In Mark 1, after the calling of Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John, Jesus along with His disciples went to Capernaum. Immediately, on the Sabbath entering the synagogue, He taught. Many who heard Him were amazed as He taught with authority. In addition to His influential teaching, Jesus rebuked an unclean spirit who possessed a man,... Continue Reading →
Blessed is the man who…. “..does not sit in the seat of the scornful…” Psalm 1:1 Some of the words used in the definitions of sit and seat from Strongs Hebrew and Greek Dictionary are marriage, habitation, assembly, dwell, and remain, among others. These words speak of permanency. The scornful are those who mock and... Continue Reading →
Blessed is the man who…. “..stands not in the path of sinners…” Psalm 1:1 “Standing in the way of…” or (Path of) is to pursue and continue in a course of life or mode of action. Blessed is the man who does not continue in a course of life or the actions of sinners. The... Continue Reading →
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly…” Psalm 1:1 Who or what is our guide book for life? What advice are we receiving and who are we listening to? The Psalmist declares one blessed who does not make choices based on the advice of the ungodly. The word for... Continue Reading →
“Hearing and acknowledging the truth only helps when it yields change.” Repentance is often spoken of as turning from sin and that is certainly true. But, before the act of turning will happen, there must first be a change of mind. Repent- metanoeō- to think differently or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction):... Continue Reading →
“Be of good cheer, I (Jesus) have overcome the world…” (John 16:33) Those who are born again, overcome the world. (1st John 5:4) The work Jesus would do—and has now done—as the only begotten born of God, provided what we needed to overcome the world and find peace. The world can chew us up, spit... Continue Reading →
After saying, “In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:2 says, “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.” The words “without form” “void” and “darkness” describe an unfinished vision. Desolate, empty, vacant and obscurity are words found in the definitions. In Proverbs... Continue Reading →
If you have fifty dollars in your wallet and it is taken from you, what will it take for your wallet to return to its previous state? Ten dollars will not work, neither will twenty. Forty-Nine dollars and ninety-nine cents will not be sufficient; all of these amounts would leave your wallet incomplete regarding its... Continue Reading →
1st Kings 18:33-39 Elijah, one of GOD’S greatest prophets had an encounter with 450 prophets of the false god Baal. By GOD’S power, Elijah utterly defeats Baal’s prophets, revealing Jehovah as the one true and living GOD. Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, grudgingly sought revenge, seeking the life of Elijah. 1st Kings 19:2 How... Continue Reading →
Do we sometimes struggle with daily Bible study? We may argue, lack of time or being too tired as causes but are those valid. We may be busy and tired, but are we too busy and worn-out for other activities? We can fill in the blank with whatever activity or even responsibility we have and... Continue Reading →
Truly knowing God means having a relationship with Him. This relationship should produce the fruit of obedience, showing the full effect of His love in the lives, we live. We are motivated to follow Him because of the depths of His love. Loving one another is highlighted in 1st John 4:10-12 as evidence of GOD’S... Continue Reading →
God’s love is difficult for me to grasp because of its incredible depth. The Bible not only describes God as showing love but also reveals that He is love itself. (GOD IS LOVE) (1st John 4:7) LOVE is the nature of who He is. The word for love in 1st John 4 is ἀγάπη agapē... Continue Reading →
If Jesus loved us enough to die for us while we were sinners, and He asked us to do something, then should we not want to do it? Are we earning our salvation? No, we should just want to do the things He commands the way that He has commanded because He 1st loved us.... Continue Reading →
As messengers of GOD, the chief work of a prophet was to speak forth the mind and counsel of GOD. Often a prophet of GOD would foretell of a future event. Daniel for example, revealed and interpreted the dream of Nebuchadnezzar which certainly looked into the future at that time. Daniel was careful to give... Continue Reading →
Following Christ, means walking through the narrow gate and taking a difficult path. Teachings that require little to no sacrifice, sin that is overlooked, problems being ignored, and encouraging people to live however they want, only to gather and be told how wonderful they are, is not Biblical. There is clearly a standard set forth... Continue Reading →
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 The ability to be victorious against our greatest enemy is found in Christ alone. While the world is full of trouble, in Christ,... Continue Reading →
