The Story Continues: A Devotional Journey Through Luke/Acts
Join our mailing list, and we will send you daily reminders about this devotional.
About This Devotional
About this Devotional
The Story Continues is a journey through the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles, which together tell one unified story of God’s Kingdom breaking into the world. Luke shows us what Jesus began to do and teach. Acts reveals how Jesus continues His work through the power of the Holy Spirit and the witness of the Church.
As we see the Kingdom come, lives restored, and the Spirit at work through ordinary people, we will be challenged to step out of passive faith and into active participation. Because the truth is, the story did not end in Acts— and it is not finished yet. God is inviting us to be a part of what comes next.
The devotion is organized so that Monday through Saturday you will read a chapter of Luke or Acts and then read of how this chapter has spoken to someone else. We encourage you to read the chapter from Scripture first before you then read the devotion provided in this booklet. On Sunday, reflect on what you have read and join with others in offering your worship to God.
May these devotions, written by the congregations of Ball Ground Methodist, Canton First Methodist, Mt. Gilead Methodist, and The Way Woodstock challenge and encourage you as we are, together, shaped by God’s Word and sent to continue the story by participating in the work that God seeks to do in and through us in Cherokee County and beyond.
July 27th through September 24th
Tuesday, August 19
Week 4, Day 3
Luke 21:1-4 As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (NIV)
I’ve been reflecting on Luke 21:1–4, where Jesus observes the widow offering her two mites. It struck me that God truly sees my heart; He is not comparing my giving to that of others, the way I often do.
These verses have stopped me in my tracks, revealing that holding back— whether it is my time, talent, or treasure—is often a relational and control issue for me. What God asks me to give to others may just (what a candle snuffing word) be 2 mites, but what Jesus sees is my obedience in giving the whole 2 mites. I’ve realized that as I grow closer to God and surrender control to Him, fear dissolves and blessings are often provided just in time. Much like the widow, my sacrificial giving and trust are assessed based on my total dependence on Him.
God sees our heart, intentions, and attitudes and He wants ALL of us. We are sent people and the first step is that leap of faith – will I give the whole 2 mites. Am I willing to give it all without knowing it all, recognizing that Christians are not guaranteed a life of certainty or comfort.
Jesus isn’t asking me to give more (time, talent, or treasure – He doesn’t NEED any of it) He is asking me to give all of me to Him, trusting in Him completely!!
By Jeanne Sullivan
Tuesday, August 18
Week 4, Day 2
Luke 20:1-4 One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?” He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me: John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?” (NIV)
When I was a child, I can remember my mother telling me to do something. She would say, “Jane, clean up your room!” I would respond, “Why?” Her immediate responds was, “BECAUSE I SAID SO!” I never questioned or challenged her authority.
In Luke 20 when the religious leaders question Jesus’ authority, He turns the table with a question about John the Baptist. Jesus responds with a question of his own, not only to deflect their challenges, but to compel His interrogators to consider their own understandings and assumptions. By answering questions with questions, Jesus often reveals the underlying beliefs or truths and fosters self-examination for His hearers.
Jesus’ questions and responses encourage us to seek the truth, trust His authority over our lives, and seek His guidance in all we do. Throughout Luke 20, Jesus the teacher demonstrates His unparallel wisdom in facing the challenges of the religious leaders. Luke 20 led me to a personal revelation of Jesus’ authority and an affirmation of His return. Questions, a parable, a tribute to Caesar and a promise of resurrection are all packed into this chapter. It will speak to you.
By Jane Scott
Monday, August 17
Week 4, Day 1
Luke 19:1-6: Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. ‘Zacchaeus!’ he said. ‘Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.’ Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. (NLT)
Reading these verses out of the Gospel of Luke, the first thought that comes to my heart is that we all want is to be seen. Each one of us desires to be included, to belong. No matter what we’ve done, mistakes we’ve made, and no matter the brokenness that exists in our lives- we desire for someone to SEE us. That is exactly what is happening here between Zacchaeus and Jesus. Zacchaeus, along with the others in the crowd gathering around Jesus, are aware of the kind of life that Zacchaeus has led, how he’s wronged others. Even still Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore tree so he could place his own eyes on Jesus.
