Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:16:27 -0500WeeblyMon, 07 Jul 2025 20:53:23 GMThttp://onewithgod.website/teachings/even-a-tax-collectorLuke 5:27-28 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, 28 and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
 
A few lessons back, we read of the Lord calling Peter, Andrew, James and John. They, too, left everything in response to Jesus’ call, “Follow me.” Now Jesus walked into a busy marketplace in Capernaum to call Levi, who we more commonly known as Matthew. Levi rises from his tax collector’s booth to join with the Lord. Just as with the healed cripple, this is the Lord’s very personal gift of faith, forgiveness and saving grace.
    No appointed disciple earned the Lord’s command, “Follow me”. In fact, if Jesus would reject anyone, it would have been Levi. Tax collectors were among the most despised people in Israel. The Jews viewed tax collectors as men who robbed them for self-enrichment. Tax collectors were their own authority, rewarded for filling Rome’s treasury. Rome’s depletion of Israel’s resources was one of the most severe effects this mighty power had over the tiny nation.
    Calling Matthew was one more way Jesus expressed God’s release of the captives into the favor of his salvation. We can understand the anointing of such righteous servants as Zechariah, who was John the Baptist’s father, and Mary, Jesus’ mother, but who would call the unrighteous? God would. And we all must thank God he does. Otherwise, who would be saved?
    Jesus-called and Spirit-powered, Matthew fulfilled God’s plan. Matthew’s gospel helps the Jews understand the many ways Jesus fulfilled the prophets’ Messiah promises. Because of Matthew’s work, we know the great Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the incredible resurrection of many after Jesus’ own resurrection (Matthew 27:52-53) and f Jesus’ promises of his return to establish his rule with his apostles (Matthew 19:28-29).
    Matthew followed Jesus into the revelation of his good news to redeem the world. Let’s be eager to do the same. Respond to the good news of the good Lord Jesus. He has come to command you, “Follow me.” even if you think, “I’m not worthy.”
 
Prayer: Lord God, lead me on the path of righteousness for your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 
]]>Sun, 06 Jul 2025 23:00:50 GMThttp://onewithgod.website/teachings/questions-answeredLuke 5:20-21 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” 21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
 
THE Pharisees, who saw themselves as God’s law protectors, immediately rejected Jesus’ claim to forgive sins: “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy?” To merely grant forgiveness to somebody was even a momentous change in God’s law. Forgiveness required the Jews to go through a ceremonial process of repentance and sacrifice to be forgiven. The Pharisees were correct. Only God can forgive: Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
    Yes, the Pharisees question was a very good question to protect the law and to affirm God’s authority. It is likely Jesus was even hoping they would ask this to show they were faithful stewards of God’s law.
    To help the Pharisees know he is surely the God who forgives, Jesus responded to their questions with his own question: Luke 5:22 “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” Reading their minds that condemned him, Jesus announced the LORD’s power was in that room: Psalms 94:11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile. Then Jesus expanded the LORD’s favor over the man from the spiritual to the physical: Luke 5:24 “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”  
    “Son of Man” is Jesus’ direct reference to himself as one from heaven. According to Daniel 7:13, Son of Man is the one given all authority from the Ancient of Days – the LORD God. The man’s restored physical body affirmed Jesus’ sovereign power to heal the man’s soul. The healing also affirmed Jesus’ forgiveness.
    Physical healing, miraculous and wonderful, is but a small picture of God’s healing forgiveness. Jesus wanted the Jews to believe in the central purpose of  his incarnation, “Your sins are forgiven.”
    Luke closes this manifestation of God’s kingdom come to earth with the crowd’s response. Luke 5:25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”
    Are your eyes open to see the remarkable things the LORD is doing?
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your remarkable, eternal healing of my soul. Amen.
 
]]>Sat, 05 Jul 2025 21:28:53 GMThttp://onewithgod.website/teachings/visible-faithLuke 5:18-20 Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
 
