Friday, April 3, 2026

Luke 18:31 Then he took [unto him] the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

Interestingly, all that the Bible prophesies either has been accomplished, is being accomplished, or will be accomplished, especially the second coming. Now, are you studying the prophecies to know which side to stand regarding current events?

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Luke 18:29-30 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

If a person measures the reception from God for becoming a Christian based upon material things, there is no comparison. Jesus Himself said, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay [his] head” (Matthew 8:20). There is no question about the blessing of receiving everlasting life while everyone else ceases from having any type of life during that time. Getting to live throughout eternity definitely is measurable against those that do not get to live. The question is about this life though. It has to come down to spiritual blessings because many Christians not only have lost family members, homes, other possessions, jobs, etc., but their very lives as well; however, the difference is knowing that God is well pleased with us personally, which something that cannot be received by unbelievers who continue to stive for pleasures in this world. So, have you weighed out what it really means to be a Christian?

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Luke 18:28 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

Have you at least left your old worldly life completely?

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

And that possibility with God is not for winning at a sporting game, getting a good grade on an exam, or any other material thing. In the context of the whole chapter, it is salvation (Luke 18:18); it is the keeping of God’s commandments (Luke 18:20). “Oh! It is impossible to keep God’s law!”, many Christians say. Well, they just called God a liar. With men, it is impossible, but with God, all things are made possible. So, which are you going to believe, feelings or God’s promise?

Monday, March 30, 2026

Luke 18:26 And they that heard [it] said, Who then can be saved?

It was a teaching back then and believed by many today that everyone that is rich was blessed of God. So, the disciples asked, if the rich who are blessed of God are at risk of not being saved, and the unblessed are already in question of being saved, who then can be saved? The answer is in addressing the false premise. Wealth is not something that only God can bestow. Satan is also willing to bless abundantly to keep people in sin. Jesus simply said, “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20). If their fruit is living in sin, then they are showing that they need saving. So, are you evaluating your life based upon what appears to be blessings from God or based upon obedience to God, in which obedience does not save but is the fruit of being saved?

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Luke 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

It did not say that rich men cannot enter the Kingdom of God, but it is only unlikely because of the wealth that draws great temptations in its use. So, do you really think all rich men are doomed to hell despite Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathaea being wealthy yet probably saved, or do you see the rich just have a more difficult set of temptations than those who are not rich?

Friday, March 27, 2026

Luke 18:24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

If there is anything we should be “very sorrowful” over, it is watching souls make poor decisions when they are throwing away eternal life for the things this world has to offer, which will soon pass away. The more one has, the harder it is to let go. So, do you long to be rich, or are you satisfied with a closer walk with Jesus depending upon Him for all your needs?

Thursday, March 26, 2026

Luke 18:23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

And that reaction revealed the idol in his life. So, it is one thing to be sad for a loss but it is another to be very sorrowful. Now wealth may not be an idol to the average Christian, but something else may be an idol. Some Christians see in the Bible regarding not to eat unclean meats and have the reaction, “If I have to give up my bacon, then Christianity isn’t for me!” There is the idol. For others, it may be smoking, binge watching raunchy TV shows, hanging out with the wrong crowd, attending sporting events, etc. So, is there something that is in your life that if you had to deal without that would cause you such sorrow that you would reconsider being a Christian?

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Luke 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

This is not a command for every Christian to sell all they have. Not all of us lack the same thing. Some Christians are very generous, so much so that they do not take into consideration the impact against themselves. Some are known to give the shirt right off their backs. But these same Christians may have other addictions that hold them back. Now, have you searched for any addictions in your life that may interfere with your relationship with God?

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Luke 18:21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

So, the ruler that approached Jesus declared that since he was a child, he had obeyed the Ten Commandments. Now, do you realize that the act of keeping the commandments does not guarantee Heaven, but the lack of keeping them can be a lost situation? That is because plain obedience because it is the rules is legalism and a lost state. Obedience motivated by love (John 14:15) is a saving relationship. Disobedience is also a lost state, by the way.

Monday, March 23, 2026

Luke 18:20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

Jesus just told everyone that keeping the Ten Commandments is part of the plan to inherit eternal life. The fact that not every commandment was listed is insignificant because it is acceptable in life that as soon as a person understands what is being said, there is no need to continue on and on. It is recognized from the portion given that Jesus was referring to the Ten Commandments. All ten did not have to be stated for a complete understanding. Only a fool would declare that because a commandment was left off that it is not necessary to keep. But do realize that keeping the commandments does not earn the inheritance. The inheritance is free. It is the condition in which to receive it is what matters. Would it be smart to hand a million dollars of inheritance over to a drug addicted person? Of course not. If they clean themselves up, then they will be responsible. That is called the sanctification process: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). And we are not left to ourselves to get cleaned up. We come to Jesus as we are, and then He fits us up to be able to inherit the kingdom of God. So, are you cooperating with that process or fighting it?

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Luke 18:19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none [is] good, save one, [that is], God.

Jesus was not denying His part of the Godhead, but rather, He was pointing out that with those words, the man was actually acknowledging Him to be God. Now, do you acknowledge Jesus to be God, or do you deny what Isaiah said of Jesus: “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6)?

Friday, March 20, 2026

Luke 18:18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Remember, Jesus came “to save the world” (John 12:47). If any race or individual is treated differently and allowed into Heaven, those who would be lost could be able to challenge God with unfairness. Therefore, the answer we will receive from Jesus to the question on eternal life is not for rulers only or for Jews only but the answer is for everyone. Now, do you realize that “there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek” (Romans 10:12), or do you really think God has a way to save Jews differently than Christians or even others? Are we all not human and of the human race and related to Adam and Eve?

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Does pride get in the way of accepting the kingdom of God, or do you soak up all that Jesus wants to reveal to you as children do?

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Luke 18:16 But Jesus called them [unto him], and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

To leave a child without Jesus thinking a person is being neutral with a child is to teach a child to grow up without God, and when they are older, they will continue to put to practice that which they were taught (Proverbs 22:6), which is no God in their lives. So, do you support waiting for a child to be old enough, even a young adult before introducing religion to them, or do you see that from the earliest years it is most important impressionable time with a child and religion should be introduced?

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Luke 18:15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when [his] disciples saw [it], they rebuked them.

Do you believe Jesus, or for that matter, religion is for infants? The disciples did not think so, but as we shall see, Jesus did.

Monday, March 16, 2026

Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Are you careful not to lift yourself up, or do you declare yourself best at things, even being number one?

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

Are your prayers from the heart, or do you use “vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]” (Matthew 6:7)?

Friday, March 13, 2026

Luke 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

People who brag about what they do religiously or even compliment the works in a way that merits Heaven are forgetting that we are not saved by our works. Works reveal that we were in the saving relationship with Jesus. We fast, we tithe, we obey the commandments, etc. because Christ lives in our hearts. But as for Heaven, it is by the mercy and blood of Jesus Christ. So, which of the three groups do you find yourself in? Works being part of salvation and will disappointingly be lost in the end? Works not part of salvation so enjoy what the world has to offer and also sadly be lost? Or do you say to yourself, “I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:18)?

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

Do you compare yourself with others thinking that because you are not as bad as they are that you should be going to Heaven, or do you realize that salvation is between you alone and God through Jesus Christ as if no one else ever existed?

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Luke 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

This parable is going to address attitudes in prayer. There are proud prayers and humble prayers. Which do you pray?

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

The Bible responds with that attitude of self-righteousness with “But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6). It is by “grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:21). Now, for those that think that our right doing is meaningless and works oriented, remember, “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (1 John 3:7). In other words, we are not saved by our righteousness but Christ’s righteousness; however, if we have Christ’s righteousness, His righteousness will manifest through us resulting in us doing that which is righteous and not be participating in unrighteousness called sin. So, do you trust in yourself to be saved or Jesus, Who “is able to keep you from falling” (Jude 1:24)?

Monday, March 9, 2026

Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Now, the answer to Jesus’ question is found in the second coming scene as revealed in Revelation 14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” So, yes, He will find faith on the earth when He returns. Now do you have patience, are keeping the commandments, and have the faith of Jesus, or is loving Jesus just in words only?

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

As stated for several days now, the unjust judge was compared to God but not in character. If an unjust judge is willing to avenge the widow who is simply getting on his nerves, then how much so would a Just God avenge His own people? Again, do you “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), or do you just give up after a few mentions?

Friday, March 6, 2026

Luke 18:6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

Did you hear what the unjust judge said? Jesus draws our attention to the words and not the character, as the unjust judge represents God but not in character. As a reminder, the unjust judge said, “Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me” (Luke 18:4-5). Now, are you “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18)?

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Luke 18:4-5 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Again, the adjust judge represents God despite the character being totally wrong. He is never weary of us coming to Him with our prayers, but that is the point of the parable – keep praying and do not give up. So, do you quit praying for something or someone before an answer is received, especially if years of no responses goes by?

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Luke 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

Our adversary is the devil. Not only does he tempt us to sin and we need God’s strength to overcome but he also creates problems with relationships, places obstructions in our pathway, and much more. God alone is the only one that can avenge us when it comes to go up against our adversary. Now, do you go to God in prayer not only for yourself but of others, or do you think you can resolve the situation created by the devil and evil angels all by yourself?

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Luke 18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man

Remember, Jesus is providing the parable to teach us how to pray, and we pray to God, so the judge represents God despite being out of character. This should be a lesson to the understanding of other parables. They do not always represent what we may think they represent as it may be out of character. So, do you see that we cannot rely on parables for doctrine, like the rich man and Lazarus that so many point to as evidence for immediate life after death?

Monday, March 2, 2026

Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint

When you pray, do you pray once or just a few times and give up, or do you persist until an answer is provided? Some parents have prayed over 40 years for their children to get right with God before an answer is given.

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Luke 17:37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body [is], thither will the eagles be gathered together.

That is not the sky where the eagles fly. Jesus said elsewhere, “For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together” (Matthew 24:28). We do not want to be taken because we will become eagle food. We want to be left behind or said better, “we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The word “remain” and “left behind” are synonyms. So, are you living a life that ends with become eagle food or being raptured at the second coming to Jesus?

Friday, February 27, 2026

Luke 17:36 Two [men] shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

“The field is the world” (Matthew 13:38). These are representative of those that go into the world to evangelize, to share the gospel, to tell people what Jesus commissioned all of us to tell (Matthew 28:18-20). Some go with logic and are indifferent towards people while others go with conviction pleading with people to wise up. So, are you indifferent to the souls around you who are ready to die without the gospel invitation, or are you seeking ways to let people know something about the saving gospel message?

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Luke 17:35 Two [women] shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

As stated yesterday, this is a parable therefore these items are symbolic of reality. What the women would grind happens to be grain. The grain is made into flour and would be used in making bread. Bread is symbolic of God’s Word (Matthew 4:4, John 6:51). So, we can have two people very strong in the Bible, which means that they are in the church, and yet one’s heart is right with God while the other just goes through the motions, the expectations, etc. So, are you excited over the Word of God and study it daily, or do you just appear to appreciate the Bible?

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Luke 17:34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two [men] in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

We have two people who appear to be identical in appearance, but we cannot tell them apart. That is because the heart is what is different, and we cannot read that. This is a parable and not to be taken literally, so symbolism is to be understood. In the use of the bed, some speculate that it is symbolic of the grave (Job 17:13); however, others believe it to be the earth, using the same verse where the earth is in darkness. Either way, how is your heart? Does it go through the motion of religion, or is it truly surrendered to Jesus and you love Him even as far as living in obedience to Him (John 14:15)?

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Luke 17:33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

So, which are you more concerned about? Your physical life here or your eternal life in the future? Compromising against Jesus to make it in this world will lose eternal life. Being willing to sacrifice everything in this world will identify that you are ready to receive eternal life. Which do you choose?

Monday, February 23, 2026

Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife.

Remember what happened to her? “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:26). But Jesus said, “he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37). Her heart longed for her children that were still in the city being destroyed. She loved them more than complete obedience to God and looked back. So, what earthly attachments do you have above obeying God completely?

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Luke 17:31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

Do you sense the overwhelming surprise that is going to come at the end of time in which it is dangerous to put off being ready for Jesus spiritually as it could be too late, or do you think the events leading up to the second coming are going to be casually arriving giving plenty of time to make a complete surrender to Him?

Friday, February 20, 2026

Luke 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Do you see, as described on prior days, how we are living in the days of Noah and Lot, or do you think that we have not reached those days yet?

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Luke 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed [them] all.

Are you allowing yourself to be distracted with even the natural things of life making them more important than they really ought to be leading you to not recognize the warning signs revealing the soon return of Jesus, or are you seeing through the distractions and becoming prepared to meet Jesus?

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Luke 17:28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

Again, the practice of eating, drinking, buying things, selling things, planting plants for food and other useful purposes, along with building things, is not sinful, but are you careful to make sure they do not distract from having a proper relationship with God? “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Luke 17:27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

Doing those things responsibly is not the issue. We do have to eat, drink, and it would be nice to find someone to marry, but when they are taken into excess or idolized above God, then that is when the line is crossed. It is all about distraction where even the good in life can be a distraction. So, does food, drink, and marriage get in your way of a proper relationship with God, or do you keep food, drink, and marriage in the right perspective (Luke 14:26)?

Monday, February 16, 2026

Luke 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

Not only did the people in Noah’s day “eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage,” (Luke 17:27), “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence” (Genesis 6:11). Also, “the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they [were] fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose” (Genesis 6:2) leading to less and less godliness on earth, which caused “the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Now, do you see how Hollywood feeds into the imaginations and thoughts of the heart continually and how there is violence in the land with people at large racing about having a good time in eating, drinking, even marrying? Or do you not think we have reached the days of Noah yet?

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Luke 17:25 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

That was the physical rejection He was referring to, but today, do you join this generation who reject Jesus in the form of His Word by not giving it significant time and allowance for direction in your life? Or do you cling to Jesus living “by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4)?

Friday, February 13, 2026

Luke 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one [part] under heaven, shineth unto the other [part] under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

This statement follows the one that there is no place to go see Jesus for Jesus will light up the entire sky. “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7). Further, “we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Jesus does not come down to establish a kingdom; we go up to meet Him and then “if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also” (John 14:3). We are taken to those mansions in Heaven! So, which version of the second coming is fooling you? An earthly kingdom being established? A secret rapture? Or are you not fooled and know that the second coming is about gathering the saved to Heaven and destroying the lost (2 Thessalonians 2:8, Revelation 6:16, Revelation 16:20)?

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Luke 17:23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after [them], nor follow [them].

The second coming is not about Jesus setting up a place to rule for a thousand years where you can go and see Him, but rather “the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:12). “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7). So, are you ready to go somewhere to visit with Jesus when He returns, or are you going to wait for the real Jesus in which we who “are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)?

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Luke 17:22 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see [it].

Do you ever have a desire to have seen Jesus personally at His first coming? Are you at least looking forward to the second coming (2 Peter 3:12)?

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

It does not matter when Jesus will set up His kingdom if we are not already part of His kingdom. So, is your spirit right with God having the right attitude and character, or is your relationship with God a matter of fact, a date you crossed paths long ago, etc.?

Monday, February 9, 2026

Luke 17:19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Spiritually speaking, do you take Jesus’ words and arise away from your sins by faith to become whole? That does not mean the consequences are gone, but we do not have to be stuck in the sin either making matters worse. Victory is ours!

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Luke 17:18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

Now, do you give glory to God by thanking Him everyday for all that He provides like this stranger that was healed by Jesus, or do you take everything for granted including living another day like the other nine that were not so thankful to give glory to God?

Friday, February 6, 2026

Luke 17:17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where [are] the nine?

Spiritually speaking, on the topic of cleansing, Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17), and yet well less than ten percent of the Christian world allows the Bible to do just that. Now, be careful of answering the question, but would you be the one that returned to thank Jesus or the other nine who continued on their merry way? In other words, are you part of the more than ninety percent that do not give the Bible daily study time being unthankful that God preserved His scriptures for us to have today, or are you part the less than ten percent that are daily in His Word being cleansed of all sins, accepting it as being very relevant for us even two thousand years after the last word was penned?

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Luke 17:16 And fell down on [his] face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

In our day, many times unbelievers appreciate acts of kindness more than Christians do, and that is sad. So, are you a good source of kindness being shared, and do you appreciate when kindness is bestowed upon you?

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Luke 17:15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

When prayer is answered, do you glorify God or take it for granted?

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Luke 17:14 And when he saw [them], he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

Please take notice to the fact that these ten men went to the priest on faith. They were not yet healed. Further, please take notice that when a person has faith, works are associated with it. They went to the priest, but if they did not and stood still, they probably would not have been healed. Therefore, to say a person has faith in Christ will actually be a Christian and not just say they are a Christian. In other words, “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:18). So, in your world, does faith cause obedience to cease, or does your faith in Jesus compel you to live as a Christian?

Monday, February 2, 2026

Luke 17:12-13 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up [their] voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

You may not have leprosy, but sin is just as deadly, so do you cry unto Jesus, “Have mercy on me”?

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Luke 17:11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

Hopefully we are headed to the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2), but let us not be distracted with spiritual Samaria or Galilee. They are not the New Jerusalem. What this world has to offer to separate us from God is nothing but distractions. So, are you keeping your eye single on the final destination instead?

Friday, January 30, 2026

Luke 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Every godly act, every righteous deed, every commandment kept does not earn Heaven. All we become is unprofitable but not negative. Unprofitable is break even. When we are negative because we did not do our duty, which is to obey, then we need God’s grace, but God’s grace just puts us at break even. If we were able to be profitable servants, then we would be earning Heaven. If while we were in the negative and could become unprofitable ourselves by “our obedience from then on”, that would dismiss grace. As it is, Heaven is a free gift, but so is God’s grace that brings us up to being unprofitable. So, have you been deceived into thinking that all the obedience does not matter at all and you live however you would like, or do you see that the gift of Heaven and the gift of His grace are to help us to do simply as we are expected to do and that is to obey all of God’s commandments?

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Luke 17:9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

Just how thankful are you to those that work for you in one form or another?

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Luke 17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

No one who has a servant would allow the servant to eat and drink first, yet Jesus said, “If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet” (John 13:14). Now, would you be willing to serve a servant?

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Luke 17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

The answer to the question is that most masters of hired servants would say nothing like that, but we, as Christians, do not have to do what everyone else does. So, would you offer food or drink to a hardworking individual that may be doing work at your place, inside or out?

Monday, January 26, 2026

Luke 17:5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

Do you pray that prayer of having your faith increased?

Monday, January 26, 2026

Luke 17:6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

Now God does not want us rooting up trees and filling the seas, so we ask ourselves, what is really cast into the sea? “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19). Keep in mind, any works are actually God working through us. That means, though God casts our sins into the sea, it starts with a repentant heart in which we ought to hate it so much that through faith we can say, “Be cast into the sea!” So, do you believe all of your sins can be cast into the sea and not be part of you anymore, or do you not think God can do that for you?

Friday, January 23, 2026

Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Repenting seven times is different than saying, “I’m sorry”. Just saying the words does not mean a change is taking place. Basically, there is a learning and attempts at doing the right thing but even in that, failure may happen. Now, can you forgive someone who is struggling to do the right thing but fails even seven times in one day, which is a comprehensive number and not an exact meaning?

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Even God is only “ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalms 86:5). Automatic forgiveness is not the teaching of Christ. Repentance is required, which is to be sorry in the first place and the intent to not do it again. The notion that we are to just forgive people is not biblical. That does not mean we hold a grudge, but we certainly do not encourage repetitive actions. So, have you been tricked into thinking that Christians just automatically forgive and are easily taken advantage of, or do you recognize that holding people accountable is required in a relationship?

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Luke 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

Initiating an offence by straying off the path that God sets for us is serious business. In fact, Christians do not treat sin seriously enough while God does and will hold us accountable. So, are you careful to not be the point in which a sinful act began, no matter how small we thought it was at the time?

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Luke 17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe [unto him], through whom they come!

Doing that which is right will offend people. How they react though is on them. If everyone would do the right thing, no one would be offended. Let us not be the one to start the wrong thing though. So, are you careful to prevent offensive or hurtful situations from starting with you?

Monday, January 19, 2026

Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

And it was true. Lazarus indeed rose from the dead and without a story to tell of what Heaven was like and was not angry at Jesus for pulling him out of Heaven. That is because death is a sleep (Psalms 13:3), and Lazarus was not in Heaven during those four days. Moses and the prophets make up the whole Old Testament, and Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). So, do you do as Jesus tells you to do, or do you ignore the Old Testament?

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Luke 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

A person by the name of Lazarus did come back from the dead (John 11:43-44), but they repented not, hence the focus of the parable. The Pharisees, typically were the rich and passing on the other side of the road when someone was in need (Luke 10:30-37) thinking they are Heaven bound, while poor Lazarus was thought of as hell bound ends up flipping the story to say Lazarus would be Heaven bound while the rich Pharisees were are actually hell bound. Even sending Lazarus from the dead did not change the Pharisees; however, Lazarus had no story to tell of what it was like those four days because he was not in Heaven or Hell and not even Abraham’s bosom but unconsciously sleeping (John 11:11-14). So, do you see the true purpose of this parable as opposed to trying to establish the doctrine of a burning hell right now along with people going to Heaven right away after death?

Friday, January 16, 2026

Luke 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

Again, the reference to Abraham is not symbolic of Heaven but rather that of being saved or not. Remember the thought process of the Jews that Jesus corrected by saying, “I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:11-12). Reference to Moses and the prophets is basically telling us, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). It is the collection of all of the Old Testament scriptures. So, are you living in obedience to all of God’s Word showing the love for Christ Who saves us (John 14:15, 23), or just claiming to be saved?

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

If evangelism with deceased godly people would be so effective, would you think that God would permit such? Instead, He commands “There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things [are] an abomination unto the LORD” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Those talking to the dead or able to talk to familiar spirits are an abomination to God! So, do you participate in any activity, including talking to someone who has been venerated, or do you recognize that talking to a dead person, even in prayer, is of the devil and an abomination in God’s eyes?

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Luke 16:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house

Let us understand this. The rich man is asking Abraham and not God to send Lazarus from the dead back to earth to warn the rich man’s father’s household. Outside of the resurrection of Christ when “the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many” (Matthew 27:52-53), we do not see a regular practice of deceased beings coming back to interact with the living anywhere in scripture. Again, Abraham is a symbolic reference as Jesus told plainly, “I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:11-12). The Jews connected themselves to Abraham as a guarantee of Heaven, and again, that was not so and the point of the story. And if we are to take this parable literally of immediate Heaven or Hell at death, then we have to take literally that there is regular travel between those in Heaven coming back to earth. Again, outside of Mose and Elijah at the transfiguration, both of whom join Enoch as the only ones by name in Heaven, visitation by deceased earthlings is just not done. Now, do you see yet another flaw in trying to make this parable a literal teaching?

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence.

Some consider this great gulf as a place called purgatory, though there is no implication of that as there is nobody in the gulf. We only have the rich man in torments and Lazarus, not in Heaven, but in Abraham’s bosom. But can you imagine eternity if hell were a place that lasted throughout eternity. Is this gulf a rip in the universe where one side is considered hell and the other side not? And during eternity, can you imagine traveling the universe freely but start getting too close to this area? Will there be warning signs, like “great gulf ahead”? And since the rich man can be heard across the gulf, can you imagine the wailing and gnashing of teeth we would perceive throughout time? It all does not make sense. Therefore, this is a parable with mere symbolism to teach a lesson and not factual characteristics of Heaven and Hell.

Monday, January 12, 2026

Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

Have you learned the main lesson from the parable that chasing after worldly goods and a comfortable life while ignoring others who are in real need is actually not a character that God approves of and will end in loss of eternal life?

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Again, the thought that this parable teaches a hell burning right now and people go to Heaven right immediately upon death falls flat with all the symbolism contained therein and the illogical reference. First of all, Abraham would not have permission to tell Lazarus to relieve the rich man’s torment even by a drop of water without checking with God first. Abraham is referenced because the Jews thought that being a blood descendent guaranteed Heaven, when the parable teaches that it does not and is the point of the parable. Second, a tormented person in flames is not going to get an ounce of relief by a mere drop of water, but instead, it was showing that while on earth, the rich man did not alleviate any of Lazarus’ suffering and now he expects to receive kindness from Lazarus? The thing that does not make sense is that of the reference to the rich man’s tongue. Dig up any grave and open their mouth and you will see a tongue still there and not be on fire. So, what would be burning in hell then would have to be some spirit but spirts do not have tongues, nor do they really have senses, like that of being burnt. Besides, a serious study of the Bible reveals that hell is on the face of the earth and it is not burning at the present moment. Now, do you see how doctrines of Heaven and Hell cannot be based upon a parable, or do you just push past the lesson in symbolism and illogical reference to stick with the doctrine of immediate life after death in one place or the other?

Friday, January 9, 2026

Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Jesus sped up the timeline of things. If a person studies the topic of hell, it is not burning right now. There is no place of torment happening now for hell is the face of this earth (compare 2 Peter 2:4 to Revelation 12:9). A burning hell is yet future (Revelation 20:9). But Jesus is allowed to speak past, present, and future together as He is God and time is all the same. But that is the destination of those who think their riches are blessings from God while they enjoy the world and that being poor is a curse to be damned to hell. But that is not so. The reference to Abraham was already addressed as a symbol referring to the bragging of Jews who thought that being a mere descendent of Abraham guaranteed them salvation, which was not so. Lazarus is specifically named because this is a type of prophecy for Jesus would indeed raise a person by the name Lazarus from the dead, and as prophesied, they still will not believe Jesus to be the Messiah. So, do you recognize the symbolism and the lack of biblical support of a burning place of torment on fire now, or are you holding onto these words of Jesus as being literal and that somewhere in the universe or maybe deep inside the earth Satan works for God to punish the lost as they arrive while, “as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8)? The devil cannot be running hell and be roaming about the earth at the same time.

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

First, Lazarus was not carried to Heaven and that must be one big bosom to collect all whom angels carry off. Again, this is a parable. Things are said not for doctrine but for storytelling. Symbols are intermixed to state a meaning. For instance, the Jews were saying, “We be Abraham's seed” (John 8:33), meaning, just because we are a born descendent of Abraham, we are saved, despite how we live. That sounds a lot like those that say that they believe in Jesus and therefore are eternally saved despite living in sin. A person who was rich was thought of as being well blessed of God; therefore, it is a shock to hear that the rich man was not the one to go to Abraham’s bosom. So, do you see the symbolism here, or are you stuck on literal interpretation, which was the same mistake the Jews made back in the day?

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Job 23:16 For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:

Ezekiel 36:26 says, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” So, have you allowed God to take away the stony heart of pride and replaced it with the soften, humbled heart?

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

The word “dogs” was a term used against non-Jewish people (Matthew 15:22-28). And like the woman of Canaan, she longed to eat the crumbs as well () seeing that the gospel was not to be horded by the Jews but shared with everyone. Now, do you long for at least the crumbs of the gospel if you are not already feasting upon the gospel?

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

This parable is not about establishing instant Heaven or Hell as it is being used to predict that Jesus is about to raise Lazarus from the dead. So, do you acknowledge that this is a mere parable as this is a public address and “All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them” (Matthew 13:34)?

Monday, January 5, 2026

Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

Even today, people associate wealth with blessings of God confirming that such a person is Heaven bound, but if that were so, would Jesus then have been hell bound as He did not even have a place to lay His head (Matthew 8:20)? So, do you leave such destination and blessing judgements to God and not fall for the prosperity gospel that even goes as far as condemning those who are poor?

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Luke 16:18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from [her] husband committeth adultery.

There is one exception and that is fornication by the other spouse (Matthew 5:32). Getting divorced over anything else is not divorce in the eyes of God. Please note that anyone that marries the cheating spouse also then commits adultery. This divorce and remarriage and divorce again and remarriage was never intended by God. Do you understand that marriage is a lifetime commitment, or do you think that the excuse of irreconcilable differences is good enough despite the Bible never mentioning that as one of the allowances in God’s eyes?

Friday, January 2, 2026

Luke 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

So, how can the Ten Commandments pass away if Heaven and Earth have never passed away, at least not yet (2 Peter 3:13)?

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets [were] until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

This is not a statement of dismissing the Ten Commandments and the Old Testament. First of all, “the law” is usually in reference to Moses writings being the first five books of the Bible. The prophets, both minor and major, make up the rest of the Old Testament scriptures. Jesus would not have been stating that there are no scriptures to follow for none of the New Testament had been written yet and would not be written for several decades from then. Jesus was simply declaring, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). John the Baptist was basically the pivoting point of scriptures pointing forward to Jesus and that which would follow would be scriptures pointing back to Jesus. John was the first to declare, “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:29, 36) publicly, while those surrounding the birth did so more privately. Neither the Old or the New Testament is superior to the other especially when a good portion of the New Testament makes reference to the Old hoping people would go to those points in scripture and read the full story. So, are you one that dismisses all of the Old Testament, including the Ten Commandments, or do you see that they compliment each other and both the Old and the New are applicable to Christians?

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

So, when God reads your heart, what is He reading?

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Luke 16:14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

People who break the commandments, even the one on coveting, usually are the most aggressive to try and silence the person of truth. Now, are you willing to have your practicing sins called forth to repent of them and confess them to Jesus, Who “is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9), or do you try to silence such messengers be it on social media, in person, and by other means?

Monday, December 29, 2025

Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

This does not forbid working for two or more employers. Mammon is that which compromises the way of God. To gain a position, lying may be involved, but despite the smallest amount of lying, it is still opposed to God’s way. So, in all things, especially spiritually, do you consult the way of God and if it is not in complete compliance to the way of God, do you pass over the opportunity or do you compromise?

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Luke 16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

So, when you borrow something, do you think, “Oh well, it’s not mine. It doesn’t matter how I return it”, or do you think about taking extra care of it because it is not yours?

Friday, December 26, 2025

Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true [riches]?

Are you faithful in all that has been entrusted to you, be it godly or not? It shows if we can be trusted with heavenly things, like eternal life.

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

So, are you faithful or unjust with the little tasks, the little responsibilities, the little behind the scenes position, etc.? Is your attitude “What does it matter with these little things”, or do you do all to the best of your God given capabilities?

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

Now, keep in mind that mammon is something none of want in our lives as that is a lost condition. Now, be very careful about the phrase of “everlasting habitations”. It sounds like the lost will have eternal life but that is not what is promised to the lost. Only the righteous are promised life everlasting, and that is not “life everlasting with God” or “life everlasting in Heaven”. It is just “life everlasting”, which means the lost do not get that gift. The habitations, which is complete destruction (Revelation 20:9, Malachi 4:3), will stand everlastingly. Even eternal fire does not burn forever or Sodom and Gomorrah would still be burning (Jude 1:7). So, do you really think there is an eternal burning hell somewhere when “the meek shall inherit the earth” (Psalms 37:11), or do you understand God’s promise of eternal life is only for the saved (John 3:15-16)?

Monday, December 22, 2025

Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

The reason why the children of light are not as wise is “because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:19). So, do you mind not knowing as much of the ins and outs of getting ahead in this world as worldly people do, or are you willing to compromise the light to gain advantage in this world?

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Luke 16:7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

In actuality, this steward not only has wasted God’s resources, like time and means in reality, but now resorted to stealing from God, compounding the situation. We do not even know if this person paid the fourscore or eighty measures immediately. Therefore, after the steward is fired and this person deals with the next steward who is the replacement, that new steward needs to deal with the fact that such an arrangement was made to gain favor among these worldly people by the prior steward. So, when you commit a sin, do you commit other sins as well, compounding the situation in your relationship with God?

Friday, December 19, 2025

Luke 16:6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.

Making deals with those of the world makes sense when that is all someone has to live for, but are you staying true to God so you do not have to make such deals?

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Luke 16:5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors [unto him], and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

In what is called the Lord’s prayer, the words “forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us” (Luke 11:4), we see debt and sins are connected. Seeing that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), we are all in debt to God. Now, do you recognize that debt, which is unpayable except by the blood of Jesus Christ?

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Luke 16:4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

That is not exactly how it is going to go. If we do not enter Heaven, we will not be making our abode with the loss in their houses. The final stage is hell, but this is just a parable with a different purpose and not to be taken literally, as many Christians take other parables so literally. However, the question does remain, what would you do if you knew you were going to be lost? How would you live the rest of your life?

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Luke 16:3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

If you knew that you were going to lose eternal life and there was no way to fix it, what would that make you feel like?

Monday, December 15, 2025

Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

When called before God to give an account of how you have used the talents, the means, the time, etc., that He has given you over your lifetime, how will you respond to Him?

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

In this parable, the rich man is God and the steward represents the human race, but specifically applied to us individually. Now, before we really get into the parable, have you wasted God’s goods by using all that God provides to you personally in a worldly manner? For instance, do you have a great singing voice but use it in a rock concert? Do you use all the means for yourself and barely, if at all, support His Word going forth? Do you ignore God’s Word but have plenty of time reading material that is not beneficial to body, soul, or spirit?

Friday, December 12, 2025

Luke 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

The focus on worldly people coming into the church is not the sins that they participated in but the repentance thereof. True repentance brings with it a disappointment in oneself for having done those things to begin with. There is a deep regret. It never is to be a “glad I got to experience that” attitude. All who want one more experience of it before becoming committed to God do not understand true repentance. It is not a “Can’t have that anymore” attitude but a “Thank you Jesus for saving me from that” attitude. So, there is nothing to be jealous about regarding a converted sinner. It truly is an experience of being dead in sin but now alive in Jesus; being lost in the darkness of the world and now being found in the brightness of Christ. So, what is your attitude towards having to cease from sinful practices? Do you miss it? Do you wish you could have had one more experience of it? Or are you truly thankful that Jesus has saved you from it?

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Luke 15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

And that is what is promised to all who enter God’s Kingdom. We will have access to everything that is of God. Keep in mind, there is nothing that is not of God. There will be no hording of gold as we shall be walking on it in the city. There will be no signs stating “No Trespassing” or “Keep Out”. So, are you fighting over the gold, the silver, the lands, etc., or are you satisfied with what allows you to simply survive in this life and support the gospel?

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Luke 15:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

This is called worldly jealousy, a character trait that is not acceptable in Heaven. Godly jealousy is different (2 Corinthians 11:2). By casting up the sins of another who has repented is basically saying, “Oh, they got to enjoy the world and now we’re going to celebrate that!” Actually, the celebration is not over the sinning part, but we will get to that in a couple more verses. However, many Christians have a deep jealousy towards such repentant people. They themselves are afraid to experiment with some worldly ways because of the potential consequences alone but wish they could have enjoyed certain things themselves. Loss of job, loss of family, getting pregnant, picking up a disease, being in jail, dying, etc. are all deterrents for those who do not take risks like that. Take those consequences away and they would be willing to engage in such activities. That is not a real Christian. A real Christian avoids those things because it is not right to do. We are not to destroy our bodies (1 Corinthians 3:17); we are to be pure until marriage (1 Corinthians 6:9-10); etc. So, when a person survived their worldly activities without consequence, there is a non-Christian reaction in many Christian hearts, “Well, they were lucky. Wish I could be so lucky.” Now, how do you look upon sin? Is it the consequences you fear or the recognition that they are unrighteous acts and you detest all unrighteousness no matter what you would be deprived of experiencing?

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Luke 15:29 And he answering said to [his] father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

Again, we have the father representing God. The obedient son represents all who are obedient to God, including keeping the Ten Commandments. The making merry is something we are actually waiting on when we shall do so at “the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). Until then, “he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). The attitude of the son, however, is wrong. Obedience is not a matter of earning anything. Obedience is simply showing love. We obey who or what we love. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16). “If ye love me, keep my commandments’ (John 14:15). So, do obey God or self? If you obey God, then do you do so because you love Him or are expecting something in return?

Monday, December 8, 2025

Luke 15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

Many Christians are very loyal and religious; however, they can be quite snobbish to those that come from the world, even holding a grudge. This is not of a Christ-like character, and we are fooling ourselves if we think we are headed to Heaven. So, do you have grudges against a person who may formally have been of the world? On the opposite site, do you have such allowance to worldly people that sin is permitted in the church? Or, are you compassionate enough to help someone out of their sins, especially those of the world?

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Luke 15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

The brother that stayed home has been invited to celebrate the finding of his long lost brother. Even if we never have lived a worldly life, we ought to be happy for the brother or sister who have come to Jesus, even have come back to Jesus, as so many Christians grow up in the church, experiment in the world, and then wake up to the emptiness that the world has to offer. Now, when such a person returns to church after really enjoying the ways of the world, and we do mean the words “really enjoying”, what is your immediate reaction towards that person returning to church?

Friday, December 5, 2025

Luke 15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

With the lost son now returned home, it meant that “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:10). So, have you realized that when you were in the world and then came to be a believer that the same enthusiasm over one sinner was expressed in Heaven for you, or have you not sensed that experience of conversion yet?

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Luke 15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

Now, this music and dancing is much different than going out to a place where strangers dance to all kinds of music and press their bodies up against each other of which the music usually contains foul words, suggestiveness, angry thoughts, rebellion, etc. Keep in mind that this is a parable. It is not literal. Jesus is not condoning all that the DJ plays and the bands trying to outdo each other in a shocking manner. So, do you have discernment (1 Corinthians 12:10) here with this verse, or do you see it as the excuse to go out at night and be wild while partying?

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Luke 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

When we allow sin into our lives, we are dead (Ephesians 2:1). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). At that time, we can then say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20). So, are you still dead in your sins, or alive living the Christ’s righteousness life?

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Luke 15:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill [it]; and let us eat, and be merry

Jesus was killed to save us, so are you merry or at least appreciative that you are saved by the blood of Jesus?

Monday, December 1, 2025

Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet:

That robe is symbolic of the robe of Christ’s righteousness. The shoes being given is that instead of walking in our own way, we now walk in the way that God provides. In regards to the ring, it does not make sense in the parable that a crown would be placed on his son’s head, so the use of the ring was substituted. And each of the saved will receive a crown on entrance into Heaven. So, are you wearing the robe of Christ righteousness, making sure “no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11), and walking in the path of Christ’s way and not your own (Isaiah 55:8)?

Sunday, November 30, 2025

Luke 15:21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

When we sin without repentance, we too are no longer covered by the blood of Jesus in our sin and no longer a son or daughter of God (Romans 8:14). So, do you acknowledge and confess your sins to God and become freely forgiven and a son or daughter of God?

Friday, November 28, 2025

Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

God, represented by the father, is compassionate and loving, so much so “that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Also, God does not do anything by force, which means that the son returning to his father was necessary to open up the invitation for his father to come into the son’s heart. So, do you see God in the loving manner, or the made-up version that has God with a checklist looking to keep people out of Heaven?

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Luke 15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

Did you ever notice that the reference to being a son or a daughter of God is attributed to the human race and not angels? That is one special status we repentant human beings shall have throughout eternity while the angels are servants of God who happily perform their duty.

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Luke 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

Have you woken up to the need of confessing your sins to God the Father through Jesus Christ, or do you relax in a little sin here and there because you already have been baptized?

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Luke 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

Again, his father represents God. The two sons represent classes of people on earth. Therefore, the servants would be the angels while bread usually is representative of the Word of God, without which we perish spiritually. So, do you recognize your need to be in God’s Word daily and be well fed, or do you really think you can cope with the difficulties you face each day on your own?

Monday, November 24, 2025

Luke 15:16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

This is like the inability to buy and sell, but when a crisis hits, are you personally willing to compromise even the Word of God so as to be able to eat, get what you need to survive, etc., or are you firm to your relationship with God and stand like Daniel, the three Hebrew boys, and others, and will not compromise for survival remembering “fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28)?

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Luke 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

That country is not God’s country, so then this son was subject to pagan practices along with his job being spiritually unclean, which equates to taking a job that God would not approve of. We are told, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Even in our employment, despite being secular, which may be necessary, do you make sure that it does not compromise your values in relationship with God? Those that keep the Ten Commandment Sabbath, do you make sure no employment hours encroach upon Sabbath hours? Does the job require any underhandedness? Does the job take needlessly from others just to make corporate richer than they ought to be? Yes, businesses are in business to make money, but there is reasonableness to it.

Friday, November 21, 2025

Luke 15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

Wastefully spending without regard for the future is definitely a lesson to be learned. Hopefully we learned it from other people making poor decisions that ought not be copied and not from personal experience in making such poor choices. So, are you watchful of your spending especially in times of what appears to be plenty thinking that “sudden destruction” can happen in a moment, or do not think of such things and simply enjoy the entertainments of life at any cost?

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Luke 15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

Much of this world has been created to cause waste on selfish pleasures. Do keep in mind, all of our time and money are God’s. Not all of it has to be given to the church but there is that which does not benefit at all and then there is that which is necessary to spend that is for secular needs. So, how do you spend the money? Is it wisely or for the excitement?

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Have you truly repented, which is to cease from choosing to commit known sin, or do you not understand that repentance is required (2 Corinthians 7:10) nor the true definition of the word?

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Luke 15:11-12 And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to [his] father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth [to me]. And he divided unto them [his] living.

What a very selfish young man to demand such from his father. Surely, he placed goods above his love for his dad. Seeing that the dad represents God, what do you place ahead of your relationship with Him, if anything?

Monday, November 17, 2025

Luke 15:9 And when she hath found [it], she calleth [her] friends and [her] neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

Continuing from yesterday, the church (woman) rejoices with her friends and neighbors, as she no longer teaches nine out of ten commandments (pieces of silver) since “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4) and “whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all” (James 2:10). So, are you part of that rejoicing, or do you resist the keeping of God’s commandments, even using Bible verses to attack them?

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find [it]?

Parables are symbolic and not literal for not sheep but people go to Heaven and not goats but people go to hell (Matthew 25:31-46). We do not have enough space to do a detailed Bible study on this, but it is highly encouraged. A woman represents God’s people or church (Jeremiah 6:2, Isaiah 51:16). The number “ten” is not by coincidence the same number as the Ten Commandments. When the church loses one of the commandments, like the fourth commandment regarding the Sabbath, the proper thing to do is to become enlightened on the matter and sweep through completely in the Word of God, as it is the light, to see if these things are so. A true Christian would diligently search until the answer is found and not put it off. Let us face it, every denomination believes in one form or another of keeping nine of the commandments. There is not single church encouraging murder, promiscuity, lying, stealing, etc. It is that one commandment that most churches lose known at the Sabbath. So, will you diligent search the scriptures to find the truth on the Sabbath subject?

Friday, November 14, 2025

Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

There are many that seek the joy of a stadium cheering them on to score the next point. There are many that seek the joy of fans adoring them as they conduct some type of performance like music, jokes, etc. Unfortunately, they have their reward. But all of us can have the greatest cheering group cheering us on that really matters. When we repent of our sins, choose a new life in Christ (Galatians 2:20), the angels rejoice! Now, do you understand what true repentance means, or do you just ignore the definition and still enjoy the ways of the world, even if it be a bit sinful here or there?

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Luke 15:6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together [his] friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

When Jesus announces a soul has been saved, His neighbors, the angels rejoice (Luke 15:10). Now, is soul winning a most rejoicing thing in your life that you are willing to share with your neighbors, fellow members of the church, or do you get more excited over who won this year’s championship sport?

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Luke 15:5 And when he hath found [it], he layeth [it] on his shoulders, rejoicing.

Jesus rejoices over every individual that accepts Him as the Shepherd, so have you accepted Him as your Shepherd, or do you still follow your own way?

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

The planet Earth is the one that went astray and the Shepherd is Jesus Christ. So, how much do you appreciate what He has done to give all the opportunity on this planet (1 Timothy 1:15) to be saved?

Monday, November 10, 2025

Luke 15:3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

Although it is not always stated that Jesus spoke a parable, do you take into consideration the audience, and if it is public audience, do you remember that “All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them” (Matthew 13:34), or do you accept every story as literal because it does not start off with the word “parable”?

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

Seeing that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), we are all sinners. What the Pharisees and scribes were referring to were those who were still in open sin. Well, it is the open sinner that needs to be called unto repentance (Luke 5:32). Preaching the gospel to those that are not sinning is fruitless. Now, do you need to hear the true gospel yourself that calls you away from sinning and into a holy life, or have you been deceived into thinking you are still saved while sinning?

Friday, November 7, 2025

Luke 15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

Though Jesus drew publicans and sinners instead of the religious was not for sinners to feel comfortable in their sins, as many churches try to do these days to keep up the number of members. In fact, many times Jesus told sinners, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (John 5:14). So, do you feel comfortable at church or in your relationship with Jesus in your sinning, or do you realize that we come to Jesus to be made whole, including the ability to cease from sinning?

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Luke 14:35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; [but] men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

This is referring to the salt that has lost its savor. It is useless. Now, are you useless for the Kingdom of Heaven by living to yourself, or do you live as a pilgrim passing through this world with the objective of being right with Jesus and helping others to be right with Him as well?

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Luke 14:34 Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?

Are you keeping your heavenly influence, the savor, upon others, or have you lost that influence and are becoming like worldly people?

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

This is not to be understood that you are to sell your home, car, and give up your job today, but are you willing to surrender even these items if it came down to it, like when there is no allowance to buy and no allowance to sell (Revelation 13:17)?

Monday, November 3, 2025

Luke 14:32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

If you cannot complete a project, do you involve other people, like ambassadors, to help come up with other possible solutions, or do you just think about your one way and if it does not work out, just give up?

Sunday, November 2, 2025

Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

And if you were involved in a project that required more than yourself, would you make sure the time, the hourly payment, and the number of people required would all be figured out ahead of time meeting the deadline? It may be as simple as passing out literature. Did you buy enough pamphlets. If you are going door to door to hang it, do you have enough people involved? If it is being mailed, do you have enough to cover the postage? Will everyone meet the time allotted for the task. But, even personally setting aside time to get to know God. People who do not give God Bible time each day become weak Christians. Before agreeing to be a Christian, have you made sure there is ample time in your schedule to allow more than a few minutes each day to give serious effort, like an hour to become a Daniel, a Joseph, a Paul, a Peter, a good representation of what a Christian ought to be, or are you satisfied in being a poor example of a Christian as you do not know the expectations of being a true Christian?

