Follow the Bible reading plan in the FBC Loganville App or at www.fbcloganville.org/bible

In Luke 12 Jesus is teaching that our pursuits will either bring joyful reliance on God or an anxiety filled life focused on building your own kingdom. 

Luke 12:34 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Your heart – the core of your emotion, desires, and identity – will center on whatever you keep around you. Another way to say it – the things you surround yourself with will shape the core of your life. 

Do you treasure financial gain above everything else? That pursuit will create a greedy life. 

Do you treasure fame and recognition? That pursuit will create a self-centered life. 

Do you treasure comfort? That pursuit will stunt your spiritual and relational growth. 

Perhaps it is something else. 

What do you treasure? What consumes your thinking? What are you pursuing? 

In this passage of Luke 12 Jesus tells us that pursuing material or temporal things will bring anxiety and stress. 

Humans were not created to build our own kingdoms but to build the kingdom of God. 

We were not created to be kings but servants. 

We were not created to receive praise but to extend praise to God. 

The Christian life isn’t free of stress and anxiety.

The difference is in our pursuit.

The Christian pursues Jesus – who frees us from stress.

The non-Christian pursues self-sufficiency – which produces stress because the world and our lives are out of our control. 

What does it mean to seek his kingdom? 

Apply: 

How to seek the kingdom: 

• Setting your focus on Jesus above the material and temporal.
• Praying for God to be your provision and source of life.
• Seek the blessings that come from the kingdom of God – not the world.
• Realizing that the material and temporal will not bring security and life that is found in Jesus. 
• Use your resources (time, money, spiritual gifts, etc) to share the Gospel and build the kingdom of God. 

Respond: 

What is your treasure? Pray that God will reveal what your desire and pursuit is today. Repent if that pursuit is not building the kingdom of God. 

Want to receive devotions to your email inbox Monday-Friday? Join today and receive devotions each morning. Subscribe to the email list.

The F260 NT Bible reading plan and HEAR Journal method is from Replicate Ministries. 

Follow the Bible reading plan in the FBC Loganville App or at www.fbcloganville.org/bible

Praying The Will of God

Jesus had a habit of praying in the morning. Does that seem weird to anyone else? After all, Jesus is God. 

Why did Jesus pray? I believe there are two reasons.

First, Jesus stayed connected to God and the Holy Spirit through prayer. Yes, Jesus is fully God, therefore, he knows everything God knows. It may seem odd that God would talk to himself. We do not fully understand the Trinity and how God operates as three distinct persons while still being one God. Sure, there are characteristics of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit that we know and understand, but His communication between Father, Son, and Spirit is a beautiful mystery. Nonetheless, Jesus’ prayers show us the deep connection between Jesus, God, and the Spirit. Just because Jesus was on earth doesn’t mean he stopped communing with God. Jesus’ residence was no longer heaven but that didn’t keep him from communicating with God.

Secondly, Jesus prayed daily as an example for us to follow. Jesus had open, honest conversations with God and prioritized his time with God before any ministry task.

Jesus prayed in the morning.

Jesus prayed when he was busy.

Jesus prayed for people to repent.

Jesus gave thanks to God.

The disciples took notice of these prayers. The authors of the four gospels repeatedly recorded Jesus’ habit of prayer.

In Luke 11 the disciples asked if Jesus would teach them to pray. Jesus taught them a model of praying that we call “The Lord’s Prayer.”  

Jesus’ teaching on prayer didn’t end with the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus also said this about how they ought to pray:

“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, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Luke 11:9-10

Ask, seek, and knock.

These three imperatives are synonymous in this passage – pointing to the importance of approaching God in prayer. Through Jesus, we have access to God in prayer. We can ask him anything. We must seek him in every situation. We can knock on the door and he will open up opportunities, wisdom, and discernment.

The next question I have is one I’m sure you have asked, “Is Jesus saying that every prayer be answered – no matter what it is?” You must have realized that every prayer isn’t answered with a yes from God when you through up a last minute prayer for God to allow you to pass your exam in 10th grade that you didn’t study for at all.

If some prayers aren’t answered with a yes then what is Jesus meaning in this passage? Did Jesus lie or was he mistaken? That is not the case. 

Remember the Lord’s Prayer? In it Jesus said that we should pray,

“Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10

Jesus taught that we are to pray the will of God.

If we pray in the will of God then it will be answered.