THE man couldn’t walk, but the Lord could see he stepped in faith. So sure was the crimpled man of Jesus’ healing, he must have insisted the men who carried him, “Dig through the roof and lower me to the floor.” The man’s helpers worked hard and even broke property and etiquette rules as they opened a flat, tiled roof to put their friend at the head of the line at Jesus’ feet. Jesus response, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” is completed in Mark 2:10 “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . .” He said to the paralytic, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
    Remember, too, the leper from Luke 5:12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.  
    This desperate man was a rule breaker, too. He disobeyed God’s law regarding those with skin disease: Leviticus 13:45-46 “The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face and cry out. ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ 46 … He must live alone; he must live outside the camp.” God said a leper should look like a mess, so people will avoid him! Still, he desperately, faithfully went to Jesus.
    Third, consider, also, the woman who bled for 12 years (Luke 8). She  broke through the crowd to touch the Master’s cloak for her healing. The Levitical law said she must separate  herself from others because she was unclean. But Jesus announced: Luke 8:48 “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
    How did the three healed, forgiven people have such faith to strive toward Jesus? The apostle Paul gives us an answer in Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. God gave faith to the cripple and his helpers, to the leprous man and to the bleeding woman. They had not earned such healings. They even broke the law! Yet God had chosen them to receive a life-transforming gift. With their faith gift in their heart, they went to the one who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. (Psalm 103:3) “Your sins are forgiven.” is the greatest healing of all.
    How about you? The Bible tells us all who went to Jesus for healing were healed. Has God given to you a faith to go to  him for forgiveness and healing? Yes, forgiveness and healing go together. The One who has the power to do both awaits you. The Holy God has called you into a holy relationship with him.
 
Prayer: Father in heaven, I believe in your power to forgive my sins and to heal my diseases. Into your will I submit my life. Amen. 
]]>Fri, 04 Jul 2025 23:25:32 GMThttp://onewithgod.website/teachings/law-or-loveLuke 5:17 One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick.
 
PHARISEES came from all over Israel to hear Jesus! He surely taught many things. And he even healed. Do ou think the teachers were impressed?
    It is likely the teachers criticized, even condemned Jesus’ gracious work because Jesus knew their hearts: “Beware the teachers of the law.” (Luke 20:46a), Jesus warned, condemning their prideful behavior and severe taxes even on widows. And, of course, the Pharisees were among those who conspired to kill Jesus. The Pharisees had lost their original mission to protect the Lord’s law in Israel.
    The office of Pharisee was formed during the 400 years between the Old Testament and Jesus’ ministry. Israel was continually under foreign rule. Some were very evil men who even desecrated God’s temple in Jerusalem. They enslaved the Jews both physically and morally with their evil political and religious practices.
    In response, the Jews sought ways to keep God’s law and his knowledge alive, separated from the evil invaders. In fact, “Pharisee” means to separate oneself from anything that is not of God’s law. Thus, Pharisees wrapped themselves in God’s commands to protect themselves and the Jews from the enemy. The Pharisees were formed with the same just cause that Scripture teaches us today: 1 Peter 1:14-15 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.  
    But then, as our sin nature is prone to do, the Pharisees added their own laws to God’s laws. Religious restrictions grew as each generation wanted to make their mark on the Jews’ behavior. God’s grace was no longer evident among the Jews.
    To counter that legalism, Jesus stressed the greatest command is to “Love the Lord your God.” (Matthew 22:37) With love, God gave the law as a means of protecting, not imprisoning his people.
    As we look back and judge the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, we must consider two questions: First, ask yourself, “Do I separate myself from evil”
    Second, we must ask ourselves, “Is there any way I put religious restrictions above God’s grace and love?” The answer to both questions requires a loving study of God’s gracious words to know his true answers.
 
Prayer: Help me, Spirit, to know the difference between man-made rules and your remarkable truth that points to your love. In the Spirit’s power I pray. Amen. ]]>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:57:12 GMThttp://onewithgod.website/teachings/alone-with-godLuke 5:15-16 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
 
DO you like to be alone with God? During his incarnation as fully man, Jesus desired alone time with the Father and Spirit. Even though Jesus could have filled his time with preaching, discipling and healing, he deliberately moved away from people to spend considerable time withdrawing to lonely places and praying.
    Is it difficult for you to be alone with God? We can easily find many reasons to avoid that alone time. Perhaps you find it easier to engage in your daily tasks and respond to others’ demands. Filling our schedule to satisfy the god of busyness can be our purpose.
    Or do you even feel unworthy to sit with your holy, loving God? You’re not confident or comfortable with what you would say to your Lord if you sat down as if he were next to you. Perhaps, too, you are weary of praying the same words, the same desires while you hear only silence from your Father?
    God has given us a need to be with him. Made in his image, a foundation of our existence is to reflect the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). One way to cultivate that love is to sit down alone with the One who loves you. As Jesus prayed in those lonely places, so must we. Alone time with God helps us move past our frailties to the One who says, “Come to me all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Alone time is the best time to truly hear the Father’s great love for you. Alone time with God enables you to enter your daily life with Jesus’ rest, assured the loving God is with you.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for inviting me to me alone with you. This is a most precious time of my day. I rejoice that you call me into such a personal relationship with you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
]]>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:11:38 GMThttp://onewithgod.website/teachings/i-am-willingLuke 5:12-14 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”
 
