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Luke 4

The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness. He fasts for forty days and faces intense temptation from the devil. Satan asks Jesus to turn rocks into bread, to accept kingdoms from the devil, and to jump and challenge God to catch Him. On each occasion, Jesus quotes scripture, gives credit to God, and refuses to fall in the face of temptation. Following this, Jesus comes to Nazareth, enters the synagogue, and asks to read from the book of Isaiah. He reads about the favorable year of the Lord and proclaims that the time has come! They doubt Him and even try to drive Him off a cliff! Jesus goes to Capernaum, where He is better received. He preaches the kingdom of God and casts out demons and heals many.

The devil uses three common tools to tempt Jesus: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life. This is how he tempted Adam and Eve in the beginning, and this is how he tempts us. Jesus uses faith, scripture, and wisdom to reject him, and we can do the same in His name. Jesus is the anointed One, and our Helper, and has ushered in a favorable age of victory over the devil. Jesus has proven His power in the wilderness, but also in casting out demons, healing the sick, and proving His limitless might. Even the demons proclaim Him to be the “Holy One of God.” How much more so should we?   

Gracious Lord, thank You for the example Your Son set for us in His ministry. Help us to be more like Him and see through the devil’s common and carnal tools of temptation. To choose Satan is to reject Your Son, and we pray to flee evil and cling to Christ. Jesus brought us freedom from captivity and has shown us that He controls the spiritual and physical world. It is sad to see His hometown drive Him out. Please help us to always be humble and in awe of Him and to never push our King away.   

-       Have you tried categorizing temptations? When you feel it coming, identify if Satan is tempting your eye, your flesh, or your pride.

-       Jesus’ hometown could not accept that He was God’s one and only plan to save them. Do you accept and embrace that fact today?

-       What does it say about Christ’s glory that even the demons fear and confess Him as God? How must your faith be better than the demons?

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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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Luke 3 

John the Baptist’s ministry begins as he preaches “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” He fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy as the one to come and to “make ready the way of the Lord.” John speaks against many who come to be baptized, calling them “a brood of vipers” and instructing them to bear fruit in repentance. They want baptism, but they are not interested in fleeing from sin. John explains to them that true repentance means treating others fairly. Before John’s arrest, he speaks of the mighty One who would come after Him bringing baptisms of the Holy Spirit and fire! He then baptizes Jesus, as the Spirit descends on Him and God speaks about Him from heaven! The chapter ends with the genealogy of Jesus back to Adam. 

Three ideas from John’s ministry set the tone for Jesus’ teaching: baptism, repentance, and the forgiveness of sins. We must be baptized in water to have our sins washed away. Jesus’ baptism sets an example for us. But we must also be willing to turn from sin, so that, by the planning and grace of God, our sins are forgiven. This choice is crucial as Jesus would bring two baptisms: the Holy Spirit in association with salvation or fire bringing destruction. The genealogy of Jesus is important because it proves Him to be the fulfillment of prophecies by connecting Him to both David and Abraham. He is God’s choice from the beginning to be our Savior. 

Great God, You have the right to demand anything in order for us to become Your children. You have told us to believe in Jesus, to repent of our sins, and to be baptized in water. Thank You for showing this to us and teaching us how to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. John was arrested for preaching these things. Help us to be bold in proclaiming this soul-saving truth to others. Jesus is the descendant of David, the seed of Abraham, Your plan for our salvation from the beginning. We praise His mighty name. 

Thought Questions for the Day:

-       Many Jews desired baptism but were unwilling to repent. Are you willing to not only be baptized but continually turn from your sin?

-       When John teaches on repentance, he speaks of how we treat others. Is charity, fairness, and kindness to others important fruits of faithfulness?

-       Jesus was baptized, and then He began His ministry for God. How should we follow His example in baptism and in what comes after?

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If you are looking to live a worry free life, consider these things:

1) Make things right with a fellow believer. You need each other.

2) Be about God and thankful to God ALL the time. Don't just reach out when you are in a pinch. 

3) Think on spiritual things. Read the word. Have bible discussions.

4) Practice what you read. Pick at least one action item per day.

