully grasp. In fact, we are often oblivious to the ripple effect set into motion when we respond to the nudge of His Spirit to do what He has told us to do or to say what He has led us to say. God takes even the smallest trace of our faith and grows it into something bigger and wider than we can fathom.

He also asked, “What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” – Luke 13:20-21

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE A LITTLE YEAST.

Have you ever tried to make bread without yeast? Have you ever tried to make a cake without baking soda, or cookies without baking powder? Without these key ingredients, our efforts fall flat and our baked goods remain dense. What seems like the smallest ingredient in the recipe is often the most important ingredient of all.

Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.” – Mark 4:26-29

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS LIKE A FARMER SCATTERING SEEDS.

We cannot cause a plant to grow. All we can do is plant the seeds. What God is calling us to do is within our ability, but the result of our obedience is beyond our control. God takes the imperfect words that come from our genuine desire to serve HIm, and He blesses it for the sake of His Kingdom. When a seed begins to grow into a seedling, and then becomes a plant that bears fruit, the glory goes to the God who is able to take a humble prayer of repentance and make something beautiful out of it.

Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’

“The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’” – Luke 13:6-9

THE KINGDOM OF GOD REQUIRES LONG-SUFFERING.

Father God, as we see the farmers preparing the fields or as we pull back the dead plants from our landscaping, remind us of our calling. Help us to see that there are those around us who need us to reach out and save them from the influence of this world. Let us not become so comfortable in our own salvation that we are no longer uncomfortable with the knowledge that others are without salvation. As we see winter turning into spring, remind us that you, God, can make great change in the lives of the unsaved around us, just as you are transforming our lives. Thank you for the reminder that you are the One who does something magnificent through us, and that all we have to do is humbly allow you to use us in the lives of those around us. Give us patience and strength to never give up on those who have wandered away or who are struggling to grow in their faith. May we be conduits of your grace and truth today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15

Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” – Mark 4:1-9

Consider this. A preacher stepped onto the platform and across the stage. He stood behind the pulpit, looking out at the congregation in the pews. The Lord had given him a message and he was eager to share it with the church family. He knew it would not be an easy sermon to hear, so he had spent hours finding ways to clearly illustrate each point, adding stories and examples. His hope was that the congregation would both understand and accept the message — that it would make an impact on their lives. He had spent all morning saturated in God’s presence and the Spirit was moving through him, giving him the words to say as he stood before his people.

ANYONE WITH EARS TO HEAR SHOULD LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND.

Halfway through his first point, he noticed a difference across the congregation. Some were leaning in, bibles open, responding with amens and head nods. They were taking notes, looking up frequently to make eye contact with him. Others seemed distracted. They were listening some of the time, but also occasionally looking at their phones or whispering to the person beside them. They had seemed engaged during the worship set, but now they looked slightly bored and restless.

There were others across the sanctuary who were completely disengaged. With arms folded across their chest, there was a visible determination not to listen. By all appearances, they wanted to be anywhere but here. He was pretty sure two had fallen asleep, and one seemed to be playing a game on her phone or perhaps filling her cart so she could do a grocery pickup on her way home.

ANYONE WITH EARS TO HEAR SHOULD LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND.

As the preacher came to the end of the sermon, the worship team stepped onto the stage to lead the congregation in a closing song. Some of the team had been listening from the front pew, while others had been out of the room during the sermon. How could they lead the congregation in this holy moment if they were not prayerfully engaged?

As the band began to play, the preacher invited the congregation to respond. As they stood to their feet, he noticed several slipping out their pews and heading to the door. Were they in a rush to get to the restaurant or were they avoiding the conviction they were feeling? Many joined in the singing and a few came forward to kneel at the altar, humbly praying for God to continue the work He had begun in their hearts. Many were aware that the Spirit was working across the room, but it seemed that most were simply going through the motions. The routine of Sunday morning church was winning out over the revival the Spirit was trying to break loose across this community of believers.

ANYONE WITH EARS TO HEAR SHOULD LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND.

The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” – Mark 4:14-20

Father God, forgive us for our lack of preparation to receive your Word each week. Thank you for the reminder today that we are entering a holy space when we unite together in worship each Sunday. Renew a passion within us and give us a fresh expectation that you are working across the room. I want to be the one leaning in and listening to your Spirit’s nudge, as I receive the message prepared by your anointed one. Lord, we pray for a revival to break out across the Church and for your righteousness to be evident in the lives of those who call themselves a follower of Jesus. May our actions plant seeds or bear fruit today, as we allow you to work through us in the lives of others. Amen.

