Morning friends. There are tears of gratitude in my coffee this morning. Sittin here reading Isaiah 53:5 this morning. It says, “He was wounded for our transgressions…and by His stripes we are healed.” There He hung between heaven and earth, wounded, rejected, and alone. The hands that could have called angels were nailed to a cross. The One who had rescued countless people was dying with no one rescuing Him. And here’s what breaks my heart…He wasn’t saving Himself because He was busy saving me. Jesus knew my sin. He knew my failures. He knew every road I would wander down, and He still chose the cross. Nobody came to save Jesus that day. Jesus came to save me. The cross is God’s love with a heartbeat. His blood paid a debt my goodness could never pay. So today, stop running from the One who ran toward your redemption. The Savior who wasn’t saved became the Savior who saves. Call on Jesus. Give Him your life. He gave His life for you! Take His hand. Y’all have a blessed day. Love ya. Pappy Flynn

Daily Devotional
Save myself, by Saving other's

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:16

I have read of a man who, journeying on a winter’s day through deep drifts of snow, became benumbed by the cold, which was almost imperceptibly freezing his vital powers. He was nearly chilled to death, and was about to give up the struggle for life, when he heard the moans of a fellow traveler who was also perishing with cold. His sympathy was aroused, and he determined to rescue him. He chafed the ice-cold limbs of the unfortunate man, and after considerable effort raised him to his feet. As the sufferer could not stand, he bore him in sympathizing arms through the very drifts he had thought he could never get through alone.

When he had carried his fellow traveler to a place of safety, the truth flashed home to him that in saving his neighbor he had also saved himself. His earnest efforts to help another had quickened the blood that was freezing in his own veins and sent a healthy warmth to the extremities of his body.

The lesson that in helping others we ourselves receive help must be urged upon young believers continually, by precept and example, that in their Christian experience they may gain the best results. Let the desponding ones, those disposed to think that the way to eternal life is trying and difficult, go to work to help others. Such efforts, united with prayer for divine light, will cause their own hearts to throb with the quickening influence of the grace of God, their own affections to glow with more divine fervor. Their whole Christian life will be more of a reality, more earnest, more prayerful.... The testimonies borne by them in the Sabbath services will be filled with power. With joy they will bear witness to the preciousness of the experience they have gained in working for others. [235]

TUESDAY MORNING PRAYER FOR OUR FAMILY!

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15 (KJV)

