Afleveringen
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Matthew 14King Herod hears of Jesusâ works and believes John the Baptist has risen from the dead. Sadly, John was beheaded by Herod, not many days before. Matthew records the details of that event. John was bold and faithful at the cost of his life. The rest of this chapter records Jesusâ actions after hearing of this. He seeks seclusion but He is also drawn by compassion to keep healing the people. Jesus feeds the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish. Jesus then sends the disciples out in a boat, as He goes to the mountains to pray. Coming to them walking on water, He commands Peter to come out of the boat. Peter becomes frightened and Jesus asks him and all of them why they continue to doubt Him!
Jesus loved John the Baptist. He was no doubt deeply grieved by Johnâs death. John gave his life to preach the truth, even though he opposed powerful people. This chapter reads as if Jesus has some expectation of His disciples. He is effectively saying: âMy cousin just died for this cause. Is this resulting in deeper faith among My disciples?â He challenged His disciples to feed the 5,000 before doing it Himself. Jesus called Peter upon the water, before having to reach out and save him in his doubt. Jesus is looking for results. Godâs Son expects followers, including you and me, to grow in faith, move past doubt, and be changed by His power and His sacrifices on our behalf.
Devoted God and Father, thank you for Your willingness to endure loss for our sake. It must have been painful to watch John die, knowing that soon after Your only begotten Son would give His own life. And it must have been frustrating to see disciples still stumble in unbelief. Thank You for your patience in our weakness and thank You for continuing to demand we deepen our trust in You. Lord, help our unbelief. Train us to carry out Christâs work in faith and to walk on water through any storm, with our eyes on Jesus.
Thought Questions:
- What kind of faith must John have had to preach morality to one who had the power to end his life? Do you and I have that kind of courage?
- Are you comfortable with Christ expecting deeper trust from you? Why is that important for the benefit of the people in your life?
- Would you have asked to walk to Jesus on the water? And more crucially, what does that faith look like in the storms of life today?
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Matthew 13In this packed chapter, Matthew records seven earthly stories Jesus told to make spiritual points. He begins with the parable of the Sower and the seed, which teaches the Gospel should be shared with everyone, but few will have the right heart to accept and share it. Then attention turns to the wheat and the tares, indicating that God is patient, waiting until the judgment to separate the saved and the lost. The parable of the net and fish makes this same point at the end of the chapter. Mixed in are stories about a mustard seed and pecks of flour. Two seemingly small things would grow and affect everything around them, just like Christâs kingdom! Jesus pictures His kingdom as a priceless pearl and a treasure, worth every cost to possess.
These parables are Jesusâ way of helping us understand the kingdom He was coming to establish as well as the kind of people who would be in it. Many would hear the gospel and reject it, or let the world pervert it, but only a few would take it in and build their lives around it. Right now, God allows all to live on this earth, but a time is coming when He will gather His people, the faithful, and the rest will be destroyed. We must see a relationship with Jesus and His people as the greatest treasure of our lives. The kingdom started small and seemingly insignificant, but now it reaches through time and affects the entire world.
Wonderful Father, thank you for sending Jesus to teach us about His kingdom. Thank You for His parables. They give us unforgettable imagery to help us understand spiritual things. Help us to be the good soil, to take in the word, love it, and let it grow and produce. Strengthen us not to be distracted by affliction, worries, or wealth. There is no greater treasure than the kingdom of Christ. May we believe that and embrace it. Help us understand that judgment is coming, and that an eternal separation will follow. Lead us to belong to You.
Thought Questions:
- How do you measure which kind of soil you have been lately? What is the best way to soften your heart and be more like the good soil?
- If God is allowing wheat (saved) to grow with the tares (lost) until judgment, there must be a reason. What do you think that is?
- What cost would you pay to possess citizenship in the kingdom of Christ? In what ways is your life demonstrating to God the truth of that claim?
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Matthew 12The opposition of the Pharisees has been ramping up through Jesusâ ministry and takes center stage in this chapter. Christâs disciples eat grain heads on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees take the opportunity to accuse them of sin. Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees conspire to destroy Him! Jesus heals a man of demonic possession, and the Pharisees accuse Him of having a demon. All along Jesus puts them in their place. His disciples violated no law by eating on the Sabbath, for Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath! It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, including miraculously healing a lame man. Jesus works with the Spirit, not with the devil, and all who suggest such will be eternally judged for the sin of blasphemy.