5) Find contentment in the nearness of Christ. His strength is aways enough.   

If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
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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

Send us a text

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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Luke 2

Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem for a census. Jesus is born there in a manger since the inn is full. An angel appears to shepherds proclaiming Jesus as the “Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” A multitude of angels then appear praising God! The shepherds visit the family and report these wonderful things. After eight days, Jesus’ family takes Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord at the temple. A righteous man named Simeon prophesies that Jesus would be a light even to the Gentiles. Twelve years later, the family comes to Jerusalem for the Passover. When they leave for home, Jesus stays behind and astonishes the teachers in the temple. His parents return for Him, but He explains He must be in His Father’s house.

Jesus returns to Nazareth with his parents after the Jerusalem event. His parents did not understand what was coming, but His mother treasured all of this in her heart. She knew how special He was. This chapter is filled with prophecy and proclamations about the greatness of Jesus. We should treasure all of this in our hearts as well. The angels appear and praise God for the “peace on earth” that Jesus would bring. In the temple, Simeon holds Jesus in his arms and says to God, “My eyes have seen Your salvation.” They believed He was God’s gift to change the world. We know of His birth, His death, and His resurrection. We should openly proclaim His glory even more! 

Heavenly Father, world history has two halves: before Jesus was born, and after. Thank You for blessing us to live in the days after Jesus came. So much anticipation and hope were tied to the coming of the Messiah. And by Your grace, He has come. May His worthiness dominate our hearts, and may He be “good news of great joy” every day of our lives. As a child, He wowed the teachers. His wisdom exceeds all men, including us. Help us to humbly be in awe of Him, to study His teachings, and to surrender our lives to follow Him. 

Thought Questions for the Day:

-       God’s only Son was birthed in a barn. What does that teach you about where and how God might begin wonderful things?

-       Simeon prophesied Jesus would be the Light for Jews and Gentiles. How has God had your salvation in mind since the beginning?

-       In His youth, Jesus prioritized the temple over traveling with His family. How does this foreshadow the message of the kingdom?

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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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Luke 1

Luke opens his letter by noting that he has investigated things carefully so he can report “the exact truth.” He details the events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist and the conception of Jesus in the longest chapter in the New Testament. Elizabeth is barren until an angel appears to her and Zacharias and tells them they will have a son named John. Six months later, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary. He tells her she will conceive of one named Jesus, “the Son of the Most High,” who will reign forever! Mary visits Elizabeth and offers a beautiful prayer of praise to God. After Mary’s departure, John is born, and his father Zacharias prophesies concerning redemption, mercy, forgiveness, and peace! The age of the Savior begins!

Luke sets out on a specific mission with this gospel. This record of the life of Jesus provides carefully researched facts intended to build the faith of a man named Theophilus, and it can do so for all who read it today. It begins by showing God’s supernatural involvement in the birth of John, the forerunner for Jesus. Angels from heaven appear to Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth’s womb is open. Zacharias is struck mute for a time. Later he regains his speech, is “filled with the Holy Spirit”, and begins to prophesy. The story of Jesus begins with God’s hand directly involved in the affairs of mankind. God actively accomplishes redemption for those who would see His works and believe.  

Benevolent Lord, among all the gifts You have given, there are none as valuable as Your Son. We praise You for Gabriel’s message to Mary, that Jesus would rule and “His kingdom would have no end.” Living in that kingdom is our daily and constant source of peace. We see Your consistency and wisdom in bringing John the Baptist into the world to fulfill prophecy and prepare the way for Jesus. His teachings call people to repent and surrender their lives to Christ. Lord help us to receive that message and prepare ourselves to be led by the Savior.  

Thought Questions for the Day:

-       Elizabeth and Zacharias were “both righteous in the sight of God” and they were blessed. Does God hear and help people of faith today?

-       Zacharias questioned the angel’s words and was struck mute for nine months. Might God still react like that if we doubt His promises?

-       Mary praised God, believing she carried the Messiah. Why is it important to rejoice in faith even before we see incredible outcomes?

