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Luke 5

Dear God,

Thank You for all Your love and blessings.  Especially for the free offer to me and everyone for salvation from every sin we have individually committed and our inevitable eternal death.  We have this offer, because Jesus Christ died to atone for every sin ever committed by man on earth, as well as death which is the inevitable result of sin.  It exercises my brain to think, that this includes sins committed and confessed, when man is in a space ship; for You own the firmament in every location, and know about everything in it!

In written accounts of the life of Jesus; His disciples relate happenings that show His knowledge of the scriptures and Your will.  These stories also illustrate the love, power and total purity of Jesus when on earth.  Amazingly for the period Jesus was on earth Your Son was within human flesh for all to see.   That He was Your Son was revealed by His actions and speech: thus establishing His credibility as being divine to the ‘common folk’, some of the priests and teachers, and even the Romans and surrounding nations.

Praise Your Holy name, for this means we readers of scripture, centuries after the time of Christ on earth, can with humble hearts, be guided by the Holy Spirit to learn about Him and re read the apostle accounts.  Jesus instructed His new fisherman disciples, in Luke 5: 4 “…..Launch out into the deep and let down Your nets for a catch”, even though they protested that they had done so all night, and for naught.  When they did as Jesus asked they caught a huge catch, which needed help to heave in the nearly breaking nets.  Simon Peter who had formerly protested, now straight away knew He had seen Gods power evident in Jesus, and was struck by the thought, that he Peter was a sinner, and was in the presence of Divinity.  He then fell down upon his knees and said, in Luke 5:8 “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” The disciples of Jesus recognized the power and divinity of Jesus, unlike the carping Godless priests and temple leaders, even though they purported to be God’s representatives and speak for God.

Luke 5: 10 “…..And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid.  From now on you will catch men.’”  Herewith, His new, unlearned, uninitiated disciples were given their mission (it is ours, also) which slowly unfolded to them.  But for now – Luke 5:11 “So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.”

Thank You God, that you also accept me today as I am, for You know my potential, and how You can change me, and then use me, as in Your strength I forsake my sinful habits, and attitudes or whatever else that keeps me from You and from doing Your will.

Therefore I confess my sins, knowing that they will be forgiven and Your power be given to equip me for a Christian life and service, as well as give me Your peace.  Praises that You alone are God, and I can go to You for and in all things.

Amen

 

 

 

Luke 4:18, 19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me.  Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor;  He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and the recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Dear God,

Thank You for this new day of promise for delightful times with You, guiding me all the way; because I have asked.   I also express my gratitude for every gift and blessing, and that You hear and answer my prayers in so many ways.  I am grateful that the sore throat has subsided.

Please fill me with Your Spirit, for each day I need Your love, wisdom and discernment in every area of my live, so that I can be truly Your child, in practice and good works.  I rejoice that one day I will be made whole and perfect again, and I am very glad that You accept the offering of my sinful, defective self.

Many of the Israelite’s in the days that Christ lived among them, did not know or appreciate the privilege of having Jesus among them.  A new spiritual experience could have been theirs, if they had listened to Him and believed on Him.  Praise Your name that my experience can be just as meaningful and life changing today as it was for those who did accepted Jesus when He was on earth. As Jesus taught, change in my experiences with Him comes when I put myself aside, read Your word with an open mind and allow the Holy Spirit to teach and lead me.

Extra praises to Your Holy name, for the light and healing in Your word.  When Jesus read in Isaiah 61: 1, 2, the people marvelled as the scripture told them ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me” and of the prophesied works of healing and restoring.  But sadly, like we can, many heard it all in human terms, and did not understand or accept the Holy Treasure that was in their midst.

Please forgive me God, for under appreciating Your Holy Word, and reading and responding to it,  too casually or taking a shallow view of what I read, when I know these are words of ‘Light’ and ‘Life’.

Amen

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Dear God,

I rejoice in You, and Your words of life.  For You gave inspiration to Your prophets and in their own words, they recorded Your message, so that all readers, can by faith accept Your messages, that not only educate us, but bring us to a place so that You can, through the Holy Spirit, fill my(our) mind with all that is needful to be Your true child who is able to do Your will, and live in a way, that pleases You.

Because I have learned to love You through the writings within the Holy Bible, I wish to obey You in all that you ask of Your followers and with joy share Your love and my hope of going home to heaven with Jesus, when He comes again for His own obedient children, who have by faith lived for Him and done what He has asked of all His disciples.

For some You ask that they live a quiet life filled with Your love, grace and faith in You, which enhances their lives and all around them.  For others, through  the same faith and dependence upon their God, they have been asked to do mighty feats in Your power; at home and far off places.  Some have lived Christ filled life and died naturally, others have lived and died in great hardship, or at the hands of a torturer/s.  Every one of these true hearted dedicated lives, You have promised to accept and bless.  All wait and will wait, in their graves, to be, with all Gods people at the end time, when Jesus calls His own.  Hebrews 11:40 “God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”

Their reward, as with mine (ours) has not yet been received, but along with Paul, my hope is real.

