Sun, May 31st - 5:49PM

Luke 12:1-12

 1: In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
   2: For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
   3: Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
   4: And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
   5: But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
   6: Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
   7: But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
   8: Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
   9: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.
   10: And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
   11: And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
   12: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Universalists want to preach all are saved and going to heaven no matter their conduct here on earth but lets think about that idea while reading these verses.  Look at verse 5, fear Him who has the power to cast you into hell.  Who is this?  God of course.  Look at verses 8 and 9.  Confess Jesus before men and he will confess you before God.  Deny him before men and he will deny you before God.  Now lets look at verse 10, the unforgivable sin, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.  What really is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?  If you deny God’s Holy Spirit then you deny God and if you deny God then you don’t have salvation and your fate is hell.  But Universalists claim all are going to heaven because God forgave the world’s sins on the cross.  If that is true how can there be a unforgiveable sin?  It is because their claims aint Biblical.  The death of Jesus paid the way for salvation.  It wasn’t a free pass to sin.  It wasn’t a free pass to heaven.  You must seek this salvation.  You must accept this salvation and believe that Jesus is the Son of God and accept his gift of salvation and become a follower of him.  You must turn from your old sinful life and become a follower of Christ.  Universalism is the lazy man’s religion.  It teaches you have to do nothing to go to heaven.  Universalism in reality is a deception of Satan to lead people away from the truth in Christ.

Sun, May 31st - 1:00AM

Luke 11:37-54

 37: And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.
   38: And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
   39: And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
   40: Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?
   41: But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
   42: But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
   43: Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
   44: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
   45: Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.
   46: And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.
   47: Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.
   48: Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.
   49: Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
   50: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
   51: From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.
   52: Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
   53: And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:
   54: Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

The Pharisees put on a big show of being religious but in reality their hearts were far from God.  God isn’t interested in religious rituals and traditions He wants true spirit lead worship and service of him.  You might fool family and friends but God knows your heart.  He knows were your heart lies.  Were is your heart?  Is it truly with God?  Are you truly seeking after the things of God instead of the desires of the world?  Remember God knows your heart, you can’t fool him.  Are you a Sunday Christian or do you have a true desire to serve him daily?

Sat, May 30th - 1:05AM

Luke 11:33-36

33: No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
   34: The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.
   35: Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
   36: If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

If we are focused on Christ and have Christ inside of us we will be full of light and we must be focused on him completely but if we are focused on the things of the world we will darkness inside of us.  The devil makes the things of the world look so enticing to lure us away from the things of God but that is exactly why we must remain focused on Christ to overcome the temptations of the world.

Thu, May 28th - 11:26PM

Luke 11:29-32

 29: And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
   30: For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.
   31: The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
   32: The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

Jonah was sent to preach repentance to the Ninevites, in which they did once they heard the warning of the coming wrath of God if they didn’t repent.  The queen of Sheeba traveled a great distance to hear the wisdom of Solomon and learn of God.  Jesus would be a sign to the Jews.  God sent his own Son to preach repentance and salvation and they refused to hear him.  He performed miracles in their sight and they refused to believe.  He offered himself as a sacrifice for their sins and they rejected his sacrifice.  They will be judged for their rejection of the Savior just as any that rejects the Savior will be judged.  The Bible says very clearly Jesus is the only way to God and the only way to obtain salvation.  Without him you will face the coming judgment of God.

Wed, May 27th - 11:29PM

Luke 11:14-28

14: And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.
   15: But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.
   16: And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.
   17: But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
   18: If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
   19: And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.
   20: But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
   21: When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
   22: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
   23: He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
   24: When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
   25: And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
   26: Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
   27: And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.
   28: But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

What a state these Jewish leaders were in.  They were so desperate that they resorted to calling Jesus a servant of Satan.  I myself have been called many things because I refuse to compromise my beliefs.  Because I believe that there is a place called hell, that Jesus is the only way to salvation, and because I refuse to compromise my moral beliefs I have been called intolerant, hateful, and even a servant of Satan by Universalists, who even though they don’t believe in hell want to send me there because I tell them they are preaching a false doctrine.  Oh well let others compromise to be popular I won’t.

