January 17, 2026

The Sermon On The Mount: Love Your Enemies 

Jesus’s Words:

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:43-44

We are the children of our Father and must strive to be like Him. It’s easy to love those who love you, but it is more courageous and rewarding to love your enemies. This command can be tough, especially when you’ve been mistreated, and all you want to do is lash out or treat them the way they treated you. Not only are we to love them, but we are also to pray for them. If you must look at it in a way that makes you feel like you’re getting back at them, think of it this way: with every prayer or piece of help you give them, it’s like putting hot coals on their head. 

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. Proverbs 25:21-22

We must be kind, even to our enemies. The reward will be beyond measure, and they will be held accountable for any damage they’ve caused us. God sees and knows all the trouble we faced and will recompense the wickedness we’ve had to deal with. 

January 16, 2026

The Sermon On The Mount: Oaths

Jesus’s Words:

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Matthew 5:34-35

Jesus is talking about oaths, not foul language, in this passage. You should refrain from using foul language, but in this case, it means to swear to God or the earth, or even your head. Jesus is expanding on the third commandment:

If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. Numbers 30:2

Don't do it, just don't do it! We are very weak people, and something new comes along that sends us down a different path, maybe one we like better, and that's it; we break our oath. You've heard it said, "I swear to God this is true." I immediately think they are lying, and now they have broken a commandment and will suffer the consequences of their action. God takes oaths seriously, so if you decide to make one with Him, you had better be ready to keep it.  

January 15, 2026

The Sermon On The Mount: Divorce

Red Letters - Jesus’s Words

It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. Matthew 5:31-32

I looked up other verses and dug into the Greek wording and definitions because this is one of those hard-to-swallow passages for many. Especially with these verses and others in Matthew 19, I believe he was showing us how hard it is to keep the commandments. We can do our best, but it’s impossible. Infidelity is probably the least of our worries about a bad marriage; physical and mental abuse are as much, if not more, reason to walk away from a marriage. I would rather subject my body to the sin of adultery than stay married to an adulterer or abuser. I know that many people put up with such nonsense, and my heart goes out to them, though I know that Jesus comforts them as they live their lives that way, but because of his sacrifice, we don’t have to. He’s telling those listening to his sermon that if they want to get into heaven without him, which he knows is impossible, they would have to live a life entirely without sin. This information does not give you a license to go out and divorce your spouse, but it does provide some comfort for those who already have, or are living in an adulterous or abusive marriage, and are trying to hang on for dear life because of these words. Remember, Jesus is so forgiving and will mark your trespasses as “not guilty” when you stand before him in judgment.

January 14, 2026

The Sermon On The Mount: Lust

The way Jesus exposes the scripture is far beyond what I’ve learned from teachers in the past. Though I’ve read it many times, I’ve never linked his sermon to the commandments. The portion of Jesus’s sermon about lust directly correlates with the seventh commandment: Thou shalt not commit adultery. He makes it very clear that lusting after someone who’s not yours corrupts the mind. But, here is the kicker, you will pay for the lust of your mind with your body. He says it is better to cut off the part of your body that sins rather than send your whole body to hell. If you don’t understand what that means, it means that just desiring someone other than your spouse is the sin of adultery. The enemy has definitely seared our minds when it comes to the adultery commandment by making us believe that it’s okay to look upon another’s body and desire it as long as we don’t act upon it. He takes it a step further, making it even harder to obey. Control your emotions! Satan knows how to entice people into hell by flaunting gorgeous people on television and in the movies. Don’t fall for his cunning schemes. Focus on Jesus, and those desires will likely disappear. 

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28

January 13, 2026

The Sermon On the Mount: Anger

Did you know that Jesus associates unjust anger with the sixth commandment, “Thou shalt not kill? Being mad at someone for a mistake or something unintentional crosses that line and deserves the same punishment as a murderer. Here are his words:

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Matthew 5:22

Jesus doesn’t even want to hear from you until you’ve made amends. The term brother could mean anyone, especially someone inferior, such as a child or an employee. This portion of scripture, Jesus’s words, reminds us that we should control our reactions and not venture into spiritual killing in our hearts with our words. Demeaning someone because they aren’t on point or cross into “your lane” by mistake doesn’t deserve your anger; Jesus is very clear about that. I know many Christ-followers who need to listen to this teaching and take it to heart. There is such a thing as righteous anger, and Jesus used it on occasion, but he knew where the line was drawn. We aren’t as righteous as he was, so proceed carefully if you intend to use that as an excuse for bad behavior. Control your reactions, because the punishment of anger could be the same as murder.

