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Jesus, speaking to those who were the keepers of the law, tells them that He speaks what he has seen from His father and that they repeat what their father had said. It matters who the father of our words, thoughts, and deeds is. Our relationships matter, and we will affect the character of those that influence us.
Jesus, speaking to those who were the keepers of the law, tells them that He speaks what he has seen from His father and that they repeat what their father had said. It matters who the father of our words, thoughts, and deeds is. Our relationships matter, and we will affect the character of those that influence us.
Our text is the story of Lazarus. Mary called for Jesus to come, but by the time he got ther, Lazarus had passed. She says, “if only you had been here.” Mary knew about the past and believed in the future, but she could not comprehend the importance of Jesus in the present. Jesus used the situation to demonstrate the glory of his power. We, too, can be guilty of that same mindset. We have seen what He has done and believe in His promises, but we struggle to have faith in the present. Jesus operates in the now.
Our text is the story of Lazarus. Mary called for Jesus to come, but by the time he got ther, Lazarus had passed. She says, “if only you had been here.” Mary knew about the past and believed in the future, but she could not comprehend the importance of Jesus in the present. Jesus used the situation to demonstrate the glory of his power. We, too, can be guilty of that same mindset. We have seen what He has done and believe in His promises, but we struggle to have faith in the present. Jesus operates in the now.
Some scholars believe that God began dealing with Noah to build the arc when he was 480 years old. If this is true, Noah started building 20 years before his first son was born. God laid out a plan to save Noah, his wife, and his yet-unborn sons and their wives. It took Noah 120 years to build what God directed him to do. This arc was not a luxury vessel and had no means of steering or propulsion, but it was not for any of that. The arc was meant to be a place of salvation for Noah and his family. The bible says it rained for 40 days and nights, and the flood waters remained on the earth for 150 days. Everything on earth died or was destroyed. The ark was large but not large enough for everything. God was particular about what they were to bring. As they began to load the ark, they had to leave some things behind. As important as some of their possessions were, saving their family and the animals God directed them to believe was the most important thing. Spiritually there are things that God says are important. Jesus name baptism and the infilling of the Holy Ghost are required for our salvation; we must ensure that we have that on the ark. God gave Noah specific plans, and the bible says Noah did all that God asked. Our text says God was patient while the ark was prepared. This implies that Noah was diligent in his work. Had Noah faltered, God would not have been patient. God is long-suffering, and we must not mistake his patience for accommodating our not working to fulfill what He has asked. God waited for the eight, but Noah carried the weight for those eight.
Some scholars believe that God began dealing with Noah to build the arc when he was 480 years old. If this is true, Noah started building 20 years before his first son was born. God laid out a plan to save Noah, his wife, and his yet-unborn sons and their wives. It took Noah 120 years to build what God directed him to do. This arc was not a luxury vessel and had no means of steering or propulsion, but it was not for any of that. The arc was meant to be a place of salvation for Noah and his family. The bible says it rained for 40 days and nights, and the flood waters remained on the earth for 150 days. Everything on earth died or was destroyed. The ark was large but not large enough for everything. God was particular about what they were to bring. As they began to load the ark, they had to leave some things behind. As important as some of their possessions were, saving their family and the animals God directed them to believe was the most important thing. Spiritually there are things that God says are important. Jesus name baptism and the infilling of the Holy Ghost are required for our salvation; we must ensure that we have that on the ark. God gave Noah specific plans, and the bible says Noah did all that God asked. Our text says God was patient while the ark was prepared. This implies that Noah was diligent in his work. Had Noah faltered, God would not have been patient. God is long-suffering, and we must not mistake his patience for accommodating our not working to fulfill what He has asked. God waited for the eight, but Noah carried the weight for those eight.
Some people do not want to be noticed, but most want recognition for their efforts, love, and work. Social media is full of photos, selfies, and posts to attract attention. Social media is supposed to make us feel more connected, but often it has the opposite effect. The woman in our text was not looking for attention or being noticed; she simply wanted healing. She tried to get away unnoticed, but Jesus perceived that power had gone out from Him. She was desperate enough not to worry about the crowds or being seen; she just had to get to Jesus. He instantly knew and knew right where she was and what she needed. The enemy will try to discourage us by telling us that we do not matter, and that no one knows where we are, but God ALWAYS knows where we are and what we need.
