Author: thegospelmailman@yahoo.com

Did You Hear Jesus Knock On Your Door?

Scripture: Luke 11: 9-10

So I tell you, ask, and God will give to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you. 10 Yes, everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find. And everyone who knocks will have the door opened.

Scripture Commentary: Ask. Search. Knock.

There is a knock at your door. Do you sit there thinking, “Do I go and see who it is,” or do you ignore it? We have apprehensions with all that is going on in the world today.

God knocks at your door every day but some of us aren’t answering.

We get up in the morning and take the day for granted, going on auto-pilot. Those who stop and give God thanks have opened the door for God to come in. When you ask God what you can do for Him this day, you are agreeing to serve Him. And in doing this, you can count on His guidance.

Put God first in your daily life.

Faith, service, and obedience to God will fill all your needs but not your desires. Ask your Lord and Creator and He will provide what you need. He will be your Provider.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Luke Chapter 11

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Luke:

Follow Jesus and Become Fishers of Men

What Is the Price of Being Tempted?

You Can Trust God

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10: 13, 21

The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has. But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, he will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it. (13) You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons also. You cannot share in the Lord’s table and the table of demons. (21)

Scripture Commentary:

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. But you can trust God. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can handle.

When you are tempted, God will provide a way out if you call on Him.

Paul tells us there is a battle going on with the flesh and the spirit. He is not referring to our physical flesh. He is referring to our spiritual soul.

The nature-self wants to do what feels good and easy. God’s Holy Spirit in us wants us to glorify Him, not ourselves. These two spirits are constantly against one another as long as we live.

Paul tells us that the flesh (Satan) desires what is contrary to the Holy Spirit (God). The Holy Spirit is contrary to the flesh.

The Holy Spirit inside each of us says, “Live for God.” The flesh says, “Live for yourself.” In order to live for God we must submit to Him daily by reading the Bible and calling upon Him. This is how God nourishes our spirit, our soul.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

1 Corinthians Chapter 10

Read Other Commentary from the Book of 1 Corinthians:

God Is the Foundation

You Can Overcome Temptation with God

God Lifts Us From the Pit of Despair

Scripture: Psalm 40: 1-2

I waited patiently for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the pit of destruction, out of the sticky mud. He stood me on a rock and made my feet steady.

Scripture Commentary: Sin is a bottomless pit. Only Jesus can draw you out.

At times you have been in places where you were either lost, trapped, or it seemed like you were in a bottomless pit. It seemed like the more you tried to get out, the deeper it became.

The thought to call God didn’t occur in the beginning. Or maybe you did call on Him, and as far as you were concerned, He wasn’t fast enough. Waiting for God to help us is not easy in this fast paced lifestyle we live in.

King David received four benefits from God:

  1. God lifted him out of despair
  2. God set his feet on solid rock, and
  3. gave him a firm place to stand
  4. A new song of praise was put in David’s mouth

There are times when we need trials and tribulations to see how God works in our lives.

Don’t think that going to church, taking communion, and paying tithes is all you have to do. Are you really serving God? Do you spread His Gospel and live as close to a Christ-like lifestyle as you can?

The prophet Samuel told Saul, “To obey is better than making sacrifices,” as they did in David’s time. What God is saying is not to push Him out of your life. Tell the world about God’s blessings.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scriptures Referenced:

Psalm Chapter 40

1 Samuel Chapter 15

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Psalms

To Build Without God is Futile

Praise the Lord While You Live

Jesus Saves Us From Hatefulness, Malice and Envy

Scripture: Titus 3: 3-6

For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Scripture Commentary: Free yourself from malice and envy with Jesus.

Paul reminds Titus in Titus 3: 3 that we are sometimes foolish, disobedient, and deceived. We are slaves to our lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. That was our style until Jesus Christ freed us.

We shouldn’t look down on anyone but instead should look back and see how God saved us. We should ask God how we can help our fellow man.

We’ve come this far because of God’s grace and mercy, and the shedding of Jesus Christ’s blood. We didn’t do anything ourselves.

Jesus did it all.

Jesus freed us from the desires and control of sin. We have moved from a life of sin to a place where God’s Holy Spirit directs our destination.

Look at yourself now. Then look at where you were. See the difference. You didn’t do it. God did it because He loves you.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Titus Chapter 3

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Titus:

Passions and Pleasures Lead to Addiction

Stop Being Enslaved to Sinful Desires

Faith – the Evidence of Things Not Seen

Scripture: Hebrews 11: 1, 6

Now faith is the [a]substance of things hoped for, the [b]evidence of things not seen. (1) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.(6)

Scripture Commentary:

We have people in our lives that we have complete faith in because we know them. We can see them and can talk and listen to them when we seek them out. But what about God who is not seen? Although we can’t see Him in the flesh, His Spirit is with all of us. He knows everything about us.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, faith is a firm belief in something for which there is no proof. It is a belief and trust in and loyalty to God.

Do you have the faith to go to God and believe He hears you?

Do you believe He will guide you in the direction you should go? Is your faith strong enough to believe He can do anything?

Believing that God exists is only the beginning. Even the devil believes.

God wants a personal, dynamic relationship with us; one that transforms us. Do you believe? If not, ask God to help your unbelief. God will show you the way.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Hebrews Chapter 11

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Hebrews:

Every Life Involves Struggle … Endure!

