Jesus Fulfilled the Prophecy as King

Scripture: Matthew 12: 17-21

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Scripture Commentary:

The people in Jesus’ time expected the Messiah to be a king. They forgot the prophecy detailing the kind of king He would be. The Book of Isaiah showed the king to be a quiet, gentle ruler who brought justice to the nations. Although Jesus fulfilled the prophecy, the people were looking for the big bang.

Like the crowd in Jesus’ day, we may want Christ to rule as a king orchestrating great and visible victories in our lives. Do not look for the big bang miracle. Look at your life and see what Jesus has done for you. You are the big bang! You are the miracle!

God created you, He loves you, and He lets His light shine in and on you. He gave His only begotten son for you.

Are you working in His name? Have you told anyone about Our Lord Jesus Christ and what He has done for you?

Let Jesus into your life, and feel and see the love He has for you. Get down on your hands and knees and thank Him for His goodness.

God loves you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Matthew Chapter 12

Additional Reading on the Prophecy of the King:
Isaiah Chapter 42

When He Saw Their Faith, He Answered Their Prayer

Scripture: Luke 5: 18-20

And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

Scripture Commentary: When Jesus saw their faith, He made the man whole

How far would you go to help someone? What would you do to lead a friend, enemy, or anyone to Jesus? If someone hurt you, would you, being a Christian, help him/her come to know Jesus?

If God will forget your sins and forgive you, can you do the same?

The man in Luke 5 was not able to do anything for himself. He had people who cared enough for him to go the extra step to get him to Jesus. They had faith that Jesus could heal, and the man had faith also. After all, if they did not have faith, why put forth so much effort to get their friend to Jesus?

If we say we have faith in God then we are to do God’s work. That means we are to forgive, forget, help, lead, spread the Word of God, teach and love one another.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Luke Chapter 5

Obey The Gospel And Let the Lord Save You

Scripture: 1 Peter 4: 17-19

For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinners appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Scripture Commentary: God is faithful and we can count on Him

A life of sin and indulgence in earthly desires can only unfold in the house of Satan. The ungodly will spend eternity in Satan’s house if they do not repent and ask for forgiveness.

We are all sinful by nature. We constantly go against God and not everyone recognizes their wrong ways. Not everyone repents. God allows believers to sin for the experience of consequences. God forgives those who sincerely repent. Allowing us to sin shows us our potential to do wrong. The experience encourages us to return to God. Smaller sins strengthen us against bigger temptations and condition us to truly trust in Him. If we know God will stand by us in the drizzle, we are more likely to rely on him in the storm.

If Christians need discipline from God, how much more will those who do not obey the gospel need to receive? It’s not quantifiable. Only God’s mercy saves us. People who reject Christ still have a chance at eternal life through repentance. We know God is faithful and we can count on Him to fulfill his promise to us. He will always welcome us home, as long as we are willing to do what is required to be in his kingdom.

We must follow this as a path to salvation:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind, and Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Read the Entire Chapter:
1 Peter Chapter 4

Jesus Delivered Us and Teaches Us Love

Scripture: Romans 7: 4-6, 9

Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

Scripture Commentary: Jesus’ grace and mercy delivered us

Before you came to Christ there were times in your life when you felt you were in a good place, doing the right thing. From where you stand now you know you were wrong. Has your husband or wife ever hurt you? Did you feel you had to hurt them back? Did you think revenge was justice?

We are constantly hurting God, but He does not throw us away or hurt us. God forgives us, loves us, and helps us to understand what love is. Being born again takes a moment of faith, a moment God undoubtedly sees. Becoming like Christ is a lifelong process, and God will stand by to help us.

We were unspiritual in our previous lives; sold as slaves to the law of the land, to sin. But Jesus – because of his grace and mercy – delivered us. With Jesus Christ, sin has no hold on us. Sin is always waiting. We will struggle like Paul, but with the strength of Jesus (not ours, but His) we can make it. We can serve God, not by a set of rules, but out of renewed hearts and love for Him.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Romans Chapter 7

Let Your Name Be in the Lamb’s Book of Life

Scripture: Revelation 21: 4-6, 27

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.(4-6) And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.(27)

Commentary: God wrote His children’s names in the Lamb’s book of life

The Holy City of the new Jerusalem is where God wipes every tear from your eyes. Forevermore, there will be no death, pain, sorrow, and crying. God has written the final chapter, and it is about fulfillment and eternal joy for those who love him.

You can’t get to heaven because of your works, background, personality and good behavior. Consequently, eternal life is available to you only because of what Jesus Christ, the Lamb, has done.

You choose to be either with God or with Satan. God tells us what to do to be with Him so that we do not end up in hell.

