**A hard word for Pastor who turned the altar into a business.

This needs to be said, and it's going to hurt those who need to hear it: a pastor doesn't own the sheep. The people God placed in your care aren't yours — they belong to Him. And the Owner of the flock will demand an account of every single one. Remember the parable of the wicked tenants? The owner of the vineyard sends, demands, and in the end asks for a reckoning of everything done with what was His (Matthew 21:33-41). No one will escape that accounting — not even those who used the name of Jesus to profit off other people's faith.

Jesus was clear when He sent out the disciples: *"Freely you have received, freely give"* (Matthew 10:8). Healing, delivering, praying for the afflicted — this was never meant to be sold. When someone charges to "deliver," charges to "anoint," charges to "break a curse," they're profiting off the pain of desperate people. And Jesus has harsh words for that: *"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in"* (Matthew 23:13). Blocking the path of those who seek God, using faith as a trap, is one of the most serious things there is.

And there's another danger, just as serious: preaching only what people want to hear. Pretty prophecies, promises of prosperity, a message that pleases but never confronts anyone's sin. That's not shepherding — that's people-pleasing. Paul warns: *"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). Notice: the pastor will also give an account for his own soul, and for the souls of those he led astray.

And remember: every sheep lost because of your negligence, your greed, or your lies — their blood falls on your head. God already warned the prophet Ezekiel about this: if the watchman sees danger and doesn't warn the people, and someone dies because of it, *"his blood will I require at the watchman's hand"* (Ezekiel 33:6). A pastor who deceives, who charges money, who pretends to care but only exploits — will answer not only for his own soul, but for the soul of every person lost because of him.

Because in the end, what good is it to gain the whole world — a full church, an imported car, a mansion, fame — and lose your own life? After the curtain of time comes eternity. And there, your works will follow you. If they were good, the reward is already prepared. But if they were evil… remember the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man, in torment, begged for a single drop of water, because there the fire is never quenched (Luke 16:19-31). No one leaves there afterward. There is no second chance after eternity.

If you're a pastor who charges to pray, charges to deliver, and preaches only what pleases — stop now. There's still time to repent and return to serving with integrity, the way Jesus taught. And if you're one of the people, and you've already paid, already felt used, know this: God doesn't charge you anything to set you free. Salvation, healing, deliverance — all of it was already paid for on the cross. Freely.

THE EASTERN GATE — WHEN THE DOOR OPENS

I have walked through Jerusalem many times during my archaeological journey, stood among its ancient stones, explored its history, and watched the city change beneath the light of the Judean sun.

Yet there is one place that still causes me to stop.

The Eastern Gate.

Standing across from that magnificent sealed gateway, I have often simply stared at it in awe.

The gate we see today is not the gate through which Solomon walked. Jerusalem is a city built layer upon layer, generation upon generation. Beneath our feet lie the remains of earlier Jerusalems—some excavated, others still hidden in the earth.

And the Eastern Gate has its own archaeological mystery.

In 1969, James Fleming was examining the area outside the present Golden Gate when the ground beneath him gave way. Below the modern ground level, he observed and photographed an earlier arched structure associated with the gateway.

What exactly was it?

How old was it?

Could still earlier phases of Jerusalem's eastern entrance survive beneath it?

Those questions remain debated. Archaeology has not established that Fleming discovered Solomon's gate. Extensive excavation of this extraordinarily sensitive area has never been possible.

And perhaps that mystery is partly what makes standing there so remarkable.

What we see above the ground is only part of the story.

There are stones beneath the stones.

There are gates beneath the gate.

There is history beneath our feet.

But whenever I stand there, my thoughts eventually move beyond archaeology.

I look across the Kidron Valley toward the Mount of Olives. I look back toward that sealed entrance in Jerusalem's eastern wall.

And I imagine a day archaeology cannot excavate.

The coming of the Messiah.

Imagine standing there when Yeshua returns to earthly Jerusalem.

Imagine the sound of the shofar echoing across the valley.

Imagine the King approaching Jerusalem.

Imagine those ancient stones witnessing something greater than all the kings, armies, pilgrims and empires that have passed before them.

And then I remember something Yeshua once said:

“I am the door.”

