John 20-21

Some people are really hard headed, such was Thomas. Thomas is not alone when it comes to believing God. By nature, many of “us” are skeptical of things that we have not witness ourselves. Too many in our day have “visions” and hear voices that are not substantiality with valid evidence. The claims of Christ have been validated by the witness of the Father and sealed by the Spirit. What He says is true and what He does is to be believed. It is amazing how quickly Thomas believe when He heard the words spoken by Jesus. How quickly he was convinces that what he heard was true. Thomas was chastised for not believing, but thank God he was not cast aside. Failure to believe does not have to cause us to quit. Look to Jesus and start believing. (john20

Peter was once again put to the test. He did not forget his failure to stand for Jesus when it counted. Now, face to face with Jesus, he is being drilled concerning his love for his master. Knowing his past, he is grieved that Jesus would once again test his love and commitment. It was the third time that the question was posed to him. Peter remembered how Jesus had known that he would deny him, so he speaks with the knowledge that Jesus is able to read the motives of the heart. Jesus knows if we speak the truth, or if we speak only to appease our conscious. To love Jesus. will require more than just words, it will require a life time of service to feed the sheep of Christ (john21)

John 18-19

It bobbles my mind to realize that God knows our every thought and knows the choices we will make before we even choose. This is known as the Omniscience power of the Holy God. Judas was not made to denied Christ just so that the scripture might be fulfilled, God knew that Judas would sell out cheap. Peter was not made to deny the Savior, but He knew that Peter would choose to deny that he was a follower of Jesus. What does God know about my choices. My heart’s desire is to always choose that which is right. In the foreknowledge of God, I trust that He will find me making the right choices to love and serve Him all the days of my life. (john18)

What is Truth? The question rings in the ears of men and women through out history. We all seek to know what is right and true. Like Pilot, we come face to face with Jesus, who reveals to each of our hearts what truth is. To live and follow the steps of Jesus is to live in truth, to do His will is to live a life of truth. (john18b)

The battle waged in the heart of Pilot. He was convince that this was more than a mere man. He too was almost persuaded to use his power to release Jesus from death roll, but self ruled in the heart of Pilot, his reputation was at stake and his allegiance to Caesar was challenged. To the very end, Pilot knew that Jesus was King. He was the king of Truth from another world. The shout of the Jews to Crucify Jesus will ring in the ears of Pilot for eternity. (john19)

the plan of salvation was completed as Jesus spoke His last words. “It is Finished”. The completion of the work of redemption came to an end. Jesus paid the ultimate price. He died to set men free from the death of sin. It is finished! We now can come boldly to the throne of God through Jesus Christ. 

John 16-17

The promise of the Father given to us by Jesus Christ is that the Holy Spirit would be sent to the world and the believers. The work of the Spirit to the world is to convince people that they are sinners and need a Savior, to show the power of God to reveal truth to those who are blinded by sin, and to bring an end to the work of Satan. The work to the believers is to guide them into all truth, to demonstrate the power of God to live a life of holiness by allowing the Spirit of God to dwell in the hearts of the believer. Such filling will empower the follower of Christ to live a life of full joy. The desire of the believer is to do the will of God. Asking Him for the things that please Him will bring fulfillment and everlasting joy. Fear not, by his Spirit there is nothing that a believer will not be able to overcome. (john 16)

In order to be set apart for the service of God, one must be fully consecrated to God. Sanctification is a work that is accomplished through the Word and the Word is Truth. It is the Spirit of God the leads believers in Truth. The prayer of Jesus was that those that choose to follow Him be sanctified, set apart to glorify Him. One cannot truly glorify God if they are living a self-center, self-serving life. Surrendering your life of all your desire and ambitions to God is to live the life of holiness. It all starts when the Holy Spirit leads us into the Truth of complete consecration to the whole will of God in sanctification. (john17)

John 14-15

To have access to God the Father, there is only one way to enter into His presence . Jesus is the Door, the final Word, and the Resurrection. He and the Father are one and to see God the Father, one must see Jesus. He is the Way that leads us to Father, He is the truth that bare the witness to God, and He is the only one that can give eternal life, life everlasting. How marvelous, how miraculous is our Savior who provided a way of escape into a relationship with our creator. John 14

Abiding in Christ is the fulfillment of life’s ambition. To be connected to the real source of life is to know the meaning of Life. A disciple of Christ will bear the fruit from which it derives it’s life. The evidence of abiding in Him is demonstrated in the way we live our lives day by day. Showing forth the fruit of the Spirit, reflecting the image of Jesus, desiring to obey His commandments will be the standard by which one is judged. Such fruit is not possible unless one is abiding in Him and His word is abiding in their own hearts. If He is truly your friend, you will follow Him and do as He ask you to do. (John15)

John 12-13

(John 12a) ?