Tue, May 26th - 11:34PM

Luke 11:1-13

 1: And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
   2: And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
   3: Give us day by day our daily bread.
   4: And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
   5: And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
   6: For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
   7: And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
   8: I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
   9: And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
   10: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
   11: If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
   12: Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
   13: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray.  Notice what he taught them.  He didn’t teach them to demand of God.  He told them God’s will be done not ours.  He didn’t teach them to ask God to make them prosper but to ask God to provide for their daily needs.  I get tired of hearing televangelists trying to portray God as some kind of magical genie waiting to grant our every desire.  God is our Father he knows our needs and our desires he will provide for our needs if we are faithful to his will.

Mon, May 25th - 12:58PM

Luke 10:38-42

 38: Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
   39: And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
   40: But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
   41: And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
   42: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Our hectic lives are filled with worries and daily little needs but they should never come before God.  I am a supervisor of over 40 people at the moment.  This keeps me very busy.  Each and everyone has a different personality and attitude and each everyone of them has their own problems.  On top of that we have tasks that must be accomplished and deadlines to meet.  It can become very consuming and very stressful.  I have to stop and remind myself what is really important.  This job is only temporary, even though I have been working at it for 18 years, it is still temporary in the larger scheme of things.  The average life span is around 72 years, so if I work 20 years at this job it is not even half of my life.  When this job is just a distant memory I will still have my family and my God.  I have to remind myself to put God first, then my family and then my job and don’t let my job consume me.

Sun, May 24th - 5:33PM

Luke 10:25-37

 25: And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
   26: He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
   27: And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
   28: And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
   29: But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
   30: And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
   31: And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
   32: And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
   33: But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
   34: And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
   35: And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
   36: Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
   37: And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

It would be easy to lock ourselves away and ignore the problems of those around us but we must remember that we all face hard times and challenges in our lives and we have all needed a helping hand sometime or another.  This life aint always easy and we all have had to depend on someone else before.  We serve an almighty God that always looks out for us but we don’t know the ways of God.  Sometimes the way he cares for us to send the right person our way at the right time.  Sometimes you are that right person at the right time, that is if you are willing to be a vessel of good for God.

Sat, May 23rd - 4:37PM

Luke 10:17-24

  17: And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
   18: And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
   19: Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
   20: Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
   21: In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
   22: All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
   23: And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
   24: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

We serve an almighty God.  No one can stand in his way.  Not anything physical or spiritual.  We as humans tend to look at the world in a physical manner instead of a spiritual manner.  This world is temporary.  That means the pleasures and pains of this world is temporary.  It is the life after this that matters.  Where are you going to spend it?  Do you serve the almighty God or do you serve the world and its master?  If you are serving the master of this world then enjoy its awards now because the punishment for these awards are eternal. 

Fri, May 22nd - 4:57PM

Luke 10:1-16

 1: After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
   2: Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
   3: Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
   4: Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
   5: And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
   6: And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
   7: And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
   8: And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
   9: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
   10: But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
   11: Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
   12: But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.
   13: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
   14: But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.
   15: And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.
   16: He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

Look at the instructions Jesus gave these disciples.  They were to take nothing with them.  They were to trust in God to provide for their needs through the kindness of strangers.  They were to be content with what was provided them.  They were to preach the Gospel to all that would accept it.  Those that refuse to accept it they were to shake off the dust from their feet as sign to them and move on.  Those that rejected the message rejected God and will face his judgment in the end.  We just like these disciples have been charged to spread the Gospel.  Each and everyone of us by the talent God has given us have been tasked to spread the Gospel.  We should do this expecting nothing in return but the pleasure to serve God and our award in heaven.  We are to tell everyone that is willing to listen the good news of salvation, those who refuse to listen will face the judgment of God for their rejection of his plan of salvation for the world.

Fri, May 22nd - 1:44AM

Luke 9:51-62

 51: And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
   52: And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
   53: And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
   54: And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
   55: But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
   56: For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
   57: And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
   58: And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
   59: And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.
   60: Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
   61: And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
   62: And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Was Jesus being mean spirited toward these people?  No.  He was making a point.  Don’t say you are willing to follow him unless you are willing to put your old life behind you and leave everything to follow him.  Nothing can become between us and our service to God.  He must be first in our lives.   We cannot let the world distract us from our service to God.

