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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 72

Written By Torrie Slaughter

(With an excerpt from The Gospel of Luke 24-Day Devotional ©2018)

Guiding Scripture: Luke 1:16  And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God,

🔴 Silence and Reflection

We begin the Gospel According to Luke; we journey to learn more about God through the reading of His Word. It is helpful for us to start with the basics and give some background. Luke is a Gentile physician and historian that occasionally traveled with the Apostle Paul. The purpose of Luke’s story is to provide an orderly account of the fulfilled things. The belief that Jesus is the accomplishment of God and Israel’s covenant story serves as a valuable faith lesson to us now. The Gospel According to Luke and its sequel, Acts of the Apostles, gives us a richer understanding. Luke’s attention to detail and desire to get many eye witness statements reached audiences beyond the immediate Gentile and Israelite community.

Worthy

We know Zechariah and Elizabeth were God-fearing people and were both in the priestly line of Aaron. The exciting fact about serving in the Temple is the order by which one can offer prayers. Some priests only experienced standing in the Holy of holies once in a lifetime, if at all. God’s timing is always perfect.

Luke 1:20 “And behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”

Not so long ago…

I saved a turtle’s life. No, I didn’t give it mouth to mouth, but I saw it on the road, picked it up, and placed it in a safer area. He looked back at me, and I felt his gratitude. With a smile on my face and warmth in my heart, I walked away… SMACK!!! I killed the gnat that was flying around my face. Yep, I saved the turtle and “silenced” the gnat. Why??? Well, the apparent reason; gnats get into places they shouldn’t!! Buzzing around eyes and ears, they are annoying little… buzzers.

Are You Easily Annoyed?


I shocked myself with my thoughts. I reacted with compassion for the turtle and annoyance to the gnat. (Insert the people in your life.)
We don’t always understand the bigger picture, so we question and react poorly. I recognized my need to be mindful of my impulses, and even though it was a gnat, it showed me how quickly emotions change.

God Shows Mercy


In Luke 1:13-17, The angel Gabriel came to give Zechariah good news. An answer to his prayers! Not only was he going to have a son, but this child would announce the coming of the long-awaited Savior of the world. But, Zechariah smacked down this excellent news with his questions and doubts. Through the angel Gabriel, God responded to Zechariah by silencing him. Zechariah’s posture needed to change. God’s divine timing was at hand, and Zechariah was unaware of the glorious miracle that was about to take place.

Zechariah’s doubt demoted him. He was part of an intricately woven master plan but questioned the authority and ability of God. Zechariah underwent a divine season of reflection while learning new ways to communicate more effectively. WOW! That made the wonder of this miraculous event even more powerful and historic. God’s arrival in human form was something to behold, a prophecy fulfilled. But He had to work around His created humans.

Whether we meet turtles crossing the road or gnats that fly around us, we are responsible for what we feel, say, or do. Will we react in understanding, doubt, or annoyance? Let’s be careful not to quickly dismiss the events in our lives simply because we can not see the immediate usefulness. God’s plan defines us; we all serve a purpose in His WILL. How much involvement we have may depend on God being able to trust us.

Points to Ponder

  • For what am I idly praying?
  • Am I living out my purpose in God’s plan, or have I given myself “busy” work?
  • Has God rendered me silent in an area I wanted to celebrate because I doubted Him?

~Torrie Slaughter

 


 

 

 

This devotional was written and submitted by Torrie Slaughter (with a portion from The Gospel of Luke Devotional Save the Turtles, Silence the Gnats) the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Numbers 19:1-20:29, Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 11:8

Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan  

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Remember His Words

Luke 24, The Gospel of Luke 24 Day Devotional, , ,

The Gospel of Luke Devotional 

  • Day 24 Chapter 24
  • Bible Reading Luke 24:1-53
  • Focus Scripture: Luke 24:8 And they remembered His Words,

Communication is verbal and nonverbal. We remember how we feel when words are spoken. This year I adopted a strategy; at the beginning of a conversation I would think, “what can I learn?” That simple question helped me close my mouth. I became a better listener. While I have not perfected this I am grateful it is becoming a habit. I am able to recall more information and engage with others. Through Christ, I am developing a greater understanding of my tongue being a weapon. How I weld it shows my maturity in Spirit and cooperation with the Holy Spirit God left with me. I remember God’s Words.

