April 18, 2026

To the followers of Christ: One of my favorite things to do is spend time at the beach. What I like most about it is walking, looking for seashells, praying, and worshipping God. It brings me so much joy. Sometimes I have full conversations with our Creator. Did you know that God uses His creation to speak, at least He does for me, because He sees that I’m tuned into it. I was considering doing a series on “The Kingdom of God Is Within.” It caught my attention in Luke 17 and piqued my curiosity. So, while walking on the beach, I asked God if I should. It was then that I began seeing Sheepshead fish near the water’s edge. We know that Jesus called his followers sheep. After doing a quick search, I found that there’s no other verse that mentions the kingdom of God is within; Jesus does mention that the kingdom of God is near. In that, I believe he was telling people they were experiencing the kingdom through his presence. I’ve concluded that my next series may focus on the followers of Jesus, since the fish and sheep are symbolic of Christians. I’m still sorting it out, so for the time being, I will go back to concentrating my efforts on catching and bringing in the people who call themselves Christian, but lack a relationship with Jesus; the ones he calls lukewarm that believe they are saved but continue a life in the world. That’s been my mission all along anyway. 

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:27

April 17, 2026

The Parables Of Jesus: 38 

The Parable of the Ten Minas 

It was near Passover, and the disciples thought Jesus would begin his reign then. Unfortunately, they had the wrong idea of how he works. So, to give them an example of what was going to happen, he told them about the nobleman who was to receive his kingdom and then return to his home for a time. The people of the kingdom hated him, but after receiving his kingdom, he put ten people in charge and gave them ten pounds each to invest and to give him a good return on his money. One doubled his money, one increased it by half, and one gained nothing. The one that increased the most, he gave ten cities to rule over, the one that increased by five, he gave five cities, but the one who had no increase, he took it away and gave it to the one who increased by ten. For the ones in the kingdom who hated him, he had them slain. 

We are the people of the kingdom. If you have a gift and do not use it, it will be taken away from you and given to someone diligent in their efforts to increase the kingdom. To those who hate Jesus, well, they will find out one day how wrong they were. How hard must it be to live a life without Jesus? You have the enemy vouching for you daily, but when he comes to collect on what you owe him, you will have no one to turn to. If you don’t know Jesus, turn to him before it’s too late.  

For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. Luke 19:26-27

April 16, 2026

The Parables Of Jesus: 37 

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector 

We must stop comparing ourselves to others. The Pharisee thought he was more righteous than the tax collector. While praying in the temple, he wanted to be seen rather than having a humble heart and pray in private. The words of his prayer condemned the penitent tax collector, and rather than look at his own sins, he acted as though he were more righteous than the tax collector. In the parable, Jesus rejected the prayers of the Pharisee, and he condemned him for his self-righteous behavior. 

If you feel you must make a comparison, compare yourself to Jesus, and you will see your filthiness. Humble yourself before God and never make the mistake of seeing yourself as more righteous than others. It’s good to do what’s pleasing to God, but it is not good to brag about your obedience, especially when it is to belittle others. Stay humble, my friends.

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:13-14

April 15, 2026

The Parables Of Jesus: 36  

The Persistent Widow 

Jesus told the story of the widow who came to an unjust judge to avenge her of her enemy, but the judge ignored her pleading. However, she kept insisting that he take up her cause and badgered him constantly. Finally, he ruled in her favor so she would leave him alone. 

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. Luke 18:5

We must consider that our prayers will be answered, because we have a just judge who hears our pleadings and will avenge us. However, we must not let up until we get an answer. We are living in a time where everything is bent toward evil, and we must constantly pray for God to avenge us against an enemy who seeks to devour us. I couldn’t help but notice that in Luke, Jesus told this parable right after he explained what would happen when he returned. Was it meant to be together, since it was in the previous chapter? If it was told at the same time as Jesus explained what would happen at the end of time, then we must raise our voices to heaven and plead with him to come quickly and hasten his return. Something important to remember is not to dwell on the negativity around us; focus on Jesus and his goodness, and reset your mind to think of all the blessings set before you. God is good and hears our prayers. Don’t stop until you get your answer.  

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? Luke 18:7

April 14, 2026

The Parables Of Jesus: 35

The Rich Man and Lazarus 

A quick recap of the story of the rich man and Lazarus: Lazarus was a poor beggar who was covered with sores and sat at the gate of a rich man's home, hoping for a few crumbs from the man's table. The beggar died and was carried to the bosom of Abraham. Shortly after that, the rich man died and went to hell. The rich man could see Lazarus and Abraham from where he was and begged for Lazarus to bring him a drop of water to cool his tongue. He couldn't because of the great gulf between them, making it impossible. Then the rich man requested that Lazarus return to warn his brothers so they might turn from their wickedness and not end up in hell, where he was. The request was denied because they have Moses and the prophets, and if they don't listen to them, why would they listen to Lazarus?

It is suspected that the rich man had an evil desire to see Lazarus tormented like he was. Because Lazarus was a good man, he was no longer tormented and was now protected, and his soul was abiding in heaven. The way you are now is the way you will enter the everlasting; make sure the blood of Jesus covers you through the gift of salvation.

"The heart that is filled with rage against God is filled with rage against the people of God.—— There is a day coming when those that now hate and despise the people of God would gladly receive kindness from them." Matthew Henry

In this parable, Jesus confirms that once your soul leaves your body, it goes to either heaven or hell; there is no such thing as soul sleep or purgatory, and no amount of prayers from the saints will change your location. Turn to Jesus now while you still can, or you will be tormented forever. 

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. Luke 16:25

April 13, 2026

The Parables Of Jesus: 34

The Dishonest Manager 

This parable was very hard to understand because it didn’t make sense. So, I used John Gill’s commentary to help me understand it and explain it better. 

A rich man was firing his manager for mismanaging his funds. So the manager, worried about what he would do once he was out of a job, went to all the rich man’s debtors and cut all their bills in half so they would be willing to hire him when he was no longer employed. The manager commended him for doing well for himself.

The rich man is God.

The manager or steward is the Pharisees.

The wasted goods are the false glosses put upon the scriptures.

The debtors are the Gentiles.

The bill that was cut in half is the law.

If we read it with these things in mind, it looks a little different. 

God employed the Pharisees, but they mismanaged the law he had given them, so he fired them. So, to continue in that type of job, because they didn’t want to do serious labor, they broke down the law so it could be more easily attainable by the Gentiles. God commended them for doing good for themselves.

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Luke 16:10

April 12, 2026

The Parables Of Jesus: 33

The Prodigal Son

Most of us know the story of the prodigal son, but here is a refresher. 

A man had two sons. The younger one wanted his father to give him a portion of his inheritance so he could go out into the world and do what he wanted. In doing so, he squandered what he was given, ended up with nothing, and found himself feeding pigs to have food. He finally got his mind right, realized that his dad’s servants ate better than he did, and decided to go back home. His dad met him with open arms and planned a feast to welcome him home. His brother heard of the feast and was jealous because he had never been given a feast. His dad explained that all he had was his inheritance and that he was happy that his brother, who was once dead, is now alive. 

And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. Luke 15:31-32

Most parents love their children, even the prodigal, but those who have stayed close to the family and participated in their lives are the ones who will inherit all that they have to offer. However, it is always a joy when the prodigal comes home. 

When the lost come to God, He rejoices. No one is too far gone to receive His mercy. He welcomes everyone because we are all His children.