Friday, October 31, 2025

Luke 14:29-30 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish [it], all that behold [it] begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

It is one thing to make a mistake because mistakes do happen while people still rudely mock, but poor planning on our part that could prevent a mistake is a different story. Ultimately, the thing we do not want to make a mistake on is eternal life. Although it is a gift from God and there is nothing that we can do to contribute to it or take away from it, receiving eternal life is more than just relying upon justification or forgiveness. Once we are granted eternal life, there is a cooperation in being fitted up to dwell with holy beings. That is called sanctification or “holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). So, are you cooperating with God Who is making us into holy beings, or resisting the Holy Spirit Who “will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8)?

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have [sufficient] to finish [it]?

Whatever project it may be, before endeavoring on it, it is wise to count the cost. The same is true with Christianity. To be a true Christian is to actually be able to say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20). “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof” (Romans 6:12). “Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). So, have you count the cost of what it takes to be a real Christian before claiming to be one, or are you being convinced that none of that applies and you can continue in worldly ways and still go to Heaven?

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

There is more to Christianity than “just believe”. The cross, a symbol of Jesus dying for our sins, equates to us resisting repeating those sins. So, do you bear your cross of “striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:4), or do you allow sin to reign in your life despite being told “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof” (Romans 6:12)?

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Luke 14:25-26 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, if any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Obviously, Jesus does not want us to hate our Christian father, mother, wife, children, or siblings, even our own converted life. He is referring to hating while putting them and how we feel above a “Thus saith the Lord”. When God says to give up alcohol (Proverbs 20:1), but our relatives get upset with us because we are not drinking at one of their many holiday gatherings, and even our own body starts to crave the drink we once consumed and reason that one drink will not hurt, that is when hatred is to be expressed. When you compare scripture on the same subject, which we do not have time in this little paragraph, that is the conclusion a reasonable person will arrive at. Now, substitute alcohol with foods, entertainment, etc., and many families split up over religious issues. So, do you put yourself and your family above obedience to God, or do you obey God without question?

Monday, October 27, 2025

Luke 14:24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

Do you put anything in front of giving your all to God (Matthew 22:37) and accepting His invitation to the “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9)?

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel [them] to come in, that my house may be filled.

Heaven is not about being excluded. God opens up the opportunity for everyone, and He wants Heaven well populated. There is one problem though. It is called sin. Lucifer was kicked out of Heaven for a little sinning called coveting. Adam and Eve were kicked out of the garden for a little sinning called taking one bite out of the forbidden fruit. Do you really think we can continue sinning even in the slightest and be welcomed into Heaven? God forbid! “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2). “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not” (1 John 5:18).

Friday, October 24, 2025

Luke 14:22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

Do you do as God asks you to do being that you are one of God’s servants?

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Luke 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

People who have things are distracted by things. Those who have only dependency upon God are open to His invitation. So, are you distracted from God or open to God’s invitation?

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Luke 14:20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

Would you really marry someone who would lead you away from Jesus, or would you marry someone who would draw you closer to Jesus and have both of you attend the supper?

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Luke 14:19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

Today, would you put a farm tractor, or any vehicle for that matter, ahead of enjoying the marriage supper of the Lamb?

Monday, October 20, 2025

Luke 14:18 And they all with one [consent] began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

People usually do not buy property without first seeing it. On the eve of purchase, it typically is looked at once last time to make sure it is in the same condition and ready to be purchased. After purchasing it, if something had changed and the person did not survey it beforehand, there is nothing that can be done then. The transaction is complete. Therefore, this excuse is without purpose. Now, do you have similar excuses of why you are unwilling to be, not just say, you are a Christian, or have you seen the nonsense in such excuses and have chosen wisely to follow Jesus with your life?

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Luke 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

God invites; He does not force. Forcing morality upon others is still an act of Satan because it goes against allowing God’s gift of free will. Therefore, God resorts to just offering an invitation, but it is most powerful. Instead of someone fearing consequences, all who do accept the invitation and live morally do so out of love. In fact, Jesus asked, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). So, have you accepted the invitation of God exercising your freedom to choose on your own?

Friday, October 17, 2025

Luke 14:16 Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:

That “certain man” is God. The “supper” is the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9), which takes place in Heaven immediately after the second coming. Now, are you planning to attend?

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Luke 14:15 And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed [is] he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

Just being in the Kingdom of God will be a blessing, but yes, eating bread in the Kingdom of God will truly be a blessing. So, are you looking forward to that time?

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Luke 14:14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Please note that Jesus refers to the resurrection of the just, which means, there is more than one resurrection: “And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29). So, do you see that there is no way we can be sending people to Heaven or Hell at the point of death as it nullifies the purpose of the resurrections and is explicitly stated, “the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished” (Revelation 20:5), which is the amount of time between resurrections?

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Luke 14:13-14 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

It does not always have to be a feast. It can be any service performed. So, do you do any good deed without expecting payment back, especially when done unto the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, etc., or are you selective in who you help?

Monday, October 13, 2025

Luke 14:12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor [thy] rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

So, what generosity are you bestowing when everyone that you invite will in turn invite you over for a supper as well at some point? The answer is none.

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Luke 14:11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Simply making everyone aware that you are the better person is exalting. So, do you “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips” (Proverbs 27:2), or do you brag about yourself before others?

Friday, October 10, 2025

Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

So, are you humble and choose the unnoticed, the distant seat when invited to an event?

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Luke 14:8-9 When thou art bidden of any [man] to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.

So, where do you choose to sit?

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Luke 14:7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,

Instead of telling the audience, “Picking out the chief rooms is selfish and such people simply are thinking more of themselves than they should”, Jesus told a story or parable using a bit of symbolism. By doing so, it made people think instead of attacking straight on creating defensive walls. So, how do you approach situations that need addressing? Is it with direct speech taking no prisoners, or do you look for the less combative way?

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Luke 14:6 And they could not answer him again to these things.

Again, Jesus revealed their hypocrisy and they had no answer for it. So, when you are asked a question that may prove you are in error, do you have an open heart to change you mind from error to truth, or do you stay silent or even double down on justifying the error?

Monday, October 6, 2025

Luke 14:5 And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?

Again, Jesus was not doing away with the Sabbath with this statement. He was telling what is and is not allowed to be done on it. A person does not leave an injured animal in a pit until the end of the Sabbath. More than likely, it will be dead by the time the Sabbath ends. Now, if an animal keeps falling into the pit on the Sabbath, someone needs to take care of that pit. As Hebrews 4:8-9 brings out, “if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” And no, when that was written, that was not a rule just for the Hebrews but the rest of us believers have an easier life. “There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him” (Romans 10:12). So, do you recognize that the Sabbath is still expected to be kept, or do you have some Bible text out of context that nullifies the Sabbath?

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Luke 14:4 And they held their peace. And he took [him], and healed him, and let him go;

People are so stubborn sometimes, even many times. Jesus just proved them wrong, and instead of admitting it, they kept silent. Now, are you that stubborn, keeping in mind that it is a form of pride and “Pride [goeth] before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18), or are you humble to learn truth and acknowledge truth and even change your life for the truth sake?

Friday, October 3, 2025

Luke 14:2-3 And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?

This was probably a planned meet up that the Pharisees and lawyers put together. Notice how Jesus addressed the Sabbath. He did not say, “I am doing away with the Sabbath.” He was trying to have them realize how to properly keep the Sabbath, as it had been covered up with all the pharisaical rules. Healing on the Sabbath evidently is permitted. Now, before you dismiss the Sabbath subject, just remember, Jesus said, “The sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27) and not just for the Jews. So, do you see how Jesus was addressing the proper keeping of the Sabbath and not doing away with it?

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Luke 14:1 And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.

So, it was the Sabbath day, and it was spent trying to catch Jesus doing something wrong. That does not seem very Sabbath appropriate. Not every invitation is a friendly one, therefore, we must always remember, “as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). Non-Christians are always ready to catch a Christian making a mistake or be caught in outright sinning. So, are you ready for an excuse for your sinning, or are you always living a Christian lifestyle as it is a part of you naturally?

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Luke 13:35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until [the time] come when ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

The reference to when they would see Jesus again was during the triumphant entry riding a donkey, but let us focus upon the phrase, “your house is left unto you desolate”. More than once, Jesus tells us that the nation of Israel would not be considered His favored people forever. At some point, it would be left “desolate”, “unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons” (Matthew 21:41), etc. So, do you really believe the atheistic Jews and the political minded Jews who far out number the religious Jews are really God’s favored people, or do you accept the spiritual application where “he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly” (Romans 2:29) and “if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29)?

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen [doth gather] her brood under [her] wings, and ye would not!

Today, many Christians kill the prophets and stone them by rejecting the Bible as the inspired Word of God. They make every excuse to reject the contents from saying, “That’s Old Testament”, which does away with understanding of the New Testament, all the way to saying, “Just believe”, which does away with the whole Bible, especially the dos and don’ts of the Bible. So, are you stoning the prophets and killing the Word of God, or are you studying the writings and obeying all the light that you have so far?

Monday, September 29, 2025

Luke 13:33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the [day] following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

The prophecy Jesus is referring to is that of Daniel 9:26-27, in which “shall Messiah be cut off” and in the process, “he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease”. “Christ our passover” (1 Corinthians 5:7) had to perish or die on Passover of which is one of the three feast days that was required to be conducted at Jerusalem. That is the only way Jesus could be our Passover Lamb. Dying somewhere else would nullify fulling the feast day. So, do you see how Jesus’ life was mapped out for our salvation, or do you really think the death of Jesus was a mere coincidence?

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Luke 13:32 And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third [day] I shall be perfected.

Indirectly, Jesus taught us how to count the reference of “as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). First of all, the heart of the earth is not the tomb but is the surrendering over to permit the evils of this earth to come upon Himself. He would work no miracle to free Himself and simply let them do whatsoever they want to Him. That started Thursday night. But nonetheless, the third day from the middle of the afternoon of “today” is not what people think. “Three days and three nights” is not three twenty-four hour periods, but rather any portion of today counts as the whole day. Therefore, any portion of the day after tomorrow is considered the whole of a third day even if it was just in the morning. So, do you recognize Jesus’ method of counting days, or are you one that thinks Jesus was crucified on a different day other than Friday just to make the literal math of hours work out despite the number of verses that contradict such theology?

Friday, September 26, 2025

Luke 13:31 The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.

The certain Pharisees must have been those sympathetic to Jesus’ ministry and purpose. They were generally concerned for His life, but even Satan could not prevent Jesus from completing His mission, let alone Herod. Now, we are not to purposefully put our self in the face of danger, but if danger comes your way, would you pray and examine the duty before adjusting course, or would you just cut and run based upon personal impressions?

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Luke 13:30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

A better understanding when a person compares scripture along with the context of this verse, those who think they are unworthy of Heaven will enter into God’s kingdom, while others who think they will be entering, will not be. There are no levels to God’s kingdom because we shall either enter God’s kingdom or we will not. No one will be told, “Sorry, you were not supposed to enter yet, so get back to the end of the line. Oh, and you back there, get up here. You get to go in first.” So, do you have the Word of God solidly on your side to give you assurance of a place in God’s kingdom, or do you just declare yourself to be part of the group that is going to be there without regard to the contents of the whole Bible?

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Luke 13:29 And they shall come from the east, and [from] the west, and from the north, and [from] the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

This is definitely how we know Jesus is addressing the population of the whole world and not just the Jews; therefore, anyone justifying the lifestyle that includes “iniquity” (Luke 13:27) are going to sadly be disappointed. But, are you part of those who shun iniquity and are living in obedience to God’s commandments instead (John 14:15)?

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you [yourselves] thrust out.

Jesus is addressing the people of God, and from Luke’s perspective, he just got done describing beyond Pharisees and Sadducees, beyond lawyers and scribes, in fact, beyond Jews. All who live with iniquity in their lives without repenting of it while, especially today, claiming to be a Christian are sending a false message, preaching a false gospel by their actions. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Jesus did not come to make it easier to live worldly lives and be careless with sin. We may even go to church, read our Bibles, and wear Christian shirts, but when that is done while also participating in sin without remorse, the people who will be thrust out of the Kingdom of God will be us. So, are you actually living a Christian life and will be with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom, or are you living a worldly life and will be thrust out instead?

Monday, September 22, 2025

Luke 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all [ye] workers of iniquity.

To work iniquity, which is to sin, means that God’s Ten Commandments still exists “for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). So, since this is the scene at the second coming, then all who teach that the law of the Ten Commandments is nailed to the cross, grace and faith replace the law, etc. are liars. If Jesus is going to dismiss many Christians because they live iniquitous or allow sin in their lives, they can only live such a life if the law still applies, which it does. Now, are you listening to those lies or, by the grace of God, are you keeping God’s commandments because Jesus saves?

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Luke 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

So, even though ministers and church members eat the unleavened bread and drink the unfermented grape juice, both signs of sin being purged out of our lives, during the communion service along with even street preaching and passing out literature, these are no guarantees of being a true Christian and being saved. Now, we are not dismissing these activities but do you realize that even godly, outward activity is no sign of being saved?

Friday, September 19, 2025

Luke 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

These people that Jesus does not know are the same people found in Matthew 7:23, which says, “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” That means that despite wanting to be accepted of Christ, which is exactly what all Christians desire, there are many Christians who live a lifestyle of iniquity or sinning and see nothing wrong with it. They must have been convinced that obedience is works and any commandment keeping as legalism. Yet, we see there is some condition that is place on the free gift of salvation for even the sheep and the goats parable makes us aware of such. So, are you aware expectations of God and have ceased from all iniquity by the grace of God, or do you really think God made it easier to enjoy the world and still go to Heaven?

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Luke 13:23-24 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

This question is not for the Jews but all to be saved. Luke is a non-Jewish writer. He is not writing from the perspective of the Jews. Therefore, the answer is not for the Jews but rather for all human beings. And from the answer, we learn that there is work involved, not to be saved, but to be changed. Salvation is by Jesus Christ alone, but it is not provided to promote sinning. In fact, to enter in through the gates of Heaven is a strict or strait and rule abiding way. Because of that, many, and He says, “many”, because of that strait requirement of the gate, all who would like to be in Heaven, claiming that “I’m saved”, will not be able to enter in. So, the only rules that would be universal is the Ten Commandments of which Jesus confirms is the reference to the strait gate of entering into eternal life (Matthew 19:16-19). So, have you been duped into thinking entering Heaven involves no work and no rules, or have you learned that the fruit of salvation, the fruit of being forgiven, the fruit of receiving grace, is by living according to the Ten Commandments?

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Luke 13:22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

Wherever you go, do you look for opportunities to share the gospel?

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Luke 13:20-21 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

Again, Jesus is using symbolism to represent the Kingdom of God, of which is not to be taken literally. A woman, represents a church (compare Jeremiah 6:2 to the end of Isaiah 51:16). Not by coincidence, we have three measures of meal, an influence, and we have the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit influencing individuals every day. The act of leavening the whole lump is the conversion of a soul. So, how involved are you in allowing God to use you as His influence upon lost souls?

Monday, September 15, 2025

Luke 13:19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

God’s Kingdom that was being established at the time, started out small as a mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds to plant that brings eatable food. Specifically, it all rested upon Jesus as only the thief on the cross recognized Jesus and His mission. Jesus was buried in a tomb, thought to be forgotten about as if cast into a garden. The garden also represents Israel (Isaiah 51:3). But in time, that seed has become a great tree, where we are the branches (Romans 11:16-24) who are connected to Jesus. Even the fowls, who not of the same belief, find comfort in by lodging in the tree (Psalms 104:12). Now, are you connected to Jesus as one of the branches, or are you a broken branch laying on the ground?

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Luke 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

That is what a parable is by definition, but too many people think parables are literal. Jesus takes the literal, in this case, “the Kingdom of God”, and compares it with something that is not literal but resembles, represents, is symbolic of. But many try to prove that people go to Heaven and Hell right away from the “rich man and Lazarus” parable. It would be awful for those in Heaven to be able to hear the people from Hell crying out throughout eternity! So much for peace and quiet. Now, do you see parables are not to be taken literally, or do you really think there are literal sheep and goats that Jesus is going to be separating at the end of time along with literal wheat and tares?

Friday, September 12, 2025

Luke 13:17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

These people that were accusing Jesus of Sabbath breaking knew that Jesus was not really breaking the Sabbath. It was just an attempt to get the people to turn on Jesus, much like today. In politics, one party accuses another party of being racists, when they are not. Another accuses of bigotry, when they are not. One party is accused of being for the rich, when they are not. It is all an attempt to turn the people against one candidate or the other. In religion, the word “cult” is thrown around, especially towards those that strictly adhere to the Word of God (John 14:23). Mention the word Sabbath and they are called Judaizers (Luke 6:5). Mention keeping the Ten Commandments and they are accused of being works oriented when they simply are obeying God out of love (John 14:15). So, do you investigate the truth looking past these labels, or are you impressed with the false accusations and turn from the truth?

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Luke 13:16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

Jesus established that “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath” (Mark 2:27) and emergency healing is allowed. By the way, the Sabbath was not made for the Jews. It was made before Adam and Eve fell. It was expected to be kept always, so are you keeping it from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown?

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Luke 13:15 The Lord then answered him, and said, [Thou] hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or [his] ass from the stall, and lead [him] away to watering?

If Jesus were doing away with the Sabbath, then why would Jesus defend what is allowed on the Sabbath in regards to the ox? Jesus’ response should have been, “It does not matter what I do on the Sabbath as I am removing the requirement to keep it!” But what Jesus did tell us was that “one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law” (Matthew 5:18). So, have you not only thrown out a jot and tittle but the whole commandment and even all of the commandments, or do you see that it is God’s standard for sanctified and holy people of God to be following today distinguishing them from worldly people who are lost?

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Luke 13:13-14 And he laid [his] hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.

Just because Jesus clashed with the ruler in the synagogue accusing Jesus of Sabbath breaking does not mean Jesus was actually breaking the Sabbath. Jesus is about to strip the Pharisaical rules that made Sabbath-keeping a drudgery, and many Christians latch onto that thinking that not only did Jesus strip away the added rules, He did away with it all forgetting that the Sabbath was instituted before Adam and Eve fell into sin. It was God’s intent for all mankind to have a rest from six days of laboring. So, are you overworking yourself, or do you enjoy the rest of the Sabbath?

Monday, September 8, 2025

Luke 13:10-12 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up [herself]. And when Jesus saw her, he called [her to him], and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

Those who resist keeping the Sabbath day holy today try to use this healing example as Jesus trying to do away with the Ten Commandments, specifically, the Sabbath day, yet Hebrews 4:8-9 tells us that Jesus spoke of no other day as a day of rest, like Sunday, and specifically states, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (verse 9). Remember, “The sabbath was made for man” (Mark 2:27). We need that one day a week to escape from the demands of the world, or we begin to break down in more ways than one. It is expressed, in addition to mentally not being able to cope, as selfishness, hatefulness, intolerance, etc. These are all forms of stressed-out people. So, will you accept God’s gift of His blesse and sanctified day (Genesis 2:2-3)?

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Luke 13:9 And if it bear fruit, [well]: and if not, [then] after that thou shalt cut it down.

And Israel did not bear fruit, in fact, they did the opposite; they crucified the Savior. Therefore, as Jesus said, “The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” (Matthew 21:43), it happened. First, “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent” (Matthew 27:51), and secondly, the Romans leveled Jerusalem in 70 A.D. Now, on an individual basis, do you bear the fruit of the Spirit, or will you be cut down in the end of time as well?

Friday, September 5, 2025

Luke 13:8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung [it]

The reason Jesus said to give it another year, making it four years in total, is because Jesus knew His ministry was to last three and a half years and not just three, confirming that Daniel 9:27 is not about the antichrist in the future but Jesus Christ at His first coming. He is the one that caused the sacrifices to become meaningless. This connection is further confirmed in the use of the numbers “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22) regarding forgiveness, which Jesus has been doing towards Israel for four-hundred and ninety years. That matches the Daniel 9:24 prophecy where seventy weeks is the same as four hundred and ninety days, representing years (Numbers 14:34). Jesus could have used any numbers but instead, He chose the one that matches the Daniel 9:24 prophecy. So, do you believe Hollywood style Christianity about some future antichrist breaking and agreement with the Jews, or comparative Bible texts to figure these things out?

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

Not by coincidence, Jesus’ ministry was about three years old. Jesus was looking for the fruit from the nation of Israel. This is a prophecy of why Israel is no longer God’s favored nation as none would be found. This coincides with Matthew 21:43, which says, “Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.” This is what connects Irael to the fig tree. The fact that Jesus expects another nation to bring forth fruits means that Israel failed in producing fruit themselves. Now, individually, have you accepted the responsibility of fruit bearing (Matthew 7:20), or are you caught up with the cares of the world instead, even innocent ones that supersede the service due to God?

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain [man] had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

Although this parable speaks of the nation of Israel, as we shall see, if you were to be personally examined by Jesus, would He find the fruit of the Holy Spirit upon you or rotten worldly fruit instead?

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

To repent is to cease from sin. These are the words of Jesus. Therefore, everyone that says, “Just believe” and then go about carelessly sinning here or there, even in the little things, are misunderstanding scripture. No one believes a thief stealing thousands of dollars from their company is actually a Christian even if they say they are, but what of those that take office supplies without permission for home use? Jesus is not taking practicing sinners to Heaven. He is expecting us, in His strength, to be born again (John 3:7), a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17), etc. So, have you forsaken all of your sins, or do you think Jesus is not powerful enough to help you overcome?

Monday, September 1, 2025

Luke 13:4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

Bad things do happen to good people. That is the experience of this sinful planet. The question is, are you ready at anytime to meet Jesus, or are you putting off surrendering all to Him still?

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Luke 13:1-3 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

We ought to always be in a repented state ready to lay down our lives at any time. A repentant state is one that has confessed and forsaken all sins without making excuse for continuing to sin. So, have you repented of all your sins, or are you still excusing a few in your life?

Friday, August 29, 2025

Luke 12:58-59 When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, [as thou art] in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

Where there is contention and retaliation involved, It is best to work out a solution instead of going to court where jail may be the result or a severe fine. So, without compromising God’s morals, do you try to work out differences with others instead of going to court?

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Luke 12:57 Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

So, in response to Jesus’ question, do you judge things in a manner to push your way, usually called an agenda, or do you “judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24), even if you are disadvantaged or lose out?

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Luke 12:54-56 And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when [ye see] the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. [Ye] hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?

Jesus was comparing old fashion weather forecasting to failing to recognizing the Messiah, Himself, appearing in their presence, however, the same is true in our day. People can figure out and predict all kinds of things, maybe not always spot on, but they do give it a good try. Not only is there the ten-day weather forecast, but there are sporting event outcomes, stock market expectations, job market, political choices, and other things. However, none is more important than sensing that the second coming is soon to happen. Have you sensed it, or do you really think we are going to escape the inevitable world financial crisis, natural disasters, outer space supposed invasion, political extremes, and much, much more?

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Luke 12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

This is just a sampling of conflicts that may arise when one person accepts Christ in the family and the others do not, but despite the conflicts, some very serious ones at times, do you choose to obey Christ or do you give into the human pressure?

Monday, August 25, 2025

Luke 12:52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

Unless a family is unified in Christ, the household will be divided more ways than one, but the most important thing is, have you connected unwaveringly in godly principles, true beliefs, and live to Christ (Galatians 2:20), or are you trying to appease the family and not be so serious as you offend God (Matthew 10:37)?

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

The announcement of peace at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:14) is quite different than this verse later in Jesus’ ministry. That is because “on earth peace, good will toward men” was in reference to our relationship with God. Jesus is “The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). He brought peace between us and the Father Who had the right to obliterate earth when Adam and Eve fell into sin. Now Jesus came to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21) and offer eternal life (John 3:16). The verse for today is about our relationship with each other. All who believe will have peace with one another (2 Peter 1:2). Our relationship with non-believers, including unconverted family members, will cause division. In fact, “a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household” (Matthew 10:36). So, do you consider beliefs that causes division, especially in the family, as being un-Christian, or do you see that those who want to continue to be worldly and indulge in sin naturally become angry with true Christians who, without even saying a word, rebukes them of their sins? A true Christian who excuses themselves from worldly activities is what causes the division. It is sad, but keep the faith and “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29)!

Friday, August 22, 2025

Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

By this time, Jesus was already baptized, therefore, He was speaking metaphorically. He basically was stating that He was going to go through the baptism of trials. “The Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40) and come up with “his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). Now, when you are facing trials, do you allow them to drown you, or do you cling to God to get through them?

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Luke 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

As stated twice before, the stripes that the two groups of people receive is hell fire as Jesus will “send fire on the earth”. The first group know the way of God and do not do it, while the second group does not know the way of God but are still sinning as they do not take time to study these things for themselves. Winking at ignorance (Acts 17:30) or letting things pass just goes so far before God is no longer a just God. Remember, He is both merciful and just. This verse also tells us where hell is, which is the face of the earth, proving that hell is not currently burning. In fact, after the millennium (Revelation 20:7), it is said that when the lost go “up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them” (Revelation 20:9). That is when hell fire happens. So, for people you may know are unbelievers and have died as such, are you sad that they may be burning in hell right now, or do you see how a merciful God is not burning them at this time but will do so collectively after the millennium?

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Again, hell fire is the only punishment for the lost and not the physical beating of stripes. All who fail at knowing Jesus and His ways but do so in ignorance will not suffer the fires of hell as much as those who do know God’s ways and even teach others to break them. Believe it or not, this is an example of God’s mercy. They are not able to join Him in Heaven but He will have mercy and not allow them to suffer as much when the punishment is handed out. So, can you see God’s mercy in executing justice, or are you one that makes God’s love so loving that He welcomes practicing sinners into Heaven without repentance and call that mercy?

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Luke 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes].

This is not literally going to happen, especially since this is a parable. The only punishment found in the Bible is that of hell fire. Therefore, it would be understood that the fires of hell would be burning more so for the preacher that knows God’s will, which is to keep His commandments (Psalms 40:8), and lives contrary to them along with teaching others to break them. So, will you be joining such pastors that teach disobedience even using scripture, or do you realize that those commandments govern the whole universe and obedience is expected by all thinking beings, including the angels, while accepting God’s grace for the past failures in keeping them as well as “oops” moments that you may experience (1 John 2:1)?

Monday, August 18, 2025

Luke 12:46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for [him], and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

So, it is not that ministers do not believe the second coming is going to happen but that it is not for a while; therefore, they misinterpret the events that are happening now and missing the build up to fulfilling Revelation 13. They do not see that artificial intelligence and robotics as a monitoring of humanity. They do not see how digital currency is a way of controlling the buying and selling. A lot of Christians are distracted by the social aspect of church attendance instead of spiritual preparedness. This opens the way for other false theories and in the end, not being ready. That is why they will be surprised, not at the second coming happening, but in dissecting that verse, we see it is a judgment thing that takes place. To be appointed as an unbeliever means that Jesus is deciding ahead of time who is actually saved and lost, so that when He returns, there is no examination but pure execution of the judgment. So, are you distracted, or are you aware of these things?

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Luke 12:45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

Do you believe the second coming is not for a long, long time yet and are enjoying worldly activities while calling the messengers of God names, like “crazy people”? Or do you sense that the second coming is near and, despite the opposition, are trying to tell others to get ready?

Friday, August 15, 2025

Luke 12:44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

Jesus is ready to make you a ruler over all that He has, if you will serve Him (verse 43) and not sin and Satan. Are you willing to do that?

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Luke 12:43 Blessed [is] that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

We are to be doing something and not just getting the most we can out of life. We are not to be just be living for ourselves. We are to live the Christian lifestyle (verse 42). We are to be watching out for temptations to sin (verse 38). We are to serve God by sharing the gospel in a literal sense (verse 37). So, will Jesus come back to find you doing those things or not?

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom [his] lord shall make ruler over his household, to give [them their] portion of meat in due season?

Are you a faithful Christian who is living a Christian lifestyle and sharing the gospel as opportunity presents itself?

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Luke 12:41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

Beyond the parable, is the Word of God for us Christians or to everyone? Those who are worldly are not into the Bible. Those that become saved just have to believe is what they are told and think the Bible is not for them. Then just who is the Bible for? Jesus said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). That happens after we are justified. Therefore, once we believe and are justified, or “saved” as some say, we then move into a process of being cleaned up. If we refuse to be cleaned up, all of our belief is for nothing. That means, the answer to Peter’s question and the expanded question of the whole Word of God is that it is for the born again Christian, especially when we are told, “The legs of the lame are not equal: so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools” and “[As] a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so [is] a parable in the mouth of fools” (Proverbs 26:7, 9). Those of the world are fools and parables, along with the Word of God, are mistreated. So, are you being responsible with the Word of God and allowing it, the gospel, to be “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16)?

Monday, August 11, 2025

Luke 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Mark 14:38 says, it this way regarding being ready: “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly [is] ready, but the flesh [is] weak.” So, if people are already saved, what do we need to be ready for then. Who cares if Jesus catches us by surprise! But, if we are living an un-Christian lifestyle and the second coming is nearing, which it is, then we have a whole lot to become ready about. So, are you ready spiritually avoiding temptations to sinning and away from salvation, or are you just being careless because Jesus died to make it easier to enjoy the worldly ways?

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Luke 12:39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

Remember, Jesus says, “I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee” (Revelation 3:3), therefore, the “goodman” is actually the devil, and his belongings are actually souls he has collected or deceived into his possessions. Jesus is coming to take the souls away from the devil. So, here is another reason why the devil is not even allowed to figure out the day or the hour Jesus will return. With that said, are you still watching for the signs regarding the nearness of time, or are you just living as if you still have another ten, twenty, thirty, or more years on this planet?

Friday, August 8, 2025

Luke 12:38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find [them] so, blessed are those servants.

The key is that we are to be looking towards the second coming, though not try to figure out the day or the hour. It is to be our motivation, even our hope. So, have you made it yours?

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Luke 12:37 Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

All Christians are called to serve God in various ways, but none are to be idle. If you want to be part of the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9), what are you doing to serve God now?

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Luke 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

While waiting for the second coming, are you ready today to open all of your heart to Jesus to welcome Him?

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Luke 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and [your] lights burning;

Ephesians 6:14 says to “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.” And light is both knowledge and character (John 3:19-21). So, are you following God’s truth and not your own, and are you knowledgeable about what a true Christian is and living it?

Monday, August 4, 2025

Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

So, where are you putting your funds? Are you giving anything to God? Are you giving only a small portion compared to the investment in satisfying the flesh? Remember, the word “flesh” includes all forms of satisfaction from eating to drinking, doing worldly stuff, and yes, sex. Or, is all that behind you and you use God’s means to satisfy only the needs and give a large portion of what remains to God in tithes and offerings?

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

So, are you investing in soul winning and that which benefits you spiritually, or are you wasting your means upon that which are worldly wants?

Friday, August 1, 2025

Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

True followers of God, true followers of Jesus, the Son of God, do not number largely. No wonder the last generation on earth is known as the “remnant” (Revelation 12:17). That is because “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). It is easy to say that a person is a Christian and it is another thing to “deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow” Jesus (Matthew 16:24). Now, are you one of the little flock, or are you part of the large mass of Christians just claiming the benefits of being a Christian without the part about living as a Christian?

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Luke 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

How much effort do you put into seeking the Kingdom of God, or is it just a “one shot” deal for you and you give God little to no time in your busy life?

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Luke 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

Do you act like the people from all the nations chasing after the variety of foods, even exotic stuff, as well as chasing after their fashions, or do you trust in God to make available for simple nourish and clothing the body?

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Luke 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

Do you live to eat or eat to live? One puts food before a long life and even everlasting life while the other puts eating that which is beneficial for health and obeying the guidance of God towards what is allowed and not allowed to be eaten?

Monday, July 28, 2025

Luke 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more [will he clothe] you, O ye of little faith?

To stress about clothing and outward appearance beyond the basic keeping oneself presentable is of no value, even a waste of energy. So, do you have faith that God will provide for this basic need to you?

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Luke 12:27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Some people go all out in making their clothing really special for the sake of making an impression. They go well beyond the basic necessity of dress. They use God’s means in a wasteful manner, and basically, draw attention to selfishness. Fashion instead of practicality rules. So, when it comes to attire, do you follow the basic principles of the Bible, or do you dress to impress?

Friday, July 25, 2025

Luke 12:26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

So, since you cannot make yourself grow taller, do you worry about what evils are coming and the signs that are even revealing themselves today when you have no control over them?

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Luke 12:25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

In other words, do you spend time worrying about those things that you have no control over and not even have the slightest influence in changing?

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

This does not encourage laziness nor idleness for the Bible says, “if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10), but do you stress over food and clothing, or do you trust in God each day of your life for your provisions, like being thankful for employment or other resources?

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Luke 12:23 The life is more than meat, and the body [is more] than raiment.

Do you put the concerns of what you shall eat and wear for clothing above being ready for Heaven, or do you “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33)?

Monday, July 21, 2025

Luke 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

Of course, this is not referring to the responsibility of eating properly and being properly clothed but is a condemnation when we make it our focus where our appetite rules and appearance is everything. We need to place this in proper context as Jesus would not want us starving and naked nor begging from strangers every day. So, do you have to have a large variety of foods to be content not wanting to repeat the same meal twice even inside a month and must keep the wardrobe updated always, or are you easily satisfied by the food that is before you to eat and the simple but modest clothing to wear?

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Luke 12:21 So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

So, are you laying up your treasures here on earth to the point you cannot even outspend yourself, or are you investing in winning souls sending your treasures to Heaven instead?

Friday, July 18, 2025

Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Who will your belongings go to when you die? Will it go towards ministry work in getting the gospel message out, or will it go to people who will be encouraged to participate in selfish desires?

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Luke 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.

God dose not bless us so that we can take it easy and be selfishly merry. Being well blessed is of God while merry is Satan’s counterfeit. Idleness is part of what brought down Sodom (Ezekiel 16:49). A faithful person “eateth not the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27). And Proverbs often condemns the sluggard, the lazy, etc. So, do you have the attitude of the rich man even in the form of looking forward to the ease of retirement in traveling the world and not have a care about life because you earned it, or do you see yourself contributing to the betterment of society currently and always as God blesses you, especially with strength?

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

And there is the mistake. The word “my” is used three times in one verse. It is not ours. It is all God’s, and we are expected to use it responsibly. We are not to use everything for our mere selfishness. The rich are to help those who are truly in need while being careful not to encourage laziness in others. This relationship generates the care we are to have towards every fellow human being, and everyone is involved. It is not only goods but knowledge as well as other things not of a material nature. So, how are you doing in caring and sharing with one another?

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Luke 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

If you have abundance of supplies, be it food, clothing, or whatever else you can think of, to the point that you have no room to store it, do you consider providing it to those honestly in need?

Monday, July 14, 2025

Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

So, do you watch out for that sneaky covetousness and guard against it, or do you keep up with the latest gadgets, wondering what others have, wondering what others get to do, etc.?

Sunday, July 13, 2025

Luke 12:13-14 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

This man that approached Jesus knew that Jesus was honest and just, but to divide property between people was not the mission of Jesus. We too are not here to settle arguments, be it between family members, friends, pollical parties, etc. We have a responsibility “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). So, are you distracted by the quarrels all around you, even in the politicized media, or are you focused upon the God given mission (Matthew 28:19-20)?

Friday, July 11, 2025

Luke 12:11-12 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and [unto] magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

But if a person claiming to be a Christian is not seeking God every day in His Word and living according to God’s Word, they will not have to worry about being brought forth to speak. They will either be in the crowd as observers or part of the group that is bringing such people in for questioning. So, on which side are you preparing yourself to be on?

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Luke 12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

This proves that Jesus and the Holy Ghost are two separate beings. If they were one, there is no way this verse would make any sense. And if the Holy Ghost were the Father, Jesus died for us to be forgiven by the Father for that was the first sin affected – the relationship between us and the Father. Immediately, Jesus became our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). Now, the reason the blaspheme against the Holy Ghost is not forgiven is because “the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). Continued resistance towards the Holy Spirit is the same as resisting the truth. On top of that, the Holy Spirit “will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). To continue to resist the Holy Spirit is to not cease from sinning, not accept Christ righteousness and not live righteously, and also be careless regarding the judgement. So, are you guilty of any of those things? If so, repent why there is opportunity. If you are not guilty, praise the Lord!

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Luke 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

And people who think that they never deny Jesus because they say nothing bad about Him and even defend Him, the Bible says, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16). Now, do your works deny Jesus or reveal Jesus?

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Luke 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God

Confessing Jesus before people is more than saying that one believes in Jesus. We are to “confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord” (Philippians 2:11). That makes us servants (James 1:1). To serve our Lord is to obey what He commands. In other words, to confess is to live a life of obedience, which speaks greater volume than mere words. In fact, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). So, do you have the truth and are obeying it, or are you just mouthing your belief of Jesus while you live however you want to live?

Monday, July 7, 2025

Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

From this verse, do you sense how intimately God knows you, and therefore, deserves your obedience to Him despite the consequences that may follow by a non-believing spouse, unbelieving parents, a worldly employer, an unconverted neighbor, or even legal authorities simply carrying out orders blindly?

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Luke 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

Since God does not forget the sparrows, how much more do you think His watch care is upon you?

Friday, July 4, 2025

Luke 12:5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

People are more concerned about obeying their parents who are not in the Lord, obeying a spouse not in the Lord, pleasing worldly neighbors, obeying a worldly employer, as opposed to God, Who can grant either eternal life or damnation. Which do you choose?

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Luke 12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Having one’s life threatened is no small matter, however, if it is because of God, then why worry what mere human beings can do? If there are known unconfessed sins on the soul, then it may be worth worrying over. So, despite the seriousness, do you see what little human beings can do to you while God can do a whole lot more?

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

So, all those conspiracy theories will be proven out in truth. We will no longer be guessing to what really happened. It will be made known during the millennial period while reviewing the books of every soul (Daniel 7:22, Revelation 20:4). Now, will all your sins have been blotted out because you have confessed and forsaken them, or will they be retained for the judgment period for all to see?

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Luke 122 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

All will be known during the judgment when “judgment was given to the saints” (Daniel 7:22), which happens as John “saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them” as “they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years” (Revelation 20:4). So, do you really want someone to see the sins that you are committing, or are you resisting the temptations towards sin by the grace of God?

Monday, June 30, 2025

Luke 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Leaven is what influences the bread, symbolic of the Word (Matthew 4:4), to rise. Misusing the leaven or having the wrong leaven ends in bad results. Unfortunately, that would be the loss of salvation. Today, Jesus would say the same of most pastors. How can a number of pastors be hard on sin while another group refuses to even mention the word sin and both be right? How can one group be overly harsh on sin driving a person to do works to make up for the sins while another teaches the that grace and forgiveness from God is without works and yet both be right? How can one group of preachers teach that grace and faith nails the Ten Commandments to the cross while others teaches that grace and faith drive people to obedience as a response of salvation and both be right? So, are you being aware of what is being taught, or do you just listen to those who speak in a manner that you agree with without regard of what God intended? “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:5). Coming in Jesus’ name can and does mean the word “Christian” instead of just the name “Christ”. Just because a person is a Christian preacher does not make them of Christ but a false Christian instead.

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Luke 11:54 Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

Are you careful with your words so that the enemies of Christianity cannot use them to exploit against Christians, or are you careless with your words giving ammunition to them?

Friday, June 27, 2025

Luke 11:53 And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge [him] vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things

Do people intimidate you to do things you would not normally do or say, or do you have such a close relationship with God that “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31)?

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

Today, lawyers are the highly trained ministers and other church leaders where they have all the “ins and outs” of understanding the scriptures hindering the knowledge from being discovered by the ordinary church member. They are experts at crafting content that allows for disobedience to God while working the verses that goes contrary to their teachings into not meaning what they clearly mean. So, are you falling for the “lawyer” tricks with the scriptures, or have recognized, despite accepting God’s free gift of grace through Jesus Christ all by faith, that obedience is still expected of God’s children including the Ten Commandments?

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Luke 11:50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

That particular generation saw the crucifixion of Jesus, which is the ultimate slaying of a prophet just like their forefathers did but even worse for Jesus was and is the Son of God! And then most of them saw the temple destroyed along with being slain or scattered abroad by the Romans as they ransacked Jerusalem and destroying the temple. So, do you continue to slay Jesus by ignoring His words (John 14:24), or do you live by them (John 14:23)?

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Luke 11:49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and [some] of them they shall slay and persecute:

Today, the prophets and apostles are slain by ignoring them, discrediting the Bible, automatically rejecting prophets beyond 100 A.D., etc. So, are you slaying the prophets and the apostles today by making excuses to live in disobedience, or do you believe what the prophets have written by obeying it?

Monday, June 23, 2025

Luke 11:48 Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.

By not condemning their fathers, grand-fathers, great-grandfathers but simply were building sepulchers showed approval of prior generation’s actions. This is no different than people today who do not come forward to stand on truth but make excuses of why their relatives in past generations condemned the truth. Our enlightenment to the truth should not be influenced by history, especially in wrong beliefs, yet many choose to stay in erroneous environments because that is where their parents raised them, their grand-parents attended, etc. So, do you symbolically erect sepulchers without condemning errors of past generations like throwing lots of money into the collection plate and staying in tradition, or do you see that you are responsible for stepping out in known truth today independent of past relatives’ beliefs?

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Luke 11:47 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.

It is especially worth condemning their actions since these same people did not accept John the Baptist and will, from their time frame, be partaking in crucifying Jesus. So, do you do as they did and throw blessings upon deceased prophets despite them not being accepted in their day while rejecting the current ones, or do you accept, through testing (Isaiah 8:20), modern day prophets?

Friday, June 20, 2025

Luke 11:46 And he said, Woe unto you also, [ye] lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.

Are you like the lawyers expecting a higher standard for everyone else but not for yourself by making excuses why you do not have to live according to those standards, or do you treat others at the same level of expectation in all matters?

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Luke 11:45 Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.

Basically, if the shoe fits, then wear it. And if the lawyers are just as guilty, then “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Now, do you need to repent of supporting ministers that are teaching only that which you like to hear and pretty much are spiritually dead, or have you been choosy on who you support and listen to?

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Luke 11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over [them] are not aware [of them].

The scribes and Pharisees were dead on the inside, which people on the outside did not recognize. The people were not aware of how spiritually dead they were. Oh, the scribes and Pharisees put on a good godly show, but inwardly, they were not godly. Just like the rebellious preachers of today. Most of them are false. How we know that is a fact is because truth is singular. We cannot have two people teaching different ideas on the same subject and both be true. Either one or the other or even both are in error. So, this notion that all denominations are truly Christian is of the devil. Jesus would say the same thing to today’s pastors. We are not to just be getting along, but according to John 17, we are to unify on truth. So, are you attending a church or having beliefs that are not completely biblical, or are you attending a church or having beliefs that are based upon “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), implying that there are wrong ways to interpret the Bible?

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Luke 11:43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

Does that describe your pastor, or is your pastor humble instead?

Monday, June 16, 2025

Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Tithing did not stop with Jesus. We are to do both the tithing and judgment with love. We are to leave neither undone. So, do you support true ministries with tithe, or do you have a bad taste about tithing, especially with all the multi-million dollar false preachers?

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Luke 11:41 But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

Jesus just removed all the pharisaical rules by declaring all things are clean. That did not mean porkchops, ham, lobster, etc., were made clean, but all the silly ceremonial way of washing objects before sitting down to eat was cancelled because God never gave such instructions. Eating “clean” foods made unclean because of the lack following the created rules is what Jesus cancelled. The Pharisees did it all for show. Now, do you do supposed Christian things for show, or do you have a “Thus saith the Lord!” for what you do?

Friday, June 13, 2025

Luke 11:40 [Ye] fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

Paul wrote, “[I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). So, the answer to Jesus’ question is, “Yes, God did make that which is without as well that which is within.” So, are you blameless without and within, “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and “keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection” (1 Corinthians 9:27), or do you just say you are saved and simply do and think as you please?

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Luke 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

Does your Christianity show only on the outside or does it reside inside and shine outside?

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Luke 11:38 And when the Pharisee saw [it], he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.

As we will see in subsequent verses, we are not talking about the washing of dirty hands and feet. Jesus did not follow the extra ceremonial practices that the Pharisees enacted and were never part of God’s requirements. Many Christians dismiss obedience in other matters that God requires because today’s Christians quote pharisaical rules. For instance, many Christians do not keep the Sabbath, as stated in the Ten Commandments, because a pharisaical rule states that you cannot walk more than 200 feet from your home on the Sabbath. What nonsense! So, are you careful about the practices you participate in if they are biblical or not?

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Luke 11:37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.

Not every invitation should be taken up by us. Evidently, this Pharisee was interested in talking with Jesus. If we are invited to gather with someone and have no opportunity to speak, we ought to question our purpose of being there, and if it is not of God, we ought to turn it down, but by all means, when we are able to speak, pray for the Holy Spirit to put God’s Word into the mouth. So, are you careful of who you gather with seeking the opportunity to share the gospel, or do you just go to gratify yourself, participate in the atmosphere, etc.?

Monday, June 9, 2025

Luke 11:36 If thy whole body therefore [be] full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

Are you so full of light that your character shines brightly as a true Christian, or does carelessness, sin, any amount of darkness excused in your life that makes you a dull Christian instead?

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Luke 11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

Is the knowledge you have of the world results in sharing darkness, or have you protected yourself as best as you can from the influence from outside forces while filling your self with the knowledge that is of God resulting in being a light to the world?

Friday, June 6, 2025

Luke 11:34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when [thine eye] is evil, thy body also [is] full of darkness.

Is your eye single focused upon doing that which is right and only allowing exposure to that which is right before God as best as you can control, or are you allowing Satan to offer various distractions to attract the eye leading into temptations and eventually sinning, which is darkness?

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth [it] in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

The world may say that religion is a private matter, but is your experience with Jesus private that no one else knows or do you allow it to be public in the way you live your life?

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Luke 11:32 The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here.

As stated a couple days ago, the story is not so much about the sign of Jonah being in the belly of the sea creature, though it is part of the sign, but more importantly, it is a matter of the proper reaction to the calling out of sin and the future punishment that ought to be avoided. The proper response is that all of Ninevah repented! In Jesus’ day, only a few repented, hence why Ninevah can condemn that day’s attitude. In our day, only a few repent as well as Christians continue in their old lifestyle thinking they are saved when they are not because of the lack of repentance. So, have you repented of your sins, or do you make excuses to not be so serious about complete obedience to God, even dismissing the Ten Commandments?

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Luke 11:31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here.

