Luke – Page 19 – Crews N Away

September 5, 2026

MY MOTHER AND BROTHERS / LUKE 8:21

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 8:21

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

What Does It Mean to Be in the Family of God? A Reflection on Luke 8:21

Family is everything to most of us. We share history, bloodlines, and unconditional bonds with our biological relatives. But in Luke 8:21, Jesus redefines what it means to belong to His true, inner circle. When told that His biological mother and brothers are waiting outside to see Him, He delivers a profound, paradigm-shifting truth:

“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Beyond Biological Ties: A Spiritual Paradigm

Jesus isn’t rejecting Mary and His siblings here. Instead, He is radically expanding the definition of family. He takes the closest, most intimate human relationship—that of a mother and brother—and lifts it into a supernatural reality.

In God’s kingdom, access to Jesus is not determined by a physical lineage, a cultural background, or a religious title. Your proximity to the Savior is determined by your response to His voice. He turns to the crowd of fishermen, outcasts, and ordinary people sitting at His feet and offers them the highest honor imaginable: to be loved and claimed as His immediate family.

Hearing vs. Doing: The Danger of Incomplete Faith

This passage presents a stark challenge. Notice that Jesus does not say His family is made up of those who simply listen to God’s Word. He says it belongs to those who hear the word of God and do it.

It is incredibly easy to confuse passive consumption with active obedience. We can listen to podcasts, read devotionals, study commentaries, and nod along during Sunday sermons. But if that truth never shifts our behavior, our faith remains incomplete.

To Hear: Means to receive the truth with an open, receptive heart.
To Do: Means to translate that truth into concrete action, putting it into practice through daily obedience.

Faith without obedience is not an option in God’s spiritual family. As the prompt beautifully reminds us, we cannot claim a personal relationship with the King while actively rejecting His commands. True faith naturally produces fruit. If we love Him, we will keep His commandments.

The Privilege of Belonging

Think about the radical grace embedded in this verse. Jesus is inviting you—with all your flaws, mistakes, and shortcomings—to step into a relationship so close that He calls you His brother or sister. When you choose to step out in obedience, even when it is difficult, Jesus gladly claims you before the Father and holds you close.

Let’s move past the place of merely listening. Let’s be a people who actively build our lives on the rock of obedience, proving that we truly belong to the household of God.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of grace that adopts us into Your eternal family. We are deeply humbled that through faith in Christ, we are not merely called servants, but Your very children—brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus.

Lord, we confess that it is often easy to hear Your Word but slow to move our feet in obedience. Forgive us for the times we have been passive listeners instead of active doers of Your truth. Remove any spiritual complacency from our hearts.

We pray for the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to grant us clarity and courage today. Show us the opportunities You have placed in our paths to live out Your will. Give us a fierce desire to honor You in our thoughts, words, and deeds so that our lives may reflect Your holy character. May our obedience be a joyful response to Your perfect love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 5, 2026

WHOEVER HAS WILL BE GIVEN MORE / LUKE 8:18

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 8:18

Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

The Stewardship of Listening: What It Means to Be Given More

At first glance, Jesus’ words in Luke 8:18 can feel startling, or even unfair: “Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” In a world that already struggles with systemic inequality, a phrase like “the rich get richer” isn’t something we expect to hear from Christ.

But Jesus isn’t talking about money, material possessions, or worldly status. He is talking about the state of our hearts, the truth of the Gospel, and the profound stewardship of how we listen to God’s voice.

The Context of the Soil

To truly understand this verse, we have to look at what comes right before it. Jesus has just shared the Parable of the Sower, where God’s Word is described as seed scattered across different types of soil. Some seed falls on the path and gets trampled; some falls on rock and withers; some is choked out by thorns; but some falls on good soil, taking root and producing a massive harvest.

Your heart is the soil. When Jesus says to “consider carefully how you listen,” He is urging us to examine the condition of our hearts. Are we letting the distractions, anxieties, and superficial pleasures of life crowd out His truth? Or are we actively cultivating a space where His Word can change us?

