Ultimate Judge

Therefore, anyone of you who judges is without excuse. For when you judge another, you condemn yourself sense you, the judge, do the same thing." - Romans 2:1 NIV

Jesus Christ, in His ministry on the earth was a master, really a genius, at painting word pictures in ways that even a child could understand. And in what is referred to as "The Sermon on the Mount," He was gathered before thousands along the Sea of Galilee and He painted a word picture about judging others.

He said something like this: "When you see someone with a speck (a little piece of dust- maybe a little grain of something) in their eye, and you go to them to try and get that speck out of their eye, and you’ve got a log in your own, well—you look like an idiot." Now, He didn’t use the words, "You look like an idiot," but what He was seeking to communicate in painting the word picture is that we do look like idiots when we seek to judge others for what may be even a minor flaw in them, when we have a major flaw of sin in our life.

Jesus tells us, “Judge not, lest you be judged.” In other words, the way you judge others is the way that God is going to judge you. When a person genuinely feels like they are basically good and are morally superior than those around them, or those they see or read about in the news, that's a classic sign of a person that is far from God. Because the closer we come to Christ, the more we’re aware of our own sinfulness. The further we are from God, the more we feel that we are basically good.

So, does that describe you? Is that really how you feel deep down inside? If the answer is yes, it's time for you to seek forgiveness and ask God to show you how you can let go of those thoughts of superiority and let Him be the judge. Because He is, you know - the ultimate judge - and jury.

Still Hungry?  Romans 1:20; 2 Samuel 12: 5-7

Ye Who Are Weary Come Home?

"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate." - Luke 15:22-24

There's a wonderful scene in the parable of the prodigal son when the wayward son finally comes to his senses and begins to walk home. What does that father do? He runs and embraces him. There's joy and celebration.

I know that's a picture of redemption. I know Jesus is talking to us about what it's like to come home when we confess our sins, and finally come back to the Lord. I know that's the point. But, I also think it's a beautiful picture of finally coming home to heaven, after the weariness and demands of this very difficult life and world. Then when we finally come home to heaven, our Heavenly Father is there, and He runs to embrace us! He's full of joy! He's got those tears in His eyes, as only a Father can have when His son comes home! And the celebration begins, and it never, ever ends!

Because heaven will be like coming home. It's like home is supposed to be. So I ask you my friends, when your days in this life are done, will you be able to go home?

Come home, come home. Ye who are weary, come home.
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling - calling, oh, sinner - come home.

Still Hungry? Revelation 6:11; Ephesians 2:1; Zechariah 3:4

Devotions- to look Beyond Yourself

"He must become greater; I must become less." - John 3:30

There are times when I am doing my devotions,  I sometimes look back on it and gain new insight on what I was going through back then. I have become more adept at interpreting God's leading and plan for me as I further experience life and receive what He has done.

By looking back on what we have been through and seeing the hand of God there, we can have greater comfort and encouragement for what we are going through now or even what lies ahead. As I gain new insight into my personality and the Lord's working into my issues and problems, I realize how small they really are compared to my Lord's holiness and greatness.

Concentrating on Christ and what He has done will lift us up better and more completely than anything else we could ever do. It has taught me to look beyond myself and concentrate on Christ.

We look at God's Word as a mirror to ourselves, into our souls, not to see us, but to see God working in us. When we only see ourselves, we see sin, brokenness, failure, self-seeking inclinations, and wrong attitudes. We must see God's interests and not our own; then our devotions and journals become tools for us to mature in the faith. Christ will become more real in us, as our problems become less.

Bless Your Name!

Take Action!

"...when the soles of the feet...shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, and the waters which are flowing down from above shall stand in one heap." - Joshua 3:13

The Promised Land was just on the other side. It had been 40 years and it was so close, yet so far away! A huge obstacle separated the children of Israel from the blessing God had promised. They had been led out of the wilderness and now found themselves on the banks of a swollen Jordan River. The Promised Land was just on the other side. Standing on the bank of the raging river, wringing their hands and praying would not solve their problem. They had to act. (You see, faith requires action.) It was not until they stepped out in faith into the turbulent waters that the river stood on end and the people walked into the Promised Land on dry land.