Heavenly Father, in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we come before You on this Tuesday morning with grateful hearts. Thank You for waking us up and giving us another day that we did not earn but received because of Your grace and mercy.
Your Word declares, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24.
Father, before we ask You for anything, we thank You for everything. Thank You for life. Thank You for strength. Thank You for our families. Thank You for keeping us through dangers seen and unseen. Thank You for the doors You opened, the doors You closed, and even the things You protected us from that we never knew were coming.
Lord, as our families begin this Tuesday, go before us. Order our steps, direct our decisions, guard our hearts, protect our homes, and keep Your hand upon every member of our family.
Your Word says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6.
HEAL OUR FAMILY, LORD
Father, this morning we bring before You every family member who is battling sickness—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
You know every diagnosis.
You know every symptom.
You know every pain.
You know every sleepless night.
You know every private struggle.
You know every burden that has become too difficult to explain to others.
Father, touch them right now.
Your Word declares, “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved.” — Jeremiah 17:14.
Lord, stretch forth Your healing hand.
Where there is sickness, bring healing.
Where there is pain, bring relief.
Where there is weakness, bring strength.
Where there is fear, bring faith.
Where there is confusion, bring clarity.
Where there is discouragement, restore hope.
Where there are troubled minds, release Your supernatural peace.
You promised in Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Father, guard the minds of our family members. Give peace to those overwhelmed by life's pressures. Strengthen those carrying emotional burdens in silence. Remind them that they are seen by You, loved by You, and never beyond the reach of Your hand.
Your Word says, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3.
So, Lord, heal, deliver, restore, and set free!
We stand upon Psalm 107:20:“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
Send Your Word into every hospital room, rehabilitation center, doctor's office, nursing facility, and every home where healing is needed.
Give physicians wisdom. Give nurses compassion. Give caregivers strength. Give families patience. And give those who are sick the courage to keep believing You one day at a time.
SAVE OUR FAMILY, LORD
Father, our greatest prayer is not simply that our family will be healthy, prosperous, or successful. Our greatest prayer is that our family will know Jesus Christ.
We lift before You every family member who has not surrendered their life to Christ.
Draw them by Your Spirit.
Let somebody who has been running from You begin running toward You.
Let somebody who has questioned You begin seeking You.
Let somebody who has never prayed begin calling upon Your name.
Let somebody ask the same question asked in Acts 16:30:
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
And let the answer ring clearly:
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” — Acts 16:31.
Father, let salvation come into our households!
Your Word declares, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13.
And Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” — John 14:6.
Lord, let our children know Jesus.
Let our grandchildren know Jesus.
Let husbands and wives know Jesus.
Let our brothers and sisters know Jesus.
Let our extended families know Jesus.
Break destructive generational patterns and establish a new spiritual legacy—a legacy of faith, prayer, worship, obedience, integrity, forgiveness, and love.
May generations after us be able to say, “Our family served the Lord!”
PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILY, LORD
Father, we lift every family member who is looking for employment.
You know every application submitted, every résumé sent, every interview completed, and every person waiting for someone to call them back.
Open the right doors.
Give them favor with hiring managers and decision-makers. Lead them to positions where their gifts, abilities, and experience will be appreciated.
For those already employed who need promotion, advancement, better opportunities, increased wages, raises, improved benefits, or greater financial stability, we ask You to make a way.
Your Word declares, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge.” — Psalm 75:6–7.
Bless the work of our hands, Lord.
Let integrity speak for us.
Let excellence distinguish us.
Let favor surround us.
And when You elevate us, keep us humble enough to remember Who opened the door.
PROVIDE FOR THOSE STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY
Father, we especially pray for family members facing financial pressure.
Some are trying to stretch a paycheck.
Some are worried about rent or mortgage payments.
Some are facing medical bills.
Some are dealing with debt.
Some need groceries.
Some are facing unexpected expenses.
Some are working but still struggling to make ends meet.
But today we stand upon Philippians 4:19:
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Father, You are our Source.
Provide what our families need.
Give us wisdom to manage what You provide. Teach us to be disciplined, generous, responsible, and faithful stewards.
Give our families creative ideas, opportunities, strategies, and open doors.
Where there has been lack, provide.
Where there has been financial confusion, give wisdom.
Where there has been debt, give us a plan and discipline.
Where there has been financial fear, replace it with faith and responsible action.
Lord, supply every need according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
PROTECT OUR FAMILY THIS TUESDAY
Father, as our family members leave their homes today, cover them.
Protect those driving to work.
Protect those traveling.
Protect our children and grandchildren.
Protect those working long hours.
Protect those caring for loved ones.
Protect those going to medical appointments.
Protect our homes while we are away.
Your Word declares, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” — Psalm 91:11.
Lord, keep us from accidents, danger, violence, and circumstances we cannot see coming.
Bring everyone safely home.
STRENGTHEN THE LOVE IN OUR FAMILY
Father, help us to remember that before careers, money, possessions, accomplishments, titles, and recognition, our greatest responsibility is to love You and love one another.
Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” — Matthew 22:37.
Lord, You come first.
Before our plans—You.
Before our ambitions—You.
Before our possessions—You.
Before everything else—You.
And because we love You, teach us how to love one another.
Your Word declares, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” — 1 John 4:11.
Heal broken relationships within our family.
Remove bitterness.
Destroy unforgiveness.
Break down walls caused by pride.
Help us apologize when we are wrong.
Help us forgive when we have been hurt.
Help us communicate with grace.
Help us stop allowing small disagreements to create permanent separation.
Let husbands and wives love one another.
Let parents and children understand one another.
Let brothers and sisters support one another.
Let generations respect and learn from one another.
Lord, make our families stronger, closer, healthier, and more Christ-centered.

OUR TUESDAY FAMILY DECLARATION...
This Tuesday morning, we declare:
Our family belongs to God!
We declare healing over our sick.
We declare peace over troubled minds.
We declare deliverance for those who are bound.
We declare salvation for those who do not yet know Jesus.
We declare employment for those seeking jobs.
We declare favor and increase for those needing advancement.
We declare provision for those struggling financially.
We declare restoration over broken relationships.
We declare protection over our homes and families.
We declare love where there has been division.
And above everything else, we declare:
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:15.

Father, we may not know everything this Tuesday will bring, but we know Who holds this Tuesday in His hands.
Therefore, we trust You.
Order our steps.
Guard our hearts.
Renew our minds.
Strengthen our bodies.
Provide for our needs.
Protect our families.
Save our loved ones.
Restore our relationships.
And let everything we say and do bring glory to Your name.
We seal this prayer with Ephesians 3:20:
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
We believe You can do it.
We believe You are working even when we cannot see it.
And we believe that the hand of God is upon our family!
In the mighty, healing, delivering, saving, providing, protecting, and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
AMEN, AMEN, AND AMEN!

