Aug 21, 2024 to Sept 19: Loving You Series – 30 days – DAILY DEVOTIONS 2021 Q1
Sep 20, 2024 – Jeremiah 2:7 – living in appreciation for all God has given us
”And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination.”
Hi Everyone
Jeremiah 2:7
It has been a while since I’ve been able to do these devotionals.
My tablet took a swan dive off of the top bunk due to my carelessness. A new state policy causes me to exchange my damaged tablet for an inferior device the State of Wisconsin now provides, so I reluctantly decided to wait until that happens.
That change over to their tablet has had some bumps and bruises with bandwidth, their delay till they could wire up the institution for the new bandwidth had me also waiting.
A beautiful friend, a beloved Brother, and a trusted coworker in Christ saw my trouble and came through with the help I needed, so I can have a functional tablet to continue to share the Word of God with you, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
It was my carelessness that caused this. I came to understand how easily we can squander something so beautiful in our spiritual lives because we don’t appreciate the value we have in it.
God gave Israel a land of plenty, flowing with milk and honey, they took God’s provision but soiled His gift by serving other gods, and by turning their backs on the Word of God.
We do the same thing, despite having the Holy Spirit dwelling inside us, we nevertheless still want to serve the world we have been delivered from.
Today, we will look at Jeremiah 2:7, living in appreciation for all God has given us.
”And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof; but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination.”
Jeremiah here is ordained by God as a prophet, serving as a ”town crier” that is speaking against the sin of Israel and Judah against God.
God fulfilled His Word to His children by giving them the promised land, but His children responded to His gift by sinning against God and making themselves an abomination to Him.
The word ”plentiful” means ”fruitful, or a land of produce”.
God gave them a place that was already fruitful, not one they would have to work to make fruitful.
In Numbers 13:27, the Bible says, ”And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it”.
Imagine God giving them a word, telling them they would be entering the promised land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and in their initial faith they understood this image and allowed God to lead them to the door of the promise. So they then sent spies into the land, and it was exactly how God described!
In Numbers 14:7-8, the Bible says, ”And they spake until all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the Lord delight in us, then He will bring us into this land, and give it to us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.”
They re-confirmed God’s promise, but something beautiful also happened here.
They realized that in order for them to seize this promised land, God would have to continue to delight in them. Looking from hindsight, God clearly had delighted in them, promising them this land, but just as they rebelled against the Word of God by not entering the promised land, 40 years later they rebelled again against Him after entering the promised land.
The phrase “eat the fruit thereof and the goodness thereof” clearly defines that God didn’t want them to be merely owners of the land, but He wanted them to enjoy all the land had to offer. This is why God wanted them to clear out all the people who previously occupied the land, because He didn’t want anything to taint God’s people and cause them to sin.
The word “defiled” means ”to contaminate, pollute, desecrate, or corrupt”.
The word ”heritage” means “possession or property inherited”.
The word ”abomination” means ”disgusting or abhorrent”.
Simply put, they pushed God out and welcomed sin and iniquity into the land He gave them, and made themselves disgusting to God in the process.
In Numbers 35:33-34, the Bible says, “So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the Lord dwell among the children of Israel.”
Defiling the land also shows that people were disrespecting God as He dwells among them.
In Jeremiah 3:1, the Bible says, ”They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man’s, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the Lord”.
Think about it.
When we defile the land God has given us to serve sin, we are unfaithful and we play the whore to a faithful God.
What are you going to do in this land God promises us?
God Bless!
Marshall and Jessica
Sep 21, 2024 – 2 Timothy 3:1 – a view of these last days we are in
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
2 Timothy 3:1 – a view of these last days we are in
Hi Everyone!
We are living in the last days.
I am sure you have heard this being spoken of in churches and among other believers.
Nearly two-thousand years ago, Christ preached about the end times in His Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24, and a little bit later, Paul shared this truth with Timothy, his heir apparent in the ministry.
We have wars, rumors of wars, pandemics, violence within the home, godlessness abounding everywhere, a severe deviation from the Word of God, and of course this hotbed of international conflict around Israel threatening world war of epic proportions.
We have mass shootings, attempted assassinations of a former United States President, and of course, we have fake news on the internet and in other places causing many to shift away from the truth.
Finally, we have some churches and a pastorate that are teaching false doctrine attempting to pull sizeable numbers to their massive churches.
We are definitely living in end times, the last days.
Today, we will be looking at 2 Timothy 3:1, a view of these last days we are in.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
The word ”know” doesn’t just speak of a head knowledge received on an academic or intellectual level, but it speaks of a spiritual oneness with the Word of God that stimulates meditation, acknowledgement, and action according to the Word of God.
We should always look at the word ”know” in relational terms, because just as Genesis 4:1 says, ”And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD”, there is always something that can be conceived and born beyond what we know.
Paul is getting ready to be martyred, and today’s verse has some of his parting words to Timothy, his son in the ministry, to make sure he discerns the times and acts accordingly.
The phrase “last days” comes from the Greek word ”eschatos”, which is where we get the word eschatology from, which is the study of the end times.
So what events mark the arrival of these end times that we now live in?
In Acts 2:17-18, the Bible says, ”And it shall come to pass in the LAST DAYS, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy”.
This passage in Acts speaks of the fulfillment of the prophecy preached by Joel, written hundreds of years before the Day of Pentecost, that day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church.
This took place after Christ ascended back to the Father, and describes the power from on high they would experience that was spoken of in Luke 24:49, which says, ”And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”
This was a promise from the Father, so in one breath, believers became able to receive the Holy Spirit’s indwelling.
But it also activated the end times that we are living in right now.
The phrase ”perilous times” means ”a difficult, dangerous season that is capable of reducing the strength of the church”.
How can it reduce the strength of the church?
By our societies becoming so wrapped up in what is going on around them, that we and they turn our attention away from what should be going on inside of us.
In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, the Bible says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
This is clearly happening, we are living now where people would rather hear a lie that makes them feel good, rather than hear the truth that would draw them deeper into Christlikeness.
We have a prosperity, “name it an claim it”, doctrine that has soiled the church and equates God to nothing more than a genie in a bottle.
We have people being led astray by doctrines from pastors cutting truth that might offend their hearers, opting to make fan followers instead of turning them to the truth and the love of Christ.
In Matthew 24:5-7, Christ says, ”For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.”
Sounds like what is happening today, doesn’t it? How can anyone deny the truth of God’s Word when we are literally living in times spoken of thousands of years ago?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Sep 22, 2024 – 2 Timothy 3:2 – behaviors signifying we are in the last days
”For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy”.