He paid for our sins with His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. As a result, we can enter into heaven and be with God for eternity. His love for us has made this possible. Eternity with God will be more wonderful than we could ever imagine here on earth.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Revelation Chapter 21

Jesus Suffered for Us and Redeemed Us

Scripture: 1 Peter 2: 21-25

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Scripture Commentary: Where would you be now if not for Jesus?

We are not lost if we have Jesus Christ in our lives. We cannot go astray as long as we walk with Him. He suffered for us and gave His life for our sins, and as a result He has redeemed us and we have been set free.

O what a day it was for you and for me when we chose to take Jesus into our lives! Jesus didn’t sin – there was no guilt in Him. We cannot say the same about ourselves but it doesn’t matter because when we ask Jesus to forgive us our sins, we are washed clean.

The stripes they beat into Jesus are our stripes, but He took them for us! When Jesus leads us to His Father, He keeps us from going astray. Where would you be now if not for Jesus? You may have suffered some but it was the direct result of your own sin.

Christ has set us free. He died in our place for our sins so that we wouldn’t suffer the punishment we deserve. This is called substitutionary atonement.

Read the Entire Chapter
1 Peter Chapter 2

Christ’s Life Is an Example of How to Live

Scripture: 1 Peter 2: 17-22

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

Scripture Commentary: Free yourself from sin using Christ’s life as an example of how to live

A person is a slave to whatever controls him or her. Many believe that freedom means doing anything you want. But no one is ever completely free in that sense. If you refuse to follow God, you will follow your own sinful desires and become enslaved to what your body wants. But Christ, with did no sin, provided us with an example of how to live.

If you submit your life to Christ, He will free you from slavery to sin. Christ frees you to serve Him, which is a freedom that results in our ultimate good.

When we reject Christ and return to our sinful ways we are worse off than before because we are rejecting the only way to salvation. The one who turns away from Christ casts aside his or her only means of escape.

Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.

Read the Entire Chapter:
1 Peter Chapter 2

Jesus Is the Lamb of God Without Blemish

Scripture: 1 Peter 1: 17-24

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away.

Scripture Commentary: God gave us His Son who was without blemish and without spot as a sacrifice for our sins

“Reverent fear” is not the fear of a slave for a ruthless master, but the healthy respect of a believer for the all-powerful God. God is the judge of all the earth and we dare not ignore Him or treat Him casually. It is vitally important to place your faith and hope in Jesus Christ who is the only one without blemish or spot.

We should not assume that our privileged status as God’s children gives us freedom to do whatever we want. We should not be spoiled children, but grateful children who love to show respect for our heavenly Father.

During slavery, a slave was redeemed when someone paid money to buy his or her freedom. God redeemed us from the tyranny of sin, not with money but with the precious blood of His own Son. We cannot escape from sin on our own, only the life of God’s Son Jesus Christ can free us.

God’s love and forgiveness frees you to take your eyes off yourselves, so you can truly help others. Everything in this life – possessions, accomplishments, people, and more will eventually fade away. Only God’s will, word, and work are permanent.

Let God prepare you and give you His gift of everlasting life.

Read the Entire Chapter:
1 Peter Chapter 1

God Is Rich in Mercy – He Loves You

Scripture: Ephesians 2: 1-5

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Scripture Commentary: “God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ”

Be honest with yourself. You have sinned. You have followed the prince of the air, Satan and were part of his evil spiritual kingdom.

It’s a fact that all people, without exception, commit sin. Without Jesus Christ you have a sinful nature. You can’t save yourself.

Paul tells us that we do not need to live any longer under sin’s power. Jesus destroyed the penalty of sin and satan’s power over us by His death on the cross.

Satan’s power and rule is temporary to those who choose to follow him. Why spend an eternity in hell with the devil when Christ is victorious? Through faith in Christ we stand acquitted of our sins when you accept Him as Savior.

God gave you choice. You choose good or evil.

God loves you so much that sent His son to save you. Our eternal life with Christ is certain because you are united with Him in His powerful victory.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Ephesians Chapter 2

Delight Yourself in God’s Never-Changing Word

Scripture: Psalms 119: 65-72

TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

Scripture Commentary: Delight yourself in the goodness of God

The psalmist talks about keeping the laws and yet being free. Contrary to what we often expect, obeying God’s laws does not inhibit or restrain us. Instead it frees us to be what God designed us to be.

By seeking God’s salvation and forgiveness, we have freedom from sin and the resulting oppressive guilt. By living God’s way, we have freedom to fulfill God’s plan for our lives.

God’s word makes us wise – wiser than our enemies and wiser than any teachers who ignore it. Wisdom comes from allowing what God teaches to guide us.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 119