Grief is a difficult emotion. It comes in waves. We celebrate the good memories and miss our loved ones terribly at the same time. Once acceptance hits, our grieving becomes something we talk about openly. We are able to announce that we miss their presence, the way they laughed, and how they made us feel. We move on with our lives constantly grappling with the void they left. We find comfort in our routines. Luke 24:1-7 The women came to anoint the body of Christ. They had prepared spices. I can imagine them going through this Jewish custom each with their own memory of Christ’s miracles, teachings, power, and authority. They remembered Christ. The shock and dismay at seeing the two men in dazzling clothes(angels) tore them from their numbness. In a few short moments, all of what Christ had said to them hit like a wave of truth. Christ is alive!Luke 24:13-49 Christ’s appearances after His resurrection deepened the faith of the believers that had abandoned Him. Jesus forgave and brought to life a new understanding of how we are to live knowing that we will meet Him in glory. In the meantime, His Word is here for us to study, learn, and live by. No matter our circumstances we can live with a freed mindset. Christ left His followers with a magnificent image. He ascended into Heaven after coming down to earth in human form, growing as we do, being tempted by Satan, spreading the Good News of His Kingdom, giving life to the lifeless, healing infirmities, causing the blind to see, the deaf to hear, being beaten, crucified, and rejected. His love for us is so profound that He gave us something else to consider…hope for our future. His disciples were allowed to see Him be carried up into Heaven. Our lives here on earth are not awesome all the time; Christ left the example of overcoming all, with God as our focus we can look towards Heaven. Remember His Words. 

~Torrie

Discussion Questions:

  1. Is what you’re doing now bringing you closer to God?
  2. How has the Gospel of Luke changed your perspective?
  3. Have you completely accepted Christ into your life? 

A Few Points: Luke 24 tells us Jesus appeared to the disciples walking away from the ‘congregation’. Don’t walk away from fellowship with other believers. Jesus taught us to be aware of demons taking over our bodies. Pay attention to the need, greed, and selfish ambitions that creep into our thoughts, these are warning signs. Remember to arm yourself with God’s Word. We are all members of a larger body. What we do individual is magnified when we do it together. Jesus showed Himself to His followers allowing them to touch Him. Jesus walked through locked doors, ate, and drank before ascending into Heaven. He left His followers with hope. We are to live our lives as Christ did. Forgiving each other so we can seek forgiveness. We can thrive with God by exercising our right to be called His children. 

A Note of Gratitude

Dear Readers,   I am beyond grateful for all of you. Your willingness to embrace what God gave me to produce is so appreciated. I have struggled in the past with being productive and effective, I wasted my time and I’m ashamed. Ashamed because my life has a purpose and I did not recognize the power that is within me. With God, I am able to see past my weaknesses and receive His strength. This website began as a way of sharing faith-based teachings and devotionals, chronicling my spiritual journey. I did not know what I was doing when I started but trusted God to show me. Once I became comfortable writing (out-loud) and taking criticism, God pushed me into doing this devotional. This meant I would have to study, write at a measured pace, and pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit even more. This work has given me new hope and encouragement that with God I am complete. I use His wisdom to break down the Word and apply it to life today. God’s Word is everlasting. Thank you, my dear Brothers and Sisters, in Christ for praying, commenting, texting, and trusting me with your failures and successes. Your testimonies of redemption were nothing short of amazing. Our God is awesome! Thank you.

Sincerely,

Torrie

F.A.M.I.L.Y (Forget About Me I Love You) Thank you, editors. I am grateful.

