Category Archives: Jesus

Devotionals, Jesus, Passages of the Bible

Jesus

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Acts 4:31, “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”

Imagine that! Your prayer meeting moves God to move the world – the earth quakes and shakes; but that’s not the best part. Next thing you know all the people in the prayer meeting are FILLED with the Holy Spirit and they speak God’s word with boldness!
 
What an awesome event – especially considering the events that led up to it.
 
Peter and John had been arrested for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Jewish authorities commanded the Apostles “not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 4:18)
 
Of course, the Christians knew this was a clear contradiction of commands – so they were set to obey God rather than man – but they didn’t pout about it; they didn’t picket, protest, or throw a pity-party…they simply prayed. 
 
They prayed passionately, and God answered immediately and miraculously.
 
The earthquake happened because the Holy Spirit “arrived” with greater measure… there was more power from on high, so that they freely preached the name of Jesus and His Word with boldness – unequivocally and unintimidated by the threats of men.
 
Wow!
 
Some things never change. The enemy doesn’t want you to share the name of Jesus, and he daunts and distracts in different ways.
 
Can I ask you a question?
 
Have you shared Jesus with anyone lately? A few of you have, but I have a hunch that some of you haven’t. What difference does it make if we’re silent due to legislation, intimidation, or a lack of concentration? My friend don’t let the enemy silence you. Don’t let that cat get your tongue. Let’s determine to speak the Name of Jesus – for He is the only answer to every problem.
  
I hope we learn from the example of the disciples…and pray passionately.
 
I hope we emulate the disciples and speak Jesus and His Word with boldness.

Acts 16:30–31, And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Until the whole world hears, your brother in Christ,
– Manny

Current Affairs, Jesus, Passages of the Bible, Salvation

A Contemplation of Crowns

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Revelation 19:16 (NKJV) “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
 

Some refer to them as England, others as Great Britain, but the name most appropriate for today is the United Kingdom – all the above referring to a single nation, who is mourning the passing away of their dearly beloved, Queen Elizabeth. She was queen regnant of 32 different sovereign states during her life, and served as monarch of 15 of them at the time of her death. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days is the longest of any British monarch and the longest recorded of any female head of state in history.
 
I haven’t done extensive research, but I’m hearing through the gracevine that she had faith in Christ. Queen Elizabeth is quoted as saying, “For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life.”
 
Franklin Graham posted the following on his IG account, “I’m especially grateful for the Queen’s friendship with my father Billy Graham. He cherished their friendship that was built on a shared love for Jesus Christ and belief in God’s Word. My father had the privilege of meeting with the Queen more than a dozen times, and she was a gracious host, inviting my parents to visit Buckingham Palace on several occasions. My father said he found Queen Elizabeth “to be a woman of rare modesty and character,” and made a pledge to pray for her and her family every day. He also appreciated how she often talked about Jesus Christ during her public addresses—there was never any question about where she placed her faith. Queen Elizabeth once said, “I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.”
 
We mourn the Queen’s passing, but find solace in the comforting truth that because of her faith in Jesus Christ, she is home in heaven forever.
 
All this leads to our passage for today.


Revelation 19:16 (NKJV) “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”


England, a.k.a Great Britain, a.k.a. the United Kingdom has a new monarch, King Charles III. When I heard about it, it seemed almost surreal to me. Wow! A new king! It made me think how one day, and it could be very, very soon, at the passing of this era, the world will crown a new King, the King of kings, Jesus Christ. This will be the true and final “United Kingdom.” Just as the transition of power was inevitable, it was expected (Queen Elizabeth was 96 years old when she passed), so too this is inevitable, and the expectation mounts each and every day.
 
Are you ready for the coming of Christ? You can only be ready if you’ve placed your faith in Him and are abiding in Him.
 
Maybe this is a sign for us to see, a not so subtle reminder…the King is coming.
 
Looking forward to His return, 
– Manny