Rev. Luke Powell Daily Devotions

This week, my Uncle Howard shares some stories of his time in the mission field, as described in his book Living Parables . Today he shares about his call to this type of work, and reminds us that we are all COMMANDED to make disciples - accept that, and God will show you where and how he wants you to do it.

Let's get practical about fasting! Fasting FOOD is the way to go, unless you have health issues that prevent it. Don't fall for the popular "fast from negativity, complaining, and anxiety" idea - that's not a fast at all. When you fast, you go without something good to rely more deeply on God. These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8...

Be careful not to fast with the wrong motives! The prophets and Jesus warn against this. If you want to know what kind of fast honours God, have a look at Isaiah 58. These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8p7 Become a patron to get a Saturday video devotion each week: https://www.patreon.com/lukepowell

Fasting is powerful when we are focusing on the prayer needs of others. Consider a time of fasting and prayer, interceding for someone who is need. These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8p7 Become a patron to get a Saturday video devotion each week: https://www.patreon.com/lukepowell

Fasting is both a physical and a spiritual discipline. Marilyn Hickey's explanation of the benefits of a fast might encourage you to start one up! These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8p7 Become a patron to get a Saturday video devotion each week: https://www.patreon.com/lukepowell

Why should we fast and pray? Because Jesus did, and because he assumed we would... and some other great reasons! These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8p7 Become a patron to get a Saturday video devotion each week: https://www.patreon.com/lukepowell

Unlike our words which are fickle and often evil, the words of God are flawless and trustworthy.

Jesus wanted us to be FREE from what is vile, not to honour it! 

We have no reason to boast about ourselves - but every reason to boast in what Christ has done. 

Flattery is the art of telling someone exactly what they think of themselves. Cut out flattering words - not only coming from your mouth, but coming to you from the mouths of others.

"Everyone is so untrue" sang Billy Joel. "Everybody lies with their lips" sang King David. But God calls us to honesty!

Turns out I never even hit the storm I was so afraid of. How often has God rerouted me out of a storm? More times than I know! These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8p7 Become a patron to get a Saturday video devotion each week: https://www.patreon.com/lukepowell

It's not just fast drivers who are a danger on the road - it's drivers who are paralyzed with fear and drive too slowly. On the road of life, cultivate God-confidence, so that you are strong in Christ and can get where you are going. These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8p7 Become a patron to get a Saturday video devotion each week...

As I drove into a big storm, I noticed that some drivers took no caution but were reckless and dangerous! On the road of life, beware those who might cause danger. Stay in convoy with those who keep you with God! These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8p7 Become a patron to get a Saturday video devotion each week: https://www.patreon...

When we're driving into a storm, we can hold onto His promise: to go through the waters with us. These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8p7 Become a patron to get a Saturday video devotion each week: https://www.patreon.com/lukepowell

Great news! I am starting an English congregation at Church of the Nazarene Boksburg (www.cotnboksburg.co.za). Come and join if you are in the area - and learn a lesson from my story: trust in God's timing.

As a friend of mine says, "if God says it, believe it, it's done!" The family of Jesus laughed at Jesus' words, but then they found it He had been telling the truth. Stake your life on the words of Jesus - it's the best way to live.

As Jesus walks to the home of Jairus, a woman reaches out to touch the edge of his cloak. Jesus lauds her great faith. Reach out to Jesus today! Don't just let him walk by - reach out. These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8p7 Become a patron to get a Saturday video devotion each week: https://www.patreon.com/lukepowell

After Jairus seeks Jesus out, Jesus gets up and goes with him. What a picture of what Jesus does in our lives! These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8p7 Become a patron to get a Saturday video devotion each week: https://www.patreon.com/lukepowell

Instead of asking "if" Jesus could heal his daughter, Jairus simply states his trust in Jesus and leaves the rest to him. What a great pattern for prayer. These devotions are free! Please consider supporting this ministry financially here: https://bit.ly/31Bh8p7 Become a patron to get a Saturday video devotion each week: https://www.patreon.com/lukepowell

When Jairus come to Jesus, he kneels in reverence. Do we enter Jesus' presence in this way?

Perhaps the most powerful parts of Michael Cassidy's book were the stories of forgiveness and reconciliation, such as his friend Festo's bold cry "I love Idi Amin!" even after Amin had just killed one of their friends. Are we able to forgive? With Christ, the answer is "yes we are".

Michael Cassidy and the African Enterprise team did a great deal of good work during a tumultuous time in South Africa's history. Without their prayers, we would perhaps have faced much more violence and bloodshed during the 90s. Pray for peace in our land! God will surely honour our prayers, as he did theirs.

Michael Cassidy learned that even if he was facing difficulties, God promised to help him through. What difficulties might be holding you back today? Launch out on God in faith, because if he trusted you with the possession of difficulties, he will walk with you as you deal with them.

As he began an evangelistic organisation called African Enterprise, Michael Cassidy decided to give his all - without fearing mistakes. He knew that God would complete His will, even through Michael's own flaws. Are you paralyzed by mistakes today? Move forward in faith!