Jesus demonstrated and encouraged good stewardship when he said “Let nothing be wasted.” He had just fed a large multitude with a few fishes and loaves of bread, yet in the abundance of miraculous leftovers, he made sure his disciples took good care of the extra food.

How wasteful we are. Yes!  The Lord wants us to take good care of and use everything he has miraculously provided. If you take good care of what he entrusts to you, He will give you more.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, forgive us for being so wasteful. Develop within us good stewardship over all your provision today.

DAILY READING:  John 6,7

It seems, when reading the Gospels, that Jesus avoided credit and glory from men. What he did desire was for them to honor him by hearing his teachings and forsaking their own ways. In so doing, they also honored his Heavenly Father.

He said if you have my teachings and obey them, you are showing your love and honor to me. (Jn. 15:10)

Read the red and DO IT!

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, You have the words of life. Give me grace today to be obedient to what You ask of me.

DAILY READING:  John 4, 5

Mary, the mother of Jesus asked him to help with the wine situation at the wedding in Cana as recorded in John chapter 2. He asked her, why she involved him. However, he granted her request when he turned the water into wine. He performed a miracle at her request. Is that not what prayer is … Asking Jesus to involve himself in the needs of our life? We don’t have because we don’t ask. “Ask and you shall receive that your joy may be full” were the words of Jesus himself. Let’s not be guilty of not asking.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, we ask with humility and faith that you involve yourself in our daily needs. Give us miracles when our human resources are exhausted.

DAILY READING: John 1-3

Luke 24 contains two occasions where Jesus opened the eyes of understanding for His disciples. One when two of them were with him as he broke bread. The other as he appeared before them together in Jerusalem. He gave them understanding of the scriptures.

Ask for understanding as you read the Word.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, open the eyes of our understanding that we might see clearly how to live.  We want to bring glory to Your name.

DAILY READING:  LUKE 23,24

At His last meal with his disciples, Jesus rebuked them when they began vying for position in his kingdom. The Master clearly declared that if you want to be great and His kingdom, you should be a servant of all.

It seems we must be reminded of this principal often. Be a servant today.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, forgive me for trying to be great when You are the only Great One. Help me see service opportunities today.

DAILY READING:  Luke 21, 22

Jesus gave many teachings encouraging wise stewardship such as the story of a wealthy man who left three servants with some money to care for. The ones who invested and used it wisely were commended. The one who feared the master and buried his charge was severely reprimanded.

All we have been given and how we use it is being watched. Without fear, do the best you can to make it be effective to build God’s Kingdom.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, open my eyes to see investment opportunities today that I should take advantage of. I want to be faithful to You.

DAILY READING: Luke 19,20

Persistent prayer is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. Jesus was constantly teaching to build the faith of His disciples so they could demonstrate the power of His Kingdom.

The story of the widow who prevailed in her request to the unjust judge in Luke 18 gives us fuel to amp up our prayerful asking. Remember, what is impossible with man is POSSIBLE with God.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, we come to You today with the requests that will both meet our needs and demonstrate Your power to those around us. In the name of Jesus.

DAILY READING:  Luke 17,18

Who would make a better business agent for you?  The person in the mirror, or the Holy Spirit?

Jesus said you will be humbled if you promote yourself, but you will be exalted if you humble yourself.  He made this point as he described people who always try take the seat of prominence at an event.  Allow the Holy Spirit to place you in the right seat.  You will have a better time … I guarantee it!

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, let me be one who walks through life sitting in the seat You have designed for me.  Your placement is the wisest.  I belong to You.

DAILY READING:  Luke 14-6

Luke 12 is packed with end-time advice from Jesus for His disciples.  Warnings against temporal investments, worrying about provision, preoccupation with self … the things that displace being full of the Spirit and living a life of self-sacrifice … are identified as hindrances to being ready for the Lord’s return.

His promise to care for our needs and give us an eternal home with Him transcend the value of anything this life has to offer.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, forgive us for focusing on the temporal.  We set our affection on things above where we will enjoy Your presence for eternity.

DAILY READING:  Luke 12,13

When a woman in the crowd of followers exclaimed, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth …”  Jesus made this a teaching moment by replying, “Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey it.”  Thereby, He clarified that the spiritual birth and compliance with the Gospel message was the principal criteria for favor in God’s Kingdom.  God doesn’t have any grandchildren.  Only children.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father, grace me to be obedient to You in every thing I do.  I want to live in the fullness of Your blessing.

DAILY READING:  Luke 10.11