“No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.

“So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.” – Luke 8:16-18

Today’s Reading: Luke 8:1-3,19-21; Mark 3:20-35; Luke 11:14-32

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. – Luke 8:1-3

From early in Jesus’ ministry, women were taking a role in advancing the Good News. They were leaving their homes, giving of their resources, and responding to God’s call on their lives. Mary was coming in response to all Jesus had delivered her from and Joanna was coming from the political environment in which her husband worked. Some had been freed of their demons and some healed of their diseases, but all of them were coming with a willingness to follow Jesus and to give sacrificially.

But not everyone responded to Jesus in faith. His family tried to take him away, disrespectfully claiming he was out of his mind (Mark 3:21). The teachers of religious law claimed his authority to cast out demons came from Satan himself. Others tried to test Jesus by demanding he perform a miraculous sign for them. Jesus not only heard their words, he knew their thoughts, so he stopped what he was doing to respond to their erroneous thinking.

“Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A family splintered by feuding will fall apart. You say I am empowered by Satan. But if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive? And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said. But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. For when a strong man is fully armed and guards his palace, his possessions are safe — until someone even stronger attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings.” – Luke 11:17b-22

The crowd of people who watched Jesus restore a man who had been possessed by a demon were initially amazed, but each had a decision to make on how they would respond after their moment of faith. The women who were traveling with Jesus had made their choice to believe, and the religious leaders had chosen unbelief. Jesus pointed out to the religious leaders the risk they were taking by choosing to stand against him instead of believing in him. Let’s consider the contrasting consequences of our decision of whether or not to fully follow Jesus in faith:

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” – Luke 11:23

“I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences.” He told them this because they were saying, “He’s possessed by an evil spirit.” – Mark 3:28-30

“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before.”

As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother—the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!”

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” – Luke 11:24-28

Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they couldn’t get to him because of the crowd. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to see you.”
Jesus replied, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.” – Luke 8:19-21

What a privilege it is to be welcomed into the family of God! What a blessing we experience in life when we choose to walk in faith! When we study God’s word, spending time in His presence and allowing God to fill us with His Spirit, we are changed. When we respond to all that we are learning by walking out our faith, we receive the blessing of a full inheritance into God’s family.

Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he looked at those around him and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” – Mark 3:33-35

Those who walk away, because they choose to follow their doubts, are walking away from all that God has to offer them. Those whose desire for the things of this world entice them away from the things of God, are walking away from all Jesus has done for them. What are we risking by choosing faith? We may lose a few friends and we may lose a few invitations, but we have so much to gain. Those who make the choice to walk away from God’s invitation to a personal relationship have so much to lose, but those who accept His invitation have everything to gain.

So how will you respond to the story of Jesus? What will your reaction be to the nudge of His Spirit today? Are you living out a growing faith in Jesus? I pray God makes His presence real to you today as you push away the doubts and choose to fully rest on Him. May your faith continue to grow as you walk in relationship with God.

Today’s Reading: John 4:1-42

“My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” – Matthew 11:27

JESUS SPEAKS OF RELATIONSHIP AND A CONTINUED CONNECTION TO HIM.

Everything Jesus did and everything he said was rooted in his relationship with the Father and the unity that exists between them. Jesus is offering us that same relationship — that same connection to God through His Son. When we are blessed with this connection, He calls us to bring others to Him so that they too can experience a relationship with God.

The Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well was thirsty for something different in her life. She longed for this “living water” that Jesus spoke of and knew there were many others who would want to encounter Jesus just as she had. The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village to tell everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” – John 4:29

In the meantime, the disciples returned with food for Jesus and He turned His focus on them, speaking again in symbolic language. Jesus turned down their offer for food and they wondered who had fed Jesus while they were in town. They did not understand the fulfillment Jesus had received by doing the will of His Heavenly Father.

Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.” – John 4:34-38

Jesus knew there was no greater fulfillment in life than to be in the center of God’s will – doing what God wants us to do where He wants us to do it, impacting the lives of those He places in our path. Jesus did not want to miss one opportunity to offer the gift of life to God’s children.

“For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” — John 6:38-40

When the Samaritan woman went back to the village to tell them about Jesus, the people came streaming out to see him. Many believed and asked Jesus to stay in their village, so he stayed for two days. He could have said he was too busy or was on his way to do something more important, but he stayed. In those two days, many more people heard his message and believed. They turned to the woman and said, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the World” (4:42).

