Shows
Applying the BibleBeware of…
But he said to them, “How can they say that the Christ is David’s son? For David himself says in the Book of Psalms, “‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”’ David thus calls him Lord, so how is he his son?” And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows...2025-02-1305 min
Applying the BibleThe Kingdom of God is in the Midst of You
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” (Luke 17:20-21)
Here we see that the Pharisees questioned Jesus about the coming of the kingdom of God. They expected a grand, visible display that matched their misinterpretation of Scripture. They had envisioned a temporal kingdom with political power, not realizing that the true kingdom was spiritual and already...2024-08-2907 min
Applying the BibleYour Faith Has Made You Well
On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samarita...2024-08-2212 min
Applying the BibleWe are Unworthy Servants
“Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” (Luke 17:7-10)
Before we jump...2024-08-1509 min
Applying the BibleBlessed Rather Are Those
As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:27-28)
On our first reading, we see a woman yell out that basically Mary is super blessed and Jesus responds with “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” But what on earth is happening here, what does this mean, and what can we glean from i...2023-10-2607 min
Applying the BibleWorse Than the First
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.” (Luke 11:24-26)
This may seem to have changed topic, but it is continuing Jesus’ thought train. He had been talking to the Pharisees...2023-10-1908 min
Applying the BibleA Kingdom Divided
Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. And if I cast o...2023-10-0506 min
Applying the BibleLet Me First Go and Bury
To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:59-60)
Last week, we saw someone come to Jesus saying they would follow Him wherever He went, but this week we see Jesus initiated the conversation to another in saying, “Follow Me”. We don’t actually know what the previous person’s response was after being told the cost of not having a place to lay their head. H...2023-06-1510 min
Applying the BibleHow You Hear
“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.” (Luke 8:16-18)
Jesus uses a familiar physical example to e...2022-12-0105 min
Applying the BibleHeart Soil
“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 8:5-8)
This parable is not only...2022-11-1711 min
Applying the BibleSome Women
Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. (Luke 8:1-3)
When we read about how Jesus had chosen twelve disciples and these men followed Jesus during His three-year earthly ministry, it can be ea...2022-11-1007 min
Applying the BibleGo In Peace
Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:47-50)
Jesus had just told Simon the Pharisee about a moneylender who had cancelled the debts of two people, one large debt and the other a small debt. The Pharisee rightly judged t...2022-11-0305 min
Applying the BibleJudging Rightly
Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” (Luke 7:39-40)
Isn’t it interesting that it says the Pharisee said to himself – referring to that internal dialogue we have with ourselves, and yet Jesus answered him directly. Jesus didn’t come right out and say, “Look dude, I...2022-10-2706 min
Applying the BibleComplete Adoration
One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he s...2022-10-2005 min
Applying the BibleRespond with Repentance
I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.) (Luke 7:28-30)
As Jesus spoke of John the Baptist to the crowd, of whom Pharisees and lawyers were, His focus was on the kingdom of God and th...2022-10-1304 min
Applying the BibleWhen God Answers
And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is...2022-10-0605 min
Applying the BibleCompassion on Others
As [Jesus] drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. (Luke 7:1...2022-09-2910 min
Applying the BibleMaking Jesus Marvel
When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” (Luke 7:9)
The centurion that Jesus marveled at demonstrated not only great faith, but great kindness, respect, and humility. His servant was sick and dying and the centurion valued the life of his servant. Although he had authority, he didn’t even have to strongarm anyone into going to Jesus, the elders of the Jews pleaded earnestly with Jesus on behalf of this centurion. And when Jesus was not fa...2022-09-2205 min
Applying the BibleBe Well Built
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the st...2022-09-1505 min
Applying the BibleWhen You Speak
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)
A couple verses before this Jesus says that good trees bear good fruit and bad trees bear bad fruit. He uses the natural to explain the human state that is unseen, and often denied through pride.
