Tag Archives: scripture

1 peter 5 feature image

Be Humble and Sober-Minded

1 Peter 5 scripture image
Click the image to read the full text (recommended).

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6‭-‬11

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  • First, Peter the Apostle teaches that God can use difficulties to strengthen Christians and their witness. Knowing this can bring hope. We discover how faith, refined by suffering, can help us see the Lord more clearly. It gives valuable advice for holding firm in difficult times. Peter saw that increasing hardship and persecution had scattered believers, which spread their witness but caused some to wonder if God had abandoned them. Peter wrote to encourage them, offering them hope and meaning in the midst of their suffering. What is going on in this scripture?
  • Peter gives specific directions, to be obedient and humble, and to cast their care upon God. He then urges all to be sober-minded, watchfulness against temptations, and devoted in the faith, praying sincerely for them; finally, Peter’s letter ends with somber spiritual praise, combined greetings, and his apostolical prayerful blessing.

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  • What is the theme?
    1. Humility is the great preserver of peace and order in all Christian churches and societies, therefore, pride is the great troublemaker of them, and the cause of most controversies and violations in the church.
    2. There is a collective resistance between God and the proud, so the word conveys; they war against Him, and He utterly disdains them; he resists the proud because they are like the devil, enemies to Himself and to His kingdom among men, Proverbs 3:34.
    3. Where God gives grace to be humble, He will give more grace, more wisdom, faith, holiness, and humility. Then, the apostle adds: Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, 1 Peter 5:6.
      1. We learn,
        • The consideration of the omnipotent hand of God should make us humble and submissive to him in all that He brings upon us.
        • Humbling ourselves to God under His hand is the next way to salvation and glorification; patience under His wrath, and submission to His pleasure, repentance, prayer, and hope in His mercy, will cause involvement for His help and set us free in due time.

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  • How can it be applied to our own lives?
    • Everything mentioned that Peter is urging and encouraging us to do in scripture. I mean, “Just Do It!”
    • Find ways to grow our faith and spread/share the Good News of the Gospel.
  • What changes need to be made? Is there any action that needs to happen?
    • Not to sound like a broken record, “Just Do It!”
    • We need to stop procrastinating and stop believing the lies of the enemy (the devil) and our own lies from our inner voices.

What can you think of and offer to fit this scripture and list of things that relate to the current day? Share!

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Prayer: Thank You, Father God, for everything, good and bad. I pray that we all learn from our mistakes and stand firm in our faith. Please place me (us) where You want us to be Your vessels in planting seeds and bringing lost souls to You. I love, adore, honor, glorify, and revere You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

faith hope and love image

Wear Faith, Hope and Love | Be Encouragers

1 Thessalonians 5 scripture image.

Click the image to read the full text (recommended).

Now, brothers and sisters, we do not need to write you about times and dates. You know very well that the day the Lord comes again will be a surprise, like a thief that comes in the night. You are all people who belong to the light and to the day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness. But we belong to the day, so we should control ourselves. We should wear faith and love to protect us, and the hope of salvation should be our helmet. God did not choose us to suffer his anger but to have salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus died for us so that we can live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. So encourage each other and give each other strength, just as you are doing now.
1 Thessalonians 5:1‭-‬2‭, ‬5‭, ‬8‭-‬11

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  • What is going on in this scripture?
    • This section speaks about the concern of the futility of seeking after the specific time of Jesus’ coming, which would be abrupt and horrible to the wicked, but at ease to the saints, 1 Thessalonians. 5:1-5.
      • Note, there are lots of things that our vain curiosity desires to know, but there is no need at all for us to know about them, nor would our knowledge of them do us any good.
    • He then encouragingly urges them to the duties of vigilantly watching, seriousness, and the exercise of faith, love, and hope, as being suitable to their state of mind, 1 Thessalonians 5:6-10. In the next words, he urges them to numerous duties they owed to others, or to one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11-15).
      • The apostle bases timely warnings indicating several needful duties.
        • To watchfulness and soberness, 1 Thessalonians 5:6. These duties are distinctly different, yet they unanimously befriend each other.
        • To be well-armed as well as watchful: to put on the whole armor of God. This is necessary in order for such soberness as develops us and will be a preparation for the day of the Lord because our spiritual enemies are many and powerful, and vicious.
        • We must live by faith, and this will keep us watchful and sober. If we believe that the eye of God (who is a spirit) is always upon us, that we have spiritual enemies to wrestle with, and that there is a world of spirits to prepare for, we will see the reason to watch and be sober. Faith will be our best defense against the attacks of our enemies. Christ died for us, that, living and dying, we might be His; that we might live to Him while we are here, and live with Him when we go consequently.

