The soils of the heart in Jesus’ parable of the Sower (Mark 4:13-20) reveal how receptive people are to God’s Word, which affects our earthly life and eternity. A parable is a story that uses imagery to help Jesus teach spiritual lessons, both past and present. In many ways, the soils reflect our own lives, …
Jesus experiences with us are both fantastic and a great blessing. Not long ago, my wife and I were at a home improvement store where a store clerk was assisting us. During our conversation, the woman indicated she had arthritis in her hands. My wife, prompted by the Holy Spirit, asked if we could pray …
There is something about forgiveness when we fail that enables us to feel the love of Jesus in a new way. Failing can be humbling. We may think that we would never fall into that trap by the enemy, and then, in weakness, we do. On Thursday evening, the day before Jesus was crucified, Peter …
Matthew opens his account of Jesus’ resurrection with faithful women. Matthew 28:1 Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. [1] John was the only disciple at Jesus’ crucifixion (John 19:26). The rest were behind locked doors in fear. But the …
Jesus wept over Jerusalem even as the people praised Him. Luke 19: 41 But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. 42 “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your …
When we don’t understand God’s plan, it should not stop us from trusting Him. It is often only in retrospect that we realize why God unfolded His plan as He did. Sometimes, we may never understand God’s plan for our lives on this side of eternity, and we must be okay with that. When the …
When following the Lord is difficult, we may question God or want to take an easier way. A friend was a Hindu until he came to know Jesus as his Savior. Later, when he told his family, they beat him and threw him out of the house, and so began his journey of following the …
God gives proportionate gifts to fulfill His plans for us, as Jesus illustrated in the parable of the three servants. Matthew 25:14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. …
The Parable of the Three Servants is also called the Parable of the Talents. It all depends on which English translation you read from. Compare the difference in Matthew 25:14-15. ESV: 14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he …
The disciples assumed that Jesus’ timing for His kingdom was during their lifetimes. James and John had requested to have places of honor when Jesus came into His kingdom. Mark 10: 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a …