It is plain when Jesus says that what we hold inside, our thoughts, our motives, the abundance – it is the well in which ou...2022-09-0804 min
Applying the BibleSpecks and Logs
He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypo...2022-09-0104 min
Applying the BibleBe Like Your Teacher
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone, when fully trained will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40
It’s easy to understand that, as followers of Jesus, we aren’t above Him. Yet, when we’ve been fully trained, we will be like Jesus as co-heirs with Him.
This is double sided though, because while being trained by Jesus will result in you being like Jesus, if you are submitting yourself to be trained under anyone else, guess who you’re going to be like?
Called to Holiness
God has called u...2022-08-2506 min
Applying the BibleJudge Not. Forgive. Give with Good Measure.
Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. (Luke 6:37-38)
Judge Not
This is often a phrase used by non-believers whenever Christians state something the Bible says that exposes sin. But it is important to understand what Jesus is really saying here to be effective in...2022-08-1806 min
Applying the BibleBut Jesus Said
But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. (Luke 6:27-31)
As Jesus says this, He’s talking to...2022-08-1105 min
Applying the BibleBlessed are the Hated
Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. (Luke 6:22-23)
As we wrap up the last Beatitude, it is a beautiful encouragement in light of what every follower of Jesus will face. We know that as followers of Jesus we will have tribulation, just as Jesus and Paul stated very clearly.
...2022-08-0408 min
Applying the BibleBlessed are Those Who Weep
Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. (Luke 6:21b)
In this continuation of the Beatitudes, Jesus has already covered the circumstance (blessed are you who are poor), the need (blessed are you who are hungry), and now He addresses the emotional – Blessed are you who weep now. In all these, Jesus speaks to the spiritual using the physical.
In using the word weep, this doesn’t just mean to cry. This word in the Greek means to wail with grief – like think snot nose ugly crying – over something that has pained you tremendo...2022-07-2805 min
Applying the BibleBlessed are the Hungry
Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. (Luke 6:21a)
As Jesus continued in the Beatitudes, He again speaks in a simultaneous literal and figurative manner, addressing the very poor and hungry people in front of Him but also referring to their spiritual state and the promises of God.
The Greek Foundation
Last week we mentioned how the word for “blessed” means to be well off and happier. In the same way, Jesus speaks of how those who are hungry now are blessed because they will be satisfied. What does...2022-07-2104 min
Applying the BibleBlessed are the Poor
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. (Luke 6:20b)
Jesus had been healing multitudes of people, and then He turned His attention to His disciples as He began to speak what we call the Beatitudes. In this first verse of the Beatitudes, there can be a few ways to interpret what “poor” means, but we know that whomever Jesus is referring, theirs is the kingdom of God. In Matthew 5, when Jesus gives the Sermon on the Mount, He says something very similar - Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is t...2022-07-1406 min
Applying the BibleThe Power to Heal
And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all. (Luke 6:19)
As I read through this, I’ll be honest, I found myself feeling a bit jealous of those people. I have battled with chronic illness for years and have prayed over and over to be completely healed and it hasn’t happened yet. I found myself wishing I had Jesus physically here to touch the way these crowds of people did and were healed as the power came out from Him and healed them all. Then this little thou...2022-07-0705 min
Applying the BibleMake Prayerful Decisions
In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles. (Luke 6:12-13)
Jesus knew the Father was calling Him to select men to personally disciple, yet even being the Son of God, He prayed all night long as He sought the Father’s guidance on which men to choose.
How do you make your decisions?
