Author: The Sun Porch Lady

When Jesus returned to the Temple on Tuesday, the Religious Leaders began to question His authority.  He answered by asking them about John the Baptist.  It was a question they couldn’t answer without incriminating themselves, so they said they didn’t know.  Jesus then refused to answer their question as well (Matthew 21:23 – 27).

Then, Jesus began teaching His disciples and the people who had gathered (Matthew 21:28 – 22:14).  But the Leaders weren’t finished with Him yet.  The Pharisees began with a question about paying taxes.  Then, the Sadducees tried their own tactics by bringing up the question of marriage in the resurrection.  When nothing worked, the Pharisees sent a lawyer, but Jesus answered each question quickly and completely. 

Then, Jesus turned the tables on them by asking about the Messiah, a question they should have answered easily. The people were delighted by the discussion (Mark 12:37), but the Religious Leaders were finally silenced (Matthew 22:46). 

Then, the mood changed as Jesus began to condemn the Religious Leaders by calling them hypocrites, blind guides, white-washed tombs, snakes, and a brood of vipers. He also accused them of seeking their own honor and prestige, so that they would be held in high regard by the people, while neglecting the most important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:5 – 33).

The Scripture doesn’t tell us how the people responded to Jesus’ condemnation of their leaders, but the Religious Leaders had heard enough.  They plotted to arrest and kill Jesus (Matthew 26:3-4).

Read: Matthew 21:23 – 26:5 & Mark 11:27 – 12:44

Food for Thought:

• Do you think any of the Religious Leaders stopped to examine themselves to see if Jesus’ accusations held any truth?  When was the last time you examined yourself to see if there was any sin in your life?

• How do you think the people might have responded to Jesus’ condemnation of their Religious Leaders? How would you respond if someone came into your church and condemned your Minister?

• What can we as individuals learn from Jesus’ charges against the Religious Leaders?  What can we do to better “walk the walk” and “talk the talk”?

For a fictional discussion of how some of the people may have responded, read Chapter 9 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

As Jesus approached the last few days of His life on earth, He had been teaching and performing miracles for approximately three years.  Still, there was much division about who He was. 

According to John’s Gospel, one of the first to recognize Jesus as the Son of God was Nathaniel (John 1:49), but it is doubtful that he completely understood the meaning behind that title.  The Disciples put their faith in Him (John 2:11b), but later asked, “What kind of man is this?  Even the wind and waves obey him!” (Matthew 27b NIV84).

Many witnessed His miracles first-hand and showed great faith that He could provide the healing that was needed, yet they still didn’t know who Jesus was.  The paralytic whom Jesus healed at the pool near the Sheep Gate was questioned about who had done this miracle but had no idea who Jesus was (John 5:13). After He fed more than 5000 people with five loaves and two fish, the people called Him “the Prophet who is come into the world” (John 6:14b). Some of them even dared to argue with Him, recognizing Him only as the son of Joseph (John 6:42). Some called him a Samaritan and demon-possessed (John 8:48).

The Religious Leaders never made a sincere effort to determine who Jesus was, but they did try to trick Him with numerous questions (Luke 11:53, 54). Ultimately, they plotted to kill Him (John 11:47–53).

So, many people were undecided about who Jesus was.  Many were sure He was someone sent from God, but just a small few recognized Him as the Messiah.  The discussions that week must have been fierce as individuals tried to determine who this man, who could heal, calm the waves, and cast out demons, really was. It would be Sunday before many of them realized the Truth.

Read: John 5:1 – 13, John 7:25 – 52, & John 11:45 – 53

Food for Thought:

• Before the resurrection, do you think the Disciples knew who Jesus was? 

• Do you know someone who questions who Jesus was?  How can you help them understand that He is Christ, the Son of the living God?

• Why do you think the people were not looking for the Messiah?  Are you looking for the Messiah to return?