January 12, 2026

The Sermon On the Mount: Fulfilling The Law

Jesus didn’t come to destroy the Law of Moses. He was the perfect example; he showed us the way it was supposed to be done. Not only did he say he came to fulfill the law, but he said that until heaven and earth pass away, the law is still in place. He also says that anyone who breaks one of them or teaches people that it’s okay to break them will be least in the kingdom of heaven. Are we to ignore what Jesus said and listen to those who tell us we don’t have to keep the law? Read it for yourself. I copied and pasted the words of the King James Version of the Bible, and these are printed in red, indicating that they are Jesus’s words.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them,the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-19

Though he fulfilled the law, heaven and earth haven’t passed away; we’re still residing here. What am I missing? Not only did he teach us to follow the law, but he made it clear and even stricter. I’m a rule follower, and I know I’ve broken some of them. Knowing the truth of the scripture, I feel even more grateful than ever that he covers my sins and washes them away. Do your best to walk in a manner worthy of our Savior and give the world a good example of a follower of Christ. 

January 11, 2026

The Sermon On The Mount: Salt And Light

Even though it has been demonized over the years, salt is an essential nutrient that we cannot live without. That’s great for me because I love it and can hardly eat anything that doesn’t contain a little bit of it; even dessert is better with a pinch; somehow it makes the sweetness even sweeter; this doesn’t mean you should have a salty attitude; by no means! We can all be a little salty at times, but don’t let that be your everyday disposition; the world should see us as dessert and not unsavory salt that has lost its taste and is suitable for nothing. 

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13

Then Jesus compares us to a light on a hill that cannot be hid. If you’ve ever seen a city or homes situated on the side of a mountain, you’ll understand why he used that terminology. 

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14

Even a small glimmer of light can be seen from far away. Your words may not necessarily point out that you belong to Jesus, even though they can. Your actions and disposition toward others will tell your story. That’s why you must control your actions, even to your spouse; you don’t want them to worry about your salvation. Get ahold of your reactions so the world sees you as salt and light and not someone condemned. 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

January 10, 2026

The Sermon On The Mount: Beatitudes 

Jesus teaches eight characteristics in the Sermon on the Mount; these are the privileges and requirements for people living now and during the Messianic reign, and they constitute Christ’s standard of righteousness. 

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Matthew 5:3-11

1. Poor in spirit - being spiritually impoverished and depending on God
2. Mourn - grief-stricken over your own sins
3. Meek - strength under control.
4. Hunger and thirst for righteousness - means to long for a relationship with God
5. Merciful - show compassion and kindness to others
6. Pure in heart - being free from deceit 
7. Peacemakers - actively seek peace
8. Persecuted for righteousness sake - facing hostility and still doing what’s right.

We should want to embody such characteristics and spiritual attributes; Jesus has set a standard for living, and it would be disobedient to ignore them and go about our lives as if we hadn’t heard what he has taught us.

January 9, 2026

Jesus Preached And Healed

There have always been diseases. Though nowadays we attribute diseases to medications, poor eating habits, and lifestyle. In Jesus tour of Galilee, he healed all the sick people who were brought to him. In doing so, he proved that he was the Christ, the Messiah they were waiting for, and people from all over came to hear him preach and be healed. He healed the bodies and minds of those who encountered him, but it was the healing of the soul for those who listened to his message about the kingdom of God who were the most blessed. You’ve got to think about it; they needed the healing of the body as proof that he was who he said he was. Otherwise, they might have thought he was just another preacher. Even though his words were powerful, he needed a draw to get them to listen. Now, and something to beware of, some claim they are healing people to draw in the lame to fleece them of their money. These preachers are wealthy, fly in their own private jet, and even cry for more money so they can buy a new one. Please don’t waste your money on these preachers; they are a tool of the enemy, devouring all who turn their attention towards them. Jesus is the only one with the healing salve and the words of eternal life. Trust in him; your soul is more valuable than this weak body we inhabit. 