© Torrie Slaughter, Torrie Slaughter Photography, and http://www.ourgivenpurpose.com 2018-2048. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Torrie Slaughter, Torrie Slaughter Photography, and http://www.ourgivenpurpose.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

A Demon Passing Through

The Gospel of Luke 24 Day Devotional, , , ,

The Gospel of Luke Devotional

  • Day 22 Chapter 22
  • Bible Reading Luke 22:1-71
  • Focus Scripture: Luke 22:6 So he consented, and began seeking a good opportunity to betray Him to them apart from the crowd.

Betrayal. Opportunity. Confusion. Chaos. Entrapment. Liars. Thieves. Being lied to hurts. It hurts more when we know its coming. When we have loved someone with all our heart, given to them whatever they asked, yet it wasn’t enough. We weren’t enough in that particular season of their lives. Being betrayed is not something one can get over easily. We hang on to the bitter memories if we still have to interact with them. With God, we can move beyond our hurts and to forgiveness.

Believers in Christ acknowledge a spiritual realm. We can not see spirits but we can see their works. This is one reason we must forgive. At any given time an evil spirit may influence the outcome of an event. It could be a celebration, a new job, an opportunity to serve, or the dawn of a new day. Fighting with these evil entities is not something we can do on our own. Christ left us with the Holy Spirit to battle these evil forces. We have learned that Christ cast out demons. We do not know how many demons may dwell within any one person. What we can do is be ready to face them. Praying, reading God’s Word for clarity and understanding is how we arm ourselves.

John 12:6 and John 6:70 Jesus knew who Judas Iscariot was when he chose him. Judas Iscariot was given opportunities to change his heart but his greedy character made him a target. Luke 11:24-26 Judas Iscariot was home to an unclean spirit. It may have left him for a time but circled back bringing more demons with it. He went through his time of being a disciple unfulfilled. His heart never saw what Christ was offering. Judas Iscariot rejected Christ which led to his betrayal. Christ offered salvation to Judas Iscariot, he didn’t want it because it did not come in the form he thought it should have. Luke 22:3 Satan entered Judas Iscariot and used him as his vessel. John 13:27 Tells us that during the last supper Jesus told Satan to do his deeds quickly. Christ reveals that He sees all; in the spiritual realm and in the physical realm; He was God in human form. Not only was Judas Iscariot going to betray Jesus he continued to take from Him as though nothing was out of the ordinary. We have people like this today. They live with us, we work with them, they seem Holy and live upright. These unfortunate souls do not believe in Christ and what His death on the cross means for us now. They lead oppressed lives because fear shackles them. Their joy is found in material objects and they always want to acquire newer, better, and more. They look for ways to shame Christians by holding on to our past sins and praying against us. But just as Jesus teaches us do not allow the enemy to take over. Christ followers are vulnerable to the attacks of Satan as well. Luke 22:31-32. With God we are stronger; we can call on His strength to help us through. Brothers and Sisters in Christ keep walking with our Lord and Savior. Be of good courage. ~Torrie

Discussion Questions (Life Application Study Bible NASB study questions. pg 1711)

  1. Are we true disciples and followers of Christ, or uncommitted pretenders?
  2. Will, we accept Jesus’ free gift, or, like Judas, betray Him?
  3. Why would we want to betray Jesus?

A Few Points

  1. Luke 22:1-6 The Passover feast is being prepared and people from all over have journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate and also see Jesus who has spread in fame. The chief priests and scribes are conspiring to kill Jesus and not do it publicly. Judas Iscariot offers a solution and receives a payment for his deed.
  2. Luke 22:7-13 Jesus sends Peter and John to prepare the Last Supper. He instructs them on what to say and gives an answer to a question He knew would be asked. 
  3. Luke 22:14-30 Jesus reveals that He knew all of His disciples would betray and leave Him in His hour of need. John 13:27 Also reveals that He watched Satan enter into Judas Iscariot telling us He had the power to see both the physical and the spiritual realm at the same time. The disciples had not settled the argument: who was the greatest among them. They did not understand how gravely important the future was.
  4. Luke 22:31-38 Simon Peter denies that He would deny Jesus…ever. Jesus told Peter to be prepared because Satan would attack him. He reassured that Peter would be restored after this testing even though he would fail to stand up for Jesus.
  5. Luke 22:39-46 Jesus prays in agony in the Garden in Mount Olivet. The disciples were to keep watch but continually fell asleep.
  6. Luke 22:47-53 Jesus is betrayed and arrested.
  7. Luke 22:54-65 Peter denies Jesus 3 times.
  8. Luke 22:66-71 Jesus is the Son of God.
© Torrie Slaughter, Torrie Slaughter Photography, and http://www.ourgivenpurpose.com 2018-2048 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Torrie Slaughter, Torrie Slaughter Photography, and http://www.ourgivenpurpose.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