Jesus goes on to say that speaking against the Spirit is worthy of eternal punishment. These evil accusations of the Pharisees indicate rotten, jealous, selfish hearts. He also exclaims that many nations of old repented on less evidence than Jesus was providing, indicating the Pharisees are far from God. We need to be humble enough to look at the Pharisees and ask, âHow have I been like them?â Jesus is worthy to be worshiped, honored, and followed. We must love Him from the heart. We must love and serve His disciples as our family in the body of Christ. He defends and loves His saints. We should not be attacking or accusing others. We must be faithful supporters of one another in Christ.
Patient and Gracious God, please bear with us as we grow in our faith. Help us purge the spirit of the Pharisees in our hearts and lives. Give us wisdom to listen, to learn, and to love. And extinguish in us any desire to immediately question, judge, or attack our Lord or anyone in His family of believers. Humble us to hear His call to repentance and to respond. May the unclean spirits that flee from us by your grace not return to find a place of abode in our hearts and relationships ever again.
Thought Questions:
- What does it mean for Jesus to tell the Pharisees, âI desire compassion and not sacrificeâ? How important is compassion in evaluating others?
- If Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath, eternal God, and Healer of others, what place should He hold in your life today and what does that look like?
- How important should the Christian family be to us? If we are all Jesusâ âbrother and sister and mother,â how do you demonstrate that in service?
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Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487
Here is our primary text for today's episode:
I Corinthians 6:9-20 (With Parenthesis around Quotes)
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 12 âAll things are lawful for me,â but not all things are helpful. âAll things are lawful for me,â but I will not be dominated by anything.13 âFood is meant for the stomach and the stomach for foodââand God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, âThe two will become one flesh.â 17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. "Every other sin a person commits is outside the body", but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. -
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Matthew 11John the Baptist is in prison at this point in Jesusâ ministry. John sends his disciples to inquire of Jesus. This is part of Johnâs initial intention of giving all glory and attention to the One who would come and who would be greater than him. Jesus says wonderful things about him and his ministry but powerfully adds that those who are least in the kingdom of heaven are greater than John. Sadly, many have not believed so as to realize that immense blessing. Jesus openly rebukes those who have denied the evidence, noting that many nations of old would have repented by now with such powerful proof. This saddens Jesus. He desires to call all unto Him, to lighten their heavy burdens and provide rest for their souls.
âAre you the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?â This is a powerful question. They are asking Jesus if He is the Messiah of prophecy and Johnâs teachings: the Savior of the world. Jesus did not simply answer yes. He spoke of His miracles and message. He had proven Himself to all who would look to Him. Many had hard hearts and would not submit, even though they had every reason to believe. Please do not let your fear, pride, and burdens keep you from repenting and turning to Jesus. Even if you are a Christian, keep renewing your gaze toward Him. He deserves and demands to lead your life. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
Oh wonderful God of glory, all praise to You for sending Your Son to lift our burdens. Thank You for all the incredible things He did and said during His ministry, so we can know for certain how able He is to be a Savior and Helper to us. Give us the humility to come to Him. Help us to embrace the yoke openly and earnestly that He desires to place upon us. May we learn from Him how to be loving, gentle, and humble, so that the goodness of Jesusâ yoke can be shown to others.
Thought Questions:
- Can you explain what Jesus meant when He stated that those who are least in the kingdom of heaven are greater than even John the Baptist?
- Why do so many try to push their way into Christâs kingdom without repentance? Why is repentance so crucial to belonging to Him?
- With all the struggles we face, how would you explain to someone that Jesus has given you rest and lightened your load in this life?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Matthew 10Jesus summons the twelve apostles and gives them the power to work miracles. He sends them out to the Jewish people to preach the coming kingdom of Christ. This becomes an early lesson to the disciples that some will openly embrace the gospel, but many will not. He notes that they are like sheep sent out amidst the wolves. But even under persecution, they are told âDo not worryâ for the Holy Spirit of God is with them. If Jesus was rejected by some, so too will they be rejected. Do not fear what man can do to you. Only fear God who sees and knows all. The Gospel will unite some in joy, but it will also be a sword of division for others, even in oneâs own household.