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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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Mark 16

Women followers of Jesus come to the tomb early on Sunday morning, hoping to anoint His body with spices. They arrive to see the stone rolled away. A young man is sitting inside the tomb, an angel of the Lord, who tells them the most wonderful thing about Jesus: “He has risen.” Jesus then appears to Mary Magdalene and sends her to report to the disciples. When they hear, they refuse to believe. Jesus appears to two other disciples. They report it to the apostles, who still will not believe. Jesus then comes to the eleven and reproaches them for their unbelief. He charges them to go and preach the gospel to all, performing miracles to confirm His word. They witness Jesus ascend into heaven and immediately begin spreading His message. 

The empty tomb is the most life-changing event of all time. It took some time for the disciples to believe it, as they had always struggled to understand the death portion of Jesus’ ministry. But His resurrected appearance in the flesh changed all of that. The followers of Christ went from fear to faith, committing themselves to sharing the power of Jesus over death. Having watched Him ascend into heaven, they gave their lives teaching others that He would once again return. If we believe in His resurrection, then our hopes are forever secure, our fear is taken away, and we can live for Jesus in full assurance of faith, sharing His message everywhere and with everyone.   

Great Father of Power, we believe. We believe that the grave is empty. We believe Jesus has forever defeated Satan, sin, and death. Thank You for the testimony of eyewitnesses and all the evidence of His resurrection. Please provide us opportunities to share this message with others and open their hearts to move from fear to faith, from unbelief to absolute assurance. Father, we are committed to the ministry charged to believers. Please help us to be so certain of Christ’s ascension and return that we will share the gospel in any environment and with everyone we know. 

Thought Questions:

-       Why do you believe Jesus was raised from the dead? How important are the proofs of His resurrection to know and share?

-       Christ’s resurrection changed the Apostles forever. How is your life changed by the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus? 

-       We are not apostles, but we are messengers of Christ. What can you do today to share saving belief and baptism with someone you love?

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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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Mark 15

Mark’s record of Christ’s crucifixion focuses heavily on the people around Him. The Jewish leaders seek to kill him. Pilate gives in to them, but he is confused about the Christ. Barabbas, an actual murderer, is released instead of Jesus. Soldiers scourge the Messiah, beat Him, mock Him, and crucify Him. Jewish onlookers relentlessly attack Him. The two criminals hurl abuse at Him. But at His death, the focus shifts to people of faith. The Centurion says, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Women of faith stay close to the body of Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea requests the body and gives Him a proper burial. This sets a contrast between the sinful work of man in Christ’s death and the faith and hope that would grow from His sacrifice. 

The sinful work of man is on full display during Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. People get so sure of what they believe, and they let envy and pride lead them to the most heinous behavior. We must learn from their failures. We must check our hearts, pride, and intentions, to center them on honoring Christ. If not, we may end up living our lives against Him. If we trust in Him, then His life, death, and resurrection can become the anthem of our lives. So many have been changed by His sacrifice, like the Centurion and Joseph in our story. That change is possible in you. But also, in many around us, if we will share Jesus with them.

Tender Father, how painful it must have been to watch Your Son be ridiculed by those He came to save. Above all today, we pray to never be that way in Your sight. Humble and mold us to be people who appreciate His death and who seek to glorify Him because of His sacrifice. Lord God, give us a voice to proclaim the gospel message. Others are living in sin and need to see what He did and learn to love Him for it. Will you reveal those people to us today and give us the courage to speak His name?

Thought Questions:

-       Pilate is a tragic character. He was conflicted about Jesus, but he ultimately relented. How does your faith show more resolve than Pilate?

-       Jesus’ death changed people, like the criminal and the Centurion. Do you think His self-sacrifice still has the power to do that today?

-       The women and Joseph were faithful even at personal risk. How does your life prove that you serve Jesus no matter what cost is required?

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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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Mark 14 

Mark’s gospel moves swiftly toward Jesus’ arrest and trial. There is a powerful contrast between the woman who anoints Him with expensive oil and Judas who betrays Him for thirty pieces of silver. Both would be remembered for generations for very different reasons. Jesus proceeds to meet with the disciples and institute the memorial supper. He announces that a betrayer would come from among them. But He later tells them that, in the short term, they will all fall away. Peter, of course, denies this vehemently. Following this, Jesus prays in the garden, while Peter, James, and John fall asleep a short distance away. Jesus is then arrested and accused of blasphemy by Jewish leadership. In those moments, Peter falters in faith and denies Jesus three times. Peter then weeps in sorrow. 