So it is with our lives. Obstacles separate us from God's richest blessings. To stand by until God makes an obvious way may cause us to delay His blessings. It takes both faith and action to experience God's best.

So, grab hold of that faith and go for it as God leads!

Still Hungry? Exodus 14:22; Isaiah 11:15; Joshua 3:13,16

Trapped in Darkness

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." - Ephesians 5:8

In 2010, on a mine in Chile,33 men were trapped for over a month. It took 17 days after the collapse for rescuers to discover that all of the trapped men were still alive, yet getting them out was another thing altogether. After many unbelievable maneuvers, precise techniques, and God's help, each man was pulled to safety and back into the arms of their families.

In many ways, that story is a parable of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All of us are trapped by sin at birth. We live in spiritual darkness. The only hope we have of escaping an eternity of death, doom and darkness is through Jesus Christ. He came down to earth to save us. The only hope we have is to trust in Him.

But, what if one of the miners had said, "I really appreciate all those folks have gone through to get us out, but I'm a tough, strong, dedicated miner. You guys can go if you want to, but I'm gonna try to make it out on my own." What would you think of the miner who said that? You'd think he was an idiot...and he would have been! Sadly, that's exactly how many folks respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ. They really believe that one way or another, they'll make it to heaven on their own. Yet, there is only one way - through Jesus.

No matter how strong, independent and successful you are, if Christ tells the truth, He is your ONLY hope of salvation. I believe He tells the truth. How about you? Are you trapped in the darkness?

Still Hungry? Luke 16:8; John 8:12

In His Likeness

"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. And let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' - Genesis 1:26

Most of us have heard that we're "made in the image of God." But have you ever stopped to think about what it really means? The Hebrew root of the Latin phrase for image of God - imago Dei - means image, shadow or likeness of God. That being said, if we could take a snapshot of God, what would we see and what would it reveal about humans created in God's image? 

Scripture does not imply a visual duplication of God; instead it refers to the nature of God. Like God, man can think and reason. We can create, appreciate beauty and language. And unlike animals, we have an inner sense of morality and the ability to grasp deep concepts. This gives man the ability to commune with God, and that is the real reason God made us in His image.

In the same passage, God addresses our relationship with the earth. One reason God made us in His image is that we are responsible for caring for all of God's creation. We're to be an intermediary between God and all of His creation. How can we manage it unless we stay close to God; unless we think like God; unless we're able to fulfill the will of God? Part of having a relationship with God is having the right relationship with His creation. Being created in His image is an awesome gift, as well as a sacred responsibility.

Still Hungry? Isaiah 45:18; Genesis 3:5; Psalm 100:3; Isaiah 6:8; Psalm 8:5

Confession & Thanksgiving

"...with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints," - 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

Praise, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. These are the things God's Word tells us to include in our prayer life. Now wouldn't it be fascinating if God gave us the statistics showing how much prayer time we spend on our own requests versus how much time is spent thanking God, praising God, or confessing our sins? Now that would be an interesting stat! I know that if He did it for my own prayer life I would see those supplications way up there on that list! 

God's Word tells us that when we pray, we are to have an attitude of thanksgiving. We want to be thankful to the Lord for the many blessings in our life, for the greatest blessing of all - which is the salvation we have in Jesus Christ and the eternal abundant life that He gives us. We ought to have an attitude of thanksgiving. Because, you see, with an attitude of thanksgiving, you will be more joyful and more content with life. Give praise your Lord for these many blessings and discuss your sins with the One who offers forgiveness.

Strive for this balance in your prayer life and see how it draws you closer to the Creator of the Universe.

Still hungry?  Luke 18:1

Pray for Leaders

"However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme." - 2 Samuel 12:14
David had committed a horrible succession of sins. When Nathan confronted David with his sins, David - and give him credit for this - finally confessed and sought the Lord's forgiveness. God did forgive him, but serious consequences remained. The enemies of Israel would now be making fun of God. David's actions had been so alien to the Lord's teachings that he was causing God to be ridiculed. "After all," they would say, "if this man of God who is supposed to be a good man that is your king, if he acts like this...guilty of adultery, murdering the woman's husband and then marrying the woman...hey - you are no different from us!" 