For a fictional discussion regarding Jesus’ identity, read Chapters 6, 7 & 8 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

The day after the triumphal entry, Jesus returned to the city, going straight to the Temple.  There, He found money changers and men buying and selling animals.  Not only were these practices contrary to the purpose of the Temple, but they were often sanctioned theft.  Those who examined the animals brought for sacrifices would frequently declare them “unfit”, forcing the worshiper to purchase a suitable animal at the Temple market at an unreasonable price.  Similarly, those who came to pay the Temple tax with foreign coins were charged exorbitant rates by the money changers. 

When Jesus walked into the Temple, He was ready to assert His authority, and He did so with power, overturning tables and driving out those who were buying and selling.  Then, with one sentence, He made His authority known.  He said, “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a ‘den of robbers’” (Matthew 21:13 NIV84 emphasis added).  Who else but God could declare the Temple “my house”?

The story didn’t end there.  People came to be healed by Him, and the children began shouting praises towards Him.  The Chief Priests and Teachers of the law were not amused.  They chastised Jesus for allowing the children to praise Him, but Jesus rebuked them, quoting Psalm 8:2. Then, He left the Temple to return to Bethany.

With Jesus’ one action of cleansing the Temple, the sides had been drawn.  On one side were the people, desperate for His healing power, and on the other were the Religious Leaders, threatened by His assertion of power.  Yet, the Scripture doesn’t tell us how many were still undecided about who Jesus was.  We don’t even know if the ones who sought healing were convinced that He was the Messiah or if they even cared one way or the other.  By Friday, they will be forced to decide.

Read: Matthew 21:12 – 17; Mark 11:15 – 19; & Luke 19:45 – 46

Food for Thought:

• Do you think that the people and the Religious Leaders reacted more to Jesus’ actions or to His statement that the Temple was His house?

• The Religious Leaders knew what took place every day in the Temple market.  Do you think they were angry because Jesus challenged their authority or because of guilt or both?

• Why do you think the people immediately came to Jesus for healing after He cleansed the Temple?

For a fictional account of the Temple cleansing and one’s family’s reaction, read Chapter 5 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

Most people know the basics surrounding Jesus’ birth, including the manger where he lay and the visits by the shepherds and the Wise Men.  What some may not know, and what we sometimes ignore, is what happened after the Wise Men left.

When the Wise Men inquired of Herod about the birth of the Jewish King, Herod feigned interest so that he could worship the newborn king.  Fortunately, God alerted the Wise Men to his true intent, and they avoided him by taking a different route (Matthew 2:12). 

Unfortunately, that did not stop Herod in his ruthless quest for power.  He had killed multiple family members and was ready to take on anyone who challenged his rule—even a toddler.  From the conversation with the Magi, he knew the child was no more than two years old, so he ordered the murder of every male child in Bethlehem who was two or younger.  The prophet, Jeremiah, had foreseen Satan’s attack long before it took place (Jeremiah 31:15), but I’m sure that was little comfort to the grieving parents. 

Bethlehem was a small village, so the number that were slaughtered was probably small, but the effect on the families would have been tremendous.  The thought of a soldier ripping a child from a mother’s arms is terrifying, but for the parents, it would have been devastating.  Did those parents blame God for saving His child and not theirs?  When Jesus began His ministry, did they realize that He was that child? 

The slaughter in Bethlehem was Satan’s feeble attempt to destroy the Savior of the world. Thankfully, God stepped in to stop him. Today, Satan continues his attacks on the Lord’s Church, as millions around the world are faced with loss of family, jobs, homes, freedom, and even their lives.  God still sees the pain and continues to provide the strength to persevere.  Our faith prevails because we’ve read the end of the Book and we know that we win in the end! 

Read: Matthew 2:1 – 18

Food for Thought:

• How do you view God when bad things happen to those you love?  Do you seek shelter in His arms, or do you rage against Him?

• How can we find peace in Christ even when the world seems to be spinning out of control?  How can we help others to do the same?

• How can we learn to trust God more, knowing that He sees the “big picture” and is working all things out for our good?

