Devotions for Lent - The Gospel of Luke

Thank you for helping us with our church project for Lent! Your participation allows us to study and share the Bible together, as we gather the writings and compile them into a booklet online and in print. Please complete your devotion NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20. We hope you will enjoy the process of coming to know the scriptures better!

How to begin:
This acrostic helps you remember the elements of how to include Bible Study in your life:

S for Scripture
Pick a time of day when you're at your best. Open your Bible to Luke, find your passage, and take time to read, allowing God to speak to you. Look for a verse that is meaningful to you, listing it in the first box, along with your assigned passage. (You do not need to write out the passage or the particular verse.) When you read with an open heart, the Lord will give you words of encouragement, direction and correction. (2Tim. 3:16)

O for Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Paraphrase and write it, in your own words, in the second box.

A for Application
Personalize what you have read by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation, or correction for an area of your life. In box three, write how this scripture applies to you today.

P for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be greater insight on what He is revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation! Write out your prayer in the fourth box. 
 

FIFTH BOX: Because we care about our family, we have added an optional fifth box for you to tell us who you are,  and to write briefly about your faith journey.


An Example:
Here is a sample response from an Advent devotion series to help get you started: 

Scripture:
Revelations 21:4  - Always Have Hope

Observation:
As John is witnessing the New Jerusalem coming down he heard a voice shout down from the thrones. Part of the truth that was given in Rev 21:4 gives us hope. It encourages us when we feel as if we are backed into a corner, and the fight, and battles are breaking us down, beating us up. When Christ comes again and we who are redeemed are take home, God will remove all our sorrows, all our pain, and all our crying. Perhaps the best part of the scripture is the last statement made to John the voice said, “ The old world and its evils are gone FOREVER.” We will no longer have to deal with the struggles here on earth. For it is written, and it gives hope to all who believe, and trust.

Application:
For myself, when I feel like I’m beat up by this world, and the fight seem like it will never end. This is a promise that I want to stand on, this is what yours and my hope looks like. I try to always look for Gods promises, but just as important, his hope. Hope not in things that are here and now, where we can see, feel, or touch. But an eternal hope that lasts forever, and never fades away.

Prayer:
Dear Father God: I always thank you for continuing to encourage me, thank you for comforting me, and thank you father for these gems of wisdom that you bless my life with. Father, as I walk through life and face struggles, trials, suffering, and pains, Father remind me of your hope, your promises, and your unfailing, unending love. Father in your mighty name AMEN!!!

written by:
Grant, currently married with no children and has attended our church for the past 7 years.  Words to describe his spiritual life are:  Actively seeking, patiently waiting, faithfully growing!



Notes:
When writing your response, the lines of text will scroll, allowing approximately 500 words. When done hit 'Confirm' ; it will send your response directly to me--you cannot save or print your response (You will receive a copy of the booklet when complete). If you have any questions, e-mail me at bvosburgh@epcfl.org. Thank you again for your participation!   -Betsy Vosburgh, Pastors' Assistant
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S is for Scripture - List your assigned passage (ex. John 3:16), and write about a verse that speaks to you (Lines will scroll as you type)

O for Observation - Paraphrase what God is saying to you in this scripture.(Lines will scroll as you type)

A for Application - How can what you read apply to you today? (Lines will scroll as you type)

P is for Prayer - Ask God for insight on using this scripture & write it out. (Lines will scroll as you type)

We'd like to get to know the writer! Please give us your name, how long you've been at Eastminster, a few words to describe your spiritual life, and any other info you'd care to share (family, job, hobbies, etc.) (Lines will scroll as you type)