Do you pray real quick right before making a decision and th...2022-06-3005 min
Applying the BibleRestored By Obedience
On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” A...2022-06-2304 min
Applying the BibleHow You Identify
And the Pharisees grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:30-32)
As Jesus sat and shared a meal with tax collectors and others, the pharisees judged Him and His disciples for it. Notice how the Pharisees directed their grumbles to Jesus’ disciples, but Jesus jumped in and responded by telling them who He came for - “I have not c...2022-06-1607 min
Applying the BibleYour Sins Are Forgiven
And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”— he said to the man who was paralyzed —“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.”...2022-06-0906 min
Applying the BibleLife is Short, Pray Hard
And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” (Luke 5:18-20)
The paralyzed man wouldn’t have been able to get to Jesus, but his friends faithfully carried him and laid him before...2022-06-0205 min
Applying the BibleMaking Time to Withdraw
But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. (Luke 5:16)
Continually throughout the gospels, we see Jesus withdrawing to desolate places in between serving and it was to spend time in prayer with His Father. How different His effectiveness in ministry would have been if He wouldn’t have intentionally set this time aside.
Often Jesus is thought of as somehow supernaturally more empowered than us when He was here fulfilling His earthly ministry because He is God. But we have to remember that just because He didn’t separate from His deity didn’t mean H...2022-05-2606 min
Applying the BibleFishers of Men
And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:10-11)
The way fishers back then caught fish was usually with wide nets. They’d cast them into the water, drag them along, and pull up to have caught a net full of fish. Today, we have many methods of fishing - fishing pole catching one fish at a time, a handheld net catching possibly a few at a time, and the wide nets as of...2022-05-1904 min
Applying the BibleChurch People
And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon.. (Luke 4:31-33a)
Jesus went into the synagogue teaching on the Sabbath and in there was a demon possessed man. Don’t you wonder what a man who was demon possessed was doing in a synagogue?
This really brings front and center that just because someone is in a ch...2022-05-1206 min
Applying the BibleWalking With Purpose
And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
And he rolled up the scroll and ga...2022-05-0506 min
Applying the BibleLed With Purpose
And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry… And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. (Luke 4:1-2, 13)
The Holy Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The Holy Spirit knew exactly why He had led Jesus there and it was in the Father’s will that Jesus be equi...2022-04-2807 min
Applying the BibleTreasured Up
But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart… And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. (Luke 2:19 & Luke 2:51)
As the shepherds came that night, worshipping the Son whom the angels had told them of, Mary treasured up that experience in her heart. As she listened to how her 12 year old Son was in the synagogue and spoke of being in His Father’s house, Mary didn’t understand it all, but she treasured up that experi...2022-04-2105 min
Applying the BibleGrowing Strong in the Wilderness
And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel. (Luke 1:80)
This verse is speaking of John the Baptist. John grew and was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel. I don’t know about you, but when I think of my children growing up and living their adult life, I wouldn’t in a million years think that they would live in the wilderness, eating locusts and honey and wearing camel hair outfits. However, as a Christian pare...2022-04-1406 min
Applying the BibleServing Through Affliction
And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. (Luke 1:21-23)
When the angel Gabriel had visited Zechariah and told him that his wife, Elizabeth, would have a child, Zechariah responded with doubt. The consequence was being mute until the prophecy of...2022-04-0707 min
Applying the BibleA Finished Masterpiece in Progress
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
God the Father sees those in Christ as righteousness and pure, not because of our own righteousness but because of the finished work of Jesus on our behalf. If you’re at all like me, this is something that is not...2022-03-3105 min
Applying the BibleResist or Be Resisted
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:6-7)
God gives grace to the humble. This is something that in mere surface understanding we may feel like we’ll of course receive – because we’re all humble, right? But when met with such strong language revealing that “God resists the proud”, it should stir us to take a moment to think on the posture of our heart openly and honestly before God. We may appear...2022-03-2406 min
Applying the BibleMake Disciples
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
When Harriet Tubman made her way to freedom, finally crossing into the free state of Pennsylvania, she recalled that “there was such a glory over everything” and that “the sun came like gold through the trees, and over the fields, and I felt like I was in heaven.”...2022-03-1705 min
Applying the BibleRewarded for Your Work
But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded. (2 Chronicles 15:7)
I’ll be honest, living with chronic illness is a daily battle of whether I’m going to give in to the opposition of my body fighting against me, as well as the enemy who is never far behind symptom flares striking blows at me, or whether I’m going to press in even deeper into Jesus and trust that His grace will be sufficient for yet another day. I wish I could say that everyday I wake up and am...2022-03-1005 min
Applying the BibleThe Painful Process of Healing
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to...2022-03-0306 min
Applying the BibleSeek & Worship
After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. (2 Chronicles 20:1,3)
This king set such a good example of how to respond when faced with bad circumstances. Here’s what we can glean from king Jehoshaphat:
When you’re afraid, seek the LORD!