2 Timothy 3:2
Hi Everyone!
We previously discussed the end times, where all, including believers, will have a difficult time.
We discussed that the “last days” essentially began in Acts, when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the church, fulfilling the prophecy of Joel.
The ”last days”, will be clear from what is going on in the world.
Within people, there will be a falling away from the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and a continuous serving of the self.
The church grew across the whole world due to the selfless following of Jesus Christ, but now there is a deviation from what clearly worked in the church when believers reached after the qualities and beliefs consistent with the Word of God.
Today, we look at 2 Timothy 3:2 behaviors signifying we are in the last days.
”For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy”.
This is the increasing state of mankind, the mind of mankind, and the heart of mankind.
In Colossians 1:10-12, the Bible says, ”That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light”.
Please look carefully over this list of fruit, that Paul prayed over the Colossian church, which is what he undoubtedly prayed over all the churches he ministered to. He desired this fruit of God to mightily move through their church, to enable them to walk in the power of The Holy spirit.
In Matthew 7:18-20, Christ says, ”A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
The fruit we bear clearly indicates the power that is at work in us. If others see love, joy, peace and kindness from us, it is highly likely that our fruit is produced by the Holy Spirit.
If the fruit doesn’t have the qualities listed in 2 Timothy 3:2, it is clear that there is an absence of God’s presence and influence in peoples lives. Whatever is inside us produces the fruit that displays who reigns in our lives.
The phrase ”lovers of their own selves” means “selfish or self-centered”.
Such people place their own interests above that of Our God and His church.
Doesn’t Philippians 2:19-20, in the Bible say? ”But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.”
This suggests the Philippians needed Timothy to support the development of their inner values so they may produce fruit fitting of the Word of God.
The word “covetous” means ”greedy of filthy lucre”.
God has a problem with mankind when covetousness becomes their ambition, and their craving for what others have overrides being grateful for what God has given.
Doesn’t Exodus 20:17, in the Bible say? ”Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”
People are craving for what they believe they can have which is why we have more and more people in the world trying to live other people’s lives, and ignoring Our God, and disobeying the Word of God.
The word ”boasters” means “braggarts”.
The word “proud” means “haughty or appearing above others”.
Doesn’t Romans 12:3 say? “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith”.
If we all have been given “THE” measure of faith, then why are some thinking they are better than they really are, and better than others?
The word “blasphemers” means “impious against God”.
The phrase “disobedient to parents” means “unpersuadable”.
This means, despite all of the warnings they have received, they still want to go their own way.
Doesn’t 2 Peter 2:12 say? ”But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption”
This fruit of mankind, gives striking evidence that we are in the last days.
At one point, I was like all of these people, but praise be to God, I am that man no more!
As true followers of Christ, the things that come out of our mouths and our behavior will bear testimony to Whom we serve and give clear evidence of our obedience to God.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Sep 23, 2024 – 2 Timothy 3:3 – living in a world of heartlessness
“Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good”.
2 Timothy 3:3
Hi Everyone!
Over the last few days, we’ve examined what the ”last days” look like in our world today, enabling us to clearly see that these Bible forecasts are extremely accurate.
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy nearly two-thousand years ago.
We benefit from it being available for our reading today as it shows the great care God has shown in His influence over the writer, translators and distributors in their collection and sharing of His Word, enabling us today to understand the significance and accuracy of God’s forecasts in these times.
This world we are living in is ”buck-wild” at best, and there is no remedy in sight, other than the Word of God to counter the narrative of heartlessness that exists in the world today.
Sadly, more and more people are rejecting the faith, and even more sadly, attending church services where the truth is not being taught.
Today, we look at 2 Timothy 3:3, living in a world of heartlessness.
“Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good”.
The phrase “without natural affection” was a term I initially thought was speaking of homosexuality, but I was wrong!
This is why Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
We can’t assume the meanings in God’s Word are based on our own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-7 clearly says, ”Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
As we trust in the Lord and read His Word, we must set aside our thoughts and experiences, so the Holy Spirit will have an empty cup to fill with Godly truth.
Looking up the meaning of the phrase “without natural affection”, I clearly now see it means “hostile to benevolence or hard-hearted toward kindred”.
In Proverbs 17:13, the Bible says, “Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.”
In one season of my life, I was this person who rewarded people’s kindness with a slap in the face.
Being in prison for homicide, and having been heavily involved in the street life, I was sometimes very hard-hearted towards the kindness of others. Praise God that the man I was is long gone, and my heart is so soft towards people now.
The word “trucebreakers” means “to be adverse of a compact”.
This is a person who breaks promises, and even worse, breaks covenants. How many times have we experienced this in the world we live in.
In Exodus 19:7-8, the Bible says, “And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.”
We are doing the same thing now, as Israel did in the days of Moses, making promises to the Lord, and entering into covenants with Him, only to break them?
Do we understand that if we are saved, we are under a new covenant with Christ?
Do we realize that when God commands us to love and forgive, if we don’t, we are breaking covenant with God?
The word “false accusers” means “slanderers”.
Fake news is plastering the internet and now we also have computer programs that actually portray another person’s likeness, and even mimic their voice in order to spread falsehood, as they con other people!
In Titus 2:3-4, the Bible says, “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children”.
I don’t really like how women are highlighted in this passage as being the gossips and slanderers, because men do an amazing job at this as well. In my prison environment, guys have been falsely accused of being snitches just to turn a body of people against them.
The word “incontinent” means “powerless or without self-control”.
The phrase “fierce, despisers of those that are good” refers to haters of goodness.
In Titus 1:7-8, the Bible says, “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate”.
We as believers should have the same character as the bishop, described in this verse.
God who created mankind never intended us to be “buck-wild”.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, the Bible says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
God has given us the ability to receive His love and walk in love, but in the last days, most will reject God’s love.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Sep 24, 2024 – 2 Timothy 3:4 – another perspective into the perilous times of the last days we are in
“Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;”
2 Timothy 3:4
Hi Everyone!
We’ve been discussing the behaviors and attitudes of people in the last days, which began approximately two thousand years ago on the Day of Pentecost, with the pouring out of the Holy Spirit.
God gives us His Word as a guide to help us understand these times we are living in and what we should be doing in our own walk.
We live in times of horrifying violence and international conflicts. But we also live in times where people, even people in the church, have this unquenchable desire to fulfill every longing within them, whether or not it follows the Word of God.