— John 10:9

Suddenly, the image of a sealed gate takes on another meaning.

A stone gateway may be closed.

But God's Door is open.

Yeshua did not describe Himself merely as someone standing beside the entrance or someone pointing toward it.

He said:

“I am the door.”

The message is profoundly simple.

THE DOOR IS THE WAY

A door separates two places.

You stand on one side, but the door provides the entrance to the other.

Yeshua presents Himself as the entrance to salvation and life with God. Wealth cannot purchase that entrance. Archaeological knowledge cannot unlock it. Religious status cannot earn it.

The invitation is through Him.

THE DOOR IS PROTECTION

The imagery becomes even richer when we remember the shepherd.

In the ancient world, sheep could be gathered into an enclosure where the entrance provided controlled access and protection. Against that background, Yeshua speaks not only about a door but immediately afterward about Himself as the Good Shepherd.

The One who provides the entrance is also the One who cares for the sheep.

THE DOOR LEADS TO LIFE

Yeshua continues:

“He will come in and go out and find pasture.”

The Door does not lead into imprisonment.

It leads to life.

To fellowship.

To belonging.

To walking with the Shepherd.

And that is why the Eastern Gate continues to fascinate me.

As an archaeologist, I see ancient masonry, buried architectural phases, unanswered questions and thousands of years of Jerusalem's history.

As a believer, I see something else.

I see an illustration.

The world can build walls.

Men can close gates.

Empires can rise and disappear.

Stones can be buried beneath metres of earth.

But there is one Door no human being can seal.

Yeshua is that Door.

Perhaps one day I will no longer have to stand across the Kidron Valley imagining the King coming to Jerusalem.

Perhaps those ancient stones will witness the moment themselves.

Until then, the sealed Eastern Gate remains there—silent, ancient and mysterious.

And every time I look at it, I am reminded:

The gate may be shut.

But the Door is still open.

Yeshua said, “I am the door.”

Brothers and sisters, Always remember this: #ChristianLiving #WalkByFaith #SpiritualGrowth

AFTERNOON DEVOTION | GOD IS WITH YOU

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1

As the afternoon unfolds, remember that God is still with you.

Maybe some plans have not worked out. Maybe you are tired, discouraged, or wondering how things will come together. Do not give up.

The God who carried you through the morning will sustain you through the afternoon. What you cannot see, He is still working on.

AFTERNOON PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me this far today. Give me strength where I am weak, wisdom where I am uncertain, and peace where I am troubled.

Bless the work of my hands and guide my decisions. Help me not to give up because of today's challenges. Let Your grace carry me through the rest of this day.

May my life, my work, and everything I do bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.

TODAY'S REMINDER:
You may be tired, but God is not tired. Keep moving forward—He is with you.

Have a blessed, peaceful and fruitful afternoon.

If this devotion encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today.

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

How is everyone doing today? It is early and eventful in my house. Eventful for old, sleepy people, that is. I made coffee, fixed my husband’s meds, recorded his evening, walked the dog and spent some quality time in the alternative office.

Last night I was able to get the middle part of the yard mowed before I lost daylight and today I will finish. Now, normally, my yard is done in one sitting. However, this week, that has not been the case. With borrowing a mower, I had to wait to get it back and because I borrowed it, I did my obligation to his other property first. I could have waited and done mine all in one stint, but I was having fun. Haha.

So, I have a question for you. How do you decompress? Do you go for a walk/run? Do you dive into a good story? Is it television and snacks? Is there a hobby that you enjoy that helps reset your thoughts? How do you deal with the day’s events as they unfold and/or when you are thinking about them at the end of the day?

For me, obviously, writing is one avenue that I take. Another is mowing—another is music. Of course, there are my phone games … little addictive boogers.

Have you considered prayer as a route of decompression?

A quick research of how many times it is recorded that Jesus prayed is over 25 times. A finer search shows that He withdrew at least seven times to pray. Meaning that he went away alone to pray.

Now, if the Son of God, who came to earth as a human to demonstrate what He wanted us to do, left his pals, his family, his associates to pray and ‘decompress’ with God … don’t you think it might just work for us?

