As promised, here’s your space to share any brief takeaways or reflections if you took the Luke Challenge! Share even if you were not able to get it all done in 30 days and it’s months from the time you started! This is about increasingly knowing “This Jesus,” not about following rules. Someone suggested, and I think it’s a great idea, that you not look ahead and see what other people wrote as their takeaways before you write your comment. Just write your own. Don’t feel under pressure to match what someone else has said. Some people are wordier here than others and some more flowery. That doesn’t mean they got more out of it. Some of you are suffering so deeply that simply reading it and writing down three or four words is a huge act of faith. This is about you and your own journey with Jesus through Luke’s Gospel. No competition or comparisons allowed.
Let me know if you are going on to Acts! No pressure there either! Many of you are starting other Bible studies soon and will be devoting your time to those. We love serving you here at Living Proof so much. You are tremendously loved by Christ who calls you.
Love, Beth
The Gospel of Luke came alive for me. Like I never thought possible. I saw passages that resonated the love God has for me and all His children. Some chapters were more relevant than others and yet the words fell right into my heart. Words spoken that brought healing, hope and encouragement during a time when I have felt somewhat discouraged. What a great Gift He has given us. And, all He requires from His daughters is an open heart, open hands and a desire to draw closer to Him during our daily walk. More and more like HIM and less and less like me.
I really gleaned one theme during my time in Luke. Jesus had one mission, to reach the lost. To really understand how to “lay down your life and follow Me” is truly our life goal. So easy to write. A lot harder when you give the Holy Spirit permission to work that out.
Feel that Jesus is so real after doing this challenge. His words are spoken directly to us and are as fresh today as they were over 2000 years ago. I will be reading Acts as well
I finished the Luke challenge and used all 6 Grace days, I had never read the whole book of Luke , I loved it , I loved the journaling as I went along , and spending g the time with Jesus, I hope I go to Acts but I am starting g a new Bible study next week James it’s a Beth Moore , Ilove her Homework so Grateful we were given this at our conference in Eugene , Iam feeling very Blessed Thank you Beth Moore
I am so glad I took the challenge and read through Luke. This Jesus touched my heart in a powerful way. I will be doing a Bible Study starting in September on Acts.
I want to do the Acts challenge
Yes!
Crazy ups and downs!
Believe-hold steady
God-Spirit-Jesus can and does. Yes
I really enjoyed doing this. A few reflections:
Reading Luke 6, it dawned on me that after staying awake and praying all night, Jesus ministered–taught a great multitude; after staying awake and praying all night, power came out from him and he healed them all. After staying up all night. I thought about the times I reset the alarm in the mornings so I can get extra sleep instead of getting up and having my prayer time with the Lord because I’m afraid I’ll be grouchy or sleepy. I discount the Lord’s power.
Luke 19:41-44 showed Jesus as a compassionate Lord. It grieved him that others would not repent. He saw their future, and it broke his heart.
Luke 20 showed me Jesus was not intimidated by his enemies. They were no match for him. Those who tried to trick him ended up marveling at his answers. I loved that!
What’s most important to me is that Jesus speaks truth. Every time. I can trust him.
I am a stay-at-home momma of 7 years. It has not been easy, I’ve gone through seasons of strong faithfulness in Christ and am currently in a season of dryness. I’ve been given an urgency from God to pour every ounce of myself into His calling on my life. What it means to raise my (scratch that) HIS children. I am that A girl, everything has been “shalom” for me recently but God has called me to a much greater purpose, to be unapologetically HIS in everything I do. Praise GOD that He has not forgot me and not forsaken me in my failing.
This challenge has opened my eyes to a lot of things I never knew about Jesus and how he dealt with the so called men of God and He did it in a kind manner. Luke also showed how much Jesus loves us and what he has truly done for us. LOVE, FORGIVENESS and a true sacrifice. Thank you Dear Jesus for all you do for me!
This has been by far the best word and book study I have ever done and I’ve been around a while. I absolutely loved it! I have a far better understanding of communion and I feel way closer to Jesus!! I could go on and on! It was great! I will be doing Acts.
Thank you for your leading me here!
Patti S.
This challenge initially seemed impossible due to a drastic change of circumstances. It really helped to know that I was in it with a host of sisters from around the globe.
