Luke 4:1 – “From the moment of his baptism, Jesus overflowed with the Holy Spirit.”  TPT

Life is more than what we possess in this life.   It is what and who we are in God.    He is our inner peace, comfort, and joy.   To have His fullness, we must be single-heartedly committed to Him.   He must be our life.

An almost obscure statement in Luke 2:51 about Jesus caught my eye today.   After He stayed behind in Jerusalem at age 12, and Mary chastised Him, this verse tells us that He went home with them and obeyed them.  

We must remember that Jesus is our example.   If we read the Gospels with the view that He is God and do not see Him as fully man, we miss the message, mission, and commission.   He did all He did as a man.   He was fully God but laid that aside and lived fully as a human being subject to all the tests, trials, and temptations we face.

John the Baptist preached that his ministry fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy and cry to get our twisted hearts right for the coming of Messiah.   That is the message for the second coming, too.

Luke 4:1 epitomizes Jesus’s example for us.  “From the moment of His baptism, Jesus OVERFLOWED with the Holy Spirit.”  If He is our example and pattern, then that is how we should be – OVERFLOWING with the Holy Spirit.  Most of the time, we are overflowing, but not with the Holy Spirit.   That needs to change!

Isaiah 61 was His pattern and commission, and “if” He is our pattern, it is ours, too!

Jesus was never stressed out over stuff and never rushed. In Luke 4:40, Jesus laid His hands on them individually and healed their varying illnesses.  He was always personal, always had time for the needs of others, and was never constrained by man-made time constraints.

In Luke 6:43-49, He gives us an amazing life lesson and pathway into His presence and power.  It’s the heart whose condition is evidenced by the fruit of our lives.  The latter part of verse 45 is incredible, “For the overflow of what has been stored in your heart will be seen by your fruit AND will be heard in your words.”

Jesus only did what He saw and only said what He heard from the Father.   As our pattern, He revealed what humans could do and be if they fully overflowed with the Holy Spirit.

I pray, “Lord, forgive me for justifying my lack of Your presence, love, and power.  Forgive me for failing to see Jesus as my earthly example.   Forgive me for my selfishness and self-centeredness.  Fill me now, I pray.   Fill us all.  Amen!”

We are more than we have become; we can be all He was through the Holy Spirit.   My cry is, “Make it so, Lord.  Make it so!”

Have a fantastic day today and every day!  He is alive and alive forevermore!

Luke 8:8b – “Listen with your heart, and you will understand!”

Have you ever noticed how time flies and yet drags along?   Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow appears so distant it is unreachable.   Yet, God is in the midst of every moment to guide, guard, enable, equip, and inspire “if” we have open hearts and develop spiritual sight.   I pray that each of you will be drenched with His Holy Spirit and Word today and every day!    That you will have and know the power to perform His purpose prolifically!

Today, the text statement of Jesus in Luke 8 captured my thoughts.   His declaration is fascinating!   He urges us to listen with the heart, not the mind.   Listening with the heart brings revelation and understanding, which involves the mind and reason.   The victorious doorway to revelation is the heart, not the compilation of knowledge or things learned through study but the heart, the core of our being and the center of who we are.

Luke 8:10 –“You have been given (not will be given) a teachable heart to perceive the secret, hidden mysteries of God’s kingdom realm.  But to those without a listening heart, my words are merely stories.”

We need teachable hearts in contrast to hearts that do not listen.   He didn’t say they could not hear but did not listen.   God’s revelation and the Bible’s accounts become alive to those who Listen and receive Instruction! 

Too often, people do not listen.   They do not pay attention.   They focus on their thoughts, wants, needs, or desires and do not listen to others or God.   Sometimes, God speaks through others.  Sometimes, in the accounts of others, including their pain, God speaks to us with revelation knowledge.

Without a teachable listening heart, the Bible becomes nothing more than stories without application—myths and fantasies of unattainable utopias.

Luke 11:34-36 is powerful.   The eyes of our spirit allow revelation light to enter our hearts, minds, and souls.  Open Hearts are a conduit of revelation that liberates and empowers. There is a warning not heeded hidden in those verses.   Luke 11:35 – “Open your heart and consider My words.  Watch out that you do not mistake your own opinions for revelation-light!”

The next verse pictures the place God wants us to be so we can be filled with Him and manifest Him.  “IF your spirit burns with light, fully illuminated with no trace of darkness, you will be a shining lamp, reflecting rays of truth by the way you live.”

