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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 14
Jesus says twice to His Apostles: “Do not let your heart be troubled.” Jesus first tells them not to worry because He will go to heaven to prepare a place for them, and then He will return to take them home. They did not understand where Jesus was going, but He goes to the Father and is in perfect unity with the Father. Jesus explains that His disciples must honor Him by keeping His commandments. All who love Jesus must obey Him. Jesus assures the Apostles He will send a Helper, the Holy Spirit, to teach them how to establish His church. A second time, He tells them not to be troubled because the Spirit’s presence will help them live with peace so that they can accomplish His work without fear.
This chapter takes place during the Passover meal Jesus engages in with His Apostles. Some of what is included is specific to those men, like the promise of the Holy Spirit to give them special knowledge. However, much of His teachings apply to all believers. Jesus has gone to heaven, and He will return to take home all who love Him and obey His commandments. In the meantime, we can live in peace because God loves us, and the Holy Spirit is active in helping us develop fearlessness in this life. The “ruler of the world” is among us and seeks to undermine our faith. But we believe that Jesus is with the Father and rules in victory over the adversary.
Wonderful Father, we call upon You to help us develop peace deep within our hearts. “Do not let your heart be troubled.” We hear the words of Jesus and seek to live this joy and assurance deep within us. Will you please help us to find this strength? We know the strength is in the resurrected and ruling Christ. And we know the Holy Spirit’s help is readily available in the scripture. Please help us to remember to fill our lives with prayer and Bible study. We love and obey You, and we know that You love and protect us.
Thought Questions:
- What causes your heart to be troubled? And what do you know about the Father, Son, and Spirit that restores your peace?
- Jesus is the only way to be close to the Father. How are you pursuing a closer relationship with the Father through Jesus?
- The Holy Spirit helped the Apostles in incredible ways. How does the Holy Spirit help you in your walk and work for Christ?
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Special thanks to Larry Greenlee for his lesson recently titled: "Breaking the Cycle." His three ideas can absolutely change your life, and quickly: Remove, Replace, Refine. It is a pleasure to explore these with you today, particularly the first one. Plants can't grow until the weeds are removed. New things cannot exist where there is no place for them. Everything good, along with things that break down old cycles, starts with removing necessary obstacles. Today we explore six areas where you can make those cuts:
1) Technology and Entertainment
2) Mental Clutter
3) Toxic Relationships
4) Excess Commitments
5) Financial Waste
6) Unhealthy Habits
Can you pick one thing from each of these categories to cut out of your life, at least for a time? To add to this exercise, what would you like to add? What would you like more of in your daily routine? Exchange one thing for another.BRAND NEW BOOK - The Daily Bible Devotional Volume 2 (Acts - Ephesians) is now available on Amazon. We hope this becomes a great daily tool in engaging with the New Testament, one chapter at a time.
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487 -
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 13
Jesus gathers with His twelve Apostles for a Passover meal just hours before He is arrested. He begins by washing the feet of each of the men. Peter is reluctant to allow this, but Jesus insists. Jesus teaches them that the service of others is at the center of His kingdom. Jesus then tells them that one of His own will betray Him. No one knows that He is referring to Judas Iscariot. Satan fills Judas’ heart, and he flees. Jesus then explains that His time of departure and glorification has come. He tells them the most important thing they can do is to love each other. Peter insists on going with Jesus, but he is told that He is not ready and that he will deny Jesus that very night.
This is the night in which Jesus would be betrayed and arrested, and yet His focus is on teaching His disciples to care for one another. By washing their feet and later teaching them about the crucial need for love, He is demonstrating what makes His kingdom strong in the face of any trial. In our shared walk, there will be betrayers who give in to this world. There will be ignorance, like the Apostles who had no idea who would betray Jesus. There will be disappointment, like Peter’s predicted denial of Jesus. God’s people can remain united and strong if we sacrificially serve, deeply love, and tirelessly support one another. That is the kingdom of believers Jesus died to establish.
Great Father, we praise Your glorified Son, and we lament that He was subjected to betrayal, suffering, and death on our behalf. We know He now rules in glory because of His incredible sacrifice. It endears us to Him to see Him washing feet and teaching love in the moments before His arrest. Help us to have a spirit like His. Teach us how to serve one another so that the world may know us by our love. Like Peter, we often fall short due to a lack of understanding and pride. Forgive us and help us to grow together.