People today, with the fast modes of transportation, including the internet, are not willing to give God serious time to see Who He really is. This woman traveled a great distance in one of the slowest modes of transportation and was recognized for her efforts to visit Solomon. Now, does her actions condemn you in your laziness, or does it encourage you as you continue to seek after God?

Monday, June 2, 2025

Luke 11:30 For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.

Matthew focused upon the three days and three nights he spent in the belly of the sea creature (Matthew 12:40), but also added what Luke is bringing out here in more detail. As Jonas or Jonah preached in Ninevah, “they repented at the preaching of Jonas” (Matthew 12:41). So, have you repented, been sorry for your sins, and changed your ways, or are you one of those Christians on the broad road of destruction (Matthew 7:13) excusing all kinds of worldly living and still think you are saved?

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Luke 11:29 And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.

Do you accept this sign of Jesus compared to Jonah’s three days and three nights in the sea creature’s stomach, or are you looking for other signs to solidify acceptance of Jesus as the Son of God as it is no longer faith but signs you are chasing?

Friday, May 30, 2025

Luke 11:27-28 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed [is] the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Even Jesus did not want Mary worship to take place. He corrected the woman by telling her that it is better to hear or obey the Word of God and keep it as opposed to attributing any special status to His mother. We appreciate what Mary went through to bring Jesus into the world and the grief at the cross along with knowing that He was the Son of God and each day wondering what that truly meant, but in the end, she was a human. Be saving is through Jesus Christ and as a result, we read, study, and hear the Word of God along with keeping it. So, do you worship Mary or the Word of God?

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Luke 11:26 Then goeth he, and taketh [to him] seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first.

If we simply allow our minds to become blank instead of dwelling upon heavenly things, we make ourselves subject to demon possession. This is the danger of many meditation techniques for it is the avenue used by demons. So, do you fill you mind with Bible texts, hymns, thoughts of heavenly things, etc., or do you allow your mind to be clear of all things making it easy for demons to enter in?

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Luke 11:25 And when he cometh, he findeth [it] swept and garnished.

When a person has their demons cast out and become born again, they may look like a Christian and may even act like a Christian being all trimmed and proper, but there is more to Christianity than mere looks and acts. So, do you go through the Christian motions of acting as a Christian, or are you really a Christian through and through?

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Luke 11:24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.

Just because demons have been cast out of our lives, which is what happens when we are born again, does not mean they will not return. And for those that do not think they ever had demons, just consider who led you to ignore God, live in sin, and refused anything religious while you were in the world. Now, the way the demons return is by open avenues to our hearts, which the Bible refers to as lusts (1 Peter 1:14), and that does not refer to sexual situations alone. So, have you barricaded those avenues though Jesus Christ (Titus 2:12), or are they still wide open for any being to travel along?

Monday, May 26, 2025

Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

So, are wholly committed to Jesus and participating in the gathering process, or are you only partially with Jesus, which is actually to be against Jesus and are scattering?

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Luke 11:21-22 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

Satan indeed is a strong being and well armed while us humans are held captive as his spoils. However, one stronger than the devil has come and has taken the spoils, but sadly, not all Christians believe that Jesus is the stronger man. They think that they shall sin forever, and that is just not true for “the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). It is said of Jesus, “he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). To live with sins is not to be saved from sins. Only freedom from sinning shall we experience true liberty. So, do you think Jesus is the strong man and “is able to keep you from falling” (Jude 1:24), or do you think the devil is stronger and will keep you sinning all the way to the second coming?

Friday, May 23, 2025

Luke 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

So, if you “try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1) or not of God and you find out that they are of God, do you submit to the call back to God’s Word, or do you make an excuse of why the Bible does not apply to us in these modern days?

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Luke 11:19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast [them] out? therefore shall they be your judges.

If the false prophets are casting out devils by the power of the devil and are accusing the true preachers of doing the same thing by the power of the devil, then to reveal the true from the false, it comes down to where people are being led. “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). Are you being led to rely upon the Word of God or away from the Word of God?

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.

That is just it. Satan’s kingdom will not stand. In fact, “Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee” (Ezekiel 28:18). So, do you believe as the Bible states that Satan will come to an end one day, or do you really think we have gone through all this death and destruction on earth for Satan to be reinstated back into his old position?

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house [divided] against a house falleth.

Satan uses that to his advantage. He will cause unnecessary division in churches, families, and between friends, but are you able to see through his plans and bring others to the attention of what Satan is doing?

Monday, May 19, 2025

Luke 11:16 And others, tempting [him], sought of him a sign from heaven.

Do you need a sign before you believe that Jesus is truly the Son of God? That would be tempting Jesus, and that is not good.

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Luke 11:14-15 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.

There are always people quick to dismiss the activities of Jesus. Today, most try to explain miracles by scientific occurrences. They say, Moses and the Israelites were able to cross the Red Sea because the tide was out. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by a volcano erupting nearby. The day being dark while Jesus hung on the cross is explained away by a solar eclipse. And many more excuses are used by people instead of just taking the biblical account at face value forgetting if any writer exaggerated the telling of an event, that breaks the commandment against false witnessing. Writers of the Bible promote obedience to the commandments and would not stoop to breaking one of them, even in the slightest. So, are you one to cast aside miracles for scientific explanations or even attributing them to the devil, or do you believe in the miracles of the Bible?

Friday, May 16, 2025

Luke 11:11-13 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if [he ask] a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Asking the Father for the Holy Spirit is not to the ignorance of God’s Word. It is also not for fun and games either. The Holy Spirit is to guide us all to believe the same thing for “the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). And, we all shall conform our lives to being godly because “he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). So, do you really know what you asking for when you ask the Father for the Holy Spirit?

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Luke 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

So, do you ask earnestly of God? Seek with all your heart? And knock as if your life depended upon it?

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

So, do you ask of God and do so more than once, if need be, or do you just figure since God knows your needs that you will not mention anything to Him? Do you seek as in earnestly seek or is it more like a glance? Do you knock that all inside can hear you or is it just soft tapping? This is the difference between answered prayer and non-answered prayer.

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Luke 11:5-8 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

The focus is not on all the details but why the request is being satisfied. It is because of the importunity, the persistence, without shame that made the impression. Very similarly, we ought to press our requests to God with such importunity. Many Christians send up a prayer asking God for something without earnestness, without feeling, but full of expectancy that it will be fulfilled by asking just once for it. It is sort of a randomness in answered prayer or even an indifference in the request to begin with. And if it does not get answered, they give up figuring it is not important to God. So, what level of effort do you offer your requests to God?

Monday, May 12, 2025

Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Mattew’s recording states, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12), which in putting Luke and Matthew together, produces the understanding that we are forgiven of our sins as we forgive others. And God does not lead us into temptation but rather, “with the temptation also make a way to escape” (1 Corinthians 10:13). In other words, we enter into temptation and asking God to lead us away from it as it is the opposite of “not into temptation”. The longer we stick around to be tempted and not take the escape weakens our ability to resist. Therefore, asking God for deliverance over whatever is holding us captive in the temptation is a wise act. Now, are you cooperating with God by forgiving others of their sins done to you, taking the escape that God provides, and seeking the deliverance instead of the tolerance of evil?

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Luke 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

That is not intended for us to be asking God for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but an invitation that we enter into the Word of God on a daily basis and that provision would be made for it. In other words, “God, please do not let all the demands of the day encroach upon our time!” Satan has access to us from the time we get up until we go to sleep. With barely any significant time with God, especially in His Word, we become Satan’s play thing, and despite all the church going, we shall be lost. Fruit of salvation is wanting to spend time with God every day, so are you doing that?

Friday, May 9, 2025

Luke 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

Remember, Jesus said, “behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). So, are you praying that God’s will be done in you, or do you think this request is about His general will over all the earth be done and ignore personally conforming to His way?

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

Have you learned from Jesus in general sense of how to pray as opposed to being told exactly what to say in prayer, which He did not do though many take it that way? Jesus said, “when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking” (Matthew 6:7).

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

When you are going about doing all kinds of good deeds, doing those things that you need to do to make it through this life, and meeting other demands that have been placed upon you, have you stopped and chosen the ultimate good part of being with Jesus through is Word each day, or are you just too busy to do that?

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things

So, do you take care of so many things that you do not have ample time with Jesus every day?

Monday, May 5, 2025

Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

Satan is willing to keep us busy doing good works as long as we are not able to take in the full word of God. Many of those at a church that help in various positions miss out on hearing the message. Many a person help others in need and miss church entirely. Many are so busy that they do not have time for God’s Word each day. There is nothing sinful in what they are doing but Satan is indeed happy because his goal has been achieved to keep Christians uninformed. So, just how busy are you? Are you too busy to have time with God?

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

Are you like Mary sitting in submission to Jesus’ Word, or do you make excuses to not follow His Word?

Friday, May 2, 2025

Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

Martha means “she was rebellious”, just like all of us because “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) but the key word is the word “was”, which is past tense. Now, does that describe you in which you have ceased being rebellious, which is to have ceased from living in sin by the grace of God, or do you justify your continuing rebellion claiming you are saved?

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

It looks like they gave Jesus an answer but in the answer is the question, why did they not say the easy answer of “Samaritan”. That is because of prejudice. Prejudice, a result of pride, is very poisonous to the soul. And God’s attitude towards pride is that “pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate” (Proverbs 8:13). We are referring to the prejudice that leads to shunning other people or treating them differently and not a preference in foods or activities. So, have you surrendered all your prejudices, or will you let prejudice keep you out of Heaven?

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Luke 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

It sounds like a simple question that should receive a simple answer, but it will not have a simple answer (revealed in the next verse). Likewise, many who are faced with a clear text from the Bible that contradicts their beliefs will provide so complex of an answer that requires Greek and Hebrew understanding, a degree or two, and much more. In other words, many twist the scriptures to justify their beliefs when it is so plain. So, when you see a verse in the Bible contradicting your beliefs, do you search the scriptures to compare with others, or do you provide some theological reasoning without referencing the Bible?

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Luke 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave [them] to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

We do not know if the innkeeper requested more funds or not, but the point is in the generosity and willingness to spend whatever is necessary on the soul. Today, many Christians give very little to the church and outreach programs. Hunting for souls is one of the most expensive tasks there is in this world. Those who invest in worldly projects expect some type of greater return in the end, but when it comes to soulwinning, the return is not realized until we all get to Heaven. Even church attendance by some interested souls does not reflect the true return as many are actually not committed Christians. So, are you willing to give two pence or more to soulwinning instead of adding to your lifestyle, especially of that which is not necessary to be added unto?

Monday, April 28, 2025

Luke 10:34 And went to [him], and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Now, symbolically we are to go to the people in need. Find a way to cause the wounds of sinning to be bound up by leading them from sin. The Holy Spirit (oil) and doctrine (wine) ought to guide the soul on the right path the leads to, not an inn, but to God’s church, not with walls and a roof of course. So, do you take care of your neighbors this way, or do you not care about their self-destruction and probable loss of their soul?

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion [on him],

Today, that Samaritan would be someone who does not worship the true God though they claim to be doing so and even claim to be a Christian, as the Samaritans thought they were part of the children of God. Compassion expressed goes beyond formalism of doctrine and creed. It is the exercise of doctrine and creed in real life. So, in the church or outside the church, do you practice compassion?

Friday, April 25, 2025

Luke 10:32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked [on him], and passed by on the other side.

Do ministers in your church actually help those in need, or are they too distracted in their sermonizing?

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Luke 10:31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

Do the officials in your church actually help those in need, or are they too distracted in their “office” work?

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain [man] went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded [him], and departed, leaving [him] half dead.

Spiritually speaking, Jerusalem is where God resides, as in the temple was there. Jericho, on the other hand, was anything but godly. Therefore, we can say the action shows a turning away from the godly to the ungodly, though this was physically just a simple journey back home after a feast day celebration or business being conducted in Jerusalem. Keep in mind, these things are not recorded in the Bible as mere facts or many other facts would be recorded then? But focusing upon the spiritual application once again, is there anything in this world (Jericho) that is distracting you from wholly being committed to God (Jerusalem), or do you live in complete obedience to God in all that you “eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do” (1 Corinthians 10:31)?

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Luke 10:29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

Are you asking yourself who you should help when they are in honest need, to share the gospel with, etc., or do you know who your neighbor is?

Monday, April 21, 2025

Luke 10:28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

After the lawyer asked, “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25), Jesus pointed him to “the law” (Luke 10:26). After stating the two commandments (Luke 10:27) that summarize the Ten Commandments, Jesus said, “this do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:28), which means if we do not do, we shall not live. That does not mean we earn salvation, but salvation is not for the careless and disobedient (Romans 2:13). Jesus did not come to establish sinners in their sins but to have them “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Upon being forgiven freely of all the times a person has broken the commandments; we then go forward living the commandments in His strength (Jude 24). As you see, there is no earning but rather a changed life after being saved. So, do you “do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22), or have you “become a transgressor of the law” (James 2:11)?

Sunday, April 20, 2025

Luke 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

And here, many Christians say, “See, this is where God’s Ten Commandments have been done away with and Jesus instituted just these two commandments!” So, us sinful human beings know how to Love God and love our neighbor? Being kind does not cut it. People are kind all the time to get their way. In other words, we need instruction of how to love God and how to love our neighbor. And you know what? Those instructions are the Ten Commandments. The first four identifies how to love God, and the last six tells us how to love our neighbor. No wonder Matthew 22:40 states, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” So, are you keeping the commandments loving God and your neighbor, or are you ignoring the law and blindly making up your own rules, usually based upon feelings, to guide you in loving God and your neighbors, despite each personal set of rules is different from another person’s set of rules?

Friday, April 18, 2025

Luke 10:26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

Jesus was asked, in verse 25, “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus pointed the lawyer to the law, as in, the Ten Commandments. Christians who do not want to keep the law try to point that Jesus was answering a Jew but to Gentiles, it would have been a different answer. Nonsense! Disobedience is disobedience. The law is the rule of Heaven and not an experiment here on earth. Lucifer started the disobedience in Heaven, continued it here on earth when Adam and Eve sinned, and now Christianity promotes disobedience. Paul makes it clear by stating, “For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:13). Justification applies for when we have broken the law and not to encourage the continued breaking of the law. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2). So, are you part of the problem claiming that Old Testament people were saved by the law but today you are saved by grace allowing you to break the law, or do you do as Jesus said and obey the law and ask for grace where you broke it?

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Luke 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Jesus is being asked this question not for Jews only but for all of us, for “the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world” (1 John 4:14). So, do you believe God has a standard for the world, Jew and gentile alike (Galatians 3:28-29), or do you believe God has one standard for the Jews, which is harder to live up to as compared to the Gentiles, and one standard for the rest of us, which is much easier?

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Luke 10:24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard [them].

The same is true about end time events. Many have desired to see the final events of this earth’s history and have died with the hope not being fulfilled in their day. Now, in our day, do you live with the possibility that these truly may be the final days and appreciate them making good use of the time for God, or are you just living to survive not caring about the timing of things?

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Luke 10:23 And he turned him unto [his] disciples, and said privately, Blessed [are] the eyes which see the things that ye see

Even with simple Bible study where you can see how the pieces fit together while others cannot, do you feel blessed for what you have seen, or do you not bother with such things and just go about your daily routine?

Monday, April 14, 2025

Luke 10:22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and [he] to whom the Son will reveal [him].

Has it been revealed to you who the Father and the Son are, or do you make them up as you go through life?

Sunday, April 13, 2025

Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

To be wise and prudent is not a sin nor an issue with Jesus, though it looked like it. Since the babes are complimented, the reference to being wise and prudent must refer to being “wise in thine own eyes” (Proverbs 3:7), which is not good. So, are you wise in God’s ways, which is proper, being even babes in learning?

Friday, April 11, 2025

Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

We ought not rejoice over what God is accomplishing through us, especially since many times people begin to focus upon that and, in one form or another, start taking credit unto themselves. Oh, it is a sly way of it happening. God may grant someone the gift of tongues and people turn around and condemn to hell those “supposed Christians” who cannot speak in tongues. That is one danger. Put the focus upon the relationship instead. Rejoice that your name is written in the Book of Life, which is in Heaven. So, do you attribute godly manifestations to human beings or, despite the manifestation, do evaluate the godly relationship? You know, Satan can work false miracles too.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

But most Christians do not think they have the power to stop sinning, yet we are to have all the power we need to fight off Satan. That sounds contradictory. So, do you believe the Bible and Jesus lies and you cannot stop sinning, or do you believe you can indeed overcome every known sin?

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

This establishes the existence of Jesus before He was born of Mary; however, many Christians do not see it that way. They see it as God the Father always existed, then Jesus was born and lived those years softening up the mean God of the Old Testament, and now the Holy Spirit is in charge causing many Christians to speak in unknown tongues. So, do you believe Jesus to be “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), or do you believe Jesus to either be all human or only came on the scene for those three decades of life two-thousand years ago?

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

Today, Jesus sends more than seventy out to evangelize. In fact, every Christian is on instant call to represent and present the gospel. Now, do you experience the Joy in winning souls, or do you leave everyone to themselves despite knowing most will end up in hell without warning and you remained silent allowing them to perish?

Monday, April 7, 2025

Luke 10:16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

When you try to share the gospel with someone and they reject it, do you take it personally, or do you realize they are despising Jesus? If they do hear what you are sharing, do you take credit to yourself of how good a job you are doing, or do you recognize that they are actually hearing Jesus and Jesus is using you as a humble instrument to reach that soul?

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Luke 10:14-15 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.

The theme of things being more tolerable in the judgment for unbelievers than for believers continues. That is because “If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider [it]? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth [not] he know [it]? and shall [not] he render to [every] man according to his works?” (Proverbs 24:12). In the New Testament, it is said, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30). God does not hold people accountable for the sins that they do not know they are committing, but those that are aware and refuse to repent, they will be thrust to hell. So, are you a Christians that is carelessly sinning going on the notion that all you have to do is believe, or do you recognize the call, even by Jesus, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17)? [By the way, repent means to cease from your sins.]

Friday, April 4, 2025

Luke 10:13 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

Again, worldly people will be lost but will not suffer the punishment of hell as much as those who profess to be God’s people, knowing better, and not repenting despite the evidence given. Many Christians justify their use of alcohol by finding a verse that they want to fit their allowance while not taking into consideration other verses that are clearer in the condemnation. They will quote the water to wine miracle (John 2:1-11) forgetting that the word “wine” in the Bible can also, and many times does, refer to grape juice (Isaiah 65:8). That means that worldly lost soul drinking will suffer less than the Christian justifying their allowance despite the Bible evidence to the contrary. So, is there something you know is actually condemned in the Bible but are justifying it somehow, or have you repented of all of your sins by the grace of God?

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Luke 10:12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

It is one thing for people to live in sin, like those of Sodom, but for professed religious people, in the nation of Israel, to reject the saving message is another thing. In other words, it is more tolerable in the day of judgment for a drug dealer than a Christian who rejects more light, even specific light. So, do you really think generic Christianity is sufficient for salvation, or do you sense that there is more to Christianity that causes a different lifestyle as compared to the ways of the world?

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Luke 10:10-11 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

And so, this ecumenical activity, get along-ism between religions, that is going on is not what Jesus would support. Christianity in many parts of the world ends in burning down buildings and cutting people’s heads off, and yet, we see their groups participating in the ecumenical activities eating at the same table. Obviously, hating back is not of Jesus either, but certainly, gathering around and claiming to worship the same God must be brought into question. Now, do you follow the orders of Jesus or men, despite their “holy” appearance?

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Luke 10:9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Jesus said, “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). That is quite close. It is a heart conversion thing. So, how nigh or close is the Kingdom of God to you?

Monday, March 31, 2025

Luke 10:8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

Certain animals are declared as being unclean not based upon spiritual application but physical construct. They are garbage disposals and people get sick a whole lot more off of eating these creatures. Those that insist on declaring that unclean meats are permitted as part of a person’s diet use this verse as the allowance forgetting that the homes these people went into were Jewish homes and not pagan homes (Matthew 10:5). The meat would already be considered clean. So, do you see that people who want to eat their bacon using this command of eating whatever is set before you as a stretch of the facts, even are in error in the use of scriptures, or do you really think something physically changed on unclean animals when Jesus gave this command?

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Luke 10:7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

What laboring minister is worthy of your support? If you say that there are none, then Jesus lied: “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). If you say any minister in “my denomination”, then the Bible lied: “there shall be false teachers among you” (2 Peter 2:1). So, are you choosey who you support financially?

Friday, March 28, 2025

Luke 10:6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

It is not a matter of what is said as it is the use of other senses, picking up on the demeaner, tone, etc. The Holy Spirit helps people with that discernment (1 Corinthians 12:10). Now keep in mind, a gift is something the Holy Spirit grants and not something we call upon ourselves. If we do not need it for God’s glory, we shall not receive it. So, do you understand spiritual gifts and how they are administered, or do you believe in simply asking and getting right away?

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house.

Starting off on a positive note, despite suspicion, is always a good beginning. Others wait until they prove themselves before saying something positive. So, do practice hopefulness by starting things off positively, or do you hold back?

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Luke 10:4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

This is total reliance upon generosity with urgency, so much so that there is no time to stop and chat with people along the travels. So, how are you in relying upon the generosity of others to survive, or do you try to make provision for every aspect of your life to the point you have to be in control of all matters?

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Luke 10:3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

If you are not feeling that you could be attacked based upon the stances you take coming from just about every direction you try to live, then have you considered if you are actually are a Christian or just claiming to be a Christian?

Monday, March 24, 2025

Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly [is] great, but the labourers [are] few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Proclaiming the correct gospel as opposed to the many false ones (2 Corinthians 11:4) is an overwhelming task. Every true Christian is being called to service. So, are you answering the call?

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Luke 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

Jesus is coming to this entire planet soon, so are you helping to prepare others to be ready for Jesus?

Friday, March 21, 2025

Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

So, are you looking back on anything fondly and missing it, or are you fully committed to living and serving God?

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Luke 9:61-62 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Again, this is not a simple informative meeting with the family about the plans to follow Jesus. This would be a time-consuming process as the good-bye process was a lengthy ordeal, but the gospel cannot wait. Every second, people are dying without the gospel. So, do you sense the weight and importance of the gospel message, or do you think it is just a social club and are indifferent if people are invited or not?

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Luke 9:59-60 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Jesus is not being insensitive. Basically, the man is taking care of his father and wants to wait until his father passes away and enters the grave before following Jesus, and who knows how long that will be. So, is there anyone in your life that is preventing you from being actively involved in spreading the gospel?

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Luke 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay [his] head.

Most ministers and pastors today have multiple cars, mansions, servants, and much more. Even the pope is decked out and cared for while sitting on great wealth. So, do you really believe in the wealth gospel, or do you see that the wealth gospel is nothing but greed while cloaked in the garb of Christianity?

Monday, March 17, 2025

Luke 9:57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain [man] said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

To really follow Jesus, He said, “If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Are you willing to do that?

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Luke 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save [them]. And they went to another village.

If you think you are beyond saving, think again! Jesus is doing everything to save you. Will you cooperate with Him?

Friday, March 14, 2025

Luke 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

Anyone looking down, or rolling their eyes, or do not care that souls are lost, Jesus would say the same thing. So, do you know what spirit you are of?

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Luke 9:54 And when his disciples James and John saw [this], they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

We may not want to command fire to come down on anyone, but many have an attitude towards sinful people of “They deserve what they are going to get” instead of sympathizing and looking for a way to help them out of their sins. That is called, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 19:19). Those that refuse the help are so deceived and reveal how much more help they really need. So, do you condemn other sinners forgetting that at some point before becoming Christian that you were in a similar situation, or do you have sympathy upon blatant sinners realizing that the same Jesus Who forgave you is willing to forgive them if they repent too?

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Luke 9:53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

Prejudice comes in many forms over many different issues beyond nationality and beyond skin color. It can be over height, weight, job class, car ownership, house size, etc. So, are all of your prejudices surrendered to Jesus, or are you holding on to a few others that were not even mentioned?

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Luke 9:52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

Now, are you personally making ready for Jesus’ arrival at His second coming and even being willing to help others to be made ready as well as God directs in your life?

Monday, March 10, 2025

Luke 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

Jesus had a mission to accomplish and it required going to Jerusalem despite knowing the unpleasant process that was before Him. Now, Daniel had that same determination along with his friends (Daniel 1:8). There were others too, but we mention this to reveal that human beings also have a God given mission. So, how determined are you in carrying out your mission? Have you even discovered it?

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Luke 9:49-50 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid [him] not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Individual relationship with Jesus is acceptable. Maybe the person could not be traveling with Jesus but had local responsibilities so he could not commit to being part of the group. We do not know. Just because a person is not part of the official group does not mean they are not part of Jesus. This in nowise allows false doctrines to be preached, so this being used to justify the thousands of Christian denominations or even the acceptance of other religions is taking this incident too far. So, do you have a proper relationship with Jesus through His teachings as contained in the Word of God?

Friday, March 7, 2025

Luke 9:48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

So, do you consider yourself least, which is to be humble, or are you striving to look like a great Christian by appearance?

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Luke 9:47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

Why a child? That is because there is a principle – “a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6). Sometimes, teaching through children reaches adults. So, how many lessons have you learned through the use of children?

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Luke 9:46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.

Trying to reason who will be the greatest in the Kingdom of God is a sure way to end up not being in the kingdom. So, do you see how unimportant and futile this subject and even the subject of who will be making up the hundred and forty-four thousand (Revelation 7:4) happens to be?

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Luke 9:45 But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

It is a shame that they did not ask Jesus what it meant instead of giving into their fears. They say that the only dumb question is the one that a person does not ask. This could have saved them much fear later if they would have asked. Now, are you afraid to ask questions while choosing to stay in ignorance, or do you search the scriptures for understanding?

Monday, March 3, 2025

Luke 9:44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

Now, we know that those words did not sink down into their ears or they would not have been scattered when Jesus was taken, denying by Peter, misunderstanding by all of them, and even being afraid that they were next as they huddled in the upper room after the crucifixion. But for us, do the all of the words of Jesus sink down into your ears never to be forgotten, or do you ignore Jesus’ words by saying, “That’s not what Jesus meant”?

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Luke 9:43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

Are you amazed by the mighty power of God, or do you dismiss God’s power with “so called” scientific reasons?

Friday, February 28, 2025

Luke 9:42 And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare [him]. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

Since Jesus can cast out such a demon from this child, how much more can Jesus cast away sins and addictions that may be lingering in your life?

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Luke 9:41 And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

Today, we are very much in a perverse generation where perverseness is protected by law and godliness can land a person in jail. The question though is, do you have “the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12), or are you also faithless?

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Luke 9:40 And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.

Not every minister can work miracles. If certain conditions are not met, especially harboring a serious case of selfishness and ego, God will not work with such people to the fullest extent possible. And besides that, God does not always work miracles even at the hands of a very righteous person as there are a lot of factors to consider from the eyes of God. So, do you expect ministers to provide instant results all the time, or are you seeing the bigger picture from God’s perspective?

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Luke 9:39 And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.

This is the end result of what Satan and his demons are after – destruction. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10), yet so many play on Satan’s turf by participating in sin, no matter how small they think it is. We may not sense the demon possession because it is not as bad as involuntarily crying out and foaming at the mouth, but it still is possession in the form of lashing out at others, wasting money in the habit, etc. So, have you forsaken all of Satan’s avenues for possession, or do you make excuses for little sins that are really addictions, which is possession?

Monday, February 24, 2025

Luke 9:38 And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

When a child is even only sick, not to the extreme of being possessed of a demon, though this child was, do you just look to human solutions or do you take the child in prayer to Jesus also?

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Luke 9:37 And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.

Symbolically, mount Zion is a hill that refers to God’s Kingdom (Psalms 134:3). So, Jesus has come down from the spiritual hill, Heaven, to this earth and, among many other things, provided us with His Word. Now, have you met the Jesus of the Bible, or do you make up your own Jesus, maybe even just ignore Him?

Friday, February 21, 2025

Luke 9:36 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept [it] close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

With that tremendous experience (transfiguration), would you be able to keep your mouth shut as Jesus requested (Matthew 17:9)?

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Luke 9:35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

Today, we have the words of Jesus in the Bible of which not many people, including Christians, are into reading, let alone, studying. Now, are you personally hearing Him or ignoring Him?

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Luke 9:34 While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

This was no ordinary cloud as Jesus said, “But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:27). They were experiencing God’s Kingdom. Now, are you looking forward to experiencing it yourself when Jesus comes again, or are you too distracted with what the world has to offer instead?

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Luke 9:33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

Ever just blurt something out and afterwards, realize that you had no clue about what you were talking about? “Why did you even say that?”, may come to mind. Well, Peter did the same thing, in fact, we all have been there at one time or another. Now, do you still beat yourself up over having said that, or have you let it go realizing that everyone does do such things from time to time?

Monday, February 17, 2025

Luke 9:32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

And this fulfills the prophecy regarding that some would see Jesus in His kingdom (Luke 9:27) because when we see Jesus next, it will be Him in His glory and how He will look in His kingdom throughout eternity. Now, are you asleep to what is happening around us regarding final events and are unprepared to meet Jesus, or are you seeing prophecies being revealed even now?

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Luke 9:31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

So, Jesus appears in glory with Moses and Elijah and speaks of dying in Jerusalem. This is not the only time Jesus mentioned this subject, yet the disciples were still surprised and unprepared when it happened. Jesus also said many things about being prepared for the second coming including, “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is” (Mark 13:33). Usually when Jesus mentioned these two words of “watch” and “pray” together, it also incorporated “that ye enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). That should tell us that only “he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22), and that we are not eternally saved right now just because we claim to be a Christian. So, are you watching and praying that you will not “depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1), or are you carelessly entering into the last days thinking you are already saved?

Friday, February 14, 2025

Luke 9:30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias.

People see the physical appearance of Moses and Elijah, and for those that have a biblical understanding that when a person dies they await for the grand change (1 Corinthians 15:52), as Job stated, “If a man die, shall he live [again]? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come” (Job 14:14). So, how is it that these two seem to be in Heaven already. It is because God made a few exceptions. God took Elijah up by “a chariot of fire” (2 Kings 2:11) and personally resurrected Moses (Jude 1:9) along with Enoch simply being taken (Genesis 5:24). Oh, and let us not forget about the mini resurrection at Jesus’ resurrection (Matthew 27:52). So, do you see the consistency of the Bible in which “the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten” (Ecclesiastes 9:5) while explaining how there can be exceptions, or do you just put everyone in Heaven already negating the purpose of the grand resurrection at the second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)?

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Luke 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment [was] white [and] glistering.

This is what Jesus shall look like in the Kingdom of God (verse 27). Are you looking forward to the time where our eyes will be able to behold such glistering?

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Luke 9:28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

Never do we see Jesus go down into a valley or into a cave to pray. It is always going up into a mountain, if He is going anywhere. There is a significance with going up into a mountain being the act of getting closer to God. Though we may not live near any mountains, do you still look for opportunity each day to get closer to God and escape the cares of this world for a moment to be strengthened by Him, or do you just tackle one task after another on your own just to get through the day?

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Luke 9:27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

That does not mean they would be alive at the second coming, but Jesus was pointing to the transfiguration experience coming up in the next few verses. Now, in regards to the second coming, there will be a hundred and forty-four thousand that will also not taste of death (Revelation 14:1-6). Are you preparing and hoping to be part of that group?

Monday, February 10, 2025

Luke 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and [in his] Father's, and of the holy angels.

There are Christians willing to die for their faith, but there are others who, when life is threatened in one form or another, are willing to even deny being a Christian. None of us know for sure which side we are on until faced with such threats, but every compromise of the way of God today leads a person to be on the side of denial. “I know what the Bible says, but…”. So, are you in the path leading to denial, or are you as firm as the three Hebrew boys that were thrown into the furnace of fire in the days of Daniel, who also refused to eat from the king’s table?

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Luke 9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

Whatever you are chasing be it fame, great employment position, or something else that you are very focused upon, are you so focused upon achieving it that you do not have time for God or godly principles, or are you firm like Daniel and Joseph who also moved up in the ranks but did not compromise their time with God or with godly principles?

Friday, February 7, 2025

Luke 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Are you trying to save your reputation or make it in this world at any cost, or are eternal things more important than surviving here?

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Luke 9:23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

And to all the people that say, “Christianity is just about believing”, then what do you do with that verse? Do you just dismiss it? “if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). That means all of our sinful ways and worldly practices cease. If we do not, we are not of Christ. Further, to be a true Christian, when temptation to go back into a sinful practice or a worldly practice, it is to be resisted. If we regularly are giving in to temptation, then we are not a Christian – we are selfish. Finally, to follow Jesus means “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). If we are not becoming Christ-like, we are not a Christian. This is not a matter of working our way to Heaven but, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). So, are you a real Christian forsaking worldliness and sin, which are two separate things, along with denying temptation, and are actually becoming Christ-like, Christ-ian?

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Luke 9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

What Jesus went through is a precursor to what many in the last generation will be facing. And please notice that the enemy was not the Romans or any other pagan nation. It was within, not only the nation of Israel, but in the religious community. Basically, it was from His own church. Jesus prophesied, “They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service” (John 16:2). So, do you blindly go along with church teachings, or do you challenge that which is not biblical?

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Luke 9:21 And he straitly charged them, and commanded [them] to tell no man that thing;

[My apologies but some how 10 days ago I switched from Luke chapter 9 to 21. Now we are back on track.] To refresh the memory, Peter had answered Jesus’ question about who He was with the words, “The Christ of God” (Luke 9:20). Sometimes, not all of the truth has to be revealed all at once. Sometimes, certain truths of the gospel ought not to be shared. There is a need to know the basics before hitting people with stronger content. So, are you careful in sharing the gospel, or do you just blurt it all out and let the chips fall where they may? That assumes that you share the gospel at all.

Monday, February 3, 2025

Luke 21:29-30 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.

If you can tell when summer is close, by the blooming trees in spring, though we do not know the date of Jesus’ return or even a ballpark time, we ought to sense that it is close. Do you sense that, or do you think Jesus will not return for a hundred or more years from now?

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

So, are you looking up, being excited about Jesus’ soon return, or do you think it is not for a long, long time from now?

Friday, January 31, 2025

Luke 21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

It is assumed that the events listed in Luke 21:25-26 happen inside a short period of time as opposed to simply referring to a list of events that must happen and once they are accomplished, then Jesus could return any time. In fact, all of the events have already happened or are happening and even repeating. In reality, just using those verses, we can expect Jesus any day now, except, in reading other Bible verses, there are more events to take place, like Revelation 13 with the image of the beast and the Mark of the Beast along with Revelation 7 regarding the Seal of God. So, are you one that automatically assumes the prophecies of Luke 21:25-27 must happen within a few weeks to a few months, or do you see it more as a list of events that will transpire before Jesus returns but it could be over a period of years or a time frame known as the “last generation” (Luke 21:32), which can be several decades?

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Luke 21: Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

This is why Jesus advised us, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:34). So, do you allow the news to stress you out regarding disastrous things coming, or is your trust in God taking each day one at a time and letting Him work things out?

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

Certainly, history has revealed these significant events and some more often than others. It seems the nations of the world are in constant distress, perplexities that governments cannot resolve or are involved in contributing to them, problems in the seas are frequent, and so on. The bottom line is that every day we should make sure we are ready to meet Jesus at His coming. Are you ready?

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

For the prophetic application of this verse, Jerusalem represents God’s people sealed with the Seal of God (Revelation 7:3). The Gentiles are all those that are not God’s people who have accepted the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:17). There is a finite time that those with the Mark of the Beast will appear to have the upper hand (Revelation 13:15), but in the end, those with the Seal of God will survive (Revelation 16:12-16). So, will you not worry so much about what the Mark of the Beast is but make sure you have the Seal of God, which will guarantee you do not receive the Mark while avoidance is no guaranteed to be sealed?

Monday, January 27, 2025

Luke 21:23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

It is hard to believe that people would be driven to eat each other, especially their own children, babies especially, but that is what happened in Jerusalem around 70 A.D. History tends to repeat itself, so are you prepared to starve to death, if need be, or will you too think of ways to justify eating human flesh?

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Luke 21:22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

Are you aware that we are again approaching the day of vengeance? Even Jesus comes back with vengeance (Isaiah 59:17).

Friday, January 24, 2025

Luke 21:21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

The cities will not be a safe haven, in fact, today it is a breeding ground for most of the sinful activities that the world is experiencing. People were funneled from distances into the cities. The closeness made the host of commandment breaking much easier to carry out: stealing, adultery, etc. But when the final signs of Christ coming happens to be implemented, like the Mark of the Beast, definitely have no part in even visiting the cities. Can you see Jesus’ warning is not only for the people around 70 AD but for our near future as well?

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

That was for 66 through 70 A.D., however we know that history will be repeated on a larger scale. In fact, the life of Christ will be, in one form or another, repeated. So, instead of Jerusalem being surrounded, in a physical manner, the cities will be compassed about and that will be a sign, hence why it is not smart to live in cities today. Spiritually, when we see certain signs, like the Mark of the Beast coming about, that too will be like it was in 70 A.D. when no one could buy or sell. So, are you aware of the many parallels between Jesus’ day and ours, or are you blindly thinking there is nothing to learn from what Jesus went through as applied to our day?

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Luke 9:20 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

Remember, to believe that Jesus is “The Christ of God” is more than acknowledging that He is, He came, He died, He rose, and promises eternal life. Another thing is that He “is able to keep you from falling” (Jude 1:24). Do believe in this Jesus Christ or a weak Jesus Christ where sin is greater than His spiritual power?

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Luke 9:19 They answering said, John the Baptist; but some [say], Elias; and others [say], that one of the old prophets is risen again.

Yesterday, we looked at the verse where Jesus asked, “Whom say the people that I am?” Today, the list of who they thought He was is provided. But the question still stands, as many have the wrong thought of who Jesus is. Many think that Jesus is God and only one that can be perfect while we never can be perfect despite being told, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Many think that Jesus got rid of the Ten Commandments despite Jesus saying, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19). Many believe that Jesus saved us in our sins despite being told, “he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Some believe He is our example that we ought to copy for we are told, “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). So, are you part of the many who have a misconception of who Jesus is, or of the few who have a correct understanding of who Jesus is?

Monday, January 20, 2025

Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

The same question can be applied to us today. Think hard about it. Who do you say Jesus is?

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Luke 9:17 And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

The phrase “waste not, want not” is very much applicable. God would not have us be wasteful, even in this throwaway society. Repairing that which is repairable is still a good trait to exercise. Saving that which is savable despite being able to afford more very easily is still a good trait to exercise. In fact, that is what God would have us do. So, do you waste or are you careful not to waste?

Friday, January 17, 2025

Luke 9:16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

Does your minister take care of himself, or does the leadership take care of themselves before the congregation needs are addressed? If so, you may be in the wrong church. It went from Jesus’ hands, to the church leaders, to the hands of the people first, and then the disciples and Jesus took care of their needs afterwards. That is the example to be followed.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Luke 9:15 And they did so, and made them all sit down.

So, Jesus gave the command to sit in groups of fifty (Luke 9:14) and “they did so”. Now, do you do as Jesus commands in all areas of your life?

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Luke 9:14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

Numbers are provided instead of simply stating that there was a crowd, a large gathering, etc., so as to show the magnitude of the miracle. Now remember, the Bible writers promote honesty, truthfulness, so to write something that was exaggerated would go contrary to their teachings and would easily be found out. All someone had to do was ask any of those people who were fed about how many there were that day. So, do you believe that the writers exaggerated the stories to pretend a miracle occurred, or do you accept the account as it is written and inspired of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21), Who does not lie nor exaggerate?

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Luke 9:13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

Here is a physical manifestation where “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). It was impossible for the disciples to feed so many people even if they went and bought food, yet, knowing the ending of the story, they are fed by Jesus. Many look on sin as an impossible thing to cease from. They would be correct. It is impossible for us alone to cease, but with God, all things are possible. So, just like it was impossible for the disciples to feed the multitude alone, are your sins seeming impossible to overcome, but do you have enough faith to believe that Jesus “is able to keep you from falling” (Jude 1:24)?

Monday, January 13, 2025

Luke 9:12 And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

The disciples had compassion upon the people, even though that was not the plans Jesus had. Nonetheless, how compassionate are you, especially towards strangers?

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Luke 9:11 And the people, when they knew [it], followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

Do you receive the gospel from Jesus, Who more often commanded obedience more than talking about the free gift, and do you go to Him for spiritual healing and insight to physical healing as these people did?

Friday, January 10, 2025

Luke 9:10 And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

How much private time do you have with Jesus in prayer and in His Word?

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Luke 9:9 And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

This would be fulfilled by Pilate when Jesus is brought before him, and then Pilate sends Jesus off to see Herod (Luke 23:6-8). Now, the important thing is, are you personally desiring to see Jesus in prayer, the Word, and soon second coming, or do you not have a close relationship with Him through prayer and His Word nor looking forward to the second coming?

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Luke 9:8 And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

Remember, Elias (Elijah) did not see death but was escorted to Heaven on a fiery chariot (2 Kings 2:11). Regarding other prophets, again, what a misunderstanding of the dead. Job again addresses it differently than yesterday’s post but no less effective. “If a man die, shall he live [again]? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come” (Job 14:14). Therefore, the answer is that one of the old prophets did not rise. So, do you see the purpose of the resurrection in which the dead are asleep, or do you believe people do not stay dead and the grand resurrection at the second coming is meaningless?

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Luke 9:7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead

That is a typical response of a pagan. Herod probably did not know about Job 7:9, which says, “he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no [more].” Now, are you like Herod thinking that people do not stay in their graves, or do you believe what the Bible says about the dead?

Monday, January 6, 2025

Luke 9:6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

So, do you share the gospel with others and offer a helping hand to those in need?

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Luke 9:5 And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.

It is not a matter of just being received. It is a matter of being received with the message of the gospel. Almost everyone is willing to host some worldly person, but when it comes to godliness, even a whole city may reject it. So, are you living the gospel or worldliness?

Friday, January 3, 2025

Luke 9:4 And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.

It is not so obvious an understanding in this quick one line but basically, if a missionary finds a home open to hosting that missionary, they are to abide at that home as opposed to house hopping until they are ready to move onto the next location. That is not always easy because it first requires a home to be willing to host that missionary and then, if it is a town with multiple families believing, each could desire the attention of that missionary. Jesus set the example by staying at the home of Lazarus when He visited the town of Bethany. There were other homes he could have stayed at, but Jesus stayed with Lazarus. Now, do you see the purpose of not wasting time relocating belongings from one house to another all for the sake of devoting more time to evangelism?

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Luke 9:3 And he said unto them, Take nothing for [your] journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

Could you imagine yourself going out with the gospel and nothing more? That is complete dependency upon God.

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Luke 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Jesus sends us today to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Not the television style of healing the sick but actual people struck down with a real illness or injury and really healing them. Some times it is instant while many other times it takes time, all found in the Bible. So, at the very least, how are you doing on the sharing of the gospel part?

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

Do you think Christians today are without power and that this was only for back then, or do you believe that “God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. [Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all workers of miracles?” (1 Corinthians 12:28-29) and is applicable to today?

Monday, December 30, 2024

Luke 8:56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

One reason for Jesus not wanting to be known for bringing the child back to life is to discourage chasing after Jesus simply for signs and wonders. Yes, such does exist among Christians, but keep in mind that there will be “the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). So, is your relationship with Jesus based upon signs and wonders or upon “deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18)?

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Luke 8:54-55 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.

Now, the spirit coming again is not a spirit or entity that was up in Heaven or even in Hell that came back to her. She had no story to tell of the experience while her spirit was separated from her. There was no life after death story, meeting God or the angels, clouds or harps playing. Nothing was experienced. According to the Bible, “the spirit of God [is] in my nostrils” (Job 27:3), and in the “nostrils the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7). In other words, to say that “her spirit came again” simply means that “God sent the breath of life once again”. So, do you allow the Bible to provide definitions on questionable verses, or do you take it upon yourself to make up stories and claim, “Well, that’s how I see it”? If it is the latter, then you are correct. That is how you see it, but that does not make it right.

Friday, December 27, 2024

Luke 8:53 And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.

There are people today, even among Christians, that do not believe Jesus caused people to rise from the dead. They claim that because of primitive knowledge that, for instance, this young lady was only in a coma but not fully dead. So, despite numerous witnesses declaring she was dead, people today would rather believe a lie. No wonder Jesus delayed raising Lazarus later so everyone would know he was good and dead, even buried. So, are you one of those skeptics, or do you believe that Jesus is “the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25)?

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Luke 8:52 And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.

This is known as soul sleep. Jesus was not defying science but labeled death as a type of sleep. It is a non-conscience state of a person that exists even if the body has completely disappeared into the dust of the earth (Genesis 3:19) of which people are unable to handle in the mind, hence the belief that people go to Heaven or Hell right after they die. This is where people have taken the biblical term for the word “soul”, which means a living and breathing human being (Genesis 2:7), and changed it into the meaning that people have souls that are released and go to some place at death. The Bible is clear that “if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him” (1 Thessalonians 4:14), that is to bring them to Heaven (John 14:3), for at the second coming, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29). To do away with soul sleep is to do away with the need of a resurrection. So, do you believe when you die you sleep in Jesus, or do you believe the Christianized pagan spiritual worlds is the destination immediately after death?

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Luke 8:51 And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.

Ten times in the gospel, Peter, James, and John are mentioned together as being selected of the twelve most often for special occasions. The fact that Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples once, had only twelve with Him in His travels, and these three for special moments, should tell us that even the Son of God was selective to Whom He surrounded Himself with. “He that walketh with wise [men] shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). Now, are you selective with whom you surround yourself with as friends?

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Luke 8:50 But when Jesus heard [it], he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.

Coming back from the dead to be made whole is definitely serious power. That makes whatever we are facing less challenging by God to perform, if it be His will, but just how much faith do you have? One that needs scientific evidence as proof or that which allows God to defy science called miracles?

Monday, December 23, 2024

Luke 8:49 While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's [house], saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.

Nothing more can take a parent’s breath away. To hear that your child is dead leaves a parent almost lifeless. It is hard to press on. Everything in the world all of a sudden seems to become meaningless. An elephant crushing the life out of someone by sitting on them is a close resemblance of this experience. Unfortunately, we live in a world full of death and destruction. When it does hit close to home, do you cling closer to Jesus, or do you distance yourself from Him?