As a great multitude had come against Israel, King Jehoshaphat faced an inevitable battle that he knew he couldn’t win and he was af...2022-02-2407 min
Applying the BibleGraciously Giving
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)
In this section of Romans 8, it is a focus on God’s love for us: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?… No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor th...2022-02-1705 min
Applying the BibleLike A Tree
O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes your fruit. (Hosea 14:8)
As the prophet Hosea wrote this, the nation of Israel was in a state of disobedience to God. They had once again gone after idols, forsaking the one and only true God. As God speaks directly to the tribe of Ephraim, pointing out that He is not like the idols, He is alive, responding and looking after His people, He then uses a simile that can get...2022-02-1006 min
Applying the BibleCount it all Joy
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (James 1:2-3)
If you’ve been a Christian and gone through trials, you’ve probably been quoted this verse before. Most of the time the focus is on counting it joy when you meet trials, but today let’s focus on the second half of the verse and the reason in which we can count it all joy.
“for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:3) That word for “...2022-02-0305 min
Applying the BibleBlessed are the Merciful
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
As Jesus saw the crowds and sat down to teach them, He speaks this profound sequence of blessings upon types of people and what is theirs, they shall be, they shall inherit, and in this one verse, what they shall receive.
On initial reading, this may seem like a pretty straight forward thing – be merciful and receive mercy – yet when we take a closer look, the implications are much deeper.
When it says, “Blessed are the merciful”, that word for merciful is only used 2 t...2022-01-2706 min
Applying the BibleThe Places You'll Go
Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. John 4:1-4
As this chapter in John continues, we read that Jesus came to Samaria, wearied from the journey in the heat of the day, and he sat down by the well in which He meets a Samaritan woman. Most people know this account pretty well – Jesus has a conversation with her, speaking pr...2022-01-2007 min
Applying the BibleIs Normal Life Returning?
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight…This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. (Acts 1: 8-9,11b)
As we approached the beginning of 2022, there was talk spread over social circ...2022-01-1304 min
Applying the BibleNew Year, Same God
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them… Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Hebrews 13:8-9,15
Every January brings about a new year in our recording of time, but it also tends to bring a feeling of hope and excitement as we start a ne...2022-01-0605 min
Applying the BibleRemember not, nor Consider
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-19)
As we are about to exit the year 2021 and enter a new year, the Lord has been reminding me of this verse frequently. There have been so many things in the past that have caused hurt, heartache, and lasting effects, but they don’t get to have a place in my remembrance or consideration unless I al...2021-12-3007 min
Applying the BibleBeholding the Face of God
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20b)
Behold, I am coming soon. (Revelation 22:7,12,20)
As we celebrate the coming of Jesus, as a tiny babe in the manger, I can’t help but look forward to the work He did on the cross and to the end when Jesus will come back. After He had died and rose again and was getting ready to ascend into heaven, He told His disciples to make disciples and that He will be with us always. When giving John the revelation of Hi...2021-12-2305 min
Applying the BibleTrust in the LordIn looking over the different people involved in the birth account of Jesus, do you see a theme?