We live in a world where people are saying ‘There are many ways to God’, all while living lives that bear no witness that God actually lives in them.
We also live at a time where surrender to the enemy’s agenda is occurring in ways not seen in our lifetime.
In this present state of the world, it is not possible to live Godly lives without access to and experiencing the power and wisdom of God.
Today, we look at 2 Timothy 3:4, another perspective into the perilous times of the last days we are in.
“Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;”
The word “traitors” means “a giving forward into the enemy’s hands, betrayers, also denoting a surrender to the enemy”.
A traitor is someone who swears allegiance to one person, organization or country, and then turns on them, betraying them as they then swear allegiance to the enemy or competitor of the first.
In Job 2:9-10, the Bible says, “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”
Job’s own wife told him to curse God, encouraging him to turn his back on the Lord due to the grief they suffered. But Job was faithful to God and remained committed to serving Him.
There will be people who try to turn our allegiance away from God. I know, people have been trying to get me to turn my back on God ever since I committed my life to Him in 2008.
In Joshua 24:15, the Bible says, ”And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
This loyalty is leaving the church, it is sad as people are turning their backs on the Lord and then, right in God’s face, turning their face to the enemy,
In the Old Testament, Israel was constantly and justly accused of “playing the harlot”.
God commissioned Hosea to marry a harlot, to demonstrate to Hosea the Love God has for Israel, that he should have for his wife, even as a husband when his wife, betrays God’s Word, and leaves home playing the harlot.
The word “heady” means “rash or falling headlong”.
The word “highminded” means “to inflate with conceit, arrogant”.
In 2 Peter 2:9-10, the Bible says, “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities”.
Knowing who we are in Christ should cause us to step back and examine ourselves before making such precipitous moves or decisions.
A rash person is usually conceited, moving impulsively as if their way is the right way. But destruction lies ahead for those who fly off the handle to do whatever “comes natural”. Those who impulsively turn their backs on God with an inflated sense of self importance and a serious heart condition causes them to make ungodly decisions.
In Proverbs 26:12, the Bible says, “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”
Fools will fair better than these types of people, but in these last days society is full of them.
The phrase “lovers of pleasure” means “fond of pleasure or voluptuous”.
The root of the word “lover” is “phileo” which is a brotherly love or friendship.
The phrase “lovers of God” means “pious” and carry the same root of “phileo”.
In James 4:4, the Bible says, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
There is no grey area, yet many are trying to straddle the fence in our churches, and worse, completely give themselves over to the enemy.
In Jude 1:19, the Bible says, “These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.”
We are living in a feel good world, if it feels good it must be right, this attitude and surrendering to these pleasures will inevitably lead to the lake of fire.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Sep 25, 2024 – 2 Timothy 3:5 – having a powerless appearance of godliness in the last days
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
2 Timothy 3:5
Hi Everyone!
When I was submersed in the street life, people were usually two-faced.
Correction. Always two-faced.
See, there was the face that we had in the streets, and the face we had with people who weren’t in the street.
We altered our personality to reflect the room we were in.
In church, it isn’t much different, because there is a face we have in the community and then there is our best face we put on in the House of the Lord.
This shouldn’t be, and who we are as believers should always be the face people see everywhere we go.
In the last days, many people reflect a facade of the faith, but they are actually an enemy of the cross.
There is a lot of false teaching in the world, stuff that stirs up the emotions in ways so the hearers believe it to be true, but they are actually being caused to celebrate lies.
This is why, right now, we must discern the truth in ways we have never had to.
Today, we look at 2 Timothy 3:5, having a powerless appearance of godliness in the last days.
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
We have to understand first that the first five verses of 2 Timothy 3 are all connected, and we have been looking at the attitudes, and behavior people will exemplify in these last days to give the evidence that we are indeed in these times.
The word “form” means “extreme appearance”.
The word “godliness” means “piety, reverence by fear of God”.
Looking at all five of these verses, we come to a scary conclusion that the people who appear to be the Godly ones, will be the ones rotting the church from the inside out.
Remember when Christ said in Luke 6:43-44, “For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes”?
Society has become so superficial that we barely have to scrape the surface of people to determine their spiritual depth.
We too lightly accept people’s word for who they are, even though Christ also says in Matthew 7:15-16, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits …”
If you pay attention to such people long enough, with God’s help you will see how they really live.
Christ is telling us to beware, because wolves in sheep’s clothing serve as a threat to the Gospel message being spread, and to strength being developed in our faith from accurate Bible teaching and application.
In 1 Timothy 1:5, the Bible says, “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned”.
This is true reverence for God by our action, rooted in love, and extending out to others. If we dig deeper, we would see love growing deeper and a testimony perfected by God. This is the standard.
The word “denying” means “to contradict, reject, renounce, or disavow”.
The word “power” speaks of the miraculous force and capability of the Holy Spirit given to us.
In Acts 1:8, the Bible says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Christ taught us that power comes from the Holy Spirit enabling us to be witnesses of God in the world.
In the last days, there will be people in the church who appear Godly, but they are leading the people with lies, operating from their own knowledge and understanding instead of the divine instruction from the Holy Spirit.
In Titus 1:15-16, the Bible says, “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
When a person denies the power of God, they declare it untrue, so imagine the testimony of their life as it bears the same record. We have to be aware of those who act like believers, but stand in direct opposition to the Word of truth.
The phrase “turn away” means “avoid or deflect”.
Paul teaches Timothy to not share company with those who are not Godly, who reject the power of God.
One bad apple can spoil a bunch, which is why Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
In these last days there has to be a distinction in the world and within the true church, between true Godliness and all the ungodliness we clearly see everywhere.
We have to be separate so the distinction will be clear.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Sep 26, 2024 – 2 Timothy 3:14 – continuing in the knowledge and power of the Word of God
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them”.
2 Timothy 3:14
Hi Everyone!
We live in a time where we quit far too easily.
We work a job for three years, and quit before we get the chance to grow.
We go to church and quit the church because our itching ears aren’t satisfied, so we don’t get a chance to grow under someone who actually preaches the truth.
We cancel people for exercising the same first amendment right we ourselves want to exercise when we have an opinion about something.
In the midst of all of the quitting, there is one thing as believers that we should never quit on, and that is the Word of God.
We should press forward, living from and building upon the foundation of Christ in our lives, knowing that everything we are as believers is because of God.
When our lives are directed by the Word of God we can be sure we walk on a sure foundation.
Today we look at 2 Timothy 3:14, continuing in the knowledge and power of the Word of God.
“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them”.