“For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” Luke 11:10

Jesus’ habit of prayer gives us an example to follow. We pray not to receive everything we desire but to align our hearts, minds, lives, and will to God’s. 

Apply: 

How do we pray with the will of God in mind?

• Pray honestly to God. 
• Don’t demand things from God but share what is on your heart and mind.  
• Ask God for his will to be done – not your desires or wants to be accomplished 
• Trust that God is good and will work for the good of those who follow him (Romans 8:28).
• Praise God for his goodness and greatness and that his will, not ours, will be done.

Respond:

Take the points above and take a few minutes to pray for God’s will to be accomplished in your situation.

Want to receive devotions to your email inbox Monday-Friday? Join today and receive devotions each morning. Subscribe to the email list.

The F260 NT Bible reading plan and HEAR Journal method is from Replicate Ministries. 

Follow the Bible reading plan in the FBC Loganville App or at www.fbcloganville.org/bible

Is it difficult for you to find peace in the chaos? 

Living in a broken world means that everything that surrounds you is broken.

We all desire control and believe that the more control we have the better off our lives will be, but we all know that isn’t true. How do we know that it isn’t true? Because we all have regrets. See, it is hard enough to control ourselves, let alone our surroundings. 

We arrogantly think that we know the best direction for our lives and often make decisions without asking God. 

It is dangerous to live life in your own strength because something will happen that will be out of your control. 

So, what do we do when we enter uncontrollable seasons? 

Plans have changed. Jobs have changed. The news changed. 

The good news for us is that Jesus is with us in the middle of the storms that we face – those situations where it seems like everything is against us, Jesus is still with us. 

In Luke 8:22-25 the disciples were in a small boat heading across the Sea of Galilee while Jesus napped on the boat. When they were on the lake a violent storm came out of nowhere and battered the boat. 

The Sea of Galilee is six hundred feet below sea level, in a cup-like depression among the hills. When the sun sets, the air cools; and as the cooler air from the west rushes down over the hillside, the wind churns the lake. These storms popped up quickly because of the geography of the land. There was little warning that a storm was coming in over the Sea. 

Even today the situation is the same – powerboats remained docked during some of these storms. You could imagine the fear if you were in a wooden boat with only oars and sails. 

Find Peace In The Chaos

The disciples were straining against the wind paddling away with an oar. They made little progress. Alone, cold, dark, with waves all around them. 

Seven of the disciples were fishermen – Andrew, Simon Peter, James, John, Thomas, Philip and Nathaniel – and would have been used to life on the water but this storm frightened them. The disciples believed they weren’t going to make it through this storm alive. 

So they ran to the only other person in the boat, Jesus, who was asleep. 

“They came and woke him up, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to die!’ Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves. So they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ They were fearful and amazed, asking one another, ‘Who then is this? He commands even the winds and the waves, and they obey him!'” (Luke 8:24-25)

Jesus gave orders and brought order to the wind and waves. 

In biblical times, storms were signs of chaos, confusion, and destruction. 

Jesus calming the storm showed his divine power. It showed that he is able to control the uncontrollable and calm the chaos that surrounds us. 

What Storms Are You Facing? 

Your life will be full of storms that pop up out of nowhere and threaten to overtake you. These storms could be issues that you caused, situations that others causes, or difficult moments that no one caused, like an illness or natural disaster. 

Whatever the reason, these storms can have you holding on by a thread and trying to make it out without being capsized.  

Can order be found in chaotic situations? Yes. 

Can hope be found in chaotic situations? Yes.

Can peace be found in chaotic situations? Yes. 

Peace is found in the presence of the Savior not the absence of the storm. 

Jesus is never out of control. 

Jesus is never rushed or in a hurry. 

You are not alone in the storm. The sea-calmer is with you. 

Respond: 

Pray for a few minutes to God. Talk to him about the storms in your life. Be honest with him about how you feel and the help that you need at this moment. Thank him that he is sovereign and never out of control. 

Want to receive devotions to your email inbox Monday-Friday? Join today and receive devotions each morning. Subscribe to the email list.

The F260 NT Bible reading plan and HEAR Journal method is from Replicate Ministries. 

Follow the Bible reading plan in the FBC Loganville App or at www.fbcloganville.org/bible

Not everyone feels compassion toward people who are in a difficult situation. 

Chances are that you have experienced people who have treated you with pity or indifference when you were struggling. A true friend is moved by compassion. 