The “Use It or Lose It” Principle of Faith

Spiritual growth is never stagnant. Bible commentators, such as those writing for A Clay Jar on Medium, point out that “whoever has” refers to the person who takes what they have heard, genuinely ponders it, and puts it into active practice.

When you act on the measure of faith and truth you already possess, God pours out more. You are given more insight, deeper wisdom, and greater capacity for grace.

Conversely, if we merely hear the Word but never apply it to our lives, our spiritual capacity begins to shrink. We fall into a false sense of security, relying on what we think we have, while our relationship with God slowly becomes hollow.

Cultivating a Receptive Heart

Listening to God is an active, daily choice. It means tuning out the constant noise of the world so we can hear His whisper. It means approaching Scripture not to see how it applies to the person sitting next to us, but asking how it transforms our own souls.

When we hold onto His truth with an obedient, trusting heart, we become part of a beautiful cycle of abundance—where every step of obedience unlocks even more of His kingdom in our lives.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the precious gift of Your Word, which serves as a lamp to our feet and nourishment for our souls. Forgive us for the times we have listened carelessly, allowing the noise, worries, and distractions of this world to drown out Your voice.

Today, we ask that You cultivate the soil of our hearts. Open our ears to hear Your truth clearly, and grant us the courage to step out in obedience to what You reveal. Help us to be faithful stewards of the insights and grace You have already given us. We pray that as we seek to know You deeper, You would pour out an abundance of Your wisdom and Spirit upon us. May our lives be good soil that bears fruit to Your glory.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 5, 2026

CHOKED BY LIFE’S WORRIES / LUKE 8:14

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 8:14

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Choked by Life’s Worries: Staying Rooted in a Distracted World

We live in a world that constantly demands our attention. From the endless ring of notifications to the heavy pressure of bills, family responsibilities, and the pursuit of comfort, our days are easily consumed by the immediate.

In Luke 8:14, Jesus speaks directly into this modern chaos through the Parable of the Sower:

“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.”

It is a sobering warning. Jesus isn’t just talking about obvious evils; He is talking about the subtle danger of competing priorities.

The Subtle Growth of Thorns

Thorns and weeds don’t destroy a garden overnight. They grow slowly, quietly creeping into the soil and stealing the nutrients, water, and sunlight meant for the good seed.

In the same way, worldly responsibilities, material desires, and earthly pleasures can slowly but surely choke out our passion for God’s Word and His purposes. When these temporary things fill our thoughts and become our top priorities, our spiritual lives are drained of the power we receive from our relationship with Jesus. We don’t necessarily stop believing, but we stop growing. We fail to reach maturity.

A Heart Check for the Modern Believer

As followers of Christ, we must remain vigilant. It is easy to mistake “being busy” with “being fruitful.” To ensure our hearts remain good soil, we should regularly step back and ask ourselves these critical questions:

What is truly dominating my thought life right now? Am I consumed by temporary earthly concerns, or am I anchored in eternal truth?
Where is my energy going? Is my relationship with Jesus receiving my best moments, or just my leftover scraps of time?
Am I growing? Are God’s eternal Word and purposes taking greater priority and becoming more important to me as time goes by?

Let us make an intentional choice today to clear out the weeds. Guard your time with the Lord, protect your heart from the illusion of material security, and let His truth run deep in your life.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, search my heart today. Forgive me for the times I have allowed the anxieties of this life, the pursuit of riches, and the desire for temporary pleasures to crowd out Your presence. I do not want my spiritual life to be choked by the weeds of this world. Cleanse my heart’s soil, Lord. Pull up the thorns of worry and distraction, and grant me the grace to keep You as my ultimate priority. May Your eternal Word take deep root in me, so that I may live a life that honors You and bears rich, lasting fruit for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 5, 2026

BELIEVE FOR A WHILE … FALL AWAY / LUKE 8:13

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 8:13

They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

Cultivating Deep Roots: Why Holding Firm to God’s Word Matters

We have all seen it happen—or perhaps we have felt the fragile tug in our own souls. A person hears the truth of the Gospel, their eyes light up, and they experience a genuine moment of faith. They make a sincere commitment to Jesus and begin a life of faith with joy. But then, life happens. The initial excitement fades, hardships hit, or a lingering temptation becomes too difficult to resist. Slowly, they drift, eventually turning their back on the commitment they once held so dear.