Tue, May 19th - 11:49PM

Luke 9:49,50

 49: And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.
   50: And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

I read somewhere that there is over 36,000 different Christian denominations.  Most of them is very similar in beliefs and of course there is those that are out in left field somewhere.  I currently go to Baptist Church but I have never tied myself down to one denomination.  I consider myself a Christian, a follower of Jesus.  Denomination rivalry can really be a hindrance to the spread of the Gospel.  We should be making new Christians not concentrating on making new Baptist or new Methods or what have you.  A Christian is someone that has been saved by the blood of Christ.  I never read anywhere in the Bible where you have to be Baptist, Pentecostal or what have you to get into heaven.  The only requirement is that your name is found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Mon, May 18th - 11:30PM

Luke 9:46-48

46: Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
   47: And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,
   48: And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

Humility is a common theme throughout the Bible.  We are mere humans which are nothing compare to God.  Take a look at Christ.  He was the Son of God but he was born in a manger to simple parents.  He lived a simple life and brought his message to the common people.  He wasn’t born in a mansion to rich parents and he didn’t preach to royalty.  Take a look at his disciples.  They were common men.  They lived simple lives and they would all suffer for the gospel.  Now lets take a look at some of our modern mega-church preachers who live in mansions, dress in designer suits and travel by personal jet.  Their message is a message of prosperity and greed instead of the life giving, salvation producing Gospel of Christ.  Well they can have their reward here on earth, I am looking for my reward in heaven.

Sun, May 17th - 11:13PM

Luke 9:44,45

 44: Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.
   45: But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

I once had a friend tell me that the death of Jesus was unplanned, that he was taken by force by the Romans and forced to die on the cross.  What was really disturbing was that she was the youth ministry at a local church.  Well it was a Universalist Church so maybe that is what they believe I don’t know.  But Jesus is the Son of God.  No one took his life, he gave it freely for us.  It was a sacrifice for our sins that we might have forgiveness of our sins and that through him we can have salvation and if you read the Old Testament it was planned from the beginning.

Sun, May 17th - 12:47AM

Luke 9:37-43

37: And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.
   38: And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.
   39: And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.
   40: And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.
   41: And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.
   42: And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.
   43: And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God.

We worship a almighty God.  Nothing can stand against our God.  No disease or the powers of evil can stand against our God.  This world throws many challenges at us but we know we can overcome all things when we trust in God.  One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Romans 8: 31: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”  This tells me nothing can stand in my way when I have God on my side.

Sat, May 16th - 12:28AM

Luke 9:28-36

28: And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
   29: And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
   30: And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:
   31: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
   32: But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
   33: And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.
   34: While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
   35: And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
   36: And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen

There is a purpose to everything in the Bible.  Jesus knew who he was, he didn’t need to be told.  This was done for our benefit, as a witness to us that Jesus is the Son of God.  There is no other person who can make that claim.  It is through Christ and Christ only that we have access to the Father.  Because it was Christ and Christ only that offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins that we might have access to the Father.

Thu, May 14th - 11:11PM

Luke 9:21-27

  21: And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;
   22: Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
   23: And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
   24: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
   25: For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
   26: For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
   27: But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

We are to take up our cross daily and follow Christ.  Christ was publically humiliated and abused for us.  Are we willing to suffer the same for him?

Tue, May 12th - 11:15PM

Luke 9:18-20

 18: And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?
   19: They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.
   20: He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

Who do you say Jesus is?  I am convinced a lot of the people who claim to follow Jesus don’t understand who he is.  He is not a magic genie waiting to grant your wishes.  He is not some self help guru.  He is not some awesome guy who had great teachings that we should try to follow.  I have actually heard that last one.  Who is he?  He is the divine Son of God, born of a virgin, he lived a sinless life, he died on the cross for our sins, he is the one and only way to God, he is the only path to salvation, he arose the third day, and he is coming again some day.  Who do you say he is?

