Questions for Reflection for Study of Luke 9

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Mark Shields

Over the last few weeks in the study of Luke, written about were some thoughts and ideas that we can apply as we journey through life. God has unlimited power and this power is demonstrated in the actions of His Son. When we see and hear that positive results occur, then we become a believer. As our belief grows, it is then clearly revealed in our hearts as faith.

The world can be a confusing place but can be made clear if the proven way is followed. This is the right way and God’s way. The positive information of God’s Word helps us to see more clearly and do things as they ought to be done. The plan of life that Jesus teaches is the proven way that leads to freedom. A couple of weeks ago, the United States honored veterans on Veterans Day. There actions define courage and have paved the way to freedom.

One question we tried to answer over the last few weeks was how can we show the same attitude towards others as Jesus did during His ministry? We can start by seeing potential in others and being motivated to action by deep respect for Jesus as Teacher. With a desire to help others accept His love, let us pray for openness, humility, and a loving attitude.

The word of God planted in a soul with integrity is like seed planted in fertile soil that flourishes into a banner crop. In getting our heart ready to be receptive to God’s Word, find a place and time where there are no distractions. Have a desire to hear from God, escape the distractions of the world, be still, and just listen to God’s voice.

Written about over the last few weeks was how Jesus showed authority over all phenomena. The lesson learned is that we can take in the Word to help us put into practice the teachings of Jesus. We can trust instead of worry and fill each day with obedience, gratitude, and humility. Each day with God, we can be energized by knowing that Christ has authority over all realms; He is before us and within us.

Jesus did out of the ordinary things but knew that the credit belonged to the Father. The miracles happened before and they will happen again. We can just be a part of the crowd or we can reach out and “touch Him” by faith; being recharged with power and new life.

Bible study and prayer should be a top priority in our life. That’s why I’ll be continuing the study in the book of Luke next week and sharing a few thoughts. Each of the studies are designed to help apply our faith in the work place, at school, or at home. You can keep up with my spiritual journey by clicking http://wp.me/1ar6D

Have a great weekend my friends! As the journey through God’s Word continues, below are questions for reflection for the study of Luke 9 which will help focus some thoughts to share in posts over the next few weeks.

Luke 9:1-17
What is the twofold ministry of the twelve? What leadership principles can you learn from this passage? List areas in your life where the demands seem much greater than your supply. What help do you find here?

Luke 9:18-36
What are the various opinions of Jesus’ identity? What are the requirements of one who wishes to follow the Christ of God? In what ways will you deny yourself and follow Jesus today? What effect does the transfiguration have on the development of the three disciples’ understanding and character? In what ways has God recently enlarged your understanding of Him? How has this understanding been revealed in your character?

Luke 9:37-62
What do the disciples know about Jesus (v. 20)? How does the statement of Jesus in verse 44 contrast with their expectations? In what ways does individual and group pride distort what you and others know about God?

The above reading plan will be used as I share over the next few posts. It’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with Him amazing! At this link: God’s Plan for Us, is a post about accepting God’s plan or reaffirming our “YES” for Christ.

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God.

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God. Downer Grove Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1978
First United Methodist Waco Podcast
Christ Notes
Family Times
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Doing Out of the Ordinary Things to Help Others

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Mark Shields

In the post Give Others a Recharge, I wrote about two miracles of Jesus. He was doing out of the ordinary things to help people but gave credit to the Father. The miracles happened and they will happen in the future. We can just be a part of the crowd or we can reach out and “touch Him” by faith; being recharged with power and new life.

Let us praise Him just as this song: All Creatures of our God King – David Crowder. 


Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. – Philippians 2:3

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Give Others a Recharge

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Mark Shields

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Jesus did out of the ordinary acts of healing as explained in Luke 8:40-56. He healed a sick woman who touched Him and He brought the daughter of a synagogue ruler back to life.

The healing power of Jesus is not magic but dependent on our faith in the power coming out from Him. In this passage, we have been given two instances to demonstrate but there are many more; even today, miracles happen and will continue to happen as we continue into the future.

The Lord’s knowledge of situations help us daily as we pray and listen to His guidance. Our faith becomes strengthened and His specific commands to us become clear so we can go in peace like the woman who was healed because of her faith. We can get up from our sleep and live each day to the fullest because of our faith.

Yes, there is power in Jesus. He recharges us like a car battery is recharged by jumper cables or a cell phone is recharged through an electrical outlet. He is the source and our faith connects us to the power.

This day with God, we can also help others to be connected if we follow the attitude and actions of Jesus; showing an interest in people, praying for their health and happiness, and empowering them to be all that they are meant to be.

Father God, help us today to be the link that gives a charge to someone today and in turn helps them to pass it on to others. We are all linked together into Your power and our neighbors next door can also be linked into this power. The co-worker who we spend so much time with can also be linked. We are thankful that because of the Internet, we can link people around the world to Your power. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

 

 

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Ray of Hope

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Mark Shields

We all need a ray of hope and all who believe in Jesus receive this hope. The post Authority Over All Phenomena was about the authority of Jesus to calm a storm and to cure a man with evil spirits.  We all face fear but in any crisis situation, we can receive a plan through prayer and execute it in faith.

If you are down right now or just need some energy for a challenging day ahead, here’s a video to affirm the blessing you have in the Trinity: Overcomer – Mandisa.


And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

 

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Authority Over All Phenomena

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Mark Shields

Jesus demonstrates authority over the realms of both natural and aberrant phenomena. Reading in Luke 8:22-39, there is one example of Jesus’ authority over a storm and another example of Jesus’ authority over the spiritual world.

In the first incident, Jesus and His disciples were going to the other side of the lake when a storm all of a sudden came upon them. Unexpected storms are common on Galilee but this one was more intense and dangerous. Jesus had fallen asleep so the disciples went over to wake Him up. Jesus got up and immediately rebuked the wind and raging waters causing the storm to subside so all was calm (v. 24).

In the second incident, Jesus and His disciples arrived on the other side of the lake where they met a demon-possessed man. The man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs (v.27).  Many demons had entered into him and they begged Jesus to let them go into some nearby pigs. Jesus gave them permission and the pigs rushed down the steep bank, into the lake, and were drowned (v. 33).

After being cured by Jesus from the demons, the man was seen sitting at Jesus’ feet, cleanly dressed, and in his right mind. Word got out to the people in the region and instead of embracing Jesus, they were overcome with fear and told Jesus to leave their community.

We all face days in life when we need restoration and we should be thankful because we can pray and like rebooting a computer, we can clear out the bad and be restored with a new perspective. Our faith in Jesus eliminates fear of circumstances like in today’s reading about Jesus calming the storm. Our faith in Jesus eliminates our fear from what others can do to us or what Satan can do. The lesson learned in today’s passage is that when crisis situations come up, we should desire to receive a plan through prayer and execute it with faith.

This day with God, I pray that we take in His word and put it into practice so it is implanted into our hearts. That we trust instead of worry. That we go out and fill our day with obedience, gratitude, and humility. That we are energized by knowing Christ has authority over all realms; He is before us and within us.

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