Joshua Kennedy's Weekly Devotion

  When we think of the disciples, we think of men, but here in Luke 8, some women healed of evil spirits and sicknesses followed Jesus and were some of His chief financial supporters. God is no respecter of people, we have our distinct roles as males and females, but we are all called to follow Jesus and walk in His power. How much God can use us is determined by the state of our hearts, not by our gender or cultural background. We see this illustration with the Parable of The Sower (Luke 8:4-15). In this parable, the seed represents the Word of God; the path, rock, thorns, and good ground means the condition of our hearts. To understand the secrets of the Kingdom, our hearts must first be open. Second, we must silence the enemy's voice; third, we must stand on the Word when tested, forth we must clear our hearts of worries, riches, and pleasures of life. Making Jesus Lord means surrendering completely to Him. We are God's garden; as lies are exposed and pulled out like weeds, ...

  A Centurion came to Jesus hoping that He would heal his servant; understanding authority, he told Jesus," say the word, and I know my servant will be healed." Jesus said, "not even in Israel have I found such great faith." Where does such faith develop? By Hearing (Romans 10:17). The Centurion had heard about the miracles of Jesus and his act of faith in the authority of Jesus proved that he believed. If we struggle with fear and doubt we need to counter these thoughts by studying scripture and listening to testimonies in the areas we are weak. If we speak the Word of God when we are tested, faith will arise and we will overcome. Jesus saw a funeral procession with a widow in deep mourning as her only son passed away, He was moved with compassion and raised the dead. Being whole in Christ is being filled with His heart of compassion. We see people as God sees them, we feel their pain, and we are moved to minister to them in the area of their need. When our eyes ar...