Thought Questions:
- Jesus said disciples “ought to wash one another’s feet.” What should that look like in your life and relationship with Christians?
- Judas was so crafty that no one, except Jesus, knew of his sins. If only Jesus knows of your sins, is that enough reason to repent?
- Peter wanted to die with Jesus, but he was not yet ready. How are you developing the kind of faith that would give your life for Jesus?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 12
Jesus and His disciples come to Bethany to dine with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Mary anoints His feet with costly perfume. Judas Iscariot grumbles about this because he is a thief and hopes to plunder money from the sale of the perfume. A large crowd gathers to see Jesus and the resurrected Lazarus. This infuriates the Jewish leaders, who plan to kill Lazarus. Jesus then enters Jerusalem, and His followers worship Him as King. Many come to Jesus, including Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. Jesus teaches them that personal sacrifice is needed to be in His kingdom. The people then hear God, from heaven, proclaim Jesus and His glory! Some follow Him, while others who believe are silenced by their fear of the Jews.
The approval of men, and fear of others, are serious tests of faith. To believe in Jesus is to follow His teachings, leaving darkness for light, no matter what anyone thinks. The world, in so many ways, tries to weaken and silence believers. Judas was weakened by greed, and he betrayed the Lord. The Pharisees were blinded by jealousy and selfishness. Though God from heaven pronounced Jesus as worthy, others feared the actions of men and would not confess Jesus as King. In all of this, there are servants like Mary, who poured her expensive oil on Jesus’ feet with no concern for what anyone thought about it. Only those who believe like Mary will be saved on the last day.
Holy God, we love You and desire to grow in our service to You and Your Son. Help us to see how that must resemble Mary pouring oil on Jesus’ feet. Help us to see ourselves bowed down to worship Jesus as He rides in on a colt. This world and its darkness seek to overwhelm us and make us ashamed of Jesus. Give us the strength to fight against greed and jealousy. Help us develop the courage to live out a sacrificial faith in Christ, regardless of what anyone says or does. We know “that His commandment is eternal life.”
Thought Questions:
- We cannot replicate Mary pouring expensive oil on Jesus’ feet. But what does it look like for you to be more like her?
- Jewish leaders rejected Jesus, while Greeks sought to speak with Him. What does that say about where faith might be found?
- Jesus had to “be lifted up” in death to save us from our sins. Might you also have to face public ridicule in following Jesus?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 11
Lazarus is a friend of Jesus and the brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick and informs His disciples that this illness will bring glory to God. Jesus delays His trip to Bethany, knowing that Lazarus will die and then be raised from the dead. As He approaches the village, Jesus tells Martha her brother will rise again. Jesus follows this by announcing Himself as “the resurrection and the life.” He then calls for Mary and weeps as he sees her despair over her brother’s death. Jesus then raises Lazarus from the tomb. This results in more people believing in Jesus. The Jewish leaders, however, are confounded on how to handle Jesus. By the prophecy of high priest Caiaphas, they plan to put Him to death.
John’s Gospel includes seven miracles from Jesus’ ministry. No miracle of Jesus is greater than raising Lazarus from the dead. This proves His power over life and death. His death and resurrection would also confirm this power. We can live by faith, without fear of death, knowing that Christ will revive us again and give us eternal life. Even though death has no power over Him, Jesus still weeps at the sorrow of people who mourn their loss. Our Savior’s miraculous might does not diminish His compassion for His people. Sadly, the Jewish leaders would not believe in the saving power of Jesus, as they wanted lives free of His influence. We must never give in to such a devastating decision.
Benevolent Father, You always provide what we need and bless us with Your mercy. We trust You in life, but Father, we pray to also do so in the face of death. We thank You for the ministry of Jesus and the scope of His power. Of all that He has done, we treasure most His victory over death. Since He raised Lazarus from the grave, we know that death is not the end for us. Help us to take comfort in this during our lives, but also that we keep the faith through to the end, knowing eternity is coming.
Thought Questions:
- Jesus loved Lazarus and his family. And yet, Jesus allowed him to die. Why? And how can that bring comfort to us in times of loss?