BABY GABRIEL IS BORN AND 'ON THE PATH TO RECEIVE LIFE-SAVING CARE'

SYNOPSIS: Surrogate mother McKenna West has given birth to a baby boy named Gabriel, after courageously refusing the contracting parents' demands to abort him due to a treatable heart condition known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). To ensure the baby's survival, West relocated to Texas to access specialized medical care, a decision that led to a legal battle after the contracting parents sought to force a delivery in California. READ MORE: https://robertdhosken.substack.com/p/baby-gabriel-is-born-and-on-the-path

BEHIND JESUS

TEXT: Acts 18:28

SUPPORTING TEXTS: John 1:1–14; John 4:8, 24; Philippians 3:3

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this teaching, participants should be able to:

1. Understand that God is Spirit and that He has revealed Himself to humanity through Jesus Christ.

2. Recognize the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, and understand why God manifested Himself in the flesh.

3. Explain why Jesus is the only way to salvation and why human religion, morality, or religious tradition cannot save man.

4. Defend the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God manifested in the flesh, using Scripture.

INTRODUCTION

Acts 18:28 (KJV):

“For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”

The subject of Jesus Christ goes beyond what can be seen physically. To understand Jesus, we must look behind Jesus—behind His humanity, His earthly appearance, His birth, His ministry, His death and resurrection—to discover who He truly is.

The Bible teaches that God is Spirit:

John 4:24 (KJV):

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

God is also love:

1 John 4:8:

“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

Love cannot be seen with the physical eyes, and the Spirit cannot be seen with the physical eyes. Yet both are real.

QUESTION

Have you ever physically seen love? Have you ever physically seen a spirit?

Although you cannot see love itself, you can see the manifestation of love through actions. Likewise, God, who is Spirit, made Himself known to humanity through Jesus Christ.

John 1:14 (KJV):

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”

Jesus is therefore the visible manifestation of the invisible God.

Colossians 1:15:

“Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.”

1. GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF THROUGH MAN

God revealed Himself through the human life of Jesus Christ so that humanity could know, believe, and receive Him.

John 1:14:

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”

Jesus did not merely come to teach people about God. He came as God manifested in the flesh.

1 Timothy 3:16:

“God was manifest in the flesh…”

Jesus showed mankind what God is like through His character, words, works, compassion, holiness, power and love.

2. THE BREATH OF MAN IS LIMITED

Man's physical life is temporary. The breath of man is dependent upon God.

Isaiah 2:22:

“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?”

James 4:14:

“For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

Man's life is limited, but God's life is eternal.

3. THE LIFE OF GOD IS ETERNAL

God does not depend upon another source for His existence. He is the eternal God.

John 1:4:

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

John 11:25:

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life…”

1 John 5:11:

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

The eternal life of God is revealed to humanity through Jesus Christ.

4. THE CHARACTER OF MAN IS CORRUPTED BY SIN

Humanity, because of sin, cannot become its own saviour.

Jeremiah 17:9:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…”

Romans 3:23:

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Man therefore needs salvation from outside himself.

5. THE CHARACTER OF GOD IS GOOD

God is holy, righteous, loving and good.

Psalm 100:5:

“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Psalm 145:9:

“The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.”

Jesus demonstrated the goodness and character of God among humanity.

Acts 10:38:

“…who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”

6. MAN CANNOT SAVE HIMSELF — JESUS SAVES

Religion cannot save man. Human wisdom cannot save man. Good works, by themselves, cannot save man.

Ephesians 2:8–9:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith… Not of works…”

Salvation is found in Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:12:

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

The God whom humanity could not physically see came near to humanity in Jesus Christ—and Jesus saves.

THE REASON GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF IN THE FLESH

1. SO THAT WE COULD SEE HIM

God became visible through Jesus Christ.

John 14:9:

“He that hath seen me hath seen the Father…”

Jesus is the revelation of the invisible God.

Colossians 2:9:

“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

2. SO THAT WE COULD TOUCH HIM AND KNOW HIM

John testified that Jesus was physically real.

1 John 1:1:

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes… and our hands have handled…”

The apostles did not proclaim an imaginary person. They witnessed, heard and physically encountered Jesus Christ.

3. SO THAT WE COULD FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM

Jesus did not merely appear to humanity from a distance. He lived among people.

1 John 1:3:

“…that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us…”»l

Jesus also fellowshiped with His disciples.

Matthew 26:30:

“And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.”

He ate with them, walked with them, taught them and fellowshipped with them.

4. TO REVEAL THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH THE FLESH

Jesus demonstrated God's power through miracles, healing, deliverance and authority.