One takeaway that filled me with wonder early on was that Jesus was at work for His coming long before He came. That was made evident to me through Gabriel’s visits and the lives of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Anna and Simeon. Reading between the lines implied it was all His idea. It amazed me that Anna and Simeon were graced to recognize their invisible God when He came as a baby. It was the same God they’d known, trusted and obeyed before His incarnation. There was something so very profound and gracious about that, a true reflection of His kindness to them. Although I don’t share in their circumstances, seeing the kindness of Jesus in their lives was so good for the soul.
I’m so grateful I got to do it with you guys.
I’m so excited to read everybody else’s takeaways.
Writing to Jesus each time I read a chapter in Luke has helped connect me more thoroughly to Him. I have so many questions for Jesus! What a delight this challenge has been for me!
I focused on what these words told me about Jesus
He was always calm, never rushed
He knew what others were thinking – knows the motive
Prioritizes prayer- alone with His Father
Always compassionate
Patient – even when his most loved didn’t get it
Felt deeply- emotional
Met people where they were – told stories they could relate to
Spoke the truth , kept the standard.
This helped me to know Jesus more intimately And gives me ways to try to be more Christ- like.
As a side note- my daughter in law is delivering our grandson tomorrow and they are naming him LUKE!!
Dear Beth, This has been a journey using a lens that I hadn’t considered. The focus has been refreshing and well-timed. Thank you for your willingness to stay the course.
The one major thing that was my takeaway was Luke’s reporting of the personality of Jesus. He was a real man with emotions, disappointments, friends, and foes. My love for Him grew over the month and I love that my friend, Jesus, loves me.
I will not be participating in the Acts study. I will be facilitating Discerning the Voice of God with the women at church.
Thank you for this challenge. It was perfect for the month of August.
I’m have finished Chapter 9 of the Luke challenge so far. Slow and steady, but determined that I will do it! I love talking directly to Jesus about what stirs in me when I read each chapter. There is so much there. Through This Jesus I see his divine power and his humanness. It makes me feel closer to Him, as I wrestle with following Jesus and my human failings. Jesus’ frustration in Chapter 8 startled me. This is not the Jesus we are taught. He is not just divine, but also human, with all of the same emotions we all have. I find myself dreading the passion chapters as I know what awaits Him and I don’t want to have to walk through that pain and frustration. But I will do it. I’ll comment again when I finish Luke! Thank you for putting forth this challenge!
I was at the event in Eugene at the end of July but just started my Luke challenge yesterday. It’s been on my to do list for a month but life kept getting in my way. I am now fully committed to this challenge and looking forward to seeing where this takes me!
I have not even started yet! Planning to this weekend…
And–I do plan to do the Acts challenge, too. 🙂
It was highlighted to me this go around on how especially Jesus rejoices in our salvation! It really spoke to me because of all the celebrations that took place, the sheep, the prodigal son, etc. I am going to take this from the study and “treasure it up in my heart” – as my fire is rekindled for the lost AND the fact that Jesus feels this way about me!
Yes, on the Acts Challenge.
I finished the challenge today a little late, and yes I am moving on to Acts. As I reflected on my notes, I never realized how many questions I really have, the biggest one concerns the power that was given to the disciples. before Jesus even left them the disciples had power in chapter 9:1 “Jesus gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases” In 9:54 “James and John asked “Lord do you want us to call down fire from heaven to destroy them” so when you get to the last chapter 24 and Jesus says stay in the city until you’ve been clothed with power from on high, what more can be given? Mark 16:17 says “and these signs will accompany those who believe in my name they will drive out demons they will speak in new tongues they will pick up snakes with their hand and when they drink deadly poison it will not hurt them at all they will place their hands on sick people and they will get well. I know a lot of people who say they believe in Jesus, myself included I’m not seeing this. I want to be baptized with fire,
I finished the challenge today a little late, and yes I am moving on to Acts. As I reflected on my notes, I never realized how many questions I really have, the biggest one concerns the power that was given to the disciples. before Jesus even left them the disciples had power in chapter 9:1 “Jesus gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases” In 9:54 “James and John asked “Lord do you want us to call down fire from heaven to destroy them” so when you get to the last chapter 24 and Jesus says stay in the city until you’ve been clothed with power from on high, what more can be given? Mark 16:17 says “and these signs will accompany those who believe in my name they will drive out demons they will speak in new tongues they will pick up snakes with their hand and when they drink deadly poison it will not hurt them at all they will place their hands on sick people and they will get well” so when Jesus said we could do even greater things than these because he has come before us, where is that power of God now.I know a lot of people who say they believe in Jesus myself included who are not walking in those gifts. I want to see the tongues of fire.
