7 ARROWS : Luke 4:1-13


Jesus resists temptation by trusting the Word of God.

Hearing that the Messiah was subject to temptation would have made him more relatable.

Jesus (the Word, the Logos: John 1:1) trusts in God’s Word to conquer temptation.

Mankind tends to trust in themselves.

Apply God’s Word when temptations come.

Encourage others to do this as well (^ see statement above).

Lord Jesus, saturate my soul with your Word so I can deal with temptation like you. I don’t want to waste my life on what will never satisfy.


7 ARROWS : Luke 3


God’s prophet, John the Baptist, prepares the way and the Messiah, Jesus, steps into the spotlight.

Most 1st Century Jews would have heard of John the Baptist and John’s words and actions toward Jesus would have carried much weight with these people. The voice from Heaven at the baptism points to the deity of Jesus.

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit all showed up and announced the beginning of this ministry. It was kind of a “ribbon cutting” event for the ministry of the Messiah.

All of humanity needs to have their sins paid for. God is “well pleased” to offer the solution- his son Jesus.

Be aware that God’s schedule is right on time every time.

Jesus, you are the Savior of the world. Build my faith in you. Equip and inspire me to point others to your good news.


7 ARROWS : Luke 2:21-38


God opens the eyes of two old saints about this unique child.

Many faithful worshipers in Jerusalem would have known and respected Simeon and Anna.

God favors those who favor him and Jesus is their great reward.

Faithful saints = direction, not perfection.

Walk closely with God with great anticipation.

Listen to encouragement from elderly saints.

Lord, if it be your will, grant me time and voice to magnify Jesus to the next generation.


7 ARROWS : Luke 2:39-52


Even in his growing up years Jesus knew his identity and mission.

The middle-school King of the universe leaves scholars and his parent perplexed.

God challenges our presuppositions.

When mortals can’t make sense of a situation our brains get stuck and perplexed.

Sometimes God alone working is the only answer so be sure to give him credit.

People are still perplexed bu the wisdom of Jesus- so be patient.

Lord Jesus, help me recognize when you are at work so I can praise you along the way.


7 ARROWS : Luke 2:1-20


Jesus is born!

The Messiah being born in such humble circumstances surely shocked many faithful Jews.

God came near!

All people need a savior- and some people recognize this truth.

Rejoice with Heaven and Earth!

Tell the amazing story of Jesus. Some will gladly receive it.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let every heart (even mine) prepare him room!


7 ARROWS : Luke 1:39-80


God reveals the unborn Messiah [Jesus] to his unborn prophet [John the Baptist] and his parents.

Supernatural news is proclaimed in a supernatural way.

God reveals himself in remarkable ways.

Whan an honor to have a front row view of God’s plan!

Trust God’s message with great anticipation.

Imperfect doesn’t mean unusable.

Lord, focus my eyes and heart on your plan.


7 ARROWS: Luke 1:1-38


God sends his messenger angel to tell two key people amazing news.

Gabriel’s announcement to both Zechariah and Mary was supernatural.

God’s ways are gloriously “out of the box” and beyond human comprehension.

Even God’s faithful servants struggle to fully understand God’s work while it is unfolding; although looking back in the rear view mirror it makes much more sense.

Trust that God will roll out his great plan right on time.

When God reveals something to one of his servants it can be a bit lonely because everyone does not see what they see.

Father, increase my faith to believe your plan more fully and to wrap my life around you.


The Vine of John 15

JOHN 15  “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.

Christian Standard Bible

Highlights:

  • The concept of pruning seem counterintuitive- but it works!
  • Our heavenly Father is the all knowing, perfect, wise gardner. He alone knows how best to prune each one of his followers. When it comes to pruning God will precisely cut out things in our lives that would inhibit our spiritual growth or usefulness. Sometimes this things are outright sin…patterns of behavior that are contrary to God’s Word and character. Other times “neutral” things may be pruned. These are things that aren’t necessarily sin, but they are still stunting spiritual growth. Another way God shapes our character is by using effects of the fall (bad things that we all experience in this temporary broken world) to grow us closer to him. Here is an article that touches on how God uses suffering in this way.
  • A Christ-followers focus should be on the day by day, second by second relationship with Jesus. If the relationship is right the fruit will come. That’s the way healthy branches work.
  • Matt. 7:16 “you will know them by their fruits”.
  • Gal. 5:22 . The fruit of the spirit are character traits that Jesus grows in one of his followers as they are in relationship with him.
  • John 4 People that have yet to be saved were described by Jesus as fruit waiting to be gathered.
  • More thoughts on “thrown into the fire and burned”
  • God is glorified when we (Christ-followers) do what we were created to do- enjoy a relationship with Jesus and allow him to flow/grow through us as he wills.

Preparing for the Holidays

#onpurpose Thanksgiving tips:

  1. Make your family Thanksgiving feast thankful #onpurpose. (2:05)
  2. Send notes of thanks to people who have blessed your life. (4:02)
  3. Spend time with the Lord thanking him for blessinging. Take your time. Be as specific as possible. (4:44)

Believe it or not, the word “holidays” is an old mash up word that means “holy days”.  How about that? 

#onpurpose Christmas tips:

  1.  Go look at Christmas lights together.
  2. Watch Christmas movies together (both newer & classic).
  3. Go visit someone.
  4. Give as a family in some sort of way.  Angel Tree, Golden Angels, volunteer at a local food pantry, Operation Christmas Child…something that underlines giving.
  5. Be #onpurpose with family devotion time.
  6. Give some gifts away.

Blessing Your Children (or Grandchildren)

Our blessing for Anden Mae:

Here are 13 things I am praying for you- especially for your teenage years.  I am praying that…

  1. …as the days, weeks, months, and years go by you continue to grow deeper in love with Jesus.  This only happens #onpurpose.
  2. …that you will always be a great big sister to Gray.
  3. …you would give and receive an outrageous amount of family love.
  4. …you always stay close to us.  We are your biggest fans & will always love you so good.
  5. …that you will “guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).
  6. …your kind soul will be a bright light to others wherever you go.
  7. …you will have friends who love you for just for being you (& you are pretty awesome).
  8. …your days have plenty of laughter and fun.
  9. …your creativity and intelligence would flourish and be a blessing to others.
  10. …you would live wisely and make your days count (Ephesians 5:15-16).
  11. … your driving doesn’t make your mother have an ulcer.
  12. …you get equipped and prepared for life- but still have plenty of fun as a teenager.
  13. …these teenage years don’t go by too quickly.  We need as many hugs, kisses, and good times with you as possible.

“Pay careful attention, then, to how you live—not as unwise people but as wise— making the most of the time, because the days are evil. “

Ephesians 5:15-16

Highlights:

  • For young children bedtime can be an extra tender time when it may be easier for them to hear you pray for them, talk about their day, or just express deep love. Sending notes with lunches or backpacks can also be another avenue to do this.
  • I want to make sure my children know that we value them- not just for what they do, but for who they are.
  • I want to make sure our children know they are loved unconditionally.
  • I want to make sure our children know we are praying for them in some very specific ways.  No, we don’t know what occupation they will choose, if they will marry or not, where they will live- but there are some very important things about their spiritual development that I have a vision for (maybe a bigger vision than they can see right now).