Tag: Gospel of Luke

Morning Reading: Luke 8:40-56 ESV – power healing

Reading: Luke 8:40-56 ESV

Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

woman issue of bloodAs Jesus went, the people pressed around him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?”

When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”  And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”

And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.”  And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.”  And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Give me the faith to believe that all things are possible with you. Only say the Word… and I shall be healed. And Lord – Give me the grace to accept your will – whatever it is… in me, around me, and through me. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Spirit Song” – John Wimber (1979)

Morning Reading: Luke 8.26-39 NLT – deliverance, go and tell

Reading: Luke 8.26-39 NLT

So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. 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 the town.

"HEALING OF THE GERASENE DEMONIAC"C. Malcolm Powers - Bronze Cross Panel
“HEALING OF THE GERASENE DEMONIAC”
C. Malcolm Powers – Bronze Cross Panel

As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus had already commanded the evil spirit to come out of him. 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 out into the wilderness, completely under the demon’s power.

Jesus demanded, “What is your name?”

“Legion,” he replied, for he was filled with many demons. The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit.

There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby, and the demons begged him to let them enter into the pigs.

So Jesus gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned.

When the herdsmen saw it, they fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. Then those who had seen what happened told the others how the demon-possessed man had been healed. And all the people in the region of the Gerasenes begged Jesus to go away and leave them alone, for a great wave of fear swept over them.

So Jesus returned to the boat and left, crossing back to the other side of the lake. The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father – we acknowledge that our struggles are not simply against “flesh and blood”… but are also against the forces of evil in the heavenlies… and the schemes of the devil who roams the earth seeking our ruin. Deliver us from evil, we pray. Lord Jesus – your death and resurrection defeated the powers of sin and death once and for ever. Shelter us in the shadow of  the Cross. Holy Spirit – equip us to fight the good fight of faith… with truth… with righteousness… with the gospel of peace… with faith… with assurance of salvation… with the Word of God… and with prayer. Make us strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might… so that we might stand firm and boldly declare the “good news” of what God has done for us. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn: “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” – Elizabeth C. Clephane (1868)

Beneath the cross of Jesus I gladly take my stand – the shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land, a home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way, from the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.

Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see – the very dying form of One who suffered there for me; and from my smitten heart with tears two wonders I confess – the wonders of redeeming love, and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, your shadow for my abiding place; I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face, content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss, my sinful self my only shame,  my glory all the cross.

 

Morning Reading: Luke 8.22-25 NLT – we’re drowning

Reading: Luke 8.22-25 NLT

jesus_calms_the_storm
The Storm on the Sea of Galilee.
Rembrandt – 1633

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.

The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”

The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – You calmed the wind and raging waves on the Sea of Gallilee… calm the spiritual and emotional storms in our lives that threaten to drown us. Strengthen our faith and confidence as we cry out to You in moments… of desperation… of helplessness… of weakness… of brokenness… of sin. Speak to us a Word of help and hope… a Word of strength and healing… a Word of mercy and grace and forgiveness. Speak to us today… a Word of love. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Cry Out to Jesus” – Third Day (YouTube)

Morning Reading: Luke 8:19-21 ESV – family ties

Reading: Luke 8:19-21 ESV

family of godThen his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Thank you for including me among your family members. Help me to “hear and do” what you want for me… today and forever. Amen.

Hymn: “We Are God’s People” – Bryan Jeffery Leech (1976)

Morning Reading: Luke 8.16-18 NLT – pay attention

Reading: Luke 8.16-18 NLT

pay attention“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.”

Payer: Heavenly Father – All creation reveals Your power and nature.  Lord Jesus – You have revealed the person and love of God. Holy Spirit – Help me pay attention to what I see, or hear, or read today – anything that makes me more like you and increases my understanding of what You would have me be, or do. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Thy Word” – Avalon (YouTube)