Walking in the light. Jesus is the light of the world that shines so that others may see through the darkness of the night. Darkness covers the whole earth, but Christ has put His light in our hearts that we also may shine for Him. Because we belong to Him, we are the children of the Light. As His child, we desire light rather than darkness. It is important that we continue to walk in the light of His presence, less we fall to the shadow of darkness that will try and distinguish the light in our hearts. (john12b)

Being a servant of Christ is more than sitting at His feet and worshiping Him. As wonderful as that is, a servant must be willing to follow the example of Christ. He showed the way and gave us the secret to servanthood. We can never be too big and too powerful that we should not be willing to serve anyone who appears to be of a different strip. When it comes to serving others, the social rank of society disappear, the playing field of God’s mercy and grace is leveled out. We pick up the wash basin and begin to wash the feet of anyone who is weary as they journey and travel this life. (john 13)

Christ gave a new commandment. A directive, a charge, an order. Some would even say that He shed new light to those who were called the children of light. To love someone, in spite of who they are or what they have done to you, goes against human nature. The evidence of one who is a follower of Christ is to be able to show love to all who are part of the body of Christ. Not always easy to show love when conflict of interest arises and differences of opinion are evident. But, one of the test of a true believer is to love in spite of it all. A commandment I cannot do on my own. I need his grace to give me the strength to love when it is most important to love. John13b

John 11

Experiencing a resurrection is the epitome of our existence. Christ is the champion of Life because He is Life. Outside of Him life is no more than lifeless existence and gratifying the lust desires of the flesh. This mortal fresh shall pass way, but the eternal spirit of the soul shall live through Him. Faith. The key that unlocks the mystery of life is found in Him who is the Resurrection and the Life that can take a person who is dead in trespasses and sin and raise him up to life everlasting.  (john 11)

Our faith often needs a boost. Wanting to believe and actually believing lead to two different ends. But, having a a desire to believe is a start. God can work in a heart that desires to believe. My human tendency is to draw back and think of practical solutions to life and use the resources that God has given us to solve issues and problems. But, there is only so much that can be done in the human, at some point I need the Lord to call out “Lazarus, come forth!” the situation does not look good, hurt and disappointments lead to discouragement. I need God to do a miracle, I know He can, but will He? (john 11b)

On of many paradoxes from the lips of Jesus is dying to live. In order to live a life that is fulfilling, one must first die to all selfish desires and ambitions. To be free to live a life pleasing to God, it is important that we lose ourselves in God. Dying to self is a foreign process and contrary to our human instincts. As Christ gave His life of His own free will, so must we be willing to give our lives if we hope to see life eternal. (john 11c)

John 9-10

We were all born blind spiritually. The nature of sin that we all are born with puts a shadow over our eyes and we are not able to see the things of God. Jesus came into the world as the light of men to shine the light of God’s love to all who will heed and do His will. He desires to open the blinded eyes of humanity that they may see that they are lost in sin, yet can be healed to see the light of God and receive it. God touched my blinded eyes almost 40 years ago. My prayer is to be able to see how Jesus sees. “Give me more light that I may know how to manifest His love, grace, and mercy”. (John 9a)

When the eyes of our understanding are open, He becomes the whole of our life. We see Jesus, who takes away the darkness and cloud of doubt that causes us to fear and tremble. We believe because He opened our eyes so that the light of truth may enter in. Such wonderful sight, how amazing is the face of Jesus. No wonder we bow down and worship Him. Lord, I believe! (john9b)

