Matthew 26:47–56 In the moment of His betrayal, Jesus meets Judas not with recoil but with remarkable gentleness. The kiss meant to expose Him in the dark reveals instead the tenderness with which He had lived among His disciples. They knew Him as one who welcomed them close—as an elder Brother and a beloved Friend. … Continue reading A Betrayer’s Kiss
Jesus
A Sanctified Will
MATTHEW 26:36–46 In Gethsemane, Jesus shows us what wholehearted surrender to the Father looks like. His prayer—“not as I will, but as You will” (v. 39)—is the pattern for every Christian life. Jesus Praying in the Garden Much of our unhappiness comes from an untamed, self-centered will. From infancy we insist on our own way, … Continue reading A Sanctified Will
The Lamb and His Betrayer
Luke 22:1–18 Judas Iscariot stands as a solemn warning to every follower of Christ. He walked with Jesus, heard His teaching, witnessed His miracles, and even preached in His name—yet his heart remained unchanged. Outwardly, he appeared genuine; inwardly, he was enslaved to sin. His tragic fall reminds us that proximity to Jesus is not … Continue reading The Lamb and His Betrayer
The Comforting Truth of God’s Providence
John 7:40–44: 40 On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? 42 Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David … Continue reading The Comforting Truth of God’s Providence
The Cross Before the Crown
Scripture: Matthew 25:31–26:2 When Jesus spoke of His glorious return to judge the nations, He immediately reminded His disciples of His coming crucifixion. The timing is intentional—before the crown comes the cross. Before the glory comes the suffering. The destinies Jesus described are eternal. Heaven will be an endless day without night—perfect rest after warfare, … Continue reading The Cross Before the Crown
Jesus is Praying for You
“I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.”- John 17:9 ESV Jesus prays not for the world but for those the Father has given Him. What joy this brings! Our safety rests not in our own strength but in … Continue reading Jesus is Praying for You
Persistently Pleading to a Gentle Jesus who Delights to Answer Prayer
“When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’ ” And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Jesus answered and said to … Continue reading Persistently Pleading to a Gentle Jesus who Delights to Answer Prayer
The Danger of Worldliness & Becoming What You Worship
Worldliness is whatever any culture does to make sin seem normal and righteousness to be strange. When we embrace the Zeitgeist (the spirit of the age) of worldliness, it feels strange to think like a Christian. Acting according to the Bible’s mandates becomes difficult. When we think the world’s thoughts after it, our actions align … Continue reading The Danger of Worldliness & Becoming What You Worship
Where Are Your Eyes Focused?
A quote from one of my devotional readings for today encouraged and strengthened my heart, and I hope it will strengthen yours as well. Samuel Ward “O you say, but my sins are scandalous!Did not Christ say 'all things are possible for one who believes?' (Mark 9.'23).Are not all your faults easily pardonable by infinite … Continue reading Where Are Your Eyes Focused?
Strategies for Our War Against Temptation
If you are facing temptation today, these words of challenge from John Piper which I have edited just a bit are sound, biblical counsel. Your temptation may be to grasp for power when you feel vulnerable, or to succumb to lust, or to despair when something doesn’t work out like you had hoped: Here is … Continue reading Strategies for Our War Against Temptation
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