All of us have been around ministries when a spiritual leader falls into sin, and we know the disillusionment within the church. But we also know the mocking outside the body of Christ. "He's supposed to be a man of God! He's no different from me or anybody else!" And that is yet another negative consequence for sin in our lives. Pray for your spiritual leaders. Pray for your government leaders. Pray for those in authority over you, because their sins have terrible repercussions for the lives of many. Pray that they will do right and spare us all the disillusionment.

Still Hungry?  Romans 2:23-24; Isaiah 52:5

Don’t be a Fool?

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:6

There's a story in the Bible that tells of a man named Balaam in Numbers 22. He was headed in the wrong direction. He wanted to please himself and was ignoring God, and so God spoke to him through his donkey. Balaam was furiously mad at the animal! He argued with it and almost beat it to death until he realized that God was seeking to speak to him, to help him get on the right path. Believe me, you make a fool of yourself when you argue with an ass.

Sometimes God will go to extraordinary means to get our attention when we are hell-bent in going our own self-destructive way. It could come through a financial jolt or through a rebellious child. When those times come, getting angry may be foolish, but taking time to listen may be the key to seeking God’s guidance about the right way to go. 

Is God trying to get your attention to keep you from making a fool of yourself? Take time to listen and He'll change your course and get you where you need to go

Still Hungry?  Job 33:11; Isaiah 30:11; Psalm 5:5;  Isaiah 40:13; Jeremiah 42:3

Can He See His Reflection In You?

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 1:7 

Sometimes when we are in the midst of trials we start to wonder — Lord, will it ever end? Well, in case you haven't noticed, it doesn't. But the good news is that with each faith-testing experience, our ability to deal with these trials and tribulations becomes better and our faith grows stronger!

God compares our faith to a most precious and beautiful metal — gold. But when mined, this precious metal doesn't look very precious. It's dirty and black. So, how does gold become beautiful? A refiner takes the gold and carefully melts it in a melting pot — slowly raising the temperature — but never to the point where it boils. As it melts, slowly the impurities rise to the surface and he will scoop away the dross leaving a beautiful pot of gold, ready to become your next ring or bracelet. Here's the amazing part. The refiner knows his job is done when he can look into the melting pot and see a reflection of himself.

The only way gold will become more precious is when it's placed on the fire! In the same way, the impurities of our lives must be exposed to the fire so that the Lord can scoop up the filth that shows itself when we get hot!! Notice, though, that He'll never allow us to boil! And then, when it's all said and done, He can look upon us and see the beauty of His reflection!

Let's not despise the trials we're facing today — on the contrary, let's embrace them! The Lord is using these things to prepare us to do great things for Him! Respond to the Lord by saying, "What do you want me to learn from this today, Lord?" And watch how the Lord blesses you through the fire!

Still Hungry? Job 23:10; Psalm 66:10; Isaiah 48:10; 2 Corinthians 4:17

The Bible - Read It!

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light to my path." - Psalm 119:105

As of 2010, the Bible was the best -selling book of all time - topping 6 billion in sales, not including internet distribution or downloads. So why is it that so many people buy it, but never read it? No book is richer or more timeless than the Bible.

Here is some information about the Bible;

All Scripture is inspired by God. Amazing! Over forty authors, who wrote over a period of 1600 years, were all inspired by the same God to give a clear and coherent message.

It's also profitable for;

Teaching- about God, man, and life.

Reproof -it tells us when we go wrong and need to get right.

Correction- it helps us get on the right track. Like a good doctor, it points out the problem and tells us the cure.

Training in right living- it's a manual for living in a way that's pleasing to God.

Scripture shows us how we can face every challenge with wisdom and strength. I hope you'll read the Bible with the faith that God wants to speak to you through His Word. You just may find the answer to life.

Still Hungry? 2 Peter 1:19; Proverbs 6:23

God Promises Never to Leave You

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have : for he hath said I will never leave thee , nor forsake thee. So that you may boldly say , The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13 :5-6

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying , Eloi, Eloi, Lama SABACHTHANI? My God my God why hast thou forsaken me? Mark.15:34.