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  • What is God’s word saying?
    • We need to be soberly minded and urgently watchful, but not worry about when Jesus will come again because it will be quick. For the believer, it will be a comfort. For the unsaved, it will be horrible.
  • How can I apply what I just read to my own life?
    • We must be about our Father’s business. Wear the full armor of God, stand ready at all times, and be able to ward off the enemies. Sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus; planting His seeds.
  • What changes do we need to make?
    • We need to more mindful and aware and be in God’s word; praying at all times to be ready.
    • We need to be in unity with each other according to God’s word. Do not allow Satan to divide us.

What can you come up with regarding duties to each other and to God?

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Prayer: Dear Father God, thank You for Your lessons and nuggets of faith and blessings that encourage and feed us. I pray that we all will be caught convicted in our faith in You. Help us to be watchful and mindful of what our duties are to You. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, amen.

the golden rule image

The Golden Rule

Matthew 7 image
Click the image to read the full text; recommended.

“Do to others what you want them to do to you. This is the meaning of the law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets. “Be careful of false prophets. They come to you looking gentle like sheep, but they are really dangerous like wolves. You will know these people by what they do. Grapes don’t come from thorn bushes, and figs don’t come from thorny weeds. In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. In the same way, you will know these false prophets by what they do. “Everyone who hears my words and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock. Everyone who hears my words and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house, and it fell with a big crash.”
Matthew 7:12‭, ‬15‭-‬17‭, ‬20‭, ‬24‭-‬27

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What is going on in this scripture?

  • This chapter continues and finishes Jesus’ sermon on the mount, which is solely useful, commanding us to form our conversation correctly, both toward God and man; because the purpose of the Christian religion is to make men good; in every way good. The end of the whole sermon shows the necessity of overall obedience to Jesus’ commands, without it, we can’t expect to be joyful.
  • V.12 is often called the “Golden Rule,” this principle was stated by a number of ancient thinkers as, “Do not do to others what you do not want done to you.” Jesus made it a positive responsibility. Here it shows up after the conversation about God’s goodness and His willingness to give.
  • VV.15-20 – The message of false prophets may be attractive and even seem orthodox. The only way to know for sure is to allow time to see “their fruits” (vv. 16–20). Some of the false prophets’ fruits are mentioned in the New Testament: controversies (1 Timothy 1:3), divisions (1 Timothy 6:3-4), destruction of faith (2 Timothy 2:18), and self-destruction by heresy (2 Peter 2:1).
  • VV.24-27 – Storms in Palestine are infrequent but can be violent. Although the houses of the foolish and the wise may for a long time appear equally secure, when the storm comes the destruction of the foolish one’s house is total (Isaiah 28:14-18). So it is with the life of those who ignore the words of Jesus.

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What is God’s word saying?

  • First off, the “Golden Rule” is common and used by many people from many walks of life. It’s something everyone can relate to and adopt. We can advocate it and it can be a great segway into sharing the Gospel/Good News of Jesus.
  • Next, because there are wolves in sheep’s clothing, we must be on guard all the time and not fall prey to false teachers.
  • Disobedience to God leads to wicked lifestyles and as a result of such, being punished by the consequences of the wickedness.

How can we apply this scripture to our own lives?

  1. Be obedient to God.
  2. Attend a Bible-believing, teaching, and preaching church service.
  3. Be in fellowship with like-minded Christians.
  4. Be in His Word. Knowing God’s word will help against false teachers.
  5. Be in prayer; communicate with God to have that personal relationship.
  6. Share the Gospel. Planting seeds for God to harvest when the time comes.