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Luke 8:48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

When it does appear that even natural remedies are working to heal, God ought to be recognized for the actual healing. Our faith is not in plants; it is in God. So, where is your faith? In doctors? In naturalists? Or in God?

Friday, December 20, 2024

Luke 8:47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.

Even in her fear she gave God the glory. She could have stopped at admitting she touched Jesus, but she added the part about being healed immediately. So, when you are questioned, do you give God the glory in your response even in fearful situations, or are you like King Hezekiah that mentioned nothing about being healed but showed all his treasures to strangers?

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Luke 8:46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.

Jesus sensed more than just a rub up against Himself. He could tell that someone was healed through faith. So, again, is your relationship with Jesus just casual, something done once a week, or something claimed years ago but with little to no further thought; or is your relationship with Jesus a daily experience with active results happening in your life by faith?

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Luke 8:45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press [thee], and sayest thou, Who touched me?

There is a difference between a casual touch and a touch by faith. Jesus was questioning the touch by faith while Peter was talking about the casual touch. Now, how is your relationship with Jesus? Is it casual or by true faith?

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Luke 8:43-44 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, came behind [him], and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.

Some people put so much faith in medical doctors and prescription drugs that a larger portion of their income, if not all and then some called debt, is spent away. If they would only have gone to Jesus, through prayer and the Bible, things could be different. For instance, the Bible says, “know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost” (1 Corinthians 6:19), therefore, we ought to be careful how we treat our bodies. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). “Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging” (Proverbs 20:1). “The swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he [is] unclean to you” (Leviticus 11:7). “Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that [shall be] an abomination unto you” (Leviticus 11:12). And much more is found in the Bible. If people would do as God outlines in His Word, much of the diseases requiring doctor visits, operations, drugs, etc., could be eliminated. So, are you one that believes you ought to eat and drink whatever for tomorrow you may die, or are you careful of what you are eating and drinking and even more, like proper rest, avoiding laziness, etc.?

Monday, December 16, 2024

Luke 8:41-42 And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

When one’s own child is in jeopardy, a parent will do just about anything to help that child. As we know, most of the people connected with the synagogue were rejecting Jesus, Jairus decided to step across the line of prejudice for his daughter’s sake. It is only assumed that Jairus and his household became believers instead of someone simply hoping with a last-ditch effort in what Jesus can do. What has it taken for you to be a believer if you are one?

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Luke 8:40 And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people [gladly] received him: for they were all waiting for him.

Jesus has left us physically but has promised to return (John 14:3). Are you gladly waiting for His return or distracted with the interests of the world?

Friday, December 13, 2024

Luke 8:38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

Many wish to be in Jesus’ presence now, but we too have been sent away into the world to tell of what great things God has done for us. We are responsible for sharing the gospel. So, how are things going with that responsibility?

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Luke 8:37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

Those who live in sin are the only ones that need to fear for “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18). And to show our love, Jesus simply asks, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). So, do you love Jesus and obey Him, or are you living in disobedience and are fearful?

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Luke 8:36 They also which saw [it] told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

Now, they reported the important part. So, when you have news to tell, do you tell the negative aspects of it first or the positive?

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Luke 8:35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

They being afraid is because they wanted to express their displeasure in a nasty way towards Jesus but since Jesus made a demon possessed person into having their right mind after all of those years of possession, they might have wanted to rethink about who they were approaching. Of course, we know the rest of the story, but at this point, do you see the tremendous power that Jesus can work even in your life to make every addiction, demon possession, sinful acts, etc. to cease, or do you NOT believe that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26)?

Monday, December 9, 2024

Luke 8:34 When they that fed [them] saw what was done, they fled, and went and told [it] in the city and in the country.

Of course they did not report any of the good part since the reaction of the owners is not positive or even polite, but they reported only that which affected their employment and way of life. It is like the many willing to save an unborn whale or seal but not an unborn child. So, are you more influenced by the saving of life than anything else?

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Luke 8:33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

That is what the devils want to do to each one of us – cause us to become violent and die, even eternally die. It is only by the grace of God that the devils do not get their way, all in God’s “longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Now, have you come to repentance or are you continuing in your demon possession?

Friday, December 6, 2024

Luke 8:32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.

We have unclean spirits to enter into unclean animals. Did you know that the identification of unclean is not a mere label that could be removed by even Jesus but is descriptive of the way the animal digests contents turning them into either poison, even a mild form, or excreting the poison?

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Luke 8:31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.

Notice how the devils recognized the power of Jesus. No mere human being can command such respect. Now, do you recognize that Jesus truly is part of the Godhead (Colossians 2:9) having such power over the devils, even in your life?

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Luke 8:30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.

We may have one addiction or one area of lacking in self-control, but since Jesus was dealing with many devils at once in this poor soul, do you believe Jesus is able to cast that addiction or lack of self-control away from you being just one demon?

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Luke 8:29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)

Do you believe that Jesus can command the chains of sin that binds us, the demon that is inside of us, even the driving force of the devil that keeps us in the wilderness of emptiness out of you, or do you believe a life of sin is ever in your future? Which do you have more belief and faith in – the power of Jesus or Satan?

Monday, December 2, 2024

Luke 8:28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, [thou] Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

The demons acknowledge Jesus to be more than a mere person. They acknowledge that He is the Son of God! Do you?

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Luke 8:27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in [any] house, but in the tombs.

Being led by devils leads to nudity. It does not have to be complete nudity (Exodus 32:25). Wearing of suggestive clothing or barely any clothing at all is devil possession. And this is a practice acceptable in society both by males and females. Men, though it is legal, ought not be going shirtless. And just about all swimwear is unacceptable to God. Short shorts and the like are out as well along with tight fitting clothing to show muscles or figures or the like. Modesty is godliness. There are only two choices. So, do you go around naked or near naked, or do you dress modestly (1 Timothy 2:9)?

Friday, November 29, 2024

Luke 8:26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.

Gadarenes is thought of where a demon possessed person lived among the tombs. That is truly being dead in one’s sins. Galilee is where the Messiah came from and can provide life, even eternal life. So, have you surrendered your sins to the Life Giver, or are you still dead in your sins?

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Luke 8:25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

And when you are in stormy situations, where is your faith? Are you calm or frantic?

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Luke 8:24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

Although this event literally happened nearly two-thousand-years ago, spiritually there is another application for us today. Winds are symbolic of strife (Daniel 7). Waters are symbolic of many people, even enemies (Nahum 1:8). So, when there is unrest financially and politically in the world along with wars and rumors of war (Matthew 24:6) and have people attacking your beliefs, do you go to Jesus to receive the calm spirit, or is your heart beginning to fail you “for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (Luke 21:26)?

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Luke 8:23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled [with water], and were in jeopardy.

To be able to sleep that soundly while a storm was raging shows the peace in the soul, just like Daniel had when the next day was execution day (Daniel 2). So, when your life is in jeopardy, are you able to be at peace knowing that God is in control as opposed to being stressed and frantic?

Monday, November 25, 2024

Luke 8:22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

It may look like this verse is nothing more than a factual statement alone, but there is still substance to it that we can learn from. So, we ask, do you explicitly obey the command of Jesus by obeying His Word like His disciples did, or do you make excuses not to?

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Luke 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

Do you hear the Word of God and do it, or do you criticize the Bible and do not do it?

Friday, November 22, 2024

Luke 8:20 And it was told him [by certain] which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.

They, of course, were step-brethren. The word “brethren” are not referring to friends. So, do you believe Jesus was an only child or that he had older siblings by Joseph and not Mary making them step-siblings?

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Luke 8:19 Then came to him [his] mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.

The words “the press” means that there was a lot of people pressing tightly together to get a glimpse of Jesus. Sure, when He was healing people, multiplying food, and speaking about general topics, the people crowded Him. When He spoke in a manner to prepare people spiritually, they fled (John 6:66). The same is true today. People show up for the free stuff, kind words, but start speaking about giving up sin, keeping the commandments, living by God’s Word, and the pews become empty. Now, are you one that will stick around knowing that they are “the words of eternal life” (John 6:68), or do you also close your ears to such calls to action?

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Luke 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

To say it a little more plainly, Jesus just stated that this has something to do with how a person hears, as in hears the Word of God. That means, those who have heard and accepted truth will be given more truth. Those who have not accepted earlier truth, even that which they heard will be taken away, easily dismissed through Satan’s lies making it appear as if they never received it. So, of which of these two describes yourself?

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither [any thing] hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

At some point, everything will be made known, even that which is supposedly taken to the grave. So, are you trying to cover up things, or do you know this principle and live your life in obedience to God not worrying what may become known?

Monday, November 18, 2024

Luke 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth [it] under a bed; but setteth [it] on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

Is your light of living a Christian lifestyle visible or covered up?

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience.

Is your heart good ground where the fruit of the Spirit can thrive along with brining the fruit or souls of the world into the gospel?

Friday, November 15, 2024

Luke 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of [this] life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Are you one that realizes that all this world has to offer is not to be partaken of as a Christian and feel like you are being deprived so you bring into question your Christian walk, or do you see that all the world has to offer is not for your good anyways and avoid those things? Remember, “For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalms 84:11).

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Luke 8:13 They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

Plants, representing humans, do grow on rocks. It is just that there is no good root system and are easily plucked away by wind, storm, or something else. In this case, humans are easily persuaded away from living the Christian lifestyle by simple temptation. It is easy to profess that Jesus is the Savior, but to live as the Savior would have us live is whole different story. So, are you easily persuaded into living a worldly lifestyle, or are you well rooted in Jesus?

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Luke 8:12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

So, they did hear it but just do not believe it. Now, do you believe the Word of God so much that you order your life in accordance to it, or do you believe the lies of Satan and dismiss the Word of God?

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Have you received into your heart the seed, the Word of God? Do not be quick to answer. Living a life however you feel like living is not receiving the Word of God into the heart. That is just the mind. To have it in the heart, a Christian will “deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me”, referring to Jesus (Matthew 16:24). So, is the Word in your heart or head?

Monday, November 11, 2024

Luke 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

As we study the Bible in the only manner acceptable to God, according to Isaiah 28:9-10, the mysteries are also revealed to us, but do you take time to compare scripture with scripture to get the understanding of things, or do you just go by opinion? Maybe, you do not even care?

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Luke 8:9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?

If Jesus’ own disciples did not understand His parables, are you surprised that you struggle at understanding them?

Friday, November 8, 2024

Luke 8:8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Are you that good ground that you are transformed into a living Christian (Christ-like) and are active in drawing others to Christ?

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Job 8:14 Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust [shall be] a spider's web.

If we are not confessing and forsaking our sins, this tells us that our hope shall be cut off, hope in eternal life that is. And if we turn our trust away from God, it will become a web of deception. Now, are these the practices you want to live, or do you confess your sins to God and trust Him through His Word?

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Luke 8:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

Thorns prevent following God’s way (Hosea 2:6), and people around us indeed act like thorns. So, do you listen to them or follow them, or do you avoid the thorns while growing up according to God’s way?

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Luke 8:6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

As we may know, the seed represents the Word of God (Luke 8:11). God says that He “will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19), where stone or rock represents a closed, stubborn heart. Therefore, the moisture is connected with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5) shows that without the Holy Spirit, the Word of God becomes mere words. So, is your heart rock or flesh?

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Luke 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

The way Jesus sews the seed today is through people, in fact, to be a Christian and ignore the salvation of others is a sign that a person is not really a Christian, Christ-like. It ought to be in every Christian heart to get the gospel to as many people as possible in all methods that God prompts us individually to be active in. So, how is God prompting you?

Monday, November 4, 2024

Luke 8:4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

Jesus often spoke in parables, in fact, “All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them” (Matthew 13:34), so it is very dangerous to base theology upon words spoken when Jesus spoke them in public for it was probably a parable. This includes the sower and the seed, the sheep and the goats, and even the rich man and Lazarus. So, are your beliefs based upon parables taken literally, or do you see the purpose of the parables being symbolic instead?

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Luke 8:3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

Right in Herod’s household, Jesus had a supporter, so whoever is the mayor, the governor, the president, in congress, do you seek to reach the staff with the gospel?

Friday, November 1, 2024

Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

As you see Mary Magdalene having been possessed by seven devils and will be in God’s Kingdom, do you believe there is hope for you?

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve [were] with him,

So, do you copy Jesus’ example and show the glad tidings of the kingdom of God to others?

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

This is not to be separated from the context. She does not just have faith that Jesus exists and that He saves, as most Christians practice as they indulge in the world, especially, sinful practices claiming they are saved by faith and do not need to keep the commandments. Having her sins forgiven is called grace. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2). “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law” (Romans 3:31). So, do you have faith enough in Jesus Who “is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 1:24), or do you mix up faith with just believing in facts, like Jeus exists and He saves?

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Luke 7:49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

The Bible says, “his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23), and “who can forgive sins but God only” (Mark 2:7). So, do you believe Jesus to be God with us or just a mere human being?

Monday, October 28, 2024

Luke 7:48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

If you have confessed your sins (1 John 1:9), do you believe you are forgiven?

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little.

So, do you at least love Jesus and accept His forgiveness?

Friday, October 25, 2024

Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

The role she actually played was to anoint Jesus for burial, as He would be crucified shortly thereafter. There may be things in our life that we may not understand the full purpose thereof, but later in time we may find out that it served a greater purpose. So, do you “do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31), or do you see things you do as insignificant and do not give your best effort?

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

The reference to Simon lacking the giving a kiss to Jesus as a greeting should remind us of the four times the Bible tells us how to greet the brethren and that is with a “holy kiss” (1 Thessalonians 5:26, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Corinthians 16:20, Romans 16:16). Now, in regards to the woman, this might sound a bit much to keep kissing Jesus’ feet like that, however, when a person feels worthless and goes the way of the world and is being told over and over that there is no hope of salvation for her, and then Jesus tells her, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11) giving her hope, she is going to show great appreciation. So, how kind are you to one another, not necessarily involving a kiss, and how much do you appreciate the opportunity of salvation?

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped [them] with the hairs of her head.

It was customary to provide water for washing feet as the mode of travel was by walking and that of many dusty trails. That is a lot of crying to have moistened Jesus’ feet like that and then to allow what dirt that is now mud to be attached to her hair is very much a whole commitment to the task. Now today, do you even appreciate Jesus half that much by spending time with Him in prayer and His Word?

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Luke 7:43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that [he], to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

A person who is in the greatest amount of debt (sin) will appreciate the forgiver (God) more than those with a little bit of sin in their history. That does not mean we ought to rack up the amount of sin to be forgiven so we will appreciate the forgiveness more, but we should not look down upon a person who shows their appreciation above and beyond the average Christian. So, do you appreciate the forgiveness of God at any level, or do you just take it for granted that you are forgiven?

Monday, October 21, 2024

Luke 7:42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Focusing upon the first half, we ought to also recognize we have nothing to pay for our debts, called sin. We cannot offer God more money in the collection plate seeing that all of it is His. We cannot be obedient from here on out as we are expected to be obedient always. There is nothing we can offer God for our sins. So, just how much do you appreciate the blood of Christ that takes away our sins (Matthew 26:28)?

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Luke 7:41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

Obviously, there is a great contrast between 500 and 50. The same is true between a prostitute or murderer and someone who simply used foul language but was good otherwise. There is a stark difference between the sinning that had happened between these people. Everyone falls inside that range. We were either really, really sinful, or a little sinful. Sin is sin of course, no matter to what degree, but the point being made right now is that salvation is for everyone that accepts it no matter how sinful we have been. So, are you plagued by your sinfulness thinking you have done things that results in being too far gone? Do not think that. There is hope!

Friday, October 18, 2024

Luke 7:40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

Although people can have their own private thoughts, it can come out in the form of expressions or reactions. Jesus was really good at reading these things and sensed that it was time for a parable. Now, how perceptive are you regarding people’s expressions?

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw [it], he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman [this is] that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

Oh, Jesus knew who she was. It was Simon who did not understand that the gospel is for the sinner. Jesus said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). Seeing that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), have you responded positively to the gospel in which Jesus also offers “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)?

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Luke 7:38 And stood at his feet behind [him] weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe [them] with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed [them] with the ointment.

If Jesus were not “God with us” (Matthew 1:23) then this should have been rebuked for this is indeed a form of worship along with appreciation that she expressed for her sins being forgiven but keep in mind that “who can forgive sins but God only” (Mark 2:7)! And, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10). So, do you accept Jesus as being divine, part of the godhead, or do you think Jesus was just an ordinary human being, a preacher, even just a rabbi?

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that [Jesus] sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

To say a woman was a “sinner” is a polite way of stating that she was a prostitute. Now, a prostitute cannot just randomly walk into, of all houses, a pharisee’s house at her own leisure. Therefore, this particular pharisee was related to the woman, even distantly but close enough for her to be able come and go as she pleased. Not only that, if at such a feast there was an undesired relative, many times they are asked to leave, so since she was not asked to leave, it may be that she had some “dirt” on Simon, the pharisee. But today, things remain the same. Do you know how many well-known, even elite people, be it politician or celebrity, who have been caught up in sexual scandals, like Epstein and Diddy? So, are you careful in who you idolize and support through financial means by buying form their product lines?

Monday, October 14, 2024

Luke 7:36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.

Just because people are at odds with one another does not mean we ought to reject one another. Of course, we ought to know what the invitation is about because being invited to a counsel meeting in which a person is forbidden to speak while everyone else rails on the person is not to be attended. Now, it does not have to be a counsel meeting of sorts, it could be a simple family gathering, where the person is the only believer and the others just want to make fun of the person. So, there is nothing wrong in getting a bit more information about the purpose of things, but do you automatically reject all opportunities to meet with “the other side”? Jesus did not reject it.

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Luke 7:34-35 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children.

Using wisdom, Jesus is only being accused of these things as He did not actually participate in them, and they knew that. But as usual, once dirt is thrown on someone, people tend to believe the dirt, and that is why it was rumored about and quite well in that it reached Jesus’ ears. So, do people throw dirt at you because of your goodness’ sake like they die even unto Daniel and Joseph, or do you fit in well into society that they are not needing to misrepresent your character?

Friday, October 11, 2024

Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

Are you discouraged from obeying Jesus when people accuse you of doing evil when you are simply doing the right thing?

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

Today, we would call such people “influencers”, except they are not appearing to be that influential. Evidently, people were seeing through their lies. Now, in these days, when everything can become fake, as in, fake news, fake food, fake whatever, do you see through the fake version of Christianity that permits sinning and you are choosing to cease from sinning by the grace of God, or do you believe this cheap grace gospel lie where almost everyone gets to go to Heaven, maybe even the devil?

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Luke 7:31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

Jesus compares moral lessons with things that are easily remembered such as doors, animals, and other things. It is done on purpose so that when we go through a gate, we can remember that Jesus is the gate. When we see sheep, we may think of Jesus as the shepherd. So, do you see the purpose of Jesus’ comparisons?

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

Leadership who reject unofficial messengers of God are in grave danger, and those that look to these officers in the church without weighing the message by searching the scriptures for themselves are equally guilty. Now, do you reject all unofficial lines of messengers, or do you “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)?

Monday, October 7, 2024

Luke 7:29 And all the people that heard [him], and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

In Mark 1:4, we are told that the “baptism of John” happens to be, which is “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” Jesus continued that type of baptism as well for “Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Now, have you been baptized with the baptism of repentance, even being “baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:5), or were you just made a wet sinner?

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Luke 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

John the Baptist is a famous person. In the last days, God will have many non-famous people preaching the last offer of salvation to the human race as outlined in Revelation 14:6-12 and even Revelation 18:1-4. These will be considered greater because of the seriousness of the times. Now, are you striving to be part of that group, or has the world distracted you from the responsibility?

Friday, October 4, 2024

Luke 7:27 This is [he], of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Today, all who claim to be a Christian are responsible to also prepare people for the arrival of Jesus. It is not a task alone for the minister to take on. So, how are you doing with that mission, or are you enjoying too much of what this world has to offer?

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

Jesus said that in the last days that there would be false prophets (Matthew 24:11). So, are you looking for true prophets, or do you reject all of God’s true messengers for our day?

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

Are you impressed by well dressed people, or do you set that aside and evaluate the words spoken?

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Luke 7:24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

A reed shaken in the wind is one that holds no firm position and will bend to the audience’s expectations. Worse yet, they will compromise truth to save their own popularity, even their own skins, if need be. So, do you stand firm for God and His Word, or do you go along with whatever everyone else expects, even if you know it to be wrong?

Monday, September 30, 2024

Luke 7:23 And blessed is [he], whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Do you avoid mentioning Jesus in public, or do you profess your faith when reasonable opportunity presents itself?

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Luke 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

Now, do you tell others that through Jesus that miracles do happen, especially the conversion of a sinner into a godly person, and that the gospel providing eternal life is only through Him?

Friday, September 27, 2024

Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of [their] infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many [that were] blind he gave sight.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). For most of us, we need that evil spirit that convinces us that we cannot stop sinning to be cast out of us. Do you believe Jesus can do it?

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Luke 7:20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

Are you still looking for another Messiah, or do you believe Jesus indeed is the Messiah?

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Luke 7:19 And John calling [unto him] two of his disciples sent [them] to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

Here is John the Baptist’s weakest moment. To go from claiming “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:29, 36) and hearing “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17), to having doubt, begins to question our own lives. Have you been convinced of God in your life only to turn around some time later to have moments of doubt in Him?

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Luke 7:18 And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

Some people are convinced of the truth, realize they cannot stay in attendance where they are at, and quietly make an exit. Instead, maybe it would be a better option to tell others in the congregation and especially the minister in charge, as John the Baptist’s disciples told their minister. So, are you one to move quietly, or would you be one to inform others of your new found godly knowledge?

Monday, September 23, 2024

Luke 7:17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

The rumor is that Jesus can raise the dead. It is a rumor because Jesus did not go around declaring that He had raised the dead but word of mouth said so. And this is before the time of Lazarus. Not al rumors are lies. This one happened to be a true rumor. So, do you automatically dismiss rumors? Do you investigate to know for yourself if it is true or not? Or, do you just automatically believe all rumors? Let us be careful and check to see “whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Sunday, September 22, 2024

Luke 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

It was not like people were going around raising the dead on a regular basis. Indeed, there would be fear and glorification of God. Even those against Christ initially could not argue with the people claiming Jesus to be a fake. Eventually, they did by claiming the boy was not really dead but sleeping, hence why Lazarus was allowed to lay in the tomb for several days before Jesus raised the dead again to prove that the body indeed was completely dead. No questions about that situation would be argued. So, since Jesus is able to raise the dead, do you believe He is able to raise you from being dead in sinning?

Friday, September 20, 2024

Luke 7:15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

This is a sample of what the resurrection will be like at the second coming. Are you looking to be reunited with loved ones on that day as this mother experienced back in her day?

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Luke 7:14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare [him] stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

Since Jesus can command the dead to arise, how much more do you believe that Jesus can command the deadness in sin out of your life?

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Luke 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

There is something everyone is weeping or has wept over? Jesus does still have compassion on us today. Yes, Jesus still works miracles and may do so, but He may not. That does not mean He does not have compassion on us when there is a lack of miracle. We do not know all the reasons why, but the point is, He still has compassion. Do you believe it?

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Luke 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

Jesus is “the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). The opposite is “the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14). Who do you choose to serve every day and all day?

Monday, September 16, 2024

Luke 7:11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

So, the disciples of Jesus followed Him into Nain, which means “beauty”. And when we follow Jesus today, He wants to take us from our sinful mess to clean us up and present us in a beautiful way (Jude 1:24). So, will you follow Jesus through His Word every day allowing Him to clean you up more and more (John 17:17)?

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Luke 7:10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

The word “whole” is important because it is more than just the removal of a disease or illness. Jesus said in another case where illness prevailed, “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (John 5:14). So, are you focused upon just the illness or the sinful cause behind the illness as well?

Friday, September 13, 2024

Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Today, Jesus might say, “I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in the church.” Today, many Christians have faith that all things are possible with God, except for ceasing from sinning. That is not much faith. True faith consists of obeying Jesus’ command, “go, and sin no more” (John 8:11) and “sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (John 5:14). So, just how much faith do you have? Is it less than this centurion? And if you think healing and sinning are two different things, remember, “For whether is easier, to say, [Thy] sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?” (Matthew 9:5). And forgiving sins includes the cessation of sinning, according to the context.

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Luke 7:8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it].

Technically, we are part of God’s army (Ephesians 6:11-18). So, when God tells you to go and tell others, do you go (Matthew 28:19)? When God calls you unto Himself, do you come (Matthew 11:28)? And when God tells you to keep His Word (John 14:23) and His Commandments (John 14:15), do you do them?

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

God has said a lot of words of which are written down in what we call the Bible, but do you simply obey what God has said as the centurion did, or do you just do your own thing dismissing the Bible?

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Luke 7:6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

Isaiah, the prophet of God, said, “Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5). Anyone thinking they are worthy for Heaven are fooling themselves. We are only made worthy because of Jesus. So, in the presence of Jesus, do you sense your unworthiness like the centurion, like Isaiah, and claim the blood of Jesus to become worthy?

Monday, September 9, 2024

Luke 7:4-5 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

So, the elders had been rejecting Jesus all along but now in this situation, they acknowledged that Jesus had the ability to heal the centurion’s servant and tried coaxing Him to do it as a favor. This is very contradictory, hypocritical, and does not make sense whatsoever, but setting all this aside, Jesus’ compassion cuts through it all. So, are you a person that is for something when it benefits you, but when it does not, despite it being the right thing to have done, you are against it, or are you a consistent person on all matters not taking into consideration the personal benefits but that it simply is the right thing to do?

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Luke 7:3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

Sometimes, God will intervene. When God’s church is more interested in social norms than actually preaching the present truth. God gets the message out by some manner. The centurion certainly did not hear of Jesus through the elders, however, the centurion conducted himself as if they knew of Jesus. So, are you playing church and accepting the norms of society, or are you an adherent believer of God’s Word?

Friday, September 6, 2024

Luke 7:2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

This centurion was compassionate towards a servant, someone under him. Many people who get into positions at work and move up in the ranks have a tendency to not show such compassion to those of lower levels. Many who become more financially better off than others will look down upon the lesser classes. No matter the situation, there is always room for compassion. So, are you indifferent towards people or compassionate?

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Luke 7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

Capernaum means “village of comfort”. So, do you accept and do all that Jesus said and find comfort in His words?

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Luke 6:49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

Basically, anyone not keeping the Word of God as a fruit of salvation is going to be lost. Wake up! All those that teach “just believe” will be lost without actions to that belief. Even “the devils also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19). Christians ought to believe and obey. So, are you a living Christian or a name only Christian?

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

A true Christian works by faith under grace. The true Christian digs deep into the Rock, Who is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4), through His Word (Luke 6:47). That Christian will establish their house or being upon Christian principles including to “deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow” Jesus (Matthew 16:24). And when the flood of people (Isaiah 59:19) coerces that Christian against those principles, that Christian will stand firm and not be shaken. Now, are you one that builds your life this way, or do you just believe and do whatever is acceptable and popular in society, which rules the church today?

Monday, September 2, 2024

Luke 6:47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

Before we see who these people are like, please note that the people who call themselves Christian on the basis of “belief only” are fooling themselves. These are the people that Jesus warned four times in Matthew 24 to not be deceived by. We are expected to do what Jesus taught, and it is deeper than love God and love your neighbor along with forgiving one another, which many Christians have a problem with anyways, as they hold onto grudges and are ignorant towards people they do not care for. Though all our doing does not earn salvation, it is a revelation of being saved as we form a Christ-like character, hence the name Christian, which means to be like Christ. So, are you just a believer and will probably be lost, or are you a doer of God’s Word because you believe deeply that Jesus has saved you?

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Modernly speaking, why do so many people call themselves Christians when so many do not do the things that Christians ought to do and are not avoiding doing those things that they should not do? Are you one of them, or are you a true Christian, living “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4)?

Friday, August 30, 2024

Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Any measure of selfishness is considered evil. Simply doing good does not mean that the heart is good. A lot of people think that a person has to be a bank robber, murderer, rapist, etc. to be evil. Simply turning people away from knowing the truth is evil in God’s eyes. So, when we read this verse with that understanding, do you really have a good treasure in the heart, or is there some hidden motive of personal gain that taints the actions? And what do you speak often about for that reveals the treasure that is in the heart?

Thursday, August 29, 2024

Job 5:26 Thou shalt come to [thy] grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.

Yet another blessing when we serve God. Short of martyrdom or other unnatural cause of death, Christians ought to live a full life claiming the ancient promise: “And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:26). So, do you live your life eating, drinking, and living as God commands, or are you a risk taker instead, shortening your life expectancy?

Thursday, August 29, 2024

Luke 6:44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

So, is your fruit causing people to be pricked unnecessarily (thorns) or be unsatisfied with the dryness of your Christian walk (bramble), or is it sweet (figs) and even thirst quenching (grapes, which can be turned into grape juice)?

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Luke 6:43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Oh, on a corrupt tree, it may appear to be good fruit sometimes, but the insides are mushy or rotten or just has no flavor or something else wrong with it. Therefore, all aspects have to be taken into consideration. Now, do you do that with people, or do you settle for just the good looks?

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Luke 6:42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

A person can only be helpful towards another when they have ceased making excuses, justifying, continuing in sin. Notice the word “first” is used. That implies that we are not forbidden from helping someone else out of sin. We just cannot do it while we are in sin ourselves. So, have you removed the large amount of sin in your life before you go helping someone with a speck of sin in theirs?

Monday, August 26, 2024

Luke 6:41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Now, whatever our “neighbor” may be doing that is sinful, let us not be so quick to jump on them about it when we may have a whole lot of sinning going on in our own lives. As we shall see, dealing with sin is not the issue. It is dealing with sin while we are still sinning and allowing it to continue that is the issue. So, are you justifying sin in your life?

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Luke 6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

Jesus is our Master (Luke 17:13). We are able to be perfect by God’s grace, we can cease from sin (Romans 6:1-2), and after we confess our sins, “he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9) and “present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 1:24). But that is just it. We must desire to cease from sinning, otherwise we shall not be made perfect. So, do you serve sin or perfection?

Friday, August 23, 2024

Luke 6:39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

We do not have to be physically blind, but if we are not daily in God’s Word, praying daily beyond the little prayers for this, that, and the other thing, we may be spiritually blind and fall into the ultimate ditch… the pit at the end of time. So, are you able to see the will of God through His Word, or are you blind to His will because you do not spend significant, quality time with God?

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

We do not believe in Karma, but we certainly believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive. So, how is your giving not only of money but time, goods, etc.?

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven

This does not mean that we are not to judge at all. There are two types of judging. When we hold people to our own standard and treat people as “once you do a certain sin, you are doomed forever without hope of forgiveness”, we have crossed the line. Knowing people by their fruits and finding ways to lead them to Christ and the standards of God is not condemned. To say there is no hope for prostitutes, porn stars, and pimps is crossing the line. Seeing that they participate in such activities, we may judge them that they are in need of conversion and then try to reach them with the gospel properly is not condemned. And as for forgiveness, we can claim it all we want, but if we act like that servant in the parable who was forgiven of all their debt but abused someone else who owed them a little bit, it caused the king to put all the debt back on that servant as if he was not forgiven because it really does depend on how we treat others if we are forgiven or not (Matthew 18:23-38). So, do you participate in the judging that crosses the line and are unforgiving, or do you judge properly and forgive others that have wronged you?

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

When you see someone in need, are you merciful as your heavenly Father has been merciful to you and others?

Monday, August 19, 2024

Job 5:17 Behold, happy [is] the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

So, do you see God, while probably using consecrated human beings, educating people in the way of truth, or do you despise such new instruction, even making the excuse that it does not matter since you already are saved and cannot be lost?

Monday, August 19, 2024

Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

So, do you love your enemies as you should and are you doing good to others, including lending while not expecting anything in return? Maybe not even a thank you!

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Luke 6:34 And if ye lend [to them] of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

So, do you lend to those that may not be able to return the favor, or are you in an even exchange only mentality?

Friday, August 16, 2024

Luke 6:33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

So, as a Christian, do you do good to those that do not deserve it?

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Luke 6:32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

So, do you love your own, or do you also love your enemies?

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

So, do you treat others the way you want them to treat you, or do you treat others how they deserve to be treated?

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask [them] not again.

Obviously, Satan can drain everyone’s bank account by sending supposed needy our way. This is based upon the truly needy. And response does not always mean money is involved. But basically, do you have a proper attitude towards those truly in need or do you make excuses not to give of your time or money?

Monday, August 12, 2024

Luke 6:29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the [one] cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not [to take thy] coat also.

The turning of the cheek is not sticking around for abuse nor to be taken advantage of. If a person really does strike twice, it shows how much they are committed to doing the evil and not mistaking it for something by accident. This will be held against them in the judgment. Likewise, if someone steals something, doing it twice is no accident, but we do not standby and allow a person to take all we have. Going to war with people over earthly objects and encounters should be placed lower in comparison for that person’s soul. So, when you get into an altercation, be it physical or in theft, do you look at the event occurring or the state of the soul causing the problem?

Sunday, August 11, 2024

Luke 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

So, do you do bless or do good to those that speak in a condemning manner towards you, and pray for those that take advantage of you?

Friday, August 9, 2024

Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

And just how good are you at loving your enemies and doing good towards those that hate you? Or do you shout your mind when they, whoever they are, get you upset?

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

Just because someone or several people support you in a decision you need to make does not make it right. Public opinion should never influence a person in doing something. Now, do you take a public survey before acting on what is right, or do you make sure it is right before God’s eyes even if everyone else speaks against it?

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Luke 6:25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

People who think they are filling up on the things of this world are going to hunger for eternal life when it is too late standing outside of the gates of the holy city of God. They may laugh now and even make fun of the faithful, but they shall be turned to “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12). So, are you careful not to participate in the worldly ways, or do you really think Jesus died for you to enjoy life and all that the world has to offer?

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Luke 6:24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

Now, this not a condemnation of all rich people. There are a few rich people that use God’s goods for furthering of the gospel. Granted, they are few and far in between, but they do exist. It is “the love of money” that “is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). So, for whatever amount that you have been entrusted with, do you use it wisely?

Monday, August 5, 2024

Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward [is] great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

So, these are the encouraging words when you feel isolated over holding fast to God’s standards as outlined in His Word and not compromising. Christianity at large today is nothing but compromise. The Bible is no longer considered the standard; the Ten Commandments have been nailed to the cross; and overall, there is nothing to stand upon outside of saying, “I believe”. The words of Jesus clearly teaches that God has standards and we are expected to stand upon them. Now, do you stand up for the standards, or do you have no Christian (Christ-likeness) standards?

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

It is not easy when people you know seem to turn on you. Even worse, it is not easy to have people falsely accuse you of evil. The only strength that you can receive is knowing that Heaven refers to you as blessed. But is that enough for you to endure these things, or do you crumble at the loss of friends, family, and even your reputation?

Friday, August 2, 2024

Luke 6:21 Blessed [are ye] that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed [are ye] that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

Again, this is not literal. Matthew expresses it in more detail: “Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Therefore, crying people are not automatically going to be blessed because it is not literal. “Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where [is] their God?” (Joel 2:17). And keep in mind, “ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), so all of us ought to be weeping over the apostasy in Christianity, in the church, and not just the ministers, who seem to be bringing it in. Therefore, do you hunger after righteousness and weep over the apostasy, or do you just rest on the notion you are saved and are actually a worldly person on top of that?

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Luke 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed [be ye] poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

Matthew 5:3 uses the words “poor in spirit”, which means, just being poor financially is not what Jesus is referring to. And poor in spirit does not mean the lack of spirituality as it does in humbleness and being “in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3). So, are you proud or humble?

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed [them] all.

It was not just the matter of touching Jesus, it was a certain touch, a touch of faith (Matthew 9:22). Now, when it comes to praying to Jesus today, are you routine with Him just spouting off words, or do you communicate with Him by faith in your prayers, from the heart?

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed [them] all.

It was not just the matter of touching Jesus, it was a certain touch, a touch of faith (Matthew 9:22). Now, when it comes to praying to Jesus today, are you routine with Him just spouting off words, or do you communicate with Him by faith in your prayers, from the heart?

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Luke 6:17-18 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

They were not just healed, they heard Jesus of what He taught. So, do you believe that the gift of healing is just about touching people ridding them of their ailment, or do you believe that there is also a call to be “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20) as Jesus said?

Monday, July 29, 2024

Luke 6:14-16 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the [son] of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas [the brother] of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

Peter meaning "a rock or stone"; Andrew, meaning "manly"; James meaning "supplanter"; John meaning "Jehovah is a gracious giver"; Philip meaning "lover of horses"; Bartholomew meaning "son of Tolmai"; Matthew meaning "gift of Jehovah"; Thomas meaning "a twin"; Alphaeus meaning "changing"; Judas meaning "he shall be praised"; and Iscariot meaning "men of Kerioth". So, with these meanings revealed from the Bible Lexicon, which is our usual fashion, Our Rock, who can take our manly nature that naturally schemes, is so gracious of a Giver and will be coming back with many horses, according to Revelation 19, is willing to provide eternal life as a gift. The twin book of Revelation is Daniel which helps unlock the understanding of each and reveals the final events. Jehovah changes us into people will praise Him by living the Christ-like lifestyle by being a Christian and not just claiming to be Christian so as to stand in that day. Now, are you “any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17), or are you holding onto your old things and still are set in your old ways?

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Luke 6:13 And when it was day, he called [unto him] his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

Jesus calls followers today to be His disciples, who are those that follows a certain discipline, such as being Christ-like. “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). “If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31). So, how have you responded? Are you developing a Christ-like character, or do you still do your own thing?

Friday, July 26, 2024

Luke 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

How much time do you spend each day in prayer, real prayer and not the routine ones only?

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Luke 6:11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

Does Bible truth create madness, irking feeling, put off, etc., in you when you know deep down that it may be truth?

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Luke 6:10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

All who believe in acting upon one’s faith is working their way to Heaven, think again. Substitute commandment keeping here and it is still an act of faith. In other words, there was no way this man was able to heal himself, but the healing did not come until he acted upon his faith by stretching his hand. Likewise, there is no way for us to stop sinning and keep His commandments, but by faith, I believe it is possible, for “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Jesus says to us, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11) and “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). So, how much faith do you have?

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Luke 6:9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy [it]?

Again, Jesus is setting the records straight but not getting rid of the Sabbath “For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:8-9). So, do you see that Jesus was not trying to do away with the Sabbath and at the same time encouraging everyone to do good and saving life on the Sabbath, let alone any other day of the week?

Monday, July 22, 2024

Luke 6:8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

Some people say, “I can never stop sinning”, “It is impossible to live a godly life”, etc. Now, do you use impossibilities as an excuse to not do what ought to be done, or do you put forth the God-given effort and let God take care of the impossibility?

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Luke 6:7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.

When people look at other people to find fault in them, they do not realize that they are revealing a fault of their own. It is one thing to come across a fault and handle it properly as opposed to purposely pull people down. The notion that we are never to talk about one another’s faults is not biblical, but hunting for them is condemnatory. So, what is your approach to faults in others? Do you look for faults in others to justify your lack of godliness, like the Pharisees and scribes were trying to do? Do you completely ignore them allowing a person to be in bondage to that error? Or do you, in the spirit of Christ, approach them for “if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1)?

Friday, July 19, 2024

Luke 6:6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

Jesus uses consecrated ministers today to teach people. We have to discern which ones are consecrated and which are not. “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). And remember, “even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies” (2 Peter 2:1). So, how often do you pay attention to the consecrated ones? Is it at least weekly?

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Luke 6:5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

If Jesus was going to change or do away with the Sabbath, why would He have declared His lordship over the day? The Bible teaches why He is Lord of the Sabbath. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1-3). In other words, Jesus is the actual hands-on Creator. He is the one that “rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it” (Genesis 2:2-3). It is His day. In fact, remember, “if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:8-9). So, is it true that you serve “the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 2:20) including Him being Lord over each seventh day of the week in your life, or is He just your Savior and you do whatever you please every day of the week?

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Luke 6:3-4 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?

Under certain circumstances, there are times that a rule will appear as allowed to be broken. We do not look for those exceptions. We strive for the obedience of the command. Remember, “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath” (Mark 2:27). The Sabbath is not meant to harm anyone. It is for our benefit. So, in general, do you look for exceptions in any command, or do you look for the ways to be most benefited by the command through obedience?

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Luke 6:2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?

Many Christians think that the Pharisaical rules are the ones God provided somewhere in the Old Testament, especially given to Moses and think this is a sign that Jesus was doing away with the Sabbath, but that is not the case. The rules of the Pharisees were just that – rules that the Pharisees made up. They added to the word of God, which is forbidden (Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:6, Revelation 22:18). Jesus was trying to strip off all the Pharisaical rules from all of His commandments set the commandments in their proper light. Now, are you able to see what Jesus was doing regarding the commandments, or do you just cast the moral law away contributing to the lawlessness and self-destruction that is going on today by even simply working more that we ought without proper rest?

Monday, July 15, 2024

Luke 6:1 And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing [them] in [their] hands.

This act of feeding one’s self from a field on the Sabbath is not Sabbath breaking, though a discussion is about to follow. But many Christians point to verses like this in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to say that Jesus was doing away with Sabbath keeping. Paul concludes in Hebrews 4:8-9, “For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” All “people of God” and not Hebrews only or Jews only are still expected to rest and rely upon Jesus instead of working our ways through this life all seven days. So, are you working your way to Jesus by laboring all seven days, or are you resting in Jesus keeping the Sabbath day holy trusting that whatever life throws at you, it will be taken care of through God’s way and now by ourselves and our way?

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Luke 5:39 No man also having drunk old [wine] straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

Keep in mind that “wine” is an added word, hence the brackets, but also that wine can and often refers to unfermented grape juice. Seeing that there is no other reference to strong drink in the verse, we will proceed with the plain grape juice position. Now, when people drink grape juice that is old, but not necessarily fermented, the taste buds are strongly affected, so much so that they do not desire nor even can tell the influence of fresh grape juice processed that very day. The point is, we get so accustom to this world that when new, truthful doctrine comes along, it is not desired for many are used to their old religion and that is sad because the old religion is nothing put a form of playing church. Now, are you open to receiving the new wine, the new doctrine, or do you say that the old is still better?

Friday, July 12, 2024

Luke 5:38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

Are you that new bottle, or are you still in your old lifestyle of sin and worldliness?

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

The Holy Spirit, God’s doctrines, the life of Christ cannot be placed in people who are going to stay in their old ways. So, have you become born-again and become a new bottle?

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Luke 5:36 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was [taken] out of the new agreeth not with the old.

Anyone attempting to accept the new life in Christ while wearing, living the old life is attempting an impossibility. So, have you replaced your old life with a true Christian life, or is there no change in your life?

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Luke 5:35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

As stated, Jesus has physically left us and there are periods of fasting again. If you are able to, do you fast (there are various types of fasts that do not include complete ceasing of eating) and pray on serious matters, or do you just mouth the prayers hoping for the best, or do you not even pray at all?

Monday, July 8, 2024

Luke 5:34 And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

Jesus is the bridegroom and we are the bride, the church (Revelation 21:2). When Jesus was in the presence physically, there was no need to fast. Now that He once again is not physically here, fasting and praying are practiced periodically. So, are you “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2)?

Sunday, July 7, 2024

Luke 5:33 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise [the disciples] of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

Fasting was not a requirement but simply a practice as it is today. Either when there is a set time determined to fasting and prayer or when serious, godly issues are at stake, it takes more than prayer; it can take fasting and prayer together and sometimes, a group of people to participate. We will let Jesus explain Himself in upcoming verses, but for now, do you practice fasting and prayer for the Kingdom of God’s sake?

Friday, July 5, 2024

Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

That does not mean we stay as sinners. Repentance means that we hate what we have done, and by the grace of God, not do it again. That goes for all of the sins in our lives. So, do you justify sinful ways even with scripture, or do you truly repent and cease from those sinful practices?

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

And Jesus is not necessarily referring to an ailment but also spiritually. If we are still sinning, especially without repentance, then we are sick. Are you sick?

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Luke 5:30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

The scribes and Pharisees believed that once a person is a wretched sinner, there was no hope ever for them. Evidently, once a prostitute, always a prostitute; once a betraying tax collector, always a betraying tax collector. There was no room for repentance. Thankfully, that is not so, therefore, do you think that you have gone too far to be accepted by God, which is a lie of the devil, or do you know of God’s saving grace that is able “to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)?

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Luke 5:29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

It was not about the party nor feeding Jesus. The feast was about getting all of his friends and family together to hear Jesus for themselves in hopes of a mass conversion. So, how readily are you willing to gather your friends and family to tell them about Jesus?

Monday, July 1, 2024

Luke 5:28 And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

Is there anything holding you back from following (obeying) Jesus all the way?

Sunday, June 30, 2024

Luke 5:27 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

Jesus is asking you even today, “Follow me”. Will you follow Him, which means, to obey His commandments (John 14:15) and His Word (John 14:23)?

Friday, June 28, 2024

Luke 5:26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

You know a miracle that is strange today? When a Christian actually acts like a Christian. No cussing. No innuendos. Being caring, especially on a salvation basis. Not being into worldly entertainment. Really being Christ-like, which is what a real Christian is and is the definition of a Christian. Christianity is not a title; it is Who we live for. So, are you still living for self or for Jesus? “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20).

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Luke 5:25 And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

How often do you glorify God, even speak of Him in public, or despite the command to go forth witnessing, you keep religion to yourself, privately?

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Luke 5:24 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

Obviously, healing physically is much easier for Jesus to take care of as He took care of the sin problem first and then just nonchalantly heals the man physically. In regards to sin, Jesus evidently has the power to do so. It is us that complicates matters. We seem to be “As a dog returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly” (Proverbs 26:11). We seem to return to our old lifestyle of sin, make even religious excuses for it, and justify even in the slightest participation in it, not realizing that all sin hurts us still. Jesus is not only willing to forgive us but “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:3-4). In fewer words, we can stop sinning if we choose so by receiving the divine power to overcome. So, what is your choice?

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Luke 5:23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

Both are out of our abilities, so neither one is easier for us as one is of God alone, regarding the sins being forgiven, and the other cannot be performed by us without God working through us. So, do you recognize that Jesus can do both spiritual healing and physical healing?

Monday, June 24, 2024

Luke 5:22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

What do you reason in your heart when being told that Jesus can forgive “all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9), all of your sins?