JESUS taught us to pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) More than words, this teaching is about two truths of prayer. First, we are to pray with faith in the Lord’s power to answer our prayer. Second, we must pray with submission to the Lord’s answer.
    This is how the leprous man approached Jesus. Notice the man is identified by his disease. The disease is so hideous it becomes the main reference of his personhood. He is no longer husband, father, brother, neighbor or friend. He has no hope but to hope in the Lord. The greatest longing of his life is to be healed.
    Yet, he does not demand the Lord’s mercy with such self-centered words as, “Lord, heal me or I won’t believe in you. Heal me, and I’ll commit my life to you.” Instead, faithfully and submissively he goes to Jesus with, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” He trusts the Lord will heal him if it is the Lord’s will to do so.
    Then Jesus acts into God’s will for the man. In the full power of the One who spoke the universe into existence, the Living Word decrees, “Be clean!” Reverently the man has submitted to the Lord’s will. Mercifully the Lord speaks his healing will into the man. God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
    Then Jesus speaks of God’s will in another way. He commands the man, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”  God’s will for the healing is for the man to be a testimony of God’s mercy. The man must obey the laws of purification and cleansing for healed skin (Leviticus 14:1-32). When the man goes before the priest, the priest will know God has healed. In response, the man and the community of believers will praise and worship God. God is glorified.
    This, too, is God’s will on earth. Healing the leper and then directing him to the priest, Jesus is revealing the purpose and fulfillment of God’s will through his law and grace to heal his people of sin’s deadly sickness.
    Do you pray in faith, submissive to God’s will? The man’s request to Jesus is a righteous prayer model for us all. Have faith. Believe in God’s power. Trust his merciful will for your life. Submit to his answer. Live as the Lord commands.
 
Prayer: If it is your will, Lord, heal me of my sickness. In Jesus’ name. Amen
]]>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 21:11:27 GMThttp://onewithgod.website/teachings/holy-callingLuke 4:7-11 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
 
IS it not a miracle that Peter, Andrew, James and John – as written in Mark 1 – would leave “everything” – their business and possessions – to follow a wandering rabbi? What prompted them to this miraculous change in their lives?
    The answer comes when we review what had happened weeks and moments before Jesus’ invitation (Or was it a command?). First, Peter, Andrew and John had met Jesus along the Jordan River (John 1). John the Baptist had told Andrew that Jesus is “The Lamb of God.” (John 1:36). Andrew stayed with Jesus for a short time then excitedly told Peter, “We have found the Messiah.” (John 1:41)
    Jesus’ preaching in Capernaum was also causing a stir among the people. The miracle of the abundant catch was the convicting climax of John the Baptist’s testimony, Andrew’s belief and Jesus’ new name for Peter (John 1:42). The professional fishermen suddenly realized it must be true: The Messiah is here!
    And what did he want of them? “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”  Their fear would have come from believing they were in the presence of one from God. Many times Jesus said, “Do not be afraid.” as people saw his heavenly authority manifested in the miracles. Yes, it is right to have a proper fear of God. Yet, we must understand the Lord assures us, as he assured the men that day, we are safe with him.
    Then Jesus gave to Peter, Andrew, James and John a purpose beyond themselves.. The Lord called them to kingdom greatness. Thus began a journey that would take them to God’s world-changing work.
    One day Peter, Andrew, James and John would understand what Jesus meant to “fish for men”. Trusting the Lord, they would cast the gospel into the hearts of mankind to draw them into the Savior’s comfort, assurance, friendship, redemption and salvation.
    When the Spirit calls, he has prepared you for kingdom purpose. Be confident you can safely go with your Lord.   
   
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for coming to me in your holy majesty. On my feet I eagerly walk with you. Amen. ]]>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 21:52:17 GMThttp://onewithgod.website/teachings/because-you-said-soLuke 5:1-6 One day as Jesus was standing by the Sea of Galilee with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water’s edge two boats left there by the fishermen who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
 