Believe the Word that Jesus Speaks to You

Search Me, God, And Know My Heart

Scripture: Psalm 139: 1-4, 23-24

O Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 3 You [a]comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

Scripture Commentary: God knows your heart and sees your anxieties.

When we say, “Search me,” we are really asking God for help. God knows your heart. He knows the question before we ask. He also knows the answer.

Sometimes we know the answer, too, and it’s no. Don’t ask for what you know is wrong.

Don’t play games with God.

We may want something that we know is wrong but the flesh (Satan) says to ask anyway. This is wrong. God will give if it is His way. In His love for us, God place His Holy Spirit in each of us. In calling on God, His Spirit will always direct us on His path. Before asking to be searched, do an inventory on yourself with the help of the Holy Spirit. And do what the Holy Spirit directs.

We need to have as much respect for ourselves as God has for us.

We are made in His image, and He loved us before we ever knew Him.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Psalm Chapter 139

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Psalms:

Meditate on God’s Word Day and Night

Have Mercy on My Weakness, O Lord

God, A Very Present Help During Trouble

Scripture: Psalm 46: 1-3

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.  Selah

Scripture Commentary: Make a point to present yourself to God in 2021.

We have just ended the year 2020 and now we are starting the present year, 2021. Some of us have lost loved ones, friends or people we knew. We shed tears, but what kind of tears? Did we cry for joy because we know the person had accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior?

This planet we call home is just a stopping station.

It’s a place to prepare for our eternal home in either heaven or hell. Each day we are given a choice to accept or reject God.

For those who accept Christ, the psalmist says that even if the world ends, we need not fear in the face of utter destruction. The writer expressed a quiet confidence in God’s ability to save him.

God is our refuge at all times and in all things.

Do not be consumed by fear or by what we are going through today with Covid-19. God is our refuge even in the face of total destruction. God is not merely a temporary retreat. He is our eternal refuge and can provide strength in any circumstance now and in the future.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Psalm Chapter 46

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Psalms:

Let Your New Year’s Resolution Be to Learn God’s Word!

Praise the Greatness of Our God

How to Overcome Temptations Common to Man

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10: 13, 21

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to [d]bear it.(13) You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.(21)

Scripture Commentary:

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can handle. But when you are tempted, God will provide a way out if you call on Him.

Paul tells us there is a battle going on with the flesh and the spirit. He isn’t referring to our physical flesh; he is referring to our spiritual soul. The natural self wants to do what feels good and easy.

God’s Holy Spirit in you wants you to glorify Him, not yourself.

These two spirits are constantly against one another as long as you live. What Paul is telling us is the flesh (Satan) desires what is contrary to the Holy Spirit (God).

The Spirit of God is contrary to the flesh (Satan). The Holy Spirit inside of you says, “Live for God,” and your flesh says, “Live for yourself.” When we live for God, we submit to Him daily by reading the Bible and call on Him. This is how God nourishes our spirit (our soul).

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

1 Corinthians Chapter 10

Read Other Commentary from the Book of 1 Corinthians:

Where Is the Wise? Search for Wisdom

Can Others See the Temple of God in You?

God Hasn’t Given You A Spirit of Fear

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1: 7, 14

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.(7) That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.(14)

Scripture Commentary:

What in your life keeps you up at night and plagues you during the day? Is it the fear of losing your job, spouse, or health? These are some of the things that may be ricocheting through your mind that refuse to be quieted.

In Psalm 139: 23, David asked God to search his heart for there was something David needed to face. After asking God to search his heart, David prayed, “know my anxious thoughts.” He wanted to share his worst with God.

Why do we fear going to God and exposing ourselves with questions and fears that He already knows about?

There is nothing too big for God. There’s nothing He does not already know. Pray to God. He will reveal what holds you hostage and show you how to deal with it.

What we fear the most often reveals where we trust God the least. Our fears matter because ultimately, our fears show how we’re relying on our own self and not God.

You can’t be driven by fear and please, serve and honor God. You must ask God for help.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scriptures Referenced:

2 Timothy Chapter 1

Psalm 139

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Second Timothy:

Jesus Was Raised From the Dead for You

The Last Days Will Be Terrible

Lift Your Eyes to the Lord

Scripture: Psalm 121: 1-7

 I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to [a]be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.5 The Lord is your [b]keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand.6  The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.7  The Lord shall [c]preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.

Scripture Commentary: I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord.

When you opened your eyes this morning did you thank God for waking you up? When you are asleep, you lose all control of your body function. God, through His Holy Spirit, has taken over.

The psalm expresses assurance and hope in God’s protection day and night.

God, our Father and Creator, loves and protects us when we are most vulnerable, when we cannot protect ourselves. Never trust a lesser power than God Himself! There is nothing that can distract God, who is all powerful, and watches over us 24/7.

We are safe in God’s hands.

From the time we came into the world, God has been our protector. In God’s presence we have peace and protection. This world cannot provide; only God can.

So tonight thank God for this day that He has given you because you won’t see it again. And pray that He watches over you during the night.

Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:

Psalm Chapter 121

Read Other Commentary from the Book of Psalms:

The Lord Is My Light

Create In Me A Clean Heart