Jesus came to earth to save the lost, the broken, the outcast, the marginalized, sinners like you and me. No matter what Zacchaeus had done in his past as a tax collector, he desired to see Jesus and for Jesus to SEE him. Zacchaeus then offers to surrender the material things and wrongly acquired wealth in his life, to make room for a relationship with the Son of God. Zacchaeus proceeds to accept Jesus’ invitation to share a meal together at his home. Even though we are sinners, Christ loves us and desires a relationship with us. As Jesus called him by name, Zacchaeus’ heart had been transformed. He went from not having a seat at the table, to being given a seat at Jesus’ table. Just like Zacchaeus, Jesus calls us by name and invites us into a relationship with Him. The Son of God died and rose again so each of us could have a seat at His table.
By Kayla DeSimone
Saturday, August 15
Week 3, Day 6
Luke 18:15-17 “People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (NIV)
This scene is told in three of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). I think this emphasizes the love and compassion that Jesus had for children. I can just visualize the picture of Jesus sitting on the grass surrounded by little children. Being a mother, grandmother and a retired teacher, this is such a comforting, beautiful picture.
Children are honest, trustworthy, humble, believing, and they see the “good” in everyday life. Do we as adults still have these character traits? I think too many times adults become cynical to the world around us and tend to focus on the negative instead of seeing the positive and all the beauty around us.
I’m reminded of the lyrics of the song, “If I Could See The World (Through The Eyes Of A Child)”
“If I could see the world through the eyes of a child What a wonderful world this would be There’d be no trouble and no strife Just a big happy life……………
I could see right, no wrong I could see good, no bad I could see all the good things in life I’ve never had If I could see the world through the eyes of a child What a wonderful world this would be”
I know we all face trials and uncertainties, but perhaps today, we can pause and try to see the world through the eyes of a child, “For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” May we all approach Jesus as humble as a little child, because He cares about us.
By Susan Thacker
Friday, August 14
Week 3, Day 5
Luke 17:32: Remember Lot’s wife! (NIV)
In Luke 17:20-33, Jesus teaches about the coming of the Kingdom of God. He warns that it will arrive suddenly, like the days of Noah and Lot. People will be eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, and building—business as usual—until judgment comes. Then He gives this piercing command: “Remember Lot’s wife.”
Lot’s wife looked back. She clung to the familiar comforts and temporary pleasures of Sodom, even as God was delivering her family from destruction. Jesus uses her as a solemn example: we cannot move forward into what God has for us while our hearts remain anchored to what He is asking us to leave behind. Clinging to worldly possessions, or past satisfactions will never truly fulfill the desires of our hearts.
Eyes forward. Look ahead to where God leads you. If He sends a firestorm or tornado to clear your path, trust the hand that holds you and go! It’s not about what you leave behind, but what you’re going to. What the Lord removes makes room for something far better. So ask yourself: If you had to leave your home in a hurry, what would you reach for?
May we remember these words of Jesus and step boldly into the future He is calling us to, without going back for anything He has called us to leave behind.
By Dee Cannon
Thursday, August 13
Week 3, Day 4
Luke 16:25: But Abraham replied, “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.” (NIV)
Abraham is speaking to a rich man, who enjoyed many pleasures during his earthly life, but who has now died and is in a place of torment. In contrast to the rich man, there is also Lazarus, a beggar who suffered greatly during his earthly life and who has died and is now in a place of comfort.
From this passage, we are reminded of the importance of keeping our eyes focused on what is eternal. It can be so easy to get caught up in the experiences of the moment: the possessions we have, the amount of money on our paycheck, or the way other people talk about us. If we are not careful, we will define our lives and assign ultimate value to these things while forgetting that this world is not our ultimate home. We will chase after comfort and accolades in order to find peace and joy in our lives, yet none of these things will actually satisfy our souls. We will be like the rich man, thinking we have everything, while in reality, we will be left with nothing.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to evaluate our priorities regularly. Are we storing up treasures on earth, or are we living in God’s kingdom? A life centered on serving Christ will require sacrifice today, but it gives us a peace and joy that lasts from now through eternity. The promises of the world will ultimately leave us wanting, yet by following Jesus, we are given a gift far greater than we could ever ask or imagine.