For a fictional perspective on the grieving parents of Bethlehem, read Chapter 4 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.  

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1 NIV84). “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,” (I John 4:2 NIV84).

The Apostle John makes it very clear that the most important thing we can know about Jesus Christ is that He is both God and man.  Our Savior took on human likeness so that He could be the perfect sacrifice for our sins (Philippians 2:6-8).

Jesus’ humility began in a manger in the small village of Bethlehem.  The town was crowded because so many had returned to the home of their ancestors to comply with the government’s census.  As a result, our Savior was most likely born in a part of someone’s home that usually housed their animals.  On top of that, He was greeted first by a bunch of smelly shepherds. That was not exactly a proper welcome for a King!

The sad thing is that only a few knew the Truth.  Mary and Joseph knew, better than anyone, that Jesus’ birth was a miracle.  The shepherds knew because the angels told them.  The people of Bethlehem knew because the shepherds told them.  The Wise Men knew because God sent a star to guide them to Him.

Yet, the Religious Leaders didn’t know or at least, didn’t care.  When Herod asked where the Messiah was to be born, they immediately recognized the prophecy about the birth (Micah 5:2). Still, there is no indication that they were even slightly interested in why Herod had asked that question.  Their lack of curiosity shows that the coming of the Messiah was not important to them.  That position apparently never changed, as all their discussions concerning Jesus’ miracles and teachings are focused on the potential unrest He might cause.  They never once considered that He might be the Messiah!

Read: Luke 2:1 – 20, Matthew 2:1 – 12, & Philippians 2:5 -11

Food for Thought:

• Why is it important to understand that Jesus was both God and man?
• The Scripture says that the people were “amazed” by the shepherds’ announcement. Do you think they were convinced, or were they like the undecided people during Passover week?  Would you have been convinced?

• Do you think the Religious Leaders believed that God would send a Messiah?  Do you think the Messiah will come again?  Why or why not? 

For a look back at Jesus’ birth through the eyes of a fictional shepherd, read Chapter 3 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

Passover Week was always a busy time for the Jewish people as they made detailed preparations for the festival.  However, the events of the prior years most likely added uncertainty and, perhaps, even anxiety to the preparations.

The crowds in Jerusalem would have been large as people traveled from surrounding places to celebrate Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  Many of them had probably seen some of the miracles Jesus had performed, and almost everyone had heard how He had raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1- 44).  It’s no wonder then that they talked among themselves, wondering if Jesus would show up for the Feast.

The crowd would have included a wide variety of people. If the blind man Jesus healed was present, he was most likely continuing to testify that Jesus was from God (John 9:33).  Then, there were those who were undecided.  Some thought He was demon-possessed or mad or both, while others weren’t sure.  They were convinced that no one who was demon-possessed could open the eyes of the blind, but beyond that, they weren’t sure of who He was (John 10:19-21). Finally, some believed (John10:42). 

The Pharisees were in a group all by themselves.  They didn’t care who Jesus was.  They just realized that if He were allowed to continue with His miracles, He would stir unrest among the people, threatening their uneasy peace with the Romans (John 11:47-48). 

I can’t help but wonder how many discussions took place in Jewish households that week as the people searched for the truth.

Read: John 9:1 – 34, John 10:19 – 42, & John 11:45 – 53.

Food for Thought:

1. Have you ever considered how you might have responded if you had been there to see Jesus’ miracles? Do you think He still performs miracles today? If so, how do you respond when you witness them? If not, why not?
2. Do you know someone who is undecided about who Christ is? If so, what can you do to help them see the Truth?
3. Why do you think the Pharisees did not even consider who Jesus might have been? What do you think blinded them from the Truth?  What blinds us today?

For a fictional look at some of the “quests for truth”, read Chapter 2 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

Palm Sunday is celebrated one week before the most Holy day of the year for Christians, Easter.  It is a celebration of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. Still, it is also the first day of a week of uncertainty, turmoil, and shock for those who followed Jesus and for those who were unsure of who Jesus was.

