“…Or something worse may happen to you.” These were the words of Jesus to the man He had healed at the pool of Bethesda. No doubt, the man knew what Jesus was referring to.

To us, Jesus says, “Stop sinning.” Paul challenged, “Shall we continue in sin that grace must keep abounding (to compensate for it)? God forbid.” Then he says, “…We who are dead to sin.”

That’s the key. We must see ourselves dead to sin. Dead men aren’t tempted.They just lay there when sin tries to allure them.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You have given us the keys to life, abundant and progressively freer from sin every day. We consider ourselves dead to sin but alive to Your voice of instruction and strength.

DAILY READING: John 4-6

The mother of Jesus told the wedding attendants, “Do whatever [my son] tells you.” She had just pointed out to Him that the celebration had run out of wine. Reluctant … “My hour has not yet come” … Jesus complied with her request that He do something to alleviate the problem. His glory was revealed by turning water into wine to meet the pressing need. Had Mary seen Him do similar things before? Regardless, His wine was the BEST.

As we encounter the needs of life, we too, like Mary, can call upon our Savior to help. What He does is the BEST. Just ask with faith, like His mother did.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we are guilty of not asking enough for You to show us Your glory by performing miracles. We believe. Help our unbelief.

DAILY READING: John 1-3

Jesus appeared to His disciples after He had risen from the dead and related the prophecies made by Moses, David, and the Prophets concerning Him. He “Opened their minds” to understand these scriptures.

As we read the Bible, it often seems like a difficult to understand book. Believe me, it keeps your interest for a lifetime. However, along the journey of being devoted to the Lord through the discipline of scripture reading, He “Opens” our minds to understand elements that are necessary for our spiritual growth.

The key is KEEP READING. There is always more to discover.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, I love Your Word. I ask that You open up the understanding of my mind that I can receive fresh insight and inspiration for my spiritual journey.

DAILY READING: Luke 23,24

As Jesus described the events of the end times, He mentioned the persecution Christians would receive because of their faith. His advice: “Stand Firm.”

In doing so, He explained that they would be a vital witness to the world around them of His Kingdom and His Name.

Often, the price of being a witness for Christ is a great one, maybe even death. But, nothing in this world can compare to the glories and rewards Christ will pay in the hereafter.

Paul said, “Set your affection on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, into Your hands we commit our spirit. Only You can save us from the eternal torment which is to come to those who reject You.

DAILY READING: Luke 21,22

When we think of the Savior, we often think: healings; teachings; miracles; discipleship etc. But the main reason Christ came to earth was to seek and save the lost.

We are wise when we likewise take His Mission and make it our own.

As the world around us gives signs of coming to a conclusion, it’s time for those of us who love Jesus and want to please Him to fulfill the Great Commission … go into all the world and preach the Gospel to see lost souls come to Christ.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, help us to see more clearly the importance of witnessing to the lost. Lead us to a lost one today. Give us the right words to say.

DAILY READING: Luke 19,20

10 lepers were cleansed by Jesus. Only one returned to give him praise. God wants us to be grateful for what he does for us. Live a life of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for all of his goodness to you. Teach gratefulness to your children and model it for all to see.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, we are grateful for your goodness to us. We praise you and bless you for all that you’ve done.

DAILY READING: LUKE 17,18

Luke 15 makes it very clear; God loves to see the Lost come back to him. Angels rejoicing in heaven, the father whose prodigal son came home, the shepherd who found the lost sheep, the widow who recovered the lost silver coin, all were examples of God’s pleasure to see the Lost return to the fold.

As we adopt God’s heart for the lost,  we thereby find one of life’s greatest fulfillments … winning souls.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, lead me to a lost soul today. Give me the right words to witness.

DAILY READING: Luke 15, 16

Jesus told his disciples to pay attention to little acts of humility, such as taking a more lowly seat at a banquet rather than a seat of honor.  He encouraged them to prefer others above themselves.

Through our humility, His principles shine more clearly.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, Your ways are higher than ours. Forgive us for our pride and selfishness.

DAILY READING: Luke 23,14

Jesus was opposed by the religious leaders because He did what His Heavenly Father instructed rather than fit in to their system.

It’s not always smooth sailing when you serve the Loed. Your destination, however, is more than worth the trip.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, give me grace to please You by how I respond to opposition.

DAILY READING: Luke11,12

When Jesus answered the question, “Who is my neighbor?” He replied with the story of the good Samaritan. After sharing how he so mercifully took care of the beaten man by the side of the road, Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.”

That command is given to you and me. Love God and love people.

DAILY PRAYER: Father, forgive us for being so self-centered. By Your grace, we will show Your mercy.

DAILY READING: Luke 9,10