The potency of this chapter is in the characters around Jesus. The woman anoints Him with costly oil, demonstrating service and her understanding of His sacrifice. Judas, on the other hand, lets greed dominate his thinking. It has blinded him to true and selfless faith. We would do well to study them both and decide who we want to emulate. The rest of the chapter turns attention to Peter and his pride. He said he would never desert Jesus. While he certainly had a stronger faith than Judas, he did not prepare well to stand firm. He was overconfident and it cost him. We should learn humility from this story, to pray fervently, and to prepare for temptation. 

Dear loving Father, who sent Your Son to die for our sins and redeem us to You. Thank You for His willingness to suffer and die for us. Some never understood the value of His death. Some even contributed to it. Others struggled to understand what it means to stand up for it. Lord God, help us to learn from all those people. Give us the gratitude to praise His sacrifice every day and help us develop the humility to spend time each day in prayer. Prepare us and encourage us to share in His suffering with selfless, faithful living.

Thought Questions:

-       Judas traveled with Jesus but harbored greed in his heart. How do you cultivate your heart to remain selfless and free from greed?

-       The Lord’s Supper is important to Jesus and to Christians. How are you already preparing to partake on Sunday in fellowship with Jesus?

-       Peter was a man of faith, but he had a lot to learn about humility, prayer, and facing temptation. What do you learn from his example?

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My recent passion has been to discover Jesus on every page of Scripture. For a long time, my first impulse was to seek myself, which is honestly typical human behavior. However, at times I overlooked the Ruler to focus on the rules, which led me to misunderstand them. I encourage you to perceive the entirety of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, as a JESUS BOOK. When you see Him, you witness perfection and glory, resulting in deeper faith and greater appreciation for the Messiah. Then, when you examine a second time for application, things may appear a bit different, and you will be the better for it. Join me as we explore a couple of examples to illustrate all of this.

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: [email protected]

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

Send us a text

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)
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Feel free to reach out with any questions: [email protected]

Mark 13 

Jesus leaves the temple and announces that it will be completely torn down. His four closest apostles later ask Him about this devastating event. Jesus tells them that many things must happen first, and they should not believe those who claim to know the time of the temple’s destruction. The gospel must first be preached. The apostles would face heavy persecution before it happened. But when the attack draws near, He warns them to flee to the mountains and get far away from Jerusalem. It will be a judgment on the Jews and the destruction will be accomplished by Jesus. These things would happen during their generation. The disciples are warned not to be misled by false teachers, but to stay alert. No one knows the day or the hour. 

Jesus describes the destruction of Jerusalem. It was the judgment of Christ after He ascended to heaven, but it was carried out by the Roman government. Jerusalem was destroyed, many Jews were killed, and the temple was completely dismantled. This was God’s punishment upon the Jews for killing His Son and refusing His kingdom. This took place in 70 A.D. Leading up to it, there were rumors and false prophecies. Jesus was warning about that decades in advance. The key was to stay alert and ready to go. This has clear parallels to the destruction that is coming in the final judgment and our need to be alert and prepared. No one knows the day or the hour. 

Dear Father, we know You took no joy in the destruction of the Jewish city, temple, and people. Your judgment was forced by their refusal to honor Christ. They were warned, and most did not listen. Great God, we pray for open hearts and ears. Help us to commit to Christ and to wait for His return. Sadly, it will also be a judgment day against the ungodly, and it will come on a day no one knows. We want to be ready. Please discipline us to be on the alert, so we will be saved when that day comes.    

Thought Questions:

-       God destroyed His temple because of unbelief among the Jews. What does that tell you about how serious the Father is about faithful living?

-       Before the judgment day of God, the apostles would have to face persecution and trust in the Spirit. Are you prepared to do the same today?

-       There is a final day of judgment coming. What are the daily things you think and do to make sure you are always prepared for His return?