I finished the Luke challenge this morning and it certainly made me look closer at the Scriptures as I read each chapter. It gave me a different perspective and I am thankful for the discipline and the challenge this exercise presented. This morning I was thinking of what a miracle it is that we have access to God’s inspired Word and that it has remain available to us over the centuries and decades of time.
Thank you for your ministry LPM.
I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t get real far in Luke. Life has been busy and the enemy has been too. But so has Jesus…I realized at a certain point that somehow I kept forgetting which chapter I was on (how in the world!) I kept finding myself in chapter 9. I eventually saw that Jesus wanted me to “get” something. My takeaway is that He summons, He empowers, and then He Sends. And that if someone wants to find Him, often they’ll find Him in the Doing (in ministering to people). It reminds me of Song of Songs esp.6:2. If you want to find Him He is among His garden and vineyard tending His people.
9:13 – “You give them something to eat.”
I forgot to mention: I will finish Luke, but am very attracted to doing Acts too!
Thank you dear Beth and Living Proof for this Luke challenge! I have been recently wanting to get back into the gospels to know my Jesus better when this challenge came. O, how the Holy Spirit has shown me so much about Jesus! I prayed and asked God to help me love Him more, obey Him more and have His heart. While I was reading in Luke 7 about the sinful woman crying and anointing Jesus’ feet and wiping them with her hair, the Holy Spirit pricked my heart because I’ve always dreamed of doing this the day I see my Savior face to face. (I even have long hair, just in case I need it in heaven!) Well, when Simon the Pharisee can’t believe Jesus would allow “this sinner” to wash his feet, Jesus tells the story of the two men that owed debts to the same lender. One owed a little, one owed a lot. Neither could repay. The lender forgave both the men’s debts -small and large. Jesus thens asks the Pharisee which man loves the forgiving lender more. Simon answered most likely the one who had been forgiven the greater debt. Jesus said that was correct. He goes on to say how this woman knows she has been forgiven much, so she loves much. I read this in the NIV, then wanted to see how other versions worded it. The Message says she was more “grateful” because had been forgiven much. It doesn’t say “love”. I wondered why at first and then meditated about it in prayer and I believe the Holy Spirit showed me. When we see our ugly sin for what it is and realize how much debt Jesus has forgiven us for (and continues to), it will knock us to our knees and at his feet with gratitude! Our gratitude, I believe, is directly linked to our love for our Savior. The more gratitude for his love and forgiveness and blessings in our lives, the more we will love him. (We love because he first loved us.) And the more we love him, the more we will have his heart and want to obey him and share his love with others! O, may we NEVER take his forgiveness, mercy, grace, blessings and love for granted! May we find ourselves at his feet weeping with joy and worshipping him for what he has done and is doing for us. And may this motivate us to have his heart to see the world as he sees it and be obedient in his calling for us to make disciples for him. Thank you Jesus for showing me more of you through the book of Luke!
I have not finished yet, but I have been so blessed by this practice! I am seeing the scriptures and Jesus in a new light. I have so many questions!! I have also been convicted on multiple occasions. Have I laid down everything to be his disciple? Do I exalt myself? Do I think of others first- especially the poor, lame, blind, etc.? This Jesus is very straight forward yet some still did not see and hear…seems like we still have that issue. Thank you for this challenge and thank God for opening my eyes and ears to be refreshed and renewed in conviction and understanding in our day. I will definitely be moving on to Acts!
I LOVED this Luke challenge! So simple yet so very meaningful. It was refreshing and centering to just simply be in Gods Word…getting to know THiS Jesus even more. I was convicted that I read and hear a lot “about” Jesus but I really Just needed to go to Him alone. I love how the Spirit gives fresh insight on familiar passages. Thank you for this challenge and I will be continuing on in Acts.
I took you up on the Luke challenge this month. I was profoundly moved by the act of reading just one chapter per day. The insights I gained have been immense. I’ve seen so many new insights it’s amazing. Not only will I go on to Acts but I intend to do the entire New Testament. And will eventually do the entire Bible. As a “mature” Christian this is just what I’ve been longing for. I’ve written down several word studies to follow up on and topical ideas to investigate as well. I intend to KNOW my bible and my Savior and this has set me on a path to success. Thank you.
Did anyone else sometimes think, “WOW – that was kind of harsh.”? Sometimes some of the things Jesus said made me look at commentaries for insight.