Its amazing how we often feel left alone, after meeting d needs of others. We will not be the only ones who often feel that we don't have any one watching over us or who will catch us when we eventually hit rock bottom. I believe that its ethical to feel this way, but very wrong to believe that we are alone and don't have any one to stand in foe us when we re in need. As I go through the scripture in Mark's gospel , the 15th chapter this morning I discovered that even Jesus at a time felt alone for the first time in His entire reign on the earth. He thought the Father has forgotten all about Him and decided to move on with life with out Him. But thank God it wasn't true and that Jesus never believed it, although He said it our loud while in that moment of pain.

God said He will never leave us nor forsake us and He still stand by His Word. Just like Jesus we while at d final lap of His mission thought He has been left alone so also some of us . Always remember that He will never leave you , no matter what. Peace

Still Hungry? Philippians 4:11; 1 Titus 3:3; 1 Titus 6:6-8

What/Who Do Your Friends See in You?

"But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" - Romans 10:4

Did you know that most people make decisions to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ during their teen years? Also, it's during the teen years that most believers make decisions to serve the Lord in full time ministry.

Of all the age groups in our society, teens are most susceptible to peer pressure. No other age group cares more about what others their age think and believe. So, teenage Christians potentially have the greatest opportunity for reaching and impacting other teens - because they spend a lot of time together and know the struggles and issues that teens wrestle with.

A local pastor tells of a teenager at his church who is responsible for leading dozens of his friends to Christ. How does he accomplish this great ministry? Well, it's actually pretty simple. He invites schoolmates to come to church with him. Many accept the invitation, begin attending regularly, and become involved in the many activities the church provides for the youth. This teen is a great missionary by simply bringing his friends to church and then letting the teachers and pastors take it from there. In explaining the young man's amazing success at witnessing to his friends, the pastor says simply, "No one ever told him that witnessing was supposed to be hard!"

There's a song that says, "you're the only Jesus some will ever see."* Think about that for a moment. Who do your friends see in you?

Still Hungry? Galatians 3:24; Romans 7:1-4

Identify With The Name Of God

"A good name is to be more desired than great riches..." - Proverbs 22:1 NLT

Throughout most of history, a person's name was very important. In Biblical times, a person's surname linked them to their genealogy and even their first names often described their circumstances. Although a name might not carry the same significance as in days of old, a person's name still carries a lot of meaning today. What does your name bring to mind?

In the Bible, Solomon said, "A good name is better than a good ointment." In the ancient world, they would often use very rare oils and sweet-smelling perfumes on special occasions - not every day, like we use perfume or after-shave today. Solomon wants us to understand that, even as precious and expensive as those items were, their value didn't compare to a good name.

You can put on perfume or aftershave and you'll smell good for a short time, but a good name is lasting. It stays with you wherever you go, in every setting in life.

What do people think when they hear your name? Is it good or bad? I have good news. When you put God first and follow His teaching, over time, identifying with His name will help you develop a good name, regardless of what your name is.

Still Hungry? Ecclesiastes 7:1

The Faith That changes Circumstances!!

And she said, Truth Lord yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Matthew 15:27

What a remarkable lesson to learn from this great woman of faith!

She was caught up in a situation where the only person who had the answer to her circumstance was not sent to her, but to others He is yet to reach.

I wonder if I where that woman what could have been my reaction, after been told that what am demanding for is impossible just because am not from any of the tribe of Israel, or from Judah. She didn't even see it as an insult to be called a dog. On like some of us today. that would have been it. We would have even called Jesus a racist. There are a lot of people out there who has sworn not to follow Jesus just because of what they went through in the hands of some so called Christians , even if it means them going to hell.

This simple act of this woman thought me a great lesson about faith and also helped me to reconsider the true meaning of faith. She ignored the reactions of Jesus' disciples and kept on calling on Him for help, knowing that what they think about her is not as important as what she is demanding for. She used her faith instead of her feelings.

Hebrews 11:1 defined faith as the substance of things hoped for and evidence not seen.

Two things where made obvious right here in Hebrews 11: 1 regarding faith.

i Patience

ii Consistency

Although she was told she couldn't get what she requested for, from the master because she is a foreigner, but she persist. She kept using her faith, raising it up above the boundaries that has been set before her by people, religion and culture.