In Jesus’ interpretation of the Parable of the Sower, He addresses this heartbreaking reality head-on.

In Luke 8:13, He describes the seed that falls on rocky soil: “Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.”

The Reality of “Believing for a While”

Jesus clearly affirms the possibility of a person believing for a time and then falling away. This isn’t necessarily about a fake or insincere start; rather, it is about a faith that lacks depth. When faith is shallow, it cannot withstand the scorching heat of trials or the subtle, eroding pressure of temptation.

In contrast, Jesus points us to a different kind of heart in Luke 8:15: those who “hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

True discipleship is not just about a vibrant beginning; it is about a faithful continuation. Throughout the New Testament, scripture consistently teaches that it is absolutely necessary for those who hear His Word to “hold firmly” to it. We see this echoing reminder in passages like Colossians 1:21-23; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, and the warnings of 1 Timothy 4:1. Salvation is paired with perseverance, and receiving the Word requires us to guard it diligently.

How Do We Retain the Word?

If the danger is having no root, how do we dig deep? How do we ensure our faith survives the times of testing?

One of the main ways we retain the Word is by putting it into practice immediately. James 1:22-25 warns us not to merely listen to the Word and deceive ourselves, but to do what it says.

When God shows you a truth, apply it to your life today:

If the Word convicts you about unforgiveness, forgive immediately.
If it calls you to step out in generosity, give without delaying.
If it exposes a hidden sin, repent and seek accountability right away.

By acting on the truth as soon as God reveals it, you push your roots past the rocky surface and deep into the soil of obedience. Active obedience transforms a fragile, temporary belief into a resilient, fruit-bearing faith that cannot be easily shaken.

Don’t just believe for a season. Hold firmly, obey quickly, and trust the Holy Spirit to produce a harvest in your life that endures.

A Closing Prayer for Perseverance

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the powerful truth of Your Word. Lord, we acknowledge that our hearts can sometimes be shallow, easily distracted by temptation, or overwhelmed by the trials of this world. We do not want to be like the seed on the rocky soil that believes for only a little while and then falls away when things get tough.

We ask that You dig deep into our hearts today. Break up any hard places within us. Grant us the grace and the strength to hold firmly to Your truth, even when the storms of life hit. Holy Spirit, give us the urgency to put Your Word into practice the moment You show us how to apply it. Build in us a faith that perseveres, deep roots that draw from Your strength, and a life that ultimately produces a beautiful, lasting crop for Your glory.

In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 5, 2026

TAKES AWAY THE WORD / LUKE 8:12

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 8:12

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

Guarding Your Heart: When the Enemy Takes Away the Word

We have all been there. You sit in a church service, attend a Bible study, or finish a powerful morning devotion, and your heart is soaring. You feel deeply convicted, inspired, and ready to take on the world with the truth you just received.

But then you step out the door.

Within minutes, a frustrating traffic jam, a sharp comment from a family member, or a sudden wave of anxiety hits. By lunchtime, that powerful truth you encountered feels distant, fuzzy, or completely forgotten. What happened?

Jesus gives us the raw, sobering answer in the Parable of the Sower. In Luke 8:12, He pulls back the spiritual curtain and warns us:

“Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.”

The Reality of the Spiritual Thief

Jesus doesn’t mince words here. He explicitly attributes the sudden loss of spiritual momentum to a real enemy who influences our focus. The moment the seed of God’s Word lands, a thief is waiting to snatch it away.

The Greek word used for “takes away” implies a sudden, violent grabbing. The enemy isn’t casual; he is urgent. He knows that if the Word takes root in your heart, it will produce radical transformation, freedom, and an abundant harvest. To prevent that, he uses specific tactics to harden the soil of our hearts:

Doubt: Whispering thoughts like, “Did God really say that?” or “That promise applies to others, not you.”
Distraction: Flooding your mind with the endless to-do lists, notifications, and anxieties of daily life so the truth gets buried.
Disconnection: Making you feel silly or overly emotional for believing that the Creator of the universe wants to speak directly to your situation.