As a result of the consequences Israel was facing for their sin, they asked Moses to pray for them, “So Moses prayed for the people…”Numbers 21:7 Moses had every reason not to pray for the people. Moses could have held bitterness in his heart over the events that occurred earlier in Kadesh. While he was... Continue Reading →
Change is essential if we are to be prepared to meet God. This is not just about stopping a specific sin; it is about completely changing who we are. It will be obvious if serving God is our top priority, evident in the choices we make. There is nothing wrong with enjoying God’s creation or... Continue Reading →
“Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.” (1st John 3:13) Jesus warned His disciples to anticipate this response from the world in John 15:18-25. “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet... Continue Reading →
The phrase “love one another” is something that will be seen in those who are of Christ. In 1st John 3:12, John speaks of Cain… saying “Not as Cain….” The charge is to love one another, “Not as Cain…” Cain is the contrast of what it looks like to love one another. He was “of... Continue Reading →
The WAY will stay. Walk with the one who knows the way and is the WAY. He will never leave you or forsake you. The WAY will stay. Amid trouble, heartaches and mistakes. The WAY will stay. He will help when trouble comes, provide comfort when heartache is near and by His blood... Continue Reading →
A Christlike attitude can motivate those who need forgiveness to seek it. Acts 7 What a remarkable example of boldness to speak the truth at all costs and then to follow with a willingness to have a forgiving heart toward those who were seeking his life, even though they did not ask or felt as... Continue Reading →
“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him and set him in the midst of them and said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:1-3 The disciples were... Continue Reading →
A spirit of compromise has invaded our Christian culture. Fear that if we do not keep up with the times and be politically correct we are going to be silenced or fail to grow as a church; therefore, an effort is made to make it more accommodative, inclusive and convenient. Rather than improving the spiritual... Continue Reading →
“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.” Mark 9:1 This teaches that the kingdom of GOD would come with power in the lifetime of 1st century residents. In spite of the... Continue Reading →
In Matthew 17, a man pleads with Jesus to heal his epileptic son after the disciples failed. Jesus questions their faith and then heals the boy. When the disciples ask why they were unsuccessful, Jesus explains in V20 (ESV) "It is because of your little faith" using the mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, to... Continue Reading →
In Genesis 37, Jacob had a strong feeling about his son Joseph. Joseph’s brothers, consumed by jealousy, sold him to a group of Ishmaelites. They took his coat of many colors, which was a gift from their father. They dipped it in goat’s blood and brought it back to deceive Jacob. Jacob responded, “It is... Continue Reading →
Religious confusion often arises from a failure to study which can is harmful and eventually fatal to the soul if left unresolved. In Mark 7, when the Scribes and Pharisees questioned Jesus about His disciples not following the elders' tradition, Jesus pointed out their hypocrisy. They were binding traditions as if they were God's law,... Continue Reading →
He is able, He understands, He cares, and He will help.In Hebrews 2:14-18, the writer presents a compelling case for the superiority of Christ and explains why we can have this confidence."Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he... Continue Reading →
Why the GOD of the Bible as opposed to other supposed deities? The Creator of Genesis 1 and His authority are self-sustaining. GOD’S existence does not cease or diminish as a result of man’s acceptance or rejection. This, among other things, distinguishes the LORD of the Bible from imaginary deities. THE GOD of Genesis 1... Continue Reading →
In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus speaks to the saints in Laodicea about their need to repent. They were blind to their spiritual state, believing themselves to be wealthy and self-sufficient. However, Jesus points out their true condition—they were wretched, poor, blind, and exposed. There is a clear contrast between their perception and reality. Jesus advises them... Continue Reading →
“Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, "What do you wish?" She said to Him, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom. But... Continue Reading →
“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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2nd Timothy 3:16-17) The holy scripture is GOD-breathed. Throughout His time on earth, Jesus often quoted from the GOD breathed... Continue Reading →
Do we misplace our priorities, confusing true peace, and joy with the idea of solving all our earthly problems and obtaining earthly possessions? Stretching ourselves too thin—physically, emotionally, and financially—trying to find peace and rest in the material world. Ironically, it only creates the opposite effect, leaving our minds in constant chaos and exhaustion. Most... Continue Reading →
