Raw, real and incredibly relevant LYNDON BOWRING
WITH LUCAS APPLYING GOD’S WORD TODAY
JULY – SEPTEMBER 2023
The fugitive
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A WORD FROM JEFF
WELCOME TO LIFE WITH LUCAS! It might seem that I’m proposing a strange journey – spending an extended time on Jonah, which has just four chapters. But although we are going to scrutinise each verse, we will also roam widely beyond the story. We will look at such issues as obedience, grace, anger, prejudice, repentance, and faith. And as always, we want to have a Jesus-centred approach in our reflections together. Some try to turn Jonah into a flawed hero of faith. He was anything but. Jonah is an example of how not to behave. In his petulance and selfishness, he represents the worst of all of us. But he is not the primary character in this book – nor is the fish! The star of the story is God Himself – the God of power, provision, patience and kindness. He is the One worthy of our focus. We will visit some of the themes of Jonah repeatedly – simply because they are repeated throughout his story. So, as we embark on this journey together, may your hearts be stirred and encouraged in your walk with Jesus. And thanks again for joining me! Don’t forget that there is still time for you to join us for our trip to Israel in November, or consider joining us on the trip we’re planning for March 2024 – check out pages 32-33. God bless you,
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© Son Christian Media (SCM) and Novio Published 2023 by SCM/Novio – PO Box 3070, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 6WX, UK All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of SCM/Novio. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, The “NIRV”, “New International Reader’s Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. Design by Piero Regnante – Rogfog Creative | rogfog.co.uk Printed by Halcyon
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INTRODUCTION
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF LIFE WITH LUCAS! CHOOSE A TIME Find the best time that works for you, ideally the same time, same place every day, when you can concentrate and have the least number of distractions. PAUSE AND TALK TO GOD Take a moment to focus on God and ask Him to speak to you as you read and reflect on His word. READ GOD’S WORD Read the daily passage from your Bible. Don’t be tempted just to skip this part. It’s important: who knows how the Holy Spirit might speak to you as you read the actual text? MAKE NOTES
ONLINE VIDEO INTRODUCTIONS, AND GOING DEEPER When you see the video icon, this points you to a brief Video Introduction to the subject. Make the most of the occasional Going Deeper resources when you see this icon. They will help you delve further into the passage. GIVE YOUR DAY TO GOD Thank God for what you’ve learned and ask for help if the day’s notes brought to light anything especially applicable to your life at the moment.
Writing slows you down and helps you focus. Write in your Bible, a notebook, or in the white space in the devotions. Don’t hesitate to underline, write in the margins, or circle words. 5