Jackie UK
I completed the work on Luke yesterday. The standout for me was how uncompromising and commanding Jesus was in His teaching and His expectations for His followers. How compassionate, patient and understanding He was for our human frailties, concerns and repeated failures to understand or follow through.
The sheer awesomeness of the miracles and healings that took place daily witnessed by so many.
Yet the simplicity of Zacchaeus who looking foolish up a tree, was commanded by name to come and host Jesus at his home. Who through meeting Jesus had a changed heart, priorities intentions and lifestyle.
It seems unbelievable that this same man has sought me out, called me by name and wants an intimate relationship with me. Lord, deepen my trust and belief in You that I too totally surrender my heart and life completely to You.
I finished the challenge today; 24 days after I started. I am in love with Jesus all over again. What care he had for those who seek him. I too am thankfl for the challenge. It’s just what I needed to give me freshness as I start teaching middle school this fall.
I will be starting another study soon. However, next summer I would like to read through Acts in the same way. It has been a great way to study the Word in depth. Thank you for setting the challenge before me.
I finished the challenge what do i do next it’s been a great study
The biggest blessing I experienced through this was to pray and ask God to open my mind to understand scriptures, what a difference. For years I have been praying before Bible reading but I see now it had become a matter of routine rather than heartfelt. I did not do a chapter a day because I felt like there was so much to beheld within each chapter I didn’t want to miss a thing. For me Journaling directly to Jesus was very powerful. Thank you so much, for recommending this way of delving into the word of God, it has created a fresh wind, fresh fire in my soul. God bless all you!
August 31
I finished reading the book today. Trying to read Luke as if it were the first time I read it really stirred up questions for me:
How long did the shepherds in the field get to witness the heavenly army praising God?
What was Jesus’s first earthly memory?
When did Jesus realize who His birth father was and what His destiny would be?
Why were you talking with Moses and Elijah about your imminent death?
Hello,
I did just finish the Luke challenge and loved doing it! Each day God revealed Himself to me. I may take a brief break, but I do plan to do the Acts challenge next.
Thank you for the encouragement to search God’s word!
I will be moving on to Acts. Dr Luke always inspires me since I am a medical professional.
I finished the Luke challenge last week . I loved meeting Jesus more personaly. I’m glad we had a few free days because I needed. Them .
Jackie UK
Beth, will there also be a check in day for when we complete The Acts of the Apostles?
I have found it so useful to know there is an accountability point at the end of the study.
Thank you for doing this for us.
I took the Luke Challenge given to me in Eugene, and this was a beautiful time of learning! This Jesus is who I need. This Jesus’ ways are very different from the World’s ways, but knowing that His ways are right, I am asking the Holy Spirit to adjust my ways in alignment to His.
There was soooo much that I learned, and I’ve been an active Christian for 15 + years. Many things apply to me personally, but I think I can wrap up what I learned with: Seek God. Ask daily for the Holy Spirit to guide me. Stay alert and ready at all times. Love Others. Don’t be anxious, but pray fervently! Help those in need. When the Holy Spirit prompts you, do it immediately.
Somethings that made me wonder and smile were: In Luke 24 how the angels wore dazzling clothes, I wonder if that’s because they were celebrating the resurrection and I wonder if we will wear clothes in heaven. Also, Jesus was with two of His disciples, but they didn’t recognize Him, after talking and teaching them, their eyes were opened , they did recognize him, but He disappeared from their sight. Then He appeared to others and told them to touch Him, he was made of flesh and blood. He asked for food and ate with them. After blessing them He was taken up to heaven. Jesus was not a hologram, He was flesh and blood, He walked and talked and ate on earth after the resurrection. I’m hoping that means we will walk and talk and eat in heaven! He fulfilled the ultimate sacrifice for us! He leads us through example. These are not just stories, this is the truth, offering hope, love and redemption to people who don’t deserve it.
One thing that sobered me was in Chapter 16 after the rich man died and went to Hades, he looked up and SAW Abraham and Lazarus a long way off. He called out to them. At this point there was nothing that they could do to help the rich man. He was in Hades, he could see the people in heaven. This means that our family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc who do not know the saving grace and love of Jesus, when they pass, they will go to Hades and be able to see those of us in heaven. That is terrifying to me, and definitely gave me a wake up call! I don’t want any of my peeps to be lost!
Thank you for this homework Beth. I do want to do this way of studying Acts, but I won’t be starting it right away. I am a teacher, and have switched to working at a Christian School, so I have new curriculum to learn, and my church will be starting a ladies study in two weeks. I learned a lot, filled many pages of my notebook, and my prayer is I will live out what I learned, carrying my own cross like Jesus taught me!