The abundant life is given to us by the good Shepherd who is willing to give His life that His sheep may live. The abundant life is found in the pasture of God’s love. Finding this pasture is only gained when one goes through the door of Christ. The door that leads to the abundant life and life everlasting is Jesus. He is the only door given to us by the Father. Jesus desires more for us than just having our sins forgiven, He desires that we gaze in the pastures of land and living a life that is abundantly full of joy and happiness. Such is the life of one who lives for Him. (john10)

Those that call Him Father are His sheep. The sheep listen to the voice of the shepherd because they know that the shepherd will guide them and protect them from danger. The comfort to know that He also understands the need of His sheep and His power is able to keep anyone from doing harm to them. The promise of eternal life is given to them than put their trust in the Shepherd. Fear of perishing is removed and love and safely in the arms of Jesus is secured. (john10)

John 7-8

“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be from God, or whether I speak from Myself.” What is the will of God? Doing His will will open our hearts to the secrets of God that are hid to the natural man. God desires that we become more knowledgable about the deep things of God. This is only done when we are willing to obey Him and draw close enough to Him to learn more about His nature. (John7)

From the depth of the soul flow the living water of God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit fills the believer with living water that will overflow into everlasting last. Any man that desires to have his thirst quench can come and drink at the source of living water and be satisfied. It is for whosoever will, it only takes willingness and desire for God to be fulfilled. (John7b)

It seems to be human nature to find fault with others and be blinded to ones own faults. We are so demanding of others that they meet a standard of living that we feel will bring the approbation of God. Judgement begins in our own house, examining are own life for inconsistency. Many blindly throw the 1st stone of condemnation, and walk away with a spirit of self-righteousness. Jesus is the light of the world, and He alone knows the hearts of men. May we learn to point all people to Jesus, and let His light shine on the life of others that they also may walk in the light of His love and mercy to sin no more. (John8a)

To be free is living a life of your own free will, not in bondage to serve someone against your will. Sin is a slave master that binds the soul to do the bidding of the devil. To be free from this bondage, one must accept the truth of their spiritual condition. The truth of the matter is Christ has the power to set the captive free. He is Truth and will destroy the works of sin and darkness. He sets men free from the bondage of sin to allow the spirit of man to seek His creator. Such was the plan of God since the foundations of the world.(john 8b)

John 3-5

(John 3a) ?

Taking the back seat is not always easy, especially if the front seat gives you advantages and notoriety. Such was the life of John the baptist. He had a great following and many thought that he might even be the Messiah. But, John maintain a pure heart after the will of God. He knew his calling and was content to be the one who would blaze the trail for the Son of God. Not only a true prophet, but an example of true humility and submission. John picked up his cross and followed Jesus unto death. He took the back seat of popularity and lifted up the Son of God. (john 3b)

Life and it’s problem, conflicts, and misunderstandings often causes one to become dry and barren within the soul. The load is often too heavy and exhausting. The soul cries out for water for living water that will revive the heart once again. Surely, there is a well in this barren land of life. My soul is thirsty for something that will give strength and aid as I travel this journey of life. “Lord, give me of this living water, that I thirst not”. (john4)

There is nothing like a personal experience. Hearing about the wonderful works of God is great, but being able to experience it for yourself is something that will impact your life forever. Hearing the good news of Jesus and what He is able to do for you seems to good to be true, but once you have tasted for yourself of the grace of God, life takes on a completely new meaning. Like the Samaritans, I now believe because when He touched my heart, and life has never been the same. (john4b)

John 1-2

From the beginning He was the light. Before the foundations of the world came into existence, He was making worlds and creating universes. Satan being cast to the earth turned the hearts of men to live in darkness. The law revealed to man that they were no longer children of light, but of darkness. But the light pierced the darkness and brought grace and truth to the hearts of men. Those who received the light became the children of light and were made sons of God and given power to overcome the darkness of the world. The Word gave power over sin and the light began to spread through out the land. (John1)

Standing by the river side of Jordan, John beheld the only begotten son of the Father. The lamb sent from Heaven to become the redeemer of men. The forerunner of the Messiah’s time was coming to an end. He who called men to repentance would step aside and make room for Him who would baptized men with fire and the Holy Ghost. John fulfilled his calling and faded away. His call was, “Take your eyes off of me, and behold Him who will save the world” Truly He is the Son of God. (john)

