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. 

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

Have you ever signed up for a service to find out that there are hidden fees, blackout dates, fine print, or terms that weren’t obviously stated? The great deal that you found turns out to be a great deal for the seller and not for you!

Sin operates in the same way.
Sin promises life but leads us away from life.
Sin promises community but leads us to isolation.
Sin promises fulfillment but leaves us empty.

I’ve heard some well-meaning Bible teachers talk about sin in terms that makes it seem like only the dumb and foolish fall into it. While sin is obvious, the progression of sinful acts begin with small steps away from God’s commands and provisions. Satan doesn’t advertise side effects of sin – he wants you to take the cup. His temptations are precise and appeals to your weaknesses and insecurities. Satan doesn’t throw random temptations out there for you – he tried to hit you where you aren’t strong.

Jesus began his ministry with 40 days of fasting and isolation in the wilderness. This was anything but a camping retreat. Satan was there, tempting Jesus in an effort to sway the Savior. Being fully man and fully God, Jesus felt hunger, pain, and fatigue. This specific temptation came when Jesus was physically exhausted. Satan isn’t a dummy running around with a pitch fork. His temptations appeal to our weaknesses. Jesus was hungry and Satan tempted him with a basic human need – food.

Sin will always mask itself as an avenue for satisfaction and life. This road doesn’t lead to the destination that it promises. The road of sin is a dead end. Thankfully Jesus overcame temptation, sin, and death so that we don’t have to give in! Jesus is the “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). He will restore the wreck that sin has caused and will set your feet upon the path of everlasting life.

Apply:

• Have you fallen victim to a “good deal” that came with hidden fees?
• Are you physically, mentally, spiritually, or emotionally exhausted?
• Are you being tempted in that area of life because you are tired?

Respond:

God, give us protection against the evil one. You will not lead us into temptation. We confess our sins and desire to draw near 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. 

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

The imprisonment of John the Baptist was the result of John’s preaching and challenge to the moral character of the Jewish political leadership. John rebuked Herod Antipas for his marriage to Herodias – who had been married to a half-brother of Herod. Both quit their previous marriages to be married even though they were nearly blood relatives. 

John the Baptist was in a situation that many of us have found ourselves in before. Do we speak up when someone around us is living counter to the Gospel? John the Baptist frequently preached against the governmental and religious leaders of his day. His rebukes ultimately led to his death. 

It can be difficult to stand up for the truth of the Gospel in a culture that doesn’t share our biblical perspective. Ephesians 4:15 tells us to “speak the truth in love.” Practically speaking the truth in love does not seek to tear a person down as an unredeemable person, because all can experience the grace found in Jesus. Instead, speaking the truth in love is to point out sin in order to encourage them to a higher way that is found in Christ. 

John the Baptist’s rebukes were done to point people to the grace and forgiveness that is found in Christ. Satan points out sin to condemn. Jesus points out sin to redeem. Jesus should be our model when we speak the truth of the Gospel. 

Apply: 

• Is there a tough conversation that you need to have with someone close to you? 
• How can you speak the truth in love in order to point the person to Christ? 

Respond: 

God, thank you for your salvation. You have provided a way for us to obtain righteousness through Jesus. May we speak your truth in love this week – even if we face persecution. Our lives should be lived for your glory. 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. 

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

We all know the panic that hits our gut when we realize that we forgot something. Did you ever forget an assignment in school? Have you forgotten a meeting or a deadline? 

These momentary gaps in our memory pale in comparison to the time that Joseph and Mary lost Jesus.  

Every year the family traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. When Jesus was twelve years old his family once again made the journey to Jerusalem. After Passover was over Joseph and Mary returned home. Unknown to them, Jesus stayed behind in the Temple. Joseph and Mary assumed that Jesus was with the travel party. It took an entire day to realize that Jesus wasn’t with them. Talk about parents of the year. On top of that, it took them three days to find Jesus in Jerusalem. 

Mary and Joseph were imperfect parents. In fact, the world has never seen a set of perfect parents. Adam and Eve sinned. Abraham and Sarah had a strained marriage. I would assume that Solomon couldn’t even name all of his wives. 

There is pressure to be a perfect parent in our culture. If you haven’t figured it out by now, there are no perfect parents. Even Jesus’ earthly parents lost him for half a week. 

Every person is sinful and sinful people make up families. Do you remember the day when you realized that your parents weren’t perfect?  Your parents will fail you from time to time and you will fail your children. We are all in need of the grace of Jesus. 

For those of us who are parents, we need to live transparently with our children in a way that builds up their faith and understanding of sin, grace, and sanctification. That doesn’t mean that you share everything with your six year old son but you do need to own up to your mistakes and explain how faith works in real life.

News flash, your children already know that you aren’t perfect. When we pretend to be perfect we leave no space for the perfection of Jesus. 

The next generation will understand grace when they see it on display in moments of our failures and weaknesses. 

Apply:

• Do you feel pressure to be perfect – or at least seem like you have everything all together?
• What are some healthy ways that you communicate your need for Jesus’ perfection and grace with your friends and family? 

Respond: 

God, we confess that we are imperfect. There is no way for us to be holy on our own. We need Jesus. We confess our mistakes. Thank you for Jesus. We pray that we will rely on your Spirit today – to guide and correct us. 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.