- Do you have faith that a believer “will live even if he dies”? How does eternal life in Christ shape the way you make daily decisions?
- Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus because they feared Rome’s involvement. How is faith impossible if you fear worldly forces?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 10
Jesus likens His disciples to sheep who hear His voice and follow Him. Jesus is the gate that they enter to reach safety. He is also the good shepherd who calls them forth and leads them in green pastures. He alone has authority over them. A good shepherd will put his life on the line for the sheep. Jesus proved this by dying on the cross for the good of His people. He would also be raised from the dead and continue as their shepherd in heaven! The Pharisees reject all of this, and once again revile and accuse Him. He tells them they say these things because they are not of His sheep. His works prove He is the Son of God and that all should believe in Him.
The sheep and shepherd imagery are valuable for believers. Jesus is not just our Savior; He is our Shepherd. We do not simply believe in Him, we follow Him. Jesus has authority over our lives. We answer His call. We go where He directs us. Jesus has earned this right by laying down His life to save us from the enemy. He has also risen and is ruling at the right hand of the Father. The Pharisees rejected Jesus’ message because it would mean surrendering their power to Him. They could not see past their desires. True belief involves total surrender. The choice is ours, but the testimony about Him will convict us if we do not believe in Him.
Great God, please allow us to honor our Savior with this adaptation from Psalm 23: The Lord is our shepherd. We shall not want. He makes us lie down in green pastures; He leads us beside quiet waters. He restores our souls; He guides us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we fear no evil, for He is with us. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow us all the days of our lives, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Thought Questions:
- What does it mean in your daily life for Jesus to be your shepherd? How do you go about living as a sheep within His flock?
- How has Jesus demonstrated a depth of love for you that goes beyond what anyone could ever do? How do you honor Him?
- Evidence for Jesus as God’s Son is powerful and life changing. What testimonies about Christ have the deepest impact on you?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 9
Jesus heals a man who is blind from birth. As the Light of the world, Jesus puts clay on the man’s eyes and renews his sight. The Pharisees question the man as to what has happened, and the man announces Jesus as a prophet. The Jews then call in the man’s parents, confirming he was born blind. They will not believe in Jesus and are determined to discredit the miracle. They speak to the man again, and he proclaims the Healer to be from God. The Jewish leaders then put him out of the synagogue. Jesus finds the man and reveals Himself to be the Son of Man, and the healed man worships Him. Jesus then teaches that Pharisees who think they can see will always be blind and in sin.
The blind man’s healing leads to these words of Jesus: “For judgment I came into the world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” For all who are humble and in need of Christ, He brings light and restoration. The blind man represents all sinners, in need of opened eyes by the power of Jesus. If He has restored us, we should openly and passionately worship Him as the Son of God. But those who think they see without Him will not come to him for healing. All who choose to reject the glory of Jesus will be revealed in the end as blind and lost in darkness.
Dear Lord, You have shown amazing mercy in sending Your Son, the perfect Light, into this world of darkness and sin. He relentlessly seeks those who know that they need Him. Father, we pray for an ever-present need for the Light of the world in our lives. We are often blind and drawn to the shadows. Will You please make Jesus the Light to our path and the One who shows us the way? Give us the wisdom to see Him and follow Him. Purge from our hearts any arrogance, pride, and disbelief that would keep us from our Savior.
Thought Questions:
- The man’s blindness created a circumstance for God to act. Are you open to seeing your struggles as opportunities for Christ to work?
- The healed man worshiped Jesus. Do you believe Jesus is worthy of your worship? How does that look on days other than Sunday?
- The Pharisees would not believe no matter the evidence. What creates that sort of blindness and how do you avoid it?
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BRAND NEW BOOK - The Daily Bible Devotional Volume 2 (Acts - Ephesians) is now available on Amazon. We hope this becomes a great daily tool in engaging with the New Testament, one chapter at a time.
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487Figuratively, “learning to eat fruit in its season” means embracing the natural timing of things in life — being patient, appreciating each phase or blessing when it comes, and not forcing what isn’t ready yet.