By Mattie Bryant
Wednesday, August 12
Week 3, Day 3
Luke 15:1-2 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (NIV)
Luke 15 tells three different parables about someone or something being lost, but found: The Parable of the Lost Sheep (1 – 7), The Parable of the Lost Coin (8 – 10), and The Parable of the Lost Son (11 – 32). Jesus uses these three parables when:
The Pharisees and teachers of the law tried to discredit Jesus by casting shame and doubt onto Him through Jesus’ acts of welcoming sinners and eating with them. While trying to discredit Jesus, the Pharisees and teachers of the law discredit themselves through their sense of pride and judgement. When Jesus rebuttals with his three parables, Jesus shows that even when we lose a sheep, a coin, or even one of our family members, we don’t stop trying to find them while they are lost. We do whatever we can to find them, and once we do find them, we rejoice and share the news with others.
From this Scripture we see the application: “I will not judge others on my perspective of their actions, while preventing my pride from helping and celebrating with them later.”
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. Thank you for all the blessings, grace, and sacrifices you have made for me. I come to you today Lord to ask for your forgiveness. There have been days when I have allowed my pride to prevent me from helping others, as I have judged them based on their previous actions I have perceived and have talked down to them like the Pharisees and teachers of the law have done to you. Lord, I ask for forgiveness and strength in encouraging others, just like you have done and continue to do. Your guidance and teachings show us to never discourage anyone, but to be the light that guides them home. By following your parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son, I will not judge those but be the guidance they need to be found. Thank you again Lord for your grace and blessing. I say this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
By Courey Carter
Tuesday, August 11
Week 3, Day 2;
Luke 14:27-30,33: And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. (NIV)
When I read Luke 14:27–30 and 33, I realize that following Jesus is much more than saying I believe. Jesus talks about carrying the cross, counting the cost, and giving up everything to be His disciple. When I first started this journey, I honestly did not understand that there was a cost involved. I am learning that the cost of following Jesus is surrendering the right to live only for myself.
For me, that cost includes giving up self-reliance, pride, worldly thinking, and the need to always be in control. It means letting Jesus guide my decisions instead of depending only on my own understanding. It also means being willing to be known as a believer, even when I feel unsure or uncomfortable.
I still struggle with feeling inadequate when I pray, especially when praying aloud. Even in that, I believe God is teaching me to trust Him and not focus so much on how I sound. I do not want to start building my faith and then stop. I want to keep growing through studying Scripture, applying it to my life, and practicing what I learn.
This is still new to me, but I can see that my life feels more stable and less stressful when I seek Christ first.
Prayer: Lord, help me surrender fully, grow in Your Word, pray with confidence, and remain faithful while I wait on Your timing. Amen.
By Fred Lindeborg
Monday, August 10
Week 3, Day 1
Luke 13:1-5: Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (NASB)
When people told Jesus about a tragedy—the killing of some Galileans by Pilate—He responded not by explaining why the tragedy happened but by turning the focus toward the hearts of His listeners: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”. He then brings up another tragedy that had recently occurred regarding the tower in Siloam. And then repeats the phrase “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”.
Jesus challenged the assumption at the time that tragedy or difficulty was directly a result of sin and the quantity or gravity of the sin. We still make that same assumption today! The two examples also highlight that life is short, and we do not know when our time will come.
The word “repent” comes from the Greek word μετανοέω (metanoeō), which means to change one’s mind or to have a transformed way of thinking. More than simply feeling regret, biblical repentance involves a change of heart and direction—a turning away from sin and self-centered living and turning toward God in faith and obedience. It is an inward transformation that produces an outward change in how we live.
Every day is a gift from God and an opportunity to draw closer to Him. Rather than speculating about the sins of others as we are very prone to do, Jesus calls us to examine our own hearts, and stop comparing ourselves to others. His words are both a warning that we are all sinners, but also invitation to experience the forgiveness, mercy, and new life that He freely offers.
By Mike McCord
Saturday, August 8
Week 2, Day 6
Luke 12:25-26, 34 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV)
Why do you worry?
For me, it’s about trust and control. As a teacher, being in control was a trait I strived for—one applauded by my profession. My students would be orderly, discipline problems would be taken care of in my classroom, not involving administration.
I was fairly successful at that, and so I figured I could extend this control over my own children. For years, that seemed to work…..until the teenage years hit.
All of a sudden peers exerted more influence, ie, control, than dear ole mom. I could see changes in my son, and I couldn’t control them or him no matter how hard I tried. I remember being down on my knees painting baseboards, crying out to the Lord for help. Worrying was NOT changing things. Life was out of control.
Jesus answered my cries when I gave up and sought Him. He sent our youth pastor to intervene. GOD DID NOT EQUIP ME TO FILL THE NEED; HE REQUIRED THAT I TRUST HIM TO FILL THE NEED!
