Luke 8-9

8:3 - These ladies provided for Jesus and the disciples out of their own means. I think our view of money really messes us up and makes us miss out on a lot. Money was important back in Jesus' day too, although it doesn't seem like it had quite the intoxicating aroma it holds for us today. These women got to be a part of changing eternity because they thought more of the Gospel and Jesus than they did their comfort or ownership. I wonder what it would like like for us to give out of our own means for someone else. These women would be thought of as saps or unwise today, but the Bible records them as heroes. Here's to finding a few more "unwise" heroes of the faith.

Parable of the Sower
8:12 - How do we help people retain the word of God so they can make it?
8:13 - How do we help people develop roots so they can endure hard times? (vs 6 - water them???)
8:14 - How do we help people weed their lives?
8:15 - Noble and good hearts = we need to 1) hear, 2) retain, 3) persevere. Where do you struggle the most? Are you listening everyday? Are you doing something to retain what you hear? Are you developing faith muscles to survive and thrive?

8:25 - Fear enters in when there is a lack of faith. If you experience fear ask yourself where your faith is suffering.

8:29 - The enemy tries to drive us to solitary places. The next time you feel like hiding all by yourself run to God and ask for protection, run to a friend and ask for prayer and run to community. The devil wants us to be alone because he can talk us into a lot more that way. But, when we stand together, we can help each other resist him.

8:39 - "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." When was the last time you did this?

8:48 - "your faith has healed you"

8:50 - "Don't be afraid; just believe..."

8:51 - Jesus often took His three apprentices with Him to train them. (vs 9:28 too)

8:53 - What we "know" doesn't stand up to what He knows and can do.

9:13 - We often count only what we have as potential resources, but through thanksgiving we should plan as those with more.

9:20 - "But what about you? Who do you say I am?"

9:24 - You will lose your life in pursuit of God. We all do. It is a necessity for finding Him.

9:31 - When Jesus is talking with Elijah and Moses the Bible says they were talking about Jesus' exodus. What a cool word picture. Just like Moses led people out of slavery through and exodus, Jesus was coming to lead a people out of bondage and addiction to freedom.

9:39 - Satan destroys life.

9:43 - You know a miracle is from God and of God when it brings praise to God.

9:48 - "For whoever is least among you all is the greatest."

Love ya, Michael