Here are a few deeper layers to the metaphor:
Patience and Timing – Just like fruit tastes best in its right season, some things in life (like love, success, healing, or growth) are meant to be experienced at the right time. Trying to rush or skip ahead often leads to disappointment or frustration.
Contentment and Gratitude – It’s about being present and thankful for what you have now, instead of always craving what’s next. There’s beauty in each season — even the quiet, hard, or ordinary ones.
Trusting the Process – This phrase can also reflect faith in God’s timing or life’s unfolding journey. Some things can’t be hurried — they ripen with time and experience.
Wisdom and Maturity – As you grow, you begin to understand when something is truly good for you. You stop settling for "unripe fruit" — things that look good but aren’t ready or right yet.
It’s a reminder that there’s a rhythm to life — and true joy, peace, and fruitfulness come when you align yourself with that rhythm.
1) Gratitude and Presence - Enjoying Now
2) Spiritual Meaning - Trusting God's Timing
3) Emotional Meaning - Peace over Pressure
4) Mental Maturity - Knowing what's Good for You
5) Relational Wisdom - Patience with Others
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 8
Jesus is teaching in the temple when Jewish leaders bring Him a woman who has been caught in adultery. They ask Him what should be done to her. He asks the one who has no sin to cast the first stone. Slowly, all the men leave. He then explains there is no testimony against her and sends her away, telling her to “sin no more.” This opens a discussion about testimony concerning Jesus, including His own words and works, along with the prophecy and proclamations of His Father. He teaches eternal life with the Father and that unbelievers will die in their sins for the devil is their father! The men try to claim Abraham as their father, but Jesus enrages them when He says, “Before Abraham was, I am”.
Things are heating up between Jesus and the Jewish leaders. He is teaching in their temple and embarrassing them with His wisdom. In the case of the adulterous women, the men’s motives are faulty, and they leave in shame. But the guilty woman is given a pardon by the mercy of the Lord. Jesus has proven His glory and His right to be obeyed, and those who will not believe will die in their sins. To claim God as Father is to follow Jesus. We must understand this. To follow the world is to have the devil as our father. We belong to whomever we follow. Jesus existed before all men, is glorified as holy, and is worthy to be praised.
Kind Father, we know You show mercy to those who are sorrowful for their sins. Like the adulterous woman told to sin no more, we call upon your grace to free us from our sins, and we vow to pursue holiness. We acknowledge Your Son as the Light of the world, and the One who was lifted up to save us from sin and darkness. He is eternal and He is holy, and reverence to You is shown through belief in Jesus and obeying His teachings. We commit to Him as our Guide and to You as our only Father.
Thought Questions:
- Beyond the fact that all witnesses left, why did Jesus send the adulterous woman away unpunished? What does that say about Him?
- Jesus said you must continue in His word to be set free from sin. How are you making it a priority to continue in His word?
- Can God be your Father if He is not allowed to control your life? Why must you trust and follow Jesus to have God as your Father?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 7
Jesus’ unbelieving brothers encourage Him to go to Jerusalem and publicly work miracles. Jesus refuses and later goes up more privately, and He eventually enters the temple and teaches the people. He gives all glory to His Father for His words of wisdom. Though many believed in Jesus when He acknowledged having come from the Father, many Jewish leaders sought to kill Him. Jesus makes a series of beautiful claims. He is soon to return to His Father. All who come to Him with spiritual thirst will be gifted a flowing river of living water. Those who believe in Him will be given the Holy Spirit. These messages divide the crowd. Some proclaim Him as the Christ, but the Pharisees will not believe and become even more angry.
Even Jesus’ brothers had doubts about Him before His resurrection from the dead. Jesus continues to be patient with them and with all His disciples in His teaching. He is also insistent that He has come from the Father, and He has all authority to teach and would be returning to the Father. The kingdom would leave no middle ground for disciples to believe in His blessing without also trusting in His Lordship. Jesus will come and take us home with Him. He will fill us with eternal life and the Holy Spirit. But there cannot be doubt within us. We must confidently assert Him to be “the Prophet” and “the Christ”, even in the face of those who reject Him.