Mary and Joseph were the first to know and they trusted in the message from God that the angels told them, both with pregnancy and in fleeing to Egypt. (Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:13-15)
The shepherds heard the message from God as the host of angels proclaimed to them in the field and they trusted that it truly meant ALL people as they walked to find Jesus. (Luke 2:8-20)
The wisemen saw the star and trusted the prophecies God...2021-12-1604 min
Applying the BibleA Servant Follows
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. (Matthew 2:1-4)
In the days when Jesus was born, there were...2021-12-0907 min
Applying the BibleThe Chosen OutcastsIn India’s history, there was a time in which their society was made up of castes, or social classes. There became four primary castes and the people in them would identify strongly with their caste, shunning people in any other caste. Even still, the lowest were the people who didn’t belong to any caste. These people were the outcasts.
In the time of Jesus’ birth, shepherds were the outcasts of society. They were the lowest of the low, spending their time with smelly sheep day in and day out, and yet it was to the shephe...2021-12-0207 min
Applying the BibleThe LORD is Your PortionOut of anguish of his soul he shall see light and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the numerous, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sins of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:11-12
I know usually the bible verses you see around Thanksgiving involve giving thanks, but as...2021-11-2407 min
Applying the BibleRejoice, Patient, Constant in PrayerRejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
God calls us individually to do different things in life, but there are also things He calls ALL His followers to, and this verse tells us three things He expects His children to do.
REJOICE IN HOPE
When we look at the three things mentioned in this one little verse, it is interesting that the first thing mentioned is rejoicing in hope, since the other two things are a bit weightier. Isn’t this just like God though, to encourage our he...2021-11-1808 min
Applying the BiblePerfect PeaceYou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3)
When looking at the world and the chaos going on around us, it can be hard to stop and have peace. On first read through of this verse, it may appear that we have to strive to be in God’s perfect peace. Yet God Himself, our Prince of Peace, makes us a conditional promise that HE WILL keep us in perfect peace IF we stay our mind on Him. And if you really stop to analyze this ve...2021-11-1115 min
Applying the BibleGod Sees YouSo she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees me,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” (Genesis 16:13)
As Hagar fled an abusive situation, she settled in the wilderness and I can only imagine the thoughts that ran through her mind as she thought through her past, tried to wrap her mind around what to do in her present, and the fear she must have felt over not knowing what on earth her future might hold. It wasn’t a great time to be a wo...2021-11-0408 min
Applying the BibleSeek First the Kingdom of GodTherefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:31-33)
As Jesus taught this to His disciples, I can’t help but wonder if they were reminded of their living conditions as they traveled around without a bed to sleep in, gleaned wheat as they walked, and had only what they c...2021-10-2809 min
Applying the BibleThe LORD my ShepherdAs my husband leads us through 1 Samuel, it has been really interesting to read the Psalms that David wrote as they correlate to what he went through during the various season of his life. One Psalm in particular, that seemingly covers a broad spectrum of David’s understanding of the LORD and His intervention in his life, is in Psalm 23:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He le...2021-10-2112 min
Applying the BibleThe Good Plans of ElohimIn the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)
Even just the very first verse of the Bible tells us so much about our great God. He is referred to here in the Hebrew as Elohim, which is a masculine noun and plural in number. From the start, He showed us His existence as One God, yet plural persons.
He also showed us that He was outside of time, because He started our timeline “in the beginning” when He began to create all that is made. In fact, this one little verse shows us t...2021-10-1412 min
Applying the BibleJehovah Rapha - God is my HealerIn Exodus 15, the people of Israel had left Egypt and had just finished singing the praises of God in thanksgiving, when they came to the realization that there was no water to drink and the only water they found in the wilderness was bitter. Moses cried out to God and this was God’s response:
…”and the LORD showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the LORD made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voic...2021-10-0711 min
Applying the BibleA Pleasing Sacrifice“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)
When you hear the word sacrifice, what comes to mind? For some it will be a thing you must give up, a burden of sorts, and to others it will be pleasant thing being more of a gift given, but what about when we read that we are to continually offer up a sa...2021-09-3007 min
Applying the BibleWoe to Hypocrisy“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you – but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.” (Matthew 23:2-4)
There’s so much that could be covered in this section of Scripture, but today we’ll focus on two things: hypocrisy and heavy burdens.