Over the years, I still struggle with control issues, but I have the living miracle of answered prayer to always remind me to trust in God. I build the treasure of a relationship with Him daily, so my trust and hope are in Him. For where my heart is, there is my treasure.
So, I ask YOU: Why do you worry?
By Nan Peters
Friday, August 7
Week 2, Day 5
Read Luke 11
Luke 11:9-13 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (NIV)
Years ago, I was seeking God — talking to Him — asking for His forgiveness of my sins and wanting a relationship with Him. As I prayed, I knew I needed something more — something that I did not have — so I began to ask. As I was praying, I was concerned and even afraid that I would receive something that was not real, a counterfeit, something not of God. As my eyes read these verses, I suddenly knew God was with me and that He would not allow something false to enter my life as I earnestly prayed and surrendered my life to Him. So, I accepted the gift of His Holy Spirit and when I did, I began to speak in an unknown language, I knew my spirit was praying as I had exhausted myself in my understanding — asking for many things.
Later, I learned from a trusted Christian friend that this was a “prayer language” — a gift from God, which comes to those who seek it. My spirit prayed to God through Jesus Christ my Lord and I was baptized in the Holy Spirit! This gift of “prayer language” helps me to intercede for others in need or in difficult situations — as He also gave me the gift of Intercessory Prayer. This Gift of Intercessory Prayer gives me joy in praying for others and situations for prolonged periods of time. It is a way of life for me to pray. It is a necessary part of the Church … the Body of Christ … the Church Jesus is building.
I am so thankful for all the spiritual gifts our good, good Father gives to each of His children. Jesus prayed often, speaking to His Father and so we will do as He did. Amen.
By Jane Allen
Thursday, August 6
Week 2, Day 3
Luke 10:38-42: Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (NIV)
When life is busy, and you are faced with constant demands, whether it is parenthood, work, or the many other directions that we may be pulled in, it is easy to lose sight of what matters the most. Our lives today are faced with so many distractions at our fingertips, and sometimes we forget what deserves attention in our lives.
We often live in “Martha” mode, getting caught up in preparation for something, doing, and serving…all of which are wonderful in moderation, but “Mary” mode is what Jesus longs for from us. God never called us to not serve others, but when faced with the choice of preparing or spending time with Him, it was clear that He was happy with the choice Mary made. Martha was anxious and restless about the decision Mary was making not to help in preparation, and went to Jesus about it. Mary found rest in Christ by sitting at His feet and taking in the goodness of Him.
Amid noise, Jesus reminds me that being with Him matters more than losing sight of Him and His presence.
By Maegan Payne
Wednesday, August 5
Week 2, Day 3
Luke 9:47-48 Jesus perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.” (NKJV)
How great it would be to study under Jesus Himself for even a week, much less three years. The apostles traveled everywhere with Him. They watched Him deal with difficult people and heal the lame and blind. These disciples got to sit around a campfire at night after supper, ask Him anything they wanted, and discussed theology. They got to do this with the Creator of the universe, yet they would not grasp His humility.
In Luke 9, Jesus had just told the disciples that His time with Him was limited, yet they were arguing over their hierarchy in the kingdom (v.46).
It is easy for me to ridicule them and miss my chance to be humble. It sure is easy to make churchabout ourselves, isn’t it. I like this music or that color carpet—while all along, there are people around us with a childlike understanding of Christ.
Where should our focus be? Should we worry less about our place and preference and a lot more about reaching people for Christ? I think we know the answer to that.
Prayer: Lord help me focus on You and Your kingdom today while putting others first and myself last.
By Sara Jo Cauble
Tuesday, August 4
Week 2, Day 2
Luke 8:11 This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. (NLT)
The parable of the Sower is one of my favorite parables in the New Testament! Jesus tells us the importance of spreading the gospel and encourages us that, even though some may not receive it, those that do receive it will produce a harvest many times over what was planted.
I recently heard Christian artist John Mark McMillan discuss this scripture during a concert and he pointed something out that had never occurred to me before and has caused me to read this in a completely new way. In verse 11, as Jesus is explaining the parable to his disciples, he tells us that the seed represents God’s word. The Greek word translated here as “word” is logos, the same word that appears in John 1:1 which speaks of Jesus as the “logos” of God!
What this highlights for me is that while Jesus did spread the literal words of the gospel, the good news, his ministry was also a giving of himself to the people around him. He served them not only by teaching and preaching but also healings, miracles, and even casting out demons.