IN John’s gospel, we learn Jesus’ first encounter with Peter began a very purposeful call on Peter’s life: John 1:42 And Andrew (Simon’s brother) brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas.” (which, when translated, is Peter). This occurred near the Jordan River. From there Jesus and the first of his followers traveled to Capernaum, site of this miracle. The Lord used Peter and his boat to demonstrate his authority over nature. Peter would come to do similar miracles to reveal Jesus in Israel.
    We often view Peter as “the disciple who betrayed Jesus.” With our hearts prone to judgement, we forget that Peter is the disciple whom the resurrected Jesus commissioned to, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21) Jesus forgave him. We should, too.
    Luke tells us in Acts that Peter was a passionate man who taught and ministered the Lord Jesus’ gospel to Israel. Peter was a real disciple who had a real relationship with his Lord that began to develop on the shore of Galilee.
    We see Peter doubted, didn’t he? He even wanted to deny Jesus’ instructions. Why wouldn’t he? After all, Peter, his brother, Andrew, and his cousins – perhaps John and James – had been fishing all night with no results. Peter knew fishing. He knew the best fishing time was done. Why obey the Rabbi’s instructions? What is the point of one more net drop?
    Do you ever think that way about Jesus? Do you hear Jesus’ instructions, some as radical as, “Forgive those who sin against you.” (from Matthew 6:12b) and “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) These and many more seem to call us far beyond our ability and understanding.
    Peter obeyed because the Spirit stirred Peter to move past his doubt and weariness into Jesus’ tender care for him.  Peter took a big step toward discipleship. He believed the Lord’s command that morning.
    Ultimately, Peter’s belief in Jesus would be deeper than the sea he fished. When you read Acts 2-4 and 10-12, you will see how the Spirit moved Peter to great apostolic work. Peter’s doubt and excuses evaporated into the faith the Spirit so generously granted him.
    Let’s, then, put aside the summary of Peter’s life with, “He betrayed Christ.” Instead, remember Jesus guided Peter into a fruitful ministry. Let’s remember and live Peter’s faithful response to Jesus, “Because you say so.”
 
Prayer: Cover my doubts, Holy Spirit, with a submissive true faith in Jesus, the Living Son of God. In his name I pray. Amen.
 
]]>Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:14:35 GMThttp://onewithgod.website/teachings/jesus-preached9575639Luke 4:43 But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”  44 And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
 
AS we close Luke 4, we should stop and remember the work Jesus has done since John baptized him. Jesus comforted and defeated the devil’s temptations. Jesus taught the Scriptures in synagogues. Jesus declared and defended his mission in Nazareth. Jesus exorcised demons. Jesus healed. Notice Jesus did all of these with the spoken Word. That is the power of Jesus’ ministry, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” 
    This is the Trinity at work. The Father sent the Spirit to empower the Son to preach the kingdom’s good news. We know from Jesus’ preaching that the good news is essentially a two-part sermon: “You have sinned. I am your redeemer.” All who heard Jesus preach would hear that their sins disqualified them from kingdom living, and he is the way to eternal life: John 3:3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” And then Jesus would preach to them of the remarkable way they could be born again into the kingdom: John 3:18 “Whoever believes in the Son is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” 
    Is the preaching central in your church? Jesus’ church today must remember a pastor is to “preach of the good news of the kingdom of God”. If you are one God has called to preach, be firm to proclaim the two-part kingdom message of sin and redemption. Paul wrote it this way: Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!
     Preach: Sin is death. Preach: Jesus is Redeemer. The only way “the good news of the kingdom of God” became good news is Jesus’ preaching.  
    Now this must be the church. The reason the church exists is to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. Is the Word of God saving power in your church?
 
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the good news to teach us we are sinners and you are Savior. Amen.  
]]>Sat, 28 Jun 2025 20:57:03 GMThttp://onewithgod.website/teachings/intentionally-intenseLuke 4:42 At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him, and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them.
 
HOW good it would be that all Christians are as the people of Capernaum were that day. They had heard Jesus’ preaching, and they had witnessed demons cast out. People were miraculously healed!. Jesus, fully God and fully man, was intentionally intense with his people to, “Proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:19). Our Lord gave all of himself short of the cross. Then the Jews wanted more.
    And why wouldn’t they? You certainly want more of such a God as this, don’t you? Or do you?
    Could it be we don’t want all of Jesus? Perhaps we want all his love, but we set aside his challenging commands. We especially put aside the ones that remind us of our personal faith challenges. Possibly we love his sacrifice, but we stop short of our own sacrificial living.
    Yes, we can know in our heat that wanting more of Jesus is to be our greatest desire. But we may feel that being with Jesus can challenge us too much. Is it difficult to be next to his perfection? Too easily, it seems, we abruptly stray into our own pathway. With regret and sometimes shame, we wonder, “Will I ever get it right?”
    The answer, of course, is that we will not live perfectly. So acknowledge that and know this: Jesus knows about you. That’s why he has been – and still is – intentionally intense to welcome you to, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)
    Jesus knows you need him to hold your hand, to embrace you as you walk through your daily challenges. Welcome his outstretched arm and allow his embrace to keep you in his purity.  
    Be mindful Jesus’ great love for you caused him to become shame and guilt, so he could remove those chains from your soul forever.
    Yes, you should want him to stay – always teaching your` mind, always strengthening your heart, always encouraging your soul.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for being intentionally intense to stay with me, so I may stay with you forever. Amen.
 
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