John 2:11:

“This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory…”

Acts 2:22:

“Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs…”

His works revealed what was behind the humanity—the divine nature and power of God.

5. TO EXPERIENCE HUMANITY AND IDENTIFY WITH US

Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, weariness, sorrow, rejection and temptation, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15:

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities…”

Hebrews 2:17:

“Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren…”

He understands what humanity experiences.

6. TO SHED HIS BLOOD FOR OUR SALVATION

The ultimate reason for His manifestation was redemption.

Matthew 26:28:

“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

1 Peter 1:18–19:

“…ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ…”

Jesus came to die for the sins of humanity and rise again.

1 Corinthians 15:3–4:

“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…”

YOU CANNOT GET GOD CHEAPLY

Gold does not usually lie openly on the surface. It must be sought, discovered and refined.

In the same way, we must look beyond the outward appearance of Jesus to understand who He truly is.

Jeremiah 29:13:

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

Behind the soil, there may be gold.

Behind the humanity of Jesus, there is the revelation of God.

Jesus appeared as a man, but He was more than merely a man.

John 10:30:

“I and my Father are one.”

John 20:28:

“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”

The Messiah was hidden behind the humanity of Jesus until He was revealed to those who believed.

ANY SPIRIT THAT DENIES JESUS CAME IN THE FLESH

The Bible gives a serious warning concerning any teaching that denies the incarnation.

1 John 4:2–3:

“Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God…”

Jesus truly came in the flesh.

He was not merely a spiritual appearance. He was genuinely human while being divine.

WHY ACTS 18:28 IS IMPORTANT

Acts 18:28:

“For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”

Apollos and the early Christian preachers had to convince the Jews from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah.

Many Jews expected the Messiah to establish an earthly political kingdom and deliver them from their enemies. They struggled to understand the manner in which the Messiah would first come.

Jesus did not come first as an earthly political ruler. He came as the suffering Servant who would deal with the deeper problem of humanity sin.

Isaiah 53:5:

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities…”

His kingdom is ultimately spiritual and eternal.

John 18:36:

“My kingdom is not of this world…”

Luke 1:32–33:

“…the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever…”

Therefore, Jesus did not fit the people's expectation of what the Messiah should look like, but the Scriptures testified concerning Him.

PRACTICAL EXAMPLE: WHY PEOPLE STILL REJECT JESUS

Even today, many people reject Jesus because they do not understand what is behind the Gospel.

Some see religious hypocrisy, fanaticism, scandals, poor leadership or people who claim Christianity but do not demonstrate Christ-like character.

But the failure of people does not invalidate Jesus.

We must distinguish between Jesus Christ and the imperfections of people who claim to represent Him.

Hebrews 12:2:

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”

Our faith must ultimately be placed in Christ, not in imperfect human beings.

Some people look to God for survival, prosperity, longevity or protection but do not truly know Him.

They may place their hope in religious traditions, human philosophies or personal beliefs while rejecting God's saving grace.

But the Gospel points us back to Jesus.

THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO GOD

Jesus made this clear:

John 14:6:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Peter also declared:

Acts 4:12:

“Neither is there salvation in any other…”

Jesus did not merely claim to know the way. He declared Himself to be the Way.

His resurrection became one of the greatest proofs of His identity.

Romans 1:4:

“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”

The Christian faith is therefore not founded merely on human philosophy but on the person, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION: WHO IS BEHIND JESUS?

Behind the humanity of Jesus is the divine revelation of God.

Jesus is the Word who became flesh.

John 1:1–3:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him…”

And then:

John 1:14:

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…”

Jesus is the image of the invisible God.

Colossians 1:15:

“Who is the image of the invisible God…”

The fullness of God dwells in Him.

Colossians 2:9:

“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

He existed before Abraham.

John 8:58:

“Before Abraham was, I am.”

He is one with the Father.

John 10:30:

“I and my Father are one.”

Thomas called Him God.

John 20:28:

“My Lord and my God.”

And the Father Himself speaks concerning the Son:

Hebrews 1:8:

“But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever…”

Therefore, when we look at Jesus, we must look beyond the physical appearance of the man and understand the divine truth revealed through Him.

Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh.
Jesus Christ is the revelation of God.
Jesus Christ is the Messiah.
Jesus Christ is the Saviour.
Jesus Christ is the Way to the Father.
And in Him is eternal life.

FINAL CHALLENGE

Do not stop at what you see on the surface.

Look behind Jesus.

Look beyond His humanity and discover His divine identity through the Scriptures.

John 20:31:

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

The goal is not merely to know about Jesus. The goal is to know Jesus, believe in Him, and receive the salvation and eternal life that are found in Him.

