Reading in Luke 11 and just really pondering all I read.
Jesus just cast out a demon and was accused of doing so by the power of Beelzebul, which is a Canaanite diety associated with Satan and demons.
Jesus clarifies that if it were by the power of Satan, he would be working against himself. Rather, Jesus confirms that it was by the power of God he did it and the kingdom of God was upon them.
Luke 11:20 (ESV): 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Then he goes into the story of the strong man armored up, his goods are safe, BUT when one stronger comes and overcomes him, the spoil is divided.
I’ve read this many times, but it just hit different this time.
Luke 11:21–22 (ESV): 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil
Satan before Jesus came had dominion over the earth, which is why when tempting Jesus in the wilderness he could offer all he saw to him if Jesus would bow to him.
The strong man in this story is Satan. His spoils of humanity were safe UNTIL Jesus showed up!!
The stronger man is Jesus, which overcame Satan and he divided the spoil. So either you are with him or not!
Luke 11:23 (ESV): 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
Note to self - Always remember, Jesus is STRONGER! He has OVERCOME the power of darkness! Trust Jesus!
Jesus just cast out a demon and was accused of doing so by the power of Beelzebul, which is a Canaanite diety associated with Satan and demons.
Jesus clarifies that if it were by the power of Satan, he would be working against himself. Rather, Jesus confirms that it was by the power of God he did it and the kingdom of God was upon them.
Luke 11:20 (ESV): 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Then he goes into the story of the strong man armored up, his goods are safe, BUT when one stronger comes and overcomes him, the spoil is divided.
I’ve read this many times, but it just hit different this time.
Luke 11:21–22 (ESV): 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil
Satan before Jesus came had dominion over the earth, which is why when tempting Jesus in the wilderness he could offer all he saw to him if Jesus would bow to him.
The strong man in this story is Satan. His spoils of humanity were safe UNTIL Jesus showed up!!
The stronger man is Jesus, which overcame Satan and he divided the spoil. So either you are with him or not!
Luke 11:23 (ESV): 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
Note to self - Always remember, Jesus is STRONGER! He has OVERCOME the power of darkness! Trust Jesus!
Reading in Luke 14 today which talks about how salt can become worthless when it loses its taste. Scripture tells us that we’re to be salt and light to the world.
As we go about our mission to share the gospel in hopes that people will taste and see that God is good. Salt can bring flavor, it is used to preserve and heal. But IF it becomes tasteless, it is worthless!
Luke 14:34–35 (ESV): Salt Without Taste Is Worthless 34 “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
It takes the right amount of salt to make a dish wonderful. Too much can spoil the meal. We want to have balance so that when we bring the gospel to others, it will be well received!
Note to self - Don’t loss my saltiness, but with right balance, share the gospel with others so they can taste and see God is GOOD!
As we go about our mission to share the gospel in hopes that people will taste and see that God is good. Salt can bring flavor, it is used to preserve and heal. But IF it becomes tasteless, it is worthless!
Luke 14:34–35 (ESV): Salt Without Taste Is Worthless 34 “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
It takes the right amount of salt to make a dish wonderful. Too much can spoil the meal. We want to have balance so that when we bring the gospel to others, it will be well received!
Note to self - Don’t loss my saltiness, but with right balance, share the gospel with others so they can taste and see God is GOOD!
Reading in Luke 18 today where Jesus was explaining for a third time about his upcoming death and resurrection. The disciples just didn’t grasp what was said! Sometimes things are just hidden until the right time.
Luke 18:34 (ESV): 34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
Sometimes when may not fully understand the times in which we life. I believe there are things we won’t fully grasp just yet, but in Gods timing, we will.
Look to verses like Luke 18:1, as we wait for justice and the Lords return, we need to always pray and not lose heart.
Note to self - Even though I don’t fully grasp all that is taking place in my life time, trust the Lord and his timing! Don’t lose heart and keep praying!
Luke 18:34 (ESV): 34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
Sometimes when may not fully understand the times in which we life. I believe there are things we won’t fully grasp just yet, but in Gods timing, we will.
Look to verses like Luke 18:1, as we wait for justice and the Lords return, we need to always pray and not lose heart.
Note to self - Even though I don’t fully grasp all that is taking place in my life time, trust the Lord and his timing! Don’t lose heart and keep praying!
Reading in Luke 21 I just get fascinated at the times in which it refers! There are many views on the end times, but just reading these words, you began to really think.