The most uttered instruction in Scripture is this: âDo not be afraid.â Twice it is spoken of in todayâs read. The call to discipleship is not one of ease. If it was, Christians would not be tempted to fear. The disciples were given the most wonderful tools: the approval of Jesus, power from heaven, and the Holy Spirit. They were then challenged to use those tools to herald the coming kingdom in this world. That mission would draw negativity and persecution. And so it will be for you and me. Being on a mission means sharing the Light of Christ in this dark world. This can lead to trouble. Even so, we must boldly take up our cross and follow Jesus.
All-knowing God and Father, give us the faith and wisdom today to know You are with us. Help us to live courageously in faith, accepting that not all will embrace the light of Christ. But Father, may we never fear rejection or persecution, knowing these are moments where we demonstrate that Your Son rules our lives. I pray that You are the only One we fear. Please present opportunities for us to reach seeking hearts and use us to show them that there is no joy in life as complete as taking up our cross and following Jesus.
Thought Questions:
- Is the Gospel so great, and your fear and love of God so absolute, that you will stand for what is right no matter how others react?
- With Christ ruling and the Spirit within us, what does it look like to be fearless in telling others about the Gospel and Godâs Power?
- How can you start with your family? If taking up your cross and following Jesus is for every day and everywhere, how does that look in your home?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Matthew 9This chapter furthers Matthewâs mission of demonstrating the glory of Christ through miracles. Like the previous chapter, he lists quite a few of them: Jesus heals the paralytic, He heals the woman with 12 years of blood flow, He raises a young lady from the dead, heals two blind men, and casts out demons! The purpose of these miracles is to demonstrate some wonderful things about Jesus. First, He is compassionate. He feels for people and seeks to help them. Second, He has the power to cleanse souls of sin! The physical miracles prove His miraculous power to do all things. Third, this chapter continues to prove that there are no limits to Jesusâ authority. He controls the body and soul, life and death, and the physical and spiritual realm.
Jesus is the most wonderful gift the world has ever known. But some religious leaders refused to accept Him. They question His ability to forgive sins. They question why He dined with sinners. They even attribute His healing power to demons! They were jealous and selfish and refused to trust in Jesus and give Him the control He deserved. May you and I never let our limited knowledge and understanding foster such doubt. Contrary to these men, a desperate woman was healed, and another was raised from death by simple, trusting faith in Jesus as Godâs Son. Christ acts in our lives because of our faith. May we be less like the Pharisees and more like those humble, blessed believers!
Heavenly Father, God of compassion, thank You for sending Your Son to show the world the perfect combination of power and mercy. Thank You for His willingness to feel compassion for those hurting spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Help us to see how beautifully Christ demonstrates His authority to heal and help and comfort those who fully put their trust in Him. May we be those people today, in prayer and faithfulness to Him. Lord, the harvest is plentiful. There are so many struggling and in need of Jesus. Give us the humility, selflessness, and boldness to share His name openly with others.
Thought Questions:
- Has Jesus proven to you that He has the power and willingness to forgive your sins? If so, how will you approach Him in prayer today?
- How can we sometimes be like the Pharisees in how we see others, misunderstanding how desperately Jesus wants everyone to be saved?
- Do you have compassion for the hurting? If this Christ-like quality is in you, what can you do today to spread the love of Jesus to another?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Matthew 8Matthewâs gospel has a purposeful structure to build out the authority of Jesus. Chapters 1-4 tell the story of Jesus in prophecy. Chapters 5-7 are filled with Jesusâ life-changing teachings. Now, in chapters 8-9, the focus is placed squarely on miracles. In todayâs short chapter, we are gifted the following stories: the healing of the leper, the healing of the Centurionâs servant, the healing of Peterâs mother-in-law, the calming of the sea of Galilee, and the demons cast into the swine. This list forms a dynamic way of showing the power of Jesus over all things. Upon closer examination, it shows He can heal the body, He has authority over space and time, He overpowers the spiritual forces of darkness, and even the natural world obeys His mighty will.