1 Corinthians 15: 22, 23 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  But each one in his own order:  Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.”

Dear Jesus, I again dedicate my life to You, acknowledging this is possible only, by faith and obedience in You through the power and enabling of the Holy Spirit.  Thank You for all that You are and do for me every day.

Amen

Psalm 22:23 “You who fear the Lord, praise Him!  All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him.  And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel.”

Dear God,

Thank You for the revelation of Yourself in scripture.  I also appreciate the sharing of Your word, at the convention this Easter by the appointed speakers.  How You must rejoice over those who gave their hearts to You for the first time, or renewed their commitment.  By experience I know that You do hear me (us), when we cry out to You, at all times, whether it be a renewal commitment, as well as from the depths of our soul, when we ask You to search our hearts for sins and/or a canker residing there, that has been keeping You from being fully in tune with us.

Father God, it does not seem possible that for some they turn from a relationship with Jesus, which in reality for that life, negates the sacrifice of Jesus, as payment for their sins, making it not possible for that person at that time to be saved?  We are reminded of this in Psalm 22 written by David many years before the coming of Your Son, verse 16……..”They pierced My hands and My feet.” Verse 18 “They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.”

I am reminded also of Your own love and compassion for we the sinner, at the same time as suffering with Your Son whilst He was on the cross.  Psalm 22:24 “For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from Him.  But when He cried to Him, He heard.”

I am so glad You attend to every contrite prayer.  Please come into my heart and soul again today.

Amen

Matthew 23:37…..”How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.”

Dear God,

Thank You for this new day.  In the calendar of the world, today is ‘good or Easter Friday’.  Though this religious time, originated from pagan festivities, You always bless most that come together at our convention that is held over the Easter week-end and in other church gatherings.

Many of our Pastors and leaders, as well as we their spiritual flock have not been giving our whole hearts to You, in loving humility, submission and obedience.  Any halfheartedness in our love for You, in turn affects how we react to other people; because I have found all true self-effacing love, comes as a gift from You.  Some of our leaders and we of the congregations have grown lukewarm and sleepy and have not been following Your commission to serve and tell others of Your love and the salvation story.

I pray that the leaders, speakers and listeners, will be impressed of their need today and over this weekend, and for those who have not, begin to prepare their hearts for an outpouring of blessing through the Holy Spirit.  I especially pray this for myself.

Please, over this Easter Weekend, entice as many as possible to be placed in situations to hear Your voice speaking through Your servants, thus providing opportunities to develop or return to a true love and zeal for You, their Lord and maker.

In Matthew 23:6-12, can be read the account of Jesus giving a rebuke to the priests, for their lack of humility, for they, the priests had developed a hollow form of serving You.  And so can we!  They always wanted much attention and adulation from the people, for their prestigious position and profession.    Jesus reminded them and us, that He was the One who was to be called, ‘Teacher     (Master) because these worldly men, demanded that they be called Rabbi, Rabbi; which is literally interpreted, as ‘my great one,’ ‘my teacher’. We as sinful mankind are so inclined to become prideful, and so it was here; for the title Rabbi implied being learned in the Law of Moses and the bearer to be especially learned about religious duties.  The learning of the priests was generally held in such esteem, that any religious duty when prescribed became binding upon the people, because the priests interruptions of the law were seen as infallible.  Due to the pride of the religious leaders in the time of Jesus, they ever found ways to be especially honoured for their position, and so the title Father had similar connotations in use, to that of the title Rabbi.  It was only right that Jesus pointed out, that we humans can never take on the role of God, to another.

Thank You God, for always when we personally seek to know You for ourselves, instead of on the views of another human mind, You meet us at the place we are at, and continue to reveal Yourself, as we seek.

Jesus, You are our example in true humility and true holiness, for on earth You were always connected to Your Father through prayer and the Holy Spirit.  You never compromised principle and absolutely knew from whence You had come, Your purpose on earth, and whence You were going.  This can be our privilege also; when You live in our heart and we are able to follow Your example.

In humility Jesus had all authority.  As with each person in every age, Jesus yearned to bring the people of Jerusalem “under His wings” of loving authority, and still they rejected Him.

Today dear Jesus I accept You into my heart again and flee to Your protection of loving authority.

Amen

Psalm 86:4 “Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord I lift up my soul.”

Dear God,

I have all to be thankful for, which gives the desire to gladly sing Your praises and say Hallelujah to Your name.