Miracles always astonish those who live earthly. To me, miracles imply that a super natural intervention took place. Do miracles still happen? I must confess my lack of faith when it comes to things happening that are out of the norm of natural healing or circumstantial providence. i believe that God has His hand in all things, but intervening in such a way that goes contrary to nature always arouses doubt of skepticism in me that causes me to scrutinize the validity of the “miracle” Yet, I know, based on God’s Word that He can do the impossible. He turned the water into wine and cause the blind to see. “Lord open my eyes that I may see the wondrous miracles that God has in stored for my life, may I see the clear water of life turn red with with the taste of everlasting joy.” (john 2)

Luke 23-24

Guilty of breaking the law, they hung side by side by the the guiltless one. The one who knew no sin. One malefactor still full of pride, anger and spite lashed out his resentment toward God and society. The other, seeing his profound sinful condition, humbled himself, confessed his deed and begged for mercy. The voice of Christ will ever ring in his ears through out eternity, “Today you will be with me in heaven”.  One died and went to hell, the other died and is with Christ even as I write. (Luke 23)

Morning came on the first day of the week. All seemed to be gone and hope destroyed. He who was to redeemed Israel had been nailed to a cross, pierced with a javelin, and buried in a borrowed tomb. But the circumstances of life were about to change. Sunday morning at the tomb turned from sadness to anticipation.  Many who’s faith was severely damaged by the death of Christ, still were hesitate to believe that He was Alive. But the word of Christ burned in their heart and He open the scriptures and revealed who He was. Indeed He is risen! Peace and Hope was alive. (luke24)

They were afraid that they had seen a apparition. How could this be? They saw him die on the cross, they witness his body being laid to rest. But, His words brought peace to their hearts, He calmed their trouble spirits and their faith began to grow. He touched their minds and truth was made real. He returned back to the Father, but hope and faith were alive. Let the world know, Jesus is alive and well. It was a day of celebration. (luke24b)

Luke 22

Even in the midst of pending death, the disciple’s only concern was who was going to obtain the highest seat of power when God’s Kingdom was establish. Before the days of Pentecost, they all sat around the table with Jesus for the Passover feast arguing and positioning themselves to be God’s special “pet”. The concept of being Crucified with Christ had not entered their minds. The price they were to pay to follow Christ was still in the shadows of their thoughts. The cup that they drank from had not yet become bitter to them. They would soon drink of that cup and realized the sting of death it represented. (Luke22a)

Being subject to the Father, Jesus prayed for strength to face the task that was set before Him. The life of the surrender is always ready to say, “Not my will, but thy will be done”. Peter’s carnal heart and love of self caused him to lose faith in the test of time. Peter learned a lesson that self determination is not enough to defeat Satan, He needed something bigger than himself to be what he needed to be in the time of crisis. (Luke 22b)

The power of darkness filled the night air as Judas kissed the face of Jesus. The power of darkness moved across the soul of Peter as he vehemently denied that he knew this man who was being arrested. The power of darkness caused the Roman soldiers to scorn and mock the Son of God and blaspheme His name. It was the power of darkness that caused men to hate and despise that which was good and holy. But, it was the power God that made it possible for the Son of God to give His life a ransom, so that the power darkness would be broken. (luke22c)

Luke 21

The last siege of Jerusalem and the desolation of her buildings will someday come to ruins and emptiness. The signs of the end of earth’s habitation have already begun and prophecy of Christ that those who love Him will be the outcast of the world. Christian will be the target of blame and many will give their live because they stood for what was right. They will testify of the grace of God and will be hated by those who despise the Word of God and hate those who stand by it. They can destroy the body, but they cannot destroy the soul, no, not one hair. (luke21a)

The events that take place before the coming of the Son of God can be seen and have been recorded in the history books of man. We live in a day where sin is the accepted norm and righteousness is scorn as a relic of the the past. The hearts of righteous men grow weary of the power of satan that has invaded the thrones of the world kingdoms. God has been forsaken and has been replace with liberal progressive tolerance of sin. Our hope is in Christ. He will return and those looking for Him will find redemption. The words of Christ will stand the test of time.(Luke 21b)