The fields were ripe for harvest – the people were hungry for an encounter with Jesus! Do we desire to do the will of God today, even if it requires getting out of our comfort zone and leading someone to Jesus? My prayer today is that God will show us the fields that are ripe for harvest – that the harvest we reap today will be people who are brought to eternal life. What joy we will experience if we allow God to use us in this way today!

“We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.” — John 9:4

Our time is limited. May we seek to do God’s will today, listening to our Heavenly Father and responding to His Spirit’s voice. May we see through His eyes the harvest around us and may we sense the urgency to carry out the tasks assigned to us by the One who sent us. May we remain rooted in our relationship with Christ so that He is working through us in every area of our life.

Today’s Reading: Luke 7:36-50

Out of faith came healing.
Out of compassion came healing and then perhaps faith.
Out of faith came forgiveness, which brought healing…

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them. – Luke 7:36-38

I think this is one of the most beautiful moments recorded in the four Gospels. The actions of this woman showed her heart — a heart that was abundantly grateful, yet heavily unworthy, to be in the presence of God. As she anointed Jesus with perfume, perhaps she was recounting every sin that needed forgiveness. Her life was full of regrets, but she took her shame and grief to the feet of Jesus.

When the Pharisees who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”

Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.”

“Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied.

Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people – 500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces of silver to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”

Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”

“That’s right,” Jesus said. Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.

“I tell you, her sins — and they are many — have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man that he goes around forgiving sins?”

And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” – Luke 7:39-50

This woman had faith in Jesus and her sins were forgiven. But beyond forgiveness, this woman needed healing from her past. The sum of her decisions, and the pain of those who had sinned against her, had left her broken and used up. But Jesus saw the beauty of her repentant heart instead of being repulsed by the sins of her past. He did not require that she get it all figured out before she came to worship him. No, this woman came to him humbly broken and spilled out, and Jesus gave her peace.

JESUS TOOK THE REGRET OF A SINFUL WOMAN AND DISPLAYED THE FORGIVENESS OF A SAVING GOD.

What do you need from Jesus today? Do you need healing? Do you need to recognize what God is doing in your life and allow it to grow your faith? Do you need forgiveness or the healing God gives after forgiveness in order to speak peace where condemnation continues to be your enemy? I pray God gives you both what you need and what you ask for today.

I also pray that you display your faith by asking God for what you desire today. Remember, He is OMNIPOTENT. Remember, He is a LOVING God. Remember, He is a SAVING God. Whatever you are feeling, I encourage you to take this time to humbly fall at his feet, even if it involves allowing your emotions to flow freely. Let the God who knows everything about you receive your worship this morning, and then hear Him say — Your sins are forgiven.

Today’s Reading: Luke 7:1-17

Out of faith came healing…

When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people, he returned to Capernaum. At that time the highly valued slave of a Roman officer was sick and near death. When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some respected Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his slave. So they earnestly begged Jesus to help the man. “If anyone deserves your help, he does,” they said, “for he loves the Jewish people and even built a synagogue for us.”

So Jesus went with them. But just before they arrived at the house, the officer sent some friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!” And when the officer’s friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed. – Luke 7:1-10

No one would have expected a Roman officer to have faith in Jesus, yet his faith was strong enough to believe that Jesus could simply speak the healing into being. And that is what Jesus did.

HE TOOK THE FAITH OF A POWERFUL MAN AND DISPLAYED THE POWER OF AN OMNIPOTENT GOD.

Out of compassion came healing and then perhaps faith…

Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother. – Luke 7:11-15

There is no mention of the widow’s faith here; no mention of anyone requesting that Jesus bring this young man back from the dead. Yet Jesus, out of compassion, did something wonderful for this woman and her son, as well as for everyone else who was watching. Jesus gave this son back to his mother. If there was no faith on display before, there certainly was now.

HE TOOK THE SORROW OF A GRIEVING MOTHER AND DISPLAYED THE COMPASSION OF A LOVING GOD.

There are times when God does something wonderful for us because we ask, and there are times when God does something wonderful for us in spite of the fact that we do not ask. As a result of our faith, God moves, and in order to grow our faith, God moves. And out of this faith comes hope. And that is my prayer for all of us this year — that God would strengthen our faith and give us hope for what is ahead.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13