So blessed to sail the Sea of Galilee, preach a Sermon on the Mount, visit the Synagogue in Capernaum, have lunch by the Lake, fellowship with family and friends, and baptize such precious people in the Jordan River! Wow, Lord, Your so gracious and good to us!
Israel 2023 – Day 1
A quick glimpse from Israel. After a long plane ride we were all tired, but chose to spend some time at Caesarea. This is a city mentioned 20+ times in the Bible. After BEING HERE we’ll never read the book of Acts the same way again!
Philip lived here, Peter came here, and Paul did both prison time and preaching time in Caesarea. He went through many actual trials, but all those hard times brought him to a place where he was able to testify to kings, governors, and influential men and women. God will do the same for you. It was cool preaching where he preached and walking where he walked – now my prayer is to walk LIKE he walked (Philippians 3:17; Acts 25:23).
The Importance of Good Soil
A quick word from my devotional reading this morning in Matthew 13:1-9, 18-22. This is the Parable of the Sower, the Seed, and the Soils.
A Parable is in one sense, an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. The people were not able to understand the straightforward teaching of Jesus because they were not saved and they were not open, so Jesus tried even harder to reach them with everyday things they might more easily understand.
In the Parable, the Sower is the same (Jesus). The Seed is the same (God’s Word). The only variable in the story is the Soil. The four places the seed landed is:
- The wayside
- The shallow stony ground
- Among weeds and thorns
- On good ground
To summarize briefly, these represent the different hearts God’s Word lands on. Some people have hearts that are not hungry or open at all, so the Seed doesn’t penetrate, they don’t understand, and the enemy comes and takes the Seed away. What a tragedy! Other are more open but shallow, and they get excited about the Lord and His Word when all is well, but the moment trials hit, they fade away because their faith has no depth. The third example is intriguing – it might even describe some Christians, who are saved, but have seasons of virtually no fruit – and why is that? Because their hearts are crowded and not exclusively devoted to Christ. We read in:
Matthew 13:22, “Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”
But the fourth heart is the heart that I pray for (Psalm 51:10; Proverbs 4:23). It’s the heart that’s open. It’s good ground and soft soil. I pray this would be us friend. Open up that Bible with an open heart. Sit in that study eager to hear…always be sensitive – for the Spirit of God will take the Word of God and conform us into the image of God. God will do miracles in your life if you take this Seed seriously!
Love you, praying you have a blessed day and abundant life!
Never Go Back!
John 6:66–69, “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
John 6:66. It’s tragic but true…it happens.
Over the years I’ve seen many of the “disciples” go back and walk with Christ no more, just as we read in this passage. One of the guys was a brother that used to teach our New Believer’s class at the church we attended. Shelly and I went through the entire course twice, we loved it, and we loved him. We even had him over our house, he taught a study in our home at one of our birthday parties.
But there came a day when he decided to walk with Christ no more. Was he ever really saved? Will he ever come back? Only the Lord knows. I do know he was a great guy and a great Bible teacher. But it’s interesting to read in our text for today how that after some of them left, Jesus questioned the 12, “Do you also want to go away?” Jesus seemed to be checking on them, their heart, their will…“is that something you want as well?”
Peter, who was usually the spokesman, spoke for the others, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also, we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Right on Peter! It’s 100% true, that even though there are those times in life we just don’t understand, we do understand this, that there is nowhere else to go. We believe in You Jesus, and we will walk with You for the rest of our lives.
Let’s do that! Love you guys!
Your brother in Christ,
– Manny
A Contemplation of Crowns
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
Visiting Your Friends
Job 21:34 (NLT) “How can your empty clichés comfort me? All your explanations are lies.”
One of the most important ministries in the church is visitations. When we visit someone in the hospital or a friend who’s going through “hard times,” God wants to use us to bless and comfort His people. Tragically, Job’s friends fell miserably short. as a matter of fact he even calls them “miserable comforters,” (Job 16:2). They came with “empty words” (NKJV), “empty cliches” (NLT), “futile words” (NET), even “nonsense (NIV).
Why? How could his “friends” do this to him?
Well, first of all their theology was wrong. They mistakenly believed in health, wealth, and prosperity, that all believers are owed that by God. Job, clearly teaches us the contrary, that the most wonderful people can and will suffer tragedy.
Secondly, Job’s friends were not sensitive to the Holy Spirit. When we visit people, we need to be Spirit led. We mustn’t approach people with casual clichés we’ve developed over the years. Yes, sometimes those “principles” rooted in Scripture are indeed appropriate for the situation, but not always. Pray and ask the Lord for insight into the situation at hand.
Another thing we need to guard ourselves against is explanations. None of us have all the answers, we don’t usually know “why.” I’m always reminded of the words of Warren Wiersbe, “We live on promises, not explanations.”
Be careful. Be slow to speak. Sometimes it’s just your presence, your hug, and your listening heart they need.
The book of Job primarily deals with a righteous man who suffers beyond measure, he questions, complains, and even accuses God, but he does not lose heart, he never abandons his faith. But – the book of Job also teaches us what NOT to do when we visit people. Little did Job’s friends know that they had entered into the very pages of the Bible, right smack dab in the middle of a battleground between God and the devil…all centering on this man named Job whom God esteemed, and they despised.
May we all always be Spirit led.
Your brother in Christ,
– Manny
Tragedy or Triumph?
Philippians 1:21–23 (NKJV)
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”
You may have heard the news:
The close-knit Colorado family of Calvary Chapel fellowships is mourning the deaths of Scott Cox and his wife Nancy. Scott served as Senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Windsor, Colorado. The couple died following a tragic auto accident on Monday, July 4, 2022. Scott and his wife Nancy started the church back in 2006. They are survived by their children Alex and Charlie. Please pray for their sons, their extended family, and the church, as they mourn this tragic loss.