Although she was insulted by the one person she trusted could be of help to her,  she kept her cool and remained patient. She just knew that if this man in front of her is truly the Son  of God that most of the prophets talked about before His appearance, He will certainly respond to my faith and put culture, religion and prejudice aside and reach out to help me.         

Of course Jesus saw this and broke all protocol. And He said to the woman Oh woman great is thy faith: let it be unto you as you have said.  

God will never restrain anything from you that your faith can handle, so start using your faith instead of repeating the problem! 

Embrace the Trials

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 1:7 KJV

Sometimes when we are in the midst of trials we start to wonder — Lord, will it ever end? In case you haven't noticed, it doesn't. But the good news is that with each faith-testing experience, our ability to deal with these trials and tribulations becomes better and our faith grows stronger!

In this scripture, God compares our faith to a most precious and beautiful metal — gold. But when mined, this precious metal doesn't look very precious! It's dirty looking and black. How does gold become beautiful? A refiner takes the gold and carefully melts it in a melting pot — slowly raising the temperature — but never to the point where it boils. As it melts, slowly the impurities rise to the surface and he will scoop away the dross leaving a beautiful pot of gold, ready to become your next ring or bracelet. Here's the amazing part. The refiner knows his job is done when he can look into the melting pot and see a reflection of himself.

The only way gold will become more precious is when it's placed on the fire! In the same way, the impurities of our lives must be exposed to the fire so that the Lord can scoop up the filth that shows itself when we get hot!! Notice, though, that He'll never allow us to boil! And then, when it's all said and done, He can look upon us and see the beauty of His reflection!

Let's not despise the trials we're facing today — on the contrary, let's embrace them! The Lord is using these things to prepare us to do great things for Him! Respond to the Lord today by saying what do you want me to learn from this today, Lord? And watch how the Lord blesses you through the fire!

Still Hungry? 1 Peter 4:3; James 1:3; Job 23:10; Psalm 66:10

Talents that Bring God Glory

Using the talents that God has blessed us; with to bring honor and glory to Him. Expanding in worship and praise through the gifts of the spirit and showing character through the fruit of the spirit and to increase in love, in faith, in self-control and discipline, in relevant fear to God in generosity, patience, in endurance, in godliness and in brotherly affection. Escaping the corruption of this world; caused by human desire (lust). The more you grow like this the more productive and useful you become in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Work hard to prove yourself that you are really among those who are called and chosen by God. Do these things and you will never fall away. But those who fail to develop in this way are short sighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. Like gold in the furnace may we be tried and tested to be proven by God, not the praise of man

Still Hungry? 2 Peter 1:3-11; 1 Peter 4:1-3; Hebrews 12:1-13; Ephesians 4:17-31; 2 Corinthians 10:12

After Easter

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 

We traveled the unknown road leading up to Easter. We wept on Good Friday, pondered through Silent Saturday, and exuberantly rejoiced on Easter Sunday.

And now we live in the After Easter Weeks. We will attend a funeral soon. A friend is still hospitalized with cancer and another family is in the throes of confusion and sadness because their runaway son shows no sign of change. A husband is walking out the door from his wife and children.

Jesus walked and talked with his friends for over a month after His miraculous resurrection. With few exceptions, we are not privy to His words and actions. What we are sure of is that Jesus spoke two profound words which overflowed with both hope and challenge: wait and go. His disciples and friends needed to wait for the promised Holy Spirit power and then go to a hungry, broken world with the resurrection message.
It is no different for us. Through grace and by faith we are filled with the Holy Spirit and we are commissioned to go. We live in the weeks after Easter until He returns.

Think about it; So now is the time to go and tell. Begin the journey on the road with Jesus right beside you. You will never be the same.

Still Hungry?  Romans 6:13; Galatians 6:15; Romans 6:4; John 1:13; Revelation 21:4-5

The Enemy's Way of Deception

The serpent was more crafty [shrewd] than any beast of the field (Genesis 3:1)

We may mistakenly believe that we get to decide what our families do and don't do. However, God is the architect of the family.  When we choose to bypass His principles, we set ourselves up for failure.  Adam and Eve discovered this in a very painful way.  They knew what God had commanded them to do.  Yet they made a choice to do the opposite.