You love me, and hear my prayers and answer my prayers, and lead me into Your quiet place, beside cool waters and green grass; in a mental sense.  This is what I found today in Your inspired words of scripture.  As I contemplate various passages, which direct me to You, and then to consider my commitment to You, I receive spiritual food and healing from inspired thoughts spoken and written by Your servants of long ago.  King David knew from numerous experiences, as I know, that You could not refuse the prayer of any Your servants, which filled his soul with rejoicing as his mind was lifted up to You.  Never is a prayer of repentance from anyone of us, not of the utmost importance, for You want to hear each one.  Which is worthy of my continual thanksgiving and praise each day!

I thank You sincerely for salvation through Jesus and that through Jesus I can come to You, the Father God.  It is amazing that You Father, love and care for each one of us, with tender love and mercy, as illustrated in Psalm 86:5 “For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”

I take comfort in the knowledge that You are available to ALL who call upon You.  In these modern times, I also believe and know from stories I have heard or read, and from my own personal answered prayers that You answer our earnest prayers, even though the answer may not be directly as we have asked or immediate in nature.  1 Samuel 1: 17 “God in peace, the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked Him.”  Hannah was rewarded for her prayer, asked with believing and faith, that she would have a child.  After years of not having any longed for children, You, God gave her a baby boy, and she called him Samuel.

Thank You for Your love and compassion for us when our heart is breaking over some issue.  Also I give thanks to You, that prayers are heard in all ages and not just for the Bible characters.

Amen

 

Luke 1:45 “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Dear God,

Thank You for hearing my prayers and sustaining me so that I could accomplish all that was needed yesterday.  I thank You that in the old and new testaments, I find many illustrations of Your love for mankind, and that You love to answer the prayers, of those who love You.  These words encourage me to make You first and last in my life, and to set my needs before You; for You have oft told us we could do so, and that You would answer the prayer of faith, uttered by Your trusting child.  Please forgive me for the times when I have not trusted You, or prayed to You first, instead of after I have tried to answer my problem in my own strength; even though if I had stopped to think, You are God and know and can do all things, beside that fact that You love us absolutely, and delight to help each of Your children.  Though of course not all our requests are in You will and best for us, and so answers do not always come in the affirmative, but Your love and sense of peace and acceptance is never denied.  Thank You!

Luke 1 is a chapter that is rich in accounts of people of faith and the supernatural visits by Your angel messengers.  A son was promised to the aging Zechariah and Elizabeth, and because Zechariah did not at first believe, he was struck dumb until the child, John the Baptist was born.

Mary is promised a son, Jesus Christ, the son of God the Father, and she did believe the angel messenger, saying in verse 38 “…Behold the maidservant of the Lord!  Let it be to me according to your word…”

Mary being the cousin of Elizabeth, made her a visit, and v. 41. “And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Today, I choose You God, to be my strength, stay and inspiration, and ask that I also will be filled with the Holy Spirit, so that I can be Your true child, and then recognize and accept Your words and follow You leading to do whatever You ask of me; putting aside my own selfish desires.

Amen

 

Psalm 75:9”But I will declare forever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.”

Dear God,

The sun is shining nicely, not blazing hot as earlier in the week.  When I look out upon my garden all attests to Your wonderful creative power.  Everything looks tranquil; which is reinforced by the harmonious sound of chirping birds.  One would wonder then, why I do not feel in harmony with the scene and sounds around me.  I think to my shame, that sometimes I am not wise in what I take on, within my fatigue, etc. and then pay the price, with poor rest and sleep; self-pity and ‘will this ever end God’.

I enjoy the Psalms of Asaph as much as those of King David.  Psalm 77 has met me where I am at, this morning.  But I do give praise, because I know when I have finished this prayer and meditation time with You, I will be lifted up and able to go on positively with the day.

Thank You for never leaving me this morning during my complaining and in my wakefulness last night. My experiences in part, echo Psalm 77: 1-3 “I cried out to God with my voice -To God with my voice; and He gave ear to me.  In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; my hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted.  I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed.     Selah”

I am glad that I was not awake all night, as the Psalmist, and that I did at last sleep.  Thank You for quieting my heart and mind.

I said to myself, ‘I believe all Your promises Lord, why then do I not have rest and peace and the ability to relax and sleep?’  Again I can identify with the following words of Psalm 77:7, 8 “Will the Lord cast off forever?  And will He be favourable no more?  Has His mercy ceased forever?  Has His promise failed forevermore?”

Jesus when on earth, did not set His own plans for the day, but willed to do what You His Father gave Him, in Your wisdom, for the day.  A few days ago, as I was setting off on my chosen excursion, it came for my mind, that I had not asked Your blessing upon my plans, but I brushed this off, with ‘of course You would bless what I was doing.’ My tasks were innocent, though very tiring.  My attitude was rebellious, and dismissive of You, and I am sorry.  It strange that a created, sinful human person as I am, would think they know better about what Your will is for their plans and life, than Jesus, who was sinless and in constant touch with the Holy Spirit and You.  Thank You for hearing my prayer and please assist me to be more responsive and in tune with Your will for me.

