Luke 12:22-24 ESV
And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. [23] For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. [24] Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!

"The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." —Acts 13:52

You will not taste death

Mark 9

Jesus spoke to His disciples,
and prepared them
for what was going to happen.

Some of them would not taste death
until they had seen
the kingdom of God
come with power.

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Later, after his resurrection,
the writer of Hebrews gave us
a powerful announcement:

that Jesus, by the grace of God,
tasted death for every man!

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RK NIA

The Tree of Life
20th August 2026


Lunch Hour Preaching Messages
Rick Gold Ministries

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30mins

https://t.me/LunchHourPreaching/12319

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Be Blessed

TNT & HG🕊

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Blessed When We Suffer for Christ

As we continue meditating on the Sermon on the Mount, we come to the final blessed words Jesus spoke concerning persecution. In this great teaching, our King reveals the principles and values of the Kingdom of Heaven. These words are a blessing and encouragement to every citizen of God’s Kingdom who seeks to live according to His truth.

Jesus says, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11–12).

Jesus teaches His disciples that when we are insulted, persecuted, or falsely accused because we follow Him and pursue righteousness, we should not lose heart. Instead, He calls us to rejoice and be glad. This teaching is completely different from the values of the world. Human nature often responds to persecution with anger, fear, bitterness, or discouragement, but Jesus calls His followers to respond with faith, joy, love, and perseverance.

Our suffering for Christ is not meaningless. Jesus reminds us that our reward is in heaven. He also points us toward the faithful prophets and saints who suffered because they stood firmly for God’s truth. Their lives are examples for us to follow. They chose righteousness over popularity, obedience over comfort, and faithfulness over worldly approval.

Jesus Himself is our greatest example. He endured rejection, suffering, false accusations, and persecution, yet He remained faithful to the Father’s will.

Hebrews 4:14–16 reminds us that Jesus, our great High Priest, understands our weaknesses because He was tempted in every way as we are, yet remained without sin. Therefore, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we will receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.

May we remain faithful when we face opposition, remembering that Christ is with us and our heavenly reward is great. May God’s peace and grace be upon you. Have a blessed day and night. Love God and love people.

ARE YOU A PHARISEE?

MATTHEW 16:6,12 NKJ 6 Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." 12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Why did Jesus warn His disciples to beware of the Pharisees? What did they do wrong?

(An entire chapter of the Bible (Matthew 23) is Jesus' teaching against the Pharisees.)

The Pharisees were conservative, faithful "church" members. They accepted the Bible as the written Word of God. They paid tithes. They believed in miracles (at least in days past). They wouldn't dream of stealing, committing adultery, or such things. You would like living next to a Pharisee as they were model citizens.

But instead of having a living relationship with God, the Pharisees took the Word of God and made just another dead religion out of it.

The Pharisee way of thinking is: keep up appearances. "It doesn't matter so much what you are on the inside, as long as you keep the rules (at least publicly)."

Notice that Jesus likened their teaching to leaven, or yeast. Why? Yeast spreads easily and rapidly. Humans are very susceptible to approaching God in this manner, "Keep the rules. Just do these 10 things and you are OK."

Different groups may have different rules, but we all accumulate them. It may be how many times each week you must attend church meetings, or what kind of clothes you must wear, or how you must wear your hair. Or, it may be a list of things you cannot do. But, as long as you meet these requirements, you are in good standing with your group (or denomination).

But, good standing with God is based on only one thing according to the New Testament: faith in what Jesus did for us. That alone is what makes us right with God. Not our works, but Jesus' work.

LUKE 12:1 NKJ 1 ... He began to say to His disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

The Pharisees were hypocrites. That is, they put on an act. What they pretended to be in public was not really what they were like in private. They claimed to be perfect in keeping God's law, but as humans they were all sinners, just like the rest of the people were. Yet, in public, they insisted that others keep the Law perfectly, or be condemned.

They were quick to pass judgment on others, and slow to extend mercy or help. The Pharisees had a legalistic view of God's Word and did not realize that God was merciful and wanted to help people.

2 CORINTHIANS 3:6 NKJ 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Using God's Word to "kill" instead of using it to minister life is wrong. God's Word is meant to help people and lift them up, not place such hard demands on them that they cannot ever measure up. When we load people down with heavy loads of rules to keep in order to be right with God, we are ministers of death.

MATTHEW 23:1-5 NLT 1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 "The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach. 4 They crush people with impossible religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. 5 "Everything they do is for show. . . .

If your "Christianity" is nothing more than a list of "do's and don'ts" then you are missing real Christianity, which is a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

SAY THIS: Jesus does not want me to act like a Pharisee.

God bless you!

What Should a Believer Truly Dread?

Bible Text: Matthew 10:28 (KJV)

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

There is a reality that every believer must eventually come to understand concerning the journey of faith here on earth and at the end of the journey appointed by God.

It is not death alone that we should dread, but spiritual death, physical death, and eternal damnation in hell. This is most crucial.

