Friday, March 29, 2013

Week 1_Friday

Good Morning Girls

Read Luke 9:49-62  SOAP Luke 9:58, 60, 62

This dialogue between Jesus and the people is timeless.  We make excuses when it's actually time to step out in faith.  Excuses reveal the unwillingness of the heart - as kind of hoping the opportunity doesn't work out so that I am not obligated to it.  We must never quench the Holy Spirit.  If He is calling us to act, let us act - even if we don't have all the details.  He blesses obedience every time.  

Good Friday - Let us remember what Jesus endured for us today.  He took our sin as His own.  I am looking forward to the service tonight.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Week 1_Thursday

Good Morning Girls

Read Luke 9:37-48  SOAP  Luke 9:47-48

A child represents simplicity and humility.  Children need everything done for them - a fact distinctly proven by toddlers!  But this reminded me that motherhood fits the description of this kind of greatness the disciples wanted to acheive.  Motherhood often seems unrewarded and includes some humbling duties.  Personally, God has used this to refine me and my view of service.  Sometimes people will be ungrateful or even scorn our service.  Nonetheless, we are told to serve anyway.  Christ certainly did that for us.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Week 1_Wednesday

Good Morning Girls

Read Luke 9:21-36  SOAP Luke 9:23-26

These verses clearly describe how seriously Jesus considers discipleship.  Following Him must be approached in the same way.  Sometimes I am tempted to give unsaved people the impression that I'm normal like them, instead of the unapproachable do-gooder.  But Jesus describes following him as taking up a cross and losing your life.  In short, the Christian life consists of hard choices and heartache.  We know, of course, that there is abundant joy.  But truly following Christ includes laying everything on the altar, allowing God to dictate what must stay or go.  Father, help me to take following you so seriously, that nothing is spared from your altar. 


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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Week 1_Tuesday

Good Morning Girls

Read Luke 9:10-20  SOAP Luke 9:16-17

I wonder if Jesus was challenging the disciples here to act first in faith.  Verse 13 says, "But he said to them, 'You give them something to eat.'"  Perhaps Jesus was waiting for them to do something, believing God would miraculously provide.  Often times, we hold back, thinking that whatever we have to give is too small for the need.  But God has a way of multiplying the offering!  Jesus was not bound by earthly laws.  He was able to multiply one lunch into more than enough.  Certainly, He can handle anything life throws at us.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Week 1_Monday

Good Morning Girls

Read Luke 9:1-9  SOAP Luke 9:3-5

I've always struggled with this passage since I'm a planner.  But I think that I'm seeing the point Jesus wanted to make with His disciples.  "Go and fulfill my mission of spreading the gospel."  Sometimes we can get caught up in trying to arrange too many details.  If we have a heart for the world, God will provide what we need along the way.  Perhaps instead of trying to work everything out in our heads, we should just go and serve. 

This can certainly apply to our missions trip.  Instead of trying to plan everything out to the smallest detail, we should just go with the intention of being a blessing to those we encounter.  I know I will be tempted to over-plan.  But, why am I going?  Am I going to experience the best Arizona has to offer?  (That certainly requires planning.)  No, I'm going on a missions trip.  Let's remember to focus our efforts and that the experience of serving is distinct from anything else we've ever done.  God blesses our love for people and service to them, no matter how well-planned the action is.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

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Friday, March 8, 2013

Week 8_Friday

Good Morning Girls

Read Luke 8:40-56  SOAP  Luke 8:48, 50, 54

"Do not fear, only believe."  Faith replaces fear.  The two people represented in this passage were distinct from others because of their great faith.  The woman knew that simply touching Jesus would give healing, but she was afraid to be seen.  Jairus was afraid that healing was too late.  In both cases, Jesus still healed, reminding them to "go in peace" and "do not fear". 

It's easy to live in fear, imagining all the horrible possibilities of pain and heartache.  (That's why I very rarely watch the news.  It usually just scares me.)  But Jesus wants us to believe in Him rather than fear.  Let's pray when we are afraid, believing that He will carry us through any situation.  He can even carry us through advanced cancer or the death of a child.  Let us pray for faith for those in our midst specifically experiencing this. 

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Week 8_Thursday

Good Morning Girls

Read Luke 8:26-39  SOAP Luke 8:39

A simple command Jesus gives - for all of us to follow, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you."  Those who have been delivered from much, have much to declare! 

I'd like to praise God for what He has done for me.  Specifically, He has carried me through some severe financial and marital heartache.  He has given me grace when I was surrounded by enemies.  He has protected me and given me friends when I lived in places where I knew no one and was unfamiliar with the culture.  He has blessed me with two children that were conceived and delivered without any complications.  He has blessed our church even though we feel unworthy to lead sometimes. 

Father, thank you for your many blessings!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Week 8_Wednesday

Good Morning Girls

Read Luke 8:19-25  SOAP Luke 8:21


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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Week 8_Tuesday

Good Morning Girls

Read Luke 8:9-18  SOAP Luke 8:15

"Bearing fruit with patience" - I wanted to research this more.  I know what the fruits of the Spirit are, which certainly applies here.  But it seems that this passage is referring to faith that patiently endures testing.  James 4 refers to faith that has works and give the examples of Abraham and Rahab.  Abraham sacrificed his son Isaac, all the while trusting God to deliver him.  Rahab risked her life protecting God's spies from capture.  Faith for them was a big risk! 

God's Word will sustain us, especially during times of testing.  We must cling to it so that we can patiently endure. 

Ladies, please intentionally pray for our dear friend Heather Litchford.  She and Brian received some devastating news about their baby.  Please pray that God will miraculously heal Lily.  Also please pray that He will give them mercy during the next few weeks. 

Monday, March 4, 2013

Week 8_Monday

Good Morning Girls

Read Luke 8:1-8  SOAP Luke 8:5-8

I've always thought of this passage referring to salvation responses.  But after looking more closely, it seems to refer to a general response to God's Word.  So I can personally apply this to my own heart.  Am I receptive to the truth of God's Word?  Or do I let the enemy's lies cover up the truth?  (birds devouring the seed)  Do I wash out when action is required because I am not rooted in God's Word?  (seeds on the rocks)  More commonly, do I get distracted by worldly things that do not eternally matter?  (seeds among thorns) 

How often am I producing fruit a hundredfold?   I must intentionally invest in my personal relationship with Christ, through studying His Word and prayer.  Father, forgive me for my apathy and lack of love.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Week 7_Friday

Good Morning Girls

Read Luke 7:44-50  SOAP Luke 7:47, 50

I loved to hear my grandpa talk about his salvation experience.  He was so visibly grateful for salvation and the change it brought into his life.  He changed the legacy of our family, allowing me to be raised in a christian home.  I am grateful I was saved young, but I do see a lack of love and appreciation for God in my life.  Jesus scorned this lack of love from the Ephesian church,  "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first." Revelation 2:4

The good news is that we can pray for this love to return.  Paul did for the Philippians, "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment." Phippians 1:9  This is my prayer today.