Sunday, June 23, 2024

Luke 5:21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

Do you accept Jesus to be God and Who can forgive sins?

Friday, June 21, 2024

Luke 5:20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

In a serious manner, not automatically, ask yourself, “Just how much faith do I have in Jesus?” Is it enough for the sins to be forgiven and to cease existing in your life, or do you not have that much faith in Jesus who can say, “Thy sins are forgiven thee” and “go, and sin no more” (John 8:11)?

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Luke 5:19 And when they could not find by what [way] they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with [his] couch into the midst before Jesus.

Satan is forever trying to place obstacles between us and God, but when obstacles do get in the way of seeking Jesus, how determined are you to find another way to reach Him? For example, when you want to sit down and get into God’s Word, what do you do with the disturbances that may come your way? Do you just give up, or do you look for another way of accomplishing the goal of having “God time”?

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Luke 5:18 And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought [means] to bring him in, and to lay [him] before him.

How concerned are you about the welfare of friends like these men were towards the man with palsy? Are you even concerned about their spiritual wellbeing?

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Luke 5:17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was [present] to heal them.

No matter the audience, Jesus performed His duty as the Father expected Him to do. So, despite the audience in your life, do you do what is expected of you according to God’s will, or do you alter your duty because of not wanting to offend certain people?

Monday, June 17, 2024

Luke 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

How often do you seclude yourself away to pray beyond morning and/or evening prayer?

Sunday, June 16, 2024

Luke 5:15 But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

Do you bring your infirmities to Jesus, but more importantly, are you willing to hear and obey what Jesus teaches?

Friday, June 14, 2024

Luke 5:14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Jesus respected the doctrines and the process involving the church at that time. Despite the clashes with the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, lawyers, etc., He was able to criticize the errors of the church while keeping to the expected biblical processes and way. So, are you gullible to think your church is practicing properly all that it is expected to practice, or do you see the errors and stick to the Bible doctrines instead?

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Luke 5:13 And he put forth [his] hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

Do you have enough faith to believe that even today that Jesus, instead of dealing with leprosy in your life deals with a pet sin, is able to also cause it to depart from you?

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Luke 5:12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on [his] face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Leprosy is one serious disease. Though it is rare to see instant healings today despite the gift of healing still existing, just not the lights and cameras ones, do you take your concerns, even health issues to God?

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Luke 5:11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Are you willing to forsake all to follow Jesus? And those that do not think it is part of salvation are in for a big surprise. Everything in this world either glorifies God or Satan. If we are a Christian, the reaction is to forsake all that glorifies Satan. Gone is sleeping around. Gone is watching content that promotes evil speaking, makes fun of God and His ways, etc. Gone are all of the lyrics that lead into worldliness. And that is just for starters. So again, are you fooling yourself into thinking that all one has to do to be a Christian is to say they are a believer yet get to enjoy sinful practices and be influenced with sin, or do you recognize the calling to forsake all these things revealing that you accept Christ’s free gift of salvation?

Monday, June 10, 2024

Luke 5:10 And so [was] also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

Jesus invites us today to also catch men, so are you actively seeking to save the lost, or do you dismiss that for the ministers or clergy only?

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Luke 5:9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken.

Are you astonished at what Jesus can do for you and for others, of do you dismiss such things as a scientific explanation?

Friday, June 7, 2024

Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw [it], he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

Thankfully, Jesus does not listen to the words to depart since He is in the business of saving, however, do you recognize your sinfulness as Peter did his?

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Luke 5:7 And they beckoned unto [their] partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

Some of God’s blessings are more than we can handle, but none of them can be handled if we are not willing to receive them to His glory. So, when God blesses you, do you have selfish intentions or godly intentions to use those blessings?

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Luke 5:6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

When things around you do not realistically seem to be anything but disappointment, like Peter’s lack of catching fish overnight, do you believe in the possibility that God just might work a miracle, like broad daylight Peter now having more fish than he could handle?

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

Are you as submissive to Jesus’ commands as Peter was?

Monday, June 3, 2024

Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

That is not what Peter wanted to hear. As was said yesterday, Peter had just put in a full night shift. He wanted to clean up and get to bed. To have to sit through a sermon, as stated yesterday, and now being asked to go out into the deeper waters now, sleeping time was disappearing fast. So, how do you react when you have a goal for the day and one thing after another, especially impressed of God, follows in one demand after another making it appear that the goal shall not be addressed today?

Sunday, June 2, 2024

Luke 5:3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

So, Simon just spent all night out fishing. He was probably looking forward to some daytime sleep, but Jesus had other plans. When a godly interruption happens in your life, do you accept the change like Simon did, or do you work against it?

Friday, May 31, 2024

Luke 5:2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing [their] nets.

When Jesus comes again, He said beforehand, “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13), which means both spiritual work for God but also laboring responsibly to care for the family and personally as opposed to being lazy and looking for ways to have people give what they have to you. So, if Jesus were to come soon, would He catch you “occupying” as he caught the fishermen, or would He catch you being lazy?

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Luke 5:1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

Are you that enthusiastic to hear the Word of God or are you just a church service person, if that?

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

And we are sent too. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). So, how are you doing on sharing the gospel?

Monday, May 27, 2024

Luke 4:42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.

How much do you cling to Jesus and want Him part of your life?

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Luke 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking [them] suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

Again, if the devils acknowledge Jesus to be the Christ, the Messiah, even the Savior, do you?

Friday, May 24, 2024

Luke 4:40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

All day long, in fact, all night long, Jesus is always available. Do you go to Him any time of the day or just at specific moments if at all, like praying over food and going to bed, maybe when you are in serious trouble, but outside of that, not so much?

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Luke 4:39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

When you find relief, are your first thoughts to minister to others, to provide for others, etc., or do you try to soak up more sympathy?

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Luke 4:38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

As Simon and others approached Jesus about the mother-in-law, do you involve Jesus when you or someone you care for is sick, or do you just automatically react with a medical solution only not caring about potential consequences of those actions?

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Luke 4:37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

Does Jesus’ fame impress you, or are you turned off from wanting to know Him?

Monday, May 20, 2024

Luke 4:36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word [is] this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

Do you accept the authority and power of God’s Word, or do you discredit it instead?

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Luke 4:35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.

When we sin, we are in a type of possession from an evil demon, and when we habitually do the sin, we are most definitely under its power, but do you believe Jesus can cast that demon out of you?

Friday, May 17, 2024

Luke 4:33-34 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, [thou] Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

Even the demons acknowledge that Jesus was the “Holy One of God”, the Messiah, the Son of God. Do you?

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

Do you believe God’s Word has power, or do you treat the Bible like an ordinary book?

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Luke 4:31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.

Does Jesus teach you, especially on the Sabbath days, or do you simply deal with life seven days a week having no time to hear the Word of God?

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Luke 4:30 But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

When the world presses upon you, do you follow Jesus and the way He went? “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6).

Monday, May 13, 2024

Luke 4:29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

Do you have so much animosity towards truth that would cause you to spiritually send Jesus over a cliff, or does truth create a conversion in the heart over the matter?

Sunday, May 12, 2024

Luke 4:28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,

Does new light anger you, or are you like the people of Berea who, “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11)?

Friday, May 10, 2024

Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.

Again, unbelievers seem to be more accepting than believers. If all of us really studied the Bible properly without regard to ramifications, we would all believe the same thing, but even atheists can tell that popular Christianity today is anything but Christian. Naaman was accepting of the message that a little girl shared, being even a slave girl at that. He was humble. Sure, he wrestled with what he was told to do, but he did what he was told. So, are you more concerned about the impact of truth in your life and avoid submission to it, or do you approach God in complete submission?

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Luke 4:25-26 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; but unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, [a city] of Sidon, unto a woman [that was] a widow.

What Jesus stated, Paul experienced: “seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). Many times, the gospel is more accepting to unbelievers as compared to believers. Believers tend to think they know all they need to know and when they are made informed of other truths, they shut down. So, are you like those that rejected Jesus thinking they were fine just as they were, or do you continue to accept new light and test that light with the Word of God?

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Luke 4:24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.

Do you have problems in sharing the gospel with your family, neighbors, etc.? It should be no surprise as Jesus was not accepted in His own town either.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Luke 4:23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

This is the same temptation as it was in the desert directly with Satan. These people inspired of Satan would be looking for Jesus to prove Himself. This is how Satan tries to attack most people – by going through other people. So, do you give into people who ask you to prove yourself, or are you in better self-control than that?

Monday, May 6, 2024

Luke 4:22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?

Technically, Jesus was not Joseph’s son “for that which is conceived in her”, referring to Mary, “is of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 1:20). So, do you think Jesus was a mere human or the blend of humanity and “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), “the mystery of godliness” (1 Timothy 3:16)?

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Luke 4:21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Do you acknowledge that Jesus fulfilled not only the prophecy of Isaiah but all of the prophecies in the Bible pointing to Jesus being the Messiah?

Friday, May 3, 2024

Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave [it] again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

Do you also look to Jesus, and just like the hymn states, and allow the things of the world to grow strangely dim?

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Luke 4:17-19 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

The book of Isaiah not only has scripture regarding the first coming of Christ, as referred to in these verses, but it also has many prophecies about the second coming as well as after the millennium. So, have you dismissed searching the book of Isaiah because it is part of the Old Testament, or do you believe that “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)?

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

Do you have the same custom or practice as Jesus had?

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Luke 4:15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

Do you glorify Jesus now by following Jesus’ teachings today in the form of the scriptures?

Monday, April 29, 2024

Luke 4:14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

Is Jesus the most famous person in your life?

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Luke 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

And remember, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). That means we can have the devil depart from us as well. So, do you try taking on the devil by yourself, not at all, or do you submit yourself to God to receive the “divine power” (2 Peter 1:3) for the devil to flee?

Friday, April 26, 2024

Luke 4:12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Do you tempt God by the lack of carefulness in what you say or what you do, especially in that which tread upon Satan’s territory?

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Luke 4:11 And in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

It is true that God will protect even us when we go where He sends us but will not necessarily hold back the consequences when we venture onto Satan’s territory. That is known as presumption, which is something that true Christians do not partake in. So, are you presumptuous thinking you can go and do whatever you would like, or do you realize that true Christians do not purposely put themselves into spiritual harm just as Jesus did not?

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Luke 4:9-10 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee.

Satan can quote scriptures really well too, in fact, he quotes it so well that conflicting beliefs and doctrines between denominations are no longer a red flag. That should mean something, but then again, Satan has successfully caused over 95% of Christians to toss out the Bible as the standard to test their preachers with, and in the remaining 5%, there is a larger portion of them that do not know how to properly use the Bible to test their preachers with. But, are you awake enough to realize that every denomination cannot be right, and if there is not a correct denomination, then Jesus lied when He said, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18)? [And no, Jesus did not lie, therefore, spend the energy to find that correct denomination.]

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

So, do you serve the Lord thy God, or do you also try to serve yourself?

Monday, April 22, 2024

Luke 4:7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

Do you act upon being challenged by the word “if”, or are you stronger than that?

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Luke 4:6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

Do you really believe the lies of Satan? He does not have the power for the glory of those kingdoms. And he certainly cannot guarantee happiness to anyone that sells their souls to him in exchange for fame, wealth, or whatever. He basically is bargaining, negotiating with things that he does not have complete authority over. So, just how much power do you give Satan in your life?

Friday, April 19, 2024

Luke 4:5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

In a personal application, “a high mountain” is an appeal for the spiritual highs in one’s life. The devil shows people how popular they can become and will be liked by many of various kingdoms if they do certain things. To others, the devil dangles the amount of wealth that can be obtained and funneled from various kingdoms into their wallets. Whatever the high a person wants to experience, the idol that they focus upon, etc., the devil knows and tries to lead people away from God towards obtaining those desires. So, are you persuaded by anything the devil has to offer, or do you firmly do what Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27)? And by the way, that is every moment of one’s life that they follow. Christianity becomes a lifestyle and not a name tag.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

Do you live by every Word of God, or do you make exceptions? Are all your practices of God or pagan?

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Luke 4:3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.

Do you operate on being challenged with “if” questions appealing to the ego where you try to prove yourself, or do you see through such challenges and do the will of God instead?

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

Some people cannot even go forty minutes without thinking about food. So, how often is food on your mind?

Monday, April 15, 2024

Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

Are you full of the Holy Ghost and being led by the Spirit through the wilderness called life? “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (John 16:13). “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8).

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Luke 3:38 Which was [the son] of Enos, which was [the son] of Seth, which was [the son] of Adam, which was [the son] of God.

Enos meaning "mortal man"; Seth meaning "compensation"; and Adam meaning "the red earth". This earth indeed is sinful and we are but mortals, as compensation however, the Son of God paid the dear price to save us. So, how much do you appreciate Jesus shedding His blood?

Friday, April 12, 2024

Luke 3:37 Which was [the son] of Mathusala, which was [the son] of Enoch, which was [the son] of Jared, which was [the son] of Maleleel, which was [the son] of Cainan,

Methuselah meaning "when he dies, there shall be an emission"; Enoch meaning "dedicated"; Jared meaning "descent"; Maleleel or Mahalaleel meaning "praise of God"; and Cainan meaning "their smith". That emission was the flood but the eight who were dedicated in the lineage of the righteous were praised for their work on the ark. “But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37). Now, are you dedicated to serving in righteousness being praised of God doing work for Him?

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Luke 3:36 Which was [the son] of Cainan, which was [the son] of Arphaxad, which was [the son] of Sem, which was [the son] of Noe, which was [the son] of Lamech,

Cainan meaning "their smith"; Arphaxad means "stronghold of Chaldees"; Shem meaning "name"; Noah meaning "rest"; and Lamech meaning "why thus with thee?: unto bringing low". A “smith” is a worker or laborer, like a black smith, carpenter smith, etc. So, by their works people build a stronghold for the government, which was Chaldees back then but today, working towards a one world government (Revelation 17:13). But there is a name, Jesus, that will put a rest to all of this evil (Revelation 20:2-7) and shall bring all the wicked low, even to the point that “they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet” (Malachi 4:3). So, what is your focus of labor? Is it to help build up the government that will war against Christ when He returns (Revelation 17:14) or an effort to provide for the family and get the gospel message out?

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Luke 3:35 Which was [the son] of Saruch, which was [the son] of Ragau, which was [the son] of Phalec, which was [the son] of Heber, which was [the son] of Sala,

Serug meaning "intertwined"; Reu meaning "associate ye: feed ye"; Peleg meaning "division"; Eber or meaning "the region beyond"; and Salah meaning "sprout". God wants to be so involved in every aspect of our lives (Matthew 6:25), feeding us through His Word (Revelation 10:10), though it may cause division (Matthew 10:36), possibly sending us to regions beyond where we are (Revelation 14:6), to cause the Word to sprout in others. So, will you let Him in (Revelation 3:20)?

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Luke 3:34 Which was [the son] of Jacob, which was [the son] of Isaac, which was [the son] of Abraham, which was [the son] of Thara, which was [the son] of Nachor,

Jacob meaning "heel-catcher or supplanter"; Isaac meaning "to laugh"; Abraham meaning "father of a multitude"; Terah meaning "station"; and Nahor meaning "snorting". These are mostly a poor quality of a human. To be a supplanter or one who schemes, tricks, even impersonates another to cheat. Oh, it may generate a laugh even a laugh that causes snorting, but in the end, it will pay an expensive price. As even a spiritual child of the father of a multitude, Abraham (Galatians 3:29), it is our position or station to uplift Christian morals. So, are you exhibiting good character traits or worldly ones?

Monday, April 8, 2024

Luke 3:33 Which was [the son] of Aminadab, which was [the son] of Aram, which was [the son] of Esrom, which was [the son] of Phares, which was [the son] of Juda,

Amminadab meaning "one of the prince's people"; Aram or Ram meaning "high"; Esrom meaning "enclosed"; Pharez meaning "a breach"; and Judah meaning "he shall be praised". Jesus is “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) and “Most High” (Luke 8:28). When we are enclosed in His love, He sends us forth to be a “repairer the breach” (Isaiah 58:12) and drawing all to praise God, which ultimately leads to obedience. So, are you a repairer or destroyer?

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Luke 3:32 Which was [the son] of Jesse, which was [the son] of Obed, which was [the son] of Booz, which was [the son] of Salmon, which was [the son] of Naasson,

Jesse meaning "wealthy"; Obed meaning "serving"; Boaz meaning "fleetness"; Salmon meaning "raiment: a garment"; and Nahshon meaning "enchanter". God is very wealthy having a city made out of many precious jewels (Revelation 21:19-20) and metals like having golden streets (Revelation 21:21) and pearls (Revelation 21:21) as gates, yet He came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45), and with quickness, He offers us a change of raiment (Zechariah 3:1-5). He is willing to take our filthy rages and give us His righteous robe. Let not Satan enchant you to miss out. So, what do you serve? “The wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23)?

Friday, April 5, 2024

Luke 3:31 Which was [the son] of Melea, which was [the son] of Menan, which was [the son] of Mattatha, which was [the son] of Nathan, which was [the son] of David,

Melea meaning "my dear friend: object of care"; Menna or Menan meaning "soothsayer: enchanted"; Mattatha meaning "givingness"; Nathan meaning "a giver"; and David meaning "beloved". God treats us as His objects of care, or He would not have sent His Son for us. Even if we are caught up in evils like soothsaying, enchantments, even horoscopes, God, Who is so filled with giving that He is known as the Giver, treats each of us as His beloved. So, are you willing to forsake all the works of the devil, especially in the forms of soothsaying, enchantments, even horoscopes, or do you think it is just fun and games to play with Satan’s toys thinking it has no impact upon God’s feelings or the relationship at all?

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Luke 3:30 Which was [the son] of Simeon, which was [the son] of Juda, which was [the son] of Joseph, which was [the son] of Jonan, which was [the son] of Eliakim,

Simon meaning "harkening"; Judah meaning "he shall be praised"; Joseph meaning "let him add"; Jonan meaning "Jehovah is a gracious giver"; and Eliakim meaning "raising up by God". Do you believe God harkens or listens to your cry in prayer that is worthy to be praised as He adds His grace in the process of raising you up to be one of His sons or daughters (2 Corinthians 6:18)?

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Luke 3:29 Which was [the son] of Jose, which was [the son] of Eliezer, which was [the son] of Jorim, which was [the son] of Matthat, which was [the son] of Levi,

Jose meaning "he will be sustained of Jehovah"; Eliezer meaning "God is his help"; Jorim meaning "whom Jehovah has exalted"; Matthat meaning "gift of God"; and Levi meaning "joined". Jehovah sustains all who come to Him and provides help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). And through the gift of God, Jesus Christ, we are joined unto the Father (John 14:6). So, have you fully surrendered your will to God, or are you still doing your own thing and wonder why so many things fall apart?

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Luke 3:28 Which was [the son] of Melchi, which was [the son] of Addi, which was [the son] of Cosam, which was [the son] of Elmodam, which was [the son] of Er,

Melchi meaning "my king, my counsel"; Addi meaning "ornament"; Cosam meaning "divining"; Elmodam meaning "measure"; and Er meaning "watchful". Our King (Revelation 19:16) and Counsellor (Revelation 3:18) is God. We are His jewels or ornaments (Malachi 3:17). When we walk with Him and seek His counsel, He provides insight in the measure (1 Corinthians 10:13) that helps with being watchful, especially unto prayer (1 Peter 4:7). So, do you consult with your heavenly Counsellor often?

Monday, April 1, 2024

Luke 3:27 Which was [the son] of Joanna, which was [the son] of Rhesa, which was [the son] of Zorobabel, which was [the son] of Salathiel, which was [the son] of Neri,

Joannas meaning "grace or gift of God"; Rhesa meaning "head"; Zerubbabel meaning "born at Babel”, Shealtiel meaning "I have asked of God"; and Neriah meaning "Jehovah is my lamp". By the grace and Gift of God (Romans 6:23), “speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ” (Ephesians 4:15), despite being born in Babel or confusion, if in prayer we have asked of God, He will become our lamp (2 Samuel 22:29) to guide our feet in right paths (Psalms 119:105). So, is God and through His Word your lamp, or are you still wondering around in the confusion of darkness and sin?

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Luke 3:26 Which was [the son] of Maath, which was [the son] of Mattathias, which was [the son] of Semei, which was [the son] of Joseph, which was [the son] of Juda,

Maath meaning "small"; Mattathiah meaning "gift of Jehovah"; Shimei meaning "harkeners: my report"; Joseph meaning "let him add"; and Judah meaning "he shall be praised". Do you recognize that we are small but by the Gift of Jehovah, as is in Jesus Christ, we hear the report of God through His Word, adding to our knowledge of Him to learn to praise Him?

Friday, March 29, 2024

Luke 3:25 Which was [the son] of Mattathias, which was [the son] of Amos, which was [the son] of Naum, which was [the son] of Esli, which was [the son] of Nagge,

Mattathiah meaning "gift of Jehovah"; Amos meaning "burden"; Naum meaning "consolation"; Esli meaning "reserved of Jehovah"; and Naggai meaning "illuminating". The gift of Jehovah, which is Jesus Christ, lifts our burdens giving us consolation or comfort. Reserved of Jehovah is the grand illumination that will take place at the second coming. Are you anxiously looking forward to that event because you have surrendered all your burdens to Christ (Matthew 11:30)?

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Luke 3:24 Which was [the son] of Matthat, which was [the son] of Levi, which was [the son] of Melchi, which was [the son] of Janna, which was [the son] of Joseph,

Matthat meaning "gift of God"; Levi meaning "joined"; Melchi meaning "my king, my counsel"; Janna meaning "flourishing"; and Joseph meaning "let him add". Jesus is the Gift from God and has joined the human race to Heaven as Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” (John 1:51). He is our King (Revelation 19:16) and Counsel (Revelation 3:18). He causes “the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish” (Proverbs 14:11). And “For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee” (Proverbs 3:2). So, how much do you appreciate the Gift of God?

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Luke 3:23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was [the son] of Heli,

Jesus means "Jehovah is salvation"; Joseph means "let him add"; and Heli means "ascending". So, do you accept by faith the one who ascended into the Heavenly Sanctuary to provide for our salvation while you “add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity” (2 Peter 1:5-7)?

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Luke 3:21-22 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

We too can be baptized, be filled with the Holy Ghost, and receive the blessing of being a son or daughter in which God is well pleased. Sure, we “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), but “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9), and then He provides “his divine power” so “unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness“ (2 Peter 1:3) enabling us in that “we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22). Now, is God well pleased with you, or are you disappointing Him by living the ways of the world instead?

Monday, March 25, 2024

Luke 3:19-20 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

A person can silence a messenger but that does not change the fact that the message was true. So, do you evaluate the message and make corrections as necessary, or does the messenger, even if they were conducting themselves respectfully, still irk you because you do not like what they have to say?

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Luke 3:18 And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.

We are not told about everything that John the Baptist preached for it was “present truth” (2 Peter 1:12) for then but not for now. Today, we need another prophet to see us through until the second coming hence why the Bible teaches, “Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20). We need present truth for today to navigate the specifics of the last days, which we are in. So, do you despise prophesying and hold only to the Bible alone, or do you “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) testing them “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20) along with other Bible criteria?

Friday, March 22, 2024

Luke 3:17 Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

By the way, “unquenchable” does not mean that the fire will not cease; it just means that once the fire starts, it cannot be put out until everything is burned up. We cannot have the earth burn with fire (Revelation 20:9) and end up with a new earth (Revelation 21:1) without the fire of the old earth coming to an end. But more importantly, are you preparing to be wheat or chaff?

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

And the Holy Ghost does not make people become laughingstocks. Seeing that we are told, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38), to have the gift of the Holy Spirit, even to be baptized by the Holy Spirit is to allow the Holy Spirit to “guide you into all truth” (John 16:13) and allow the Holy Spirit to “reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). So, are you jumping all around and speaking nonsense that is unbeneficial to the salvation of observers, or are you sensing conviction that leads to confession and forsaking of sins?

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Luke 3:15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

Be careful for today of ascribing to humans not only being Christ, but even the term Christian or Christian preacher. Most Christian preachers are wolves along with many Christians. Jesus said, “few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14) referring to salvation, yet two billion Catholics and one billion Protestants think they are Heaven bound. The numbers do not add up. God gave a test in the Old Testament that is applicable today as God does not change: “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). Any preacher dismissing the law or God’s Word in any manner, especially by replacing it with traditions, are false. So, how quick are you to accept everyone naming the name Christian as being a Christian?

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Luke 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse [any] falsely; and be content with your wages.

Are you content with your wages, not blowing up at co-workers, and not pointing fingers at others, especially if the whole story is not known?

Monday, March 18, 2024

Luke 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

So, do you try to get more out of someone than is rightfully yours, be it in a store, personal transaction, etc.?

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Luke 3:12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?

Publicans or sinners should never think that they cannot approach God. He is “ready to forgive” (Psalms 86:5). All we have to do is “confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). So, have you already come, and if not, will you come?

Friday, March 15, 2024

Luke 3:11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

Abundance is not ever to encourage selfishness for a Christian, so do you properly bless others with what God abundantly provides to you?

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Luke 3:10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

The short answer, now that we have the First Advent as a reference, is “to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6), referring to developing a character like that of Jesus. So, how is your walk?

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Luke 3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

And the good fruit is none other than “the fruit of the Spirit” which “is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). So, are you exhibiting this fruit, all the time?

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

In modern application, are you bringing forth fruit of repentance, which is a cessation from sinning, or are you saying “I’m saved!” when God can raise up from stones true Christians?

Monday, March 11, 2024

Luke 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

John saw through many of the fake believers that appeared to want baptism. He called them the generation of vipers as later Jesus would say, “Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). So, many religious can actually be of the devil. Are you using the Word of God to discern who is who for we are to “try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1), and “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20)?

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Luke 3:6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

This is confirmed in Revelation: “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7). It does not mean that all flesh will receive the salvation of God, but have you chosen Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Just choosing Jesus as Savior or neither means you will not receive salvation.

Friday, March 8, 2024

Luke 3:5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways [shall be] made smooth;

This message, symbolic of itself, is meant to describe people being converted, in which Paul would later describe a true Christian as experiencing: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). The prideful mountain or hill will fall. Any committing sin is considered crooked but after conversion, they will stay on the straight and narrow path (Matthew 7:14). A rough background will be turned into a smooth or good character. So, is that your experience, or are you still prideful, sinful, crooked, and rough?

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Luke 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

This is not a preparation we make before Jesus so He can be riding on a donkey. This is not a preparation to clear the hiking path as Jesus walks the earth. This is a spiritual preparation for allowing Jesus to come straight into our lives. In other words, “That thou mayest walk in the way of good [men], and keep the paths of the righteous” (Proverbs 2:20). And referring to Jesus, “he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths” (Micah 4:2). So, how is your walk with Jesus following His ways?

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

John the Baptist preaching of baptism and repentance is not short lived. Jesus would continue it (Matthew 4:17) along with the apostles (Acts 2:38) and is expected to be done today. So, have you been baptized and experienced the cessation of sinning (1 John 2:1), or have you just been baptized and are wet sinner?

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Luke 3:1-2 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

Numerous names and positions are referred to between these two verses. That is so historians can pinpoint the exact year that the event of Jesus baptism, which is described in the rest of the chapter, can be dated because there is a prophecy in Daniel 9 that has to be pinpoint accurate or the Bible would be inaccurate. So that there is no mistaking the event, numerous names and positions are identified. Specifying a particular year can easily be manipulated. Naming one or two people and positions can open up for a range of years, but to name all of these people in all their positions makes it appear exactly towards 27 A.D. So, do you have a new appreciation to the tongue twisting names referenced in the Bible?

Monday, March 4, 2024

Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Jesus was not born with all knowledge and wisdom. It was developed showing that we too can develop such wisdom. More interestingly, we ought to also be able to grow in favor with God, which means to “do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22), as well as with fellow human beings for “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar” (1 John 4:20). So, are you developing the character like Christ as we “ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6)?

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Luke 2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Children, to be like Jesus means to “obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). So, do you obey your parents?

Friday, March 1, 2024

Luke 2:50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

Do you have trouble understanding God’s Word. It does take time. Of course, to help, we need to use God’s method of study and not just read it. That is why people are confused. They just read the Bible and get stuck on verses. Especially the King James Version, it is its own dictionary. Start looking up words using the Bible. That is what Isaiah 28:9-10 tells us: “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? [them that are] weaned from the milk, [and] drawn from the breasts. For precept [must be] upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little”. So, will you not give up and persist to understand by using God’s study method?

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Witnessing and obedience to God’s will, which includes keeping the commandments (Psalms 40:8), is two of several business items of God. So, are you about God’s business as well?

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Luke 2:48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

Jesus did not disobey His parents for to do so would have been a sinful act. Twelve was also considered the beginnings of manhood in the day. And, it was the parent’s responsibility to have made sure they did not lose Jesus. Now, when things do not go well, do you try to deflect the blame by blaming others, or do you take responsibility for your actions or lack of actions?

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Luke 2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

Jesus still has the answers today. Do you hear them through the scriptures?

Monday, February 26, 2024

Luke 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

The best way to witness against someone’s errors is to question them as Jesus did. Telling someone that they are wrong and even the reason why may be truth but not effective truth. Asking, “If you believe that no one can take you out of God’s hands so you cannot be lost, how does John 10:27 fit in when it says, ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.’? Is that not a condition to the promise? So, how direct are you with people? Enough to prove your position but send the hearer away from God?

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Luke 2:45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

We may also look in all the wrong places for Jesus and not find Him, but do you turn back to where you last had the experience with Him and rekindle it?

Friday, February 23, 2024

Luke 2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among [their] kinsfolk and acquaintance.

So, in the morning they departed. They assumed Jesus was with the cousins and other relatives as a normal child would associate with. Now that it was getting late, and they were stopping for the night, they started looking for Jesus and were conducting a diligent search for Him. Today, some times we may journey through life thinking Jesus is with us when in fact it has been our own failed decisions that has caused us to lose sight of Jesus. When you sense that, do you diligently search for Jesus?

Thursday, February 22, 2024

Luke 2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not [of it].

It is natural to make assumptions, however not all assumptions result in reality. It was assumed that as the family members of cousins, aunts, and uncles left Jerusalem that Jesus would be among them, but He was not. So, do you make sure of important assumptions that they are reality?

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Luke 2:42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

And this is where we get the age of accountability from. In most Christian groups, this means that a person who reaches about the age of twelve or so is considered ready for baptism. We all should be concerned that uninformed babies, those who are unable to even think beyond food, drink, sleep, and soiling diapers would be allowed to engage in an activity that is an outward sign of declaring one to be espoused to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2). No one would agree that a few weeks old baby should be allowed to become engaged to be married to a spouse here on earth. It is bad enough that there are child brides being married off to men who are easily fifty years older. Could you imagine a fifty-year-old engaged to an infant? Then why are so many not seeing that the act of baptism is the same thing, only that we are engaged to Christ? Now, do you accept infant baptism as being biblical?

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Luke 2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

Here we have an example for parents. There is a difference between just going to church whenever, even every week, and actually going to church and being active in the service. In this example, we see that Mary and Joseph set a good example following the expectations of God. Parents and grandparents, children are impressionable, so what type of religious example do you set before them?

Monday, February 19, 2024

Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

All those stories about how Jesus visited other nations, like India, to get an education is an outright lie. He was in Nazareth and grew up and waxed strong in the spirit. Jesus was into the scriptures, of which were the words of God, which were given only to one nation, Israel. The notion that Jesus studied under the gurus of India as well is the process of trying to make all religions equal. They are not. God gave Israel His Word, His Commandment, His Son. In fact, Jesus said, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). He was not sent to India, Africa, or even China. So, do you see how it is an agenda of the world to try to minimize Christianity and make all religions equal? By the way, Israel or the Jewish religion ceased to be God’s religion when they rejected the gospel at the stoning of Stephen, just as the timeline predicted from Daniel 9. That is why they even no longer are to be considered equal with Christianity.

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Luke 2:39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

Luke does not mention Egypt in his account. He simply went from Bethlehem to returning to Nazareth. We allow Matthew to give us the Egyptian details, and between these two writers, we see that in such a short time, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus lived in multiple places. We ought to always be willing to relocate to where God directs even if we just got there. So, how mobile are you, or have you become so attached to where you are at that even if God were to send an angel, you still would not move?

Friday, February 16, 2024

Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Have you found redemption as it is in Jesus?

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Luke 2:37 And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day.

Do you take your relationship with God seriously spending significant time with Him each day, even having morning and evening devotional time?

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Luke 2:36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

It is a shame that people throw away their virginity for the dumbest reasons and not treat it special as God does. “Don’t you love me?” is the famous satanic invitation to throw it away, especially when the partner shortly thereafter moves on collecting yet another notch. In fact, it is said that 93% of people are not virgins when they marry. Now, the Bible does not teach anything about pre-marital sex but plenty of content showing that sex is actually the marital connection (Genesis 16:3, 24:67, 29:21, 29:28, 30:4, 30:9; Deuteronomy 20:7). And, we certainly have today what Jesus described – a casual attitude of marrying and giving in marriage (Luke 17:27) that does not point to the erroneous divorce rate based upon faulty math. In other words, a casual approach to sex being meaningless and marriage being but a piece of paper is what Jesus was referring to. Marriages involving ministers did not begin until the 800s A.D. Sure, there were marriage celebrations, like in Cana that Jesus even visited and worked His first miracle, but nowhere do we find couples being married by ministers. Today, we do need that for legal purposes and maybe stronger commitments to marriage, but back in the day, it was not so. Subsequently, are you careful about the attitude regarding sex as it being the act of marriage, or do you see it lightly as just something that probably should be saved for marriage, but if not, oh well?

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Luke 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

The heart, which is not that which pumps blood, but is a combination of thoughts and feelings. Proverbs 23:7 tells us, “As he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he”. And that is what the Messiah reveals – what we are thinking. So, does the Messiah reveal a hard heart that needs replaced (Ezekiel 11:19) or a humble heart (Psalms 10:17)?

Monday, February 12, 2024

Luke 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

This is true not only for literal Israel at the first coming but also in spiritual Israel (Romans 2:28-29, Galatians 3:29) at the second coming. Many think they know the Word of God and brag of knowing key verses of the Bible with some even carrying Bible degrees while others are recognized as theologians, but many shall fall because Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:22-23). So, do you really know the scriptures and the true God of the Bible, or do you just repeat what you have been told or even came up with it on your own independent of the scriptures?

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Luke 2:33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

Do you marvel, consider, ponder those things that are said of Jesus, especially since they identify Him as the Messiah, or do you treat Jesus just like any other human and not the Messiah?

Friday, February 9, 2024

Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Jesus was not just a light of information to the Gentiles, but glorifying Israel leaving the Gentiles as lower-class citizens! So many Christians have this mixed up. The mixed-up Christians are recognized when they declare certain Bible passages as “That was for the Jews!”, “That was for Israel!”, “I’m not of Israel!”, etc. Paul declared “he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly” (Romans 2:28-29). “And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). Spiritually, we are Jews. We are even part of Israel. We are not the unfavored people. Israel was to be the nation that God worked through to bring the gospel to the world and they failed miserably making themselves exclusive, hence why Jesus said, “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18), and “The kingdom of God shall be taken from you”, referring to Israel, “and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” (Matthew 21:43). So, do you accept the light as well as accept Christ’s glory for salvation’s sake?

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Luke 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

When did God prepare salvation? “According to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Timothy 1:9). Grace was prepared before the world began. It was revealed at the cross. It did not start at the cross. That means from Adam and Eve until now and until the world ends, grace is the only thing that will allow each of us access to Heaven. So, do you believe that lie about the Old Testament people or even the Jews were to keep the commandments while New Testament people are under grace, or do you see that God had prepared salvation ahead of time?

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Luke 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Have you seen the salvation that God provides through His Son, Jesus Christ?

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Luke 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word

Do you have that peace where you are prepared to accept whatever future God has instore for you?

Monday, February 5, 2024

Luke 2:28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

How often do immediately thank God for answered prayer?

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law

There are very few parents that are like Mary and Joseph in today’s world that follow all that God expects them to follow in bringing up their children. It is more than simply providing them with food, schooling, a home, and clothes. If you are a parent, are you raising your children by God’s guidelines or society’s?

Friday, February 2, 2024

Luke 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Does the Holy Ghost convict you that Simeon indeed saw Christ in that Jesus was the Christ?

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

Being just and devout ought to not be the exception, especially today among Christians. All true Christians should be like Simeon, just and devout. Are you, or do you make exceptions for a little sin here and there?

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Luke 2:24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

According to Leviticus 14:30, the stipulation was, “such as he can get” (Leviticus 14:30) or even afford. In fact, it was thought that the peasant life would offer the pigeons. As we see, God’s expectation to keep the law has compassion built into it. “The God of the Old Testament” is not as mean as many Christians make Him out to be. So, do you see a compassionate God as “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8), or do you see a tyrannical dictator instead?

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Luke 2:23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

For us, when we are born again, we are also considered holy unto the Lord for “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not” (1 John 5:18) and “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). So, are you committed to living a holy and godly life by the power and grace of God, or are you letting the world pull you away from being holy?

Monday, January 29, 2024

Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord;

Child dedication is biblical. Baptizing babies is not. So, have you been baptized properly being on or after the age of accountability and not beforehand?

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

And remember the meaning of Jesus, “thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). And that is not just being saved from the punishment of our sins. He is able to actually save us from sinning. In fact, the Bible declares, He “is able to keep you from falling” (Jude 1:24). Do you believe in this power of Jesus to do as He came to do, or do you think sinning is not possible to give up and Satan is more powerful than Jesus being part of the group that is “denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5)?

Friday, January 26, 2024

Luke 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

When truth is revealed to you, do you glorify and praise God about all that was revealed, or do you look for a way not to accept it?

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart.

Do you keep the Word of God in your heart like Mary kept the heavenly message delivered by the shepherds in her heart?

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Luke 2:18 And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

When someone shares Bible information, do you wonder if those things are true, or do you just automatically dismiss any and all new information holding tightly to only that which you believe without checking the Bible to see what is right and what is error?

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Luke 2:17 And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Do you tell others about Jesus and what has been told of Him, like being our Savior from sin and providing salvation?

Monday, January 22, 2024

Luke 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

So, the shepherds made haste in response to the messages they received. Today, many people put off making a decision for Christ instead of making haste after hearing the gospel invitation. Hopefully, you have already responded to the gospel message, but when you are impressed of God to check the Bible on something, do you still make haste to see if it is so, or do you put it off and forget about it?

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Nehemiah 11:18 All the Levites in the holy city [were] two hundred fourscore and four.

The number to enter alive into the heavenly holy city in the last generation are “an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand” (Revelation 7:4). With references to Israel and tribes in Revelation being symbolic (Revelation 1:1), and they pointing to character descriptions instead of physical bloodlines, are you living a life that may qualify you to be one of them?

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

Is your attitude towards the scriptures the same as the attitude of the shepherds towards the messages from the angels?

Friday, January 19, 2024

Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

It would be nice if every person, every nation, etc. would be at peace and have good will towards each other, but when Jesus said, “ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars” (Matthew 24:6), such peace will never happen on this side of the second coming. Besides, that is not the peace and good will the angels referred to. Sin is the rejection of God and glorification of selfishness. From the moment Adam and Eve sinned, the whole human race was placed at odds with God, but “unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus revealed the peace being the Prince of it and goodwill that is possible to all who believe. And this peace was “according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Timothy 1:9). Jesus being born, living a perfect life, submitting to the cross, and rising again was looked upon from the Old Testament as a future revelation but we being after the cross see that it has indeed been revealed. So, do you accept the peace and goodwill from God through Jesus Christ?

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Luke 2:12 And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Of course, we do not find Him as a baby lying in a manger today, though, that is how many, many Christians picture Jesus for weeks during the Christmas season as He labors for each of us as “Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building” (Hebrews 9:11). So, do you still picture Jesus as a helpless babe, or “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16)?

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Do you accept Christ as your Savior?

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

The good tidings are not just for Jews, in fact, it is not just for Christians either. It is for all people. That does not mean all people stay in their respective beliefs, religions, or practices. So, have you responded to the good tidings and become a follower of Christ?

Monday, January 15, 2024

Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

Good angels are not always a sign of pleasant greetings. Destruction has been associated with some appearances. Now, if an angel appeared to you, would all your sins and laxness in overcoming of them come to mind causing you to fear thinking they are here for destructive purposes, or would surprise appearance by an angel be the only thing that would cause you to fear?

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

There are shepherds among us today that are to watch over the flock sounding the alarm when heresy, apostasy, false teachings, etc. are trying to come into the church. How is your pastor doing? Is that pastor a true shepherd or a wolf welcoming in all these things of the world?

Friday, January 12, 2024

Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Please notice that this is Mary’s firstborn son. Now, Joseph had older children from a prior marriage that ended in he becoming a widower and therefore, Joseph’s children were Jesus’ step siblings (Matthew 12:46-47, Matthew 13:55). So, do you recognize that Jesus was not an only child, which means that He is a perfect example even for children to follow as they taunted Him while growing up?

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

If it were not for the taxation, the prophecy that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) would not have been fulfilled. We may not know God’s timing or why we might even be displaced, but do you trust God in relocating you or simply having circumstances change your plans?

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Luke 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

Not many know this but Mary and Joseph were not married yet when they made the trip to Bethlehem. Were you aware that Mary was just espoused to Joseph and not actually married yet? That makes Mary truly a single parent with assistance by her fiancé. Although many women today in the same situation have no support, remember, there was no government assistance back then nor hospitals either. Hopefully Mary’s situation can bring encouragement to all those facing a challenging birth and go forward with delivery.

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

Are you glad you do not have to return to your birth city to pay taxes? At the same time, how does it feel that that the government can track you down no matter where you live?

Monday, January 8, 2024

Luke 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors” (1 Peter 2:13-14). Of course, if the law conflicts with God’s law, that is a different story, but when it comes to money, right or wrong, who really cares? It is all going to burn up soon, even if we use the excuse, “But I could do so much more for God if I didn’t pay those taxes!” Seeing a person in the United States may give up to 50% of their income to God, which would greatly reduce the tax burden, maybe even eliminate it, are you giving all you can give then? For others who comply, do not feel guilty and do not think half your income must be directed to God’s service. That statement is for those that fight the government on taxes.

Sunday, January 7, 2024

Luke 2:2 ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And here in America, according to historians, right or wrong, our first American income tax was instituted under Abraham Lincoln in 1861. That does not mean states started to tax earlier, but this identifies the first nationwide income tax, again, assuming the historian documentation is correct. Nonetheless, today, we find ourselves in a very oppressive system than what it first started as – three percent flat tax. Subsequent presidents and congresses have made it so that people cannot get ahead. It is a punishing tax. Now, it is not our place to argue the legalities of it. Certainly, Jesus would say, “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's” (Matthew 22:21). So, do you at least render unto God what is God’s?

Friday, January 5, 2024

Nehemiah 11:5 And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.

Maaseiah means "work of Jehovah"; Baruch means "blessed"; Col-hozeh means "all-seeing"; Hazaiah means "God has seen"; Adaiah means "Jehovah has adorned Himself"; Joiarib or Jehoiarib means "Jehovah contends"; Zechariah means "Jehovah remembers"; and Shiloni has no meaning. The work of Jehovah is to bless, especially with grace and eternal life. Because He is all-seeing, He has seen everything we have done and has heard everything we have said. He is looking to adorn Himself but not how we may think. “And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not” (Malachi 3:17-18). He is contending for our souls and remembers His own. Now, will you be one of those jewels that God adorns Himself with?

Friday, January 5, 2024

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

And in the future, there is going to be another decree that involves both the image of the beast and the mark of the beast. Are you educated properly to know what these items are? Popular Christianity and Hollywood has many afraid of the next president, credit cards, and other physical objects. If you are thinking along those lines, then go to https://www.youtube.com/@haveonemind1612 and learn what the Bible teaches instead.

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Luke 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

John the Baptist was not found chasing after city life, in fact, most people God calls are not found in the city. Lot is an example of one that risked salvation for the convenience of city life. So, have you considered distancing yourself from city life for salvation purposes?

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Light includes practices. In other words, true Christians that are enlightened to the truth do not stay in darkness, which includes sin. Further, having our feet guided means that we would also walk in the way and that way is the way of peace, of which we would do those things that connect us with God to maintain that peace and avoid those things that separate us. In other words, living in sin creates unrest in the soul while obedience to God creates peace, especially knowing that the Prince of Peace is willing to forgive us of the times we failed. So, between living in the light and walking in the way of peace, anyone that says that works from a saved relationship does not exist is actually coming from a person who is not saved and wants to excuse the sins they are holding onto. So, do you live in the light and walk in the way of peace?

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Luke 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

Some believe God to be tolerant of human beings and looking for ways to keep them out of Heaven, when in fact, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), and through His Son, God is willing to be so merciful that He shall “cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9), upon the action that “we confess our sins” (1 John 1:9) of course. But that is just it, there is nothing more required to receive His mercy. How we react to His mercy is a different story, but for now, are you grateful for His tender mercies?

Monday, January 1, 2024

Luke 1:77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

Jesus did not just grant salvation; He brought the knowledge thereof. People are to react to that knowledge. It is done through remission of sin and not just by mouthing words of “I believe!” According to Mark 1:4 as well as Luke 3:3, repentance is involved in the remission process. According to Romans 3:25, we then declare His righteousness and those sins are now past: “to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past”. In short, our reaction is to repent and cease doing those sins by the grace of God, otherwise, those sins are still current instead of past. Then, as the “Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive” (Psalms 86:5), He can forgive because we followed the steps that allows Him to remit our sins. The bottom line is that we are not saved while still knowingly committing sin or carelessly committing sin as Jesus was sent to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). So, are your sins truly remitted or in a fantasy way remitted?

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Luke 1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

We may not be prophets today, but we have been commissioned to tell others about Jesus’ second coming, helping to prepare people to meet Him. That is what true Christianity is about. It is not about being saved ourselves in selfish way and having a good time at church, but it is to go forth to others with the gospel. So, how are you doing with reaching others with the gospel?

Friday, December 29, 2023

Luke 1:75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

This is how we are to serve God: in holiness and righteousness. And that is every single day of our life, as it states, which means, every day is to be without the choice to sin or even the carelessness to sin. Now, with knowing that “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4) that means the law still exists and is expected to be kept, otherwise, we are serving self and Satan. So, who do you serve?

