Jeff’s Bible notes are always so approachable, honest and down to earth, you can’t fail to benefit from them FIONA CASTLE OBE
WITH LUCAS APPLYING GOD’S WORD TODAY
OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2022
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A WORD FROM JEFF
JOSEPH: FROM THE PIT TO THE PALACE As followers of Jesus, we are blessed to know that we will never, ever, be alone again. God is with us and for us. But that doesn’t mean that we will be spared pain. Joseph – the chap with the dreamcoat – knew the blessing of God, but he also suffered some staggering challenges. Sold out (literally) by his jealous brothers, trafficked as a slave, and falsely accused of attempted rape, he had more than his fair share of heartache. No perfect hero, he stayed faithful to God, and the Lord redeemed his circumstances for greater good. And speaking of perfect heroes, there is only one person who fits that description: Jesus. So, as we journey together through Joseph’s life, we’ll see some parallels and contrasts with the life of Christ. I’m praying we will all be encouraged and strengthened. As we draw to the end of the first year of this brand-new product, I want to let you know how things are going. We’re so grateful to all who subscribe and our wonderful Christian bookshops in continuing to make it available. We’re also glad to be able make copies available free of charge to prison chaplains who request them, and we hope to expand that ministry to members of the armed forces. That said, it’s been challenging to deliver Life with Lucas. Everything is going up in price, including the cost of paper, printing and mailing. We are trying to avoid increasing the price and so would be grateful if you would consider donating to help support this resource that is impacting so many across the world. Go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/lifewithlucassupport. And thank you again for joining me!
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© Son Christian Media (SCM) and Novio Published 2022 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