Over the years, in order to make prayer sound OVER important, it has been made out that you need to have a large vocabulary of fancy words and beautiful songs of words that float through the air like a cloud. However, if you read about Jesus’ account in Gethsemane … that was not flowery words … that was “Hey Dad, is there another way we can take care of this plan of Yours? If there is, can we do that instead? Hey, but if there isn’t … I understand.” Jesus was on his face, sweating and pouring out his soul to the Father, pleading for a different solution to this problem. He had become very close to His disciples and the weight of what was going to happen fell on him like a ton of bricks. He felt the burden of His assignment in full force. If the Son of man cried out to God on multiple occasions, would it not seem relevant that we would too?

The enemy would have us believe that if we cannot ‘fix’ or ‘accomplish’ something on our own, that we are weak and worthless. On the contrary, knowing that we have an avenue to strength and power, and then exercising that invitation to sit with Him, settles us and empowers us to persevere. I have confessed many times on here that my prayer life has not been the best. It is improving, however, and I can physically feel His presence as I calm from the day’s events or as I enter the day’s events. Coming from someone who routinely falls down, prayer has given me such strength to continue to take one step at a time each day.

As today unfolds, as the events begin to swallow you whole, as the world tries to dictate your mood, remember that there is One who is always there and willing to listen. Go to Him. Pour out your soul to Him. Cry to Him. Plead with Him. And know that if the answer is not what YOU wanted, that there must be a higher cause. Jesus was not released from his commitment to die on the cross; he accepted it and used it as the way to unlock the doors of death and defeat Satan. What powerful use of your turmoil lies beyond your vision that will help someone in the long run? Release your anguish to the Father and embrace your chosen status, knowing that you were picked to set the tone for someone else in a similar situation.

Be blessed.

**My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. – Matthew 26:38-39

DBF-001-034 continues with John 2:13. John now moves from the quiet days in Capernaum to Jerusalem at Passover. This verse begins an important change of scene that will reveal Christ’s concern for the holiness of His Father’s house.

DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP

DBF-001-034

Today’s Scripture

John 2:13 (ESV)

“The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.”

Opening the Scriptures

Jesus had spent a few days in Capernaum with His mother, His brothers, and His disciples.

Now John takes us to Jerusalem.

The reason was Passover.

Passover was one of Israel’s great appointed feasts. It looked back to the time when God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. On that first Passover night, judgment came upon Egypt, while the Israelites were protected according to God’s command concerning the blood of the Passover lamb.

Generation after generation remembered God’s mighty act of deliverance.

Now Jesus Himself was going to Jerusalem for Passover.

John has already introduced Him with the remarkable words of John the Baptist:

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

The full significance of those words has not yet unfolded.

But John is directing our attention toward Christ.

Living God’s Word Today

Passover reminded Israel that deliverance came from God.

That remains an essential truth for us.

Human beings naturally want to contribute something toward their acceptance before God.

We trust our morality.

We remember our good deeds.

We compare ourselves with people whom we consider worse than ourselves.

We may even trust our church attendance, religious service, or knowledge of Scripture.

But none of these things can remove our sin.

Salvation belongs to the Lord.

The Passover pointed backward to God’s deliverance from Egypt, but it also helps us understand the greater deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ.

The New Testament identifies Christ as our Passover Lamb.

He did what we could never do for ourselves.

He lived without sin.

He willingly went to the cross.

He bore the judgment deserved by sinners.

He rose from the dead.

Our hope before God therefore rests not upon the strength of our religious performance but upon the finished work of Jesus Christ.

This should also produce humility.

We cannot boast about rescuing ourselves.

We cannot look down upon another sinner as though we earned our place before God.

If we are saved, we are recipients of grace.

Jesus was traveling toward Jerusalem.

The disciples could not yet understand everything that Jerusalem would eventually mean.

But the Lamb of God was moving according to His Father’s purpose.

Today, remember where your confidence must rest.

Not in yourself.

Not in your goodness.

Not in your religious activity.

In Christ alone.

Question for Today

What are you trusting in for your acceptance before a holy God?

Respond: “My hope is in Jesus Christ alone.”