The word “continue” means “to stay in relation to, to abide in, to dwell, or to remain”.
The word “learned” relates directly to understanding that gives one the ability to teach what they have learned.
Paul is giving Timothy, his heir apparent, parting words, knowing he will soon be martyred. He knows that Timothy has had a secure foundation in the Word of God, that he has been taught since he was a kid.
In 2 Timothy 1:5, the Bible says, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”
Paul knows that Timothy is the real deal because of the foundation of faithfulness to God that was the example in his household growing up, and also solidified by his work in the ministry with Paul. Paul knows that his departure to glory could potentially shake and sift a person, so Paul is encouraging Timothy to remain in the Word, to dwell in the Lord, to stay in constant fellowship with God in order to remain effective for the kingdom of God.
In 2 Timothy 1:13-14, the Bible says, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.”
Paul wants Timothy to continue in the Word of God and in his spiritual walk, because he knows that people will come along and try to turn him away from the Word of truth, or allow the fear or grief he will experience behind Paul’s martyrdom to cause him to turn aside from the faith and not fulfill his own mission.
In James 1:2-4, the Bible says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
We have to press through the trial, through the grief, through the hardship, because God is allowing trial to perfect and deepen our faith in Him. God wants to equip us thoroughly, and sometimes He allows trials, but if we check out of the process instead of continuing in it we won’t get to where God is calling for us to be.
What if Paul became weary at any point in his walk?
The word “assured” implies a trustworthiness in what has been taught.
Paul is certain that Timothy has been taught well and can teach, because he can clearly see the Holy Spirit’s leading in Timothy’s life in all situations.
The phrase “knowing of whom” implies a confidence in where our knowledge and faith comes from.
In Hebrews 12:1-2, the Bible says, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
When we know where our knowledge comes from, where our faith comes from, and Who our salvation is planted in, then that allows us to be rooted in all situations. Christ authors our faith, and He sees it through to the end.
I can be confident in where I stand when He is my foundation.
In 1 Timothy 4:6, the Bible says, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.”
It is our responsibility to not only learn the Word of God and remain in it, but also to ensure that the next generation is equipped to walk in the Lord after we are gone.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Sep 27, 2024 – Romans 12:16 – breaking down the walls and attitudes of conceit that destroy our witness as believers
“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
Romans 12:16
Hi Everyone!
Our posture towards people matters, especially as believers.
Our attitudes speak more for our ministry than anything we will ever say and do, because we may be the only Bible someone sees.
Sadly, what the world sees from some believers is a haughty, judgmental attitude, an arrogance that repels people from experiencing Christ, and it is highly counterproductive to the spread of Gospel truth because the actions and posture do not line up with Christ’s life and actions.
The world knows how we are supposed to act and behave towards others, and we have to make sure we do hear the words “You’re supposed to be a Christian, and you…”.
Being a believer is suppose to humble us, not cause us to live as if we are better than anyone else.
Jesus Christ was God clothed in flesh, and He lived in complete humility, always walking in love.
Today, we will look at Romans 12:16, breaking down the walls and attitudes of conceit that destroy our witness as believers.
“Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
If you were to ask 50 random people why they aren’t in church, the vast majority will say, “Those people are hypocrites, saying one thing and then living another way”.
Now, for some, this is a cop-out excuse, but there is a lot of truth to it, because sadly, the reason a lot of people don’t come to church or live saved is because of the “examples” they have received from the Church.
The example of Christ is one of grace, love, humility, and mercy to those who don’t have it all together.
Having “the same mind” means that we are of one accord, having the same interests, sharing the same sentiment. This isn’t saying that we should all be the same, but it is saying that people should receive the same love and compassion from every believer they encounter.
They should experience the fruit of the Spirit as in Galatians 5:22-23, which says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Bearing this fruit lets both believers and unbelievers know that these attributes are a running theme of the Church and they will experience these everywhere they go.
Why do you think that unbelievers seem to be hardwired with an understanding of how a Christian is supposed to act?
Just think about it. If they receive love and compassion from one believer, but judgment and condemnation from another, then which record is true about our faith?
In Romans 15:5-7, the Bible says, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”
The God of patience, yet there are so many believers that are extremely impatient with other people. Our God comforts and encourages us while people in the church discourage and vilify others. Through sharing the same interest of making disciples of all nations, of walking in love, of showing people the way is Christ, we should make it about the building of the kingdom collectively as a church.
The word “mind” here means “to entertain”.
The phrase “high things” means “things lofty in character”.
This means we have to not only check our attitudes, but we also have to check our ambitions as well. Some of us try so hard to pursue a status within the church that we fail to fulfill the mission of the church right where we are, which is to share the Gospel with someone else.
In 1 Corinthians 1:10, the Bible says, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
Divisions happen within the church usually because of the misdirected ambition of the membership. Instead of working together with those positioned in the church, we work against them, because we feel it should be us.
The word “condescend” means “to transport with”.
The phrase “low estate” means “the depressed or humiliated”.
This means that we have to come alongside those who aren’t quite there yet, and show them they can be, and it also means that we have to share company with those who really are humble.
In Philippians 3:16-17, the Bible says, “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”
Christ showed us how we are to live on this earth in humility and love, and it’s time we live by his example.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Sep 28, 2024 – Exodus 13:17 – a look at God’s perfect timing and compassion upon us
“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt”.
Exodus 13:17
Hi Everyone!
Sometimes, we think we are ready for something big.
We pray to God and ask for His deliverance, and we also want God to respond in the quickest manner imaginable.
We want God to skip a few steps, so that we can experience a “right now” blessing, then become discouraged by the wait.
Some of us begin to question God, and sadly, this is the point when many people begin to doubt God, whether He even heard the prayer, or whether the answer is actually coming.
How we act in the waiting tends to be a sign of whether we have the strength to sustain the blessing God has for us.
God is merciful and loving, and He doesn’t want to give us anything that we are nor ready for.
Today, we will have a reflection from Exodus 13:17, a look at God’s perfect timing and compassion upon us.
“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt”.
Are we really ready for the freedoms that we are asking God for? Are we strong enough to handle the success that we are asking God for? How do our lives bear a record of our readiness?
Being ready isn’t just a mental and emotional readiness, it is practical, in building the capacity within and outside of you in order to contain the thing you’re asking God for.
There is an intense struggle involved in coming from a state of bondage into a state of promise, and the easy sounding road is not always the best road.
We want God to snap His fingers and give us what we ask for, but can we handle the Philistines that are going to withstand us, and with their warfare
prevent us from entering into the promise?