Luke 19-20

It matters not who you are in the world. Jesus is no respecter of person. He comes to visit any who are willing to open their doors and invite Him in. In the face of political opposition, Zacchaeus climbed the sycamore tree to gather the attention of Jesus. He would not let the obstacle of life and his personal limitations keep him from getting an audience with the Savior. Zacchaeus was willing to come clean and make right his wrongs to obtain the approbation of Christ. Before one can be found, one must realized that they are lost. Jesus came to save the lost. (Luke19)

It is only fitting that one would praise God for His blessings. The presences of Jesus coming into the city Jerusalem caused the people to cry out in song. For years they waited the Kingdom of God to come and now the time had arrived. We were made to praise God. It is in the very nature of our spiritual being to lifted up our voices to Him. If we fail to do what God desires, then nature will shout out His glory. Surely we are more valuable to God than the rocks of the earth.(Luke 19b)

Christ came to save the world, even the scribes and the pharisees, but the pride of their heart rejected Him. They were threaten by sway that Christ had on the populous. Their power over the people was being challenged. The message of Christ was humility and submission, such was not in the nature of these men. Christ called them out and they were mad. People will find any way they can to do away with the voice of God that causes their hearts to be trouble. Sin stops at nothing. (luke20a)

Because God knows the hearts of men, there are no “trick” questions that He does not already know. Manipulation of God is foolishness. His answers will always cause  the questions to backfire. The scribe and sadducees walked away shaking their heads and the deceitfulness of their heart revealed for all to see. You cannot pull the wool over the eyes of Jesus, He is God and knows the hearts and motives of men. (luke20b)

Luke 17-18

Forgiveness is often a hard pill to swallow especially if we have doubt of the sincerity of the apology. It seems once again to be unreasonable to continue to forgive when the offense is often repeated. It takes an “other world” grace to be able to truly forgive someone who is a repeat offender. I too would cry out, “Lord increase my faith”  My mustard seed is having a hard time sprouting.(Luke17a)

The returning of Jesus is unknown, but Jesus did give some indication that His return will come when many have turned away from God and have left the paths of righteousness. The minds and hearts of man will be immerse in the pleasures of this world, God will be place on a shelf and people will turns their heart away from God and live for self gratification. They will only be concern about the things of this world and taking no though the the Kingdom of God in their hearts. Jesus said they will be left behind when He returns. (Luke17b)

Whose prayer does God hear? For certain, a man who thinks highly of himself and exalts his station in life has no need for God. Such a person is wrapped up in self and self-righteousness. They preceive that goodness is derived from good works. They brag of their life of sinlessness and take credit for their purity. Such a person, God cannot help and they will someday realized that they have come short of God’s Glory. The humble and meek spirit of dependence will cause the ear of God to bend low and take notice. It is the humble that God will lift up and draw nigh. (luke18a)

Mercy, Mercy! The cry of the beggar. Blinded and unable to see Jesus, he was able to recognized that the God in the flesh was passing by and He only had the power to give him his sight. The faith of the mustard seed was blooming in the heart of this blind beggar. He believed, and because of his faith, Christ stopped and paused to listen to the cry of this man. Miracles take place when we cry out to God and believe that He is able to perform that which is impossible to man, but possible for God.(luke18b)

Luke 14-15

The excuses that are given today will fall short in the day judgement. Many will say that I was busy prepare for my life and the future, and didn’t have time for God. Other live to work and there whole life is focus on their job or career, leaving no time for God, and others find that family is more important and put their spouse or their kids before God. All of these reasons have a good cause and we are to be mindful that we do our best to provide for the future, do good work at the job and care for our family, but living for the  kingdom requires that one give it all to God and come to the table of God and feast at the feet of Jesus first.