God’s Watchful Eye

The Gospel of Luke 24 Day Devotional, , , ,

The Gospel of Luke Devotional 

  • Day 21 Luke Chapter 21
  • Bible Reading: Luke 21:1-38
  • Focus Scripture: Luke 21:1-2 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins.

You never know who is watching you at any given moment. Some years ago I noticed a little boy sitting by himself while all the other children were playing and having a great time. He didn’t look physically hurt so I asked if I could sit with him. He shrugged his shoulders. I told him my name. He shrugged his shoulders. I asked him his name. He shrugged his shoulders. So I told him I would call him Hero. To which he gave me the most incredulous look. He asked why would I call him that or think that was his name. I explained at that moment he was my hero because he allowed me to relax and enjoy his company. To which he replied…you’re welcome. We sat for a few more minutes in a comfortable silence watching the other kids. Of course, as though watching a movie the basketball gently bounces in our direction. Two students came bounding towards us attempting to push the ball back into play. Suddenly Hero stands up, grabs the ball, and proceeds to the court making a basket. He stayed on the court. Smiling to myself I started to leave as a teacher approached me. Hero was a new student and she had tried everything to break his shell. He communicated with her and was extremely intelligent, but he did not want to make new friends. She had watched the entire time, unbeknownst to me. The boost in confidence was enough to get him to join the game. Time is a sacrifice and we can make huge impacts when we pay attention.

Christ revealed that He watches us. CLOSELY. Christ also reveals that He speaks well about our sacrifices to Him. Luke 21:3-4 He knows everything about us down to the number of hairs we have on our heads. God is omnipresent. However, Satan does his best to dissuade us from the truth. He is NOT omnipresent so he uses our weaknesses against us by creating doubt and other tactics to infiltrate our minds. Where the mind goes the heart will follow. If we continue to believe that our sins or evil deeds do not need repentance, Satan has won and is lording over us. God-Sees-All! Do not allow the enemy to have us believe otherwise.

Christ knew the financial status of each person casting their coins into the treasury. God knows our circumstances, He knows what we can afford and what we sacrifice. What we give is not only measured by our financial standings but also in what we do, and how we do it. When we sacrifice our time or give of our talents we should do so without anticipating gain. Our mindsets have us trained to receive a monetary reward when we do tasks. We are capable of being a blessing and have God use us, why should we expect anything in return?

Let love be our guide. Not seeking to elevate ourselves or have someone regard us as a personal savior. The love that is sacrificial, not expecting a return. The peering eyes of our neighbors and loved ones watch our actions. What are you seen doing? Jesus gave His life for us. We are to return our lives to Him.

~ Torrie

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you use the resources God blesses you with to help others?
  2. Do you sacrifice or do you only give the bare minimum? 
  3. Are you remaining watchful and on guard for Christ’s return?

 

  1. A Few Points:
    1. Luke 21:1-4 A widow gives all she has.
    2. Luke 21:5-24 Jesus tells about His future. Speaking to the disciples Jesus tells of the things to come and things we can expect as well. Our family, friends, and neighbors will betray us; but following God’s commands, we have eternal life.
    3. Luke 21:25-33 God’s Word is everlasting it will endure forever. Jesus will return.
    4. Luke 21:34-38 We are to stay watchful, to keep alert. People were coming to listen to the Word of God.