So if we are to be Jesus’ disciples we are called not just to share the words of Jesus we are also called to do the things Jesus did as we love and serve others. In the beginning of the very next chapter, Luke 9, Jesus gives his disciples the authority to do just that: to “cast out demons and heal diseases.” May we all receive this divine commission to sow the seed of the gospel with our actions, our very lives, as well as our words!
By Matt Abel
Monday, August 3
Week 2, Day 1
Luke 7:1-10 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. (ESV)
The beauty of this Scripture lies in the recognition of the power of words. The centurion had “heard about Jesus.” It doesn’t sound like he had even encountered Jesus physically, yet he knew of the compassion of Jesus and His healing power from the words of those who had seen, heard and experienced Jesus first-hand, and he must have sensed that Jesus was available to any and all who asked. From what others had shared with him, the centurion also realized that the words of Jesus carry the power of His presence! Jesus’s words are so powerful and carry such authority that all He needs to do is speak!
I couldn’t help thinking of Romans 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” That is how the centurion came to know Jesus!
As followers of Jesus, we have been given authority to make Him known to all the nations through the power of His Word, living in us. May our words demonstrate our faith as well as the centurion’s words represented his faith! Amen.
By Ann Garvin
Saturday, August 1
Week 1, Day 6
Luke 6:1 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels.
If any of you know us, you know how hard we preach and try to live out the Sabbath. I, lovingly, call myself a type A+ personality-prone to stress and overworking myself. How thankful am I that I have a Savior who sees me and whose design for life was for people just like me who struggle to say no and do less. My mental health journey and spiritual life completely changed once I started learning about God’s call to actually do less and rest in Him.
I love Luke Chapter 6 in how it begins with Jesus righting the misconceptions about Sabbath with the Pharisees. This isn’t just a lesson to the Pharisees but the entire chapter outlines God’s design from creation of resting first before you work. We see this in how the chapter opens talking about Sabbath and leads right into Jesus choosing the 12 and then the Beatitudes sermon. Some of Jesus’ most important work came AFTER he rested and aligned himself with God. The chapter closes talking about how the fruit we bear will be evidence of what we sow in our lives.
How would the fruit of your life change if you let go of, put down and stopped the unnecessary stress/pressure/activities etc. and allowed yourself to rest and enjoy the way God has already provided for you and your family? We can’t fake it. If we’re stressed and worn thin, it’s only a matter of time before it starts to show in the way we live our lives. Please friends. Let’s rest.
By Carolyn Abel
Friday, July 31
Week 1, Day 5
Luke 5:27-32 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me, ” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (NIV)
During the time of Jesus, there wasn’t anything much worse than workingas a tax collector. It was looked upon as shameful and they were considered on the same level as prostitutes, murderers and robbers. Rome imposed heavy taxes from the people and the tax collectors were the middlemen collecting those taxes. They had a reputation of overcharging to pad their own pockets.
Levi, also known as Matthew, was one of those tax collectors. One day as he was sitting at his booth Jesus walked up and said to Matthew, “Follow me.” No judgment, no condemnation, just an invitation to step out of hisshame and into honor and acceptance in the community. Matthew did not hesitate to accept Jesus’s invitation. He left everything behind to follow Jesus and became one of His disciples.
We learn something about Jesus here: Jesus meets us right where we are and He wants us to follow Him. He does not condemn us; He came to save us.
Matthew hosted a great banquet at his home for Jesus. When the Pharisees and legal experts saw that Jesus dined at Matthew’s house along with other tax collectors and sinners, which Rabbis did not do in those days, they grumbled and questioned Jesus about it. Jesus answered, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor but sick people do. I didn’t come to call righteous people but sinners to change their hearts and lives. ”
We can find great hope in this story. With Jesus, the table is open toe veryone. There is a seat at his table for us; we just have to receive it by faith and belief.
By Alessandra Crandall
Thursday, July 30
Week 1, Day 4;
Luke 4:38–40: Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. (NIV)
In this scripture, we read about people bringing their loved ones to Jesus. Christ cares deeply for those who are sick or distressed. He has the power over all diseases and afflictions of our mind and bodies, and healing comes through Him in many ways; immediate and miraculous, through medical intervention, by the healing power He created within us, and by comfort and peace as we grow closer to Christ and ultimately live in eternity with Him. When we experience healing, Jesus expects us to serve Him, living our life as a testimony of God’s power and authority as we also intercede on behalf of others to bring them to Jesus.