Several months earlier, Jesus had avoided the entire Judean area because He knew the Religious Leaders were waiting to kill Him (John 7:1), something that would happen on His timing, not theirs.  Then, when God’s timing was right, He set out for Jerusalem (Luke 9:51).  He was ready to fulfill the mission for which He had come.

During the next few months, He continued to teach His disciples, preach the Good News, and provide healing for the people.  Then came the day when He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1 – 53).  That miracle increased the target on His back, forcing Him to withdraw again until the time of the Passover celebration (John 11:54).  As that day approached, the people wondered if He would come, and the Pharisees made plans for His arrest and execution (John 11:55 – 57).

When the people heard He was coming, they cut palm branches in preparation for the celebration.  As Jesus rode in on a donkey, a fulfillment of prophecy (Zechariah 9:9), as well as a beast fit for a king, the people shouted praises, acknowledging that He came in the name of the Lord.  While the people cheered, the Pharisees’ anger increased, as did their determination to kill Him.

Jesus heard the cheers and joyful welcome of the crowd, but He knew He was headed towards the imminent sacrifice that He had come to make, and that the people’s shouts would change drastically in the next few days.  Yet, He continued towards the cross.

Read: Matthew 21:1-11 & Mark 11:1-11

Food for Thought:

1. Why do you think Jesus “needed” the colt (Mark 11:3b)? If He had walked into Jerusalem that day, do you think the greeting would have been different?

• Read Psalm 118:24-26. Do you think the people understood the meaning of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem that day?  Should what we now know about that day affect the way we look at the second coming of Christ?

• Why do you think God orchestrated this celebration for Christ? What kind of “celebration” is God orchestrating in your life, and how should you respond?

For one fictional perspective on the Triumphal Entry, read Chapter 1 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

“I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives” (Revelation 2:13 NIV84 emphasis added).

Antipas, my faithful witness!  As Jesus dictated the letters to the seven churches, he specifically mentioned this man, Antipas, but unfortunately, we have very few specifics about his life.  There are, however, several things that we can surmise from this letter to the church at Pergamum.

Pergamum was in ancient Asia and was once its capital.  Two of its primary attractions were its temple to Caesar and Rome and the temple of Asclepios, the god of healing.  It also had an enormous altar of Zeus.  With its focus on false gods, it’s no wonder that Jesus called it the place where Satan lives and has his throne. Both the leaders and the people of Pergamum placed their hope and their future in the hands of pagan gods, yet a church was able to survive amid them.

Jesus knew that remaining true to Him was not easy when surrounded by the power and lies of those who not only denounced Christ but also persecuted His believers.  The Christians who lived there did not have it easy, much like many of our Christian brothers and sisters in various parts of the world today.  Still, they remained true to Christ.  They stood fast in the face of persecution, and Jesus commended them for it. 

The Scripture does not tell us why Jesus singled out Antipas as His faithful witness.  Perhaps he was just representative of all those who had stood faithful despite the danger.  We know that Antipas ultimately gave his life for the cause of Christ, becoming the first Christian martyr in Asia.  We also know that not everyone in the Church had stood fast against the corrupt teachers of Balaam and the Nicolaitans (vs. 14 – 15).  Perhaps Antipas was one of the few who refused to compromise his faith.

I can’t tell you much about Antipas, but the important thing is that Jesus knew who he was and what he had done, and when you get right down to it, that’s all that matters.  Jesus also knows each of us and what we have done, so that makes me wonder, “Would he call me faithful?” That’s a goal worth striving towards.

Revelation 2:12 – 17

How should we respond to persecution?

“Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.  But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded him” (I John 2:10, 11 NIV84).

Those who persecute Christians are living in the darkness.  The eyes of Satan have blinded them.  Pray that they will have dreams and visions pointing them towards the light.  Pray that they will come to know Christ as the light of the world!

How should we pray for the lost?

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good…” (Titus 2:7a NIV84).

