Tag Archives: Devotions

Confronted

Evil spirits love to intimidate. When Jesus encountered one in the Capernaum synagogue, the spirit lashed out saying: “Leave us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know who … Continue reading

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Reception

The truth isn’t always welcome. For example, in His hometown synagogue, Jesus read a passage from Isaiah regarding the coming Messiah. He said this to the audience: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” – Luke 4:21 NKJV Luke … Continue reading

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Following

Jesus didn’t call the disciples to a new social experience, He called them to a whole new life. He said: “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19 NKJV …and they immediately left their nets. Even … Continue reading

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Words

Never underestimate the power of the words “written in red”. When Jesus was in Samaria, the woman at the well left her water-pot and told the people all about Jesus. They received her testimony and invited Him to stay for … Continue reading

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Conversations

Jesus’ mission was based on a heavenly schedule. He would minister for a time in a certain area, then move on. At the beginning, He was in Judea, and as He left to go back to Galilee, there’s a small … Continue reading

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Absolute

Jesus came from above. Some would say, “that’s stating the obvious”, but consider the far-reaching implications of “from above” in Jesus’ own words: “He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and … Continue reading

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Decreasing

John the Baptist preached powerful messages, and lives were changed by his words. He also gathered loyal followers; at least that was the case until Jesus came along. Once Jesus started preaching, people left John’s gatherings and joined the crowds listening … Continue reading

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Uncondemned

Condemned is a status. When someone is tried for a capital crime, found guilty and sentenced to death, their status is “condemned”. For humanity, the status of condemned comes naturally, but there is a reversal of that conviction for all … Continue reading

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Finishing

It’s been said, “How you finish is more important than how you start.” Such was the case with a man mentioned early in John’s gospel account. In chapter 3, a Pharisee named Nicodemus is recorded as coming to Jesus at … Continue reading

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Wisdom’s Prayer

“The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before … Continue reading

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Beyond

People love miracles. When Jesus was healing and feeding the crowds, He was their hero; and the atmosphere was exciting. Everyone were pressing in to get a glimpse of what was happening, however, Jesus saw beyond the cheers and accolades. … Continue reading

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Dots

Ever seen a children’s dot-to-dot puzzle? Sometimes the truth can be like one; you start with the first dot, move to the next one, and eventually a picture forms. Such was the case with this statement Jesus made to the Jewish … Continue reading

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Angry

Jesus got angry. As a matter-of-fact, He made a whip with His own hands and “laid leather” to the backs of those He was angry with: “And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, … Continue reading

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Unclear

Have you ever faced a problem without a clear solution to pray for? Jesus’ Mom did. Her friends were out of wine at their wedding feast (which was a substantial issue considering the structured nature and social implications of such … Continue reading

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Seeking

We all have questions. Even Jesus asked questions. As a matter of fact, He asked a lot of questions, but not for need of more information. His questions were for the listeners’ benefit. In John 1, we find: “Again, the … Continue reading

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Tempted with Opportunity

Satan offered Jesus a short-cut to glory. For the last wilderness test, the temptation of convenience was for sale. And with the worldly kingdoms on display, this was how the sales pitch went: Satan: “All these things I will give … Continue reading

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Tempted with Insecurity

Jesus again was tested in the wilderness, and Satan challenged Jesus’ scripture-based rebuttal with a passage quote of his own: Satan: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down [from this pinnacle], for it is written ‘He shall … Continue reading

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Tempted with Logic

Jesus was tested in the wilderness. It was a barren place and He was physically weakened from forty days of fasting. By contrast, Adam and Eve were in a perfect place; well-fed and comfortable. In both situations, each one faced Satan’s trickery, but … Continue reading

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Clarification

When John the Baptist began preaching about the kingdom, his words were received in different ways. He preached about repentance and a lifestyle that reflected a change of direction. Specific groups of people even asked what the “fruit of repentance” … Continue reading

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Boldness

John the Baptist was a firebrand. He was rugged, outspoken, and confident. People flocked to hear him, and his name was a regular topic around the marketplace. But how did John “the son of Zacharias”, eventually become “John the Baptist”? It was his … Continue reading

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