Where can we go to escape the jurisdiction of Jesus? And why would we even try? These stories give us tremendous confidence in how Christ can benefit our lives. As a man was burdened with decay through leprosy, so are we with physical sickness and spiritual death. Jesus, filled with compassion, promises to heal us of spiritual disease, and often helps with our physical needs! Jesus casting out demons reminds us that He is mightier than Satan and his workers. Without Christâs power and presence, we would be helpless in the spiritual warfare beyond our sight as well as the daily storms of life. Jesus alone has the might to protect us. May we put our faith and trust in Him.
Oh Great God of majesty, may we take a moment today and be in awe of Your limitless power over all things. Thank you for demonstrating Your might through Jesus Christ. The natural world, the spiritual world, the human body, and the soul, are all subject to the glory and ability of Jesus. May our faith never limit the display of His power. Father, the storms of life often distract us. Help us to never give in to fear, but to turn to our Savior and call upon His presence to calm the storm and hold us close.
Thought Questions:
- What will happen if you approach Jesus with your sins like the leper in todayâs chapter? How does Jesus respond to such humility?
- How far does the authority of Jesus reach? Is there any request you can make in faith that will be too much for Jesus? Go for it!
- If Jesus controls the storms and the demons, two things outside of you and beyond your control, how should that affect how you pray today?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Matthew 7Jesus concludes His timeless sermon by challenging disciples to think properly about judgment. Judging others sometimes drifts into Godâs side of things. And many times people are judging from a place of deception about themselves. In other words, they do not see things clearly, and their judgment is clouded. Jesus tells His disciples to examine themselves and pray fervently for God to help them, to give them clarity, and to make them who they need to be. Perhaps from that place, one can weigh the deeds of another. Few are willing to be so humble. And few will be saved. Many will be like the false prophets in their motives. But not Jesusâ disciples. They will hear Christ and seek to obey Him and be like Him in all they do.
Passing judgment on others is a temptation we all face. Sometimes it is done in sincerity and with their best interest at heart. But all too often it may say more about our shortcomings as the one judging. Always be humble. Always start by looking to yourself and follow that closely with a prayer to God. Ask God for clarity, wisdom, and help to love others by doing what is right toward them. Determine what to do to others by what you would have them do to you. In the end, look for proper fruit in yourself and them. Hear Jesus and do Godâs will, and you will be on a solid foundation in every situation, in both calm and storm.
Holy heavenly Father, all praise to You for your kindness and patience in how you judge Your servants. Thank You for always being near us, for hearing our prayers, and for giving us good gifts. Dear Lord, empower us to bear good fruit in Your honor. We know this means doing Your will and being more like Jesus. We ask for help in doing that, especially when it comes to treating others with patience and mercy. In every season, in sunshine or storm, we will put our trust in You and stand upon the foundation of Your Son.
Thought Questions:
- What does âdo not judgeâ mean to you? Are you careful to treat people the same way you would have them treat you?
- Are you turning to God in prayer to ask for wisdom before addressing others? Can we bear good fruit without Godâs daily and personal help?
- Will you act on the will of Jesus today? What is one thing from the sermon on the mount that you can stand upon to face lifeâs daily storms?
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Days, Week, Years - These are the best metrics for progress. Living in day tight increments are the building blocks for a better life. Daily routines and habits that help with incremental change can become impactful and measurable in a year's time. So years are awesome time frames for seeing what is possible and whether something should become a life habit. But there needs to be a cyclical flow throughout, a cadence to keep things moving. The seven day week is perfect for the job. Starting on a day of worship and fellowship and rest, flowing through the grind of the work week, and ending with a wild card day to catch up or relax... embracing the layout of the week has become a powerful change agent for me. Let's explore how to make the weeks for you instead of just slipping by.
If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]
Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487 -
Send us a text
Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Matthew 6As the sermon on the mount continues, Jesus explains that righteousness is not just about what we do, but also why we do it. To illustrate, Jesus uses three examples: giving, praying, and fasting. Charity is a staple in the discipleâs life, but it must be for God and others, not ourselves. Prayer is a powerful testimony of faith, but it must be about fellowship with God, not the praise of others. Fasting is about focusing on God, not impressing others. This is all about treasure in heaven with God, not this earth. Jesusâ disciples are not worried about the things of this life because they live for heaven. They trust in God, live for Him, and know that He will take care of them if they seek Him above all else.