Mon, May 11th - 10:57PM

Luke 9:10-17

 10: And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
   11: And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
   12: And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
   13: But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.
   14: For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.
   15: And they did so, and made them all sit down.
   16: Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
   17: And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

Everything written in the Bible has a purpose.  I believe this was written to show the awesome power of God.  Jesus could of sent these people away, he could of called for food from heaven but instead he took five loaves of bread and two fish and fed five thousand people with them.  Nothing is impossible for God.  What looks like tremendous problems for us is nothing to God.  Jesus said if we have faith the size of a mustard seed we can cast away mountains.  What is your mountain?  I know mine.  In reality it is probably a mole hill but I let it grow into a mountain.  I like everyone must be reminded God is in control and that he knows and cares about our needs and he will provide for our needs according to his will.

Sun, May 10th - 10:38PM

Mark 9:7-9

 7: Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;
   8: And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.
   9: And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

The word of God can’t be silenced.  Elias was gone, the old prophets were gone, John was murdered but one greater than all of them was preaching the word of God, the very Son of God.  John was beheaded because he had dared speak out about the wickedness of Herod and his wife.  Did Herod really want to see Jesus.  Did he think Jesus would not condemn him of his sins also.  John did not show any respect of persons to Herod and his position, did Herod think Jesus would be different.  John knew that preaching against Herod would be dangerous but he didn’t back down because he knew he served a God mightier than any earthly ruler.  Jesus shook up the whole Jewish politically system. He took on the most powerful men in Jewish society and didn’t back down.  He came to the earth to fulfill the will of his Father and no man was going to stand in his way.  The word of God will be preached throughout the world and no man can stop it, no man can stand against the will of God.

Sat, May 9th - 8:20PM

Luke 9:1-6

1: Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
   2: And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
   3: And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
   4: And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.
   5: And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.
   6: And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Look at the instructions Jesus gave his disciples as he sent them out to preach the Gospel.  They were to take nothing for their journey, they were to depend on God to provide for their needs.  They were to stay with whoever took them in and stay in that same place until they left.  In other words if they were offer a more comfortable place they were not to accept it but stay with the person who originally took them in.  They were to preach the message but if it was rejected they were to shake off the dust of their feet and move on.  This was done as a testimony to this place.  They had rejected the message of God, so God has rejected them.

 Now compare these disciples to some of our modern evangelists who travel in luxury jets, stay in luxury hotels and charge admissions fees to hear their message.  Big difference aint it.

Sat, May 9th - 12:52AM

Luke 8:40-56

 40: And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.
   41: And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:
   42: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.
   43: And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
   44: Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
   45: And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
   46: And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
   47: And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him and how she was healed immediately.
   48: And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
   49: While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
   50: But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.
   51: And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
   52: And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
   53: And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
   54: And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise.
   55: And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
   56: And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

These two stories are stories of faith and the loving power of God.  The woman pressed through the crowd to get to Jesus.  No one had been able to heal her but she believed that if she could only get to Christ she could be healed.  The second story a young girl had died.  Surely it seemed it was already to late but Jesus showed that with God all things are possible.  When the problems of life seem huge just remember nothing is impossible with God, he cares for us and cares about our concerns.  Put your faith in him and lay your burdens upon him, put all things into his hands and let him work miracles in our lives. 

Thu, May 7th - 11:01PM

Luke 8:26-39

 26: And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
   27: And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
   28: When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.
   29: (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
   30: And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
   31: And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
   32: And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
   33: Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.
   34: When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
   35: Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
   36: They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.
   37: Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.
   38: Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,
   39: Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

This man was possessed by many demons that called themselves legion.  It makes my laugh to hear people who deny the existence of Satan and demons try to explain verses like this.  If Satan and his demons don’t exist then who was Jesus casting out.  Is this just some fairy tale?  You know what I see in these verses?  A story of true salvation.  This man was a slave of evil until Jesus freed him.  That is salvation real salvation.  This man was lost until he meet the Savior.

Wed, May 6th - 11:53PM

Luke 8:22-25

 22: Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.
   23: But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
   24: And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
   25: And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

No storm is to big for our God.  Not even the storms of life.  We all face tough times sometimes that just seem like there is no way out.  That is what Satan wants.  He wants us to focus on the storm instead of God.  This reminds me of Romans 8:31 “what then shall we say to these things?  If God be for us who can be against us?”  If God is for us, no one can stand against us.  We just have to focus on the things of God and have faith that he will pull us through the tough times and not focus on the storm.