Scripture indicates they will be great signs taking place in the heavenly realm and earthly. Great distress occurs and perplexity. It said it is because of the roaring sea and waves. This motif is characteristic of the evil chaotic forces of this world. They are roaring because they know their days are numbered
Luke 21:25–26 (ESV): 25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Luke 21:27 (ESV): 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Another motif that is interesting is how it describes the messiah coming in the clouds. This i think is a polemic against Baal because he is described in this manner. It is Jesus who is coming!
Luke 21:28 (ESV): 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
When we start selling these perplexing things, be excited because our redemption is drawing near!! Exciting!
Note to self - in this day and age, there are many things that deceive populations of people! I think that is becoming clearer and clearer each passing day. Know that when perplexing times arise, I must pray and ask the Lord to help me discern the times and not be deceived!
Scripture indicates they will be great signs taking place in the heavenly realm and earthly. Great distress occurs and perplexity. It said it is because of the roaring sea and waves. This motif is characteristic of the evil chaotic forces of this world. They are roaring because they know their days are numbered
Luke 21:25–26 (ESV): 25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Luke 21:27 (ESV): 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Another motif that is interesting is how it describes the messiah coming in the clouds. This i think is a polemic against Baal because he is described in this manner. It is Jesus who is coming!
Luke 21:28 (ESV): 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
When we start selling these perplexing things, be excited because our redemption is drawing near!! Exciting!
Note to self - in this day and age, there are many things that deceive populations of people! I think that is becoming clearer and clearer each passing day. Know that when perplexing times arise, I must pray and ask the Lord to help me discern the times and not be deceived!
Continuing to read through the word, I am now in Mark. This morning Jesus had healed a man of demonic possession. This poor man was at the point that he lived in the tombs because nobody could detain him. The demon head that much power over him.
Jesus uses his authority to make the demon (actually there were many) leave, restoring the mans mental health. The guy was so joyful, he wanted to go with Jesus, but he didn’t permit him to.
Mark 5:18 (ESV): 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him.
Jesus knew the importance of sharing a testimony. Sometimes, Jesus would tell people not to say anything because it wasn’t time to bring such attention to himself. But Jesus tells him to go tell how much mercy the Lord had given him.
Mark 5:19 (ESV): 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
Mark 5:20 (ESV): 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
Note to self - remember a testimony can be a great tool to sharing the mercy Jesus provides! I know the Lord has extended me great mercy and leads me daily! Don’t be ashamed to share what the Lord has done for me!
Jesus uses his authority to make the demon (actually there were many) leave, restoring the mans mental health. The guy was so joyful, he wanted to go with Jesus, but he didn’t permit him to.
Mark 5:18 (ESV): 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him.
Jesus knew the importance of sharing a testimony. Sometimes, Jesus would tell people not to say anything because it wasn’t time to bring such attention to himself. But Jesus tells him to go tell how much mercy the Lord had given him.
Mark 5:19 (ESV): 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
Mark 5:20 (ESV): 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
Note to self - remember a testimony can be a great tool to sharing the mercy Jesus provides! I know the Lord has extended me great mercy and leads me daily! Don’t be ashamed to share what the Lord has done for me!
Enjoyed Mark 6 this morning. A story I’ve read many times, but really pondered it this morning. Rejection is a hard thing, but Jesus sets the example of how to let it roll right off your back and continue forward!
Mark 6:1 (ESV):
6 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.
What’s sad, is sometimes rejection can come from those closest to you. Where one would hope you would have the most support. They just couldn’t see what God was doing. However, it is good at times to have others keep you from going on a wrong path, but don’t let it derail you when they just can’t understand your journey.
Mark 6:2 (ESV): 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?
Clearly they could see his wisdom and work was divine and the power of God was in him. But they still just looked at him as just some average guy and still baffled.
Mark 6:3 (ESV): 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
Note to self - As I walk my journey with the Lord, there may be times that those closes to me cannot fully see what God is doing in me. Don’t let it bring me down, but rather just remain focused on the Lord.
Mark 6:1 (ESV):
6 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.
What’s sad, is sometimes rejection can come from those closest to you. Where one would hope you would have the most support. They just couldn’t see what God was doing. However, it is good at times to have others keep you from going on a wrong path, but don’t let it derail you when they just can’t understand your journey.