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Luke 1:74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,

When we are saved, we are saved from our enemy Satan and all his instruments like that of evil and sin, but we are also saved then to serve God. Therefore, doing that which is right, seeking to save other souls, and doing some type of ministering work is the simple expectation of a Christian life and not to be confused as working for salvation. It is a lifestyle change. It really is not work at all. If that is not in us when we become “born again”, then we are not “born again”. So, do you serve God or self?

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Luke 1:73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,

And Paul applies this oath broader than the average Christian understands. This is not a promise to the Jews only. “And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). So, do you see that we are heirs to that promise despite most of us not having Jewish blood in our veins?

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Luke 1:72 To perform the mercy [promised] to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;

Daniel 9:27 predicted that the Messiah would “confirm the covenant with many for one week”. And Paul stated, “the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ” (Galatians 3:17). Now, do you accept these scriptures, or do you really believe Daniel 9:27 is about the antichrist instead as so many people are being led to believe without supportive scripture?

Monday, December 25, 2023

Luke 1:71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;

Satan and the rest of the fallen angels are our enemies “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]” (Ephesians 6:12). Since “God is love” (1 John 4:8), then Satan is the one that hates us “because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Now, do you accept the salvation that Jesus provides, or do you enjoy the destructiveness of sin?

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Luke 1:70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

Do you listen to God’s holy prophets? Or do you think those holy prophets have no application for today?

Friday, December 22, 2023

Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

“The God of my rock; in him will I trust: [he is] my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence” (2 Samuel 22:3). “The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower” (Psalms 18:2). “And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation” (1 Samuel 2:1). Do you accept Jesus as the horn of your salvation?

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Luke 1:67-68 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people

Do appreciate and accept the redemption from God as there is no other way to truly be redeemed and no other being that is offering such a promise for eternity?

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Luke 1:66 And all they that heard [them] laid [them] up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

While we know the rest of the story, where John is the forerunner to pointing out the Lamb of God in Whom we ought to follow, do you accept the manner of child he grew from into John the Baptist, the prophet of the Lord, or do you think he was a false prophet?

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Luke 1:65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

What is your reaction to things like this, where Zacharias was made dumb and was released from it at the moment the name was announced? Do you count it as a miracle of God and join in the fear of God, which we are called to have (Revelation 14:7), or do you think it was simply excellent timing of recovering after suffering from a stroke?

Monday, December 18, 2023

Luke 1:64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue [loosed], and he spake, and praised God.

When you speak, do you praise God or Satan? What is meant is, “be ye holy in all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:15). Now, are you speaking appropriately or are your words mixed with the foulness of the world?

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Luke 1:63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.

Can you be as firm as Zacharias when it comes to standing for the truth? Men, can you support your wife like Zacharias?

Friday, December 15, 2023

Luke 1:62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

Some times it takes multiple methods of communication to reach someone. We may not have to learn sign language, but are you open to other means in helping to spread the gospel?

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Luke 1:61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.

And the response should be that it does not matter. Just like when people break with tradition today. “No one else does that”, is the usual response. And if there is a biblical reason to break with tradition, the reply should be the same, “It doesn’t matter”. So, are you willing to break with tradition, especially for a biblical reason, even if no one else has done that?

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Luke 1:60 And his mother answered and said, Not [so]; but he shall be called John.

How much courage do you have to stand up against tradition, especially this time of year?

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Luke 1:59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

That is just like people who are stuck in tradition. They not only think tradition should be followed but they give no opportunity for exception. They just plow their way forward. Now, are you careful about pushing tradition and are you open to the ways of God that may contradict tradition?

Monday, December 11, 2023

Luke 1:58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

When God blesses you, shows great mercy, do you share it with others like Elisabeth?

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Luke 1:57 Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.

Everything happens in God’s timing, even births that catches many humans by surprise. So, how is God’s timing in your life on various things? Does it catch you by surprise, good or bad, sometimes?

Friday, December 8, 2023

Luke 1:56 And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

Have you checked on the spiritual status of your family members lately?

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Luke 1:55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

And remember, “if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). So, is God speaking to you, especially through His Word, the Bible?

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Luke 1:54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of [his] mercy;

God indeed is merciful. Is that ever in the forefront of your mind when it comes to naming the attributes of God?

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Luke 1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

Anyone looking at this physically, they will go away empty. “Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). So, how hungry are you after righteousness?

Monday, December 4, 2023

Luke 1:52 He hath put down the mighty from [their] seats, and exalted them of low degree.

Do you feel inferior to others? Remember, the world sets up these mighty seats that God pulls down and looks exaltingly upon those that are of a lower position. So, will you lift your eyes up as God cares for you and glory in the fact that you are a child of God?

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Luke 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

Do you have unbiblical imaginations in your heart, especially thoughts that are considered sinful in God’s eyes?

Friday, December 1, 2023

Luke 1:50 And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation.

To fear God is not only respect but to obey Him. In other words, “For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:13). In fact, we are told, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). So, do you think God’s mercy permits living in sin without the need to cease, or rather forgiveness of breaking His commandments while trying to keep them by His strength (2 Peter 1:3)?

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Luke 1:49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy [is] his name.

Do you acknowledge the great things God has done for you and respect His holy name?

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Luke 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Indeed, she is considered well blessed, but more importantly, God did not choose a queen of a nation. He did not choose the wife of a Pharisee, scribe, or Sadducee. God chose from a low estate for this important duty. David was a shepherd, Joseph a prisoner, many disciples being fishermen, but all were called of God for service. So, do you think you have a life that God cannot call you from, or are you ready to be used of God at any given moment?

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Luke 1:46-47 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Do you follow Mary’s example by magnifying the Lord through submission to God’s way rejoicing in the Savior, or do you do your own thing thinking that the Savior permits sinning magnifying Satan and his ways?

Monday, November 27, 2023

Luke 1:45 And blessed [is] she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

It took belief upon Mary’s part for these things to be performed. So, is their any unbelief on your part preventing a miracle from happening with you, such as, once again, end of all sinning in your life?

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Luke 1:43-44 And whence [is] this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

The word “Lord” is not the same as the word “God”, just in case you were wondering. And what did Jesus say about His mother that we too can leap at the sound of what was spoken? “My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it” (Luke 8:21). So, do you obey the Word of God as Jesus wants us to as opposed to venerating Mary?

Friday, November 24, 2023

Luke 1:41-42 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed [art] thou among women, and blessed [is] the fruit of thy womb.

Again, Mary is the mother of Jesus but not the mother of God. Jesus “took not on [him the nature of] angels; but he took on [him] the seed of Abraham” (Hebrews 2:16). Jesus, who was God, took on a human nature. That is what Mary is the mother of. So, do you make Mary to be more than what God intended, or have you personally elevated her higher than she ought to be, especially around this time of season singing catchy hymns in reference to her?

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Luke 1:39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

There is a different hill that all of us should make haste to travel towards. It is called Zion, a symbol representing God’s kingdom. So, how quickly are you journeying to that hill country?

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Luke 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Do you have the same reaction when you find things in the Bible that at “the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent”?

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

No, a person will not all of a sudden get an A on a test that they normally do not achieve at any point throughout the school year. No, the team is not going to win the trophy, especially with a struggling record. It is all about the purpose of the kingdom of God – saving souls. We needed a Savior and a miracle happened, and if a miracle needs to take place in our lives for the furtherance of the gospel, it will happen. What is unfortunate is that so many Christians believe they can get that A or that trophy but do not believe they can overcome all of their sins. That is where the real miracles happen. So, when you think of nothing being impossible with God, do you believe that He is stronger than any all addictions in your life?

Monday, November 20, 2023

Luke 1:36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

This is how we know that John the Baptist was six months older than Jesus, but it was actually told to Mary as a sign of confirmation. In fact, that is what signs are actually for. “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following” (Mark 16:20). Signs are not to prove one’s Christianity for Satan can counterfeit them. Signs are used to confirm that the Word of God is true, therefore, if a sign leads away from the Word of God, it is not of God. “If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 13:1-3). So, do you use signs to prove you have the Holy Spirit, or do allow signs to confirm the Word of God?

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

God is willing to give us power too – not to have a baby but to live a godly life. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:3-4). And with the Holy Spirit also overshadowing us, “He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). So, will you accept the power to overcome every sin in your life as Mary accepted back then the power and responsibility in her life?

Friday, November 17, 2023

Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

When God says something, anything, that may even require a miracle to fulfill, do we react with “How shall this be?” How will the United States be the world’s enforcer of the Mark of the Beast when it seems we are collapsing as a country in all areas, and we have a separation between church and state? How will victory over sin in each of our lives ever occur permanently? How… How… How… God said so. It will happen. Do you have faith in God’s Word?

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Luke 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

God would not state that His kingdom would have no end if another one also had no end. Indirectly, this states that Satan and his kingdom will not be around throughout eternity in any form because if he did last forever, he too could state his kingdom would have no end. Since only God’s kingdom has no end, do you really want to serve Satan and his suggestions as his kingdom will have a finality, or are you willing to do what it takes to cling to Jesus and be part of His kingdom instead and have eternal life?

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Luke 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Do you refer to Jesus as the Son of the Highest, or do you consider Jesus as merely a good teacher, rabbi, or some other human only trait?

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Mary accepted Jesus physically in the womb. Do you accept Him spiritually today in your heart (Ephesians 3:17)?

Monday, November 13, 2023

Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

Are you in favor with God “because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22) or with Satan through sinning?

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Luke 1:29 And when she saw [him], she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

An angel showing up is not always good, and it is not always bad. Being cautious is probably the best reaction to have, but many go to one extreme or the other when a messenger calls upon them. “Hey, can you come to my office please? I would like to talk to you about something.” And the person typically will think, “I’m being fired” or “I’m finally getting promoted” instead of simply thinking, “Not sure what this is about. I guess I will find out in a moment.” So, what is your reaction to a messenger that comes your way?

Friday, November 10, 2023

Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: blessed [art] thou among women.

And as a former Catholic, the rest of the Catholic prayer called the “Hail Mary” is nowhere to be found. She was a blessed woman. She was greeted by the word “Hail”. So, “Hail Mary, fully of grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus” is all correct. But Mary is not the mother of God. She was the mother of the human body that God took on (Hebrews 10:5). God existed well before Mary ever did. So, let us be careful what words we utter and make sure they are biblical, otherwise we are just following a man-made religion. Are you, even if not Catholic, careful of everything you do is biblical or not?

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Luke 1:24-25 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on [me], to take away my reproach among men.

Back in the day, not having children was considered a reproach, especially a son. Today, people idolize the planet being deceived and choose not to have children despite God’s command to “Be fruitful, and multiply”. So, are you an earth worshipper or God-fearing person? Of course, those that choose not to have children based upon the conditions of the world is a whole different story and even possibly wise.

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Luke 1:23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

Here we have Zacharias struck dumb and still completing his duties. Now, do you experience a lesser issue in life and look to escape from responsibilities, or do you push through the issue, by the grace of God, and complete them?

Monday, November 6, 2023

Luke 1:22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.

Are their signs that you show, like putting forth a good Christian character demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), that people would recognize that you spend time each day with God?

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Luke 1:21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.

How long do you wait for church to start before you get up and leave?

Friday, November 3, 2023

Luke 1:20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

What will it take to believe, not just an angel’s word as most of us have not had that experience, but God’s Word?

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Luke 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

Gabriel had visited Daniel (Daniel 8:16 and 9:21), Mary (Luke 1:26-38), and Zacharias (Luke 1:19). It is to Zacharias that Gabriel states that he took Lucifer’s place. Similarly, those seeking to go to Heaven, if they are not careful, can be replaced. Jesus said, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11). That crown represents eternal life. So, in character, which angel do you want to copy – Lucifer or Gabriel?

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Luke 1:18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

Would you argue with an angel, especially knowing the Abraham and Sarah story? Would you argue over anything an angel delivers to you?

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Luke 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

And there are people today doing the same thing that John the Baptist was doing, especially since the full reference of Malachi actually points to the second coming: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD” (Malachi 4:5). Now, John the Baptist was a type of Elijah, however, there are many today also going forth with the preparing message of Elijah, and you can recognize the message because it comes from Revelation 14:6-12 with Jesus showing up in verse 14, with, sadly, many faithful voices already falling asleep in death, just as predicted in verse 13. But the question is, are you fitting in with the world making Christianity so appealing that it looks like the world and cannot be distinguished from the world, or are you obedient with God’s Word guiding your every step and telling others to become obedient as well, in the proper manner?

Monday, October 30, 2023

Luke 1:16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

Are you actively looking to turn people to God?

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

This is sad. Proverbs 20:1 declares, “Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise”, and yet, it had to be stated that of the people of Israel, this one, John the Baptist, would actually not drink alcohol. Jesus turning water into wine was not for people to have a drunken party (John 2:1-11). It was grape juice as the context has no hint of drunkenness about it. The same is true with Timothy. Paul advised Timothy, “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23). Alcohol upsets the stomach but grape juice calms it. Evidently, the water supply was not of the healthiest resources at the time. Both alcohol and grape juice are referred to as “wine” in the Bible. So, do you let an unconverted mind contradict scripture that leads people to do all kinds of sinful practices under the influence thereof (Proverbs 23:29-35), or do you see the difference between alcohol and grape juice using the word “wine”?

Friday, October 27, 2023

Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

Are you glad that John the Baptist was born and became the forerunner of Christ, or do you think his messages were too harsh?

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

When the angel acknowledges Zacharias’ prayer being answered, Zacharias did not simply pray once and that was it. We are told to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and Jesus told a few parables addressing this and encouraging to keep praying. Some mothers have prayed for fifty years or more for a child to come to God before their prayers were answered. So, have you prayed for something and given up on the prayer request?

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Luke 1:12 And when Zacharias saw [him], he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

If an angel from Heaven came to visit you, what do you think your reaction would be?

Monday, October 23, 2023

Luke 1:11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

The right side represents approval of God. Now, does God approve of you and your ways?

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Luke 1:10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

Do you join in with group prayer, or do you avoid it for whatever excuse you may have that is not biblical? [There are biblical excuses, but we are not going to enter into that discussion right now.]

Friday, October 20, 2023

Luke 1:9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

Do you offer incense today, spiritually speaking, “Let my prayer be set forth before thee [as] incense” (Psalms 141:2)?

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Luke 1:8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,

Do you execute the responsibilities that you have and do so as it is before the eyes of God?

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Luke 1:7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were [now] well stricken in years.

Many people are like this couple – wanting a child but not understanding why they are unable to conceive, but such feelings are not limited to just not having children. There are people who wish to be married and never find a mate and do not understand. There are people who lost their parents at a young age and are very much is grief. What ever the sorrow you are carrying, do you talk to God about it, or do you hold animosity towards God for being deprived?

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

So, human beings can be blameless when it comes to the commandments unlike what we are told by most Christians – “only Christ was perfect!” That is implying that we ought not even try to keep the commandments. That is because they confuse the purpose of grace. Grace is not permission to sin (Romans 6:15). Grace is taking care of when we have sinned but strive to keep the commandments (1 John 1:9). And yes, strive is a term that even Jesus used (Luke 13:24). “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin” (1 John 3:9), and “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4) means that grace covers all of our past sins, but when we become born again, we stop breaking God’s Ten Commandments by the “divine power” (2 Peter 1:3) where we believe in “him that is able to keep you from falling” (Jude 1:24). Now remember, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). So, the intent is not to sin, but if we do have an “oops” moment, do not fret. We may receive grace for that moment as well. But, also remember, “not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:13). In other words, purposeful sinning and carelessly sinning is not covered as we continue there in (Hebrews 10:26). So, are you doing God’s Ten Commandments and are justified, receiving grace, so as to be considered blameless in the eyes of God; or are you just breaking God’s Ten Commandments enjoying the offerings of the world thinking they were nailed to the cross?

Monday, October 16, 2023

Luke 1:5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife [was] of the daughters of Aaron, and her name [was] Elisabeth.

Herod means "heroic"; Zacharias means "remembered of Jehovah"; Abijah means "my father is Jehovah"; Aaron means "a teacher"; and Elisabeth means "oath of God". My Father is Jehovah who remembers me and teaches me as He has promised or given His oath that “will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). So, do you need an earthly hero or are you satisfied with Jehovah, God?

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Luke 1:4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

There should be nothing wavering in our faith, so are you certain you understand all there is to understand about Jesus?

Friday, October 13, 2023

Luke 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

Here we see the purpose of Luke’s writing. It was a witnessing tool to Theophilus. What do you use to reach others with the gospel?

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Luke 1:2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;

In addition to the inspiration of God, Luke talked with eyewitnesses and not just hearsay. Those promoting true Christianity do not promote lies as it is one of the commandments. So, do you see the problem with arguments against the Bible calling the writers liars or content of exaggerations? You cannot promote a good character while lying, therefore, the Bible is a true and accurate publication.

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Luke 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us

Welcome to our next evening verse-by-verse walkthrough applying the verses to us personally and even to our day and age being part of last day events. What we shall discover are the many things that we believe as Christians, at least that is according to Luke’s statement. Remember however, God is the Author (1 Corinthians 14:33) and Luke is a writer but more than a writer as being part of “holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). And as a side note, please realize that God is a God of “order”, and we ought to be ordering our lives into compliance with the written Word and not some preacher cutting up the Bible showing why it cannot be trusted. So, do you trust someone nearly 2,000 years ago guided by the Holy Spirit, or some uninspired, “supposedly educated” minister that wants to contradict the Word so as to fit Christianity into society instead of changing society into Christianity?

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Are you going everywhere telling how God works in your life?

Monday, October 9, 2023

Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

And now we await His promised return (John 14:3) but not idly. So, what are you doing for the gospel while you wait for the second coming?

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Mark 16:17-18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

No special oils or waters will be necessary to cast out devils like an exorcising display nor does this mean we can circle city blocks and cast all demons out of the whole city as the citizens keep inviting them into their hearts. Jesus was calm and cast out the demons from specific people. The new tongues are like what is found in Acts 2, which were real languages for speaking in heavenly tongues serves no purpose for unbelievers – “Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not” (1 Corinthians 14:22). Taking up serpents is like what happened to Paul (Acts 28:3-6) and not what is practiced in churches killing ministers who are showing off handling snakes. Drinking or eating anything poisonous is not an opening to eat purposely that which destroys the body but that which is hidden for an attempted murder. And indeed, the sick shall recover on a public individual basis and not in a show and tell broadcast all over TV. So, are you a balanced Christian with real signs or maybe no signs, or a showoff Christian with fake signs?

Friday, October 6, 2023

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

We cannot cancel out verses of the Bible by using other scripture. For instance, many Christians believe that this verse in Mark 16:16 means there is a onetime event of saying, “I believe” followed by getting all wet to be saved eternally allowing the person to fall away without repercussions, even if it is merely continuing a worldly lifestyle with periodic church appearances, however, the Bible also clearly teaches a restriction on being saved: “He that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Now, putting the two verses together, do you believe and continue to believe and plan on believing all the way to the end of your lifetime as well as have chosen to be baptized living the believer’s lifestyle by being a Christian?

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

So, how well are you performing this command given to all of Jesus’ disciples?

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

And what excuse will people have as they continue to reject the human effort to share the gospel?

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Mark 16:13 And they went and told [it] unto the residue: neither believed they them.

The “residue” is the rest of the disciples, but as usual, people do not seem to “walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Now, as a Christian, do you really believe by faith in a risen Savior seeing that you did not examine the tomb yourself?

Monday, October 2, 2023

Mark 16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

This story is in more detailed in Luke 24:13-35 but this simple verse shows that Jesus was vailed and recognition would only happen by His action. Now, do you recognize Christ in the actions of others, or is it hard to find because, well, Christ is not really abiding there?

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Mark 16:11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

When the true gospel goes forth, even among supposed Christians, not everyone is going to believe. In fact, most people do not. Some times it takes a thousand souls to have the gospel presented to before someone shows interest, and even then, many of those lack the endurance. So, are you easily discouraged by the rejection of the gospel message, or do you simply let consequences in the hands of God while you continue to share the gospel looking for that interesting soul?

Friday, September 29, 2023

Mark 16:10 [And] she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.

Mary Magdalene went forth with the message to tell others about the risen Savior. She has since died. That means it is up to us to tell others about the risen Savior. So, how are you doing?

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Mark 16:9 Now when [Jesus] was risen early the first [day] of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

This is one of the greatest Christian women in the Bible. To have seven devils cast out of her simply means for all of us, “he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). Do you believe that Jesus is able to do cast out all the demons in you, including addictions, as He did for Mary Magdalene, or do you believe you are forever stuck in your sins?

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Mark 16:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any [man]; for they were afraid.

In an object lesson, we have the women running away from the grave, even where death resides. We are told that “the wages of sin [is] death” (Romans 6:23). So, do you go quickly away from death by fleeing from sin, or does sin continue to attract you?

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Mark 16:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

And today, His people are told to go and tell others about Himself and that He has gone before into Heaven to be our High Priest (Hebrews 6:20) and is ready to meet with His people through prayer, especially that of confessing one’s sins through repentance (Matthew 4:17). So, are you actively calling others to meet with Jesus?

Monday, September 25, 2023

Mark 16:5-6 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

Do you seek the risen Savior, Jesus Christ, or is Jesus dead to you?

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Mark 16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

Do believe God can roll away even great problems in your life?

Friday, September 22, 2023

Mark 16:3 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

So, what obstacles are in your way of accomplishing things? And do you take those obstacles to God in prayer?

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Mark 16:2 And very early in the morning the first [day] of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

Keep in mind that the first day of the week and Sunday are two different cycles of time where counting the days is from sunset to sunset while the other, established by human beings, is from midnight to midnight. This is significant because that means Jesus rose by sunrise Sunday morning but could have risen anytime beforehand including Saturday night. Sunday comes from the Roman Empire while the sunset to sunset comes from God (Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, and 31) along with God stating, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years” (Genesis 1:14). So, when it come to God and godly time, what cycle of time are you using?

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Mark 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the [mother] of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.

So, if anyone has been taught that Sunday is the new Sabbath, this verse says otherwise. The Sabbath had ended when the ladies went back to work of trying to anoint Jesus’ body with the spices. Sabbath and Sunday are two different days. One is a day that many Christians choose to attend church for an hour or so while the other is a cessation of all work for a day. And at this point, these ladies were never taught that the Sabbath was changed. That is because “if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day” (Hebrews 4:8), which He did not, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). So, are you attending church and calling a work day the Sabbath, or do you actually keep the Sabbath as a day of rest as the commandments command?

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary [the mother] of Joses beheld where he was laid.

Mary is referred here to being the mother Joses, one of Jesus’ step brothers (Matthew 13:55), and is not being referred to as the mother of Jesus because He was dead. She would not be the mother of the dead, as she would have no further active role in His life. We obviously may remember how someone was laid in the grave as well as the memories of them, but it is “the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). So, are you looking forward to being united with those that have passed into the grave when we shall all be gathered together (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)?

Monday, September 18, 2023

Mark 15:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

Nothing but the best was offered by Joseph for the care of Jesus’ body. So, what do you offer for the care of the spiritual body, the church?

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Mark 15:45 And when he knew [it] of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

We too are responsible for the body of Christ spiritually. How are you treating the body of Christ?

Friday, September 15, 2023

Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling [unto him] the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

The primary reason why Jesus was already dead is of the prophecy time schedule. Jesus had to die on Passover, which was but a mere three hours from being over when Jesus died. The intention of the cross was to cause people to suffer for a period of time, even days, but that did not fit the schedule. This was an unusual situation that caused Pilate to marvel. So, if he can marvel, do you see God’s timing in all of this?

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

It took the death of Jesus to become motivated to step forward. What does it take for you to step forward for Christ?

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Mark 15:42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath.

Elsewhere, the Bible says about this event, “And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment” (Luke 23:56). This “sabbath” reference is not a feast day sabbath but a Ten Commandment Sabbath. The reason this is important is because there are quite a few Christians that believe Jesus was crucified on a different day of the week separate from what has been traditionally stated, like Wednesday or Thursday instead. That is because they are “exactly seventy-two hour” counters between His burial and resurrection, which is a whole different story. But do you see how this event was transpiring on the preparation day, of which Friday is known as, and that this verse does not refer to Tuesday or Wednesday as there are no such preparation days mentioned about feast days, but rather preparation was made ahead of time over period of days?

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Mark 15:40-41 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

Though the Bible does not support women in certain positions, not that women are not capable of filling those roles but has to do with assigned responsibility and representation of the Son and the Father as male figures, women do indeed have important roles in the church. They are not to be mere pew warmers, or even worse, kept at home. In fact, there are certain situations that only women can access. Remember, the purpose of church organization is not about power, and position, and things of attention, but it is fulfilling personal responsibility in furthering the gospel, all of which does not require any position or power. Man’s main focus is to further the gospel, while everything else is not important. The women’s role is to assist in that goal. So, do you respect the roles of women in the church, and do you see why society’s fight for certain “women’s rights” is actually a dangerous attack on the church that is no different than Satan wanting to have Jesus’ position in Heaven?

Monday, September 11, 2023

Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Do you acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God?

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

This is not by chance. This is not just an item to be listed that happened at the cross. The event means something. The sacrificial system was “a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ” (Colossians 2:17). “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect” (Hebrews 10:1). To continue to keep the feast days as holy days, even some as Sabbath days (Leviticus 23), is a rejection of Christ. We ought to study the feast days to see how the plan of salvation is unfolding. So, are you caught up in keeping the feast days, or do you just simply dismiss the feast days without any purpose in mind, or do you recognize that Jesus is now our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) carrying out the ministration in the temple in Heaven (Hebrews 8:2) instead?

Friday, September 8, 2023

Mark 15:37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

The “ghost” is the same as “spirit” (Luke 23:46) which is the same as “breath” (Job 27:3) which is what turns a body into a soul (Genesis 2:7). We do not have ghosts, spirits, or even souls. We are a soul who breathe the breath of life, which is different from what enters into our lungs. And “as the body without the spirit is dead” (James 2:26) that is the moment we no longer breathe the breath of life. So, do you believe in the paganism passed down from even Egypt to the present that there is some entity that floats off to the “spirit world”, or do you believe we are that entity as long as we receive breath from God?

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Mark 15:36 And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put [it] on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

Elsewhere, the Bible says, “he would not drink” (Matthew 27:34). Even when facing certain death, Jesus desired to keep all His mind showing that we ought to consider the influence of mind-altering drugs, use of alcohol, and other things that people use or do that causes momentary and even permanent negative impacts on the mind. Besides, “Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1). So, do you consume or do anything that impacts the mind negatively and should not be used or done, or do you make sure you keep your mind functioning at peak performance not allowing Satan to get the upper hand?

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Mark 15:35 And some of them that stood by, when they heard [it], said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

It is possible that with all the commotion going on that they thought they heard a cry for Elijah. According to the Bible, he did go up into Heaven alive (2 Kings 2:11). But why would they think that Jesus would call for Elijah when He frequently stated His relationship with the Father (John 10:32)? Now, do you call upon anybody but God, Who only can deliver you?

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

So, have you studied Psalms 22 to reaffirm that Jesus was indeed the Son of God as prophesied in detail amazingly in this book and chapter let alone elsewhere in the Bible?

Monday, September 4, 2023

Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

Amos prophesied another darkness is coming. “[Shall] not the day of the LORD [be] darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?” (Amos 5:20). “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places” (Revelation 6:14). “For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:17). Now, are you right with God so that you will be able to stand in the day of darkness?

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Mark 15:32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

Even when people see what they want to see, pride gets in the way of even keeping one’s own words. Jesus already announced, “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas” (Matthew 12:39), and it was being fulfilled right before their very eyes. Look at all the unexplained miracles, especially Lazarus being raised up from the dead. So, are you one that looks for proofs and even when you get your proof, you look for more signs of proof else you disbelieve, or do you simply take God at His Word?

Friday, September 1, 2023

Mark 15:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

Too many will look at the physical aspect of things. By dying on the cross, Jesus did the saving. It is like, people that think strength is in the muscle when it is in self-control. Again, people focus on the physical instead of the spiritual or mental perspective. So, when it comes to matters, are you a physically focused person or spiritual?

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Mark 15:29-30 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days, Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

Notice that Jesus did not give into the taunting, but even more importantly, He did not address their purposeful twisting of His words. Yes, He said those words, but He meant the body temple (John 2:19-21). So, are you easily distracted by taunting and purposeful misconstruing of your own words, or do you stay the intended course?

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Mark 15:28 And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

Christ was willing to have His reputation sink to being numbered among common thieves, which is humiliating. Now, are you willing to live for Christ despite it being humiliating at times when the world has gone so secular, even atheistic and satanic?

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Mark 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

We are all sinners “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), but do we stay in our sins thinking that there is way of stopping, or do we repent of our sins, which is being sorry and ceasing the sinning by the grace of God? So, which symbolic thief are you, the one that repented and was promised eternal life or the one who remained in his sins and will lose out on eternal life?

Monday, August 28, 2023

Mark 15:26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Do you acknowledge Jesus as not only King of the Jews but “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16)?

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Mark 15:25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

Jesus was crucified right when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. Likewise, we shall not die sooner or later than God intends for us, and no amount of stressing is going to change that. Sure, we can say we are prolonging our life by being healthy, but that is just the reasonable expectation. So, how much thought do you allow yourself to have stressing about your death, or are you at peace with God knowing He is in control?

Friday, August 25, 2023

Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

This is a direct reference to Psalms 22:18, which says, “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” But this is typical of people that do not have a heart. They do the job robotically. Yes, crucifying people requires the heart to be removed, but even in today’s world, there are things enforced or carried out that ought to not be, and if they had a heart, they would not do it. This is not the same as being told, “The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). That is in evaluating one’s own motives of right and wrong where the heart can be used to justify anything, which is wrong. What we are comparing is doing something robotically or allowing the feelings to influence towards the right thing to do. So, when you are asked to carry out a difficult task, do you allow your heart to consider the situation or is it heartless?

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Mark 15:23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received [it] not.

Even in pain, Jesus refused to deaden any brain cells by the use of wine. Now, have you rejected voluntarily deadening brain cells through the use of alcohol?

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Mark 15:22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

Jesus was led to a place He did not desire to go. Last day Christians will also be led to a place where they will not want to go, but are you willing to go for God’s sake, to His glorification?

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

Romans 16:13 makes reference to Rufus: “Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother”. As for Alexander, there are four other references and not sure if any belong to him as all four appear to be in the negative. Now, beyond those references, today, Jesus asks us to “deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Are you willing to do that?

Monday, August 21, 2023

Mark 15:20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

Seeing that the Bible teaches that “he hath made him [to be] sin for us,” (2 Corinthians 5:21) referring to God making Jesus to be sin for us, we see in this verse where Jesus gave up His royalty in Heaven (purple), “took on [him] the seed of Abraham” (Hebrews 2:16) (human clothing), and died for our sins (crucify). That is the demonstration of God’s love. Now, how much do you love Him? Is it “with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37)?

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Mark 15:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing [their] knees worshipped him.

Today, many worship Jesus the way they feel as opposed to the biblical guidelines. To do so is to worship a Jesus they created instead of the true Jesus. So, what is involved in your worship service? Is it acceptable to God according to His Word?

Friday, August 18, 2023

Mark 15:17-18 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his [head], And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

These people are about to suffer for their actions. Revelation 1:7 states, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” But we can be mocking Jesus still today by making light of His Word, dismissing it, setting it aside, and even joking around with it. Some go as far as to put the Word of God on display but never open it. So, how do you treat God’s Word and those things or a religious nature?

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Mark 15:16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.

Notice that Jesus does not resist being led to the judgment hall. Despite the fear, despite being innocent, despite knowing that it is not going to be a good situation, Jesus did not fight, yell, or scream. Would you be able to keep your composure under similar circumstances, which may be soon be perpetrated upon true Christians?

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Mark 15:15 And [so] Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged [him], to be crucified.

So, is your motive in doing things to have people content with you, or do you do the right thing even if it creates discontentment?

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Mark 15:14 Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

When you see injustice being done, even to an “enemy”, where there is no evil being done by the accused, do you react properly to the situation, or do you just accept that it is the way of life, the way of politics, the way of employee and employer relationships, etc.?

Monday, August 14, 2023

Nehemiah 7:48 The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai,

Lebana means “to be clothed”; Hagaba or Hagabah means "locust", while Shalmai or Salmai or Shamlai means "my thanks". When it comes to being clothed and locust being involved, John the Baptist seems to come to mind. “And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey” (Matthew 3:4). By this act, he rebuked those caught up in what they wear and what they eat. Jesus Himself stated, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” (Matthew 6:31). So, do you give thanks to “your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” (Matthew 6:8), or are you caught up in fashion and dining delicacies?

Monday, August 14, 2023

Mark 15:13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.

Speaking of the words “again” and “crucify”, we can do the same thing towards Jesus today. “If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame” (Hebrews 6:6). Whenever we fall back into a life of sinning that requires complete repentance again, as opposed to an oops moment that we confess before our Advocate (1 John 2:1), we might as well be part of the people that yelled, “Crucify Him!” So, are you committing a sin or sins thinking that there are no consequences, or have you repented of your ways and are staying repentant?

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Mark 15:12 And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do [unto him] whom ye call the King of the Jews?

Again, Pilate turns to the mob to get a mob rule answer. And that is what is going to rule in the end as well. The smaller portion of people that have an agenda are acting like a mob to push their way with censorship, bankrupting America, and making rules that have no sense to them. Wait until the people who defy the goal agenda rules and are brought to court. Justice will not be served for the mob will decide. So, are you still thinking your constitutional rights count, or are you seeing the erosion thereof?

Friday, August 11, 2023

Mark 15:11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.

They were threatened or bribed. Now, can someone threaten or bribe you from doing the right thing?

Thursday, August 10, 2023

Mark 15:10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.

If envy gets a hold of you, how far will it drive you?

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Mark 15:9 But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?

Do you recognize that Jesus is not only King of the Jews but “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16) and “to rule all nations” (Revelation 12:5)?

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire [him to do] as he had ever done unto them.

Does the multitude, be it friends, society, the media, push you to do something?

Monday, August 7, 2023

Mark 15:7 And there was [one] named Barabbas, [which lay] bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

Obviously, this person is an evil choice, but it seems that people hate “very good” more than they hate evil. So, when you are faced with a choice, do you lean more towards the ways of the world or godly ways, even if it means you may be disadvantaged by the ways of worldly people?

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Mark 15:6 Now at [that] feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.

Since Jesus was innocent, He should have just been released. The fact that the public would decide, other factors come into play, which lacks justice. It is just opinion at that point. People will vote for someone or something that is not good for them only because they hate the other person or other choice more despite it being the better choice. Bring in religion, and all the public that is against “pushing religion” while they push satanism or want to be called a Christian without religion will automatically declare the innocent people of the future to be put to death, or at least jailed. But, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:34). That does not mean do not be aware of what is coming. Just do not worry about it because there is enough evil happening today to deal with. So, is your anxiety surrendered to Jesus on these matters?

Friday, August 4, 2023

Mark 15:5 But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled.

Are you able to make people marvel over your self-control, or do you act like a lunatic when someone falsely accuses you of something?

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Mark 15:4 And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee.

When the list of false accusations gets so long, are you able to be in self-control, knowing that “when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God” (1 Peter 2:20)?

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Mark 15:3 And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.

How do you handle being falsely accused of things? Is silence an option with you?

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Mark 15:2 And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest [it].

Do you recognize Jesus not only as King of the Jews but “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16)?

Monday, July 31, 2023

Mark 15:1 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried [him] away, and delivered [him] to Pilate.

As this has played out in the time of Jesus, so it is playing out in politics today by the dragging of the supposed guilty party from one council to another, and it will be in the near future towards God’s faithful. “But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles” (Matthew 10:17-18). So, are you aware of the possibilities of such treatment, or are you counting on escaping all of that?

Sunday, July 30, 2023

Mark 14:72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

Prophecy is given to us so that we would be on the correct side of things. Here, Peter was not. Of course, he had opportunity afterwards to repent. But many Christians are deceived into being the only group in Bible history to the present to escape tribulation when the Bible says, “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Further, they are caught up in Hollywood’s sensationalism of a story written in the 1500s that has no application today with nuclear weapons easily available discounting the need to have the whole world meeting in some valley in the Middle East to fight over Armageddon. They are also looking for the antichrist in all the wrong places, not realizing antichrist is alive and well and even laughing at the Christian support. Many Christians even have the wrong concept of the Mark of the Beast when all they have to do is compare Revelation 13 to Daniel 7:25 to figure it out. According to Isaiah 28:9-10, it is scripture that defines all these things and not modern-day application with credit cards, laser beams, and such. To be on the wrong side of prophecy this time, there will be no time to repent afterwards because at the end of it all these things, Jesus shows up to collects His own (Revelation 14:14). So, are you sure you are on the correct side of prophecy, or are you so deceived into thinking you are absolutely correct and like the pride of Peter, will miss it?

Friday, July 28, 2023

Mark 14:71 But he began to curse and to swear, [saying], I know not this man of whom ye speak.

They are lying and cannot rely upon the evidence to show their truthfulness, so they turn to foul language, get loud, obnoxiousness, even threatening. Have you ever noticed that about liars?

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Mark 14:70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art [one] of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth [thereto].

And just as other resources were brought in to pressure Peter, so it will be done in the near future, which in the process of squeezing people even now, but in such a manner that it is not wholly perceived. People are asleep to all the controls, surveillance, restrictions being placed upon life. No one is allowed to just live their lives as they please. And everything is monitored and can and will be used in the time before us. We need now to have a close relationship with God so that we do not buckle like he did in the crisis. Sure, he was forgiven after Jesus rose, but we will not have that opportunity. We will not have forgiveness after the second coming if we are on the wrong side leading up to it. So, are you taking advantage of the time getting to know the real Jesus of the Bible, or are you wasting it away in jumping from one distraction of Satan to another?

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Mark 14:69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is [one] of them.

The word “again” means that this maid is hounding Peter, just like the irrefutable proof they will have in the future, and if that is not enough, between artificial intelligence, photo and video editing, voice splicing, and much more, we too shall be hounded one way or another. But do you “fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28)?

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Mark 14:68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.

Peter forgot, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:33-32). We do not know how we shall react in a crisis situation but it will be revealed at that time, but are you preparing yourself in the little tests today that leads up to the big test tomorrow to be on the correct side?

Monday, July 24, 2023

Mark 14:66-67 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.

She may have been in the crowd of the 4,000 or 5,000 or simply part of another audience that followed Jesus to harass Him. Certain people, like Peter, are not easy to forget, hence why she could point him out so easily. Today, we do not need such people to witness against us. With the technology of cameras everywhere, satellites, cell phone tracking, and other surveillance mechanisms, we will easily be connected to groups and places that will be deemed unlawful. But again, in this verse-by-verse study, in simply applying the past to the present or near future, it is not meant to scare but to be aware that those things of the past reveal the future. So, how much are you trusting in Jesus because He is the only way we are going to make it through?

Sunday, July 23, 2023

Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.

And today, what appears in the movies and on TV, even in sports, is a prelude of what cruelty humans can inflict upon other humans, but do you worry about such treatment, or do you realize that God will provide what is necessary to make it through those experiences?

Friday, July 21, 2023

Mark 14:64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.

Keep in mind that not everyone was invited to the counsel meeting here late at night, just like today we have many political committees that are slanted in favor of a certain outcome by the exclusion of other members of congress. That is just more evidence that the true Christians that will be brought forward to testify for their faith will be misaligned on purpose. Now, do you expect a fair trial, or do you see how things of old are a prelude to our future?

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Mark 14:63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?

And this was all for show because a high priest was not to rent their clothes, yet he did. He chose show over a command of God (Exodus 28:32). Today, many politicians put on a show as well, especially when cameras are on. They like talking to talk as most of it results in nothing but show. Now, are you a person of show, or do you mean what you say and follow through with it?

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

And the prophecy will be fulfilled because a vision of the future was provided to John and given to us. “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7). All those involved with the crucifixion will be raised up to see Jesus come in the clouds just as He told the audience back in that day that it would happen. Can you imagine the look upon their faces when that day arrives?

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Mark 14:61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

Please notice that Jesus did not respond to what other humans stated, but He will answer regarding God being invoked. Too many people worry what other humans have to say, but are you distracted with their nonsense when you know what the truth is and spend time defending yourself, or do you just live life as you impressed to live it despite their nonsense and jealousy and hatred?

Monday, July 17, 2023

Mark 14:59-60 But neither so did their witness agree together. And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what [is it which] these witness against thee?

The high priest had no evidence from the witnesses because they disagreed, but he was trying to create a “smoking gun”, a “fire where there was not even smoke”, basically, trying to create a situation where there was none. Seems a lot of that is a happening in politics right now. They call in a witness and then chase after things that do not really exist trying to create the evidence for the lack that they currently have. Just remember, that is a warm up for the time that we shall be called forward. But we have nothing to concern ourselves with. “But when they shall lead [you], and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost” (Mark 13:11). So, are you worried about the future, or are you simply feeding the Word of God into the mind now allowing the Holy Spirit to provide the response at the time it is needed?

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Mark 14:57-58 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.

Witnesses are not needed when one’s own words are used against them. Of course, they are twisting the words. Jesus never said to tear down the physical temple and that He would build it up in a mere three days all by Himself; He meant His body temple and that He would rise up within three days. So, what words do you use frequently that unbelievers can take from its good meaning and make the public think you meant evil with it instead? Now, remember, Jesus did not concern Himself with what the enemies could do with His words and therefore He spoke freely for the salvation of souls and so should we.

Friday, July 14, 2023

Mark 14:56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together.

All of the contradictory conversation happening in politics today and have intensified is a precursor to what we can experience personally in the soon coming future. “The disciple is not above [his] master, nor the servant above his lord” (Matthew 10:24). So, are you practicing walking in the steps of Jesus who trusted His way completely to the Father worrying not what is being said?

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Mark 14:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.

And in today’s world, do not rest well in thinking that just because no one will witness against you when charges of going against government approved religion is enforced as they will fabricate it. With ability to splice conversations to make one appear to have said something when they did not and with artificial intelligence able to create actual photos and videos of people in compromising situations when that person was not even present in reality, witnesses will not be necessary. But remember, “fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). So, do you relax thinking that you are a good person and no courtroom would prove otherwise? Do you worry about what can be done in a courtroom determined to get you convicted when brought into a similar situation as Jesus experienced? Or do you simply let God take care of the consequences while you go about doing what God expects as you take “no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:34)?

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Mark 14:54 And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.

What is keeping you a distance from Jesus if there is anything doing so? Work, relationships, embarrassment while in public, etc.?

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Mark 14:53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.

This is a church council of which it is predicted to be in our future and well placed together to complete their agenda: “But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues” (Matthew 10:17). This is where true Christianity will be revealed. So, are you a Christian for the social aspect or one who is willing to face the same type of scrutiny that Jesus went through?

Monday, July 10, 2023

Mark 14:51-52 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about [his] naked [body]; and the young men laid hold on him: And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

Spiritually speaking, when we cover up ourselves with our own righteousness, the world can easily strip it away. When we have Christ’s righteous as our garment, no one can take it away. So, what are you clothed in?

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Mark 14:50 And they all forsook him, and fled.

During a crisis, are you willing to give up Jesus to save yourself from potentially a displeasing consequence of jail, torture, or even death? No wonder Jesus said, “ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22).

Friday, July 7, 2023

Mark 14:49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.

And the scriptures will again be fulfilled: “And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” (Revelation 13:15). And again, they will not want a scene so there will be secretness about it. Now, “If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more [shall they call] them of his household?” (Matthew 10:25). So, are you ready “to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6), referring to Jesus?

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Mark 14:48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and [with] staves to take me?

The weapons of the world are many, but we need not fear, for eternal life is before us. Will you keep your eye on the prize despite what you are threatened with?

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Mark 14:47 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

In these days, physical warfare may be tempting against the authorities, but remember Peter did get rebuked for his actions. So, are you about stockpiling food, guns, and ammo; or do you trust in God to place you where you ought to be, even if it is prison, the courtroom, or maybe even death as a martyr?

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Mark 14:46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

The same treatment is planned for us: “But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them” (Mark 13:9). So, are you a real Christian willing to “loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 10:39), or try to physically “save his life shall lose it” (Matthew 16:25) for eternity?

Monday, July 3, 2023

Mark 14:45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.

Some people are just purposefully bent on following through with their sin and there is no turning them away. Judas went straightway to Jesus to finish off his plan. When given a warning that what you are involving yourself in is sin, are you stubborn to follow it all the way through still?

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Mark 14:44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead [him] away safely.

Physical affection is not always indictive of heart affection, but does your heart match your physical affection in the godly direction?

Friday, June 30, 2023

Mark 14:43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

Similarly, in the last days when the Mark of the Beast is being enforced, the great multitude will be at it again for they “went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17). All those that treated the noncompliers in the past three years with distain have been trained to do the same during the soon coming mark of the beast. So, are you a noncomplier, or do you have distain against those that do not comply?

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Mark 14:42 Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.

We may not have the gumption today, but we will have to face our betrayers as well unless God uses other means. Just remember, “whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:25). So, are you willing to trust God with your life like Daniel, Daniel’s companions, Paul, Peter, and many, many others that have gone before us?

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Mark 14:41 And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take [your] rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

And like Jesus, those living at the end of time will also experience being betrayed. “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another” (Matthew 24:9-10). Remember, the disciples were unprepared and scattered when the crisis hit. Now, are you being careful not to sleep on in church or in the world?

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Mark 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.

Are you spiritually asleep today and have no answer for God? I mean, look at all of this time granted to us to search the scriptures for ourselves instead of relying upon a once-a-week feeding from a pastor. Being ignorant of the scriptures will not hold as an excuse no matter how much we invoke God in all we do supposedly for Him. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:22-23). So, are you awake and have “searched the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11)?

Monday, June 26, 2023

Mark 14:39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words.

Today, Jesus is working in our behalf still lifting us up in prayer for we are in a spiritual warfare. So, how much do you appreciate what Jesus has done and is doing on our behalf? Enough to glorify Him or glorify Satan still?

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Mark 14:38 Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly [is] ready, but the flesh [is] weak.