Jesus called for respect to t...2021-09-2307 min
Applying the BibleGrowing in Grace & KnowledgeIn the final words of Peter’s second letter it says, “be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do with the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take...2021-09-1607 min
Applying the BibleDo You Love Me?When Peter denied Jesus 3 times, he went away and wept bitterly. We really don’t see much of Peter until after Jesus’ resurrection though. The first two times Peter saw Jesus, it was when He appeared to the disciples from behind a locked door. In that first appearing, Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21-22) and in the second appearing He addressed Thomas’ doubt directly.
I don’t know abo...2021-09-0909 min
Applying the BibleGo & Work TodayRight after the exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees on the authority in which He and John the Baptists were operating in, Jesus continued the conversation with the Parable of the Two Sons.
“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not’, but afterwards he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir’, but did not go. Which of the two did the will o...2021-09-0208 min
Applying the BibleTake HeartTake heart. That phrase is one that Jesus used during His time here on earth and even beyond, when He spoke to Paul as he was being jailed for Christ’s name sake.
In the Greek, “take heart” or tharseō, is a verb that means to be of good courage, cheer, and comfort, and the root words stem from words meaning to exercise courage, confidence, and boldness.
And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins...2021-08-2607 min
Applying the BibleBlessing or RebukeIn Matthew 16, right after Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, Jesus says to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17) Yet in the very next section as Jesus tells His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things, be killed, and raised on the third day, we see a completely different interaction between Peter and Jesus:
“And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you...2021-08-1907 min
Applying the BibleThe Hand of GodIn Ezra 7, during the time of Artaxerxes, Ezra was a scribe among his people in Babylonia. He ended up being sent by the king to Jerusalem to the remnant who had gone and rebuilt the temple in order to teach the people the Law of the LORD, but there’s something very distinct that we see recur throughout this chapter:
“He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the LORD, the God of Israel, had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on h...2021-08-1205 min
Applying the BibleMercy, Not SacrificeIn Matthew 9, Jesus responded to the Pharisees who had asked why He eats with tax collectors and sinners by saying, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but the sinners.” (Matthew 9:12-13)
Then only a few chapters later, we see the follow up in Matthew 12, as the Pharisees were taking issue with the disciples plucking heads of grain on the Sabbath as they were walking through the grain fields, errantly...2021-08-0508 min
Applying the BibleGreetings!In Acts 15, an issue had arisen in which the false gospel was being taught that circumcision was required for salvation. As the council was setting out to write a letter in which Paul and Barnabas would deliver, the letter starts out, “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers and sisters who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.” (Acts 15:23)
Greetings.
This may seem like a small thing in such an important letter, but it really is rather huge. Throughout the New Testament, we typically see the greeting rese...2021-07-2906 min
Applying the BibleYour Gift to Give“Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” (Acts 11:19-21)
As persecution kicks in, it tends to do a number on the Church, which can be both good and bad. In the...2021-07-2206 min
Applying the BibleSubmit & ResistIn the beginning of Matthew 4, we read about the Spirit leading Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. I’ve written a deep study of this portion of scripture in the post Where the Spirit Leads, but today we’re going to focus on the aspect of resisting the devil and the example Jesus gave us to doing it victoriously.
James 4:7 tells us to “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Most of us understand the concept of submitting to God and His will in our lives, and we w...2021-07-1508 min
Applying the BibleSpiritual Life CycleWhen you hear or read John 3:16 as a reference or start to hear or read, “For God so loved the world…”, what comes into your mind?
I’ll admit, that with this being the most cited verse growing up, in all the church camps and bible studies I went to, it unfortunately had become rather mindless to recite or read, as if simply tapping into the rote memory of it, all while passing over the comprehension of it.
