Live Free with Josh Howerton

Jesus responds to people's suffering with a personal encounter. Before He spoke healing into the man with leprosy in Luke 5, Jesus conveyed his compassion through a simple gesture - reaching out his hand and touching him. It is a reminder that many individuals we encounter daily long for that caring touch, seeking reassurance of their value and significance. Today, take a moment to consider whom you can embrace and uplift with positive words. Who needs to hear about the transformative impact of Jesus in your life?For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Jesus was not just an accessible rabbi, but also the most approachable man to ever walk the earth. Even those considered untouchable during that era, like lepers, could have a close and personal interaction with Jesus. Individuals afflicted with leprosy in those days faced severe consequences - loss of employment, reputation, relationships, health, and, worst of all, a loss of hope. Despite these challenges, Jesus extended His hand, as seen in Luke 5:13: “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ And immediately the leprosy left him.”For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

You will never be seen as an untouchable in the eyes of the Heavenly Father. “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ And immediately the leprosy left him.” ( Luke 5:13). God could, and He would if He was sought after. In the narrative found in Luke 5, Jesus comes across a man afflicted with leprosy. Notably, Jesus did not partake in cancel culture; instead, His actions focused on canceling sin. Reflecting on this, ask yourself: What aspects of your life require you to seek out Jesus today?For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Jesus has the power to redeem any life. Following her redemption, the woman at the well found the confidence and joy to openly share her story with a community that had previously shamed her. Redemption, often considered a “churchy” term, can be understood in four distinct facets: making someone acceptable, restoring reputation, atonement, or reclaiming what was lost.For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Jesus won’t get distracted by your change of subject and shallow conversations. Jesus sees beyond the surface, embracing your past and present with compassion. He offers a safe haven for genuine conversations. Jesus is ready to understand you deeply today; spend some time with him in deep conversation.“ The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When He comes, He will explain everything to us.’‘I am He,’ Jesus told her, ‘the One speaking to you.’” (John 4:25-26)For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

What is your soul really thirsty for? Where are you drawing your water to fill up your bucket? In John 4, water from the well symbolizes surface-level solutions, like overachievement, substance abuse, shallow relationships, or image management; these will always leave us thirsty.For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

In John 4:10, Jesus told the Samaritan women at the well, “If you knew the gift of God…” Jesus doesn’t refuse anyone. He genuinely loves everyone, no matter what baggage they may carry. Jesus will break every barrier to be with you. He loves to have you in His company, so don’t wait to be perfect to be in His presence.For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Throughout the book of John, Jesus encounters disenfranchised people who desperately need to know they are loved. Jesus goes out of his way to break religious and societal norms to show kindness and courageous acts of love, as seen in John 4 with the Samaritan women at the well. Jesus had to go to Samaria to reach her. Who are you called to be kind to today? What steps of courage do you need to take to show someone the love of God?For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

Three separate stories in Luke 15 show God’s heart for the lost. God embraces, loves, and shares meals with the lost and wants us to do the same. Pull up an extra seat at the table; don’t let your heart grow smug or self-righteous towards the lost; rejoice with God at the greatest dinner party.For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive

God is ready to place lonely people into communities and restore the idea of family through missional hospitality and you. This is why God calls us to draw our family circles a little bigger and fire up our grills, just like the church in Acts 2.For more information, visit lakepointe.church/dailydrive