Let's talk about it.
YOUR MIND AND HEART NEED GOD’S WORD

Just as a plant cannot grow without water, our mind and heart cannot truly flourish without the Word of God.

Every day, we are surrounded by voices—opinions, distractions, temptations, fears, and worries. What we continually feed our minds will eventually shape our thoughts, and what fills our hearts will eventually influence our words, choices, and actions.

That is why we must intentionally water our lives with God’s Word DAILY.

When you are discouraged, read His promises.
When you are confused, seek His wisdom.
When you are tempted, remember His truth.
When you are afraid, hold on to His Word.
When you are tired, let His presence renew you.

The Bible is not merely a book to display—it is God’s truth to live by. It corrects us when we are wrong, strengthens us when we are weak, guides us when we are lost, and reminds us of who God is when life becomes difficult.

A neglected plant withers.
A heart neglected from God grows cold.
A mind without God’s truth becomes vulnerable to deception.
But a life continually nourished by God’s Word becomes stronger in faith.

Don’t wait until Sunday to hear from God. Open your Bible every day. Pray. Meditate. Listen. Obey.

Water your mind. Water your heart. Water your soul with the Word of God.

Because what you feed daily will eventually grow.

«“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4»

Stay in the Word. Stay in prayer. Stay close to Jesus.

Daily Devotional
Be eyes to the blind; Feet to the lame.

I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. Job 29:15

Watch carefully, prayerfully, conscientiously, lest the mind become so engrossed with many important business transactions that true godliness is overlooked and love is quenched from the soul, notwithstanding the great and pitiful need of your being God’s helping hand to the blind and to all others who are unfortunate. The most friendless demand the most attention. Use your time and strength in learning to be “fervent in spirit,” to deal justly, and to love mercy, “serving the Lord.” Remember that Christ says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.”

God requires His people to be far more pitiful and considerate of the unfortunate than they are.... God requires that the same consideration which should be given to the widow and fatherless be given to the blind and to those suffering under the affliction of other physical infirmities. Disinterested benevolence is very rare in this age of the world.... It is strange that professed Christian men should disregard the plain, positive teachings of the Word of God and feel no compunction of conscience. God places upon them the responsibility of caring for the unfortunate, the blind, the lame, the widow, and the fatherless; but many make no effort to regard it.

There is a great work to be done in our world, and as we approach the close of earth’s history, it does not lessen in the least degree; but when the perfect love of God is in the heart, wonderful things will be done. [244]

SELF-PITY IS ALSO A STRONGHOLD

There is a world people can build inside themselves. A world called self-pity.

Self-pity says: "Nobody understands me." "Nobody sees what I have suffered." "Nobody appreciates me." "Look at everything that has happened to me."

Now, there are real difficulties in life. People go through painful experiences. People have been hurt, but there is a difference between acknowledging pain and building your identity around pain.

Self-pity keeps bringing you back to yourself.

Everything becomes about your disappointment. Everything becomes about what people did to you. Everything becomes about what you did not receive. And slowly, you become trapped in a world where you are always the victim.

Look at Elijah. After Jezebel threatened him, he ran away and sat under a tree. When God asked him what he was doing there, Elijah answered by focusing on himself.

He said he had been very jealous for The Lord,.... but he was the only one left (1 Kings 19:10)

But Elijah was not seeing the situation correctly. God still had people, and He was still working.

The problem was not that Elijah had experienced difficulty. The problem was that his pain had become his entire perspective.

Self-pity can make you forget God's bigger picture. It can make you abandon your assignment.

You must burn down that world — not because your pain is fake, but because your pain cannot become your master.

You are not only what happened to you. You are not only what people did to you. You are a child of God with a purpose.

Do not allow self-pity to become a place you live. God has more for you than constantly looking at yourself and your wounds. Remember this Scripture and let The Word spoken there be your comfort:

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith The LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Shalom!