In Luke 7 Jesus walked into a town called Nain. As he neared the gate a funeral procession was carrying a dead man out of town. We don’t know much about the man. Luke tells us that the man’s mother was by his side. She was a widow and her only son had just passed away. 

Jesus and the disciples walked in as the body was carried out. He saw the mother, walking with grief and a heavy spirit. Her only son was gone. Jesus looked at her with compassion, not pity or indifference. (Luke 7:13) Jesus had never met this woman before, but we know that the Son of God knew her even though he had never been face-to-face with her before. 

Jesus was filled with compassion. 

The Compassion of Jesus

Compassion: a concern for the sufferings of others.

Compassion is a core characteristic of Jesus. 

When he sees you, he isn’t filled with resentment or frustration. He isn’t motivated by obligation. Jesus pursues you even when you are not pursuing him. He is moved by love. 

Why? Because he is compassionate. 

Jesus sees you at this moment. Perhaps you are walking down a tough road and you wonder how Jesus would respond if he saw you. 

The good news is that Jesus sees you and he is moved by compassion. 

In Luke 7:13 Jesus said to the woman, “don’t weep.” Jesus wasn’t dismissing her grief. He told her to stop crying because he was about to change her suffering to joy. A dead life was about to regain its life. 

Compassion and love filled every step that Jesus walked to up Calvary as he carried a cross to his crucifixion. 

Jesus tells us to stop weeping over our sin because he paid our debt in full. We were once dead in our sins but, because of his love and compassion, those who follow Jesus are now alive in Christ. 

Apply: 

• What does it tell you about the character of Jesus that he is moved by compassion? 
• Are you afraid to approach Jesus? Are you keeping something from him because you are afraid of how he will respond? 
  
• Since compassion is a core characteristic of Jesus, it should also be a core characteristic of Christians. Are you known for your compassion? 

Respond: 

Spend a few minutes thanking God for his compassion and love. Confess your sins and ask God to turn your weeping over your sin into joy by receiving his grace. 

Want to receive devotions to your email inbox Monday-Friday? Join today and receive devotions each morning. Subscribe to the email list.

The F260 NT Bible reading plan and HEAR Journal method is from Replicate Ministries. 

Follow the Bible reading plan in the FBC Loganville App or at www.fbcloganville.org/bible

Where do you run in times of need? 

After spending some time in prayer, Jesus walked down the mountain to find a crowd of people in need. The first century people had incredible pains, illnesses, and problems. Modern medicines didn’t exist. Healthy drinking water was hard to come by. Refrigeration for food was unavailable. On top of that, many people in power were ungraceful and ruled unjustly over the common person. Physical pain, mental distress, and spiritual strain abounded. 

In Luke 6:17-19 we read a small passage of Jesus’ ministry. When Jesus entered a town or region the people rushed to Him. 

Why did people come to Jesus? 

Some were skeptics. The four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John record how the religious leaders approached Jesus numerous times to trap Jesus and invalidate His ministry and teaching. 

Some were curious. Word spread quickly about the man from Galilee who was healing the sick, casting out demons, and teaching with authority. Some people were drawn to the buzz surrounding Jesus and wanted to get a glimpse of what their friends and family were talking about. 

Some were in need. There were others who approached Jesus because they were in need. They needed a physical ailment to be healed. They brought their children who were suffering from spiritual oppression. They brought theological questions to better understand the ways of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. They brought their brokenness in hopes of being made whole. 

How we approach Jesus matters. In Luke 6:18-19 we read that there was a group of people with holy anticipation approaching Jesus – hoping that He was the one who could finally help them. These people came to Jesus to hear him and to be healed by him.  

I imagine that some of these people went to doctors, family members, co-workers, and religious leaders looking for healing before they approached Jesus. It turns out that Jesus was the source of their healing – they needed to take their need to him. 

Our Hope. Our Healer. 

Jesus is our healer. 

Jesus is our hope. 

Does this passage run counter to seeking medical advice, talking with counselors, or visiting financial advisors? Not at all. There are incredibly talented people that God has gifted that can perform surgeries or work some spreadsheet wonders with finances. Seek wisdom from other people when you are facing an issue. It takes multiple people to carry heavy things. 

The larger question is a matter of reliance upon God. Do you run to Him first, in prayer, with the problems and needs in your life or do you run to someone else first? If you don’t run to Jesus for wisdom, comfort, and prayers for healing first then you are in jeopardy of feeling the weight of finding a fix to the brokenness. 