When the children of Israel where delivered from Egypt, there was a wilderness that they encountered, and it would have only been an 11 day journey to the promised land. Only 11 days separated them from their promise, but as we know, Israel took 40 years to enter the promise, why is that?
God knows our hearts, and knows our readiness.
The word “repent” means “to be sorry or to regret”.
Regret is a strong word, because it implies a wish for God to change what He had already decreed. It is like us telling God, “You don’t know what you’re doing”. Let’s see whether God was right.
In Exodus 14:10-11, the Bible says, “And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?”
Israel hadn’t fully got away from Egypt’s grasp, as they were in hot pursuit of them. Israel “saw war” and got so terrified that their fear made them assume a defeated posture.
It goes deeper.
In Exodus 14:12, the Bible says, “Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.”
Israel regretted ever leaving Egypt, desiring the bondage they had suffered over the freedom God promised, and was delivering on.
It is a very short period of time between God’s sovereign declaration that if Israel saw war, they would fold under pressure, and when they actually folded. Israel wanted freedom, but were too afraid to fight in order to keep it.
How many people have this same story?
We want something extraordinary from God, but we don’t want to fight through the disappointed, or through what seems to be delays, or through the adversities that come from a real enemy standing against us receiving what we are entrusting to God by faith.
We want the blessing, but the struggle makes most of us drop our hands and quit mentally and emotionally before we really begin on our journey.
When Israel journeyed through the wilderness, they did reach the promised land. 12 spies were sent in, they covered over 200 miles of land in forty days, but ONLY Two spies out of the 12 were ready to seize the land promised to them.
In Numbers 13:30, the Bible says, “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.”
Caleb and Joshua knew God’s promise was real and it was time to seize the promise, but the other ten spies struck such a fear in Israel that they all wouldn’t go.
Some people get to the door of their blessing, but turn away at the fear of warfare, and miss out.
Are we really ready to receive what we ask for from God, or does warfare scare us into unbelief?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Sep 29, 2024 – Exodus 13:9 – putting our deliverance in constant remembrance
“And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD’s law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.”
Exodus 13:9
Hi Everyone!
I will never forget where I have been brought from.
Although, today this is much different from how I used to “never forget”, when I used to constantly kick myself for the horrible choices I’d made, when I kept an on-demand monument of guilt and shame which I often looked back to.
However, never forgetting where I have been brought from, has stopped me in my tracks many times, when faced with confrontation, retaliatory attacks by correctional staff, and by my own stinking thinking.
I have seriously been brought a mighty long way, far away from the gang affiliations, drug use, violence, and the lawlessness that I practiced, without at the time batting an eye.
We have to keep those memories of deliverance, and continue to experience the understanding of how significant our deliverance is, but not to mourn over and dwell on our past failures.
It is all to point the way to Christ, so people know it was Christ who changed our lives and our appearance.
Today we look at Exodus 13:9, putting our deliverance in constant remembrance.
“And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD’s law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.”
Looking at the historical context of this passage, we are reminded that the children of Israel are in an exodus out of the land of Egypt, where they had been for 430 years. Early on they had experienced great success and prosperity, but latterly they were in a bondage of slave labour, so severe that they cried out to God for deliverance.
God heard their cries, and in Exodus 2:23-24, the Bible says, “And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.”
God raised Moses up to deliver Israel from Egypt and although Pharaoh finally let them go, God wants them to always remember where they have come from. As he does us.
The word “sign” means “a mark, flag, or monument”.
This is a key point to consider as a reminder to help us recenter ourselves when we have lost our focus, or when we are at a crossroads and are in jeopardy of making stupid decisions that can harm us and others.
The reference to a mark on the hands is interesting … why on the hand?
In Matthew 18:19, Christ says, “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.”
Our hands touch things such as making agreements and covenants with others, where we ally ourselves to them and their causes. The risk is unholy alliance and disobedience to God.
In Exodus 12:13-14, the Bible says, “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.”
God had Israel keep feast days to remember their deliverance, and how He enabled them to be delivered from Egypt, that seemingly impossible force.
The word “memorial” means “a momento, reminder, or record”.
The phrase “between thine eyes” speaks of their minds, to always allow their deliverance, not merely their bondage, to stay in their memory.
In Numbers 15:39-40, the Bible says, “And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.”
God wants us to lever the memory of our deliverance to focus our attention on the Word of God and allow the Holy Spirit free reign in transforming us further into the image of Christ.
The phrase “the Lord’s law” refers to the Decalogue and Pentateuch, which had not yet been given to the children of Israel!
In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, the Bible says, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
Not only are we to remember our story of deliverance, we must also remember the Word of God, so we can teach future generations the story of our deliverance and the complete and true record of a mighty God who delivered us from our incredible bondage.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Sep 30, 2024 – Luke 11:17 – abolishing division that is bringing us to ruin
“But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.”
Luke 11:17
Hi Everyone!
Division is present everywhere.
We experience it in homes, families, communities, governments, and international relations.
We are witnessing warfare, we have seen citizens of the U.S. storm the U.S. Capitol.
We have churches breaking apart due to dissension within their walls.
We have wars: Israel with Hamas and Russia with Ukraine.
In our homes, news reports are more frequent of wives killing husband’s, husbands killing wives, children killing parents, and parents killing children.
We are always experiencing unprecedented divorce rates in our country.
All this shows the enemy is having a field day against us as a people and we are feasting on their lies.
United we stand, divided we fall, right?
Today, we have a Devo Reflection in Luke 11:17, abolishing division that is bringing us to ruin.
“But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.”
Imagine a person being so demonically possessed they can’t speak. Imagine them being unable to scream for help, or explain what is wrong to get help.
In Matthew 9:33-34 the Bible says “And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.”
This is what Christ delivered that person from on a spiritual level, not something commonly seen, the casting out of demons. The Jewish leadership around Christ attributed this God-given ability to Satan, essentially telling Christ that He was a worker for Satan. Yet this Jewish leadership weren’t people who didn’t believe in God, they were just trying to turn the people away from the Living God and His work!
The word “knowing” expresses a oneness, meaning that Christ is not only aware of their sentiments, but His knowledge of their thoughts goes to the core of their being.
The word “kingdom” means “royalty, reign, dominion under a kingly rule”.
The phrase “divided against itself” means “to partition thoroughly through dissension”.
Division is against God’s intention – doesn’t Christ pray to God?