Some people do not want to be noticed, but most want recognition for their efforts, love, and work. Social media is full of photos, selfies, and posts to attract attention. Social media is supposed to make us feel more connected, but often it has the opposite effect. The woman in our text was not looking for attention or being noticed; she simply wanted healing. She tried to get away unnoticed, but Jesus perceived that power had gone out from Him. She was desperate enough not to worry about the crowds or being seen; she just had to get to Jesus. He instantly knew and knew right where she was and what she needed. The enemy will try to discourage us by telling us that we do not matter, and that no one knows where we are, but God ALWAYS knows where we are and what we need.
It is said that a mill cannot turn on water that has passed. Once the water has passed the impeller, it can no longer push the wheel to turn. Similarly, we cannot continue to operate on yesterday's blessing. We need a fresh flow daily to maintain a relationship with God. Our text says the fire on the altar should never go out, but the fire will not be fueled by the ashes left over from the previous burn. Too many people come to church and survive on something God did for them years ago. God’s grace is sufficient, but He expects us to offer Him fresh praise, prayer, or worship. God started the fire on that altar, but He expected the Levites to tend to that fire and continue to feed it to keep it burning. We know a fire needs fuel, oxygen, and heat. In a spiritual sense, we need prayer, worship, and God’s love to maintain a spiritual fire in our souls.
It is said that a mill cannot turn on water that has passed. Once the water has passed the impeller, it can no longer push the wheel to turn. Similarly, we cannot continue to operate on yesterday's blessing. We need a fresh flow daily to maintain a relationship with God. Our text says the fire on the altar should never go out, but the fire will not be fueled by the ashes left over from the previous burn. Too many people come to church and survive on something God did for them years ago. God’s grace is sufficient, but He expects us to offer Him fresh praise, prayer, or worship. God started the fire on that altar, but He expected the Levites to tend to that fire and continue to feed it to keep it burning. We know a fire needs fuel, oxygen, and heat. In a spiritual sense, we need prayer, worship, and God’s love to maintain a spiritual fire in our souls.
All have experienced a time when life got tough Sickness, losing a job, or dealing with the results of a poor decision, difficult situations are part of life. Our text from the Passion Translation says, “If life gets difficult,” but other translations say when life gets difficult. The old saying is that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. You don’t overcome life’s difficulties by quitting. Continuing is difficult, but it is the only way to win. This idea is especially true in the spiritual realm. The key to an overcoming life is to keep going. Keep coming to the house of God and praising, even when we do not feel like it.
All have experienced a time when life got tough Sickness, losing a job, or dealing with the results of a poor decision, difficult situations are part of life. Our text from the Passion Translation says, “If life gets difficult,” but other translations say when life gets difficult. The old saying is that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. You don’t overcome life’s difficulties by quitting. Continuing is difficult, but it is the only way to win. This idea is especially true in the spiritual realm. The key to an overcoming life is to keep going. Keep coming to the house of God and praising, even when we do not feel like it.
Our text reminds us that nothing is more important than the word of God. It is often referred to as a law. It is a means of instruction to provide a blueprint for living life. It is given to be a source of joy and gladness. It is not a list of things we cannot do but an enlightening testament to what is possible. When properly understood, it forms a bond between God and us that draws us to a higher form of living. God’s word is the doorway to opportunity.
Our text reminds us that nothing is more important than the word of God. It is often referred to as a law. It is a means of instruction to provide a blueprint for living life. It is given to be a source of joy and gladness. It is not a list of things we cannot do but an enlightening testament to what is possible. When properly understood, it forms a bond between God and us that draws us to a higher form of living. God’s word is the doorway to opportunity.
In the story of Bartimaeus, we see a picture of the spirit and the attitude one must have to experience the gifts God has for us. As Jesus and his entourage passed through this city, people who wanted to glimpse the master lined the roadway. Bartimaeus was a blind man whose livelihood was begging by the roadside. As Bartimaeus heard the murmuring and commotion of Jesus’ passing, he asked what was happening, and someone told him it was Jesus. Bartimaeus began to call out for Jesus to have mercy on him. People around him hushed him and told him to be quiet. Instead of being offended, he cried out even more. The Bible says Jesus stopped. We are going to get Jesus’ attention when we get desperate. Brother Hughes draws several lessons we can learn from this story. First, Bartimaeus was waiting. He had positioned himself, and when the opportunity came, he took it. Secondly, Bartimaeus ignored the obstacles and hindrances and continued to call for his healing. Finally, he didn’t let what he could not do, keep him from getting what he needed.