Jesus might not answer every prayer with a “yes” on your time frame but we must present every concern and celebration to God. 

Jesus isn’t burdened when you bring him your burdens.

Jesus isn’t bothered by you when you bring him what bothers you. 

He wants you to bring him the things that are bringing you down.

You can come to Jesus in every situation.

Come to Jesus to hear wisdom and authority. 

Come to Jesus to receive spiritual healing. 

Apply: 

• Where do you turn when life hits you? 
  • When an unfavorable diagnosis is made? 
  • When an uncontrollable situation causes financial stress?
• What problem are you facing today? 

Respond: 

Spend a few minutes telling God that you need Him and presenting your need to Him. 

Want to receive devotions to your email inbox Monday-Friday? Join today and receive devotions each morning. Subscribe to the email list.

The F260 NT Bible reading plan and HEAR Journal method is from Replicate Ministries. 

Follow the Bible reading plan in the FBC Loganville App or at www.fbcloganville.org/bible

What does it mean to be fishers of men?

In Luke 5 Jesus calls his first disciples.

We can rule out one thing that Jesus didn’t mean.

Jesus wasn’t implying that you sneak up with a net gun and capture people in the name of the Lord. As funny as that might seem, chances are that you will be sued or spend a night in prison for assault.

In the simplest form, Jesus approached a group of fishermen, who later become His disciples, and called them to change priorities from fishing for a living and offered them to find a new identity in being a Jesus follower who shared the love and name of Jesus. Jesus was inviting these men into a new profession, a new identity, that was not known for pursuing fish but pursuing other people to share the Gospel.

Followers of Jesus are fishers.

Following Jesus is a call to share the love and name of Jesus to the people you come in contact with each day. 

There are three things that fishers do that Christians should adopt.

What Does It Mean to Be Fishers of Men?

Fishers Prepare

Fishers have hundreds of lures, multiple fishing poles, depth finders, boats, clothing, and nets to make the most of their fishing trips.

In the same way, Christians need to prepare for opportunities to share about Jesus. The main way that we prepare is through prayer and continuing in our own spiritual growth in Jesus. Knowing what you believe, why you believe it, and how to live out your beliefs are essential in sharing your faith in Jesus with other people. You won’t know the answer to every question that a non-Christian may have about theology. The best way to be prepared to share your faith is to be maturing in your personal spiritual disciplines. 

Fishers Pursue

Have you ever met a fisher who has a secret fishing spot? Fishers know where the fish are and they go after them. They wake up early, stay out late, or drive to the other side of the lake – all in an attempt to catch some fish. 

We need to realize that God has positioned all of us to make a difference in the classes, offices, stores, and communities that we are situated in. People are in need of the grace and forgiveness of Jesus. It is our mission to pursue them with the love and Gospel of Jesus.

Fishers Keep Fishing

Fishers don’t give up after a few casts. Fishers are patient and keep at it. They also understand that there are no guarantees that they will catch a fish. Thus, they are not called “catchers” but “fishers”.

As Jesus followers, we must remember that salvation isn’t dependent on our actions but made possible because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Yes, there are some helpful tips, phrases, and ideas that can help you communicate the love of Jesus, but the Holy Spirit is the one who draws people to Jesus. You can’t control the increase, you are simply called to be faithful. 

The imagery of fishing that Jesus used was not to imply that sharing the Gospel should “lure” someone in and then they will be hooked against their will. Every person must make a personal decision to follow Jesus. Remember, Jesus spoke to professional fishermen and invited them into a new way of living. 

Apply: 

• When was the last time you shared your faith in Jesus with someone who doesn’t follow Jesus? 
• Are you insecure about sharing your faith? Why? 
• Who is someone that needs to hear the Gospel of Jesus? 
• Pray that God will give you the boldness to talk to that individual this week. 

Respond: 

God, that you for giving us a new life, new identity, and new purpose. We are not to build our own kingdoms. Our purpose is to build your kingdom and to bring you glory. We are unable to do this on our own. Thank you for your Holy Spirit. God, you are faithful to save. Use us to draw people closer to You. Amen.

Want to receive devotions to your email inbox Monday-Friday? Join today and receive devotions each morning. Subscribe to the email list.

The F260 NT Bible reading plan and HEAR Journal method is from Replicate Ministries.