These are just a concise list of things… Being obedient and in His word will bring forth more things in our personal walk with Jesus.

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Prayer: Dear Father God, thank You for all that You do and will continue to do in my and others’ lives. I pray that we get out of Your way and stop blocking You while Your plan and purpose are ongoing. You’re the Alpha and Omega. You have the final say. In Jesus’ name, amen.

logos, God's Word image

The Word

John 1 scripture image
Click the image to read the full text (recommended).

In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was already with God in the beginning. He was the source of life, and that life was the light for humanity. These people didn’t become God’s children in a physical way—from a human impulse or from a husband’s desire ⌞to have a child⌟. They were born from God. The Word became human and lived among us. We saw his glory. It was the glory that the Father shares with his only Son, a glory full of kindness and truth. Each of us has received one gift after another because of all that the Word is. Laws were given through Moses, but kindness and truth came into existence through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. God’s only Son, the one who is closest to the Father’s heart, has made him known.
John 1:1‭-‬2‭, ‬4‭, ‬13‭-‬14‭, ‬16‭-‬18

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What is going on in this scripture?

  • The extent and purpose of this chapter is to confirm our faith in Christ Jesus as the eternal Son of God, and the true Messiah, Savior of the world, so that we may be brought to receive Him, and rely on Him, as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and to give ourselves up to be ruled, and taught, and saved by Him.
  • John the Baptist gives an account; this is his testimony. 
  • The Word—ho logos. Jesus is The Word (God).
    • Jesus is the Word speaking from God to us, and to God for us. John the Baptist was the voice, but Jesus the Word: being the Word, he is the Truth, the Amen, the faithful Witness of the mind of God.
    • His co-existence with the Father: The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
    • V.4  proves that He is God and every way qualified for His undertaking.
  • The true Christian’s dignity and privilege are twofold:
    • First, The privilege of adoption, which takes them into the number of God’s children: He gave them power to become the sons of God.
      • It is the unspeakable privilege of all good Christians, that they are allowed to become the children of God.
      • The privilege of adoption is wholely owing to Jesus; he gave this power to them that believe on his name. God is His Father, and so ours and it is a result of our unions to Him and union with him, that we stand bonded to God as a Father.
    • Secondly, we have regeneration. All the children of God are born again; all that are adopted are regenerated. This real change forever happens that relative one. Wherever God grants the dignity of children, he creates the nature and disposition of children. Men cannot do so when they adopt. Now we have an account of the original of this new birth, through Jesus.
      • V.14 expresses Christ’s incarnation more clearly than what went before. By his divine presence, he always was in the world, and by his prophets, he came to his own. But now that the fulness of time was come he was sent forth after another manner, made of a woman (Gal. 4:4); God manifested in the flesh, according to the faith and hope of holy Job; Yet shall I see God in my fleshJob 19:26.
    • Finally, V.16 has a manifest connection with V.14; where the incarnate Word was said to be full of grace and truth. Now here he makes this the matter, not only of our adoration but of our thankfulness, because, from that fulness of His, we all have received.
      • All true believers receive from Christ’s fullness; the best and greatest saints cannot live without him and the meanest and weakest may live by him. This excludes proud boasting, that we have nothing but we have received it; silences complexing fears, that we want nothing but we may receive it.
    • The substitution of New Testament grace instead of Old Testament grace: so beyond reproach. And this sense is confirmed by what follows (V.17); for the Old Testament had grace in type, the New Testament has grace in truth. There was a grace under the Old Testament, and the gospel was preached then (Gal. 3:8); but that OT grace is replaced, and we have gospel NT grace instead, a glory which excels2 Cor. 3:10. Discoveries of grace are now more clear, dispensations of grace far more abundant.
    • Another thing we receive from Christ is a clear revelation of God to us (V.18): He has declared God to us, who no man has seen at any time. This was the grace and truth which came by Christ, the knowledge of God, and familiarity with him.
    • All God’s saints are in his hand, but His Son was in his bosom, one in nature and essence, and therefore in the highest degree one in love.

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How can it be applied to our own life?