God of Grace, You have shown Your deep love for us in sending Jesus to guide us back to You. Thank You for His ministry, His wisdom, and the undeniable proofs of His Sonship. So many will not believe in Him. So many are inconsistent in their willingness to obey Him. We pray for the resolve to put our lives in the hands of the Prophet and to surrender to Him as the Christ. Please fill us with salvation from Your Holy Spirit. We also ask for boldness to always defend Your honor and to invite others to surrender to Jesus.
Thought Questions:
- Many hated Jesus because He exposed their sinful deeds to be evil. Do you also have to see sin as evil to be a follower of Jesus?
- Jesus always redirected glory away from Himself and to the Father. In what ways should we be openly redirecting all praise to God?
- The Pharisees rejected all testimony about Jesus. What leads hearts to be that hard to truth, and how do you avoid that same fate?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 6
Jesus feeds 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. The people proclaim Him as the Prophet of God. They want to make Him king, so He withdraws to the mountains. His disciples then cross the sea to Capernaum. Several miles out, in high winds, Jesus walks to them on the water! He gets in the boat, and they are immediately at the land. The crowd from the previous day crosses the sea looking for Him. Jesus explains they come to be fed, but that He is the bread of life. All who digest His words will be raised on the last day and live forever! Sadly, many are confused and leave Him. But the twelve apostles remain saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Jesus performs physical signs to validate spiritual messages. When He feeds the people, some think of Him as a source of physical blessings. But the miracle is simply to demonstrate that He is the Source and Sustainer of life. His nourishment is truth, love, and forgiveness. He fills us with His goodness and spiritual promises so our souls will never lack and will live forever! God gave Israel manna, but they died in the wilderness. God has given us Jesus so that we may live now, and forever after the final resurrection. Jesus’ teaching is not always easy to understand or follow, but to whom shall we go? He is the Holy One and He has the words of eternal life.
Holy God, Your Son is a miracle worker. He feeds thousands. He walks on water. He calms the storm. It is not just what He does that draws us, but who He is. He is Your Son. He is the bread of spiritual and eternal life. He is the Prophet who promises a future and resurrection into the glory of heaven. He is everything to us. Lord, fill our hearts with thanksgiving and embolden our lives and lips to pronounce His majesty. When we struggle to understand, hold us close and help us learn to trust Him in all things.
Thought Questions:
- Christians understand that following Jesus is about spiritual richness over physical provisions. How do you show that in your life?
- Jesus says to eat His body and drink His blood. In practical Christian terms, what does that look like in your walk of faith?
- When things got hard, many disciples left. What keeps you serving Jesus when His will is difficult to understand or follow?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 5
Jesus returns to Jerusalem and heals a man who has been lame for 38 years. The Jews begin to persecute Jesus for healing on the Sabbath day. Jesus responds by proclaiming that He is carrying out His Father’s work. The leaders understand Jesus to be claiming a special relationship with God, so they seek to kill Him. Jesus claims to be sent by God and presents testimony to prove it. Firstly, the preaching of John the Baptist verifies the deity of Jesus. Secondly, the miracles of Jesus prove His heavenly power. Thirdly, the Old Testament scripture, including the teachings of Moses, prophesy concerning Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus has the authority to speak for God and He will be the final judge over all men on the last day!
It must have been incredible to be healed by Jesus after 38 years of illness. Jesus levels a powerful message to the healed man: “Do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” Surely this man lived the rest of his days in faithfulness to God. The Jewish leaders were too busy arguing about Sabbath rules to see the amazing things Christ was doing. We must be like the healed man and not the Pharisees. We are healed from a life of sin by Jesus. And we are charged with faithfulness in His honor. Jesus has proven His power to save and direct us. If we stay humble, we will have compassion for everyone who needs Jesus.
Dear Father, before Jesus found us, we were burdened by sin and unable to stand justified on our own. But Your Son has saved us by His grace. Help us to live every day in thankfulness to Him. He has also directed us to flee from sin and honor His Lordship. Please teach us how to do those things joyfully. Strengthen us to have hearts of faith that believe the testimony about Jesus, and hearts that lovingly adore Him and care about others as much as He does. We will love Him and live in readiness for His return.
Thought Questions:
- What has Jesus healed in you that was previously a heavy burden? Are you thankful enough to “not sin anymore” in His honor?
- Jesus provided testimony to prove His Lordship. What evidence would you provide to convince someone Jesus is God?