If we have teachable hearts that listen openly to God, we will become burning lights of God’s brightness, illuminating the path to peace in our Lives!

Lord, I want that.   I want my life, not just my words, to draw people to God!   I want to use the right words of revelation and light, but I want to demonstrate the Light and Love of God in my life even more.

God’s peace, person, and power are yours!   Victory is your heritage!   Blessing is your promised provision!   Seize it and use it for His glory!   Today is your day to be fully transformed!

May God’s incredible Grace and Peace be your constant companion!

Luke 12-7 – “What is the value of your soul to God? Could your worth be defined by any amount of money? God doesn’t abandon or forget even the small sparrow he has made. How then could he forget or abandon you? What about the seemingly minor issues of your life? Do they matter to God? Of course they do! So you never need to worry, for you are more valuable to God than anything else in this world.“

Today’s reading began with Joel’s prophecy and continued through Amos into the Book of Luke. Joel spoke of horrific events coming, including famine and shortage, coupled with judgment and war.

Joel 1:4 speaks of complete destruction progressing from one calamity to another. Joel 1:14 calls for intense fasting and prayer by God’s people. Joel 2:12 promises that God’s Grace will reward our repentance and intercession.  Joel 3:10 calls us to prepare for war; a dual war (natural and spiritual) is coming.

Amos 3:7 –“Surely the LORD God does NOTHING without revealing His secrets to His servants the prophets.”   That is a concrete truth.  Sadly, many modern-day prophets embellish and expand what they receive, inserting themselves into the Word.   Jesus was the example of God’s prophetic method.  He Only said what He heard from the Father—nothing more and nothing less.  God does not need nor want His messengers to interpret for Him; just say what He says and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

Luke 12:2-3 was like a bolt of lightning as I read it today.  “Everything hidden and covered up will soon be exposed.  For the facade is falling down, and nothing will be kept secret for long.  3 Whatever you have spoken in private will be public knowledge, and what you have whispered secretly behind closed doors will be broadcast far and wide for all to hear.”

That is relevant in the natural and spiritual.   We know God knows ALL, but what about Artificial Intelligence (AI)?  We are aware of the incredible listening and tracking technology existing today.   Have you talked about something to others privately, then have endless ads about that subject on your media devices?   Nothing is secret; it could and possibly will become a weapon used against us in the coming days.

That could cause fear, but God’s answer is found in Luke 12:13-34 – NO FEAR, God is still God!  Luke 12:6 leaped out and grabbed my heart.  “What is the value of your life to God?”   Not to you, not to others, but to God! What is the value God places on your life? Remember, He designed you to be uniquely you for His purposes!

The Cross answers that question.   So, do not fear or fret because God will not fail.  Don’t worry about what’s coming; instead, rest in the promise of Luke 12:12 –“Simply be confident and allow the Spirit of Wisdom to access your heart, and in that very moment, He will reveal what you are to say to them.”  God promises to keep us, provide for us, and lead us. 

Matthew 6:33 screams to my heart, make this your life!   Seek God first and above all.  Seek His righteousness and embrace it.  He will not fail.

God has your best good in His heart; trust Him.

Luke 17:2-3 – “It would be better for him to have a heavy boulder tied around his neck and be hurled into the deepest sea than to face the punishment of betraying one of my dear ones! So be alert to your brother’s condition, ³ and if you see him going the wrong direction, cry out and correct him. If there is true repentance on his part, forgive him.” TPT

As I prayed, read, and pondered the Word, my heart was challenged on several fronts. Do we genuinely care about others?   Do we truly believe we are watchmen, gap standers, and, in a true sense, our brother’s keeper?

Many believe life should be viewed as “live and let live.”  They follow the philosophy of an old Hank Williams song, “Mind Your Own Business, and You Won’t Be Minding Mine.”

There is value in minding our own business and not meddling in quarrels that are not our own.  There is wisdom in not grabbing the ears of a stray dog.   But the Bible teaches that LOVE demands we look out for each other and sound the alarm when danger is near.

In Luke 17, Jesus was talking about the Last Days and revealed God’s desire and demand that we care for each other.  Luke 17:2-3 – “…So be alert to your brother’s condition…”  That is not a license to become judgmental but a call to compassion and intercession.   Luke 17:3 – “And IF you SEE him going the wrong direction, CRY OUT and correct him.” 