  • Wheeew! That’s a lot of ground covered there.
    1. Basically, Christ Jesus is our Savior and we’re adopted by God and are His beloved through the grace of Jesus.
    2. Trust and obey Him; not man!
    3. Be in His word; allowing it to teach us and guide us in our Christian walk.
    4. Share the Gospel; plant His seeds and let God harvest when the time is right. Be the light on a hill for lost souls; an example of Jesus.
    5. Pray, be in fellowship with like-minded Christians, and so on. Be fed by Him, spiritually.

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Prayer: Dear Father God, thank You for Your gift of salvation. Thank You, Jesus, for being that gift through the grace and mercy of God. I pray, God, that the readers will be filled with the Holy Spirit and learn from this teaching. It seems complicated, but God, you can clarify it to us through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Abundant Farmer

Click to read the full text here.

What is going on in this scripture?

  • The apostle Paul gives directions about the acceptable way and style of achieving charity, namely, bountifully, deliberately, and freely; and gives good encouragement for so doing it.

How can this be applied to our own lives?

  • Giving to help in charity is difficult for everyone at the best of times. It’s hard because there are so many seeking for us to give to them. It’s difficult to decide which is the best option for the best purpose. So, many times we develop a bah-humbug attitude to charity. Mostly because we feel that we’re being ripped off.
  • We need encouragement from the right sources to make sure we’re doing the right thing and not letting charity fall through the cracks in life.
  • I find it’s easier to help in charity with things that God presents spur of the moment, instead of a huge ordeal, let’s say, like at Christmastime, etc. Although, it’s fun to give gifts to people during a big holiday. We shouldn’t keep our charity focused on one thing or in one area. I believe. (Just my thoughts and opinion.)
  • The main thing about charity is this:
    • Does it honor, glorify, and bless God?
    • Who is the focus on, man or God?
  • It should always point back to God in the end. If not, it’s for all the wrong reasons.

Prayer: Dear Father God, I pray in thanking You for using me for Your purpose and plan. I pray the same for the readers of this blog. I pray that we can be cheerful givers that points to You, not ourselves. In Jesus’ name, amen.

David's Tent for the ark Image

Giving Praises to God

1 Chronicles 16 image
1 Chronicles 16:1, 34-36 Click to read the full text.

What is going on in the verses?

  • This chapter officially brings to an end the grand event of an agreement to end the dispute of placing the ark in the royal city and with it the agreement of the public worship of God during the reign of David.
  • V.1 – David pitched a tent for the ark to come to rest in. It was a grand and glorious thing. He had his heart set on it and couldn’t sleep until it was done. See Psalm 132:4-5.
  • V. 34-36 are part of David’s song. And as Matthew Henry states:
    • “Here we find they did (gave thanks and praised God) according to that directory: All the people said, Amen, and praised the Lord. When the Levites had finished this psalm or prayer and praise, then, and not till then, the people that attended signified their consent and concurrence by saying, Amen, And so they praised the Lord, much affected no doubt with this newly instituted way of devotion, which had been hitherto used in the schools of the prophets only, 1 Samuel 10:5. And, if this way of praising God please the Lord better than an ox or a bullock that has horns and hoofs, the humble shall see it and be glad, Psalm 69:3132.”

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What is God’s word saying to me today?

  • Our concern is for regular and orderly worship of the Lord regardless of the site. Because of Jesus’ actions and the Gospel, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We can worship God anywhere at any time. That being said, we must take great care of this temple of the Holy Spirit. We must give God the glory, thanks, and amen. We must agree with God.
  • Because God’s love endures forever, one has confidence to cry out to Him.

Prayer: Thank You, Father God. I praise, honor, glorify, and love You. You are holy and sovereign over all things. I lift up everyone in prayer to You. Everyone has needs to be met. I trust You to deal with them wisely. I lift up lost souls to be saved. I know and trust You to handle each situation as needed. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Psalm 8 image

God’s Glory

Psalm 8 image
Psalm 8:1-9 – Click to read the text.

What is going on in the verses?