Cultivating Soft Soil

The seed fell “along the path” because the ground was packed tight, hardened by heavy foot traffic. When our hearts become hardened by cynicism, routine, or unconfessed sin, the Word just sits on the surface, making it an easy target for the thief.

So, how do we protect the seed? We must move from being passive listeners to active cultivators.

Slow Down and Meditate: Don’t just read the Word; let it sit. Write it down, repeat it throughout the day, and let it sink beneath the surface.
Pray for Protection: Acknowledge the spiritual battle. Actively ask the Holy Spirit to guard your mind from the distractions and doubts that immediately follow a moment of spiritual growth.
Apply It Immediately: The quickest way to anchor a truth in your heart is to live it out. When you act on what God says, you drive the roots deep into the soil where the enemy cannot reach.

Don’t let the thief rob you of the life-giving truth meant to transform your week. Guard the soil, protect the seed, and watch God bring forth a beautiful harvest.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Almighty God, Your Word is a beautiful, life-giving seed. We thank You for speaking directly to our hearts and offering us truth that saves, heals, and restores.

Lord, we recognize that we are in a daily spiritual battle. Forgive us for the times we have allowed the ground of our hearts to become hard, calloused, and distracted. Right now, we ask that You protect the truth we have received today. Drive it deep into our souls, beyond the reach of the enemy’s doubts, lies, and distractions.

Break up the hard ground of our hearts and make us good soil. Give us the wisdom to recognize the enemy’s tactics, the boldness to stand against his whispers, and the patience to let Your truth bear lasting fruit in our lives. Guard our hearts, minds, and steps as we go out into the world this week. In the mighty and saving name of Jesus, Amen.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 5, 2026

PARABLE OF THE SOWER / LUKE 8:5

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 8:5

A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

Cultivating the Heart: Lessons from the Parable of the Sower

Have you ever wondered why two people can hear the exact same message, yet walk away with completely different results? One person’s life is completely transformed, while the other forgets the message before they even reach the parking lot.

In Luke 8:5, Jesus begins one of His most famous parables to explain this exact mystery: “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it”.

This opening verse sets the stage for the Parable of the Sower. Jesus later explains that the seed is the Word of God, and the various terrains represent the condition of our hearts.

The Hazard of the Hardened Heart

Luke 8:5 specifically highlights the first type of soil: the wayside. This path is not an unplowed field; it is a walking path. It is ground that has been stepped on, pressed down, and hardened by a steady stream of traffic.

When the Word of God lands on a hardened heart, it cannot penetrate the surface. It just sits there, exposed. Jesus warns that because the heart is closed, the devil quickly comes and snatches the word away so that they cannot believe and be saved.

Hearts can become like the wayside for many reasons:

Unresolved pain or bitterness that builds a protective wall.
The routine traffic of daily life and cynical routines that dull our spiritual senses.
Pride that makes us feel we do not need instruction or cultivation.

Yielding to the Divine Gardener

The good news is that no matter how hardened a path has become, God is the ultimate gardener. He specializes in breaking up fallow, compacted ground. The difference between a life that produces a hundredfold harvest and one that remains barren is simply a willingness to be yielded to the plow.

When we allow the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts through repentance, prayer, and humility, the seed of the Word takes root deep within us. It changes the way we think, react, and live.

Let us look honestly at our own hearts today. Are we letting the traffic of the world trample the truths God is trying to plant in us? Let’s ask Him to soften our hearts so we can be fertile ground.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, the Great Sower of Truth, we thank You for the living seed of Your Word. Forgive us for the times we have allowed the busyness, pride, and distractions of this world to harden our hearts. Break up the compacted ground within us, Lord. Remove any bitterness, skepticism, or apathy that prevents Your truth from taking deep root.

We pray for soft, receptive, and noble hearts today. Protect us from the enemy who seeks to steal Your promises away. May Your Word penetrate deep into our souls, yielding a rich harvest of faith, love, and patience that brings glory to Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 5, 2026

PARABLE / LUKE 8:4

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 8:4

And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

Cultivating the Heart: What Kind of Soil Are You?