Human beings naturally fear physical death because it means leaving this present life—our families, possessions, plans, relationships, ambitions, and everything familiar. But according to the teaching of Scripture, physical death is not the ultimate tragedy.

Jesus Himself redirected the attention of His disciples from those who can kill the body to the greater reality of what can happen to the soul.

A person can be physically alive and yet spiritually dead. Ephesians 2:1 speaks of those who were “dead in trespasses and sins.” Spiritual death is separation from the life of God because of sin.

Isaiah 59:2 says:

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God.”

This is why the condition of the soul must never be treated lightly. A person may be successful, respected, wealthy, educated, and apparently doing well in life, yet still be spiritually dead.

The most important question is not simply, “How am I doing in this world?”

It is, “What is the condition of my soul before God?”

Physical death is certain. Hebrews 9:27 says:

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

There is something after this.

This present world is not our final destination. We are pilgrims here. Peter calls us “strangers and pilgrims” (1 Peter 2:11).

Therefore, how we live here matters. Our possessions, success, suffering, temptations, relationships, decisions, and use of time must all be viewed in the light of eternity.

The Scriptures do not present hell as something to be ignored because it is uncomfortable. Jesus spoke about it seriously. Matthew 25:46 speaks of “everlasting punishment” and “life eternal.”

This is why eternal damnation is far more dreadful than physical death. Physical death ends earthly existence, but eternal judgment concerns what follows beyond this life.

There is no earthly opportunity after death to reverse one's eternal condition.

As saints of God, we should therefore not live in terror of death, but there must be a holy seriousness concerning separation from God, disobedience to His truth, spiritual deception, unrepentant sin, and ultimately eternal judgment.

Jesus said:

“Abide in me, and I in you.”
— John 15:4

We must not allow our faith to be merely something we profess with our mouths. We are called to remain in Christ, to walk in holiness, obedience, watchfulness, and faithfulness.

Hebrews 12:14 says:

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

Ultimately, the deepest need of humanity is not merely to know about God, but to truly know Him.

Jesus said:

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
— John 17:3

We must come to understand who God is, what sin is, what Christ has accomplished, what salvation means, what holiness requires, and what eternity holds.

The truth must become more than information. It must become our reality.

The awareness of eternity should not make us careless about this life. It should make us more serious about how we live it.

Paul said:

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
— Philippians 1:21

Therefore, the question is not merely whether we will die.

The question is: How are we living before God while we are alive?

Every believer must come to the true reality of what should be most dreaded on this earthly pilgrimage. Physical death is real, but it is not the final reality for those who are in Christ.

The greater realities are spiritual death, separation from God, and eternal damnation.

Earthly life is temporary. Eternity is permanent. The grave is not the conclusion of the human story, because Scripture declares that after death comes judgment.

May the good Lord bring every person to the true understanding of who He is, the seriousness of eternity, the reality of salvation, and the knowledge of His truth in Jesus Christ.

Amen.

God's Loving Heart.

My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:26 ɴᴋᴊᴠ

How wonderful to live in the good of such a declaration that the Lord is our portion. This means that regardless of the circumstances our satisfaction is Him. This was expressed in a very practical way by a number of people in the Bible.

Abram, after his victory over the kings, took none of the booty so that only God would receive the honor; he was told by God, “I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”

David, when he went out against Goliath, went out not in his own strength but in the reality that the Lord was his portion.

Enoch walked with God and was no more because he pleased God; the Lord was his portion.

When the disciples were asked by the Lord if they too wanted to leave, Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” The Lord was their portion.

Mary, when she sat listening to the Lord at His feet, and later when she poured out her alabaster box full of precious ointment on the Lord without a word, declared that the Lord was her portion.

The Levites, instead of receiving land, were told that the Lord was their portion.

Habakkuk, reflecting on the barren conditions in which he found himself, proclaimed that despite the circumstances he would rejoice in the Lord; his joy was in the God of his salvation (Hab. 3:17–18). The Lord was his portion.

The beloved in Song of Songs declared, “my beloved is mine, and I am his”; and also expressed “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” (Song 2:16; 6:3). But as she enjoyed him more she demonstrated her delight in her portion: “I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me” (7:10). She was no longer thinking of herself but of her beloved, giving herself totally to him, her portion.

As we delight in our Lord and Savior, our portion, there will be praise, obedience, and surrender.

Albert Blok


https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-20

Hello, I would like to share with you the message from 20 August 2026 from “The Good Seed” daily calendar.


And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:17)

The caterpillar
A manager was proud of his achievements, having climbed a long way up the career ladder.
 One morning, he noticed a caterpillar in his garden attempting to climb a wooden pole. Would it reach the top? Fascinated by the insect’s efforts, he thought to himself, “Look at how hard I’ve worked to reach the top. Look at the toil I’ve endured! But now I’ve made it. Now I’m at the top.”
 Lost in thought, he continued to watch the caterpillar. By now, it had reached the top of the pole. Green leaves? Nowhere to be found! So, it turned around and crawled back down. This made the successful man reflect: “Has my success truly brought me happiness? Am I really happy?”
 “No,” he had to admit. Like the hungry caterpillar, he had found nothing to satisfy his deepest desires, nothing of lasting and eternal value.
 Christ once asked His disciples, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
 He also said, “Come to Me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). Whoever comes to the Lord Jesus finds forgiveness of sins, peace and eternal life. And that is the foundation for a life with meaning and purpose, hand in hand with God.