- Jesus is coming again in the final judgment. Are you ready for that day to come? How do you do your best to stay ready?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 4
Jesus passes through Samaria on His way back to Galilee. He sees a Samaritan woman at a well and asks for a drink. She responds by questioning why a Jewish man would speak to her. What follows is a conversation wherein Jesus speaks of a gift from God, living water, that would spring up within her “to eternal life.” The woman is both curious and cautious. Jesus patiently educates her about a relationship with God, independent of nationality. She knows a Messiah is coming, and Jesus openly tells her that He is the One. She believes and tells many others who then come to Jesus and believe in Him. Following this, Jesus returns to Galilee and heals a royal official’s son by simply saying, “Go; your son lives.”
Luke is the only Gentile author in the New Testament. His gospel is committed to showing that Jesus’ kingdom is open to all people. In this chapter, it is likely that the two beneficiaries of Christ’s mercy are not Jews. The Samaritans were often maligned by the Jews, and yet Jesus preaches eternal life to a Samaritan woman. The official, whose son is sick, is often determined by commentators to be a Gentile. Salvation and the Lord’s help are for those who believe in Jesus and worship God in spirit and truth. This means having hearts of faith and actions consistent with the teachings of the King. All who commit to these things have eternal life, regardless of nationality or background.
Father of Life, we know that living water and eternal life are found in You through Your Son Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Him to find sinners like us. Thank You for sending a Savior who searches for a foreign woman with an immoral past. He is a Healer who changes lives in an instant wherever He encounters true faith. We are thankful for Jesus, and we trust in His power to help us. We will honor Him by worshiping You according to His teachings. Help us to worship with humble spirits, with absolute surrender, and with complete commitment to Jesus.
Thought Questions:
- Jesus initiates a conversation with a woman in an uncomfortable setting. Why did He do that and how can you be more like Him?
- True worshipers worship “in spirit and truth”. How do you make sure to do this righteously when it comes to worshiping God?
- The official believed Jesus and then his son was healed. Why is it crucial to believe the words of Jesus to be blessed by Him?
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Send us a text
BRAND NEW BOOK - The Daily Bible Devotional Volume 2 (Acts - Ephesians) is now available on Amazon. We hope this becomes a great daily tool in engaging with the New Testament, one chapter at a time.
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487Thanks to Will Speer for the idea today! He has a great life example to show how important little things can be. When we think of others, we change everything. There is almost always someone watching or someone affected by what we do. From picking up trash, to putting away shopping carts, to doing some dishes, there are all sorts of ways to show we care. IF we care. And I pray that you do.
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
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Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 3
Nicodemus, a Jewish leader, comes to Jesus by night to proclaim his belief. Jesus states that a man must be born again of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. Nicodemus struggles to understand this concept. Jesus continues by announcing Himself to be the Son of God and stating that He is sent by God as the saving Light of the world and that He will “be lifted up” on the cross so that all who believe might be saved. John the Baptist spreads this message, baptizing those who come to him with open, repentant hearts. He states openly that Jesus is greater than him, the Son of God from heaven, and that all who believe in Jesus and obey Him will be saved for all eternity.
Salvation is only possible through Jesus Christ. He has come from heaven to show us the way. He was lifted up in death to become the payment for sin. Jesus is the Light of God, the hope of restoration in this world of darkness. We must believe in Him to be saved. This means “practicing the truth” and a willingness to “obey the Son.” We must be born again in water to be renewed by the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was baptizing people, as was John the Baptist. But baptism is only the beginning. Nicodemus struggled to understand and to change his life to follow Jesus. We must humbly decrease and let Christ increase and rule our lives.
Generous God, thank You for the Light from heaven that shines in the darkness. We believe that Your Son is our hope and Savior and that He sacrificed His own life to save us from our sins. Father, we may not always understand all that He teaches, but we pray to have hearts that always believe and humbly obey all that we know He is teaching us to do. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit received at baptism. We will commit to obeying Your Son, the One who speaks Your Will and continually gives the Spirit without measure.
Thought Questions:
- Nicodemus struggled to understand Jesus’ teaching on being born again. What do you do when Christ’s teachings challenge you?