Our hearts our broken, shattered…and yet I wonder, can we accurately refer to this as a tragedy?
In our passage for today, Paul informs us of that fact for the Christian – to die is “gain.” He even said he had that deep desire to depart and be with Christ, which is FAR BETTER. Death for us is a departure to glory, to heaven, where we as believers will live forever and ever in the very presence of God (John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:1-7).
But…if you’re like me, or even Paul the Apostle, we’re torn between the two, aren’t we? We long to live long lives on earth, to love our family, to serve the people. If you’re faithful, like Paul the Apostle, or Scott and Nancy Cox it would mean fruit from your labor. It’s a tough choice Paul said.
Thank God the choice is not ours, it’s His…and the truth is, Father knows best. God knows what’s best for everyone involved. May that comfort our hearts.
As I ponder the passing of Scott and Nancy, I’m also reminded of the fact that any of us can die suddenly. We all have an appointment with death (Hebrews 9:27), a race to run and finish one day (2 Timothy 4:7). Are we ready? As Christians we are, and we should not be afraid. Christians live in the invincible principal meaning we can’t die unless God allows it, and when He does, we’re home in heaven.
The challenge is for those we leave behind. Please pray for the family and the church.
It’s good to weep…and it’s good to worship. Praise God for the saved lives of two people who understood what Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21a, “For to me, to live is Christ.”
May we all have that simple, saving summary of life.
Your brother in Christ,
- Manny
Do you ever struggle with “ACCEPTANCE?”
Learning from an Ant
Proverbs 6:6–8 (NKJV) “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, 7 Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, 8 Provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”
What a shame that we have been degraded to the point of having to be taught Bible truths by bugs! Imagine that…instructed by insects – but it is helpful – and I think at times, necessary for some.
1. Notice the ant’s inner Motivation (v. 7)
Having no captain, overseer, or ruler, meaning there’s no one pushing them, no one watching them, and yet they continue to work productively. No one has to tell them, “Ok, chop, chop, break’s over, get back to work.” No, the ant has a heart to work, honestly, and productively, they need no external motivation.
Christians should be the hardest and most faithful workers of all because we’re aware of the fact that ultimately, we work for Jesus.
Ephesians 6:5–6 (NLT) “Workers, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.”
2. Notice the ant’s thoughtful Preparation (v. 8)
They’re “go-getters,” and they’re “gatherers” As go-getters they don’t sit back with a sense of entitlement saying mom, dad, family, friends, society, and government owes it to me. No, they go out and get it, they labor…they work for it.
We’re to do the same – and on the flip side, we should not support the lazy. Don’t misunderstand me, I know the Bible encourages that we give generously to the poor, but not to freeloaders interested only in handouts. We read in:
2 Thessalonians 3:10, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”
Amen!
Warren Wiersbe said, “The biggest thieves of all are the lazy people who could work but won’t, the people who consume what others produce but produce nothing for others to use. The “sluggard” and the “slothful man” are mentioned at least seventeen times in Proverbs, and nothing good is said about them. We need to recognize the fact that work is not a curse. God gave Adam work to do in the Garden, even before sin entered the scene.”
I like what one person said, “Work is the meat of life, and pleasure is the desert.”
Another said, “It’s better to wear out than rust out, so beware of handouts.”
When there’s a genuine need – praise God that so many are sensitive to the Spirit and they give to the helpless, but if a man needs to learn to walk and work, we musn’t get in the way…we might cripple him for life.
Ants are “go-getters” and they’re “gatherers” (savers). Notice again what we read in:
Proverbs 6:8, “Provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”
I realize this isn’t always possible for all of us, but I know of one young man who prior to the pandemic had close to 6 months of wages in his savings account. When the virus hit, and his industry was hit, he was furloughed and lost his income, but he was okay financially until he found another job, because he was a go-getter and a gatherer, a saver…like the ant.
God help us to be hard workers, go-getters, and do all that we can to save up for a rainy day. May we learn from the revelation of creation…even an ant.
Love you! Your brother in Christ,
– Manny
The Prideful Truth
Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV) “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
You’ve may have heard that story about a minister, a Boy Scout, and a computer expert who were the only passengers on a small plane. The pilot came back to the cabin and said that the plane was going down but there were only three parachutes and four people. The pilot then said, “I should have one of the parachutes because I have a wife and three small children.” So, he took one and jumped.
The computer whiz said, “I should have one of the parachutes because I am the smartest man in the world and everyone needs me.” So, he took one and jumped.
The minister turned to the Boy Scout and with a sad but sure smile said, “You’re young and I’ve had a blessed life, by God’s grace I know I’m saved, so you take the remaining parachute, and I’ll go down with the plane.”
The Boy Scout said, “That won’t be necessary, sir, the smartest man in the world just picked up my backpack and jumped out!”
A satirical story to illustrate the truth of today’s Proverb, “A man’s pride will bring him low (very low), but the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
We all have it, and it challenges us every day…pride resides within us and fights to take over. The dictionary defines it as, “A high view of oneself; a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.”
The world is proud of their pride, but Christians shouldn’t be. Pride is the root of all sin.
When I think of humility I think of honesty. I know who I am apart from Christ, a weak, wretched, wicked man. I don’t deserve anything good, and I’m not entitled. The truth is, I am NOTHING and can do NOTHING without HIM (John 15:5), but God has been gracious to me.
May we swallow the pride and walk in humility. We’ll be blessed by the results.
Your brother in Christ,
- Manny