By yielding to Satan's wicked scheme, they lost everything—their home, the opportunity for a safe family environment, and, most importantly, the loving fellowship they once had with God.  Suddenly, they felt emotions that they did not know existed—guilt, fear and isolation.

Under no circumstances is sin acceptable. For example, adultery is always wrong.  Yet often, what we see portrayed in our society is the opposite of this. Why? The Enemy wants to trick us into believing that sin is just a normal part of life, and God is the one who is out of touch with reality.

The family is under Satan's full attack today. In fact, from that moment in the garden of Eden, the Enemy has been seeking to destroy what God created because he knows it is the very best and will lead to eternal joy and fulfillment. 
If you have fallen prey to his attack, ask the Lord to forgive you.  Turn back to God's principles, love your spouse and joy will return to your heart.

Think about it; Satan must destroy the family in order for his plan to work.

Still Hungry? 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9

Would Anyone Know You Are A Christian?

"After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body." - John 19:38

In our wildest imaginations, we can't visualize the horror of death by crucifixion. It was the most wretched form of execution man has ever devised. It was such a degrading thing that those crucified could not be buried in a traditional cemetery. Very often their bodies were just cast on the garbage dump outside the city. Since He was to be crucified, Jesus would have to be considered unclean and denied burial in a Jewish cemetery.

But for some reason, a rich man intervened.

Joseph of Arimathea was a very wealthy and powerful Jew. Even though he was a member of the ruling council, he had at some time chosen to become a follower of Christ. But, he was also afraid of what his fellow Jews would think and what it would do to his wealth, prominence, and influence. So, to protect himself, he kept his love for Christ a secret. Yet, there was something in Jesus' death that caused him to go public. In fact, he went so public that he went before Pilate and ask for permission to bury Jesus in a tomb that had been reserved for his family. Now that was a public profession of faith!

Let me ask you a question. In your daily life, are you really one of those secret Christians? Would people at the office know for sure that you're a follower of Christ? Would your family? Would your neighbors?

Let us, use Joseph's example to move from being a "secret" follower to a "public" professor of Christ.

Still Hungry?  Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-58

Blessed Is The King Who Comes In The Name Of The Lord!

"And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'" - Mark 11:9
Just imagine what it must have been like to be there as Jesus entered Jerusalem on that day of Passover! The people waved palm branches and cried, “Blessed is the King Who comes in the name of the Lord! Crowds gathered and extolled Him. They rejoiced in His powers of healing, in the miracles He’d performed; His popularity reigned supreme. 

But the Pharisees did not like it. “Teacher, reprove Your disciples!” And notice that they didn't call Jesus “King.” They called Him "teacher." To them, Jesus was no greater than any other teacher. Even more, He had become a threat to their "authority."

Is it any different today? As some celebrate the majesty of our King today, are there those who would like to silence our voices of praise and exultation?

Yes. There are.

There are those today who would like to still our voices; they’d like us to go away. There are those who scoff and see Jesus as no greater than any other religious leader. There are even those who rejoice in all the miracles Jesus performed, and later left Him alone to be crucified. Which are we?

Those of us who know Him as Savior and Lord cannot be silenced by a few who would “reprove” us. We stand in allegiance to Him as the empty cross is lifted. We do not run away or cower in the face of difficulty and impending doom. We want the world to know that Jesus Christ is King. And He offers a peace that no other can give. He offers a freedom no other can sustain. He offers a Kingdom, no other can create. Let us praise His holy name!

Still Hungry? Psalm 118:26; Matthew 23:39

Sphere of Stewardship

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10

The second sphere God has entrusted to us is talent. This area includes the skills that God has bestowed on us for His purpose. A more specific word for a Christian's talent would be giftedness. God doesn't give us talent just so we can benefit from it—it's meant to benefit others.