  • David’s song was written about God’s glory.
    • When we’re observing the glory of God in the kingdom of nature and God’s guidance, provision, and care for us; we need to be led by that, and through that, to think long and hard very deeply of His glory in the kingdom of grace.

What is God’s word saying?

  • David here magnifies the honor of God by telling in detail the honors He put on man, especially Jesus Christ. The polite way that nevertheless implies superiority to others of the divine grace calls for our praises as much as the lifting up of the divine glory. How God has willingly lowered Himself (Jesus) to our level in favor of man the psalmist observes with wonder and thankfulness and recommends it to us in our meditation.
  • Man has been placed just below the angels which makes them of high rank to God. However, because man’s soul is immortal it is considered the same as an angel peer.
  • There is so much meat to this Psalm that it’s too much for one devotional blog post. So, for the sake of the devotional post, I will stop and leave this here for now.

How can I apply this to my own life?

  • I need to praise and worship and lift God up; on a daily basis. I need to show fear (reverence) to God. I need to share His word and His gospel; to plant spiritual seeds.

Do I need to make any changes? What action, if any, do I need to take?

  • I simply need to be more active in sharing God with lost souls. All of His saints need to be active in sharing proper doctrine and theology to be HIS example.

Prayer: Dear Father God, praise, honor, and glory all go to You! I seek to be better at lifting You up and sharing You with others and being Your example to lost souls so that they ask how they can live like that and come to a believing faith in You. Believing in faith that Jesus is their Savior. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus appears to His disciples image

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

Jesus Appears to His Disciples image
Luke 24:36‭-‬49 Click to read the text.

Five times Christ was seen the same day that he rose: by Mary Magdalene alone in the garden (John 20:14), by the women as they were going to tell the disciples (Matt. 28:9), by Peter alone, by the two disciples going to Emmaus, and now at night by the eleven.
It was a great surprise to the Apostles when Jesus just appeared out of the blue, because the doors were locked while notes were compared by the Apostles concerning Jesus’ resurrection. 
Upon Jesus’ appearance, He put all their questions and concerns to rest.
When Jesus spoke and said, “Peace be with you.” He was comforting them. To put any doubts to rest. It was a visit of love and friendship. It was also a way for Jesus to show them that He forgave them for how they treated Him and that they were reconciled to Him.
The Apostles were first frightened thinking they saw a spirit, because Jesus just appeared. He didn’t walk through the door. Jesus gave the Apostles great satisfaction to realize and know that He was for real, in a human body; not a spirit.

The proof he gave them of his resurrection, both for the silencing of their fears by convincing them that he was not a spirit, and for the strengthening of their faith in that doctrine which they were to preach to the world by giving them full satisfaction concerning his resurrection. Two proofs he gives them:

  1. He shows them his body, particularly his hands and his feet.
  2. He eats with them, to show that he had a real and true body and that he was willing to converse freely and very informally with his disciples, as one friend with another. Peter lays a great stress upon this (Acts 10:41):
    1. We did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead. 
  3. The insight He gave them into the word of God, which they had heard and read, by which faith in the resurrection of Christ is molded into them and all the disputes are cleared away.

They were still unbelieving, so Jesus further showed them proof by asking for food to eat. So, He ate some fish they served him.

“What is God’s word saying today?”

  • I can trust Him. So can everyone else.
  • The proof is right in front of me and you.
    It’s God’s very own word and the miracles performed.
  •  Don’t believe the lies of Satan.

How can I apply this to my life?

  • I think of instances when I’m frightened and unbelieving. 
  • I will trust Jesus and not be frightened and unbelieving.
  • Be bold in sharing His Good News of the Gospel.

Do I need to make changes? If so, what?

  • There is always room for improvement. Nobody is perfect.
  • Human nature has a bent toward negative choices and sinful ways.
    Is there any action that I need to take?
    • In knowing this, I’ll make better and more positive choices and fight against my sinful nature.
  • That being said, it’s important to stay in the word of God and listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Prayer: Dear Father God, I thank You for this lesson today. I pray for the readers to also be thankful and for their hearts to soften if they’re hardened and Father God, use me how You will for Your purpose and plan. Comfort my soul when I’m unbelieving and show me Your way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

image of Men on the road to Emmaus

On the Road to Emmaus

Click the image to go directly to the scripture in full.

