Luke 9:1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,

We share in His power and authority over the enemy. May we access it daily!

1 Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 

Do I always have the reason for my hope prepared at a moment’s notice? Lord, when this happens, enable me to be prepared and to be respectful, gentle, and kind.

Luke 8:41-42 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. 

God uses our children to bring us to the point of desperation and turn to the Lord. Have mercy on my children, dear Jesus. 

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 

Like a babe, do I wake up craving God? Do I turn to Him when I need healing? Do I cry for Him when I face troubles? Or, do I forget Him, blame Him, and attempt to go it alone?

Luke 8:40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.
How much do I “expect” to see Jesus show up?

1 Peter 1:6-7 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

Suffering, grief, trials, and tribulations are all designed to help prove our faith is genuine.

Luke 8:38-39 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” 

Our primary ministry priority is to be our home. Use me, Lord. 

James 5:13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 

Lord, may I remember to pray for others when they are in trouble and may I sing praise ten times as much when all is well! 

Luke 8:37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

Fear can cause us to either distance ourselves from the Lord or draw us nearer. Which will it be for me today?

James 4:2-3 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 

Lord, please give me an attitude of gratitude. Enable me to give generously out of what You give me, so that others may find You. Make my motives pure when I ask for anything. Amen.