In the story of Bartimaeus, we see a picture of the spirit and the attitude one must have to experience the gifts God has for us. As Jesus and his entourage passed through this city, people who wanted to glimpse the master lined the roadway. Bartimaeus was a blind man whose livelihood was begging by the roadside. As Bartimaeus heard the murmuring and commotion of Jesus’ passing, he asked what was happening, and someone told him it was Jesus. Bartimaeus began to call out for Jesus to have mercy on him. People around him hushed him and told him to be quiet. Instead of being offended, he cried out even more. The Bible says Jesus stopped. We are going to get Jesus’ attention when we get desperate. Brother Hughes draws several lessons we can learn from this story. First, Bartimaeus was waiting. He had positioned himself, and when the opportunity came, he took it. Secondly, Bartimaeus ignored the obstacles and hindrances and continued to call for his healing. Finally, he didn’t let what he could not do, keep him from getting what he needed.
Brother Nance uses the story of the four men who lowered their friend through the roof to reach Jesus to illustrate that our faith cannot be bound by normal.
Brother Nance uses the story of the four men who lowered their friend through the roof to reach Jesus to illustrate that our faith cannot be bound by normal.
We have all seen the comic strip activity where there are two very similar pictures, and we are asked to find the difference. They are very similar, but some minor detail changes in the second picture. These games are relatively trivial, and we expect them to become easier as we gain wisdom and knowledge. However, the truth is that as life gets more complex, the differences become more complex. It should be easy to spot the differences between the world and the children of God, but the truth is that it is too often difficult to discern the subtle differences. Sheep and Goats are similar, but they are different. Goats are wanderers; they are mean, and they are hard-headed. The problem is that the goats influence the sheep to follow them into danger. Our world encourages us not to be sheep and says to do our own thing, contrary to God’s word. We cannot act independently and go our own way; We must go God’s way. Just because they are in the field doesn’t mean they are sheep. Our text tells us that Jesus will divide the sheep from the goats. Even though the goats lived with the sheep, only the sheep are valuable to God.
We have all seen the comic strip activity where there are two very similar pictures, and we are asked to find the difference. They are very similar, but some minor detail changes in the second picture. These games are relatively trivial, and we expect them to become easier as we gain wisdom and knowledge. However, the truth is that as life gets more complex, the differences become more complex. It should be easy to spot the differences between the world and the children of God, but the truth is that it is too often difficult to discern the subtle differences. Sheep and Goats are similar, but they are different. Goats are wanderers; they are mean, and they are hard-headed. The problem is that the goats influence the sheep to follow them into danger. Our world encourages us not to be sheep and says to do our own thing, contrary to God’s word. We cannot act independently and go our own way; We must go God’s way. Just because they are in the field doesn’t mean they are sheep. Our text tells us that Jesus will divide the sheep from the goats. Even though the goats lived with the sheep, only the sheep are valuable to God.
Too many people give the Devil power he does not have. His only power is what we give him with our words and choices. Brother Hughes uses Psalm 118 to teach us that the devil has no power.
Too many people give the Devil power he does not have. His only power is what we give him with our words and choices. Brother Hughes uses Psalm 118 to teach us that the devil has no power.
God operates differently than you and I. God looks at the outcome, works backward to our present, and orchestrates things to suit His purpose. God has the complete vision of every one of us. We struggle through the issues of life and try to make it one day at a time, but God has it already charted out. Thousands of things frustrate the plan between the beginning and the end. None of them is a surprise to God. There are two things God has given us to keep us on track to His purpose. The first is purpose. There is a plan and intent in us being here. God has a specific purpose for each one of us. The second thing God gives us to help us get to His plan is grace. Grace is forgiveness of our shortcomings and insufficiencies. God gives grace not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. It is more than just forgiving the dept; grace completely erases the record of the debt. The enemy will try to frustrate both purpose and grace to disrupt us from following God’s plan.