Life can be challenging, disheartening and full of regret. In the past it was hard for me to accept that someone could deliberately hurt others with their words or actions. When we see this happen repeatedly, it can cause our circle of trust to shrink. Why hold on to anger, jealousy, and pride until the... Continue Reading →
In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus highlights three significant acts that carry emotional weight and appeal to our feelings, warning that just because many claim to do these things does not mean they are to be followed or that they come from God. When standing before the judgment seat of Christ, many will say, "I have prophesied,... Continue Reading →
1st John 2:28-3:3 John encourages children of GOD to abide in or remain in Christ. As children of God, we are promised the inheritance of eternal life. This truth should excite and motivate us to live lives of purity and holiness for the One who died for us. It is not about trying to work... Continue Reading →
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) The inspired scriptures teach what GOD expects of us. Within the pages of the Bible the will of God is clearly defined and established, leaving no doubt about... Continue Reading →
In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commanded His Apostles to go into all the world and make disciples of every nation. They embraced this mission and worked tirelessly to fulfill it. However, it came at a great cost. Peter, John, and others were frequently threatened. They were imprisoned, and they even faced the loss of their lives... Continue Reading →
The Gospel is GOD’S power to save (Romans 1:16). This truth should light a fire within us, defining what true success looks like and how it is obtained. However, we sometimes lose sight of this purpose. Our forgetfulness often comes from worldly thinking. One challenge we face when trying to uphold the Gospel with worldly... Continue Reading →
In the Old Testament book of Hosea as chapter 8 begins, Hosea describes the Assyrians as swooping down like an eagle against the house of Israel. The call to set the trumpet to their mouths signified inevitability—it was not about being ready if it happened but being prepared to sound the alarm when it happened.... Continue Reading →
In Proverbs 20:1, Solomon describes wine as a mocker and strong drink as raging. Whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Wine mocks, derides, ridicules and teases its consumer. Allowing ourselves to be deceived by it shows a lack of wisdom. What will be the evidence of one who has allowed themselves to be deceived... Continue Reading →
As result of jealousy, Daniel’s adversaries sought to rid themselves of him by finding fault against him regarding kingdom matters. However, Daniel was found above reproach within the Medo Persian empire. Those seeking his downfall turned to His greatest strength in an effort to destroy him, that being his loyalty to His GOD and GOD’S... Continue Reading →
“Do it now! Now? No…. I’ll do it tomorrow.” “Be Christ-like… absolutely, that’s important.” “Do it now!” “Now? Nah, I’ll do it tomorrow…” “Study the word of GOD more… definitely, that’s important.” “Do it now!” “Now? Maybe tomorrow…” “Tell my neighbor about Jesus… for sure, that’s important.” “Then do it now!” “Now? Now is not... Continue Reading →
In Ephesians 1:7, Paul speaks of the beloved, Jesus Christ, in whom we have redemption. In Christ, we find redemption. The soul of man needs rescuing from the bondage of sin. Through the blood of Christ, there is restoration, recovery, and deliverance for the soul. Through the blood of Jesus, redemption brought the forgiveness of... Continue Reading →
“Likewise, must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre…” (1st Timothy 3:8) “The aged women, likewise, that they be in behavior as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things…” (Titus 2:3) Elders are instructed to “not be given to... Continue Reading →
While we were dead in our sins and unable to save ourselves, God's grace provided a way for us to live, through Christ. “…. that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:7 The amazing reality that He has... Continue Reading →
Hebrews 11 presents a powerful list of faithful men and women who lived by faith despite facing significant challenges. The chapter opens defining faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." These children of God were not seeking rewards in this life but rather in the life to come.... Continue Reading →
In Ephesians 1, Paul speaks of his prayer for the saints in Ephesus, asking that they receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowing Christ, and that their understanding may be enlightened. He prays that they may grasp the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and the... Continue Reading →
In the book of Romans, Paul emphasizes that justification comes through faith, not the Law. He explains that everyone is under sin and has fallen short of GOD’s glory, yet justification is available to all through faith in Jesus. GOD provided a way for righteousness apart from the Law, which is good news because humanity... Continue Reading →
Prospering Pathway 