Sometimes the best way to share the gospel with others is through the example we set.  I’ve heard many times that the best sermon is the way that we live our lives.  If we hope to win our loved ones to Christ, we must “walk the walk”, not just “talk the talk.”  This week, pray that each of us will live lives that point people to Jesus.

Leadership Prayer Focus This Week: The People, You and Me

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established… ³For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong…” (Romans 13:1a, 3a NIV84).

We are quick to point out the rights and wrongs of our nation’s leaders, and it is often all too obvious that none of them, from the lowest to the highest, are perfect.  Still, God put them in those positions for a reason—sometimes known only to Him.  At the same time, He gave us instructions concerning our responsibilities towards the government.  If we recognize their God-ordained authority and obey, we have nothing to fear. That may seem like an impossible choice, but when we consider that God is in control, not the man or woman who holds the position, it is much easier to accept.

Pray that: We will seek God’s guidance as we try to be good citizens.

               We will speak God’s Truth in love, seeking to represent Him well.

               We will not take the freedom He has given us for granted.

               We will respect and honor our leaders.

For all our leaders and our fellow citizens, pray that if they do not already know Christ, they will accept Him as Lord.  For those who do know Christ, pray that they will stand firm on His Truth and His Word, never compromising it or minimizing it.

                          “Pray continuously” (I Thessalonians 5:17 NIV84)

“…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13b, 14 NIV84).

In my last blog, I wrote about Lot’s wife’s costly look back at the life that she was leaving behind.  Perhaps she was just curious, but more likely, she regretted what she was giving up.  Today, I want to draw our attention to Paul’s comments about “looking back”.

When the Apostle Paul tells us to “forget what is behind”, we need to understand his past.  Before Paul encountered Christ on the road to Damascus, he was a devout Jew, convinced that those who followed Christ were blasphemers.  He stood calmly by, guarding the coats of those who stoned Stephen (Acts 8:1), the first Christian martyr.  He led the persecution that broke out in Jerusalem after Stephen’s death, going from house to house to drag out and imprison men and women who followed Christ (Acts 8:3).  His trip to Damascus that fateful day was no pleasure trip.  He had obtained permission from the high priest to go to the Synagogues in Damascus and arrest any Christians that he found (Acts 9:1,2).  In short, he did everything he could to destroy the Church of Christ!

Then, he met Christ on the road to Damascus, and his passion for Christ and for sharing the Gospel message exceeded his former desire to persecute the Church.  He became the first Missionary, taking the Gospel to much of then known world.  He endured prison, forty lashes minus one, beatings with rods, being stoned, and multiple shipwrecks. He lived in constant danger from both Jews and Gentiles.  He went without sleep and food and was often cold (I Corinthians 11:23 – 28). He did all this for the sake of Christ.

Despite all that he endured to spread the Gospel, I can’t help but wonder if there were days when the damage he did before he met Christ came to mind.  I’m sure he had regrets, but he also knew that looking back would not change what he had done in the past.  He also knew that because of Christ, those sins had already been forgiven and forgotten by Christ (I John 1:9).  Therefore, focusing on the sins of his past distracted him from the tasks that lay before him.  He had been called to bring the message of Christ to the Gentiles, and he labored daily to fulfill that goal.  He knew it was time to forget the past and look forward to the goal Christ had set before him.  Press on!

We all have things in our past that we regret, but we can’t go back and change them.  We can thank God that He has given us a Savior who will accept our confession and repentance and wash those sins away permanently.  Don’t dwell on a past that you can’t change.  Press on towards the future that God has prepared for you!

Philippians 3:12 – 14

I John 1:8 -9

How should we respond to persecution?

“I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting, men may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things” (Isaiah 45:5-7 NIV84).

Pray that those who deny Christ and persecute believers will come to know the one true God who causes the sun to rise and set on them even though they deny Him daily.

How should we pray for the lost?

“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ… ⁵Be wise… make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:3a, 5a NIV84).