A Nugget of Truth.
GOD’S WARNING AGAINST QUICK-PROFIT INVESTMENTS, WHAT CAN MONEY STEAL BEFORE IT IS EVER LOST?

“He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” — Proverbs 28:20

God does not condemn honest business, careful saving, or wise investment.

He warns against speculation—reckless ventures driven by haste, greed, excitement, and the dream of wealth without patient labor.

The greatest danger is not an empty account.

It is a heart emptied of Christ.

Inspiration warns that the feverish desire to become rich quickly is contrary to the faith God’s people profess.
---

① IT AWAKENS A HUNGER MONEY CANNOT SATISFY

Speculation whispers:

“One more gain—then I will have enough.”

But covetousness never says, “Enough.”

“They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare.” — 1 Timothy 6:9

When money becomes necessary for peace, identity, or security—

Christ is no longer treated as sufficient.
---

② IT REPLACES FAITH WITH FINANCIAL EXCITEMENT

Faith asks:

“Lord, what is Your will?”

Greed asks:

“How quickly can this multiply?”

Soon charts are watched more carefully than Scripture.

Prayer becomes hurried.

Family worship weakens.

Mission is postponed.

“Trust… not in uncertain riches, but in the living God.” — 1 Timothy 6:17

Satan need not make us openly deny Christ—

only too absorbed in gain to walk closely with Him.
---

③ IT RISKS THE MASTER’S PROPERTY

Everything belongs to Christ.

We are stewards—not owners.

“It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2

Speculation treats God’s entrusted means as though no account must be given.

Stewardship asks, “How can this serve Christ?”

Greed asks, “How much can this serve me?”

Every peso carries a responsibility.
---

④ IT PROMISES FREEDOM—BUT OFTEN CREATES BONDAGE

Quick-profit ventures may begin with hope—

then produce anxiety, secrecy, debt, sleeplessness, damaged homes, and desperate attempts to recover losses.

Inspiration warns that speculative enterprises become a snare and may bring financial and spiritual ruin.

Failure can empty the pocket.

Success can enthrone greed.

The worst bankruptcy is not financial.

It is spiritual.
---

⑤ IT TRAINS THE CONSCIENCE TO COMPROMISE

When profit rules the heart, conviction becomes negotiable.

Truth may be softened.

Dishonesty may be excused.

Giving may feel like loss.

The Sabbath may become inconvenient.

“Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” — Matthew 6:24

Money is a useful servant—

but a merciless master.

A venture may earn greatly and still destroy the soul.

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36
---

⑥ GOD’S WAY BUILDS BOTH PROVISION AND CHARACTER

God’s path is not reckless haste, but:

honest labor, patient diligence, careful planning, contentment, generosity, integrity, and trust in His providence.

“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” — Proverbs 13:11

Speculation wants the harvest without cultivation—

the reward without discipline,

the crown without the cross.

But God is preparing more than our finances.

He is preparing our characters for eternity.
---

CHRIST IS THE TREASURE THAT CANNOT COLLAPSE

Jesus did not grasp for gain.

He surrendered everything to save us.

“Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9

He exchanged heaven’s glory for Bethlehem’s poverty—

and Calvary’s cross for our eternal life.

No earthly return can equal the riches found in Christ.

Therefore:

Work honestly.
Plan wisely.
Reject greed-driven risk.
Live within your means.
Give generously.
Seek Christ first.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” — Matthew 6:20

The safest investment is not the one promising the fastest return.

It is the one you can place before Jesus with a clear conscience, manage without covetousness, use to bless others, and explain faithfully in the judgment.

Beloved, before asking,

“How much can I earn?”

Ask:

“Will this strengthen my faith and serve Christ—or quietly make money my master?”

A fortune gained while faith is lost is not profit. It is eternal bankruptcy.

A Nugget of Truth.
GOD’S WARNING AGAINST QUICK-PROFIT INVESTMENTS, WHAT CAN MONEY STEAL BEFORE IT IS EVER LOST?

“He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” — Proverbs 28:20

God does not condemn honest business, careful saving, or wise investment.

He warns against speculation—reckless ventures driven by haste, greed, excitement, and the dream of wealth without patient labor.

The greatest danger is not an empty account.

It is a heart emptied of Christ.

Inspiration warns that the feverish desire to become rich quickly is contrary to the faith God’s people profess.
---

① IT AWAKENS A HUNGER MONEY CANNOT SATISFY

Speculation whispers:

“One more gain—then I will have enough.”

But covetousness never says, “Enough.”

“They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare.” — 1 Timothy 6:9

When money becomes necessary for peace, identity, or security—

Christ is no longer treated as sufficient.
---

② IT REPLACES FAITH WITH FINANCIAL EXCITEMENT

Faith asks:

“Lord, what is Your will?”