The practice of praying in Jesus’ name for the Holy Spirit to fill me and to open my eyes, heart, mind, ears to understand the Word has been a huge help. Writing out questions to Jesus has helped. Through the Word He answers quickly.WOW! I don’t know why It surprises me when he does. He is alive and active, of course he answers. Writing everything out enables me to focus much better. Jesus is very direct. He doesn’t mince words. He came to save us sinners. He provides for us, loves us, heals us and teaches us how to love others and God more fully. Thank you Beth for your teaching. Please come back to Oregon when you can. You have many sisters here! Bless you for your ministry.
I didn’t always understand all of the meaning behind the parables, but I felt like I was spending time with Jesus, which I was!!
After reading He was crucified and rose again and appeared to the disciples, I could imagine how happy they must have been to see Him again.After He went up to heaven they were filled with joy, but I bet they still missed Him. I felt like I did. The crowds were so drawn to Jesus. So am I. I’ll read Acts next.
A group of us came to the Living Proof conference in Eugene and completed the Luke challenge. Yesterday we started the Acts challenge. We have our own email chain to report our Wows that we get from each chapter. This has been an amazing tool to bring us closer together as sisters in Christ, but also closer to Jesus. Thanks Beth for challenging us to get out of our comfort zone.
I learned that Jesus challenges my conventional knowledge of Him. I need to be on guard about what others teach me about Jesus and learn who He is from Him and not from others. In to Acts!
Thank you for the challenge. Jesus exists in the conflict. He tells me the He sees me, but that I must have faith and courage. I will keep begging for His strength and wisdom, be forgiving, but with purpose.
I’m only up to chapter 18, and I’ve been diligent every single day with the exception of a day or 2! I will continue on to finish; my goal is to have Luke completed by next Wednesday when BSF starts and then on to Acts. (So much yay!!)
I have LOVED this method of study!
I should say that I generally can’t get through a whole chapter a day, even though I spend minimum 30 minutes/day. One day last week I spent 1 1/2 hours on just one section of chapter 17. So that’s why this is taking me so much longer than 30 days.
Faith=Healed=Saved=Peace. Jesus came on the scene during a time of oppression when people were looking for someone to deliver them, yet deliverance was going to come according to the will of the Father, not the way they imagined. When the 72 go out in Chapter 10, Jesus warns them about people who don’t have peace in mind. When they were told, “The Messiah is here!,” could it be that their minds and hearts were sold on vengeance vs a humble, grateful response similar to what we see in Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary? Jesus’ message of peace is consistent, especially when it comes to faith and obedience.
It is past the 30 days and I am still only on chapter 9! I have only missed a few days but I got sidetracked on looking up other scriptures to go along with it! The thing that I am dealing with is that all my life He (Jesus) was GOD! One time I heard a woman say she wouldn’t want a saviour who hadn’t gone through what she does. That didn’t make sense to me! I wanted GOD to be my saviour! Now I am starting to understand what she meant! Because He was man and yet God I can see how to live. Because I am “man” with God’s spirit in me! Also, the demons! It reminds me of so many of us! We know who God is and ask Him for things that are impossible because we don’t make Him our ONE AND ONLY! Thank you for your ministry! I am praying that you will stand firm until the end!
Taking this challenge exceeded my expectations. I have always done bible studies while studying God’s Word. I thought it was dry to just read through it but the Holy Spirit was faithful to grant me gems of insight and wisdom. Something I really appreciated was that I was both praying and studying God’s love ❤️ letter. I think the one word that kept leaping out of me was authority. Jesus is supreme and sovereign over all realms of life and even though my mind accepted this truth, it didn’t really resonate with me. Having His spirit, I, too, possess this as I depend on His power to work through me.
Also, His words in Luke 9:23-27 about discipleship was thought provoking and challenges me to evaluate if in fact I am truly following Him as He requires. I am hoping to walk through Acts in this same way after I finish the remaining four chapters in Luke. This has been an interesting experience and what a role model to follow and a much needed hero in our times!!
Hello fellow sisters! It took me a few extra days to complete the Luke challenge in it’s entirety, but it was so worth it. How I loved being in the word with my Heavenly Father along with learning so much each time and sharing that with Him. I feel more connected to Him, my Savior who has such great patience and love for me! I am so grateful to know “this” Jesus who I gives me peace and hope in my time here.