In John 17:20-21, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
Christ desires us to experience the same oneness with God that He experiences with Him, but He also prayed that ‘them also which shall believe on me’ would be one, meaning unified. Think not?
In Ephesians 4:1-4, the Bible says, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling”.
The Bible always confirms itself, and of living a Godly life God always displays our own deepest desire to be at one with others and to live in unity and peace. As one body having many members, aren’t we all to share the same mind, which is the mind of Christ?
The minute we begin to serve our own purposes, ambitions, and agendas we break from the unity that God desires for His people.
The phrase “brought to desolation” means “to come to nought, or to lay waste”. This is where our divisions take us.
In Acts 23:6-7, the Bible says, “But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.”
Imagine the people who you would think would really want to experience the truth, and when they encounter Paul, there is division between these ‘Godly’ people, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. How likely are they to truly experience Christ?
The word “house” means “family”. Sadly division is prevalent in families as well, but should we be surprised?
In Matthew 10:32-34, Christ says,”Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”
Despite God’s desire for unity, His Word will cause division among peoples who will and who won’t follow the Word.
This is why our homes are in shambles, our communities are broken, governments are corruptible, and international relations horrible.
The world has largely left out the Word of God.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 1, 2024 – 1 John 1:1 – an eyewitness of the Lord
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life”.
1 John 1:1
Hi Everyone!
A witness is someone who can give testimony as to the occurrence of an event.
Witnesses can give accounts of direct interactions, things that they have witnessed, or of things that they have been taught.
Fortunately for us, the Bible consists of 40 witnesses writing 66 books, giving us an accurate, detailed, and infallible record of the truth of God and His plan for salvation.
Within the Bible we can walk alongside the authors to get an idea of what they encountered on their journey.
From these witnesses, we get a view of the sovereignty of God, and we can come to know Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
These authors, commissioned by God to write His Story (history), were under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, so we can be assured that what is written about our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is true, and the promises of God are just as true.
Today, we look at 1 John 1:1, an eyewitness of the Lord.
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life”.
When we look at the word “beginning”, we have to always see beyond our beginning to the beginning of time.
In Genesis 1:1, the Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
The very first verse establishes that God exists and that He is responsible for the creation of the world. Moses was given this record by God in writing the Torah, which are the first five books of the Bible, also called the Law.
In John 1:1-3, the Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
John, a disciple of Christ and an apostle of Christ sent to spread the Gospel, is one of the witnesses, confirming Moses’ accounts, and establishing that Jesus Christ and God are one. John attributes God as being the Creator of the world, which further establishes that Scripture will always interpret Scripture.
We don’t have to look any further than the Word of God.
In 1 John 2:13-14, the Bible says, “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”
John is establishing that by our salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, we now know Him as well.
The word “know” is a relational term expressing oneness through marriage, as Christ is the bridegroom and the Church is the bride. Think not?
In Ephesians 5:23, the Bible says, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.”
Our knowledge of Christ allows us to become witnesses as well, because we know Christ through His Word and by experiencing the Holy Spirit in our lives. That is the word that abides in us.
The phrase “looked upon” means “to behold, or perceive closely”.
This isn’t a passing glance, but a deep view into the awe-inspiring presence and power of God.
In John 1:14-15, the Bible says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.”
Here, we have two witnesses, one being the Apostle John, and the other being John the Baptist, the one that heralded Christ’s arrival. John establishes that Christ came before him, but if we look at the birth story in the book of Luke, John the Baptist was born before Christ, so he has to be establishing that Christ was from the beginning.
The phrase “have handled” means “to verify by contact”.
In 2 Peter 1:16-17, the Bible says, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Peter the disciple, yet another key witness, expresses that what He experienced from Christ was undeniably truth and can’t be compared to anything in the world. He heard the voice of God declare the Sonship of Christ!
All of these witnesses provide a profound record of Christ, the Word of life.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 2, 2024 – 1 John 1:3 – the fellowship produced from our witness
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
1 John 1:3
Hi Everyone!
Our witness as believers of Jesus Christ is something that points people to Christ.
Our ministries are not the only way we witness to people.
Our lives are usually our greatest witness that show we have seen the power of God move in our lives, that God has been faithful in answering prayer, and He has proven Himself, in my case, able to take a murderer and turn him into a minister.
Our lives, when we look closely enough, bear countless occurrences of God’s presence, and if we are willing to share from the bounty of our experience with God, then just maybe someone will receive our testimony and can also enjoy the fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
The purpose behind our witness is to draw others to Christ, so we can all fellowship together.
Today, we will look at 1 John 1:3, the fellowship produced from our witness.
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
The word “seen” not only means “to stare at”, but it also means ” to discern clearly, or to experience”
There is a big difference between seeing something, and being able to accurately decipher what is happening before you.
In Matthew 15:14-16, the Bible says, “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?”
A blind leader is someone who tries to operate according to their own understanding, according to the meaning they have produced from what they see. The disciples were right next to Jesus, yet they didn’t understand what He was saying. The disciples were eyewitnesses to the ministry of Christ, but they weren’t yet ready to be witnesses to Who gave the testimony.
The word “heard” refers to attentive, active listening with the intention of obeying.
In Romans 10:14-15, the Bible says, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
It is a beautiful thing when we as believers can share our witness of Jesus Christ with the world, but the greatest witness has to be clear about their testimony, hearing the Gospel clearly and being able to accurately report the things they hear.
In Romans 10:17-18, the Bible says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.”
What we hear of the Gospel has the power to produce faith in a believer’s life, and it’s sound is going out into all the earth.
But is that sound stopping with us?
The word “declare” means “to announce or report”.
In Matthew 28:19-20, Christ says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Christ is telling the disciples, and us, that because of our salvation, we have been equipped to spread the Gospel, because we have been commanded to do so.
In Acts 1:8, the Bible says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the ability and the knowledge to be witnesses in the earth as God commands. He empowers us to announce the good news to those who haven’t heard.
The word “fellowship” means “communion, social intercourse, or participation”. This term denotes a oneness experienced when people are unified by Christ.
In John 17:20-22, Christ prays, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one”.
The Gospel is aimed at building communities of love, harmonious in Christ, formed into the family of God. When we spread the Gospel, lives are changed and we have access to a loving family that we can grow in the faith with.
Just imagine that our lack of witness is keeping someone from such a blessed gift …
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 3, 2024 – 1 John 1:6 – being true to ourselves
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth”
1 John 1:6
Hi Everyone!
There are many professing Christians out there, but if you take a look at their lives, how much Christ are you going to see?