The price to be a follower of Jesus is not to be taken likely. Claiming to be a disciple of Jesus comes with the willingness to forsake everything in your life that would draw you away from following Him. The decision to follow is more than a mental state of mind, but it is one of action and determination. Yes, before the cross can be carried, one must decide and be willing to carry it. But, the test of discipleship is in the action and not in the intention. There are people full of good intentions, but very few actually will carry their cross to calvary. (luke14b)

The desire of God is to see sinners come to the knowledge of the light of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to be a friend to sinners and went out of His way to reach them. His love for his creation extends to all who are lost and He makes every effort  to meet people at the point of their need no matter their station in life. All have sinned and come short of the kingdom of God, rich and poor alike. He seeks all that are lost to bring them into the fold (Luke 15a)

The wayward son who left his father’s house and his father’s faith and values learned a hard lesson about the real world. The world’s values are to make sure that self is served first. As a general rule, the people of the world are more concerned about self preservation and self interest than the needs of others. The prodigal son soon realized that life outside of God is the pits and it eventually takes you down a road that is desolate and hard. Thank God for His faithfulness to those who leave the fold, and then wake to realized that they missed it. His mercy reaches to the backslider and those who have wander away from their moorings. Those who have lost their way can find their way back to God. (Luke15b)

(Luke 16) ?

John 5-6

It was the Sabbath Day, a day set aside to worship God and give praise to His name. It was a day to administer God’s healing power to mankind, a day set apart to do good toward your fellowman. What better way to worship God than to do acts of kindness and show mercy. May we see more people taking up their “beds” and walking to the house to worship. Keeping the Sabbath goes beyond worship, it should be a time to minister and manifest the love of God. (John5)

Rejecting Jesus is to reject the Father. Many say they believe in God, but don’t believe that Jesus is the Son of God. He is one with the Father and believing in Him is to believe in God the Father who sent Him. There will come a day when the eyes of men will be open and they will see Him for who He is. But, the love of God is not to be found in them, they have rejected the giver of life and are now left behind to die in their sins. (John5b)

God will often put us to the test. Are we earthly minded or heavenly minded? We most often look to solutions in the human. That is our nature to try and solve problems in a practical way. I do believe God does want us to use what is available to us. But through the eyes of faith, He wants us to go beyond the the practical and start to believe that He can take the elements that we hold and use them to accomplish great things. What seems impossible to man is possible with God. Take the two loaves of bread and five fish and give them to God and see what wonderful things He can do. (John 6a)

Hunger is a natural desire of humanity. We all want our stomach and our taste buds to be satisfied. But, our lives consist more of just flesh and blood, but also of soul and spirit. Our spirits crave to be satisfied and we are always seeks ways to satisfied our heart with love and peace. (John 6b)

To whom shall I go? He is the source of life the giver of grace. No man is able to come to the Father except through Christ. I want Him, I need Him. I will not go anywhere without Him! (john6c)

Luke 11-13

Not a person who likes to beg, I find the admonition of the Lord to ask, seek, and knock to be difficult truth for me to understand. I also realize that God knows what is best and it would seem unprofitable to continue asking for something that He knows may not be in my best interest. I could also confess that often my faith would rather submit to His will in resignation, rather than keep asking for Him to do the impossible. This is the part of prayer that I find challenging. Help me Lord to better understand how to pray. (Luke11a)

A distress signal has been sounded out by Jesus, “Woe!” A proclamation of sorrowful warning if not heeded, the future does not look good. The observance of rules and rituals is not the essence of true religion. They are not to be totally discarded, but on the other hand, they are not to be the focus of serving God. Many have high expectation of others, but are not willing themselves to follow the same expectations. Jesus calls these people hypocrites. (Luke11b)

(Luke 12)

How difficult is it to get to heaven? It is so easy that many will struggle to make it. Sounds like a oxy moron. The simple truth is Christ has made it possible through His death and resurrection that not even a fool could error if he desires God. But many will rely on their good works and humanitarian efforts to insist on eternal life. Some will even claim that they were doing such act in the name of religion. It is not is the acts of goodness that given us access, but our obedience to God’s will that allows us to come boldly to His throne. We claim the blood of Christ as our only plea. Christ desires to gather us all under His wing, but many have resisted His love and protection.(Luke13a)

The excuses that are given today will fall short in the day judgement. Many will say that I was busy prepare for my life and the future, and didn’t have time for God. Other live to work and there whole life is focus on their job or career, leaving no time for God, and others find that family is more important and put their spouse or their kids before God. All of these reasons have a good cause and we are to be mindful that we do our best to provide for the future, do good work at the job and care for our family, but living for the  kingdom requires that one give it all to God and come to the table of God and feast at the feet of Jesus first. (Luke 13b)

Luke 9-10

The message of the Kingdom of God is given to those who follow Christ. The power to rebuke evil and cast it out was authorized by Christ to demonstrate His desire that sin and unrighteousness had no part in life of those who claim the Kingdom of God. It was time to move forward and proclaim that Jesus Christ was here, the message of love, mercy, grace, and healing was to be proclaimed. Those who refuse to accept this message were left to their own demise. 