Jesus touches on sensitive topics in this chapter: giving to the poor, praying faithfully, and fasting from things to give attention to God. These are all challenges in our busy lives. How can we grow in them? Start from a place of love for God and others, and then be thankful for these outlets of praise. Carry that heart into the area of money and worry as well. These have choked out the word in many lives. We cannot serve God and money. We cannot live in anxiety and be courageous in Christ. Put His kingdom first, pray continually, and allow the Spirit to mold you, practicing righteousness from the heart, one day at a time. Do not worry about tomorrow.
Righteous God, teach us to yearn to serve You daily. Help us to give to others as You bountifully give to us. Humble us to pray privately, grateful that You listen. Strengthen us to fast from earthly things, so we can show You are first in our lives. May we live to store up eternal treasures. Thank you for Christâs spiritual victory, so we know that life is more than money and possessions and that there is no reason to worry over earthly things. We will seek You first and cast aside worry and fear in Jesusâ name.
Thought Questions:
- Why do you do righteous things? From charity work to prayer to fasting, how should that be centrally about God and your love for Him?
- How does âthe Lordâs Prayerâ place you in the right state of mind to take on the day in faith? What piece of it means the most to you today?
- Are Godâs people different when it comes to the allure of wealth and the worries of an uncertain world? How? What sustains us in all of that?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Matthew 5Early in Jesusâ ministry, He sits on a mountainside and gathers His disciples. In perhaps the most powerful sermon of all time, He explains to them the qualities of kingdom citizens. His kingdom would include people who lived differently from the world. Those differences would be seeded in the heart. To show this, Jesus begins with what we call âthe Beatitudes.â Qualities like humility, gentleness, and internal hunger for righteousness would define His people. Such hearts would explode into lives of great light for Christ, become salt upon the earth, and show righteousness that far surpasses the Jewish leaders of their day. Faithfulness would be as much about what you feel toward others as how you end up treating them, even enemies! Jesus is teaching that faithfulness begins with love.
The sermon on the mount is incredibly valuable for believers. We must think and feel differently than this world, especially in the face of trials. We live so that Christâs light shines through us, beginning deep within our hearts. We do not murder, but we also do not gossip. We do not commit adultery, but we also do not lust in our hearts. We do not retaliate, but we also seek to serve others. In many ways, the disciples of Jesus were counterculture, and continue to be today. Our first step of faith in God is to deny self. God loves all men and seeks to save them, and we should feel the same and be workers in His Sonâs kingdom.
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to come to this earth and show us Your character and heart. As Jesus taught us of His nature, we pray to take on His heart as our own. Lord, help us to be humble, to be gentle, to be pure in heart, and peacemakers. Give us opportunities to shine, even if that requires us to walk by faith in places of darkness. Give us the desire to do good to others out of love for You and for them, even our enemies. Please perfect us in Your love.
Thought Questions:
- How important are the beatitudes in setting the stage for you to shine and make a difference? Which one will you focus on today?
- Are you ready to accept that you are the reflection of Christâs light in this world? How will your choices today bring glory to Him?
- How are disciples to be more righteous than Pharisees? Will you determine today to check your heart and do things for the right reasons?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Matthew 4It is difficult to imagine forty days without food. It is Godâs plan for the Holy Spirit to lead Jesus into the wilderness to fast for that length of time. The devil takes the opportunity to try and stop Jesusâ redemptive ministry by tempting Him using three basic tactics: the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. Each time Jesus refuses to listen and uses Scripture to refute him. Following this, an angel comes and comforts Jesus. Jesus then travels to Galilee to begin His ministry. He begins with this powerful sentence: âRepent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.â Jesus gathers up His first four apostles: Peter, Andrew, James, and John. He then goes about healing people and preaching âthe gospel of the kingdom.â
Satan is not particularly creative. When he tempted Jesus with stones to bread, with the worldâs glory, and with leaping from the temple, it was no different than the temptations Adam and Eve faced in the garden. He appeals to fleshly desires, distracted eyes, and a sense of importance. Adam failed. Jesus succeeded. In the footsteps of Jesus, with Scripture in our hearts and hands, we also can face temptation and stand with God. The result will be like Jesus: God will strengthen us, upholding our efforts, drawing us to people of faith who will walk with us, and opening opportunities to use our proven faith to share the gospel of the kingdom more boldly with others.
