Authority. Often we see things get done based on the authority level of the person doing them. The same is true of Jesus. Read through Luke 4:14-43 and they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority. Luke 4:32 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.4.32.NASB Just following this verse, we see examples of His authority as He casts out demons and heals the sick. Jesus has authority over everything. Everything. There is not one situation or circumstance where He is not in charge. Do we respect His authority?  Do we call on Him and His authority to take over the situations in our lives? He has the authority, we can surrender…

What is your opportune time? Not sure? Well, let’s look at Luke 4:1-13, specifically verse 13. When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.4.13.NASB Jesus experiences temptation. Satan attacks Him and seeks to trip Him up. Three times Jesus quotes scripture to Satan and eventually Satan leaves Him and decides to wait for an “opportune time.” As we think about our lives and how we are tempted by Satan, do we realize that Satan knows the very best times to tempt us? He knows what circumstances we can experience that may result in us falling and choosing to sin. Because…

What is our purpose?  Why are we here? These questions can be difficult for some people to answer. Yet this question is vital to answer if we are to have direction and focus in what we do each day. John knew his purpose: John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:16 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.3.16.NASB He was there to point people to Jesus. Everything he did was to ultimately reflect back on…

Have you ever told God what to do? I have, countless times. Most of us have at one point or another. God does something we didn’t expect or don’t like and we tell God how He should go about fixing that. Mary and Joseph were no different. When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house? ” Luke 2:48‭-‬49 NASB…

Who knows us best? Often we may have a friend or two that seem to know us really well. We may even think that we know ourselves best. However, God knows us even better than that. He knows and understands us better than we know ourselves. Reading through Luke 2:1-40 we see the birth of Jesus told. God revealed to several people exactly who Jesus was without going through Mary and Joseph. In fact, often Mary and Joseph were surprised by how others responded to the baby. And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. Luke 2:33 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.2.33.NASB People kept coming…

Impact. We have an impact on the people around us. We are constantly coming into contact with people who will take something from having onteracting with us. What is the impact we are having on others? In Luke 1:57-80 we see what John the Baptist’s impact was: All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him. Luke 1:66 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.1.66.NASB People could tell that God’s hand was with him. They saw and felt the influence of God. Even though people may not know exactly what that would mean, they couldn’t deny…

Mercy, arrogance, and humility. These three words are not often used together, but they make up the theme of Mary’s song in Luke 1. As we read her story in Luke 1:26-56 we see these verses: ” and his mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him . “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. Luke 1:50‭-‬52 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.1.50-52.NASB Mary is singing of her joy at being chosen as the mother of Christ. She recognizes that the mercy…

Where do you stand? As we move back to the New Testament, I wanted to take a look through Luke. Reading Luke 1:1-26 we find the beginning of the Christmas story. Zacharias has an encounter with an angel who shares extraordinary information with him. When he asks the angel to “prove it” this is what the angel says: The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. Luke 1:19 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.1.19.NASB What is Gabriel’s proof? He stands in the presence of God. Gabriel needs no other…