Greed asks:

“How quickly can this multiply?”

Soon charts are watched more carefully than Scripture.

Prayer becomes hurried.

Family worship weakens.

Mission is postponed.

“Trust… not in uncertain riches, but in the living God.” — 1 Timothy 6:17

Satan need not make us openly deny Christ—

only too absorbed in gain to walk closely with Him.
---

③ IT RISKS THE MASTER’S PROPERTY

Everything belongs to Christ.

We are stewards—not owners.

“It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2

Speculation treats God’s entrusted means as though no account must be given.

Stewardship asks, “How can this serve Christ?”

Greed asks, “How much can this serve me?”

Every peso carries a responsibility.
---

④ IT PROMISES FREEDOM—BUT OFTEN CREATES BONDAGE

Quick-profit ventures may begin with hope—

then produce anxiety, secrecy, debt, sleeplessness, damaged homes, and desperate attempts to recover losses.

Inspiration warns that speculative enterprises become a snare and may bring financial and spiritual ruin.

Failure can empty the pocket.

Success can enthrone greed.

The worst bankruptcy is not financial.

It is spiritual.
---

⑤ IT TRAINS THE CONSCIENCE TO COMPROMISE

When profit rules the heart, conviction becomes negotiable.

Truth may be softened.

Dishonesty may be excused.

Giving may feel like loss.

The Sabbath may become inconvenient.

“Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” — Matthew 6:24

Money is a useful servant—

but a merciless master.

A venture may earn greatly and still destroy the soul.

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36
---

⑥ GOD’S WAY BUILDS BOTH PROVISION AND CHARACTER

God’s path is not reckless haste, but:

honest labor, patient diligence, careful planning, contentment, generosity, integrity, and trust in His providence.

“Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” — Proverbs 13:11

Speculation wants the harvest without cultivation—

the reward without discipline,

the crown without the cross.

But God is preparing more than our finances.

He is preparing our characters for eternity.
---

CHRIST IS THE TREASURE THAT CANNOT COLLAPSE

Jesus did not grasp for gain.

He surrendered everything to save us.

“Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9

He exchanged heaven’s glory for Bethlehem’s poverty—

and Calvary’s cross for our eternal life.

No earthly return can equal the riches found in Christ.

Therefore:

Work honestly.
Plan wisely.
Reject greed-driven risk.
Live within your means.
Give generously.
Seek Christ first.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” — Matthew 6:20

The safest investment is not the one promising the fastest return.

It is the one you can place before Jesus with a clear conscience, manage without covetousness, use to bless others, and explain faithfully in the judgment.

Beloved, before asking,

“How much can I earn?”

Ask:

“Will this strengthen my faith and serve Christ—or quietly make money my master?”

A fortune gained while faith is lost is not profit. It is eternal bankruptcy.

*SEED OF LIFE*
BUT know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away.
Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
• ‭2 Timothy 3:1,2,4,5 & 7

One of the sins that forms part of the signs of the last days is that professing Christians are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God... The true follower of Jesus cannot find pleasure in the frivolous, empty conversations of the world-lover... because the latter is merely satisfied with contemplating the religion of Christ, but knows nothing of its saving power. Obedience to the Word of God will lead them to separate themselves from all these things.
• Radiant Religion, p. 236

*• A Point to Ponder •*
Our danger is not merely that sensual pleasure exists, but that it has displaced the transforming power of a living relationship with God.(FrontierOfHopeMinistry)

I am urgently asking for prayer for my marriage and family. It is on a thread and I am asking for guidance, strength and focus in saving my marriage and family. I have failed in some ways and I have ask my wife and God for forgiveness. I am not going to fail my marriage. Thank you in advance!

Are You an Intentional Christian?

By Pastor Joseph Clark

Life does not simply happen to us. At least, it should not. There are circumstances we cannot control. There are things that happen to us that we never anticipated, and there are seasons when we have little choice over what comes our way. But within all of that, God has given us something extraordinarily important:

The freedom to choose how we will live before Him.

We should never be content merely to hope that our faith is genuine. We are called to deliberately follow Christ, deliberately obey His Word, deliberately love others, deliberately serve, deliberately grow—and deliberately bear fruit. The Christian life is not a spectator sport.

Let me be absolutely clear: we are not saved by our good works. The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not something we earn through religious accomplishments or our own efforts. We cannot purchase forgiveness by doing enough good deeds. We cannot impress God into saving us.

Paul writes:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works.”

Ephesians 2:8–9

Amen.