Today’s reading: Joshua 20:1-21:26 – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

*Empowered To Love*

Jesus said a lot of things. Beautiful, enlightening, and important things. But there’s one command that sums up how we should live...
*"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34*
When we look at Jesus’ life, how did He live out this love? And how can we model His actions in our own lives?
Love compelled Jesus to give up His privileges. As Creator and Lord, Jesus could've done whatever He wanted. But what He wanted was to temporarily relinquish His rights and even put on human skin—so that we could be made right with God.

Love compelled Jesus to prioritize people:
The woman at the well. The unclean leper.
The woman with the issue of blood.
The despised tax collector.
The desperate centurion.
The thief hanging next to Him on the Cross.
...and many others including you and I.
Jesus didn’t see problems—He saw people.

Love compelled Jesus to serve others. He washed His disciples feet. He went out of His way for the marginalized. He stopped for the sick, weary, and broken. And in the end, He gave His own life. For the long-time sinner and the seemingly put-together person, Jesus died so that we can truly live.

Love compelled Jesus to value truth and grace. In a world where some elevate grace and others prioritize truth, Jesus valued both. He turned over tables when God’s house was turned into a den of thieves, and He showed great compassion to a woman caught in adultery.

If we’re ever unsure about how to love others, let’s look to Jesus as the ultimate example. He selflessly gave up His rights, prioritized people, served others to the point of laying down His life, and valued both truth and grace.

And as we love like He loved, we'll become more like Him.

*A Prayer To Show Love*
Mighty Everlasting Father, we thank You for being the perfect example of love. Some people are more challenging for us to love than others. And yet, You love everyone without condition. Help us to see others through Your eyes. Make us aware of a specific person/people we can shine Your light and love to today. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

THE VOICE THAT CALMS THE STORM
When Jesus Speaks, Chaos Must Obey
Key Scriptures: Mark 4:35–41; Psalm 107:28–29; Isaiah 43:2
Life can throw storms our way that feel completely out of our hands. Sometimes these storms rage around us, and other times, they brew within. You might be grappling with financial strain, family issues, disappointment, uncertainty, illness, or even opposition, leaving you to wonder if God is still by your side. The disciples faced a similar tempest while Jesus was right there in the boat with them. As the waves crashed around them, Jesus was peacefully asleep. When they finally woke Him, He simply rebuked the wind and commanded the sea, "Peace, be still." Instantly, the wind died down, and a profound calm settled in (Mark 4:39). The storm was fierce, but the voice of Jesus was even more powerful.
The disciples were filled with fear because they were fixated on the storm's magnitude rather than the presence of Jesus in their midst. Often, our biggest struggle isn’t the storm itself but the beliefs it instills in us. Fear whispers, "You're going to drown." Discouragement insists, "There’s no escape." Yet, God’s Word reassures us, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee" (Isaiah 43:2). Having Jesus with you doesn’t mean you’ll never face storms; it means you’ll never have to face them alone.
It’s important to note that Jesus didn’t panic when He encountered the storm. Instead, He spoke directly to it. This shows His authority over situations that seem beyond our control. Psalm 107:29 tells us, "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." There are circumstances you can’t change through your own strength, connections, wealth, or intellect, but a single word from Jesus can transform everything. When God speaks, chaos can turn to calm, fear can shift to faith, and what seems impossible can become a powerful tesIf you're caught in a storm today, take a moment to listen for the voice of Jesus. Don’t let the chaos of the storm drown out the Word of God. He’s still whispering, "Peace, be still." The storm might be roaring, but God's voice is even louder. The waves may be crashing, but His authority stands even taller. The night might feel overwhelming, yet His presence is right there with you. Remember, your storm has an expiration date. Keep your faith anchored in Jesus, because the same voice that calmed the sea can soothe your heart, transform your situation, and guide you safely to the other side.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with gratitude, knowing You are the Lord over every storm. When our hearts are heavy and our circumstances feel chaotic, remind us that Jesus is right there in the boat with us.
Lord, we ask You to speak Your peace into every storm we face. Calm the tempests of fear, confusion, financial strain, family struggles, disappointment, and uncertainty. Silence every voice that urges us to give up, and let Your Word ring louder than our challenges.
Grant us the faith to trust You, even when the waves are crashing around us. Help us remember that while the storm is fleeting, Your presence is everlasting. Lead us safely to the other side, and let every storm we encounter become a testament to Your power and faithfulness.
Jesus, speak into our storms today: "Peace, be still!" Let the winds die down, let the waves settle, and let Your peace reign in our hearts. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.