In my life, I have been this person, and to this day, I work at not being this person by making an effort to walk according to the Spirit that lives in me.
Do I get it right all of the time? Absolutely not, but the Word of God is becoming more and more the standard by which I live my life, make my decisions, and present myself to this world I live in.
God delivered me out of darkness, where I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face, let alone trying to actually build a life for myself.
I was delivered from a lifestyle where if you made it home some days, that was a victory. That is not living!
If we are believers, then there has to be a difference, a difference in our life, our decisions, and our relationships.
If not, then we are living a lie.
Today, we will look at 1 John 1:6, being true to ourselves.
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth”
I grew up in church, so I knew the difference between right and wrong. I loved church, and I loved the people there. This place was one of the first places that showed me unconditional love. I was loyal to my church, doing everything they asked of me, always participating in service, I was in the angel choir, I was in the youth ministry, and I served as a delegate representing my church at Baptist conventions all over the nation.
On the surface, you would say that I had it going on, right? Wrong!
In my adolescence, I was involved in drugs, gangs, and slowly submersed myself in the streets, as I was going to church.
I still enjoyed being in church, but my life outside of church was way different.
My Tee-Tee probably scratched her head a million times, because if I was the boy at home that I was in church, she wouldn’t have had any problems with me! My life was full of hypocrisy, full of lies, full of darkness.
By the time I made it to prison, people were surprised that I knew church songs, that I knew Bible verses, and that I grew up in church.
I was shrouded in so much darkness, that most people, especially those who didn’t know me, thought there was no light in me whatsoever.
Though I was an honor role student for most of my time in school, and went to gifted and talented schools, people were shocked to find I that I was actually smart. My life was one lie after another, and by that point, I didn’t know whether the gangster was the real me, or the nerdy church boy.
The word “say” means “to speak an utterance”.
The word “fellowship” means “social intercourse or communion”.
“him” is Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Many people live the life I lived, where one would be shocked to find out that they go to church because their lives are so different from the faith they profess.
Does Matthew 7:15-17 say, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.”
I cringe at the thought if how I used to live, where I was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, deceiving myself and others by the lie I lived in my life. My fruit showed I was a hypocrite, the very reason a lot of people don’t come to the faith.
The word walk” means “to live”.
The word “darkness” means “shadiness, obscurity, according to the enemy”.
In 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, the Bible says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?”
The agreements we enter into will ultimately be expressed in our lives, in the way we live, in the way we love, and in the way we treat others. Our conduct is an outward expression of what is at work within us on a daily basis.
Walking in darkness is living out the enemy’s agenda, which is aimed at keeping us separate from God.
The word “lie” means “to utter an untruth or to deceive by falsehood”.
The word “do” here means “to practice”.
The word “truth” refers to us living our lives according to the Word of God.
There is a difference between telling a lie and living a lie.
In 1 John 2:4-5, the Bible says, “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.”
Our obedience to the Word of God paints a clear picture of who we are and Who we serve.
What does your life say?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 4, 2024 – 1 John 2:5 – love perfected by the kept Word of God
“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.”
1 John 2:5
Hi Everyone!
We are the only ‘Bible’ that some people will see in their lives.
We can also be the reason or excuse someone uses to never pick up a Bible.
How do we treasure the Word of God that He plants within us?
We are known by our fruit, but do people find love when they find us?
I have become somewhat of a leader in my environment, one that believes in fairness, treating people the way we would want to be treated, staff or inmate. With that standard, there is always someone who works against my good intentions.
But what is my response? Do they see the Word at work in me, or do they see the world? When they see someone abiding in the Word of God, they should also see the physical expression and manifestation of love, which is the pure essence of God.
Does the world see God in us, or do they see the hypocrisy that gives the faith a black eye?
Today, we will look at 1 John 2:5, love perfected by the kept Word of God.
“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.”
The word “keepeth” means “to fulfill a command, to prevent escape, or guard from loss or injury”.
Such are the people who value the Word of God enough to protect it from being corrupted within us.
In Matthew 7:24-25, Christ says, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”
The believer who keeps the Word has an inner strength that allows them to withstand storms, battles, and adversity that would otherwise devastate the average person without God. When storms have come in my life, deaths to close family members, and attacks from the prison administration, I have been blessed to endure and even thrive under circumstances that would otherwise caused me to turn back.
It is not me that is strong, so when brothers ask me how have I made it through the struggles I have found myself under, I can show them Christ. What makes us strong is the Word we keep, so we are rested on the foundation of Christ.
Keeping the Word of God also means that we are positioned to walk in obedience.
In Psalms 119:11-12, the Bible says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.”
Those who keep the Word of God are always thirsty to know more Word. It is the Holy Spirit Who has changed my heart and continues to teach me the Word of God through my feasting on the Word daily. If we desire it, the Word will gradually impress Christ’s standards on us for the rest of our lives.
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the Bible says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
The Word of God shows us Who we are to compare ourselves to, who we should be, and it is the measuring tool by which we should weigh our thoughts and actions. When we allow the Word to correct us, redirect us, and train us, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to become more like Christ.
The word “love” speaks of the “love-feast, affection, and benevolence of God upon mankind”.
The word “perfected” means “completed or accomplished”.
So when we guard the Word of God in our hearts, we allow it to do the work, so God’s love becomes truly complete in us. This means that we will instinctively walk in love and less by conscious choice, and it will become so natural that love will flow from us.
In John 14:21, Christ says, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”
God reveals Himself to us when we are in obedience to His Word, and He pours His love upon us.
In 1 John 4:16-17, the Bible says, “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.”
When we are in obedience, we are in God, and we become the same way Christ was in the world, where others will see us and understand we come from God.
In 1 John 4:12, the Bible says, “No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.”
See, when we walk in obedience to the Word of God, we also walk in God’s love, and we become the living expression of love and also of the presence of God.
People should see us and know that God is real.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 5, 2024 – Ephesians 4:18 – living in darkened understanding
“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart”.
Ephesians 4:18
Hi Everyone!
Remembering who I used to be before I received the gift of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, I realize now how warped my mind was.
I had allegiances that countered logic, let alone the Word of God.
I took stances that I cringe at the thought of now, and I realize that my thinking was only drawing me further away from God.
I was in a spiritual rip current, where I was so busy trying to swim my way to shore that I only got further away from shore.
My efforts only demoralized me, broke my spirit, and made me resist my efforts to try.
My heart was so hard, God’s warnings for me to swim parallel to the shore went unacknowledged, because I didn’t realize I was in a rip current, I didn’t realize I had to be separated from it, and I definitely didn’t realize that my efforts only dragged me deeper into its current hindering my salvation.