And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Matthew 4:23

January 8, 2026

Jesus Heals the Nobleman’s Son

Jesus left Samaria to go back to Cana of Galilee, where a nobleman sought him out to beg him to heal his son because he was about to die. 

Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. John 4:48

Jesus was a bit rough on that man, yet, because he knew who he was, he didn’t even blink an eye when he spoke to him with a harsh tone. 

Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. John 4:50

The man believed Jesus’s words and set out for home. The man’s servants met him along the way, telling him that his son lived. Like many of us, he was curious about when his fever broke and when he started getting better.

So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee. John 4:53-54

I don’t believe his inquiry was due to a lack of trust, but rather a way to prove that it was Jesus who had healed the boy, to seal his testimony. The entire family was saved because of this miracle. 

As Jesus said, some people need signs and wonders to believe, yet here we are many years later believing in him without seeing his miracles. That is the power of the Holy Spirit living within us and helping us keep our faith. 

January 7, 2026

The Woman At The Well: Part 3

After Jesus told the Samaritan woman about her husbands, the five she had in the past, and the one she was living with that wasn’t her husband, Jesus probably told her more than that about herself. She ran into town to tell the men about him and that he was the Messiah, the Christ they had been waiting for.

Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. John 4:29-30

In the meantime, the disciples brought him food, but he wasn’t hungry because he was satisfied with the spiritual food they knew nothing about.

I thought the story about the woman was over at this point, given the reaping-and-sowing story told in the middle of this portion of scripture, but that’s not the case. The men believed her and ran out to meet Jesus. Once they met him, they believed everything she said. 

And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. John 4:42

When telling others about Jesus, don’t get too caught up in the results. Your responsibility is to share your knowledge and tell about your experience with him, but it’s up to them to experience him for themselves. The Holy Spirit is powerful enough to do the finishing work. One sows and others reap, but we are all satisfied at the harvest. 

And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. John 4:37-38

January 6, 2026

The Woman At The Well: Part 2

I couldn’t pass this portion of scripture without mentioning the following verse:

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14

Once you’ve experienced the power of the Holy Spirit, the Water, and the way he works in our lives, you realize that life wouldn’t be worth living without him. He brings to the forefront of your mind things you didn’t know, opens your mind to the truth of the scriptures, and reveals to you Jesus in ways you never imagined. You never know when that power will spring up, giving you insight into people, their intentions, and even their hearts. There is something comforting about someone who carries the Holy Spirit, drawing to them others who also have him, giving us a connection unlike anything else; it’s a kinship, and without even mentioning our relationship with Jesus, he gives us a sense and a knowing that the person we are communicating with is also a Christ-follower. I don’t know how it works, but I’m grateful for the Spirit that lives within me, that flowing water that is the wellspring of eternal life. 

January 4, 2025

All the gospels, including John, come together at this point in Jesus's walk. Part of the reason Jesus left Judea for Galilee was that he heard that John the Baptist had been put in prison by Herod for calling him out for his sin against his brother, Philip.

But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison. Luke 3:19-20

The Woman At The Well: Part 1

The most direct route to Galilee was through Samaria, but most Jews avoided it because of tensions between them and the Samaritans. However, Jesus was no respecter of cultural differences, and it was the most direct route. He was beginning his public ministry, and he had no intention of keeping the truth from Samaria. Plus, there was a very significant story that needed to be told, one most of us know and love: the story of the woman at the well. If you don't know the story, read John 4:4-29. 

As Jesus was tired from his journey, he sat down on Jacob's well while his disciples went into town for food. While there, a woman came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink. She wanted to know why a Jew would ask her for a drink.

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. John 4:10

Being a practical person, she replied, "Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?" The water wasn't running, so I expect it was flat and stale. This woman, there to get water, encountered Jesus, our life-giving water, able to cleanse us of all unrighteousness and to bring new life to an otherwise dead person. She knew this was no regular conversation and was very attentive to what she was hearing. 

We must draw from the well of living water; the water the world offers is stale and without life. Drink the water Jesus offers you, and your focus will change, making living in this world joyful rather than mundane and dreadful.