While on the Road to Emmaus… After Jesus’ Resurrection; on the same day Jesus arose from the grave, 2 disciples, Cleopas being one; Scripture doesn’t give the 2nd one, converse with Jesus thinking He was just a stranger on the road they encountered, unknown to them it was Jesus. They didn’t recognize Jesus, yet! Jesus was telling them they were foolish because they were slow in believing everything the prophets said. Asking them, “Didn’t the Messiah have to suffer these things and enter into His glory?”

“Jesus’ resurrection seemed to them as idle tales.”

Quoted from Matthew Henry

They urged Him to stay to rest because it was getting late, they were taking in a meal. Jesus broke bread with them. It was then that their eyes were finally opened and they saw that it was Jesus. Jesus simply just vanished in thin air. The two disciples then went to tell the other 11 disciples that Jesus really did rise from death.

What an amazing experience! I would definitely be in shock and amazement myself. Hind’s sight is 20/20, though. We know now, but back then, things weren’t as clear as they are now. And as human nature is, we all process things at different rates. Jesus was basically telling them to get with the program.

I would definitely run to tell everyone who would listen. It’s a humbling experience. It’d be a huge aha moment, no doubt! I need to be more readily open to listening to the Holy Spirit. I also need to be better at sharing the Good News. What Jesus did for His saved ones is nothing short of outstandingly amazing. We couldn’t do it for ourselves. We need Him.

Dear Heavenly Father God, thank You for giving Jesus as a ransom to redeem us from an eternity in hell. I pray to be used as a vessel for Your plan and purpose to share the Good News of Jesus. I pray for the readers of this devotional as well for the same. I can’t thank You enough, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

aaron burden unsplash image

You Choose Your Master!

  • What do you see going on in the verses?
    • Matthew authored this book. The audience is Greek-speaking Jewish Christians during the time after Christ’s resurrection; between AD 50 and 70. 
    • Attitude toward wealth should be such that we aren’t seeking to live to gain money. Our heart is where our treasure is, and that should be in spiritual things. Every material thing is subject to decay or loss. Christians must be single-minded in serving God and not ‘mammon’ (mammon is used in some translations). Mammon stands for being dominated by money and materialistic worldly riches. Mammon is a Syriac word, that signifies gain; so that whatever in this world is, or is accounted by us to be, gain (Philippians. 3:7), is mammon.
      • We must not count these things as the best things.
      • We must not call them glory.
      • We must not covet an abundance of these things.
      • We must not confide in them for time to come.
      • We must not say to the gold, You are my hope.
      • We must not content ourselves with them, as all we need or desire:
        • – We must be content with a little for our journey, but not with all for our share.
    • Jesus urges us not to value possessions enough to seek them. Jesus’ words hit at the core of human selfishness, challenging both the well-to-do and the poor.
    • We must watch carefully for hypocrisy and worldly-mindedness in choosing the master we serve.

But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

“Christ designs not to deprive us of our treasure, but to direct us in the choice of it.” -Matthew Henry
  • What is God’s word saying?
    • Wow! As it says above, “Jesus’ words hit at the core of human selfishness.” My humanness makes it very hard to stick with serving only one master. In not choosing to serve only one, I find myself splitting and fracturing trying to do the splits with one foot in Eternity with Jesus and one foot in the World. However, the more I focus on God and His word the less I’m looking longingly at the world and the things in it. I long more for Heaven with my Triune God.
    • In all honesty, I’m not really materialistic. I only want things that I truly need to survive.
    • This is also talking about my spiritual health, not just my physical. So, my goals and aim are to stay in God’s word and seek Him always, not the world. It has nothing of value to be worthy for me to gain it.
    • The world/earth or only temporary. When it is gone, Heaven is the only answer.

Prayer: Thank You, Father God, for showing the true value of gaining heaven in eternity instead of the world and its “stuff”. I pray that all Your children will see and accept You and heaven for eternity. I lift up the ill and pray for well-being and peace of mind. I pray that we would all trust and obey You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.