"Does he thank that slave because he did what was commanded? In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, ‘We are good-for-nothing slaves; we’ve only done our duty.’” This blows away our current focus on self-image, self-confidence, self-respect, self-esteem, self-everything. The only good we have is what … Continue reading Worthless Slaves – Luke 17.9-10
Author: Wen
Abandoned – Luke 13:34, 35
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is abandoned to you. And I tell you, you will not see … Continue reading Abandoned – Luke 13:34, 35
Faith Exposed – Luke 12:2-3
For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. What one believes deep in their heart … Continue reading Faith Exposed – Luke 12:2-3
Choosing God’s Protection – Exodus 9:19-20
"'Now therefore send, get your livestock and all that you have in the field into safe shelter, for every man and beast that is in the field and is not brought home will die when the hail falls on them.'"Then whoever feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Pharaoh hurried his slaves … Continue reading Choosing God’s Protection – Exodus 9:19-20
Favor From Fear – Exodus 1:21
Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them. The fundamental building block for God’s favor is the fear of Him. Reverence for Father God ushers in His gracious favor resulting in His blessing. At the most basic level, living in sync with God is simply, ‘fear God and keep His commandments’. Fear is … Continue reading Favor From Fear – Exodus 1:21
Admonish – 1 Corinthians 4:14
I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. νουθετέω noutheteō; from the same as 3559; to put in mind, i.e. (by implication) to caution or reprove gently: — admonish, warn. Here's a word we don't hear used often anymore - admonish. I'm not even sure … Continue reading Admonish – 1 Corinthians 4:14
Internal Strife – Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” This truth still affects every believer today. Our spirit infused by the Holy Spirit seeks to be faithful at all costs. Our flesh afflicted by the devastating effects of the fall fails us at every … Continue reading Internal Strife – Matthew 26:41
Concealed Sin – Genesis 42:21-22
Then they said to one another, “Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us.” Reuben answered them, saying, “Did I not tell you, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you … Continue reading Concealed Sin – Genesis 42:21-22
Inseparable – Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Without such a promise, how would one … Continue reading Inseparable – Romans 8:38-39
Infused Love – Romans 5:5
This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. We have internal access to the unconditional love of God. It is supernatural. No longer are we limited to the natural, human love that flows with our emotions and is … Continue reading Infused Love – Romans 5:5
Leave Us Alone – Mark 5:17
Then they began to beg Him to leave their region. What an awful legacy this village left for themselves. They are known as the village that begged Jesus to leave. It is not even that they failed to welcome Him. They actually persuaded Him to go. Some simply cannot bear the presence of Christ and … Continue reading Leave Us Alone – Mark 5:17
What Is Your Name? – Genesis 32:27-28
So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” This is a critical question for God to ask Jacob since the last time his father asked for his … Continue reading What Is Your Name? – Genesis 32:27-28
Phony Fatal Friendship – Matthew 26:49
So he went right up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Right up until the very last minute Judas the liar is deceiving. The true sign of his friendship with Christ becomes the final act of betrayal. What a miserable being he was, Judas. As the Psalmist prophesied, " Even my closest … Continue reading Phony Fatal Friendship – Matthew 26:49
Faithless and Twisted – Matthew 17:16-17
And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” "O faithless and twisted generation..." My tendency when reading this statement is to … Continue reading Faithless and Twisted – Matthew 17:16-17
Seeing vs. Submitting – Luke 23:8
When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. Just because someone wants to see Jesus does not necessarily mean they want to listen to Him and submit to His teaching. … Continue reading Seeing vs. Submitting – Luke 23:8
God’s Humble Servant – Genesis 13:9
“Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” For the first time in all of my reading of the Bible this truth regarding Abram’s offer … Continue reading God’s Humble Servant – Genesis 13:9
Offended – Matthew 13:57
And they were offended by Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his household.” How easy it is to be offended by truth and those who speak it. For the one who is nominally faithful or flat out evil-seeking, the contrast of truth and … Continue reading Offended – Matthew 13:57
Saving the Gentiles – Acts 11:18
When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” What a blessed, revolutionary truth this is. His statement brings hope to all non-Jews. God is no respecter of persons whenever Salvation is involved. Redemption is open to all … Continue reading Saving the Gentiles – Acts 11:18
Be a Good Loser – Matthew 10:39
Anyone finding his life will lose it, and anyone losing his life because of Me will find it. There are those lives among us or who have gone before us that clearly demonstrate what this looks like. Yet, in my own life, I really wonder what this looks like. From my perspective it seems I … Continue reading Be a Good Loser – Matthew 10:39
The Severity of Sin – Matthew 5:27-30
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better … Continue reading The Severity of Sin – Matthew 5:27-30
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