How many of us regret missed opportunities to share Christ with those we love?  I know that I do.  Pray that as God opens doors for us, we will be bold and wise, making the most of every opportunity.  

Leadership Prayer Focus This Week: Appellate and Supreme Court Justices

“Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts (Amos 5:15a NIV84). “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other and render true and sound judgment in your courts” (Zechariah 8:16 NIV84).

Truth, justice, and honor must begin in our legal system.  The Supreme Court, as well as both the Federal and state appellate courts, is tasked with reviewing lower court decisions to ensure that the law is applied fairly and correctly.  Often, their decisions will affect not only the parties to the case but also the entire country. 

Pray that: They will seek God’s guidance in the decisions they make.

               They will set aside partisan politics and base their decisions on the law.

They will be men and women of honesty and integrity.

               They will give impartial and just verdicts in all cases.

For all our leaders, pray that if they do not already know Christ, they will accept Him as Lord.  For those who do know Christ, pray that they will stand firm on His Truth and His Word, never compromising it or minimizing it.

“Pray continuously” (I Thessalonians 5:17 NIV84)

“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:26 NIV84).

Every time I read that verse, I wonder, “Why did she look back?” and “Why was ‘looking back’ worthy of a death sentence?” The Scripture never answers either of those questions directly, but I think it gives us some clues. 

The answer probably began back in Genesis 13, when Abraham and Lot realized that their herds had grown too large for them to reside in the same place.  Abraham gave Lot the first choice, and he chose the area that was well-watered with ideal conditions for raising his flocks.  He ignored the fact that the people of that area were “…wicked and sinning greatly against the Lord” (Genesis 13:13b NIV84).  So, Lot and his family voluntarily moved into a den of wickedness so they could grow richer.  Unfortunately, the wickedness rubbed off on them.

When the angels arrived in Sodom, they found Lot sitting at the city gate (Genesis 19:1), indicating that he had probably become a prominent leader in the city.  He immediately invited the men into his home.  But when the city’s evil men surrounded the house and called for the men to be sent out to be sexually attacked, Lot attempted to appease them by offering his daughters instead (Genesis 19:8). Wealth, power, and the evil that surrounded him had all but destroyed his allegiance to God.

Lot further showed his desires by hesitating when the angels told him to hurry and leave the city.  He and his family left only when the angels “…grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city…” (Genesis 19:16 NIV84).  He didn’t want to leave any more than his family did. 

I suppose that by understanding the background, we can gain insight into why Lot’s wife looked back.  She wasn’t ready to give up the wealth, the power, and probably some of the evil that they had become accustomed to.  She may have just been curious. That still leaves the question of why “looking back” warranted a death sentence.

I think it was her choice that sealed her fate, just as our choice seals our fate today.  Rather than choosing God and the salvation that He was offering, she chose the wicked city of Sodom.  From our vantage point, the correct choice may seem obvious, but we have similar choices every day.  Jesus said, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV84). Yet we often choose the power, wealth, and glory of this world over the saving grace God offers. 

Choosing God over the world may not bring riches, glory, or personal accolades in this life, but the eternal life God has promised far exceeds anything this world can offer. That should make it a simple choice. 

Genesis: 13:8-13 & 19:1-26

How should we respond to persecution?

“They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand” (Isaiah 44:18 NIV84).

Spiritual warfare is very real.  Paul makes that clear in Ephesians 6.  The lies of Satan have blinded those who persecute Christians.  Pray that their eyes will be opened and for dreams and visions that will introduce them to the risen Savior. Pray for open minds to receive the Good News of the Gospel.

How should we pray for the lost?

“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word” (Psalm 119:37 NIV84).

This world draws our attention, and especially our eyes, to so many worthless things.  The only thing of value, the only eternal thing, is our relationship with Christ.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will turn our loved ones away from worthless things and turn them toward our Savior.

Leadership Prayer Focus This Week: Local Judges

“Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts (Amos 5:15a NIV84). “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other and render true and sound judgment in your courts” (Zechariah 8:16 NIV84).

Truth, justice, and honor must begin in our legal system.  The local Judges who are daily faced with decisions concerning guilt and innocence, as well as decisions in civil cases, are our first line of defense against corruption, unfairness, and evil within our nation.

Pray that: They will seek God’s guidance in the decisions they make.

               They will be men and women of honesty and integrity.

               They will give impartial and just verdicts in all cases.

               They will not be consumed by the power that they hold.

For all our leaders, pray that if they do not already know Christ, they will accept Him as Lord.  For those who do know Christ, pray that they will stand firm on His Truth and His Word, never compromising it or minimizing it.

“Pray continuously” (I Thessalonians 5:17 NIV84)

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 2:41 NIV84).

When I think of John the Baptist, I usually envision him as a “Grizzly Adams” kind of guy, with a scraggly beard, dressed in clothing made from wild animal skins. I expect to see him at the edge of the Jordan River, preaching repentance and eagerly baptizing all who will come forward.  Most of us know the story of John’s reluctance when Jesus came to be baptized by him.  He said, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matthew 3:14b, NIV84).

 We often think of that special moment as John’s first encounter with Jesus. Actually, John’s first encounter with Jesus was when both were still in their mother’s wombs.  After learning about her pregnancy, Mary went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who was already six months pregnant with John, another miraculous conception (Luke 1:5- 25).  Even then, John recognized Jesus as the Messiah!

Knowing who Jesus was from an early age and then being asked to baptize Him must have weighed heavily on John.  He had already acknowledged that he was not worthy to carry the sandals of the One coming after him (Matthew 3:11), yet it was Jesus who asked to be baptized by him.  What an honor that must have been! Still, it would have also been a very humbling experience. 

Like John, we each encounter Jesus in different ways and at different times in our lives.  I’ve met Him in times of great turmoil when there was no place to be except on my knees.  I’ve also met Him in times of amazement when He called me to serve in ways that I thought were beyond my abilities.  He surprised me with just what I needed when I thought I was in over my head. 

Sometimes, our encounters with Jesus excite us.  Others humble us as we realize how unworthy we are to be in His presence.  Yet, when we surrender our will to His, as John did when he baptized Jesus, I can almost picture a smile on Jesus’ face as He extends His hand and reminds us that we are part of His family, and He will never abandon us. 

The more we know Jesus, the more precious our encounters will become.  What are you doing in 2026 to increase your encounters with our precious Savior?  He’s waiting patiently for you to draw near!

I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NIV84).

Luke 1:39 – 45

Matthew 3:13 -17

How should we respond to persecution?

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2 NIV84).

Have you ever noticed how someone’s face lights up when you smile and ask, “How are you doing?”  Even the hardest soul can be touched when someone takes even the slightest interest in them as a person.  We must never forget that every persecutor was created in God’s image, and God would like nothing more than to call them His children.  It’s our job to plant those seeds through acts of kindness.

How should we pray for the lost?

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9 NIV84).

Like many of you, I pray daily for several of my loved ones who have not yet accepted Christ.  I pray that the Holy Spirit will work in their hearts, bringing them to that point where they realize that they need a Savior.  Pray that He will fill them with the desire to know Christ as Lord and Savior. 

Leadership Prayer Focus This Week: Cabinet Members

“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure” (Proverbs 11:14 NIV84). “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22 NIV84).

The members of the U.S. Cabinet hold two important roles.  They are in the line of succession if the President and Vice-President should die, but perhaps more importantly, they serve as advisors to the President. 

Pray that: They will give Godly counsel to the President.

               They will seek God’s guidance in the various positions that they hold.

               They will maintain honesty and integrity.

               They will seek the good of the nation and not their own wealth or power.

For all our leaders, pray that if they do not already know Christ, they will accept Him as Lord.  For those who do know Christ, pray that they will stand firm on His Truth and His Word, never compromising it or minimizing it.

“Pray continuously” (I Thessalonians 5:17 NIV84)