Great God of glory, thank you for sending Your Son to show us what it means to fully trust in You. Help us face our times in the wilderness with the same resolve to honor You in all circumstances. Will You give us the clarity we need to see through the devilâs tactics? We pray for comfort and support from those who have faced Satan and stood firm. We also pray to be those traveling companions for others, as we share in our common mission of telling others what is possible through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thought Questions:
- Will you be aware today of Satanâs three tools: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life? How will awareness help?
- How is facing temptation strengthened by quoting Godâs word? How will you use Scripture to refute the devilâs work today?
- Why is it vital to get to work for Christ immediately following temptation? What mission will you stay focused on today no matter what?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Matthew 3The last chapter of the Old Testament, Malachi 4, concludes by announcing that God will send âElijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD.â Matthew reveals this man to be John the Baptist. He is Jesusâ cousin, and he lays the foundation for the teachings of Jesus. His message includes vital kingdom elements: repentance of sins, baptism in water, the Holy Spirit, and the fire of judgment. Some who come to him want the ceremonial washing but are unwilling to repent or accept the whole gospel message. John is laying the crucial groundwork for that complete gospel. Jesus, the greater One, would come after him. This begins with John baptizing Jesus as the Spirit descends upon Him and the Father speaks in approval of His âbeloved Son.â
Our God wants everyone to be saved in Christ. Therefore, He is clear and concise when it comes to how to be saved. John the Baptistâs teachings help us see that. Forgiveness of sins was available to anyone who turned from sin with repentant hearts, was baptized in water, and devoted their life to obeying the will of God and His Spirit, with a healthy fear of eternal fire. All of that can be stated in a simple and life-changing way: follow Jesus. He came to do what was right and honor His Father. He was baptized in water âto fulfill all righteousness.â He then lived in the Spirit, full of grace and on a mission for God. In Him, so can we!
Wonderful Father, You are above us and greater than us in every possible way. And yet, You have communicated Your will to us so simply and powerfully. Thank You for sending John the Baptist to pave the way for our Savior. Thank you for sending Jesus to be our example, our Teacher, and our victorious King. Help us to be open to the whole gospel in a way that surpasses the Pharisees. Encourage us to live out the teachings of Jesus and to follow His example in all that we do.
Thought Questions:
- Does the word ârepentâ carry the same importance in your life as it did to Jesus and John? How do you demonstrate that?
- Is baptism as important to you as it was to Jesus and John? Beyond initial obedience, how do you demonstrate baptismâs importance?
- Are you living by faith in the Godhead? How do you show love and honor for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in your daily life?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Matthew 2Matthew documents the events immediately following Jesusâ birth. From the worshipping magi to the conniving Herod to the angel sending the family to Egypt, everything culminates in the murderous rampage of the king killing all the young boys in Bethlehem. Following Herodâs death, an angel directs Jesusâ family back to Nazareth. The significance of this chapter is found in the prophecies. Micah states a Ruler will come from Bethlehem. Hosea tells of Godâs Son coming from Egypt. Jeremiah teaches there will be weeping at the loss of children. An unnamed prophet predicts that the Messiah will be called a Nazarene. Matthew is aligning the story of Jesus with the prophets of old. This would carry tremendous weight for the Jew and should demonstrate Godâs design and control to us as well.
God controls how things come together for the good of His will and His people. Before Jesus was born, God knew all things. He used prophets to confirm His power to us. Life was not easy for those whom God chose to be a part of this incredible story. Circumstances were hard for Joseph and Mary, and certainly for families who lost their children to Herodâs wrath. But God was working on something beautiful and eternal. You are eternally blessed as the result of so much suffering and loss. God allowed this to save and bless you. Be thankful for those who labored in faith to bring about our Lordâs victory and stand prepared to struggle in His honor.
Compassionate Father, thank You for the word of the prophets, confirming our faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the examples of sacrifice throughout the life of Jesus that have graciously invited us into the redemptive story with Him. Will you give us the wisdom to see how much you endured to establish spiritual life and hope? Help us to be grateful for Your willingness to keep working on us, even amid the efforts of evil men. And may we return thanks by being worshipful and obedient like the magi in the days of Jesusâ birth.
Thought Questions:
- How does it strengthen your faith to see the story of Christ being revealed through Old Testament prophecies? What do they prove?