Watching and praying against temptation into sin is a choice to leave God’s protective hand and if a person stays in that state, they are lost. Repentance, of course, from a sincere and contrite heart, is always acceptable to God, but let us not take the risk. So, are you listening to Jesus’ words about watching and praying, or are you listening to some preacher telling you that you cannot be lost to temptation as you partake of the world still and are told that you are permanently saved as you are? Are you listening to a preacher’s words over Jesus’ words?

Friday, June 23, 2023

Mark 14:37 And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

We do not know what exactly caused the extreme sleepiness upon Peter and the rest of the disciples, but are you careful not to contribute to your own tiredness, especially when it comes to time with God, by avoiding overeating, avoid keeping late nights, avoid binge watching content, etc.?

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things [are] possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

Is that your attitude during a crisis, or do you just pray the crisis will end?

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Mark 14:35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him.

We do not have as severe trials as did Jesus back in the garden but many of us pray that whatever trial we are going through that the trial just stop. That may not be the correct prayer. The trial may be necessary for our spiritual growth. So, “if it is possible” should be part of the prayer along with “help me to endure if it is not possible”. So, how do you pray through your trials? Do you even pray when there are trials?

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Mark 14:33-34 And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; and saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

To watch is to guard against. Elsewhere, Jesus expands the application of watch to be something all of us need to do: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak” (Matthew 26:41). So, are you guarding against every avenue of Satan, or do you carelessly go about life being accepting of all that is in the world and the ways of the world?

Monday, June 19, 2023

Mark 14:32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

Though Jesus was going to go pray and He did not give any other instructions to the disciples other than “sit”, it would have been in the disciple’s best interest to spend the time in prayer, but they did not. But do you take advantage of moments of idleness to use it for prayer or reading God’s Word, or do you just waste those moments?

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Mark 14:31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.

Seeing that we do not know the future, do you promise how you will act in the future, even under a crisis situation? Be careful what you promise.

Friday, June 16, 2023

Mark 14:30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, [even] in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Just remember, it does not matter if you think you are saved or not, “whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:33). So, in your actions or speech, are you denying Jesus by revealing Satan, or do you show yourself as a true Christian?

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Mark 14:29 But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet [will] not I.

We know the whole story and Peter indeed shall be offended. This declaration ought to teach us that we do not know the future. We do not know how we shall act under a crisis and therefore, make no such declaration today. Many Christians believe they shall be faithful always, but did you go along with all of the silly rules these past three years under a false crisis being scared into compliance? What shall it be like under the Mark of the Beast?

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Mark 14:28 But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.

Does Jesus go before you into each day, or do you try to go it alone?

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

Today, many are still offended. When in public, many do not pray over the food. When among peers, many do not do the Christian thing. When mistakes are made in their favor, they do not try to make things right. Many do not want to follow the ways of Christ, but many want to claim the prize. So, are you offended, or do you stand proudly as a Christian?

Monday, June 12, 2023

Mark 14:26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

They did not sing a song with the latest rock beat or any modern compliment to it. No, rock music did not exist then, but certainly the whole world did not keep with God’s music, even if they sung worldly lyrics. Both the lyrics and the instruments were worldly back then as well, along with how they used their instruments to speak to the flesh. Rock music is just a different form in the modern age. However, it seems that Christian churches have no problem with taking modern music, changing the lyrics so that they appear godly, but allowing the music to bring out the same emotions from deep down by bypassing the intellect. Hymns are not meant for stirring up those emotions. They are meant to reach the intellect with review of history, acknowledgements of God, and yes, praising Him. Today’s church is no more different than a worldly concert, in fact, both have been reported to stir up some sensual desires. So, are you careful to sing God’s reserved way, or have all the barriers been broken down?

Sunday, June 11, 2023

Mark 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

That is clearly grape juice, just as Isaiah said, “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and [one] saith, Destroy it not” (Isaiah 65:8); do not let it ferment. Why people are convinced that Jesus turned water into alcoholic wine that causes “woe”, “sorrow”, “contentions”, “babbling”, “wounds without cause”, “redness of eyes”, “behold strange women”, “utter perverse things”, feel like they “lieth down in the midst of the sea”, fell like they “lieth upon the top of a mast”, “stricken”, “beaten”, (Proverbs 23:29, 33-35) is beyond my comprehension. So, do you justify alcoholic activities despite Jesus only drinking grape juice in the kingdom, grape juice being a blessing while alcohol being a curse, and alcohol being a catalyst for all kinds of sinful activities?

Friday, June 9, 2023

Mark 14:23-24 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave [it] to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

The Bible says, “the life of the flesh [is] in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11). No wonder Jesus also said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). So, do accept the blood of Jesus to provide you with eternal life?

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Mark 14:22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake [it], and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.

Jesus once said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you” (John 6:53). Now Jesus is declaring that bread is His body. Bread is also equated with the Word of God. And Jesus is “the Word was made flesh” (John 1:14). Therefore, to eat the Son of man, to eat Jesus, to eat even the bread, is to digest the Word of God through proper Bible study. So, do you “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)?

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Mark 14:21 The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.

Anyone promoting the idea that Judas will be in Heaven because he was simply carrying out prophecy are quite mistaken. Here, Jesus states that it would have been better if Judas had never been born, which will be the true state of all those going to hell. It is not life eternal for them. “For yet a little while, and the wicked [shall] not [be]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it [shall] not [be]” (Psalms 37:10). It will become as if they were never born. So, do you live in a manner that God would never say of you, “it is better if they were never born”?

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Mark 14:20 And he answered and said unto them, [It is] one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

According to John 13:23-27, it was only revealed to John. The other versions of the gospel do not disagree with John’s account but rather just makes a statement of what was said. There was no clarification in the other gospels, but it makes sense. If Jesus announced it to all twelve disciples, the guilty person would be foolish to dip in the dish with Jesus. In fact, it would be smart not to have dipped at all. Therefore, John’s version adds extra detail that the other gospels left out, not that such makes the others in error. It was not important to the writers to include that piece. So, do you compare multiple accounts with each other to get the whole picture, or do you simply amply your own thoughts without comparison? Keep in mind, one of these methods reveals God’s true Word while the other is human opinion.

Monday, June 5, 2023

Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, [Is] it I? and another [said, Is] it I?

They knew Jesus could read a person better than anyone else. Many times, Jesus knew the person better than they knew themselves, hence why each one was not aware of being the traitor yet was submissive to being pointed out as being the traitor. When it comes to sin do you think Jesus knows about it and it should not be hidden, or do you think you can hide your sin from Him?

Sunday, June 4, 2023

Mark 14:17-18 And in the evening he cometh with the twelve. And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

So much for a pleasant evening. Making that announcement was quite shocking, but in usual fashion, the guilty party remained silent allowing everyone else to ponder if it were them, causing everyone to worry unnecessarily. Achan did the same thing (Joshua 7), and so it was at the time of Jesus. Now, if you were guilty and another person asked for the guilty party to come forth, would you admit your guilt or wait it out?

Friday, June 2, 2023

Mark 14:16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

Even in simple things, we ought to see that the words of Jesus are indeed true and trustworthy. In fact, all of God’s Word can be trusted. It is Satan who tries to declare it contradictory, full of errors, and not practical for today. So, who are you going to trust? God, who alone promises eternal life, or Satan who offers nothing but death and destruction?

Thursday, June 1, 2023

Mark 14:13-15 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him. And wheresoever he shall go in, say ye to the goodman of the house, The Master saith, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he will shew you a large upper room furnished [and] prepared: there make ready for us.

Every detail was provided for the connection, conversation, and result. It was this experience that they were to have strength to meet the doubts that were coming upon them later that evening, but they forgot and scattered when then came for Jesus (Mark 14:27). So, how often do you read something in the Bible that you latch onto to give you strength in your relationship with God but forget in time of trial?

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?

Notice that they killed the Passover sacrifice on the feast of Unleavened Bread. It is an overlap. That is because when Jesus died to provide us with grace, the justification for our sins, He then also purged our sins from us, which is the sanctification part of salvation. They are not separated. As we are told, “ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). So, do you accept Jesus’ justification and sanctification, forgiveness of sins and an expected holy lifestyle?

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Mark 14:11 And when they heard [it], they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

Is there a bribe, not necessarily involving money, for you to do the wrong thing?

Monday, May 29, 2023

Mark 14:10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.

Now this is an exaggerated version of hurt feelings. Judas had led in the disapproval of the waste being performed, but Jesus pretty much put him in his place without directly doing it. That did not sit well with Judas, so he ends up going to the chief priests and betrays Jesus. Now, do your feelings ever get hurt enough for you to turn on someone that is actually in the right?

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Mark 14:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, [this] also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

Have you noticed that all four gospel books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) have this account of the event in it, just as Jesus stated?

Friday, May 26, 2023

Mark 14:8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

Many people do not know why they do something, like this woman, even Daniel, but it fits into the scheme of God’s plans. Now, have you ever wondered why you went to a particular place, said a certain phrase, or done anything that was out of the ordinary, only to find out the purpose much later?

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Mark 14:7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.

The same is true today. Our mission is not to eliminate the poor class by focusing all of our funds to lift them up out of poverty. Our focus is upon distributing the true gospel, but whenever we encounter a poor person and have opportunity to help, we ought to. So, do you have your God given sympathy for the poor and the mission of the gospel balanced?

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Mark 14:6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.

Do you seek to do the work of God that confounds the people of the world?

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Mark 14:5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they murmured against her.

Do you think monetarily or spiritually? One cannot be priced.

Monday, May 22, 2023

Mark 14:4 And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, Why was this waste of the ointment made?

People full of indignation usually talk selfishly. In fact, those that do not understand also think selfishly. “Why should people waste their money putting their hard-earned money in the collection plate?” And then they offer better uses from their perspective which are all for self-gratification. So, do you support the work of God not thinking it is a waste, or do you grudgingly give or even withhold from giving because you think it is a waste?

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Mark 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured [it] on his head.

From a repentant heart, such expense to be shown to Jesus was very much acceptable unlike those that live in sin and try to perform some great sacrifice thinking that it appeases God somehow. Instead, God says, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9), and “Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me” (Isaiah 1:13), where incense is defined by being “full of odours, which are the prayers of saints” (Revelation 5:8). “And the smoke of the incense, [which came] with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand” (Revelation 8:4). So, are your prayers and activities an abomination towards God because you live in disobedience to His commandments, or are they acceptable because you are of a repentant heart, a changed person?

Friday, May 19, 2023

Mark 14:2 But they said, Not on the feast [day], lest there be an uproar of the people.

However, their hatred for Jesus won out and they did it on Passover, the feast day, after all. On a smaller scale, people do the same thing today. “I know I shouldn’t drink, but one sip won’t hurt”, and then they are on their third glass. “I know I shouldn’t smoke, but one won’t kill me”, and they are a pack a day smoker now. So, do you get so fixated on doing something sinful that you break all the rules including your own?

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Mark 14:1 After two days was [the feast of] the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put [him] to death.

What an abomination! To get ready to participate in religious activities while contemplating murder. This is the ultimate example of a hypocrite. But we have many hypocrites today. All of those that claim to be Christian yet choose to be active in the ways of the world are no different. All who claim that it is impossible to stop sinning are rejecting the words of Jesus: “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Most sins are by choice. Many do not want to choose to give up that which contributes to sin. “Oh, I like being in the presence of a certain person that I find attractive despite the fact that I am married to someone else!” “Oh, I know I should clean up my language but I just love those raunchy TV shows and movies!” So, what are you choosing to hold onto that you are willing to miss out on Heaven over?

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Are you watching that you do not enter into temptation? Are you watching the signs and making sure you are not making worldly responses but godly ones? Are you watching for souls who may perish and try to help them to see instead? Are you watching?

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Mark 13:35-36 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

Sleeping is not necessarily in the form of closing one’s eyes. Sleeping can refer to not recognizing what is going on, and in the context of the parable, this is probably the understanding. In addition to comparing people to sleeping and being awake, there is the comparison of darkness and light: “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5). So, are you awake and in the light of what is going on in the world and what it means, or are you asleep and in darkness caught up in the things that are happening not seeing the danger thereof?

Monday, May 15, 2023

Mark 13:34 [For the Son of man is] as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

Jesus indeed will come again, and true ministers have been given the authority. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20). Additionally, everyone is to do their work. Each are to be impressed of God to know what that work happens to be. Filling out a questionnaire on talents is not the same thing as being impressed of God to be involved in the work. So, are you part of the work team, or do you sit back and let everyone else do the work?

Sunday, May 14, 2023

Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

This is not just watching for signs and heeding that they are approaching and pray for others to be Christians. In reality, by the context, in not knowing when the time is, we are to take heed personally that we are livening in obedience to the gospel (1 Peter 4:17). We are to “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak” (Matthew 26:41). In other words, this verse is a warning and to take heed to stay out of sin because when Jesus shows up, He makes no one perfect. We become perfect through His Word even holy and sanctified (John 17:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:23). So, are you taking heed to remove all sins from your life by the grace of God, watching out that you do not get tempted into sinning, and praying for the divine power to live the godly life (2 Peter 1:3)?

Friday, May 12, 2023

Mark 13:32 But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Anyone telling you that they know the year is also in error. Every date setter that has had the dates come and gone only have created doubt in God’s Word. We may sense the nearness, and that is biblical, but that does not mean that we can tell the even year. That means we do not know what year Jesus is returning either. So, do you chase after second coming dates, or do you leave it in the hands of the Father, and the Son for that matter?

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

That is not just establishing that God’s words are eternal. It means that all that we chase after here on earth, all of the excuses to live in disobedience is going to pass away, but obedience to God’s Word will be exercised throughout eternity. We are expected to live God’s words. That would be living as a Christian and not just claiming to be one while being worldly. So, are you keeping the ways of the world or God’s Words?

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

A biblical generation is typically forty years. Jesus gave this message right before the crucifixion, which happened in 31 A.D. In 70 A.D., the temple was destroyed, and all the things that Jesus predicted for the destruction was indeed fulfilled within a generation of time. The actual final events will also be fulfilled in one generation, and we just might be that generation. Sure, the sun, moon, and stars, for example, already happened, but that was the marking of something in general, however, the specific last day signs that do not include the ones that even Jesus said, “the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:6) are coming about. So, are you keeping an eye on these prophecies, or are you just continuing on in life like it does not matter?

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Mark 13:28-29 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, [even] at the doors.

With the world in blatant evil, calling good evil and evil good to the point that fines, censorship, and even jail time are hanging over the heads of those that follow the Bible, Jesus indeed is at the doors. There have been periods of large number of earthquakes; there have been two world wars; and many other crisis situations to get through, but when the spiritual atmosphere in “free USA” is no longer free and no signs of getting better, yes, we are seeing everything is ripe to have Jesus return. It is only God’s hand that has staved off the final steps of the Image of the Beast, Mark of the Beast, the plagues, and second coming, but His hand shall be removed soon. Will you be on the right side all these issues we are facing?

Monday, May 8, 2023

Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

This is the great reaping of the saved. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). So, both the dead and the living elect are gathered for all of us, except Moses (Jude 1:9), Elijah (2 Kings 2:11), Enoch (Genesis 5:24), and those that rose when Jesus arose (Matthew 27:52-53), to experience Heaven at the same time. We shall be redeemed from the quarantined planet that experienced living through sin and were saved by God’s only begotten Son. Now, are you looking forward to this day to be caught up while all the unbelievers are dismayed by the event, or are you indifferent thinking that the sun shall rise again as it has every day of your life?

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

So, are you looking forward to that day, or are you making yourself comfortable here instead?

Friday, May 5, 2023

Mark 13:24-25 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.

Although these events may appear at the very end of time, it is doubtful that they would be used as a sign because the tribulation that is before us and beginning to happen does not cease until Jesus breaks through the clouds to rescue His people. Therefore, there must be another application, and history reveals the possibility. In 1755, a massive earthquake in Lisbon, though not the greatest magnitude on the scales, reached basically all the then known world, even parts of the United States was affected. In May 1780, a mysterious dark day remains unexplainable to satisfactory conclusion even today in which cows returned to their barns at noon, people thought it was the end of the world, businesses closed, and not one reported choking on smoke, eliminating the possibility of a massive forest fire, though it is blamed on such. That night, the moon also appeared blood red. Then we have the November 1833 meteor shower that again alarmed many citizens to thinking the end of the world had come. This was outside of the annual August meteor shower that even happens today known as Perseid. And not by coincidence, the bloodbath of tribulation had mostly come to an end about that time as various religious organizations lost their grip upon the people. We do not hear of large-scale burnings at the stake, nor do we see large-scale gathering of people for prison over religious practices. During the “dark ages”, there was much tribulation for one’s faith hence the birth of the United States with the intention to practice religious freedom. Sure, we still have issues found in China and in Muslim countries but they are nothing like it was in which millions upon millions of Christians were slaughtered just because they wanted to get back to Bible principles and away from dictatorships or even “religious councils” dictating doctrine. So, are you aware of what Christians have gone through in the past, and what sacrifices were made to preserve Bible truth that seem to just be cast aside by most Christians today?

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Mark 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.

And it seems that the most concerning item that we are to “take heed” is that of listening to false preachers as it is stated more than once in regards to the signs of the times, yet the Christian world chases after them all. They chase after the false healers with their signs and wonders. They chase after false preachers who claim prophetic visions and are not 100% accurate. They chase after those preachers who allow a bit of sinning and yet convince their followers that they still get to go to Heaven! So, are you taking heed?

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Mark 13:21-22 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here [is] Christ; or, lo, [he is] there; believe [him] not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect.

The word “Christian” was not yet used, so when we see “false Christs”, it is inclusive of false Christians. Prophets are also inclusive of ministers, especially the one’s that state that “the Lord has shown me”. That is pretty much declaring one to be a prophet. And so, if any Christianity is based upon signs and wonders over what the Bible teaches, that is a clear indication that Satan is at work. So, are you caught up in signs and wonders because you attribute such activities to God’s workings as they declare themselves to be Christian, or are you careful to “believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1)?

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

It is still going to feel like a terrible ordeal lasting a long time, but thank God it has been shortened. And evidently it is so serious that if it were to last longer, no one would end up being saved. No wonder Jesus states, “he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Mark 13:13). Again, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:34). So, are you aware of things coming but not stressing out about them; or do you remain in ignorance; or do you panic anyways?

Monday, May 1, 2023

Mark 13:19 For [in] those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

Today, we are not to worry about the evils that are coming or getting prepared for them. We are simply to be aware and not be surprised in that under the crisis before us that we make right spiritual decisions because the other choice is to eventually to accept the Mark of the Beast. There is nothing we can do to prevent these evil things from happening. Those that are bringing on the evil will have every angle covered to control people. For instance, people are scared about the digital dollar scheduled for July (at this moment), so many are saying to withdraw cash from their accounts now. Why? All the government has to do is state that they no longer honor the green piece of paper and it becomes worthless. And do not tell me that constitutionally they have to honor it. The government has broken so many rules that the constitution is pretty much meaningless today. And both parties are to blame. Jesus did not give us these notices so that we would stock pile food and weapons. It was simply given to us so that we are not surprised, caught off guard. All through this time, we are simply to spread the gospel realizing it sill become more and more challenging to do so. Now, how do you read these prophecies? Do you plan on relying upon your own ingenuity of how to navigate safely through the tough times ahead, or will you trust God like Elijah did, like the Israelites in the desert did, etc., and just be about God’s work?

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Mark 13:18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.

So, are you praying that prayer that Jesus asked us to pray?

Friday, April 28, 2023

Mark 13:17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

In 70 A.D., it was a horrific experience that we do not want to go into detail about especially since the warning stands for the end of time as well. In the past, one major crisis yielded false alarms about the end of the world, but in this case, with the world united under the new religion to save the planet permeating into all sectors including religion, economy, business, etc., this may not be a false alarm but fulfillment of prophecy. With anarchy permitted and governments doing nothing to protect the citizens, a world agenda is rapidly moving forward to usher in the Mark of the Beast. So, does the current world position have you cautious about bringing children into the world, or do you have no concern at all?

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Mark 13:14-16 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter [therein], to take any thing out of his house: And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.

This is a reference to Daniel 9:27 in which it says, “he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” Daniel 9:26 also states, “the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.” In 67 or 68 A.D, Rome surrounded Jerusalem ready to make it desolate. They pulled back allowing those that heeded Jesus’ warning to flee as He said. Then the Romans came back in 70 A.D. and made it desolate. A similar situation will yet occur in the future where “they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate” (Daniel 11:31), which is basically the Mark of the Beast. When that is enacted, flee without hesitation. So, are you keeping an eye upon the formation of the Mark, or are you not caught up in all that and just see what each day brings to your satisfaction?

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Mark 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

So, from this verse it seems that “just believing” is not the case because if we do not endure unto the end, that means we shall not be saved. And we are not talking about physical endurance either. You see, “in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). And one of those doctrines is that once a person is “saved”, even if they sin afterwards carelessly, there is no possibility of being lost. That sounds exactly like a devilish plan. Get Christians to live in sin, claim to be saved, and then be surprised when Jesus says to “many” Christians, “depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:22-23). So, are you enduring still, or are you accepting of the easy gospel?

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against [their] parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.

Today, family members may be fine with your life’s choices even if they disagree with you, but a crisis always reveals true colors and what extent they will go. We already had a taste of it in the past couple years. What will your family be like during the Mark of the Beast crisis?

Monday, April 24, 2023

Mark 13:11 But when they shall lead [you], and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

Do keep in mind, however, that we are to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). We are to put into our minds God’s Word so that the Holy Spirit will then be able to bring forth what ought to be spoken at that time. It is true, in various situations before a person, they will contemplate what the conversation will be like, and they go over it and over it until they figured the highest amount of anticipation of what will be said to only get it wrong anyways. This is not so when brought into court for our beliefs. Let the Holy Spirit work, but as always, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13). God works but there is a cooperation on our part. And before that day of court occurs, we ought to be doing our part by feeding as much upon God’s Word as possible. So, what are you doing today with your spare time?

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

It is every true Christian’s responsibility and not just the ministers that are to do the work. So, what are you doing to contribute to the publishing of the gospel to all nations?

Friday, April 21, 2023

Mark 13:9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

Today, we face church councils as well as church organizations taking disciplinary practices against those that stand for the truth. Many Christians seem to be just having a good time as if church is for just socializing when it is not and never was intended to be that way. However, we have seen nothing yet though we are progressing rapidly towards that point where even kings and rules will be involved. A testimony does not have to explain one’s faith as it is like Daniel and his friends facing laws that undermine the free practice thereof. We shall be brought before these situations to explain why we are not going along with everyone else. So, do you go to church just to catch up with one another and have fun or even feel good, or do you stand for the truth of God despite the consequences?

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these [are] the beginnings of sorrows.

Especially since World War I, all these things have occurred and continue to occur more and more. That means we must not be at the beginning of sorrows anymore but at the end. Therefore, are you looking towards the possibility of the second coming happening real soon? Are you ready?

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Mark 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for [such things] must needs be; but the end [shall] not [be] yet.

We are definitely experiencing that today and more so than any other time in history because the rumors could annihilate the planet with nuclear weapons, but that is not where our focus is to be. We are not to get all worked up, troubled, depressed, etc. These things will happen, but it is not the end of the world. We are to stay focused upon the mission – reaching as many people with the true gospel message. How I know that is because “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14). The word “this” is a specific and not generic gospel. And once everyone is reached, then the end comes. So, are you worried about what Putin, China, North Korea, Iran, etc. can do, or are you preaching, teaching, representing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world?

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Mark 13:6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and shall deceive many.

To come in the name of Christ is not the same as claiming to be Christ. Take note that the word “Christ” is a supplied word, therefore, it is not a literal translation. Coming in the name of Christ and claiming to be of Christ is another way of understanding this verse. In a shorter way of saying it, beware of all who call themselves Christian because there are true Christians and evidently many false Christians because those who claim to be Christian “shall deceive many”. Being straight to the point, there are countless number of Christians professing to be Christian and do not follow the doctrines of Christ nor live in discipline to Christ. In short, they break the Ten Commandments and claim to be saved. So, are you deceived in allowing sin in your life while claiming to be saved, or are you seeing the deception and you “let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous” (1 John 3:7)?

Monday, April 17, 2023

Mark 13:5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any [man] deceive you:

The most important thing according to Jesus is the avoidance of being deceived. Unfortunately, those that are being deceived will swear they are not, are so prideful that they will not admit it, or simply are putting up a resistance. However, that does not change the consequence. Hell is still their future, and most are headed there even while claiming to be Christian. The Bible says so. “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). If a person lacks the loving and having the truth, they will be lost. Even Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:22-23). The “many” are the majority of Christians who believed a bit of sinning was alright despite all of the wonderful and godly things they had done permitting iniquity in their lives but claiming the God is alright with it. The greatest deception going on today is believing one is saved in their sins. Now, do you believe that deadly theology, or do you believe that we are called to become sanctified representatives of the Kingdom of God in His strength?

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Mark 13:3-4 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?

Now, the disciples could not handle the details of both the destruction of Jerusalem and the second coming as being separate events, so Jesus combines the description of both events allowing the disciples to think that they are one and the same event when in fact they are indeed separate. Unfortunately, many Christians also get confused by applying the events together forgetting that in 70 A.D., Jerusalem was destroyed, fulfilling some of the prophecies leaving the rest to happen near or at the second coming. So, are you careful to know which prophecies applied to 70 A.D., which ones apply to the second coming, and which ones apply to both; or do you just go along with making it just one event?

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Mark 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

And many Christians take the words “there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down” too literally. They claim that the wailing wall, a foundation and not the actual building, is a remnant of stones still stacked upon each other and they point out that prophecy is not yet fulfilled. They claim that another temple needs to be built and destroyed and then prophecy would be fulfilled. However, they are ignoring the other words of Jesus: “Seest thou these great buildings?” That refers to the buildings in Jesus’ day and not the future. To build up new buildings to then be destroyed along with the foundations are not the same buildings that Jesus referred to. So, that means that those looking for another temple are the ones in error because Jesus did not include the foundational stones that were under the temple in His prophecy but the buildings themselves. Even the flooring stones were removed by the Romans in 70 A.D. And since the future temple is an erroneous theory, that means all of the future prophecies connected to such an event, like a future antichrist, the secret rapture, and more are also in error. The truth of the matter is that antichrist is alive and well; we shall all endure the tribulations; and obedience to God is expected. Now, what sinful allowance does your theory allow, or are you onboard with the fact that this prophecy was indeed fulfilled in 70 A.D.?

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Mark 13:1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings [are here]!

Even the disciples were impressed by the appearance of things as opposed to the spiritual matter. The truth was not taught in the temple for the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, elders, and others were teaching quite the opposite of Jesus. Even today, a church could be so grand in appearance, but if it teaches error, it is nothing but a dunghill. So, are you mesmerized by the appearance of a church, the beauty of the decorations, the sound of a choir, the instruments played, the programs they offer, etc., or do you look for where the truth is taught and not just surface truth but deep soul changing truth?

Monday, April 10, 2023

Mark 12:43-44 And he called [unto him] his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living.

So, do you give God from what is left over from all of your spending and use of money, or do you give God all that is due to Him first and figure out from what is left over how you will make ends meet?

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

The amount is not as important as is the status. Many justify not giving to God because they are too poor. This woman rejects that idea. It does cost to spread the gospel. It is necessary to depend upon funds. How the money is managed in a church system is a different story. Those that contribute to multi-millionaire preachers are wasting their money on the devil for that is pure greed. A reasonable salary is all that a preacher should receive to focus upon the gospel full time. So, to withhold funds because rich preachers abuse the funds is not an excuse before God, likewise, to carelessly cast forth your money knowing the abuse of funds is equally being irresponsible. Now, are you responsible for supporting the gospel, or do you have one of those excuses of not supporting the true gospel financially?

Friday, April 7, 2023

Mark 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

All of this was to show off how supposedly they were close to God, much like many Christians do today. Many will display jewelry, bumper stickers, and other articles announcing how Christian they are. God is not looking for advertisers; He is looking for representatives showing the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16). Some whore wearing Christian crosses is called a hypocrite, with Madonna blatantly displaying it all over the place during the eighties while living an ungodly life. And it does not stop at her, but any sin or sins committed while displaying oneself to be a Christian is a hypocrite. Sins are acts of the devil while godliness are acts of God that we are called to do (2 Peter 1:3). Flipping back and forth is trying to serve both God and worldliness, two masters of which Jesus condemned (Matthew 6:24). And the worst Christian offenders are those claiming to be saved while denouncing some form of obedience, either in declaring the Bible not to be the Word of God, the Ten Commandments being done away with, claiming any form godly living as being works oriented, etc. So, are you an advertiser only Christian, or do you live as a Christian?

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Mark 12:38-40 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and [love] salutations in the marketplaces, And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.

Today, it is not very different. Many ministers love the fame, attention, and riches. They definitely are different from having the character of Jesus. Do you follow millionaire preachers?

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Mark 12:35-37 And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he [then] his son? And the common people heard him gladly.

That is because He would become “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). In essence, Jesus declared Himself to be the Messiah. So, do you accept Jesus as being “God with us”, or have you changed scripture to make it appear that Jesus was just some great teacher?

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him [any question].

esus basically just got done telling us that the Ten Commandments are involved in salvation, as in, they are expected to be kept to enter into the kingdom. This does not negate grace. In fact, “For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (Romans 2:13). “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2). So, do you reject the Ten Commandments thinking grace permits breaking them making Jesus a liar, or do you adhere to the words of Jesus and keep the commandments?

Monday, April 3, 2023

Mark 12:32-33 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Although Jesus needed no confirmation since we know He speaks the truth; it is the ears of the recipients that was the problem. But how about you? Do you do all kinds of things for God, even sacrificing, yet not completely obey God in other aspects, even dismissing them as being little things?

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Mark 12:31 And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

And so many Christians say, “See! The Ten Commandments have been replaced with these two commandments. We just need to love now”, as if love did not matter beforehand. And they like quoting Mark’s version because there are no additional words there, but in reality, the same conversation is found in Matthew in which Jesus quickly added, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:40). That means the Ten Commandments are summarized inside these two in which to love God, we keep the first four commandments and to love our neighbors, we keep the last six. To claim ignorance about Matthew’s version may fool people, but we cannot fool God for He knows what is in the heart, the mind. And we also keep the words of the prophets if we truly love God and our neighbors, which we hold today as God’s Word. So, do you make up your own version of love, or do you love by keeping the commandments (John 14:15) and God’s Word (John 14:23)?

Friday, March 31, 2023

Mark 12:29-30 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment.

Many people speak of love today, and just about every Christian will say that they love God, but is that true? Many love the concept of eternal life, paradise, seeing God face to face, but when the Bible equates obedience to the result of love, so many love themselves more than God. They justify being saved while they do naughty things, which is actually sin. And they do it knowingly too, all the while claiming grace. “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:22-23). Love to God, and even to our brethren and sisters, is by obedience to all of the rules found in the Bible, the Word of God. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). So, do you follow the rules as a result of loving God, or do you just say you love God but really you love this world and what it has to offer?

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Mark 12:28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

When people hate on someone, they do not let them come up for air. Jesus just finished dealing with the Sadducees and now the scribe speaks up. He is figuring that Jesus may be a bit distracted and could be caught off guard. This shows how relentless Satan is as well. Just when we beat back one temptation, there is another, followed by another, and another. So, do you celebrate your victory over a severe test and fall to a smaller temptation that immediately follows, or are you always equipped with the armor of God not letting it off for a moment?

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Mark 12:26-27 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I [am] the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.

It is all about the resurrection. “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Those who are associated with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, will live. Remember, “if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). Those not associated with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will eventually die the second death (Revelation 2:11) and therefore, God will not be their God. So, are you Christ’s or are you listening to yourself, even Satan some times?

Monday, March 27, 2023

Mark 12:25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

It is hard to imagine for those that have been happily married for many years to not spend eternity with the spouse, but in reality, what purpose would marriage serve during eternal life? There will be no more procreation to multiply the face of the earth. Affection towards one human being over all others would not be necessary. Now, we shall know each other, but basically, all of our focus will be upon God and honoring Him, not that we shall be bowing down all day, every day. It will not be like that. Do keep in mind, what awaits us will be far better than marriage. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). But that is just it. What that “something” happens to be is only going to be experienced by the saved. Let us not focus upon potential emptiness of not being with our spouse, but let us focus upon making sure we are there to experience eternal life. So, what are you thinking about?

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Mark 12:24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

Here is another error… the belief that no one can keep the commandments. The same principle applies. Do you err not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God? The scriptures tell us about the power of God: “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16). Do you have that power in you?

Friday, March 24, 2023

Mark 12:18-23 Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave [his] wife [behind him], and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed. And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise. And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.

It is like human beings to create challenging puzzles to justify their error. Here, we have the wonder of whose wife this woman will be to justify the easier solution that there is no resurrection. Atheists cannot figure out everything about God so they simply declare that there is no God. Is there anything that you justify by a changeling puzzle?

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Mark 12:17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.

There is a clear distinction that we have responsibilities in both worlds, with God being first and foremost. That means, we let the world play their games and if they exact a tax, we pay it. As long as requirements of any law do not conflict with God, we are to comply. So, are you part of the anti-taxers that resist paying taxes using God as an excuse, or do you carefully get the bigger picture from the scriptures?

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Mark 12:16 And they brought [it]. And he saith unto them, Whose [is] this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.

Whenever a person can provide the answer for themselves as opposed to us just giving the answer blatantly, it sticks with a person, can be easily recalled, and can be fixed in the mind. So, are you quick to get to a point blurting out the answer, or do you look to lead a person to think for themselves?

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Mark 12:15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see [it].

So, do you evaluate the situation and see through trickery having discernment of the Spirit, or do you just blindly answer every question posed to you without regard to the consequences?

Monday, March 20, 2023

Mark 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?

Liars! If they believed all these things, they would not have tried to trip up Jesus. Now, do you fall for flattery to catch you off guard, or are you able to deal with the issue at hand without influence from those that are really not supportive?

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Mark 12:13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in [his] words.

Not everyone that asks questions are actually sincerely looking for an answer. Some are looking to cause trouble and formulate a question that no matter how it is answered, it will cause the trouble. So, are you careful about answering all questions without regards to what the person will do with the information?

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Mark 12:12 And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

Some people are just so stubborn that they would rather put the truth to death as opposed to submitting to it. Silencing truth does not make one saved, in fact, it makes one lost. So, how do you react to the truth? Are you set in your ways and no one can show you more light, or are you open to the idea to “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)?

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Mark 12:10-11 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Jesus indeed is marvelous in our eyes for being that cornerstone, first being rejected and further, dying for us. That cornerstone is the building known as the church of which “are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:20). And keep in mind, “ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22). Unfortunately, the word “marvelous” is used too often and towards things that are not really marvelous. There is but One Who rightly receives the description of being marvelous. And do you see Jesus that way?

Monday, March 13, 2023

Mark 12:9 What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.

And at the second coming, with so many Christians dismissing the Bible for one reason or another and making up their own Jesus, what shall God do to them, even if they claim to be saved?

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Mark 12:8 And they took him, and killed [him], and cast [him] out of the vineyard.

Many today kill Jesus and cast Him out of the church by forming a different Jesus that is not found in the scriptures. “Their Jesus” allows sin and loves everyone to the point that He makes discipline null and void. So, what Jesus do you follow? The one described in the Bible that Jesus condemns sin and warns that whoever practices those sins without repenting is “in danger of hell fire” (Matthew 5:22)? Or is it the allowance of sin Jesus?

Friday, March 10, 2023

Mark 12:7 But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.

So, do you look for ways to make the Bible, especially Jesus’ words, not to mean what they really mean permitting things like anger, looking upon the opposite gender sensually but not touching, and other things that are actually condemned?

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Mark 12:6 Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.

Today, God is still expecting people to reverence His Son. So, do you?

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Mark 12:5 And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.

So, are you one that picks and chooses what is thought to be inspired and what is not inspired, killing some verses and chapters and even whole books of the Bible? By the way, it is all inspired. “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Mark 12:4 And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded [him] in the head, and sent [him] away shamefully handled.

People continue to stone the prophets today by discouraging people from reading the Bible and taking it as it reads. So, are you a stone thrower at the Bible or do you encourage people to read and study their Bibles accepting it as the Word of God?

Monday, March 6, 2023

Mark 12:3 And they caught [him], and beat him, and sent [him] away empty.

So, not a single soul revealed the fruit of the spirit. Not a single soul brought a person, which is another type of fruit, to God. Oh, they may have gotten them to attend church, but that is not necessarily and usually not the same as being connected with God. So, what is your focus? Adding more people to your church or connected properly with God?

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Mark 12:2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.

The parable is speaking with symbolism. A servant being sent to the vast vineyard, the church, is none other than a prophet. When that prophet speaks, those that follow the words spoken, they represent the fruit. But even as Jesus said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!” (Matthew 23:37), that means the vast majority did not follow the prophet. So, do you adhere to the prophets that have been sent, many of which are found by writing each of the books of the Bible, or do you attack the prophets by attacking God’s Word that was sent?

Friday, March 3, 2023

Mark 12:1 And he began to speak unto them by parables. A [certain] man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about [it], and digged [a place for] the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

PART 5: In this final part, we see that the responsibility of Israel (today, it is the church) is that of the husbandmen or undershepherds or literally, the pastors. When they do not perform their duties, the vineyard grows wild. When they execute the office appropriately, the vineyard is maintained responsibly. In the meantime, Israel had a distant relationship with God, where sin cut this planet off from direct access to Him and had to rely upon the Mediator even in Old Testament times. In the New Testament, Jesus has gone into Heaven, the far country, but will return again. So, are pastors at your church maintaining the church responsibly, or is it being handled like a social club and anything goes?

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Mark 12:1 And he began to speak unto them by parables. A [certain] man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about [it], and digged [a place for] the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

PART 4: Both Jesus’ parable and the supporting one in Isaiah 5 identify that a tower was built. According to Habakkuk 2:1, it says, “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.” So, a tower is used for observation. Though a physical tower is not in the churches today, spiritually, there is still to be observation of the members. There are to be standards and when members refuse to follow the standards, they have to be addressed, however, most churches lack that today. They turn their eyes away, overlook what is going on, and plainly ignore the need to address spiritual matters. So, does your church still have standards to follow or is it merely a social gathering?

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Mark 12:1 And he began to speak unto them by parables. A [certain] man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about [it], and digged [a place for] the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

PART 3: Today, we see that a winefat or wine vat was dug for and put into place. Isaiah called it a “winepress” (Isaiah 5:2), referring to the parallel parable. In other words, it is a useful tool used to extract the juices from the fruit. Hosea 9:2 shows us the lack of a winepress by stating, “The floor and the winepress shall not feed them, and the new wine shall fail in her” (Hosea 9:2). It is useful in feeding and providing for new wine, which is grape juice. Old wine is alcohol. And remember, Jesus said, “they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved” (Matthew 9:17), as He referred to new doctrines going into converted souls because unconverted souls would burst with anger rejecting those doctrines as spiritual matters are spiritually discerned. So, are you gladly receiving the feeding from God’s winepress, the doctrines He provides by the instruments He provides?

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Mark 12:1 And he began to speak unto them by parables. A [certain] man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about [it], and digged [a place for] the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

PART 2: Picking up from yesterday, we move on to understanding the hedge. In Isaiah, a connected parable to Jesus’ parable, there is both a wall and hedge. Such is used for protection. Every major city had a wall to keep the enemy out. Our enemy is Satan. He attacks with temptations to sin, “For the wages of sin [is] death” (Romans 6:23) and “He was a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). Therefore, to fight off the temptations from Satan, God has placed the Ten Commandments before us. As we obey the commandments, we resist giving into Satan. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Otherwise, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). Many Christians look upon the commandments as restrictive and works oriented choosing to do away with them not realizing they are doing away with God’s protection from becoming the devil’s prey. So, do you stand behind the protective commandments that God has hedged us about with, or are you open game for Satan to pick off?

Monday, February 27, 2023

Mark 12:1 And he began to speak unto them by parables. A [certain] man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about [it], and digged [a place for] the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

PART 1: This is going to take a bit of time to delve into the details. The first point to make is that this is not an original parable. Isaiah 5:1 states, “My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill.” In this vineyard, “he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes” (Isaiah 5:2). That means we can use both parables to gather the information we need. For instance, Isaiah tells us that “the vineyard of the LORD of hosts [is] the house of Israel” (Isaiah 5:7), which reveals in Jesus’ parable who the man was that planted the vineyard, being God, and what the vineyard represents, being Israel. So, do you see the connection between the two parables of which Jesus is making application of Isaiah’s parable to the time of His first coming?

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Mark 11:33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Giving a safe answer is not a correct answer. We ought not look for safe answers but righteous answers. So, what type of answers do you give?

Friday, February 24, 2023

Mark 11:31-32 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all [men] counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.

It is a pity that people look to make a decision based upon the most favorable outcome instead of choosing to do what is right no matter the consequence. So, how do you make decisions? Is it based upon the right thing to do or how others will react?

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Mark 11:30 The baptism of John, was [it] from heaven, or of men? answer me.

True Christians believe that it was from Heaven. What do you believe?

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Mark 11:29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Many are unable to think that quickly when put into a challenging situation, but Jesus knew how to turn the tables on the priests, scribes, and elders. Jesus knew that if He had answered directly that it would cause problems as these people were once again trying to trick Jesus. Do you automatically answer all questions directly, or are you quick on your feet to see the purpose of certain questions?

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Mark 11:27-28 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?

God is the answer, and God gives us the authority to take the gospel to the world: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). So, are you exercising the authority given to you, or are you indifferent to your fellow human beings?

Monday, February 20, 2023

Mark 11:25-26 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Here, we see how conditional salvation really is. To hold a grudge against someone shall cost us our eternal life. So, could there be other conditions scattered throughout the Bible that is placed upon the free gift of salvation? Do you see the condition in this example, or do you dismiss it thinking once a person is saved, there is nothing they can or cannot do that will cost them eternal life?

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them].

So, again, “I want a million dollars!” Seeing that it has not arrived yet, I am going to believe that there are conditions built into this verse that are found elsewhere in the Bible. God is not a magician, therefore, the “what things soever” does not cover selfishness. That means our desires must have changed upon becoming a real Christian, in which, a million dollars to use personally is not a top priority anymore. So, what are your desires now? Do they “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33)?

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Could you imagine Christians just casting mountains into the sea willy-nilly? In fact, I have not seen someone do so, physically that is. But Jesus often did not speak literally. What does the Bible say is cast into the sea? The answer is found in Micah 7:19: “Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea”. Therefore, the mountain is the mountain of sins. And a second therefore declares that if we do not doubt and that we believe whole heartedly, it will happen. Jesus says so, or He is a liar. That means that all the Christians who say that it is impossible to stop sinning, it is impossible to keep the commandments, already are starting off with doubt and no wonder they keep sinning and cannot keep the commandments. So, just how much belief do you have? Enough to be able to stop sinning and keep the commandments?

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

To avoid becoming a withered soul who will be lost despite all of the claims of being saved, is your faith one that dismisses all works, including the Ten Commandments despite being told “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law” (Romans 3:31), or does your faith cause you to move to action like all of those examples listed in Hebrews 11?

Monday, February 13, 2023

Mark 11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

Behold the symbol of the withered fig tree stands for, where the fig tree represented Israel, and as Jesus stated plainly, “The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” (Matthew 21:43), so the withering represented the end of their favorite nation status with God. But personally, whenever we give a false pretense of being a Christian, Jesus curses us too, and soon we shall find our relationship with Him withered away. So, is your relationship with Christ just in “word” or “tongue” (1 John 3:18), or is it “in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18)?

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Mark 11:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

This all happened just by the Word of God. Imagine what else God (Jesus) can command and could be so, like, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). So, do you let that command work in you in which we are perfect in our sphere as God is perfect in His, or will you also be dried up eventually?

Friday, February 10, 2023

Mark 11:19 And when even was come, he went out of the city.

The action of Jesus leaving the city after a day of evangelizing in the city shows that we ought to consider living outside of cities as well. Even the suburbs a bit pressing of society’s anti-biblical agendas. A country life, like John the Baptist and Moses demonstrated, would be much better. We see, through Lot, as compared to Abraham, what city life can lead to. But from the country, we are not to neglect the cities for evangelism. So, for yourself, are you outside of the cities protecting your spiritual wellbeing?

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Mark 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard [it], and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

Destroying someone because they speak the truth does not remove the truth. Truth still remains. We see the same practice performed in politics all of the time. They set out to destroy a person’s character when they do not like hearing the truth. So, do you adhere to the truth, or do you badmouth the truth teller?

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Mark 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

There is nothing that discourages unbelievers more from becoming a Christian than unsanctified people running the church and church activities. Christianity is such a turn off to them and unholy actions of Christians solidifies unbelievers in unbelief. There should be little reason to consider why so many unbelievers are blatantly and openly sinning today, even verbally attacking Christianity. The churches have driven people into that condition. So, do you contribute to the problem by proclaiming to be a Christian while doing a little sinning here and there, choosing what sins you think should stop and making excuses for why some sinning is alright, or are you a complete witness for Christ where “the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)?

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Mark 11:15-16 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry [any] vessel through the temple.

Many churches today may not sell things inside the church sanctuary, but bringing in worldliness is still the same thing, just disguised. Some churches run coffee and doughnut shops, small eateries, etc. right in the parameter or hallway just beyond the doors of the sanctuary. Showing worldly movies, even in the basement, that includes magic, a bit of skin showing, use of mild but still foul words, etc. is still something Jesus would overthrow. Basically, is your church just a building using the excuse to incorporating worldliness to draw people of the world in, or does your church work “For the perfecting of the saints” (Ephesians 4:12)? Is it quantity over quality?

Monday, February 6, 2023

Mark 11:14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard [it].

Although this curse was towards the fig tree, it was actually a demonstration of the curse that was coming upon Israel, the physical nation in which Jesus declared, “Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” (Matthew 21:43). But so many Christians still see a future use of the nation of Israel defying the words of Jesus. There is no such thing that is going to happen. However, personally, the same can be directed to us as well. If we give a declaration that we are Christian but show no fruit of Christianity, no one will be able to come to us to receive of the blessings that is associated with such fruit. The curse of he “[is] joined to idols: let him alone” (Hosea 4:17) will be stated towards us, and our selfishness can be an idol. So, will Jesus be cursing you, or do you actually have Christian fruit?

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Mark 11:12-13 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not [yet].