V 13 “Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; who is so great a God as our God?”  Forgiveness and atonement happen in Your sanctuary, for which I am very much in need of and grateful for.  Praises!

Amen

Matthew 10:37 – 39 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Dear God, of heaven and earth, I praise You and testify of Your goodness and love.  Thank You for hearing the prayers, of one small not very important, (in the earthly sense) person.  Yet, again in the human sense; unbelievably, Jesus thought I (everyone) was worth dying for.  For when I die to my earthly sinful self, with all my sin, sinful desires and attitudes, and accept You into my heart, I am worth much in the opinion of all whom live in heaven; because You, Jesus have made the difference.  I know it is in a not worldly sense for it is whom I am connected to, that makes all the difference.  It is lifesaving for me to take into account, for me to place worldly love and affections ahead of love for You, Jesus, would mean I lose out on eternal life and joy.  The joy and blessings of heaven will only be possible, when I have put aside the earthly priorities – even the people I love on earth, if they are loved above You.  Jesus fills my heart and mind with His peace and love, and they are beyond compare for giving mind contentment and deep down joy to all who accept Him, when I (we) have truly accepted Jesus, (on a daily basis), His love bubbles out of I (us).

It is the reality that this joy and desire to share, will not automatically happen each day, unless I come anew each day to You and humble myself before You in repentance, and in the reading of Your inspired word, then You take my mind in whatever state it is, and fill it with Yourself, and I have a renewed sense of your love and joy, even though I may have to keep coming back and dwell on Your sacrifice for me, along with You day by day goodness, and in the strength of the Holy Spirit (Your gift to us all); at last put self-focus aside, and allow you to lift me up to Yourself, and fill me anew with Your love, joy and peace.  I am filled with gratitude for Your continuing love, and patience with me, even though I so often sin and err on the side of self-focus and direction.

Unlike the love God has for every human who ever lived; our love as a human born in sin, for each other is not unconditional, but I do know that Jesus provides all I am and need, for me to be a true child of God, and be equipped to withstand temptation, and overcome my sinful selfishness and desires.

If I am surprised that people reject me or give me a hard time because of my allegiance to You, I should not be, for Jesus received the worst rejection and persecution, that ultimately led to being put to death on a ‘no charge’, born out of sin, selfishness and bigotry.

Too often it is an up and down experience in this battle against Satan, which is constant!  Please strengthen me, so that I will accept all that You offer me, and grow daily in Your grace; for You are the answer to my every need.

Amen

 

Luke 15: 8-10 “And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbours together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ v. 10. Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Dear God,

God Almighty, I love and worship You again this morning.  I am grateful that You never abandon me, despite my unloveliness, sin, stubbornness and hardened attitude.  Whilst on earth, Jesus, who never sinned, had a heart that was tender toward every person, especially those who did not know and accept the love that God, the Father had for them.  Both Your hearts yearn for those who were and are lost, not only for the knowledge they do not have about You and Jesus their Saviour, but for the lack of the experience and joy of loving and serving You.  It is (was) very special to know Jesus whilst He was alive on this earth, and now for us, when the Holy Spirit makes Him real in our hearts.  Along with knowing Jesus comes again, and the hope of eternal life that all the followers of Yours receive, is inspirational and real within the mind of each; in every age.

We look forward to a time when You forever finish the influence of Satan on this earth; upon us and all creation.  Satan has bought nothing positive or good to this earth, and we have been taken over by him, led into sin and given a life of hardship, sickness and woe.  Eventually it was the plan of

Satan to cause us all to go down into eternal death, save for the reality, that Jesus came to earth and revealed Himself and His Father, so we could believe on them and be saved.  Previously God, The Father, had always revealed Himself to His followers, but now Jesus became, the One sacrifice for our confessed sins, and even now is my (our) High Priest in heaven, atoning for my (our) sins.

With so much at stake for every person who ever lived and for me today, and each day, I choose Jesus, and in the strength of the Holy Spirit, to make my calling and election sure through Him.

As a follower of Jesus, my Saviour, I pray that I will not be hard hearted or callous regarding others, for You love each one, enough to die for each and every one.  If they are ‘lost’ and do not know of Your saving grace, or have turned their backs upon You, or their love has gone cold, fill me with Your Spirit of love, wisdom etc., to do Your bidding  towards any that I interact with or know about.

Please put it into my heart and mind to remember to often intercede for them in prayer.  This is the very least I can do, considering that when anyone who is lost from Your way, and then returns, brings much joy to the angels of heaven.  They in their purity and love, desire to share their bliss, with we of earth.  This would be to me remarkable, if it were not for the knowledge I have gained from the scriptures of the love lived out in heaven, because of Who lives there.

Amen