Mark 6:2 (ESV): 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?
Clearly they could see his wisdom and work was divine and the power of God was in him. But they still just looked at him as just some average guy and still baffled.
Mark 6:3 (ESV): 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
Note to self - As I walk my journey with the Lord, there may be times that those closes to me cannot fully see what God is doing in me. Don’t let it bring me down, but rather just remain focused on the Lord.
Continuing in Mark, chapter 8 Jesus asks clarifying questions to the disciples. I love this example, because I realize we should do the same on our journey.
Mark 8:27 (ESV):
27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”
I believe Jesus was asking them this question at this time and location for a reason! I’ve also come to realize that definitions can vary greatly between people! We may appear to have common beliefs, but in reality be very different. Our definition must be rooted in the word.
Mark 8:28 (ESV): 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”
Mark 8:29 (ESV): 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”
This is a personal question. Who do YOU say I am? Do you have the faith to express who you really believe Jesus is? This will manifest in how you walk out your faith.
Sadly the Jews in ANE were looking for the Messiah to be a political leader to free them from Roman oppression. They missed to mark on his identity.
Note to self - wrestle with WHO I believe Jesus is! Settle it in my heart! Ask the Holy Spirit for answers when I have questions. Don’t make the same mistakes the ancient Jews did!
Mark 8:27 (ESV):
27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”
I believe Jesus was asking them this question at this time and location for a reason! I’ve also come to realize that definitions can vary greatly between people! We may appear to have common beliefs, but in reality be very different. Our definition must be rooted in the word.
Mark 8:28 (ESV): 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”
Mark 8:29 (ESV): 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”
This is a personal question. Who do YOU say I am? Do you have the faith to express who you really believe Jesus is? This will manifest in how you walk out your faith.
Sadly the Jews in ANE were looking for the Messiah to be a political leader to free them from Roman oppression. They missed to mark on his identity.
Note to self - wrestle with WHO I believe Jesus is! Settle it in my heart! Ask the Holy Spirit for answers when I have questions. Don’t make the same mistakes the ancient Jews did!
Forwarded from Amir Tsarfati (Amir)
The mass formation psychosis that our world is going through with regards to gender, family, climate, and nationalism will eventually bring about an enormous violent clash between the two opposite forces and that is exactly the moment when a new world leader will be invited into the scene. He will be peaceful-looking yet totalitarian acting! A tired world will gladly embrace him.
The world is nearly ready for it! We are not there yet but we are on the fast track towards it. All it takes is one more pandemic or a major war combined with natural disaster on a scale unseen before. It’s coming!
Our hope still remains in the one and only who can bring peace that surpasses all understanding, joy unspeakable, and rest to our souls. The one and only way to God, His everlasting kingdom, and His eternal dwelling place. That one is our beloved Messiah Yeshua!
The world is nearly ready for it! We are not there yet but we are on the fast track towards it. All it takes is one more pandemic or a major war combined with natural disaster on a scale unseen before. It’s coming!
Our hope still remains in the one and only who can bring peace that surpasses all understanding, joy unspeakable, and rest to our souls. The one and only way to God, His everlasting kingdom, and His eternal dwelling place. That one is our beloved Messiah Yeshua!
During me reading today two big topics that I just ❤️….
Acts 8:1 (ESV):
8 And Saul approved of his execution.
And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Acts 8:4 (ESV): 4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
Remember - persecution can actually lead to great things! Stay encouraged!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Acts 8:29 (ESV): 29And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”
Acts 8:30 (ESV): 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
Acts 8:31 (ESV): 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
Remember - the Lord May lead you to those that need help understanding the Word. Be willing!
Acts 8:1 (ESV):
8 And Saul approved of his execution.
And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Acts 8:4 (ESV): 4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
Remember - persecution can actually lead to great things! Stay encouraged!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Acts 8:29 (ESV): 29And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”
Acts 8:30 (ESV): 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
Acts 8:31 (ESV): 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
Remember - the Lord May lead you to those that need help understanding the Word. Be willing!
Today I move into James! Scripture says those who that lack wisdom were to ask God and he gives it generously. I love that! I am constantly asking for his wisdom!
James 1:5 (ESV): 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Scripture also says to ask in faith and have no doubt! I truly believe when we ask God for wisdom and understanding from a humble and genuine heart, he answers! I have faith he will provide this wisdom as he sees fit!