Restoration is always God’s goal, and it should always be ours!  This message was so moving and challenging that the apostles said, “Lord, You must increase our measure of faith!” (v.5).   Caring for others with a heart focused on Restoration and Redemption will drive us to prayer.

Luke 18:1 –“Jesus taught the apostles to keep praying and NEVER Stop or lose Hope!”  

Luke 18:8 – “God will give swift justice to those who don’t give up.”

Persistent prayer and undying love for God and others reflect the heart of God.

Luke 21:18-19 –“…My Grace will never desert you or depart from your life. 19 Stand firm with patient endurance, AND you WILL find your soul’s deliverance. “

If we love God with our entire being, we will love others too.    If we love God, we will do what He has instructed.    That includes a willingness to lovingly warn a brother or sister who is heading toward danger spiritually.   It may sound like judgment to them and earn you their scorn, BUT if it is from God and out of love, the seed will be sown.    Then, we are to water it with persistent prayer.

Think of it this way.   You are planting a harvest that will return 30, 60, and 100-fold.  Luke 6:33 – “Give and IT shall be given…”   If you ignore your brother or sister, you will be ignored.   If they turn back to destruction and you could have warned and interceded, their destruction is placed on your ledger.

A simple loving word can be the catalyst that will bring them to right thinking and restoration.   Heaven rejoices and opens upon you in ways you never expected.

I care, so I share!  My cry is. “LORD, break my heart for others and give me the grace to stand in the gap for them.  Help me to be doggedly persistent in prayer.  Amen!”

Persistence penetrates the walls of resistance and brings restoration.  Praying without ceasing reveals the importance of the matter to you.  If it does not move us enough to pray persistently, it is not very important to us.  What moves us moves God because God loves us.  He loves them, too!  Sow the seeds of restoration and redemption, and you will receive a harvest of peace.

May God’s Grace, Peace, and Power fill your hearts today and every day!

Nahum 1:7 – “The LORD is good, a great help in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust Him.”

The ways of the Lord are often mysterious to the natural mind.  A few days ago, I was awakened at 3:55 AM and heard 55 three times or a triple dose of 55. 

In the Bible, the number 5 is associated with grace and goodness. When you see 55, it may indicate a double portion of divine favor and change.  It is a reminder of divine guidance during times of transition.   I declared aloud, “I receive it!”

As I continued to read, Habakkuk 1:5 resonated powerfully, and I felt it was linked to the triple dose of 55.  “…I will do a work in your days that you would not believe if a man should declare it to you.”

Habakkuk 3:17-19 was a word of comfort and hope to my heart.  No matter what, rejoice in God and Joy in the LORD.   Habakkuk 3:19 – “The LORD is my strength, for He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and made me stand on high places that I may sing His praise.”

Zephaniah 1:7 – “Stand in awe at the presence of the LORD God…”  Zephaniah 3:17 – “The LORD God in the midst of you is a mighty savior; He will make you to rejoice with gladness; He will renew you with His love, He will make you joyful with a praise as in the day of feast.”

Haggai 1:6-7 – Twice, he says, “Consider your ways.”   Not your acts alone, but your ways reveal the heart and motive.  Our ‘ways’ reflect our heart, motive, character, and condition. 

As I continued reading, I was greatly encouraged by the rendering of Luke 22:43 in the Passion Translation. Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying in agony over the coming trial. “Jesus called for an angel of glory to strengthen Him, and the angel appeared.”   Maybe we don’t realize that angels are standing ready to minister to us.

Then Jesus said to Nathaniel in John 1:51 – “From now on you will see an open heaven and gaze upon the Son of Man like a stairway reaching into the sky with messengers of God climbing up and down upon Him.”

Is it possible that we do not see what Jesus and Nathaniel saw because we are unaware or have no expectation of seeing it?   Maybe it is because of our prison of mortal thinking. Perhaps it is because we are not looking for divine help in every situation.   It is important to remember that Jesus was our example or pattern.  He demonstrated a life that can be the norm for everyone.   Maybe it’s time to embrace the supernatural and expect it to be normal.

Could the Holy Spirit be trying to impress upon me and all of us that His desire is to give us a triple dose of 55 because that is what we are to be looking for, embracing, and expecting?

Lord, help us to see that which You see, do that which You do, and be who You say we are.