If it was not time for figs, then why would the Son of God, Jesus Christ, be looking for figs? That is not very smart, and then to get upset with the plant is out of character, unless one understands that upon this plant, figs appear first and then the leaves. So, the plant advertised by showing leaves but no there were no figs. It lied. Just like many Christians lie today. They say they are Christian but have no fruit, or they have rotten fruit. The same curse will come upon them despite being told that they are saved. So, are you a “leaves only” Christian, or do you bear fruit to your Christianity?

Friday, February 3, 2023

Mark 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

It is sad when the safe haven is outside of the church, Bethany in this case. Spiritually speaking, inside the church is not necessarily safe as doctrines of society are taught instead of doctrines of the Bible. Refusing to call sin by its right name and making people comfortable is an insult to call the church a hospital for sinners. People go to the hospital to get better – not worse. So, where are you going to be spiritually safe?

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Mark 11:8-10 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed [them] in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed [be] the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

Do you recognize Jesus as Hosanna in the highest? Are you willing to tell others as well?

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Mark 11:4-7 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

It must have been amazing for these disciples to experience the mini fulfillment of a prophetic moment. And the result of the predicted conversation was that they were able to bring the colt to Jesus. So, how excited are you over fulfilled prophecy, be it past or unfolding presently?

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Mark 11:3 And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.

Not only was Jesus able to predict an event but even the conversation itself providing the quick reply that should be given since many people are not good on their feet. Only God can accurately predict the future and be correct all of the time. His Word is true. Do you believe it?

Monday, January 30, 2023

Mark 11:1-2 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring [him].

Can you imagine being told exact details of an activity before it happens and trusting that such is ordained of God moving forward without fear? Wait! The Bible contains many prophecies that do the same thing, and a lot of them could be quite fearful to experience, but are you willing to face them knowing that it is God’s intention for them to be fulfilled?

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Mark 10:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

How strong is your faith? Do you believe Jesus can make you whole, especially ceasing from addictions, bad habits, sin overall?

Friday, January 27, 2023

Mark 10:51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

And when we enter into God’s Word, we can ask to receive sight as well. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:12-14). So, do you have spiritual discernment, or do you just go with the flow?

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Mark 10:50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

Nothing was holding Him back in response to being called, not even his outer garments. Is there anything holding you back from coming to Jesus completely?

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Mark 10:49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

We can be of good comfort also because Jesus calls each one of us unto Himself no matter our backgrounds, no matter how deep in sin we are, no matter what. Now, have you responded to His call “For many are called, but few [are] chosen” (Matthew 22:14)?

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Mark 10:48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

Would anything stop you from professing your belief in Christ?

Monday, January 23, 2023

Mark 10:47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, [thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

How often do you cry out to Jesus to receive of His mercy, “seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25)?

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Mark 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

Jericho, a city of fragrance, and Timaeus, meaning “highly prized” were unfitting titles for Bartimaeus to grasp hold of being blind. In fact, we are not very prized or fragrant when we sin. In reality, we are a stench (Isaiah 3:24) and worthless, however, we do not have to stay that way. Jesus is still accessible and willing to clean us up and make us highly prized once again (Zechariah 3:1-5). So, have you or will you reach out to Jesus in prayer to become cleansed?

Friday, January 20, 2023

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

So, how much do you minister to others as opposed to trying to get from others?

Thursday, January 19, 2023

Mark 10:42-44 But Jesus called them [to him], and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

We see that those that try to obtain positions of control and lordship is outside of the Christian character. Some people like to boss people around, but let it not be so among us. This includes in our own families. So, do you lead people by example or command people?

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard [it], they began to be much displeased with James and John.

Coveting always creates hard feelings, so is there anything in your life that you covet that is causing a rift between you and others?

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Mark 10:40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but [it shall be given to them] for whom it is prepared.

Evidently the Father makes the choice of who sits on the left and on the right of Jesus, but in all honesty, are you simply satisfied with being part of the everlasting kingdom, or does position really matter to you?

Monday, January 16, 2023

Mark 10:39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized

In fact, to all true disciples of Jesus, “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more [shall they call] them of his household?” (Matthew 10:25). So, are you willing to face these challenges that are set before the baptized, or do you just claim the title Christian but “when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended” (Matthew 13:21)?

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Mark 10:38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

Are you able to go through similar challenges that Jesus went through being faithful even until death, and being really baptized by the Spirit to share the gospel with power?

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Mark 10:37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

We may not ask for such a position, which is selfishness and greedy, but in our prayers, we may ask for things we think we really want when in fact, God knows better. So, do you pray selfishly for things, or do you always keep in mind to ask for those things that glorify God in your life?

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Mark 10:36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?

What would you have Jesus do for you? How many prayed that Jesus would have them healed from sinning? How many prayed that Jesus would give them something?

Monday, January 9, 2023

Mark 10:35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.

Do you make similar requests of God in wanting the desires of your heart despite the fact that it may not be in your best interest? “Lord, give me a different job!” “Lord, give me more money!”

Sunday, January 8, 2023

Mark 10:33 [Saying], Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

The next time Jesus goes up to Jerusalem with His disciples, He will not be mocked for He shall gather us all together “in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord “ (1 Thessalonians 4:17) and head off to the “New Jerusalem” (Revelation 3:12). Are you looking forward to that day?

Friday, January 6, 2023

Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,

With Jesus, we should not be afraid, even in time of trouble. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). So, do you have that peace with Jesus, or are you worried often?

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Mark 10:31 But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last first.

As Jesus once said, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19), matches the first and last references. Those breaking the commandments do not get to go to Heaven and be forever known as the “least”. Everyone going to Heaven will be “great”. Likewise, the greedy “first” people that will become “last” are not going to stand at the entrance gate to Heaven and wait until everyone else is in and then get to go in. The “last” will actually have the doors closed on them. It is like the Ten Virgins: “Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not” (Matthew 25:11-12), and they were not allowed in. The wise virgins did go in. In all of this, bad behavior (breaking the commandments, not having the oil, and trying to be first) is not rewarded with a portion of Heaven. So, are you trying to be first in this life on a wealth grab, no matter what amount of wealth it happens to be, or are you barely making it in this world because you have been generous in supporting the gospel and will enter into the Kingdom?

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Mark 10:29-30 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

To be blessed today and have eternal life will be all worth it. Those that do not feel blessed “in this time”, may not be looking in the right areas. We will not get everything we may think we ought to get, but if one pauses to compare the pathway that they were on and the one they are now on, there ought to be a difference and in that are the beginning of blessings. So, have you made the choice to give up even people of the world for what is waiting for you, especially in the life to come?

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Mark 10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

How much have you left to follow Jesus?

Monday, January 2, 2023

Mark 10:26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

WE ACCIDENTLY SKIPPED THIS VERSE: Who truly can be saved? “He that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). And there and other verses that all add up to who shall be saved. It is worth the search. But, will you be saved, and do not tell me you already are because that is a lie of the devil?

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men [it is] impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

This is, once again, not God enabling us to have the worst sports record in the playoffs taking on the champions and winning the title. In the context, it is about salvation, obtaining eternal life. With us, it is impossible to stop sinning, but with God, it is possible because He gives us the “divine power” (2 Peter 1:3) to “be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4). He gives us His Word to “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). He offers a help line because He tells us to “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak” (Matthew 26:41). So, are you “with God” in ceasing your sinning, or do you think it is simply “by God” and you do not have to stop sinning? Remember, “with God” is biblical while “by God” is not and is a lie.

Friday, December 30, 2022

Mark 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

It is easier for the camel to enter into Jerusalem at the point called the needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God, but it is still not impossible. But, with what wealth you have, are you supporting the gospel or keeping it to yourself? Just remember the woman with the two mites (Mark 12:42-44).

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

Again, it is not impossible for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom. It is just going to be rare. And all of us that live comfortably are tempted at every income level to go beyond our needs and buy things that are not wholly necessary while souls continue to perish without getting to hear about Jesus. So, how responsible are you with all that God blesses you with?

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Mark 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

It is not impossible for rich people to enter the Kingdom of God, but they are distracted away from not only sharing and being generous but investing into the gospel message. So, what do you do with excess income? Is it spent responsibly or carelessly or even simply horded?

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Mark 10:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

What earthly item are you unwilling to depart from to follow Jesus without any reservation whatsoever?

Monday, December 26, 2022

Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Having riches does not go against any of the last six commandments, unless they are stolen riches, but the man said he had kept the last six commandments all his life, so that means it was not stolen riches. Therefore, the commandment that it would fall under is the second because it is a type of idol that the man, as we shall see, is unwilling to depart from. Therefore, all Ten Commandments, and not just the last six, are being addressed after all. Idols do not have to be monetary as they can be just about anything that the Bible says to remove from one’s life and there is hesitancy to do so. So, do you have any idols in your life that you are unwilling to depart from?

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Mark 10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

There is a saying, “We may know the truth, but has the truth known us?” Just because we go through the motion of obedience does not mean that what we are obeying has converted our hearts. This is called true legalism. Obedience is not legalism. Legalism is going through the motions and expecting to have eternal life in the end. It is heart conversion that makes the difference. So, do you obey God or do you do as Jesus asked, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15), and “If a man love me, he will keep my words” (John 14:23)?

Friday, December 23, 2022

Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

Jesus expects us to keep the commandments. No wonder it is understood, “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (1 John 3:9), which “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). The commandments are not kept to earn salvation, but God’s mercy and forgiveness is not for those that live careless lives either for “The LORD [is] longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing [the guilty]” (Numbers 14:18). So, do you believe the lies of many preachers that nail commandment keeping to the cross, or do you believe the words of Jesus and by the God given ability, keep the commandments?

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Mark 10:17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

Jesus will not be telling this person, “Nothing. Just believe.” Jesus will also not answer him in the manner of being a Jew “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him” (Romans 10:12). Therefore, there is something on our part that is necessary to receive eternal life. Thinking along the lines of being provided a free pass to some vacation spot. The trip is all paid for along with the stay. Now, what must you do to receive all of this. There is packing along with getting into the vehicle provided free of charge and doing so on time. Heaven is a free gift, but we need to be prepared to receive it. That too is being provided by God by giving us the Holy Spirit to “reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8), the “divine power” (2 Peter 1:3) to “be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4), and even “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). All we have to do is go along with the program that fits us to dwell with holy beings who have never sinned. So, are you being made fit for eternal life, or are you kicking back and letting Jesus just do everything despite the fact He said He would not for “by no means” does He “clear [the guilty]” (Exodus 34:7)?

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Mark 10:16 And he took them up in his arms, put [his] hands upon them, and blessed them.

There is a blessing from Jesus for every child. Are you involved in leading children, any child, to Jesus?

Monday, December 19, 2022

Mark 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

So, are you open to being taught as a child is eager to learn and has many questions?

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw [it], he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

So, do you lead little ones unto Jesus just as He expects them to be, or do you think they are too young?

Friday, December 16, 2022

Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and [his] disciples rebuked those that brought [them].

Church officials do not always know the way of Jesus all of the time. In this case, young children ought to be taught to come to Jesus, but too many intellectuals think that raising a child religious neutral is a good idea. It is not. Waiting until a child is a teenager usually results in an atheistic belief. Therefore, they were not so neutral after all. So, do you support exposing children to the way of Christ as early as possible?

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Mark 10:12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

Like yesterday, the roles are reversed. No woman is allowed to willy-nilly get divorced and then go off and marry someone else. Except for fornication in the first marriage by the other party, such second and future marriages are acts of adultery, even though the law of the land provides for no-fault divorce agreements. Just because humans can put asunder a marriage does not mean it is so in Heaven. So, upon which law do you support regarding divorce? Those allowed by humans or God’s only allowance?

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Mark 10:11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

Of course, “saving for the cause of fornication” (Matthew 5:32), meaning, if sexual activity dishonoring the marriage vow happens to occur by the woman, in this case, that is an allowable reason to become divorced, and that allows the innocent party to remarry without being guilty of committing adultery. But, in general, just to divorce a wife so one can get married to another, the man, in this case, commits adultery despite what the law of the land allows. So, whose law do you follow? God’s more restrictive law or man’s liberal allowance?

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Mark 10:10 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same [matter].

Do not be afraid to pray over and over to understand a verse in the Bible. Jesus told the disciples very clearly how things were to be between those that are married, yet the disciples wanted further clarification. So, do you just dismiss hard to understand scripture, or do you pray every day until you get the understanding?

Monday, December 12, 2022

Mark 10:9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

So, do you help keep married couples together, possibly yourself, or are you a wedge between?

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Mark 10:8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

That means we are to be careful who we marry so that we can be one in all things, even to the point that if something hurts our spouse, it hurts us too. Those that marry solely for looks are in for a great surprise latter in the marriage, of which many seek an unbiblical reason for a divorce since they have grown apart. So, if you are still single, are you being careful who you will connect with for the rest of your life on earth?

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Mark 10:7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;

A man ought not to be cleaving to his friends, man cave, or any such object that takes him away from his wife. Even employment, only kept in balance, should be carefully entered into. Women ought to also not be seeking female companionship encouraging girl vacations and such. These things are all modern-day distractions from the union commitment called marriage. So, what interferes with your marriage if you are married?

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.

Do you support all the messing around with genders, or do you respect God’s creation intentions?

Monday, December 5, 2022

Mark 10:5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.

This was not an arbitrary choice of Moses as he was in constant communication with God, except for the incident at the rock. Therefore, just as Jesus said, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now” (John 16:12), the bill of divorcement was to slow down divorces but they could not handle complete end of the allowance. But, what do you have in your life that prevents you from accepting the full way of God?

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Mark 10:4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put [her] away.

Divorce is a sad reality to many marriages. It is not fifty percent, as statistics try to lead people to believe, but it is significant. The erring statistic is based upon marriage license requests as opposed to divorces in a given year. If no one requests to get married in a given year but there was a divorce, the statistic would be one hundred percent of marriages end in divorce. Therefore, it is a flawed calculation. Using the math of all marriages and how many of those have ended in divorce, the statistic reveals that it is well under ten percent. In any manner, as Christians, we need to make sure it is for the right reason. Getting tired of someone is not one of those reasons. Developing incompatibilities is not one of those reasons. So, if you are contemplating divorce or already have divorced is or was it for the right reason? If it is too late, confess your sin to God and plead for mercy. You still can be forgiven.

Friday, December 2, 2022

Mark 10:3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?

That which Moses taught has not been completely done away. Jesus pointed the audience to Moses revealing that He did not come to nullify all of the teachings, but have you personally done away with anything from the writings of Moses?

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Mark 10:2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away [his] wife? tempting him.

Satan usually does not tempt people directly; he uses willing human beings. So, are you an instrument of temptation for others or an instrument of God encouraging godliness?

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Mark 10:1 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.

Do you follow Jesus’ example of when we are out in public, we ought to be willing and even looking for people to teach?

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Mark 9:50 Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus tells more details: “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” To be trodden under foot is to be lost. So, have you lost your Christianity and replaced it with worldliness, or are you retaining your Christianity adhering to the Word of God and His commandments?

Monday, November 28, 2022

Mark 9:49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

The salting with fire is a reference to trials (1 Peter 4:12) that proves who we really are because to show unfallen beings that cannot read our hearts that we can eventually be trusted to live with them throughout eternity and not start this mess all over again, demonstration of our character is necessary. When all is well, it is easy to be a Christian. Under fiery trials is revealed the real character. And every sacrifice a Christian makes is then also salted, which “the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). So, how do you conduct yourself under trying situations?

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Mark 9:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

This is the third time that Jesus states this, and again, the fire not being quenched does not mean it continues eternally but rather it means that it does not go out before it completes the purpose. Hell is finite, for God shall put the unrepented out of their misery. “Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more” (Psalms 104:35). “As the whirlwind passeth, so [is] the wicked no [more]: but the righteous [is] an everlasting foundation” (Proverbs 10:25). “For the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off” (Nahum 1:15). “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). If hell were not finite, how else can this sampling of the many verses that tell us that the wicked will “be no more” ever be fulfilled? So, do you see the finite purpose of hell?

Friday, November 25, 2022

Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

The eye is symbolic of what a person views, watches, looks at, etc. We are not literally to pluck out our eye as plucking out one eye does not end the viewing since we still have another eye we can use. Therefore, if we are beholding content that is sinful, it is better to cut it out of our lives instead of being cast into hell over it. The obvious eye-catching sinful item is porn, but there are many other things that is lustful in a different sense that ought to be cut out too. People who look at celebrities and wish that was them, people who look at friends or neighbors who have such a financially sound life affording all of the things that is wanted, window shopping that leads to buying things that are not needed, etc., are all inclusive of the eye needing to be plucked. So, what catches your eye that should be cut out?

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Mark 9:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

A couple days ago, we addressed the identical words in verse 46. Today, we continue the understanding that the fire is not quenched to mean that when it starts, it does not go out until it burns up everything and then goes out. Keep in mind, “Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 1:7). Is Sodom and Gomorrah still burning? Of course not. But it sure burned until they were completely destroyed. Likewise, Satan has a finality to him: “Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never [shalt] thou [be] any more” (Ezekiel 28:18-19). That means that hell cannot burn throughout eternity when Satan will eventually ceases to exist. That would be a contradiction of scripture to believe an eternally burning hell. So, do you see a finality to hell?

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

Again, this is not a literal cutting off of the foot but rather a reference to how we walk or live with Christ. We are told, “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). If we walk a sinful lifestyle, even if it is only momentary indulgences here or there, Jesus says to cut it off. So, how do you walk?

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Mark 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

The “worm dying not” refers to every part of the body suffering pain even if all that is left to burn is but a mere stubble, however the fire not being quenched does not mean an eternally burning hell. Just what type of sadistic god do such people serve that would be finding satisfaction in burning people for eons and eons and eons never ceasing over a mere seventy or so years on earth, especially those with little sin in their history but never believed in God. Instead, this refers to the fact that once the burning begins, as it is not happening now since it comes down from Heaven at a future time (Revelation 20:9) and reduces even Satan to ashes (Malachi 4:1-3) and they be “no more” (Psalms 104:35), it will not cease until it has burned up and “devoured them” (Revelation 20:9). So, are you making sure you are not part of the group that suffers these things? If not, please repent now before time runs out. We would like to see you in Heaven, assuming we are there too.

Monday, November 21, 2022

Mark 9:43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

The hand represents actions (Ecclesiastes 9:10), so the parable is not to be taken literally as cutting off the hand physically. It is better to cut out the sinful actions than to go to hell. So, have you cut out all your sinful actions by the grace and power of God?

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Mark 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of [these] little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

All those preachers that are preaching a false gospel have a day to face as they mislead many away from the true gospel, which “is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16). All the parents that raised and are raising their children in a manner as their church dictates and not as the Bible will have a day to face. Now, are you sure you know what you believe is biblical and not just a verse from the Bible or human theories and you are influencing little children properly?

Friday, November 18, 2022

Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

Kindness shown to true Christians is recognized by Heaven. To do so in Christ’s name is showing forth the character of Christ at that time. So, how often does your hand extend kindness to others, especially to fellow believers?

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Mark 9:40 For he that is not against us is on our part.

The word “against” is pretty broad. Everyone claiming to be a Christian but acts differently than Christ is actually against Christ. Despite claiming to be a Christian preacher, “If he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him]” (2 Corinthians 11:4). Therefore, it is not in the title of Christian but what is taught and was is conducted in one’s life. So, based only upon these two points, when there are others too, are you for or against Christ? Do you speak and represent His character, or do you teach popularity and live according to your own likes and dislikes?

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Mark 9:38-39 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

Many believe that this allows all of the different denominations that we have and that no one ought to criticize another denomination, and that would be a wrong conclusion. This person in the verse was not trying to create a separate following. We are told, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Scripture does not contradict itself; people’s minds do. That individual is representative of people who do not seek approval from proper channels to do that which is right, and God is acceptable of that. We ought to all be involved in ministry work even if we do not get the official word of allowance, and we ought not leave all the work to church officials. So, how active are you?

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Mark 9:36-37 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

This is appealing to humility. Listening to a child in the name of Christ strikes at the heart of pride. So, does pride get in the way of learning, or are you ready to allow a child to lead you?

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all.

So, how is your serving working out?

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Mark 9:34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who [should be] the greatest.

Pride is so sneaky. How sneaky is pride in your life?

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?

Many people ask, “Why do we have to confess our sins to God? Doesn’t He already know?” Confession is not for God’s sake; it is for our sake. It brings on real sorrow for our sins, and the desire to not want to do them again. So, do you confess all of your sins to God?

Monday, November 7, 2022

Mark 9:32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

Are you afraid to ask Jesus anything, especially for forgiveness? Do not be. He will forgive if you are honest.

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Mark 9:31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

The third day is not after Jesus was killed, or the math of when Jesus rose from the dead would not work out. The clock began when delivered into the hands of men, which His rising is after the fact that He was killed. Those that focus on the killing try to move the time from Friday afternoon to Thursday or even Wednesday, but that does not match up with other scriptures for the women “rested the sabbath day according to the commandment” (Luke 23:56), making it Friday afternoon when Jesus died. There is no doubt on that, or at least there should not be. Nonetheless, with prophecy staring the disciples in the face, they missed it and lost hope when Jesus died. Similarly, prophecy is staring us in the face too. With America not seeing better days and the antichrist gaining more power, the world does not take Bible prophecy seriously, nor many Christians, and they are going to miss it. Are you taking it seriously, for “the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies” (Revelation 18:3) is happening right now?

Friday, November 4, 2022

Mark 9:30 And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know [it].

Christians do not have to announce every move, but some feel obligated to reveal all secrets all at once hence why they are ineffective at winning souls. They cause unnecessary confrontation. So, when talking to people or being part of a team to evangelize, will you follow Jesus’ example and not reveal more than is necessary?

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Mark 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

How many times do you, like the disciples, just rush into a situation without praying, inviting God to guide in all the decisions to be made?

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Mark 9:28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

Did they honestly not have a clue? They were fighting for a future position in the kingdom just prior to this incident. When selfishness exists, demons are not afraid. So, do you make demons afraid of you because you have surrendered all your selfishness?

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Mark 9:27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

That is because Jesus is the life giver. And when He comes back, He will be giving a lot more life to many and lifting them up as well for “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). So, do you have your eyes set upon this event, or are you enjoying this world too much?

Monday, October 31, 2022

Mark 9:26 And [the spirit] cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

On the way out, the demon(s) tried doing any damage they could for that is what they want for us humans – damage and death. That is because they are just copying Satan, for “He was a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). So, are you careful not to dabble in that which is not God approved, like all of the Halloween content, witches for entertainment, etc.?

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Mark 9:25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, [Thou] dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

If Jesus has authority over demons and they obey Him, why do so many Christians think it is impossible to stop sinning? Just who is mightier? Is sin and Satan mightier than God, or is, by God’s divine power to be able to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:3), more powerful?

Friday, October 28, 2022

Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

What unbelief do you have in your relationship with Jesus?

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.

Now, this is in the context of God’s Word. No one can believe hard enough to be able to fly. But when it comes to spiritual battles, seeking first the kingdom of God, yes, all things indeed are possible. Be careful of how broad one takes the words from the Bible. God does not repeat the clarifications, restrictions, limitations, etc. when He states “all things”. A converted person knows God’s intentions because of what has already been spoken in the Bible. So, do you believe all things, in the right context, are possible with God?

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Mark 9:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

No matter how filled we are with evil, Jesus will have compassion, be it the one that comes to their senses and calls out to Jesus or the person that has been praying for Jesus to intervene for another. So, if you are personally troubled by an evil spirit, will you reach out to Jesus? Those that have already reached out to Jesus, are you careful not to dabble a little on Satan’s territory?

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Mark 9:21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

And how man parents overlook the little ways that demons are invited into children today because they do not follow strictly according to God’s Word? For instance, all witchcraft is forbidden (Galatians 5:19-21), yet many Christian parents allowed their children to read the Harry Potter books, watch the movies, etc. And the witchcraft that comes out of Disney, in general, is tremendous, yet the children are permitted to be exposed to it. So, is there anything in your home that invites demons in, even if it is just little things?

Monday, October 24, 2022

Mark 9:20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

This is ultimately what Satan wants for us – destruction more or less. We think that nothing like this would ever happen to us, but every sip of alcohol puts us at risk of getting into an accident if we get behind the wheel then. Every intimate moment with someone that is casual risks pregnancy, even disease. It does not have to be foaming at the mouth possession. So, are you careful to not even take the first step onto Satan’s ground, or do you carelessly risk life thinking you are fine?

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Mark 9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

Seeing we addressed the first three quarters of the verse elsewhere, let us address the fact that no case is beyond the care of Jesus. Therefore, whatever a person is struggling with, go to Jesus, and He will accept you. So, are you holding anything back, or do you go to Jesus with your concerns?

Friday, October 21, 2022

Mark 9:17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

These were Jesus’ disciple and they struggled. They struggled for one reason. They were not wholly converted for they were constantly comparing themselves to see who was the greatest. Any sin, which means, transgression against God’s commandments (1 John 3:4) despite being told that they were nailed to the cross or grace replaces obedience to them, will prevent God from using a person to work mightily. So, are you harboring any sins, no matter the size, in your life?

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Mark 9:16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?

Jesus will listen to even our questions. We just have to be patient and be in His Word to come across the answer. Some will ask a question and then as they read and study the Bible, soon they may come across a verse that reveals the answer from God. And no, it does not require it to be a Bible question. Even simple things like, is it a bad thing that I am lazy on the weekend and just rollover to get more sleep like sleeping away the entire morning? Read the Book of Proverbs and find that, “[As] the door turneth upon his hinges, so [doth] the slothful upon his bed” (Proverbs 26:14). So, no, God does not want us wasting the morning away turning in our bed one way or the other just to “get more sleep”. Now, what questions do you have for God?

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Mark 9:15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to [him] saluted him.

So, do you prefer Jesus over your minister as the people back then questioned the disciples, but when Jesus appeared, they flocked to Him? Keep in mind, people today prefer their minister over Jesus whenever they dismiss what Jesus said through the Bible, and they choose to follow what the minister presents instead.

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Mark 9:14 And when he came to [his] disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). So, are you ready to be questioned for your faith?

Monday, October 17, 2022

Mark 9:13 But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

In other words, the Elijah message through John the Baptist was rejected, much like in the last generation where, “as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (Matthew 24:37). Only a small percentage of any generation is willing to live in obedience “Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14). So, are you in agreement with the call to live according to the Bible, or are you finding excuses, even religious excuses, to reject what the Bible commands?

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Mark 9:12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

So, Jesus declared that Elijah does come before the Son of man suffers the things He is about to suffer. Elsewhere, the Bible plainly states who Jesus was referring to: “Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist” (Matthew 17:13). And before the second coming, the same thing will happen but on a wider scale, where there will be many spiritual Elijahs. So, are called to be like John the Baptist, a spiritual Elijah, standing for the truth, not necessarily a preacher but definitely not given into societal ways?

Friday, October 14, 2022

Mark 9:11 And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

That is the same question many have today. Why do people say that Elijah and even Moses are to come before the second coming? It is based upon an assumption in Revelation 11, where the miracles of plagues and fire are presumptuously connected to Moses and Elijah respectfully. But yes, Elijah is to come again, but it is spiritual as we shall see, so for now, do you have the spirit of Elijah convicting people of wrongs to avoid and right paths to dwell in?

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Mark 9:10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.

That is because they knew that “the grave cannot praise thee, death can [not] celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth” (Isaiah 38:18) and would not be coming up from the grave until “at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). Therefore, it was unusual to hear that someone was going to be able to rise from the dead. Today, spiritualism has greatly invaded the world, including Christianity, where the Bible forbids contact with “a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer” (Deuteronomy 18:11), but today, even Christians talk to dead people. So, are you caught up in spiritualism or do believe “as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23)?

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Mark 9:9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

Do you believe their testimony about the transfiguration, or do you believe in some scientific explanation that removes the thought of such an event miraculously happening?

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Mark 9:8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.

So, with Moses and Elijah now gone leaving Jesus only before their eyes, this event should strengthen them in time of weakness when Jesus faces the cross, but as stated already, this will not be the case, especially with Peter. Likewise, there is a period of time coming that our faith will also be tested. It is called “the time of Jacob's trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7), a mental anguish that the living will go through hoping they shall successfully meet Jesus and then “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). So, are you gathering now the encouragement from God’s Word about salvation and repenting of your sins that you may stand, or are you simply wasting time, even being distracted?

Monday, October 10, 2022

Mark 9:7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

And God can say the same of us today when we are His showing forth our love in keeping His commandments for “we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments” (1 John 5:2). So, can God say of you, son or daughter, that you are His beloved because you keep His commandments and have given up your own will to Him?

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Mark 9:6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.

Instead of speaking from fear, have you learned to just keep quiet and observe?

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

As Peter recognized both Moses and Elijah, we too will recognize one another when we are all gathered together after this world is over. So, are you looking forward to being reunited with loved ones and others who have died, or are you enjoying this world too much?

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Mark 9:4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

Elias or Elijah represents those that will be alive at the second coming while Moses represents all those that die in the Lord and will be resurrected at the second coming for “every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming” (1 Corinthians 15:23). Personally, as long as I am in one of these two groups, I would be happy. How about you?

Monday, October 3, 2022

Mark 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

This is Christ’s righteousness. This is what we are to put on. “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints” (Revelation 19:7-8). To have every sin forgiven, every desire of sin gone, to be perfectly made whole, to be living the righteous life. So, have you put on Christ, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27)?

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh [with him] Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

Being part of this event ought to have given them strength to make it through the disappointment of the crucifixion, but it did not. Now, keep in mind that the Bible writers do not lie or exaggerate, knowing this event actually happened, does this encourage you to look forward to the second coming and believe that it will happen?

Friday, September 30, 2022

Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

This was not a prediction of the second coming but a prediction of the transfiguration. However, it is said of the generation that will see all of the signs being fulfilled, “This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (Matthew 24:34). Now, have you considered that we are that close to being “that generation”?

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

So, are you a Christian in living it and not a shame to stand for those principles, or do you just take on the title Christian and when it is convenient, then you live like a Christian but when it is not, you live like the world a shame of being labeled?

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Mark 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

What in this world are you willing to hold onto and give up eternal life for?

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

So, are you chasing after anything that this world has to offer, or have you learned to live content with what you have?

Monday, September 26, 2022

Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

It is not all about dying physically, though applicable. There is a spiritual dying as well. Are you trying to fit in with society thinking you may lose out on things if you do not compromise with the demands of others, or are you willing to live the Christian life and stand firm no matter what you may lose out on regarding this life?

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people [unto him] with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

So, are you denying yourself of the pleasures this world has to offer, bearing your cross of temptations, and following every command of Jesus?

Friday, September 23, 2022

Mark 8:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

When it comes to personal decisions, do you look to see if it glorifies God or self? Do you see if it is what God would have it or what you want?

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Mark 8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

Since when does a human know better than Jesus? But we do it all the time. God gives us commandments but we look for excuses to break them. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Exodus 20:16), but little lies are alright. “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14), but we can look and not touch despite Jesus saying the opposite (Matthew 5:28). So, where in your life are you smarter than God?

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Mark 8:31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and [of] the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Many Bible prophecies are very clear to understand while others require a little more effort to understand, but overall, they are provided so that people would realize that with one-hundred percent accuracy of the prophecies contained in the Bible makes the Bible worth trusting. As Jesus said, “Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am [he]” (John 13:19). So, do you trust God’s Word even if your nature does not want to comply to certain “rules”?

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Mark 8:30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.

There is a time to say we are a Christian, and there are times it would work against the purpose to reveal such. That does not permit us to lie or deny the faith, but if Jesus wanted His name and things of what He had done to be kept silent, we should take His example. So, do you go forth carelessly announcing your denomination and the fact that you are a Christian, or do you try sharing the gospel in a responsible manner leading up to the fact that you are a Christian?

Monday, September 19, 2022

Mark 8:29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

Jesus certainly is the anointed one. It was predicted to be so. “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy” (Daniel 9:24). So, do you believe Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One?

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Mark 8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some [say], Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

To answer John the Baptist, who was beheaded, or mentioning one of the deceased prophets meant that those of that day believed in reincarnation, which is unbiblical. Elijah never died, so him coming back could have been a possibility, however, the others are not. We are all unique and do not live multiple lives for “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Today, we even have people channeling dead souls and talking about prior lives, yet we are also told, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). So, are you being seduced by spirits in believing in reincarnation or ability to channel prior lives, or do you accept the Bible teaching that we just live one life and are judged about that life?

Friday, September 16, 2022

Mark 8:27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?

Here is the beginning of the test to see if society was negatively impacting His disciples, much like the anti-Christian media publishing all kinds of negativity, twisted, misconstrued information about Jesus, Christianity in general, and even what is considered morally right and wrong. So, how much are you aware of what society says on these things?

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Mark 8:26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell [it] to any in the town.

Again, most faith healers do the opposite. They want the attention, the bragging, the focus, hence why most faith healers perform in an auditorium or in any large building or even being televised, having massive crowds to observe. So, does a person you know that is a faith healer follow Jesus’ example, or have you rejected and avoided being exposed to such people?

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Mark 8:25 After that he put [his] hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

In physically being restored, the blind man was able to see clearly. From a spiritual perspective, where the men are the writers but not the authors of the Bible, do you see them clearly? Keep in mind, Peter struggled with Paul’s writings: “even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:15-16). So, do you really see the Bible clearly or just what the ministers preach?

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Mark 8:24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

This teaches us a purposeful lesson. To see men as trees walking means that the blind person was not seeing clearly after the initial healing. Something interfered with the healing. The blind man ought to have been able to see people without any distortion. The lesson learned is that many Christians are satisfied with a superficial understanding of the Bible, if even that much, and are not impressed to dig further. We ought to study until we see it clearly, but as long as sin in any amount is tolerated, then it will blind and confuse people. We can recognize such people that are told to stop doing something and they retort with, “I can’t see that!” That is right. They cannot see it because they want it, or they know if they see that portion of scripture clearly, that it will affect their lives indirectly in other aspects. Tell someone that the Ten Commandments are still binding, they will say, “I can’t see that”, while they are thinking, “Oh, that means I would have to watch my temper, not take little things from the office for personal use, etc.” So, how clearly do you see God’s Word?

Monday, September 12, 2022

Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

Today’s healers bring the sick into these great auditoriums for everyone to see when Jesus chose to do it without as much of an audience as possible. So, are you able to detect deceivers with false claims to being able to heal?

Sunday, September 11, 2022

Mark 8:22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

Why are some cities mentioned in the Bible and others are not? It is possible for the meaning. Bethsaida means “house of fish”. Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). To be fishers of men is to lead the blind into truth. Coincidently, there was a blind man to be healed physically. These things do not happen by chance. So, today, are you a fisher of men bringing the blind into the house of fishes, into God’s house, His church?

Friday, September 9, 2022

Mark 8:18-21 Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve. And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven. And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). When we are thinking of worldly gain, reaction of the world, trying to serve God and mammon, we cannot understand the simple, spiritual matters. So, what does your mind dwell upon?

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Mark 8:17 And when Jesus knew [it], he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?

Here, Jesus equates the lack of understanding spiritual meanings of His words with a hardened heart. That means the same applies to the understanding of the Bible. For instance, many look at the book of Daniel as children’s lessons regarding a dream, bowing down to an image, continuing to pray despite facing the lion’s den, etc. With the book of Revelation mentioning the name Babylon, one should realize that the book of Daniel is the blue print of surviving Babylon today in a spiritual sense and not be looking for literal Babylon to be recreated. So, how is your spiritual eyesight when it comes to the Bible?

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Mark 8:16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, [It is] because we have no bread.

The disciples constantly thought on the physical level regarding Jesus’ words when the spiritual was the primary intention instead. The leaven had nothing to do with reminding the disciples that they forgot physical bread. So, how often do you try to take the words of Jesus literally when spiritual application was intended?

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Mark 8:15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and [of] the leaven of Herod.

This is a spiritual statement for not to take leaven from the Pharisees or Herod was unlikely, meaning, that the Pharisees would probably be unwilling to give to the disciples, and it is unlikely that any of the disciples would be allowed an audience with Herod. So, do you take everything that Jesus said literally, or do you allow for some representative language to be applied in your understanding of what Jesus was trying to convey?

Monday, September 5, 2022

Mark 8:14 Now [the disciples] had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf.

Forgetfulness is not something that people should simply excuse. There are serious things forgotten as well as those of minor importance. We all have experienced forgetting something, but we ought to give every effort, even practice proper methods of remembrance, so as not to be forgetful, especially if it impacts others. Writing things down and remembering to look at the list is helpful. Repeating an important item several times is sometimes helpful. Setting reminders may also assist in remembering. So, are you careless and indifferent when you forget things chalking it up to the fact everyone is forgetful, especially those things impacting others, or are you respectful and realize it is part of the quality of being responsible?

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Mark 8:13 And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.

There is a determination to be made in which if someone is not willing to listen, not open to hearing the gospel, we are to move onto someone else. Waste not the time you have when others need to hear it. So, do you share the gospel with people, and are you able to tell if the person is genuinely interested?

Friday, September 2, 2022

Mark 8:12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

And that is actually true in today’s generation. The majority of Christians ignore the Bible and flock after signs and wonders, even miracles and healings. The Bible predicted it. “[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). “For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if [it were] possible, even the elect” (Mark 13:22). Remember, false Christs also means false Christians. So, are you a sign and wonder chaser, or do you have a “Thus saith the Lord”, verses of the Bible (not just one or two) that you obey and follow?

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Mark 8:11 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.

The addition of the words “tempting Him” means that there was something sinful about this request, and there was. It was the same as the temptations of Satan when Jesus was fasting in the wilderness. It is a form of pride by trying to prove oneself. Satan wanted Jesus to prove Himself to be the Son of God by working a miracle or throwing Himself off a high place. Now again, Jesus was being asked to prove Himself by working a sign. God wants us to simply take Him at His word. So, do you look for a sign to prove the existence of God, or do you accept His existence by faith?

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Mark 8:10 And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.

Dalmanutha means “slow firebrand”, which should trigger in the mind a particular verse: “And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: [is] not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” (Zechariah 3:1-2). And according to 1 Peter 1:7, fire is symbolic of trying our faith, in this case, a slow trial, which means that it requires long patience to get through. Now, all that listen and follow Jesus will be plucked out of the trials at the right moment. We shall not be plucked too soon that the trial has little to no affect upon us allowing us to stay in our selfish ways, but at the same time, we are not left to be in trials too long that would discourage our faith. So, are you experiencing trials in your life all the while keeping your eyes upon Jesus to guide you through?

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Mark 8:9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.

Though we may desire to stay in study time with God all day for the peace it brings, eating the spiritual bread, we do have responsibilities to take care of. So, do you follow Jesus’ command when He sends you forth each day to take on the day in the strength and nourishment given through eating the Word first thing in the morning, or at least when it is best in your life?

Monday, August 29, 2022

Mark 8:8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken [meat] that was left seven baskets.

Many people are wasteful today. There is a difference between hording and being careful about the littles. It does not have to be food only, although some people never eat leftovers. Some people that do home projects will save old, but in good condition, screws and nails. Some that work with yarn will save a number of scraps and when enough scraps are collected, make something useful. So, do you automatically trash what is left over, or do you see the potential usefulness in proper judging between junk and possible future use?

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Mark 8:7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before [them].

The fishes ought to remind us that the disciples were called to be fishers of men. Between the bread, the Word of God, and being fishers of men, we today are to share the same gospel sharing activities. So, what do you do to share the gospel?

Friday, August 26, 2022

Mark 8:6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before [them]; and they did set [them] before the people.

Jesus said, “But ye [shall] not [be] so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve” (Luke 22:26). The attention of the Christian is not to be upon self but upon serving others. Jesus and the disciples did not eat first but last. So, when entrusted with ministering, do you take care of yourself first or last?

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Mark 8:5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.

Remember, bread is symbolic of the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). Although they indeed had seven loaves, the spiritual application also should be considered. Seven is also a significant number for Revelation reveals “in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth” (Revelation 5:6). And, remember that “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). So, do you feed upon loaves spiritually on a regular basis being filled with the Spirit of God?

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Mark 8:4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these [men] with bread here in the wilderness?

By questioning the disciples, Jesus was drawing attention to how impossible it is for man to work at solving the problem and what a possibility with God is to satisfy the need. So, do you just give up when it is impossible, or do you turn to the Miracle worker?

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Mark 8:1-3 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples [unto him], and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.

Jesus still has compassion upon us, and He also would like us to be fed. Of course, today it is with the Word of God, and His compassion is upon our salvation. He does care for our physical needs as well, “for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Matthew 6:32), “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). So, are you seeking God, following Jesus like the multitude did?

Monday, August 22, 2022

Mark 7:36-37 And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published [it]; And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

We may not understand the instructions given, but we should always respect the request made. Jesus had a reason to not publish what was done. Those that spoke even more on the matter only saw the good and could not see the harm in telling. However, it drew others to have unnecessary animosity towards Jesus that He was trying to avoid. So, do you allow your own opinions and feelings to go against the wishes of others who ask to do things in a certain way?

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Mark 7:35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

Again, are your ears open to God’s voice? Are you able to speak of God’s Word in a plain manner, or do you require over a dozen verses, traditions of the elders, opinions, scholar quotations, etc. to prove your point?

Friday, August 19, 2022

Mark 7:34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

Are your ears open to God’s voice, His Word?

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Mark 7:33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

This shows that all the healers that make a great production of healing people by drawing crowds are mostly attention seekers, even false preachers or false Christs. With Jesus doing the healing aside of the multitude without their presence, we ought to follow His example. So, are you caught up with all of the healing hype of modern-day healers that are televised, happen in mega churches, etc., or do you see through all of this knowing that it is not of God?

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Mark 7:32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

Many are deaf to God’s Word today, which affects their speech. Look at how many show signs and claims of being called a Christian and yet, turn around using foul words in their speech, speak of worldly entertainment, and more. So, what does your speech reveal regarding your level of hearing?

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Mark 7:31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

In Christ’s simple action, these names are not mentioned by accident. Tyre means “rock”; Sidon means “hunting”; Galilee means “circuit”; and Decapolis means “ten cities”. Going forth after being connected to our Rock (Matthew 7:24), we are not only hunters but fishers of men (Matthew 4:19) working the circuit or highways and byways (Matthew 22:9), going to the symbolic representation of the number of cities referring to the complete coverage (Mark 16:15) just like the Ten Commandments cover every action of ours. So, how is your connection with Christ and active work to reach souls?

Monday, August 15, 2022

Mark 7:30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

The devil can be out of us too. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). It is possible to not give into temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). It is possible to stop sinning (1 John 2:1). It is possible to live the life God expects of us (Matthew 5:48). This is true belief. Do you have it?

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Mark 7:29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.

The saying Jesus is referring to is the faith and hope she had in a Savior. How much faith and hope do you have in Jesus to cast out the devil out of you along with all the sinful habits and temptations that “so easily beset [us]” (Hebrews 12:1) you may be carrying making excuses why stopping the sinning will not ever happen?

Friday, August 12, 2022

Mark 7:28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.

What humility! She did not argue her position in the eyes of the Jews. Her intent was to save her daughter, and Jesus was her hope. Nothing was going to distract from that. So, what distracts you from Jesus? Would it be “the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in” (Mark 4:19)?

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Mark 7:27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast [it] unto the dogs.

“Dogs” was a term used by the Jews to refer to the Gentiles. Jesus is used this opportunity to demonstrate the sinfulness of prejudice. He could tell that the Syrophencian woman’s faith would hold on despite the apparent insult, and then He could show how Gentiles were more ready to receive Him than were the Jews. The children referred to, of course, is the children of Israel, though at this time, they consisted of mostly of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin as the others were scattered throughout the then known world. Now, how do you treat those not of your denomination? Do you try to reach out with the truth to them instead of hording it?

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Mark 7:25-26 For a [certain] woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.

Being a Greek means that she was involved in paganism. And those today who think paganism is harmless do not realize it is an invitation for unclean spirits, demons to come. She correctly made the connection that at the root of paganism and possession is the devil. So, is there anything in your lifestyle that invites demons into your home?

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Mark 7:24 And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know [it]: but he could not be hid.

There is no hiding Jesus even today. The whole world is aware of Jesus in one form or another. Many hate Him for the religion He represents – Christianity. Many others hate Him because they do not want to believe He exists or at least be the person He really was – the Son of God. Still, many others misrepresent Him claiming to be Christian, Christ-like, and yet justify allowance of living like the devil periodically. Thank God for the faithful who do represent Him properly. So, with Jesus not hidden today, which group do you belong to?

Monday, August 8, 2022

Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Even if we claim to be saved and we participate in these things, we are actually lost. To be defiled is not a title but a condition, and that condition meets the fact that such a person will not enter into Heaven for “there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life” (Revelation 21:27). There is no exception for this list that Jesus provided. He did not say, “Except if you believe” or “Except if you’re saved.” So, are you involved in any of those items, or have you obtained the victory over them through Jesus Christ?

Sunday, August 7, 2022

Mark 7:20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

So, what comes out of you? Does it glorify God or Satan? Praises or defiles?

Friday, August 5, 2022

Mark 7:19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?

As stated, this is not a physical matter but a spiritual one. Eating food that is permitted but forgetting or ignoring to perform a spiritual ritual or even if one did, it did not matter because the food entered into the body and eventually passed through the body and out the other end. What does matter is the heart, the intention, the acceptance of evil or righteousness. So, are you guarding your heart?

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Mark 7:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, [it] cannot defile him;

Now be careful of what Jesus is saying. Nothing without that goes into a person would be considered sin, however, temptation is not to be tolerated for by beholding we are changed into that (2 Corinthians 3:18). So, watching content and listening to content with foul words will produce a character that uses foul words. Also, Jesus was not addressing that which can kill the body. Cyanide is without the body. Certainly, it would be more than defiling the body if digested; it will kill the body. Therefore, those that think this is the permission to smoke, eat and drink whatever, etc., please use the God given logic. The conversation was all about spiritual matters and not physical content. So, do you still guard against temptation and stay away from consuming that which the Bible forbids?

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Mark 7:17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

Who do you ask concerning more than just parables but the Bible itself? Is a parent or minister your final stop for understanding, or do you turn to the scriptures and dig for the answers?

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Mark 7:16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Do you hear Jesus speaking to you?

Monday, August 1, 2022

Mark 7:14-15 And when he had called all the people [unto him], he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one [of you], and understand: There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.