James 1:6 (ESV): 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
When we have doubt,we are unstable and will be thrown by the chaos of the world!
Note to self - pray for God to give me the wisdom I need for today. Have faith he WILL provide and know that it may not be in the ways I expected.
James 1:5 (ESV): 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Scripture also says to ask in faith and have no doubt! I truly believe when we ask God for wisdom and understanding from a humble and genuine heart, he answers! I have faith he will provide this wisdom as he sees fit!
James 1:6 (ESV): 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
When we have doubt,we are unstable and will be thrown by the chaos of the world!
Note to self - pray for God to give me the wisdom I need for today. Have faith he WILL provide and know that it may not be in the ways I expected.
Soaking in the word this morning from Acts 14 today! The minds of people were poisoned by unbelievers! This is exactly what the enemy wants to do…poison our minds, which leads to destruction!!
Acts 14:2 (ESV): 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
When our minds become poisoned by conflicting truths, division is birthed in the community.
Acts 14:4 (ESV): 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.
When division is present, terrible things come as a result! Evil forces rise up and seek to mistreat and harm people!
Acts 14:5 (ESV): 5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them,
This just makes you really stop to think, is my mind being poisoned by an evil entity? The enemy seeks to divide people and drive them to hurt each other! Lord, protect my from being poisoned by this world and help me walk humbly and boldly in your name!
Acts 14:2 (ESV): 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
When our minds become poisoned by conflicting truths, division is birthed in the community.
Acts 14:4 (ESV): 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.
When division is present, terrible things come as a result! Evil forces rise up and seek to mistreat and harm people!
Acts 14:5 (ESV): 5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them,
This just makes you really stop to think, is my mind being poisoned by an evil entity? The enemy seeks to divide people and drive them to hurt each other! Lord, protect my from being poisoned by this world and help me walk humbly and boldly in your name!
Loved my reading this morning in Titus! The truth in these verses should bring us all great peace and comfort!
The grace of God appeared through Jesus and his completed work brought salvation to ALL nations. God’s reclaiming the nations once disinherited at Babel!! That is definitely undeserved favor from God, but he wasn’t giving up on his human family!
Titus 2:11 (ESV): 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
Furthermore, I love how it says he is training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions! If we were left to ourselves, ungodliness and passions of the world would overtake us!
Titus 2:12 (ESV) training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
If we look to Christ to help us run our race, he can help us live self-controlled, upright and godly lives! Lord knows we can’t do it in our own, so thankful for his gift of the Spirit that trains and helps us!
The grace of God appeared through Jesus and his completed work brought salvation to ALL nations. God’s reclaiming the nations once disinherited at Babel!! That is definitely undeserved favor from God, but he wasn’t giving up on his human family!
Titus 2:11 (ESV): 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
Furthermore, I love how it says he is training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions! If we were left to ourselves, ungodliness and passions of the world would overtake us!
Titus 2:12 (ESV) training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
If we look to Christ to help us run our race, he can help us live self-controlled, upright and godly lives! Lord knows we can’t do it in our own, so thankful for his gift of the Spirit that trains and helps us!
I continue my journey through the word and this morning, I loved this exchange between a man named Nathanael and Jesus!
As Jesus begins his ministry and calling his disciples, he called Philip , which whom invites Nathanael. As they go to meet Jesus, this is what happens …
John 1:47 (ESV): 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”
Can you imagine Nathanael’s reaction! He has never met Jesus before, yet he KNEW him!!
John 1:48 (ESV): 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
This really brings perspective in my mind that Yahweh DOES know me! He sees exactly where I am now! Reminds me of the story of Hagar when she flees, God saw her as well!
Just remember, God sees and knows YOU too! In fact he knows everything, so why try to hide from him! Look to him for everything and ask him to lead you. He ready and available!
As Jesus begins his ministry and calling his disciples, he called Philip , which whom invites Nathanael. As they go to meet Jesus, this is what happens …
John 1:47 (ESV): 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”
Can you imagine Nathanael’s reaction! He has never met Jesus before, yet he KNEW him!!
John 1:48 (ESV): 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
This really brings perspective in my mind that Yahweh DOES know me! He sees exactly where I am now! Reminds me of the story of Hagar when she flees, God saw her as well!
Just remember, God sees and knows YOU too! In fact he knows everything, so why try to hide from him! Look to him for everything and ask him to lead you. He ready and available!