The Parable of the Sower, found in Luke 8:4-15, stands as one of the most profound teachings of Jesus Christ. In this passage, a vast crowd gathered from various towns to hear Him speak. Instead of delivering a rigid lecture, Jesus shared a simple, universal story about a farmer scattering seed.

While it sounds like a basic lesson on agriculture, Jesus was actually unveiling a deep, spiritual truth about the condition of the human heart.

The Four Soils of Human Response

In this parable, the seed represents the Word of God. The farmer scatters it generously, but the outcome depends entirely on where the seed lands. Jesus breaks down four distinct responses:

The Footpath (The Hard Heart): Some seed falls on the hardened path. It gets trampled underfoot, and the birds quickly devour it. This represents those who hear the Word, but their hearts are closed. The enemy immediately snatches the truth away before it can take root.
The Rocky Ground (The Shallow Heart): Other seeds fall on thin soil over rock. They sprout quickly with joy, but wither just as fast because they lack deep moisture and roots. This reflects a superficial faith—people who love the message until testing, temptation, or trials arrive.
The Thorns (The Distracted Heart): Some seed falls among thorns, which grow up alongside the tender plants and choke them out. This represents a life consumed by the worries, riches, and fleeting pleasures of this world. The truth is crowded out, and no mature fruit is produced.
The Good Soil (The Fertile Heart): Finally, some seed falls into rich, nurturing soil. It takes deep root, grows strong, and yields an incredible harvest—a hundred times more than what was sown. These are the ones who hear the Word with an open, honest heart, cling to it patiently, and produce lasting spiritual fruit.

Inspecting Your Own Soil

It is easy to look at this story as a map of other people, but Jesus intends for us to look inward. Our hearts can shift through different seasons. Maybe a painful experience has hardened your heart like the path. Perhaps the anxieties of modern life are acting like thorns, choking out your time with God.

The encouraging news is that God is the ultimate gardener. With His help, we can break up the hard ground, clear out the rocks of doubt, pull up the thorns of distraction, and cultivate a life ready to bloom.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for generously sowing Your Word of truth into our lives. We confess that sometimes our hearts are distracted by the worries of this world, or hardened by life’s heavy footsteps.

We ask You today to cultivate the soil of our hearts. Soften the hard places, remove the rocks of superficial faith, and pull out the thorns of anxiety and materialism. Give us ears to truly hear Your voice and a patient faith to hold fast to Your promises. May Your truth take deep root in us so that our lives can bear rich, beautiful fruit for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 5, 2026

HELPING TO SUPPORT THEM / LUKE 8:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 8:3

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

Radical Gratitude: What Luke 8:3 Teaches Us About Supporting the Kingdom

When we think about the earthly ministry of Jesus, we often picture the twelve disciples walking alongside Him, listening to His parables, and learning to fish for men. But if we look closely at the Gospel narratives, an incredible group of people played a quiet yet absolutely vital role in keeping that ministry moving forward.

In Luke 8:1-3, the physician Luke pulls back the curtain to show us who was funding and sustaining this traveling band of disciples. He names Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, and then adds a phrase that should challenge every believer today: they, along with many others, “were helping to support them out of their own means”.

Driven by Radical Gratitude

These were not casual onlookers or wealthy patrons looking for social status. The scripture notes that these women had received profound healing and special care from Jesus. They had been cured of evil spirits and debilitating diseases. Mary Magdalene had been delivered from seven demons; Joanna was married to Chuza, the manager of King Herod’s high-stakes household.

Having experienced the life-altering mercy of Christ, their hearts overflowed with a desire to give back. They expressed their deep gratitude and honored Him by faithfully contributing to His ministry. Their support likely came through direct financial resources as well as rolling up their sleeves to meet the practical, daily needs of Jesus and His disciples. They bought the food, prepared the meals, and ensured the ministry could move from village to village unhindered.

Their service and devotion continue to be a powerful example for every follower of Christ—both women and men alike. They teach us that true discipleship isn’t just about listening to the Word; it’s about investing our resources, time, and practical talents into the work of God.