January 3, 2026

He Must Increase, But We Must Decrease

After finishing the conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus and his disciples venture into Judea, away from the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem, where he could teach freely. They ended up in an area with lots of water, where they could baptize those who came to repent. John the Baptist was there with his disciples. They felt rivalry toward Jesus and his disciples, even though they were on the same team. I can’t help but notice that it is not unlike the Church today, with different denominations feeling rivalry with one another, even though we are all part of The Church. We are all one in Christ, yet we find ourselves at odds. Such division makes the enemy smile. John knew his mission, as he explained to his disciples, was very clear from the beginning that he was not the Christ, but the one sent before him to pave the way for his ministry, to get things started as a witness to proclaim that Jesus was the Messiah, and then decrease his ministry. Thus comes the scripture that many pastors and teachers use as part of their prayer, ‘Lord, may you increase, and I decrease.’ We always want Jesus to shine brighter than us; that’s our commission and our purpose as followers of Christ. 

He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.  John 3:30-31

January 2, 2026

Give Yourself A Break By Believing In Jesus

We all know, and most can recite John 3:16, and that is all well and good, but did you know that Jesus’s discourse didn’t end with that? He goes on to say that he didn’t come to condemn, but those who don’t believe in him are already condemned.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:17-18

Why? Because of the Law of Moses. God gave us commandments, and when we break even one of them, we are guilty. People break the law of the land all the time without knowing the law; they can still be arrested, sent to jail, and found guilty, even though they didn’t think it was a law. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Evil lawbreakers realize they are being evil and deserve the punishment they receive. However, it’s good people breaking laws they deem insignificant that makes them think they do not need a savior. It’s that way of thinking that sends them to hell for eternity. It’s too much to deal with! People need to give themselves a break and rest their weary heads on the shoulders of Jesus, begin their transformation into his likeness, and stop worrying about whether they break a commandment that he has already paid the price for. 

January 1, 2026

Look Up To Jesus And Be Healed

Jesus, still in a conversation with Nicodemus, reminded him of the serpent of brass on a pole when the Israelites were in the wilderness. 

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:14-15

They were whining about their situation and spoke against God and Moses, so God sent the poisonous snakes. It’s as if God said to them, ‘If you don’t stop crying, I’ll give you something to cry about!’ And He did, and a lot of people died. God sent the snakes, but also gave the remedy.

And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. Numbers 21:8

Think about this: God created Satan and his minions; they are in no way, shape, or form equal to God; they are His creation. They were once rebellious angels who were thrust to earth. Now we are having to deal with them. They are always biting at our heels, sometimes visible where you can see their intentions, but it’s the more cunning ones that seem to cause us the most issues. Either way, they can cause us to stumble and die in our sin. Remember, God created evil, but also gave us the remedy. Our brass snake on the pole is Jesus lifted up on the cross. We must look to him so we don’t die from the venomous strikes from the evil amongst us. This story shines a different light on the crucifix, doesn’t it? May we remember Jesus on the cross for the healing of our sins, but honor him as our God and King, risen from the dead.  

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

December 31, 2025

You Must Be Born Again 

Nicodemus was a Pharisee who wanted to know more about Jesus's teachings, so he met with him in the evening, when he was away from other people. Surely he didn't want anyone to know he was with Jesus; his reputation with the other Pharisees would be tarnished. They probably thought Jesus was some cult leader, but couldn't explain the miracles or the fact that he knew everything they knew, but more, and with power behind his knowledge. Jesus explained to him a hard teaching, something that ordinary people might not understand; not only was Nicodemus a wealthy man, but he was likely a philosopher. Here's what Jesus tells him:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

Nicodemus began to question him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" 

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:5-7

This teaching is hard, and I understand why Nicodemus questioned it. He's an intellectual and needed a deep dive, and Jesus gave him one. Water baptism is symbolic of us leaving our past, fleshly desires behind, being reborn, and being filled with the Holy Spirit; water and Spirit. However, it's more than that; it's a change of mindset, to immerse ourselves in the ways of Jesus, leave our worldly cares behind, and be transformed into the likeness of Jesus. However, we don't know how we get it or where it comes from; the Spirit goes wherever he wants and calls whomever he wants. I'm grateful for that calling; so what if people think we are a little out of touch? We are completely in touch with our Savior, and that counts more than any worldly pursuit. 

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3:8