GMG - Luke 1-8 {Week 7} - My Thoughts

Finished Week 7 of our Luke 1-8 study... wow, where did the time go?  I can't express enough how much I loved reading and learning from the ladies S.O.A.P.s  -- truly wonderful experience sharing this journey with them.  I am so thankful for the ladies that stayed faithful in posting and participating.  

I am thankful to those that didn't, for they taught me that although I want to see them participate and know they are soaking up God's word. It's not about me and my wants, it's about them and their journey.  

I keep them all in my prayers! 

Memory Verse Luke 7:35 KJV

 

{Monday} Scripture Reading {Luke 7:1-10} S.O.A.P. {Luke 7:7,9} 

{S} Luke 7:7,9 ⁷ That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.  ⁹ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”

{O} The centurion (a man of authority) heard of Jesus and believed in the healing power of Jesus.  He was a man of authority and he had GREAT faith and recognized that Jesus had greater authority!  The centurion cared deeply about his servant and valued his slave which is unheard of.  He was loving, generous, kind, insightful and humble, considered himself unworthy of asking Jesus to heal his servant.  He was also an outsider, he wasn’t Jewish, not a part of the synagogue, and certainly not like the fellow roman soldiers but He believed that a “word” from Jesus would heal his servant.  In Mark 6:6 – Jesus was amazed at the lack faith the Jews had but here Jesus was amazed by the centurion’s great faith. 

{A} I am reminded to completely trust in Jesus – being humble – be a woman of “great faith”!   I’ve had my fair share of “hiccups” in my faith when I’ve let worry or being anxious get the best of me.  I need to keep reminding myself not to let “evil” in and keep my focus on Jesus. 

{P} God, our Father, thank you for another day to serve You.  Thank you for your mercy.  In Jesus’, Amen

{Tuesday}  Scripture Reading {Luke 7:11-17}  S.O.A.P. {Luke 7:13-15}

{S} ¹³ When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” ¹⁴ Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” ¹⁵ The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

{O} This is the first time Luke calls Jesus ‘Lord’ - Jesus had heart-felt sympathy, deep compassion for this widow, for without her husband and son she has no means of economic support. He wanted to comfort her, ‘don’t cry’.  He was filled with much concern for this woman that he reached out to touch the coffin, showing how important it is to ‘touch’ others.  He showed this woman mercy and raises her son from the dead.  When Jesus said “Young man, I say to you get up!” the bearers stood still – there had to be overwhelming silence quickly followed by shock and tears of joy.  To be that young man – WOW how would you respond?  Total shock to be alive! 

{A}I love Jesus’ gentleness, deep-compassion, the way He comforts, deliberate touch is important.  I want that deeper-compassion – for others but yet not be walked on by ‘drama’ that is forced upon me.  I have compassion for someone and their circumstance but I can’t have them in my life anymore sadly.  I will keep them in my prayers that they find peace soon.  

{P} Ephesians 6:18  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

{Wednesday} Scripture Reading {Luke 7:18-35} S.O.A.P. {Luke 7:33-35}  

{S} ³³ For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ ³⁴ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ ³⁵ But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”

{O} Just goes to show, you can’t please everyone.  John was considered “not liberal enough” while Jesus was considered “way too liberal”.   John was considered too harsh when he preached repentance; he was focused more on paving the way for the Messiah. But Jesus had the same message and because he ate and drank with “sinners” he was considered a glutton and a drunkard. Jesus focused on being loving and hoped that his presence in their homes would make a difference in their lives.  John the Baptist and Jesus were both rejected. But those with wisdom; discerned that John and Jesus were of God. 

{A} Don’t go around trying to please everyone, you will run yourself ragged and in the end no one will be happy.  The only pleasing that needs to be done is pleasing God.  Be like John and be bold in my faith, be like Jesus and be loving and toward others in the hopes to make a difference in their lives. 

{P}  Thank you for another day to serve You. In Jesus', Amen

{Thursday}  Scripture Reading {Luke 7:36-43} S.O.A.P. {Luke 7:41-43}

{S} - . ⁴¹ “Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,^[a] and the other fifty. ⁴² Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

{O} Obviously the Pharisee (Simon) was not a good host and he didn’t have good intentions.  The sinful woman– was there when Jesus arrived – she heard His teachings, His grace, His forgiveness, His love.  She was not ashamed of showing Him love, worshiping Him. She was a broken woman and needed hope and forgiveness; she saw that in Jesus and received forgiveness.  Simon was judging them both. Jesus reminded Simon, she had great faith unlike Simon.   

{A} May I be like the sinful woman and show how thankful I am for being forgiven of my sins.  May I shower Jesus with love, no matter where I’m at, in a crowded room or by myself.  There are so many broken people in this world may I help them, not judge them.  I’m reminded of a saying my husband tries to live by.  "Grace before those who I may help; Humility before those who may help me." --Solon Xenias

{P} God, our Father, thank you for another day to serve You.  May I serve others with a non-judging heart and show love and understanding to those around me.  I am thankful for the hope and forgiveness I have in Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.  May I sing Your praises no matter where I am and who is with me.  In Jesus’, Amen 

{Friday} Scripture Reading {Luke 7:44-50} S.O.A.P. {Luke 7:47, 50}

{S} ⁴⁷ Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” ⁵⁰ Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

{O} Sweet forgiveness from God!  The woman gave Jesus all she had, she was overwhelmed with gratitude. Jesus accepted her love and genuine devotions.  She knew sinned greatly and needed forgiveness, Simon thought he had little or no sin and didn’t need forgiveness.   Can you imagine the peace she felt when Jesus told her “Your faith has saved you; go in peace. Such a beautiful glorious moment, she is forever changed.

{A} To stay focus on Christ, putting Christ first in everything. To live more Christlike, be more loving and more forgiving.  Sin is sin – I’m guilty, I admit it, I seek forgiveness and I praise the Lord.

 

{P} Precious Father, thank you for loving me, giving me hope, forgiving me and giving me overwhelming peace.  Thank you for another day to serve You.  In Jesus’, Amen 

 So here we are ready for week 8 --- then we will take a break.  Praise the Lord for this awesome study and for these amazing women!! 

In Him, 

Martha
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