- How did God prove His love for the world? What should your daily and ongoing response be to this demonstration of love?
- John the Baptist understands that he must decrease, and Jesus must increase. What does that process look like in your life?
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The first recorded miracle of Jesus’ ministry is the turning of water into wine in Cana of Galilee. His mother informs Him that the wine has run out at a wedding feast. While the time has not come for Jesus to show everyone His deity, He honors His mother’s request, and He turns six waterpots into wine. This serves to “manifest His glory” to His disciples. Jesus then makes a trip to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. He makes a whip and drives out the money changers in the temple. The Jews ask for a sign as proof of His authority. He speaks of the temple being destroyed and rebuilt in three days. Jesus is referencing His death and resurrection. In Jerusalem, He performs signs, and many believe in Him.
The miracles in this chapter demonstrate the love of Jesus. He is easing into public ministry, but at His mother’s request, Jesus turns the water into wine. This is a concession He makes out of love, and it encourages everyone. Later, in Jerusalem, while not yet time for Him to die, He still drives greedy Jews out of the temple. He does this because of His passion for bringing honor to His Father. Jesus is motivated by love, and He later dies on the cross to help others and obey God. We should appreciate how much He did out of concern for us, and we should emulate that by helping others and openly showing our love for our heavenly Father.
Worthy Lord, You deserve to be loved, worshiped, and obeyed. Your Son believed this so strongly that He drove out those who disrespected Your will. Lord, help us to be like Your Son, emotional about your worthiness and bold in the face of those who disobey You. Show us how to be motivated by love for You, but also our love for other people. Jesus often acted out of compassion and care, even altering His plans to be helpful. Lord, demand this of us. Create opportunities for us to serve others and demonstrate the heart of Christ in observable ways.
Thought Questions:
- It was clear that Jesus loved His mother. Who in your life is so loved that you honor their requests even when it is not your desire?
- The signs of Jesus “manifested His glory” and led to belief. In what ways do the miracles of Jesus lead you to stronger faith in Him?
- Zeal for God led Jesus to aggressive behavior in the temple. Is there a time for that, and how must you be cautious in such moments?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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John’s gospel starts “in the beginning.” Jesus was the Word in heaven who made all things. After creation, He becomes the Light from heaven to illuminate our hearts. Jesus is the grace of God revealed to bring the Father’s favor. He is the Lamb of God who would die to “take away the sins of the world.” He is the Christ prophesied in the Old Testament. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift man has ever been given. John the Baptist proclaims Jesus as the Son of God, saying he has seen the Spirit fall on Him and that Jesus will be the One who baptizes others in the Holy Spirit. Jesus then begins his public ministry by calling into service four men from Galilee: Peter, Andrew, Philip, and Nathanael.
Most scholars contend that John’s Letter is the last inspired gospel. He brings a different perspective and unique details to Christ’s ministry. The central point of his letter is belief. We must believe Jesus is the Creator. We must embrace Him as God’s Light and grace, and as the sacrificial Lamb sent to save us from our sins. The evidence from John the Baptist, the Old Testament prophets, and the Holy Spirit falling on Him testify to Christ’s identity. We must see Him as Nathanael did: with amazement and humility. Starting with simple trusting faith, Jesus takes Nathanael on an incredible journey and shows him many wonderful things. He will do likewise in our lives if we choose to follow Him.
Glorious Father, we praise Your Name for Your beautiful grace. Thank You for taking all the blessings You seek to give us and placing them in Your Son. If we will pursue Him, loving and obeying Him, we will be forgiven and saved forever. Great God, we ask you to take us on a journey like the four men who followed Jesus. Overwhelm us with Christ’s glory. Then take us places we have never been, show us things we cannot imagine, and use us in ways we never thought possible. Lord, we believe. Show us how to follow Jesus.
Thought Questions:
- Is Jesus your Creator? Is He God’s greatest gift to bring grace and hope into your life? Why are those questions important?
- John the Baptist was a great prophet, but he always redirected glory to Jesus. How do you direct all glory to Christ?