But sometimes Christians stop reading there. The very next verse says:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

Notice the order. We are not saved by good works. We are saved for good works. Works are not the root of our salvation; they are supposed to be the fruit of our salvation.

That distinction is absolutely essential. A person does not become a Christian because he produces fruit. Rather, because he has been brought into Christ, his life should increasingly begin to produce fruit.

I have observed that some Christians use the “by faith, not works” argument as a cop-out to justify a lazy, fruitless walk.

Jesus Himself said:

“By their fruit you will recognize them.”

Matthew 7:16

He did not say, “Don’t worry about fruit because you believe.” He said:

“Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”

Matthew 7:17

There is a dangerous misunderstanding that can sometimes enter Christian thinking. A person says, “I am saved by faith and not works.” That statement is true. But then he concludes, “Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether my life produces anything.”

That conclusion is not biblical.

James puts the matter bluntly:

“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

James 2:17

James isn’t teaching that we purchase salvation by our deeds. He is teaching that genuine faith is living faith.

If I tell you that I have a fire burning in my house, but you enter the house and find no heat, no light, no flame, and no evidence whatsoever of fire, you would have good reason to question my claim.

In the same way, if someone claims to belong to Christ but deliberately refuses to grow, refuses to obey, refuses to serve, refuses to love, refuses to forgive, and refuses to bear any spiritual fruit, we should not simply congratulate that person by saying, “Well, you’re saved by faith, so none of that matters.”

Jesus never taught such complacency.

Consider one of the most sobering statements Jesus ever made. In Matthew 7:21–23, Jesus describes people who will stand before Him on the day of judgment. They will say that they did things in His name. And Jesus will say:

“I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”

Matthew 7:23

That should cause every professing Christian to pause.

Jesus did not say, “You weren’t sincere enough.” He did not say, “You didn’t perform enough religious deeds.” He said, “I never knew you.”

The issue is ultimately relationship with Christ.

Likewise, Jesus gives a similar warning in the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Some of the virgins were complacent and unprepared for the bridegroom. When he arrived, they were shut out of the wedding feast. The warning is unmistakable: we must not live carelessly or presume upon the grace of God.

A person can say the right things, use Christian vocabulary, attend church, perform religious activities, and even speak about Jesus—and yet not actually belong to Him.

This is why we should never merely sit back and say, “I hope my faith is genuine.” We should examine our lives. We should pursue Christ. We should repent when we sin. We should seek holiness. We should love our neighbor. We should forgive. We should serve. We should pray. We should study God’s Word. We should proclaim the Gospel. We should bear fruit.

Not because these things purchase our salvation—but because Christ has saved us and called us to live differently.

Our fruitfulness should also be expressed through obedience to Christ’s Great Commission.

Jesus said:

“I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

John 15:16

That is not passive language.

Go. Bear fruit.

Christ did not save us so that we could sit comfortably on the sidelines of Christianity. He called us into a life of purpose.

Jesus also said:

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

John 15:8

There is that word again: fruit.

Fruit is evidence of life.

Wake Up and Bear Fruit

Do you see what is happening in this fallen world today?

Paganism. False religions.

They are boldly, deliberately, and intentionally seeking to influence and claim the hearts and minds of people throughout the world.

Our answer should be bold, fruitful evangelism!

Wake up!

Use your God-given gifts in any way you can to share His Gospel.

An apple tree doesn’t produce apples in order to become an apple tree. It produces apples because it is an apple tree.

Likewise, Christians don’t perform good works in order to become God’s children. We bear fruit because, through faith in Christ, God has made us His children.

This brings us back to our central question:

What are you going to do with the life God has given you?

You cannot choose every circumstance. But you can choose whether you will trust God in those circumstances.

You can choose whether you will forgive.

You can choose whether you will serve.

You can choose whether you will encourage someone who is discouraged.

You can choose whether you will open your Bible.

You can choose whether you will pray.

You can choose whether you will share your faith.

You can choose whether you will repent.

You can choose whether you will obey Christ when obedience is difficult.

You can choose whether your Christianity will be merely something you claim—or something you deliberately live.

Paul told the Philippians:

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”

Philippians 2:12

Paul did not mean, “Work for your salvation.” He was writing to people who were already Christians. The meaning is that the salvation God has worked into your life should be worked out in the way you live.

Your faith should become visible.

Your character should change.

Your priorities should change.

Your relationships should change.

Your choices should change.

Your life should increasingly resemble the Christ you profess to follow.

There is a difference between saying, “I hope I’m a faithful Christian,” and saying, “By the grace of God, I will deliberately seek to become a faithful Christian.”

The first can become passive.

The second is intentional.

What Will You Do With What God Has Given You?

Do you remember the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30?

