Journal Reflection on Luke 8:22–25

In Luke 8:22–25, Jesus shows His authority over nature. When the storm arose and the disciples were afraid, He simply spoke, and the wind and the waves obeyed Him. This reminds me that no storm is greater than His power. The wind and the water recognize His voice.

As a child of God, I believe that same authority flows from Him to us — but there is a condition. Obedience. Before we can speak peace into our storms, we must first submit to His will. Obedience to His Word, living according to His commandments, and trusting Him fully positions us to walk in His authority. Power comes from alignment with Him.

The storms of life — fear, doubt, hardship, uncertainty — can easily overwhelm me if I focus only on the waves. But this passage reminds me that I must look to Jesus instead of the storm. When I keep my eyes on Him, I remember who is in the boat with me.

If the wind and the waves obey Him, then my situation must also bow to Him.

Today, I choose to trust Him in every storm. I choose obedience. I choose faith over fear.

 Luke 8:19–21 Reflection

Reading the Word of God brings me comfort. It is full of wisdom and guidance for my everyday life. There is so much truth available to me — yet I often choose what feels easier. I tend to lean toward what makes me happy in the moment, what gives me pride, or what brings temporary enjoyment. Even knowing it is temporary, I still crave it.

But following in the footsteps of Jesus is different. It may be difficult at first. It may require sacrifice, humility, and surrender. Yet it promises something far greater — eternal satisfaction and true belonging.

In this passage, Jesus does not dismiss His earthly family, but He redefines family. He says that those who hear God’s Word and put it into practice are His mother and brothers. He gives prominence not to bloodline, but to obedience and spiritual closeness.

He is not asking me to abandon my family. Instead, He is asking me to widen my heart. To see those who follow Him as my own. To love them, care for them, and walk with them as family.

Lord, You loved me first. You forgave me. You brought me near and called me Your own. Help me now to love Your people the same way. Teach me to see them as my brothers and sisters. Soften my heart. Expand my love. Help me live not for temporary satisfaction, but for eternal connection with You and Your family.

 Luke 8:4-18 

A dear friend of mine visited tonight. We haven't seen each other since last summer, and it felt so good to reconnect. We’ve always shared a deep bond over discussing God, our challenges in life, our children, work situations, and really just about everything. There’s no judgment, just freedom to talk openly about anything.

Tonight, she shared with me the teachings of a preacher who has such a gift for teaching God’s word, and it’s making me think. Even though it’s late in the night, I find myself listening intently to these teachings.

Then as I read through Luke 8, I can see how easily the words of scripture can either go unnoticed, or how they can actually take root and bear fruit. I realize how important it is for my heart to be ready to receive the Word—my heart needs to be soft, repentant, and open. Only then will the soil of my heart be able to bear good fruit.

I know that God is working in my heart. He is building my faith and teaching me how to trust Him more fully.

"I love You, Lord

Oh, Your mercy never failed me

And all my days, I've been held in Your hands

From the moment that I wake up

Until I lay my head

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

All my life You have been faithful

All my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

 

Sitting and Serving

Today I saw myself in Martha.

In Gospel of Luke 10, Martha was distracted with much serving.
Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet.

Two of my dear friends visited me today.

They are young, like my daughters.  

When my two dear friends came, my first instinct was to serve — to cook, to prepare, to make everything comfortable. I even took a day off to do it. I wanted them fed, safe, cared for.

But as we sat together, our conversation revealed something deeper.

We were not just serving one another — we were carrying burdens.

Worries. Heavy thoughts. Assumptions. Fears.
Some real. Some perhaps only shaped by our own thinking.

And like Martha in Gospel of John 11, when Jesus asked for the stone to be moved, she said, “It will stink.”

Some of what we talked about felt like that.
Stinky. Buried. Hidden too long.

But the tomb had to be opened.

Because what is hidden cannot be healed.

Jesus wept at the tomb.
He saw the grief. The weight. The finality they felt.

And yet — He called Lazarus out.

That is what I need.

To let the stone be rolled away.
To let the hidden thoughts come into the light.
To trust that even if it “stinks,” it is not the end.

Jesus, speak life into the places I have buried.
Call me out of fear, out of defeat, out of old thinking.

I do not want to just serve anxiously.
I want to sit with You.
I want to live.

I am not defeated.
You are still calling me out.

 Journal Reflection – Luke 8:1–3

In Luke 8:1–3, we see that soon after the woman poured out her treasure at the feet of Jesus, He continued traveling through cities and villages, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. The twelve disciples were with Him, but there were also women who followed Him. These women had experienced a personal encounter with Jesus. Many of them had been delivered from demons and healed of infirmities.

When I reflect on this passage, I see something powerful: those who have personally experienced the touch of Jesus understand His value. When someone has been healed, delivered, or restored, gratitude flows naturally. Their following was not out of obligation, but out of love and thankfulness. They supported Him because they knew what He had done for them.

There is nothing that can compare to the love of Jesus. His love transforms lives. It restores dignity. It brings freedom.

This weekend is Valentine’s weekend, a time when many people express their love through gifts and kind gestures. My daughter brought me beautiful flowers and left me a card filled with words of appreciation and love. I was deeply touched by her gesture. I already know she loves me, but receiving that card with such beautiful expressions of love touched my heart in a special way.

It made me think about how love is not only known — it is also expressed. Just as my heart was moved by my daughter’s thoughtful gift, I imagine how Jesus is pleased when we express our love for Him. The women in Luke 8 expressed their love by following Him and supporting His ministry. Their lives became their offering.

Love that has experienced grace responds with devotion.

As I reflect this Valentine’s weekend, I am reminded that the greatest love I have ever known is the love of Jesus — a love that heals, delivers, and remains constant. And just like those women, I want my life to be an expression of gratitude for the personal touch I have received.

 Luke 7:36–50

This story is about the woman who broke the alabaster box of ointment and poured it at the feet of Jesus.
The ointment was expensive, yet she did not hesitate. What she poured out meant more than money—it was her surrender.

In His holy presence, the woman became fully aware of her sinful state.
There was no denial, no defense, only humility.
And in that same presence, she realized that no treasure could ever compare to Him.

Jesus was worth more than the cost.
More than her past.
More than her pride.

So she poured out everything—not to impress Him, but to receive His forgiveness.
Tears, perfume, shame, love… all laid at His feet.

As I reflect on this, a familiar chorus comes to mind:

In the presence of Jehovah,
God Almighty, Prince of Peace.
Troubles vanish, hearts are mended,
In the presence of the King.

This passage reminds me that true repentance and true worship happen in His presence—where nothing else matters and grace flows freely