- If Jesus showed up today and said, “Follow Me”, would you go? How is He already calling you to do that in your life?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Women come to the tomb on the first day of the week and see two angels standing inside. The angels proclaim that Jesus is risen, just as He prophesied. Disciples then come to the tomb and marvel. That same day, Jesus appears to two men on the road to Emmaus, teaching them from the Old Testament scripture and revealing Himself to be the Christ. These men take this report to the eleven apostles in Jerusalem. Jesus then appears to the eleven and shows them the nail marks on His hands and feet, but they still struggle to believe. Jesus teaches them from the scripture to firm up their faith and to prepare them for their ministry. He then ascends into heaven, as the disciples worship Him with great joy.
Luke’s resurrection account openly notes how difficult it was for the disciples to believe. They did not initially believe the women’s testimony about the angels. They did not believe the two men who reported their time with Jesus. They still could not believe, for a time, even after Jesus appeared to them! Throughout the chapter, Jesus uses scripture to teach them about Himself and to help them believe their eyes. It can be difficult for people to accept the resurrected Christ. It is life-changing news. We must keep going to the word to examine testimony and truth. Jesus was patient, and the disciples grew in maturity and service. Jesus is also patient with us, so we must be with others.
Great God, we believe! We believe Jesus died for us. We believe He was raised on the third day. And we believe that Jesus has ascended to rule in heaven. Patient God, help us see how the truths should shape our daily lives and mission. The disciples worshiped Him with great joy and were continually praising You. Heavenly Father, give us the humility to fill our days with praise. And please help our unbelief. Make Christ’s resurrection the central part of who we are. Help us to be committed to being in the word daily to learn more about our Savior.
- Why did the disciples struggle to believe, even after all they had seen? They had much to learn to further fortify their faith. Do you?
- Jesus went to the scripture to prove Himself, though He could have worked any miracle. What does that say about the power of the word?
- Jesus died and was raised so a message of repentance and forgiveness could be preached to all. Who will you share that message with today?
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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comLuke 23
Pilate is a central figure in Luke’s crucifixion account. He and Herod both question Jesus and find no guilt in Him. Pilate seeks to release Jesus, but the jealousy of the Jewish people is unrelenting. Pilate lacks the courage to save Jesus, but he demonstrates how an unbiased mind will see Him as holy. As Jesus is crucified, Luke’s account notes three things He says on the cross. He asks God to forgive His killers, for they do not know what they are doing. Jesus extends salvation to the repentant criminal. And He commits His spirit into the Father’s hands. These statements demonstrate His endless love and mercy and His complete trust in the Father. Following His death, a righteous man named Joseph is permitted by Pilate to bury Jesus.
Pilate is confronted with a choice: to side with an innocent man and risk his standing or to turn from Jesus and give in to the demands of sinners. We know he chose poorly. But if we see Jesus for who He is, then discipleship will be even more than just claiming His innocence. We must defend His honor. Perhaps Jesus’ honor is best shown by who He was while dying on the cross. His words reveal the depth of His righteousness. We can see how deeply he loves mankind. In His image, we must prove our character by how we speak and behave under harsh and unkind treatment. Even in death, Jesus trusted that God would take care of Him.
Giving Father, You have shown Your grace in giving Your only Son to die on the cross to redeem us from our sins. We pray to have the cross always on our minds and to live each day in the shadow of that sacrifice. Help us to see His unrelenting love so that we will be drawn to Him, even after we have sinned against Him. We are the criminal on the cross, saved by Christ as we repent and turn to Him. Father, we also commit to a character that mirrors our Savior. Help us to shine in the darkness.
- Pilate is such a tragic character. He knew the truth and lacked courage. What inspires you to stand for Jesus Christ against all opposition?
- Both criminals mocked Jesus. One repented, and Jesus saved Him. What does that say about Jesus’ willingness to save those who believe in Him?
- A Centurion saw Jesus die and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” How important is grace under fire in showing righteousness to others?
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Phone: 813-380-8487Here's the Exercise of the Episode:
Answer four questions:
- Why are you a Christian?
- Why do you go to worship?
- Why do you treat everyone with kindness?
- Why do you abstain from sexual immorality?
First - Answer each question starting with JESUS
Second - Answer each starting with OTHERS
Finally - Answer each starting with YOURSELF
This is the way to process and prioritize all we do.
Sequencing is Important: J.O.Y.
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