As I grew into adulthood and into a deeper personal relationship with Jesus, I started to relook at that...2021-07-0807 min
Applying the BibleSending the MightyBeing in the recording studio and going through the creative process was an incredible experience, one that God completely protected – as it felt like being in a bubble that the enemy wasn’t allowed to pop. Now that I’m home and the recording is all completed, but yet with more work ahead leading up to the release of this album, some feelings of doubt have come in little waves.
Don’t get me wrong, I am excited to release this and I’ve been working on it for years through ridiculous physical battles of chronic illness, in which t...2021-07-0106 min
Applying the BibleOur Perfect BridegroomAs I celebrate my 15th wedding anniversary today, I am reminded of not only the wonderful man that God joined me with as one flesh, and God’s amazing grace in bringing us together, but I’m also reminded of my Bridegroom Jesus, the perfect husband to His Bride, the Church.
It doesn’t take being married here on earth to understand the role and relationship of Jesus in our lives though. Just as He joined the very first couple together as one flesh, our great, great, great grands Adam and Eve, as a picture of unity, Jesus...2021-06-2407 min
Applying the BibleOur God and FatherFather’s Day is just around the corner and has got me thinking about my Heavenly Father. He is the best Daddy to all His children and He gives good gifts to us, blessing us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). Even those who don’t have a Dad present in their life, He is the Father to the fatherless, and will never leave or forsake us. (Psalm 68:5; Deuteronomy 31:6)
As I think on the good gifts that He has given, the main things that stand out to me are His unconditional love, physical life, abun...2021-06-1706 min
Applying the BibleAnswering the CallI saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am l...2021-06-1014 min
Applying the BibleA Worker Approved by GodI have been reading through 1 & 2 Timothy and some things really stuck out to me (bold emphasized) as a need to repent and change.
Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything….Remind them of these things, an...2021-06-0307 min
Applying the BibleIn RemembranceMemorial Day is coming up and it is important to remember those who have selflessly sacrificed for our freedom here as Americans, not becoming calloused to the ultimate sacrifice of their lives that they gave as they served.
I can only imagine a man, being a husband and father, in battle tirelessly fighting and facing fatigue of his body feeling as though he could barely go on, yet his mind being steadfast and purposed to continue to fight for the sake of his wife and children, and countless others back home. As he sees the battle progressing...2021-05-2712 min
Applying the BibleClothed with PowerAs Pentecost approaches, it got me thinking about the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts. There was a period of time between when Jesus ascended to heaven and Pentecost. Before ascending, Jesus had given them the commission to go into all the world and make disciples, telling them that they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth, but I want to focus on His instruction to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit had come. (Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:4-5)
“And behold, I am sending the promise of my Fa...2021-05-2007 min
Applying the BibleWater in the DesertI’m going to be transparent with you, lately I feel like I’ve been in a spiritual desert. I’ve had these seasons before but this one seems particularly dry.
As I was reading back through some of my past blog posts of things the Lord has shown me, a couple points really stood out to me. First was from the post Where the Spirit Leads, and the fact that the Spirit does indeed lead us into the wilderness sometimes but it’s always with our good in mind. When the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderne...2021-05-1306 min
Applying the BibleThe Mother of JesusWith Mother’s Day this coming weekend, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ mother, Mary. The gospel’s don’t mention a whole lot about her, but what they do mention paints such a sweet image of whom God chose to bear His Son.
Based on the gospel of Luke, we know that Mary was young and betrothed, or what we think of as engaged nowadays, when the angel Gabriel visited her to give her the message that she would be the mother of Messiah. We can see a few distinct characteristics about her just from that...2021-05-0610 min
Applying the BibleSowing Seeds or Growing Weeds?As this is my first year in trying my hand at gardening, but definitely not my first year in experiencing weeds, when I came across this quote by Tozer, it really stood out to me.
