Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. —Luke 23:34 Just as it was then so it is today. People do not understand why Jesus had to be crucified nor do they understand who they are themselves— that they are wicked sinners in rebellion against God and are headed for eternal Hell if they do not repent (turn from their own ways) and call on Jesus to save them from sin, death and Hell and be reconciled to God. It is wonderful to know Jesus! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I When they hear the message about Jesus— how much…

Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours? —I Kings 3:9 But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished. —Luke 23:23-25 The above verses show quite a contrast in the leadership decision making process. On the one hand it was…

God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. —II Samuel 22:21 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. —Luke 22:26 Who do I need more than the Lord God Almighty? He is the One Who protects me. He is the One that is the greatest example of being a servant. I can trust Him fully and I should emulate His example. He always keeps His promises and is the greatest Servant (Isaiah 53) May I radiate…

Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. —Luke 21:33 God’s Word will endure forever while man’s word is temporary. God’s Word can have positive eternal impact on a person’s life while man’s word will fade from eternity. His Word is truth (John 17:17), brings faith (Romans 10:17), brings new birth (I Peter 1:23), brings maturity (I Peter 2:2), brings freedom (John 8:31-32), brings hope and encouragement (Romans 15:4), enlightens our way (Psalm 119:105), is a sword (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12), is like a hammer (Jeremiah 23:29), will not return empty (Isaiah 55:11), is like a fire (Jeremiah 23:29), brings eternal life (John 5:24) and is near…

While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” —Luke 21:1-4 Are these verses above illustrative of their relationship with the Lord God Almighty? The widow gave all she had while the rich gave a tiny part of their surplus. Who had more faith, more trust? Why did the…

Since David called the Messiah ‘Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son? —Luke 20:44 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmY3jSugNBU “God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 1:2-4). Even the Jews knew what declaring when they said, “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim…

All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him. —II Samuel 14:14 This is just a matter of fact that nobody can deny. Then what? “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10). Our life is like a vapor (James 4:14), like a shadow (Psalm 144:4), like grass or…

Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? —II Samuel 7:18 When we really begin to understand who the Lord Jesus is and who we are, well, we begin to understand how awesome He is, how merciful and gracious He is with us! The Creator and Sustainer of the universe, as immense and powerful as He is, could have just erased this rebellious puny planet and yet He loves us so much that He provided a way to be in relationship with Him. This is a astounding. Oh, to live and see the sun rise and set is wonderful. To see…

When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich. When Jesus saw this, he said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Those who heard this said, “Then who in the world can be…

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up… when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith? —Luke 18:1,8 Faith in our lives is evidenced by talking with the Lord God Almighty. Faith is a trust relationship and if a relationship exists and is going to be strengthened then there needs to be communication. How dependent I am on God will be seen in my communication to Him. How often do I speak with Him throughout the day and not just in the “morning watch” or “quiet times” or “devotional times?”…