Serving Christ by Serving Others

While Jesus is no longer physically walking the earth needing food or financial backing, His ministry continues through His body, the Church. How do we follow the blueprint left by these faithful women today?

We do it by turning our eyes toward the hurting, the lonely, and those in deep need. When you step up to support a local ministry, feed the hungry, or care for someone going through a dark season, you are doing exactly what Mary, Joanna, and Susanna did.

In fact, Jesus tells us explicitly that this is how He measures our devotion. In Matthew 25:34-40, He reminds us that whenever we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, or visit the sick, we are doing it directly unto Him. The words of that passage apply to you every time you give from your own means to lift another person up.

Let us live with the same radical gratitude that drove those early female disciples. When we recognize how much Christ has healed, delivered, and provided for us, our natural response should be a life of joyful, sacrificial generosity.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful examples of faithfulness recorded in Your Word. Thank You for the lives of Mary, Joanna, Susanna, and the countless unnamed women who poured out their resources, time, and love to support the ministry of Your Son.

We confess that we often hold tightly to what we have, forgetting that everything we own belongs to You. Forgive us for the times we have been blind to the needs around us. Open our eyes to see the hurting, the lonely, and the broken in our communities.

Fill our hearts with the same radical gratitude that these women possessed. Because You have healed us, delivered us, and shown us unmatched mercy, stir up within us a desire to give back cheerfully. Teach us to support Your kingdom work through our finances, our daily service, and our practical care for others. May our lives be a reflection of Your love, so that when we serve the least of these, we are truly honoring You.

In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

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September 4, 2026

SHE LOVED MUCH / LUKE 7:47

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 7:47

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

She Loved Much: The Radical Link Between Forgiveness and Devotion

We have all experienced moments where we tried to sustain our faith on willpower alone. We tell ourselves to pray more, do more, and love God better. But eventually, the tank runs dry. Why? Because genuine devotion to Jesus cannot be manufactured. It is not the engine of our faith; it is the overflow.

In Luke 7:47, Jesus provides the ultimate blueprint for a love that never runs dry:

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

The story behind this verse is unforgettable. Jesus was dining at the home of Simon, a prominent and religious Pharisee. Suddenly, a woman known in the city as a “sinner” slipped into the room. Breaking all social and cultural protocol, she wept at Jesus’ feet, washing them with her tears, wiping them with her hair, and anointing them with expensive perfume.

While the religious elite looked on with judgment and disgust, Jesus saw something entirely different. He saw a heart that loved much because it understood the sheer magnitude of what it had been forgiven.

If you want a faith that endures, it must be anchored in the same three foundational realities that transformed this woman’s life:

1. A Deep Awareness of Our Past Condition

Real love for Jesus begins when we stop downplaying our need for Him. The Pharisee in the story didn’t think he needed much saving, so he offered Jesus no water, no kiss of welcome, and no oil. He lacked love because he lacked awareness of his own spiritual poverty.

To love Jesus deeply, we must be honest about the sinfulness of our past condition apart from Christ. We don’t reflect on our past to wallow in guilt, but to remember the depth of the pit from which we were rescued. When we lose touch with the weight of the debt we owed, our love for the One who paid it grows tepid and distant.

2. His Love Revealed on the Cross

The woman’s extravagant worship was a direct response to Jesus’ extraordinary grace. Our love for God is never the catalyst; it is always the echo. We love because He first loved us.

The ultimate expression of this truth is found at the cross, where Jesus willingly gave His life to bear our sins. When we look at the cross, we see exactly how far God was willing to go to bridge the gap between our brokenness and His holiness. A faith that bypasses the cross has no anchor; it is only when we gaze at His sacrifice that our hearts break and heal all at once.

3. The Inner Assurance of Current Forgiveness

Jesus didn’t leave the woman guessing. He looked at her and declared out loud: “Your sins are forgiven”. Today, as believers, we possess that same inner assurance. Through the Holy Spirit, we are anchored in the quiet, unshakeable confidence that we are fully forgiven, completely accepted, and deeply cared for by God Himself.

We no longer walk in fear or under the cloud of condemnation. We live in a perpetual state of God’s unwavering favor. This assurance transforms duty into delight, and religious obligation into radical worship.