We live in the "me" generation. Everyone only wants to be served, not to serve. There is not an overflow of God's goodness coming out of the hearts of people. But Romans 12 describes how God has given us gifts for the purpose of serving others: "Through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another" 

Paul said we shouldn't get the wrong idea about who we are and lose sight of God's grace. We are who we are by God's grace; therefore, we should be willing to serve Him with all He has given us. In this way, others will grow in their relationship with Him. If we are only recipients of God's gifts and not conduits of His grace, we are abusing the stewardship role.

Thank about it? God expects that since He is good to you, you should be good to somebody else.

Still Hungry?  Romans 12:6,7

What Will You Do With Jesus?

"Pilate said to them, 'Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?'" - Matthew 27:22

There was nothing remarkable about His looks. He had attracted a large following but few committed followers. He had no wealth - not even a home of His own. Yet He was the object of an unmitigated hatred from a mob. Standing before him was an itinerant preacher. Over 2,000 years ago, a man named Pilate asked the most important question in his life. Pilate asked, "What shall I do with this man?" As the mob cried for His execution, the man, Jesus Christ, stood silently as Pilate cowardly sentenced Him to death on the cross.

The question Pilate asked is ultimately one all of us have to ask. What shall I do with this man, Jesus? 

He loves you, even when you could not care less about Him. He cared enough to pay the penalty for your sin. What will you do with Jesus? Your eternal destiny hangs in the balance by how you respond.

Still Hungry? Matthew 21:16

Soul Food

"I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever;" - John 6:51

Did you know that the ultimate "soul food" is the Bread of Life? Have you tasted this bread? Do you know about it? This food makes you feel satisfied and content, sort of like your favorite meal. Now, don't get me wrong, some of my most satisfying times are spent enjoying good soul food with close friends and family...fried chicken, macaroni and cheese. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Okay, back to the devotion.

As good as all that soul food sounds, only the Bread of Life provides lasting satisfaction and contentment. Jesus tells us He is the Bread of Life, the ultimate soul food, because only He provides us with spiritual nourishment that lasts.

During the Passover meal the night before His crucifixion, He broke bread with the disciples. He said the bread symbolized His body and that He would be broken on the cross. Christ wanted all of us to know He is the Bread of Life: the only food that brings contentment and fulfillment to our souls.

I love soul food, especially the ultimate soul food, the Bread of Life-Jesus Christ.

Still Hungry? John 10:10-11; John 6:35, 41,58; Hebrews 10:10

What Do We Do With This Kind of Messiah?

"The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!' When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, 'This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.'" - Matthew 21:6-11

The crowds believed Jesus was the Messiah who had come to establish Israel’s independence from Rome. But they wanted a King Messiah who would be their political hero. In fact, the whole scene replicates a King or General’s triumphant entry into a city. It all seemed so perfect and hopeful.

The only problem was: Jesus wasn’t that kind of Messiah.

The irony may have been lost on the people at the time, the way it is lost on most of us today, but Jesus’ “triumphal entry” was not that of a General or a warrior. No, such men ride stallions. Jesus rode in on a donkey. The donkey revealed Jesus to be an humble peasant on a peace mission, not a military warrior.

But, as we know, Jesus had a way of constantly turning everything upside down! He rode in on a donkey for His triumphal entry and not only established this irony, but lifted up the lowly donkey in the process. (Note that it was a donkey that had carried Jesus and Mary at the before He was born, as they rode into Bethlehem.)

Again Jesus showed us that the very thing which we think has no value, has tremendous value in God’s eyes. Jesus challenged our values and our notions of supremacy in every way, from our political power to the cruel power we dare to exercise over God’s created world and God’s beloved creatures.

So, what are we to do with this kind of Messiah?

We do not want to conquer evil with peace, humility, and non-violence. We would rather resort to violence and power. He comes in peace and humility and rides in on a donkey. That’s why, just a week later, when these would-be followers realized Jesus' goal was one of peace, they stopped shouting “Hosanna” and started shouting “Crucify Him!” 

You see, Jesus didn’t want to just liberate us from our temporal enemies, Jesus wanted to liberate us from all of our enemies, from the source of our problems: sin, evil, and death itself! This is the victory that Jesus won

Still Hungry? 2 Kings 9:13- Matthew 9:27- Matthew 23:39- Luke 7:16