Bringing people to Jesus is a vital aspect of our Christian life, allowing us to participate in what God is doing. Through intercessory prayer, we can support and care for others spiritually and emotionally, ask for God’s help in difficultsituations, and demonstrate what it means to be a disciple by our love, compassion, and community for others (John 13:35).
The Bible emphasizes that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective, demonstrating that intercession can bring about transformation, healing, and hope (James 5:16). The Bible give us examples of Abraham, Moses, Daniel, and ultimately Jesus who practiced intercession for others.
As I reflect on this passage I am reminded of how Christ has provided emotional healing in my life through a journey of growing in faith and understanding of God’s love and the redeeming power of the Holy Spirit. Who in your life can you bring to Jesus to experience His healing power?
Dear Lord, we thank you for loving us so much that you are continuously interceding for us. Please fill our hearts to overflow with such compassion and love that we bring others to you. Amen
By Julie Little
Wednesday, July 29
Week 1, Day 3
Luke 3:4: Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. (NIV)
When I read about John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way for Jesus, I can’t help but think, what a huge and monumental task. When I picture “preparing the way,” I imagine walking through the woods, clearing a path so that someone else can follow it with ease.
But preparing the way isn’t just physical—it’s a matter of the heart.
In Matthew 13:8, Jesus shares the Parable of the Sower: “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Preparing the way is like cultivating that good soil—removing what is hard, crowded, or distracting so that when God’s Word takes root, it can truly flourish. This is what John did for Jesus. He “prepared the way,” so that when Jesus came, His words would not fall on rocky ground but on hearts ready to receive them.
Most of us don’t see ourselves like John the Baptist, but in many ways, we all prepare the way for someone else. Through our words, our actions, and our influence, we help shape the soil in the lives around us—whether as parents, friends, mentors, teachers, or spouses.
Today, consider how you are preparing the way for others in your daily life. Where can you help create fertile ground—both in your own heart and in the lives of those God has placed around you? Within the church body, consider inviting someone to join you in:
- Participating in a Small group, Band, and/or Sunday School class
- Serving on the missions team
- Serving with Children and/or Youth
- Praying for our pastors
By Jeremy Bowden
Tuesday, July 28
Week 1, Day 2 ;
Luke 2:8-11: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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. (NIV)
Think about how Jesus came…a helpless little baby born in a stable, yet a King. God in flesh, our Savior. Imagine how quiet the night was for the Shepards when the angels came. The announcement of Jesus’ birth to them is a reminder of the joy that comes with this news. This joy is for everyone; to be shared with others and it is to transform you. The shepherds spread the word about what they had been told and like them, we are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love and truth. Remember the humility of how Jesus came, allow that to show you how to share the good news of Jesus.
Luke 2:43-45: After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. (NIV)
Imagine this: You’re finishing up your vacation, stop halfway then back on the road. Time goes by and realize someone is missing. Panic sets in, you turn around, praying you find them safe. That’s exactly what happened to Mary and Joseph. They lost the Son of God…as a parent I find relief knowing that I have messed up so many times, but I didn’t lose Jesus. All funny aside; They weren’t careless parents. They just celebrated the Passover and during activities, they lost track of Jesus. We can serve, do all the right things, but can drift and lose sight of Jesus. Busyness in ministry is not the same as being close to Jesus. We drift, don’t realize it; just going through the motions. They traveled for a day before they realized Jesus wasn’t with them. How long do we allow ourselves to drift before we notice?
By Tammy Nall
Monday, July 27
Week 1, Day 1
Luke 1:5-6: In the days of Herod, king of Judah, there was a priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughter of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. (NASB)
Zacharias and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist, are first mentioned by name in the New Testament, but they are alluded to in the Old Testament as the parents of the one who would be the forerunner of Christ. What strikes me about this part of scripture is that the parents of John the Baptist are identified as righteous and blameless. It makes me think, what words would my friends, children, and grandchildren use to describe me to others? My hope and prayer is that they would describe me as having something to do with being righteous or blameless or a Christ follower, or something spiritual in nature. My heart would break if, at the end of my days, my final description of me was that he liked golf, or he liked to hike, or even that he loved his family. I want to be known as someone who is righteous or blameless or someone who loves Jesus. Not because that is the hope, but because that is the reality.
By Dean Osuch