Tue, May 5th - 11:33PM

Luke 8:19-21

19: Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.
   20: And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.
   21: And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

Jesus wasn’t being disrespectful to his mother and brothers but like other times was using the opportunity to make a point.  Who is in the family of God?  Those that hear the word of God and do it.  What about those who refuse to obey the word of God?  Well they are living in rebellion to God and are not part of the family of God.  

Mon, May 4th - 11:09PM

Luke 8:9-18

9: And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?
   10: And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
   11: Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
   12: Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
   13: They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
   14: And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
   15: But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
   16: No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
   17: For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
   18: Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

What kind of seed are you?  Do you allow Satan to take away the word from your heart?  Do you lack roots in the word of God?  Do you have a hard stubborn heart where the word has no chance to lay down roots?  Do you care more about the pleasures and cares of this world more than allowing the word of God to give root?  Or do you have a good fertile heart where the word of God finds root and multiplies?  What kind of seed are you?

Sun, May 3rd - 6:13PM

Luke 8:4-8

4: And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:
   5: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
   6: And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.
   7: And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.
   8: And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

In these days a farmer would gather a large amount of seed in his hand and throw it out across a field.  He of course would have to do these several times to cover a large field.  The farmer is hoping to get a much of the seed into fertile ground as he can.  There of course is going to be some seed that doesn’t fall on fertile ground.  Some of the seed is going to fall on hard, rocky, or exposed ground and not take root.  In following verses Jesus goes on to explain the different types of soil.  But the main point today is as sowers of the word we are trying to get the word out to as much of the world as we can.  The message isn’t always going to land on fertile ground.  There are a lot of people out there with hard, rocky hearts who refuse to hear the word of God.  There are some out there that have a desire for the word of God but who are to exposed to the cares of the world for the word to take root.  But these shouldn’t discourage us.  We should get the word into as much fertile ground as we can because harvest time is coming.  Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking the end isn’t approaching.  So we should do as Jesus says in other verses, work while it is still day because night is fast approaching.   

Sat, May 2nd - 7:27PM

Luke 8:1-3

 1: And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
   2: And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
   3: And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

These verses give insight into the ministry of Jesus on a personal level.  The Son of God and his disciples lived off of the kindness of others.  Luke mentions three women that Jesus had healed or came into contact with that had left their lives to minister unto the personal needs of Jesus and his disciples.  In other places Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other women kinfolk are mentioned.  Unlike a lot of ministers today especially ones seen on TV, Jesus lived a very humble life.  He didn’t ask anything for his ministry.  He had faith that the Father would provide a way for their means.  My pastor works during the week to provide for his family.  He accepts no money whatsoever from the church for his service.  I aint saying it is wrong for a minister to receive a salary for his service but if you are one of these TV ministers getting rich off of donations I am questioning your motives.  Especially anyone that directly asks for donations or claims God is going to bless you for giving him money.  The blessings of God are not for sale.  Some of these guys need to crack open the Bible and take a look at the lives of John the Baptist, Jesus and his disciples, the Apostle Paul.  They are lived for humble lives, not seeking pleasure or personal gain but only to serve the Father.  

Sat, May 2nd - 1:00AM

Luke 7:36-50

36: And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.
   37: And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
   38: And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
   39: Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
   40: And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
   41: There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
   42: And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
   43: Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
   44: And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
   45: Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
   46: My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
   47: Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
   48: And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
   49: And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
   50: And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

I don’t know about you but I am more like the one that owed five hundred pence.  I have done a lot of things in my life that I need forgiveness for and I know what Jesus has done in my life.  I know the person I once was and the person I am now.  I know I am a new creation in Christ.  I know I have been born again.  I know I have been washed in the blood of Christ.  Unfortunately to many people are like this Pharisee.  In their own self-righteous attitude they are to blind to see just how far away they are from God and just how much they really need him.  This woman humbled herself before Jesus knowing she was a sinner seeking his forgiveness.  This Pharisee in his arrogance did not even show Jesus the common respect of a honored guest.  This woman was saved by her faith while the Pharisees remained in their rebellion to God.  It is sad that so many people who claim to be believers refuse to admit they are sinners in need of salvation and refuse to humble themselves before God.  Until you admit that you are truly in need of a Savior you will never truly know the Savior.