God operates differently than you and I. God looks at the outcome, works backward to our present, and orchestrates things to suit His purpose. God has the complete vision of every one of us. We struggle through the issues of life and try to make it one day at a time, but God has it already charted out. Thousands of things frustrate the plan between the beginning and the end. None of them is a surprise to God. There are two things God has given us to keep us on track to His purpose. The first is purpose. There is a plan and intent in us being here. God has a specific purpose for each one of us. The second thing God gives us to help us get to His plan is grace. Grace is forgiveness of our shortcomings and insufficiencies. God gives grace not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. It is more than just forgiving the dept; grace completely erases the record of the debt. The enemy will try to frustrate both purpose and grace to disrupt us from following God’s plan.
God operates differently than you and I. God looks at the outcome, works backward to our present, and orchestrates things to suit His purpose. God has the complete vision of every one of us. We struggle through the issues of life and try to make it one day at a time, but God has it already charted out. Thousands of things frustrate the plan between the beginning and the end. None of them is a surprise to God. There are two things God has given us to keep us on track to His purpose. The first is purpose. There is a plan and intent in us being here. God has a specific purpose for each one of us. The second thing God gives us to help us get to His plan is grace. Grace is forgiveness of our shortcomings and insufficiencies. God gives grace not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. It is more than just forgiving the dept; grace completely erases the record of the debt. The enemy will try to frustrate both purpose and grace to disrupt us from following God’s plan.
God operates differently than you and I. God looks at the outcome, works backward to our present, and orchestrates things to suit His purpose. God has the complete vision of every one of us. We struggle through the issues of life and try to make it one day at a time, but God has it already charted out. Thousands of things frustrate the plan between the beginning and the end. None of them is a surprise to God. There are two things God has given us to keep us on track to His purpose. The first is purpose. There is a plan and intent in us being here. God has a specific purpose for each one of us. The second thing God gives us to help us get to His plan is grace. Grace is forgiveness of our shortcomings and insufficiencies. God gives grace not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. It is more than just forgiving the dept; grace completely erases the record of the debt. The enemy will try to frustrate both purpose and grace to disrupt us from following God’s plan.
The Pharisees in our text could not have cared less about taxes. Their goal was to entrap Jesus in his words. Jesus responds to render unto Ceaser what is Cesar’s and render unto God what is God’s. Jesus distinguished that there are things that belong to the earthly world and others that belong to God. The worldly things are temporal, and the Godly things are eternal. Jesus tells them that if Cesar’s image is on the coin, it is his, and they should return it when asked. The Bible says that we were made in God’s image and, using Jesus’ words, we belong to Him.
The Pharisees in our text could not have cared less about taxes. Their goal was to entrap Jesus in his words. Jesus responds to render unto Ceaser what is Cesar’s and render unto God what is God’s. Jesus distinguished that there are things that belong to the earthly world and others that belong to God. The worldly things are temporal, and the Godly things are eternal. Jesus tells them that if Cesar’s image is on the coin, it is his, and they should return it when asked. The Bible says that we were made in God’s image and, using Jesus’ words, we belong to Him.
Our text depicts a weighty time. Jesus knew what he would face in the next few days. He tells the disciples what is about to happen, which must have sounded unbelievable to them. Jesus returns to a place where he had prayed many times in this heaviest time. He takes three of his closest disciples a little further into the garden to pray. It is essential to have close friends during times of trial, but this time, Jesus had to go even further by himself because he needed to distance himself from the distractions. Jesus asked them to pray with him, but these men who pledged to defend him to the death not long ago could not even stay awake for an hour of prayer. The garden is usually thought of as a place of life and growth, but Jesus went to the garden to die. The garden is not a place where we try to change God’s mind; A garden is a place where we go to change. The garden is about us.
Our text depicts a weighty time. Jesus knew what he would face in the next few days. He tells the disciples what is about to happen, which must have sounded unbelievable to them. Jesus returns to a place where he had prayed many times in this heaviest time. He takes three of his closest disciples a little further into the garden to pray. It is essential to have close friends during times of trial, but this time, Jesus had to go even further by himself because he needed to distance himself from the distractions. Jesus asked them to pray with him, but these men who pledged to defend him to the death not long ago could not even stay awake for an hour of prayer. The garden is usually thought of as a place of life and growth, but Jesus went to the garden to die. The garden is not a place where we try to change God’s mind; A garden is a place where we go to change. The garden is about us.