Are you the servant who was given one talent and buried it in the ground rather than using it?

To that servant, the master said:

“You wicked, lazy servant!”

Matthew 25:26

The judgment concludes:

“And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Matthew 25:30

Or are you the servant to whom the Lord will say:

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

Matthew 25:21

Let me pause and ask you right now:

Is this message off-putting to you? Does this message offend you?

If so, ask yourself: Why?

Why does God’s Word—and a message consistent with His Word—bother you?

And don’t misunderstand me: you cannot manufacture spiritual fruit through human strength.

Jesus said:

“Apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

Fruit comes from abiding in Christ.

But abiding in Christ is not passive indifference.

We choose to remain close to Him.

We choose obedience.

We choose repentance.

We choose prayer.

We choose service.

We choose faithfulness.

We choose to say yes when Christ calls.

In the Parable of the Talents, one servant received one talent and buried it. He did not steal it. He did not destroy it. He simply did nothing with it.

When the master returned, the servant had an excuse. But the master condemned him.

Why?

Because what had been entrusted to him was intended to be used.

There is a warning here for Christians who have been given time, abilities, opportunities, spiritual gifts, knowledge, and resources but deliberately refuse to use them for God’s purposes.

God did not give you your life merely to consume it.

He gave you a life that can be offered back to Him.

Jesus also told of a fig tree that was not producing fruit. The owner came looking for fruit and found none. The tree was occupying valuable ground, but it was not fulfilling the purpose for which it existed.

That should make us think.

What is your Christian life producing?

Are people encouraged because you know Christ?

Are people helped because you serve?

Are people forgiven because you have learned to forgive?

Are people hearing the Gospel because you are willing to speak?

Are people seeing Christ in your conduct?

Are you becoming more patient?

More loving?

More humble?

More truthful?

More generous?

More courageous?

More obedient?

Has God given you talents or resources such as public influence, good oratory, conversational skills, a good computer, social media, or other online tools?

Use them for Christ.

Do you enjoy Christian podcasts, Christian articles, or Christian music?

Share them online with others.

Do you know someone who is in need or grieving?

Be present to them.

Let them know you are praying for them.

Pray for them!

Make a prayer list and pray daily.

Pray for this fallen world.

Reassure others of the coming of Christ.

Use whatever God has entrusted to you to advance His Kingdom and proclaim His Gospel.

What fruit is your life producing?

You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Be Fruitful

You don’t have to be famous to be fruitful.

You don’t have to preach to thousands.

You don’t have to write books.

You don’t have to stand behind a pulpit.

A mother raising her children in the faith can be fruitful.

A man encouraging a discouraged neighbor can be fruitful.

A Christian visiting the lonely can be fruitful.

Someone praying faithfully for another person can be fruitful.

A believer forgiving an enemy can be fruitful.

A Christian refusing to participate in gossip can be fruitful.

Someone quietly giving to help another person can be fruitful.

Fruitfulness isn’t necessarily spectacular.

Sometimes the greatest Christian fruit is produced quietly, where only God sees it.

Jesus said:

“Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Matthew 6:4

Your life will not be perfect.

You will fail.

You will sin.

You will sometimes become discouraged.

You will occasionally make terrible decisions.

But don’t confuse failure with fruitlessness.

A fruitful Christian is not a perfect Christian. A fruitful Christian is an obedient Christian who keeps turning toward Christ.

When he falls, he gets back up.

When he sins, he repents.

When he fails, he seeks God’s grace.

When he becomes discouraged, he keeps walking.

When God opens a door, he walks through it.

When Christ calls, he responds.

That is deliberate Christianity.

So don’t merely sit back and hope that your faith is genuine.

Pursue Christ.

Don’t use salvation by faith as an excuse for spiritual laziness.

Bear fruit.

Don’t try to earn God’s love through good works.

Serve because you have already received His grace.

Don’t live as though your life is something that merely happens to you.

By the grace of God, choose to make it count.

Jesus said:

“By their fruit you will recognize them.”

And He also said:

“I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

The Christian life is not about earning salvation.

It is about living out the salvation you have received.

So get up.

Pray. Believe. Repent. Obey. Serve. Love. Forgive. Speak. Give. Go.

Create content.

Share content.

Practice charity.

Use your talents in any way you can to share the Kingdom of Christ and reach pagans, non-believers, and those who do not yet know Jesus Christ.

Bear fruit.

You have been given one life.

Don’t merely wait to see what happens to it.

With Christ, deliberately choose what you will do with it.

And may your life bear fruit—not for your own glory, but for the glory of the One who saved you.

In Jesus’ name, I pray.

AMEN. AMEN. AMEN!