 

© Torrie Slaughter, Torrie Slaughter Photography, and http://www.ourgivenpurpose.com 2018-2048. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Torrie Slaughter, Torrie Slaughter Photography, and http://www.ourgivenpurpose.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

 

Candy Coated Cash

The Gospel of Luke 24 Day Devotional, , , ,

The Gospel of Luke Devotional Chapter 19

  • Day 19 Luke Chapter 19
  • Luke 19:1-48
  • Focus Scripture: Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Luke chapter 19 deals with the haves, the have-nots, and the somewhere in the middles. Our opportunity to support ourselves financially comes from God; if we are willing to use what we have and grow what we earn. Jesus taught this through the parable of the ten servants. In Luke 19:11-27 (Matthew 25:14-30) we learn that the more we produce, the more will be given to us. Through our wealth building, strategic investing, and philanthropy we are sowing trust. Zaccheus was a tax collector and took more from people than owed. He built his empire out of the purses of the uninformed. But God! Zaccheus desired Jesus so much that he climbed a tree to catch a glimpse of Him. Jesus accepted his sin and turned it into redemption. Zaccheus went beyond what he could have done in restoring the stolen wealth from the labor of others. Zaccheus proclaimed to Jesus, “if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.” (Luke 19:8) WOW! That is an example of turning away from sin and towards God, and placing faith where it should. 

Luke 19:28-40 Jesus our Lord and Savior, Provider, Prince of Peace, and Lord of Lords, rode through the streets of Jerusalem on a colt. Jesus embodies for us what it means to have a wealthy Spirit and not wealth in materials. He was nearing the time of His death for our sins and He rode on the back of a donkey. How much more humble should we be? Jesus teaches in this one chapter how we can live a life redeemed by Him and be richer than we could ever imagine. His provisions are more than enough. 

But when we get greedy…

Luke 19:45-48 We turn places of worship into storefronts, we hide what has been given to us through His grace because we are lazy or make excuses, we take our talents for granted and we become thieves. Jesus cleared the Temple again. He was furious at the religious teachers partnering with the business leaders, politicians, and lawyers of the day. The Temple was a sacred place, the Religious teachers were hindering true worship by not focusing on Scripture or God. They continued to rob people and treat them unfairly on what was considered Holy Ground. If people acted like this in the church what would be the expectation when they were away? Jesus tossing over the money exchangers tables and driving out those that were selling animals for sacrifices was a clear answer of what they should not be doing.

Jesus is the Sabbath. He is our rest. His Word is what we meditate on, and we are to draw nearer to Him. Jesus is our refreshment in times of thirst and our spiritual food to replenish our starving souls.

~Torrie

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you forgiven a debt owed or returned the favor to someone who went above and beyond for you? 
  2. Have you hidden any talents out of fear?
  3. Are you damaging God’s business by not sharing His Word with others?

 

A Few Points:

  1. Luke 19:1-10 Zaccheus, a wealthy and despised tax collector sought Jesus. He only wanted to see Him but Jesus offered even more. Jesus offers us more when we truly desire fellowship with Him.
  2. Luke 19:11-27 This parable teaches us what we need to do while we wait for His return. This is a Biblical translation of Upper, Middle, and Lower class society today. If done in fairness we can all have what we need for this world. Jesus returns 100% back to us with authority to manage more. If we mismanage what little we may have we can not expect to be granted larger sums. 
  3. Luke 19:28-44 Jesus rode through Jerusalem on a colt. He was glorified and the people cried out “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord, Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”  3a. Jesus predicts the fall of Jerusalem.
  4. Luke 19:45-48 Jesus clears the Temple. The amount of negligence to the worshippers was so infuriating that Jesus made a physical change to it. As believers, we are to tithe 10% of what we earn. Whether it’s our money or we give our time the more we put into growing God’s Kingdom and supporting each other the more likely we will not become self-centered or spiritual prideful. God desires all of us to work together in harmony.

 

© Torrie Slaughter, Torrie Slaughter Photography, and http://www.ourgivenpurpose.com 2018-2048. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Torrie Slaughter, Torrie Slaughter Photography, and http://www.ourgivenpurpose.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.