Prayer & People

Jesus knew how important it was to bathe his ministry in prayer. He knew that having quiet moments with God was critical. Luke 5:16 says,” But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Jesus was all about people, seeking their best, showing them mercy. He sacrificed his safety and comfort to be among the people. He sacrificed his heart to offer us forgiveness and salvation. People have the choice to reject him but still he offers mercy.

Thought Questions:

When was the last time you found a few moments away from all the demands and distractions of your life to really connect with God?

Are you offering others the mercy of Jesus in your daily life? during your commute? when you are in a hurry? when you have had a long day? Speak Jesus!

All In

Luke 5:4, 5 Jesus told the fisherman to let down their nets after they had been fishing all night. Simon seems weary as he tells Jesus that they had caught nothing but he goes on to say, “But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” He was willing to take a risk because of Jesus’ request.

In Galations 2:20 Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ: and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” In other words he was saying, “I am ALL IN with Christ.”

Thought Questions:

What about you? Are you willing to take a risk at Jesus’ request? Are you willing to say and live out being ALL IN for God?

Can't Please Everyone

The temptation of people pleasing is so difficult. No one wants to deal with rejection. But even Jesus had to deal with it. Even early in his ministry, people rejected his message at times.

We need to remember that it is more important to please God than people. in Galations 1:10TPT, Paul says, “I’m obviously not trying to flatter you or water down my message to be popular with men, but my supreme passion is to please God. For if all I attempt to do is please people, I would fail to be a true servant of Christ.

We must stay focused and keep doing good. It is important to take time away from others (as Jesus did) and spend time with God, listening intently to him. We need to recharge!

“ Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

— Hebrews 13:20,21

Thought Question

How do you deal with the temptation of people pleasing?

Speaking Jesus Over Temptation

Luke 4:1-13

Satan uses 3 types of temptation: of the flesh, our human needs, of the eye or possessions and power and of pride. Jesus uses 2 tools against him, the Holy Spirit and scripture.

“For this reason, Jesus had to be made like us, his brothers and sisters, in every way. He became like people so that he could be their merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. Then he could bring forgiveness for the people’s sins. And now he can help those who are tempted. He is able to help because he himself suffered and was tempted.” Hebrews 2:17, 18 ERV

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:15, 16 NIV

Thought Question:

When Satan finds an opportune time to visit with you, what kinds of things does he use to work on you?

Journey On with Jesus!

The Blessing of God

“ When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.””

— Luke 3:21, 22

Good News

“ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

— Luke 2:10-11

No Fear

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.””

— Luke 1:30-33

His Workmanship

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

— Eph. 2:10 NAS

Stand Firm

“Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

— Exodus 14:13-14

Think on These Things

“ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

— Philippians 4:8

With God

““Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””

— Joshua 1:9

Find Rest

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.””

— Matthew 11:28-30

In View of God's Mercy

“ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

— Romans 12:1

Great Delight

“The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17