Confessing Christ is not merely an acknowledgment that He is God. A confession of Christ requires one not only to forsake the life of sin they once lived, but to go against the nature of man and deny oneself of their rights in order to see the Kingdom of God come to pass. Leaving self behind is not a decision of determination, it is an experience that is accomplished by the Holy Spirit that empowers the believer to count the cost, pick up their cross and to follow the steps of Jesus. (Luke9a)

Following Christ is more than living by his teachings of morality and goodness. The implication of following Jesus will require one to give their life in full surrender to the whole will of God. To be willing to go wherever He leads, to do whatever He says. In other words, Jesus becomes the priority in a person’s life. Everything is done with Christ at the center. All decision in life are made with the focus, “What would Jesus have me to do” Following Christ also implies that one has already confessed Christ and is now ready to serve Him. (Luke9b)

Seeing God move in miraculous way is awesome, but the greater miracle known to man is knowing that your name is written in the Book of Life. Brought from death to life is the greatest miracle of all time. “I was blind, but now I see” “I was dead in trespasses and sin, but new life through Christ has brought my dead soul into a new beginning. The healing power of God is something to behold, but it is all in vain if your life is still dead in sin. Jesus, said, ”Rejoice that your name is written in heaven“. That is shouting ground. (Luke10a)

Equality is best demonstrated when all men are equally treated with kindness and mercy. God is no respecter of person, and will show mercy to every man who is in need of help. Our neighbor is all of humanity. It is the responsibility of all Christians to show kindness, and be willing to give of our resources to help those that are suffering regardless of their race, greed, or station in life. May I have a heart like the good Samaritan and show mercy. (Luke10b)

Luke 6-8

The test of Christianity is found in the actions and reactions of the believer. Words spoken carry weight, but it is acts of kindness and compassion that show the true nature of a person. Showing love and mercy to those who desire to hurt you is to show the love of Christ. His love is what carries us through to love others in spite of the circumstances or situations that we face. It is only through the grace of God that a Christian is able to obtain the love of God that it may be manifested to others. (Luke 6)

in the prison cells of Herod, John the Baptist sat pondering and wondering the purpose of his life. The greatest prophet of all time began to feel that his work was for nought. Discouraged with the turn of events, locked up in a cell and waiting execution, he seeks to find the answers to his nagging doubts. “Jesus, is it really you? Are you the one? Can you give me some assurance I can hold on to? It is just like Jesus to bring hope to the heart of John. ”You did your job John, you prepared the way, the people are receiving the message and their hearts are open to the gospel.“ (Luke7a)

The measure of gratitude is often seen and demonstrated when the debt of forgiveness is great. It is not until one sees the gravity of one’s own heart condition that one is able to express the depth of gratitude of being forgiven of their sins. We all must see ourselves like the woman who fell at the feet of Jesus in humility and unworthiness. When we come face to face with our sins and realized that we are headed to eternity without God, it is then that God can reach down in loving mercy and grace and give us new life and hope. It is this kind of forgiveness that will cause us to give everything to Him, bow at His feet and begin to wash His feet. (Luke7b)

My faith often goes into hiding. The practically of life and the reality that we live in a world that is fallen makes it a challenge to believe that anything can be done. The storms of life and unanswered questions cause faith to go into hiding. How does one muster faith when one is drowning in the sea of discouragement. Grasping the ore of the boat, endeavoring to steer the boat through the bolstering waves of life. Where is God? Where is my faith? Calm the storm Lord, Let me see the work of God manifested. My faith is weak, help my unbelief. (Luke8) 

To only hear the words of the Savior speak to me, would be the solace of mind to calm the fears that I face. To be able to just touch the hem of His garment and sense the virtue of His power flow into my life, would be bliss. He says. “Only believe” The people throng around me, and it is difficult to find my way through. I know He is able, I have seen Him work miracles, but I need to find a way to push through the cares of life and touch Him that my spirits may be renewed. (mark8b)