The Foundations that Endure

Faith is not a structure built on our own goodness or emotional highs. Faith that endures is rooted firmly in who we were without Him, what He did to save us, and who we are now in His sight. When those foundations are secure, your heart will naturally mimic the woman with the alabaster jar. You will find yourself pouring out your life, your resources, and your devotion at His feet—not because you have to, but because you have been forgiven much, and you simply cannot help but love much.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for a love that does not shrink back from my brokenness. Forgive me for the times I have lived like the Pharisee, forgetting the magnitude of the debt You paid on my behalf. Lord, never let me lose the wonder of Your grace. Give me a broken and humble heart that truly grasps the depth of my past condition apart from Christ, so that I may fully rejoice in the good news of my redemption.

Fix my eyes on the cross, where Your perfect love was poured out for me. Ground my soul in the absolute assurance that I am forgiven, chosen, and securely held in Your hands today. May my life be an echo of Your goodness, and may my worship be as extravagant and unreserved as the woman who washed Your feet. Let it be said of me, Lord, that I loved much.

In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

September 4, 2026

WEEPING / LUKE 7:37-38

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Luke 7:37-38

And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, ³⁸And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

The Language of the Brokenhearted: Understanding the Power of Our Tears

We live in a world that often views weeping as a sign of weakness. We are told to stay strong, keep it together, and hide our vulnerability from the people around us. But in Luke 7:37-38, the Bible gives us a radically different perspective on our tears. Here, weeping is not a flaw; it is a beautiful, unfiltered language of faith and ultimate devotion.

In this powerful passage, a woman who lived a sinful life learns that Jesus is eating at the home of a Pharisee. Breaking all social protocols and braving the harsh judgment of the religious elite, she sneaks into the room. Overwhelmed by love and gratitude, she stands behind Jesus at His feet, weeping. She humbles herself completely, wetting His feet with her tears and wiping them with her hair. She takes no thought of what others might think of her. Her focus is entirely on Christ.

What Our Tears Reveal

A person’s weeping can reveal a range of things. It can be an expression of deep sorrow and grief, overwhelming joy and elation, or—as we see with this woman—a manifestation of raw, grateful love for Christ.

When life gets too heavy or our hearts get too full, words often fail us. But by weeping in prayer and faith, believers can express to God exactly what is in their hearts without using words. The Lord does not look down on this. In fact, He values such tears as if they are a precious offering or a holy act of service to Him.

Identifying with a Weeping Savior

Tears are sometimes evidence of identifying with Christ. When we endure rejection, heartbreak, or share in His sufferings, our tears connect us directly to His heart. We do not serve a distant, unfeeling King.

Christ Himself wept: Jesus looked at a spiritually lost world and wept with deep compassion for the people. He wept at the grave of His friend Lazarus, fully feeling the sting of human grief.
The Apostle Paul wept: As a pioneer missionary who started many New Testament churches, Paul served the Lord with many tears. He shed tears of joy over those who had believed on Christ, and tears of grief over those who had turned away.

If your eyes are heavy with tears today, remember that even now, God’s people who weep are considered blessed and will eventually find joy.

The Ultimate Promise

No matter how painful your current season is, Scripture reminds us that your tears have an expiration date. In Christ’s future eternal kingdom, God will personally wipe away all tears from the eyes of His people. He will permanently do away with all reasons for sorrow, grief, and pain.

Until that glorious day, take comfort in knowing that your tears are never ignored. Every tear you drop is a silent prayer that the Father hears, values, and answers with His comforting embrace.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You are a God who welcomes our raw emotions. Thank You that when our words fail, You can read the silent language of our tears. Give us the humility and courage of the woman in Luke 7. Help us to value Your presence above the opinions and judgment of the world around us.

We pray for everyone reading this who is carrying a heavy heart today. Whether their tears are from grief, rejection, or simply an overwhelming love for You, let them feel Your closeness. Thank You for bottling our tears and for the beautiful promise that a day is coming where You will wipe away every trace of sorrow and pain. We lay our hearts at Your feet today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace