Category Archives: Devotion

Lord of All

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. 2 Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” 3 Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” 5 Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Luke 6:1-5

In our journey through life, we often encounter the profound question: Who is Jesus? This inquiry isn’t just academic; it’s deeply personal and transformative. As we turn to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6, we find a passage that offers profound insights into the nature and identity of Jesus Christ.

Let’s explore a powerful truth about Jesus that emerges from this scripture:

**Jesus is Lord of All

In a bold declaration that shook the religious establishment of His time, Jesus proclaimed Himself “Lord of the Sabbath.” This wasn’t just a casual statement; it was a thunderclap of divine authority. By asserting His lordship over the Sabbath, Jesus was claiming authority over one of the most sacred institutions in Jewish life.

When questioned about His disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath, Jesus reminded His critics of how David, when hungry, ate the consecrated bread from the temple. In doing so, Jesus wasn’t merely justifying His actions; He was declaring a new order. The old was passing away, and a new covenant was dawning with Jesus at its center.

Tony French

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Enduring

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10-11

This powerful scripture, found in Isaiah 55:10-11, has been a favorite of mine for many years. Within these verses, we find a wonderful promise about the enduring Word of God. Let us consider a few implications of this verse today.

The Word of God is powerful. The Words of Scripture are able to reach to the highest of heights and the lowest of depths. While we are limited in our scope and reach, the Bible is infused with the power of God and is able to reach deeply into the hearts of sinful humans and effect real, lasting change.

The Word of God succeeds. Many “sacred” texts exist in our time and these writings have many adherents. Yet, over time, God’s Word has proved itself again and again. It always accomplishes exactly what God desires even when we cannot see the results. There will be times when, to our eyes, it seems as If God’s Word is losing. Don’t lose heart in those times—God’s message always wins.

Because these things are true, we can believe, trust, and obey the Scripture. We can teach it, preach it, witness it, and live by it with complete confidence. And we can know that whenever we minister, serve, and proclaim the Word of God it will always be used by God to further His message. Because of this promise, no ministry is wasted.

May we commit ourselves today to reading, studying, and applying God’s Holy Word!

Tony French

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The Way

How does one have relationship with God? How can we be reconciled to our creator? What way is available for us to be saved? These most important questions are answered by the Scriptures.

The Bible declares that Jesus is the way.  Romans 10:9-13 says that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Trusting in Christ by believing in in His death, burial, and resurrection as the payment for our sin results in relationship with God. Eternal life is appropriated through faith in Christ.

The Bible also teaches that Jesus is the only way. John 14:6 tells us Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”  There is only one way to have relationship with God. There is only one hope, one faith, one Lord, and one mediator for sinful humanity and His name is Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5-6) This teaching is not popular, but, it is resolutely proclaimed in Scripture.

Finally, the Bible proclaims that the way of salvation is open to all. 2 Peter 3:9 says The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. John tells us that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)  

Theses verses do not teach that all will be saved. No, some will reject the way of salvation. However, those who turn from their sins and place their trust in Jesus believing in Him shall have eternal life and be reconciled to God. (John 3:16)God is gracious, kind, and compassionate towards sinners.

Have you placed your faith and trust in Christ? If not, please consider these claims from the Bible. Jesus is the way. He is the only way. And He is the abundant way. May the name of Jesus be praised forever more!

Tony French

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Loving Jesus

How Do we love Jesus as Believers?

**Believe in Jesus

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

John 6:29

**Obey Jesus

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.

John 14:15

**Teach Others About Jesus

John 21:15-17

**Serve Jesus

14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 

John 13:14-15

**Endure In Your Faith

But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:13

Tony French

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Purify

19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:19-21

In a world filled with distractions and conflicting voices, there’s one source of truth that stands the test of time – the Bible. This sacred text isn’t just a collection of ancient stories; it’s a living, breathing guide that has the power to shape our lives in profound ways. Today, let’s explore the transformative power of Scripture and how it can impact our daily walk with God.

The Bible: Our Spiritual Purifier

Imagine a filter that can cleanse not just water, but our very thoughts and actions. That’s precisely what the Word of God does for us. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, it begins to purify our hearts and minds, gradually molding us to be more like Jesus. This transformation isn’t always visible to the naked eye, but over time, it becomes evident in the way we think, speak, and act.

Psalm 119:2-3 beautifully captures this truth: “Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity; they walk in his ways.” The more we engage with God’s Word, the more it cleanses us from within, helping us to resist sin and walk in God’s ways.

Tony French

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Lord Of All

26 “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end. 27 He rescues and he saves; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” 28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrusthe Persian.

Daniel 6:26-28

This Scripture passage reveals six characteristics of God that are important to Believers in any age. Think upon these attributes of the Lord and be blessed, Child of God. Joy results from knowing God and His ways.

**The God of Scripture is the Living God—26

**The God of Scripture is the Powerful God—26

**The God of Scripture is the Eternal God—26

**The God of Scripture is the Saving God—27

**The God of Scripture is the Miracle Working God—27

**The God of Scripture is the God Who Provides—28

Tony French

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Joy For The Journey

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Three main points emerge from this verse in John 16…….

**Christ has given us His Word. He has revealed to us the principles and precepts that we need for Godly living. We have not been left without a witness from the Lord.

**We will have difficulty and trials in this world. The life of a Believer is not easy, simple, or always comfortable. Jesus told us this and we ought to believe Him.

**We can have joy knowing that Jesus has overcome the world. These trials and tribulations we face are only temporary. Jesus has defeated death, hell, and the grave. Because of those things, the victory of the Christian is secured for evermore.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Tony French

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God’s Promises To Us

7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:7-10

Three promises from the Lord are included in this passage of Scripture:

**Strength to accomplish God’s will and purposes.

**Success to fulfill God’s plan for your life and success in remaining faithful until the end.

**Support from the Lord in every season and circumstance of life.

What wonderful promises from our Lord God Almighty.

Tony French

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Christian Traits

7 That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the Lord in this manner: 8 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 11 Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 12 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.

1 Chronicles 16:7-12

David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, commands the people of God to perform acts of reverence to the Lord. Five of them are mentioned in these verses. Let us examine these practices and apply them to our lives.

**Thanksgiving (V8)

**Praise (V9)

**Rejoice (V10)

**Seek The Lord (V11)

**Remember (V12)

Let’s go and do the same!

Tony French

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Because He Lives

The resurrection of Jesus Christ brings hope. The promises of God’s Word rest on a steadfast assurance that results from Christ’s resurrection. When Jesus rose from the dead, every word of His teaching was verified and His ability to keep his promises was proved. The resurrection was truly the singular event that changed everything.

Many souls are searching for hope in our day. People are searching for a sense of hope in human relationships, finances, technology, and even religion. And, every day these so-called sources of hope promise much and deliver little. That’s not to say that these things are evil or unnecessary. They simply are incapable of fulfilling the longing of the human heart. Only Jesus can satiate that longing for hope, peace, and joy that we so desperately need. 

Because Jesus is alive, we can trust His Word. Because Jesus is alive, we can believe his promises. Because Jesus is alive, we can know our ultimate destination. Because Jesus is alive, we know He will be with us no matter what may arrive at our doorstep. As we examine the risen Savior, we can see more and more clearly that the empty tomb changed everything!

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, All Fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives.”[1]


[1] Gaither, Bill., Because He Lives, Gaither Music Company, 1971

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