- What do you learn about faithfulness from the hardships of Joseph and Mary? What should you expect in your life of devotion to God?
- How can you see Godâs power and goodness when babies were allowed to die at Herodâs hand? How does it cast your eyes more toward eternity?
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Thank you for your support through six full seasons of the ESM podcast! We are excited to give season seven a go. Thank you for listening. We start by figuring out how we grade years. What does it take to have a best year ever? How would you evaluate the best one you've ever had? I hope to convince you that the ingredients are in place for this one to outshine them all, regardless of outside circumstances. But you'll need to be doing the daily things, the truly important things, to see the most profound difference. Let's explore that together!
If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]
Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487 -
Send us a text
Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]
Matthew 1The book of Matthew opens with the lineage of Jesus through his earthly father Joseph. Tying Jesus back to King David, the tribe of Judah, and Abraham, is a powerful opening point for the Jewish reader. This means that Jesus is the One spoken of in the great promises God made to these mighty men of faith. Jesus is the Messiah for which they were waiting! If you are looking to get more out of this genealogy, take a pencil and box in the names you recognize. There are some great men and women of faith listed here. Following this, Matthew continues to confirm Jesus as the Savior from the prophets, by citing Isaiah and telling the story of Jesus being born of a virgin, just as the Hebrew Scripture taught.
God planned to send Christ to become âGod with usâ from the foundation of the world. He chose to carry this out through the nation of Israel. God was incredibly patient for 2000 years, dating back to the days of Abraham. Repeatedly, He promised that all would be blessed, a Ruler would be established, and His Son would be the Savior of His people. We are enjoying the fulfillment and substance of that promise. From the moment a virgin gave birth to a child, the world was changed. We are blessed as a result of that change. Praise be to God for waiting patiently, enduring lovingly, and sending His Son to save us.
Great Father of Abraham, Judah, and David, we direct all praise and honor to Your mighty name. Thank you for working through the patriarchs, families, and kings to bring about âthe Messiahâ with His spiritual and eternal blessings. Thank you for Mary and Josephâs faith and for the wonderful moment when Your divine Son entered this world on our behalf. Please give us the humility to be grateful and the faith to live out the intent of Christâs coming. Show us what it means to be set apart as holy people: redeemed, purchased, and ruled by Your beloved Son.
Thought Questions:
- How can you draw faith-building value from a study of genealogies? What does it mean that Matthew links well-known biblical figures together?
- Why is the virgin prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 the right place to start building a case for Christ? How is the uniqueness of this miracle still potent today?
- What will be different about your day because you know God patiently and meticulously planned out the coming of Christ for your benefit?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]
Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487
How to keep a disagreement from becoming an argument:
1) Welcome the disagreement
2) Distrust you first instinctive impression
3) Control your temper
4) Listen first
5) Look for areas of agreement
6) Be honest
7) Think over your opponents ideas carefully
8) Thank your opponent sincerely for their interest
9) Postpone action to give both sides time to think it through
Three Bonus Ideas that are sure to help:
- Begin in a friendly way
- Never say, "you are wrong"
- Appeal to nobler motives -
Send us a text
Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]
Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487
Today's story is founding II Chronicles 20. I recommend you give that short chapter a read. Jehoshaphat and Judah teach us a great deal about how God responds to faith. But faith is more than just a word. It includes initial turning to God, casting our eyes upon Him, and obeying His will. What it does not require is our own strength to prove ourselves to Him. On the contrary, time and time again, God proves Himself to His people. He is our amazing God, worthy of worship and adoration. He fights our battles. He often just asks us to show up and be prepared. But we must keep the faith until the end. Let's explore that journey together. -
Send us a text
Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]
Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487
Authority is a funny thing. The best leaders are honest about their struggles and challenges. They are great listeners, especially in the process of making decisions. And they are excellent examples to those under their charge in key areas like humility, integrity, and care for others.
However, not all leaders do such a great job. They are pretty good at giving instruction, and expecting all of the things from the previous paragraph. But we need to do better. Husbands, fathers, this one is for you. It would be easy to tell our kids to take instruction well and be challenged to do their best. But do you take instruction well? Do you need the encouragement to refocus and do your best? Follow along today and see if there is more value in those things than meets the eye. - Laat meer zien