“All things as they move toward God are beautiful, and they are ugly as they move away from Him.” (A.W. Tozer)
When I consider my little seedlings versus weeds, I see many differences. However, the main difference is that weeds are rather ugly and don’t serve a purpose in my garden. As my seedlings grow, they sprout cute little...2021-04-2908 min
Applying the BibleWhen Persecution ComesWhen I was younger and heard the word “persecution”, I used to think of places like China, or of people like the apostles being stoned or hung upside down on a cross. Now, in the face of changes even here in America, it is becoming more of a reality just in a different way for now. While in America we as Christians are starting to really face social and political persecution, I believe it is only a matter of time before it gets worse, and no one will be able to ride the fence or be lukewarm. All will have...2021-04-2207 min
Applying the BibleRender to GodAs we’re in tax season, the account of when the Pharisees and some Herodians tried to trap Jesus with the question on whether or not to pay taxes to Caesar comes to mind. They came to him saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” And our discerning Lord asks them why they put him to the test and asks...2021-04-1507 min
Applying the BibleThe Whole Armor of GodHave you ever read through Ephesians 6:10-18 on the whole armor of God and thought, “That seems like a lot of work to put on” and maybe feels impossible to do every day? Let’s break it down a bit because it really is an important part of our life and not one that we’re expected to do on our own.
Before we look at the details of the armor, it’s important to remember these two things written in verses 10-12:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the f...2021-04-0810 min
Applying the BibleThen and NowI have heard Christians who have been saved for a while say that the gospel message is for the unsaved and insinuate that they no longer need to hear it since they are saved. Yet Jesus is our salvation and He said He is the Way, Truth, and Life and no one comes to the Father apart from Him.
I think of it more like this: when we hear the gospel and receive salvation, it’s the first breath taken as a new creation in Christ, just as a baby would breathe air for the first time ou...2021-04-0106 min
Applying the BiblePreparing for Palm SundayWhen I read about how the people of Israel welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday, and then less than a week later were crying out to crucify Him, I often find myself in a place of pain and anger, but also confusion and pride.
Pain and anger seem to be the natural, even righteous response to reading about the chosen people going from joy and adoration to quickly turning to hatred towards Jesus, the Messiah, my Lord. It’s the confusion and pride that I find in myself that I wish to er...2021-03-2505 min
Applying the BibleA Saint's LoveHappy St. Patrick’s Day…a day late!
I know most of the decorations surrounding St. Patrick’s Day tend to include leprechauns, shamrocks, pots of gold, and rainbows, often met with a meal of corned beef and cabbage, but there is so much more to this holiday than most people realize and such great application we can learn from Patrick.
Patrick, born in Britain, was kidnapped at the age of 16 by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. Although Patrick was raised in a Christian home, he didn’t make the decision to make Jesus hi...2021-03-1804 min
Applying the BibleLosing TimeIf you’re in an area that is affected by the Daylight Savings Time change, you’ve probably been seeing social media posts about how we’re “losing” an hour. This concept of time is rather interesting if you really think about it. Time has been going since the beginning when God created everything. It seemingly starts off slow when we’re children and then seems to go faster and faster as we grow older. Yet, we’re not ever really losing or gaining time because we all get the same 24 hours in each day.
However, how we spend our t...2021-03-1105 min
Applying the BibleCalled For A PurposeAs Americans, we’ve come to celebrate Women’s History Month in March. While we look back on the great accomplishments of women in American history and honor them, we as Christians can look back on the people in the Bible and not just look at their accomplishments, but more importantly learn from them and apply the spiritual truths to our lives.
When I think of a great woman in the Bible, Esther is one of the first women who comes to mind. This young, beautiful woman is often remembered for her bravery when she was queen, but...2021-03-0404 min
Applying the BibleHave You Considered?The book of Job opens and we see that he was a man of great wealth, but more importantly a man of godly character. Even to the point that God Himself points out Job to satan saying, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”(Job 1:8)
We see in the very next verse that satan responded in his usual way, accusing Job’s motives plus an idea to try to prove God wrong. And yet, when Job faced...2021-02-2506 min