I Have Decided

ByJim Stephens

Reading: Luke 1

1 Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. 2 They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. 3 Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught. (Luke 1:1-4 NLT)

Good Morning! It’s a New Day and a New Year! We’re beginning GraceNotes 2026 in Luke’s Gospel and we’ll continue through Acts, Luke’s account of how God’s Holy Spirit empowered Jesus’ followers. The same Holy Spirit still empowers us to live the way Jesus lived, and fulfil his commission to take the Good News message far and wide.

Luke begins his “Gospel” with a decision: He had collected available accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry, eyewitness accounts from the early disciples, and reports others had written. After thorough investigation, he decided to write an accurate account so we can be certain we’ve been taught the truth! I also have decided something! I’ve decided to write this year’s GraceNotes Daily Meditations to present us with inspiration, insight, encouragement, and instruction as we look into the Scriptures together daily, listening for what the Holy Spirit is saying to us, making an application of the truth to our lives, and praying a prayer specific to the message God has given us.

Remember, it’s not just learning about the Bible, it’s about growing up, maturing, and applying Jesus’ teaching in our lives. It’s being changed daily as we represent Jesus through our lives in our world. It’s doing what Jesus had in mind when he said to his disciples, “If you know these things, you’re blessed if you do them!”

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for New Days and New Years and New Opportunities! Just as Luke decided and was diligent to carefully investigate all of the teachings and stories of and about Jesus from the very earliest disciples, we have decided to examine the stories and teachings and Acts of Jesus and the earliest disciples so that we may know the truth in our hearts and live it in our lives. Holy Spirit, please lead us into the truth and the truths of Jesus! For your Kingdom’s sake, amen!

Please share GraceNotes Daily Meditations with your friends and invite them to take this journey with us!

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