THANKFUL THURSDAY MORNING PRAYER!
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” — Psalm 107:1 (KJV)
Heavenly Father, in the mighty and precious name of Jesus, we come before You this Thursday morning with grateful hearts.
Before we ask You for anything, we simply want to say THANK YOU!
Thank You for waking us up this morning. Thank You for another day of life. Thank You for breath in our bodies, strength to rise, and another opportunity to experience 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 (KJV)
Lord, everything may not be the way we want it to be, but You are still good.
Some of us woke up carrying burdens nobody knows about. Some are worried about their families. Some are concerned about their health. Some are struggling financially. Some are grieving the loss of someone they love. Some are dealing with problems in their marriages and relationships. Some are concerned about their children. Some are waiting on employment or a better opportunity. Some are fighting battles in their minds. And some are simply tired from everything life has brought their way.
But this morning, we choose gratitude over complaining, faith over fear, and worship over worry.
Your Word tells us:
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
Father, thank You for the prayers You have answered, and thank You for the prayers where the answer is still on the way.
Thank You for the doors You opened, and thank You for the doors You closed because You knew what was on the other side.
Thank You for what You allowed, and thank You for what You prevented.
Thank You for protecting us from dangers seen and unseen.
Thank You for the times we didn't know how we were going to make it—but somehow You made a way!
Lord, somebody needs healing this morning. Touch bodies from the crowns of their heads to the soles of their feet. Strengthen those who are weak. Comfort those experiencing pain. Bring peace to troubled minds and encouragement to discouraged hearts.
For Your Word declares:
“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD.” — Jeremiah 30:17 (KJV)
Father, remember those who are grieving. When the house feels different, when memories bring tears, and when loneliness becomes overwhelming, wrap Your loving arms around them.
Remind them:
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4 (KJV)
Lord, bless our families. Restore broken relationships. Bring parents and children together. Strengthen marriages. Heal misunderstandings between siblings. Remove bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, division, and confusion.
Teach us to love one another, forgive one another, pray for one another, and appreciate one another while we still have the opportunity.
Father, somebody is worried about finances. Bills are due. Prices are high. Resources may be limited. Someone needs employment, a promotion, increased income, or simply enough to make it through.
But we stand upon Your Word:
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
Provide, Lord. Open doors. Give wisdom concerning finances. Create opportunities that no person can shut.
Father, we pray for those struggling silently with anxiety, fear, depression, loneliness, disappointment, and discouragement.
Your Word says:
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
So this morning, we give You what we cannot carry.
We give You our children.
We give You our marriages.
We give You our health.
We give You our finances.
We give You our careers.
We give You our unanswered questions.
We give You our fears about tomorrow.
Lord, we put it all in Your hands!
Father, draw those who do not know Jesus into a saving relationship with You. Let hearts be softened, lives transformed, and souls saved. Restore those who have walked away and remind them that there is still room at Your table.
And Lord, as we go through this Thursday, order our steps.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” — Psalm 37:23 (KJV)
Go before us into every workplace, classroom, hospital room, doctor's office, courtroom, meeting, highway, and home.
Protect those traveling.
Give wisdom to those making difficult decisions.
Give strength to caregivers.
Give peace to families facing uncertainty.
Give hope to those waiting for an answer.
Give courage to those beginning again.
And give endurance to those who are simply trying to make it through another day.
Most of all, Lord, keep us thankful.
When we are tempted to focus on what we don't have, remind us of what You have already provided.
When we become discouraged by how far we still have to go, remind us how far You have already brought us.
When life becomes difficult, remind us that we are never walking alone.
“For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” — Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)
So today we declare:
THANK YOU, LORD, FOR LIFE!
THANK YOU FOR GRACE!
THANK YOU FOR MERCY!
THANK YOU FOR PROTECTION!
THANK YOU FOR PROVISION!
THANK YOU FOR OUR FAMILIES!
THANK YOU FOR EVERY BLESSING—SEEN AND UNSEEN!
And even for the things we don't understand, we will still trust You.
Let this Thankful Thursday be filled with peace in our minds, joy in our hearts, strength in our bodies, love in our homes, provision for our needs, and the presence of God everywhere we go.
We give You all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise.
In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray.
AMEN AND AMEN!
THURSDAY DECLARATION...
Today, I choose gratitude over worry. I will thank God in every circumstance. I believe He is working even when I cannot see it. My family is covered, my steps are ordered, my needs will be supplied, and God will give me strength for whatever this day brings. This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! In Jesus' name, Amen!