This is how the world lives, in a rip current, but praise God that if I got out, then they can too!
Today, we look at Ephesians 4:18, living in darkened understanding.
“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart”.
Because the first word of this verse starts with “having”, this means that there is something else connected to this verse, because we don’t have the “who”. This is why it is so important to understand the context of Scripture, so we can interpret Scripture correctly. This means we have to go back.
In Ephesians 4:17, the Bible says, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind”.
Paul is speaking to believers, not unbelievers, and he is imploring the church to not live their lives according to the path of Gentiles, the heathen unbelievers.
Paul expresses that the Gentiles depicted here believe that their way is the best way, and maybe even believe that it is the only way.
So now we have the foundation for Ephesians 4:18, we can see that there are some members in the church who live according to this unbelieving system of the Gentiles. Paul is giving the church the warning to not think or live as the heathens they once were.
The word “understanding” means “imagination, mind or power of thought”.
The word “darkened” means “to obscure, usually due to sinfulness”.
The first thing we have to consider is that a life of sinfulness distorts our power of thought, stripping power from our decision making.
This is not how God wants us to think because in 2 Timothy 1:7, the Bible says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Having a sound mind enables us to correctly weigh our thoughts and actions with the Word of God and then make the changes necessary for the needed spiritual growth and survival.
In Acts 26:17-18, the Bible says, “Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
How the thinking of the church in Ephesus was contrary to the mindset that God wanted them to have in Christ. Through Paul, whom God is delivering on the Road to Damascus, God as with us, is working to remove darkness from the thinking of the church in Ephesus which sadly is returning back to the mindset they had been delivered from.
The word “alienated” mean “to be estranged away”.
The phrase “life of God” refers to the bliss and glory that awaits believers at resurrection, but it also refers to the abundant life we can experience right now as believers.
In Ephesians 2:12-13, the Bible says, “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”
We have to remember where we were before we knew Christ, not to kick ourselves, but to understand how great a deliverance we have received by God through Christ.
The word “ignorance” means “willful lack of knowledge”.
The phrase “blindness of their heart” means “the hardness, insensitivity, and callousness of our transformed hearts”.
In Romans 1:21-22, the Bible says, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools”.
We know the truth, and in that truth is light, but when we make conscious decisions to disobey the Word of God, we place ourselves back into that rip current, where we will swim to our destruction.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 6, 2024 – Ephesians 4:19 – preventing our surrender to the darkness of the enemy
“Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”
Ephesians 4:19
Hi Everyone!
There is a world out there that has made itself an instrument of Satan, vessels for the use of the enemy.
At the same time, there are people who are believers who are not living any differently than the world, positioning themselves in sin and for every evil work.
Whether believers or unbelievers, the more people live in darkness, the more their hearts become callous to the sinfulness of their actions, and then they become far less able to be convicted by the Holy Spirit.
We don’t want to live our lives disconnected from the leading of the Lord, where we don’t have the warning signs flashing danger.
We also don’t want to become spiritual sociopaths either, disconnected from the humanity and love that we are supposed to live by as believers.
Today, we will look at Ephesians 4:19, preventing our surrender to the darkness of the enemy.
“Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”
The phrase “past feeling” means “to become apathetic”.
Coming from someone who used to live like this, I can genuinely say that being so disconnected from right and wrong, from a sense of what is moral and immoral, or from our own sound judgment is not a good position to be in spiritually or otherwise.
My Aunt Jackie used to tell me that the worst thing I could ever say is “I don’t care” because by saying that, I welcome in everything that the enemy desires me to do. When we stop caring about right and wrong, when sin becomes something that is done without batting an eyelid or thinking twice, that shouts that we are in a dangerous “anything goes” state of mind, heart and spirit.
The phrase “given themselves over” means “to surrender, entrust oneself to, or to imprison oneself”.
This means we yield ourselves up for the enemy to influence us in any way he desires.
In 1 Timothy 4:1-2, the Bible says, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron”.
This doesn’t necessary mean turning into a criminal, but it does include going to church every Sunday and still living in complete contradiction to the Word of God.
When we look at the word “seared”, we have to look at the function behind searing. When foods are seared they are calloused on the outside by fire or heat, trapping whatever is inside. With food, it traps juices, but spiritually, in traps sinfulness inside us, but worse prevents the Word of God from entering, promoting changes in our behavior.
The word “lasciviousness” means “filthiness or licentiousness”.
This well describes the people who live in sinfulness as if they have consciously given themselves over and have completely surrendered themselves to sin.
In Romans 1:23-24, the Bible says, “And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves”.
Those who become apathetic are people who change their identity and the nature of God in their minds, giving them an excuse to live lives of disobedience and sin. They can believe in their hearts that their salvation gives them a free pass to sin believing the blood of Jesus Christ is continually washing them from sin. When God sees this attitude, He tries to change our behavior by conviction, correction, and redirection, but if we are completely shut off, then God says,
“Have it your own way then”.
This is terrible ground to walk on, trust me, I know.
The word “uncleanness” means “moral impurity”.
In Romans 1:26-27, the Bible says, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.”
Look at society now, and look at some of our churches, and you will clearly see that this is happening. We have become so callous to God’s Word that we are violating His creative intention for our behavior, our relationships and our marriages.
We have become so disconnected that we are defending what God is staunchly against.
1 Peter 4:2 says, “That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.”
We have experienced so great a salvation that came from Christ’s brutal, unfathomable death, let us now sensitize ourselves back to the Word of God.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 7, 2024 – 2 Timothy 2:24 – qualities of a servant of the Lord
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient”.
2 Timothy 2:24
Hi Everyone!
When we place ourselves under service to God, we have to always remember that we represent Christ in all we say and do.
Sadly, people don’t always see this in us, and the worst thing that can speak about our faith walk is a person actually being surprised that we go to church and that we are believers.
How we live our lives, how we treat other people, and how we share the Word of God will give testimony about our walk, and if we are not representing Christ correctly, then we have to correct our behavior.
We play with another person’s ‘forever’ by what we say or do, and as believers, we have a responsibility to all we come in contact with.
Does our light shine before men so that they can see Christ in us, or do we become another sad excuse people use for not coming to the faith?
Today, we will look at 2 Timothy 2:24, qualities of a servant of the Lord.
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient”.
The word “servant” means “a voluntary slave serving as a follower and minister of Christ”.
Before any one tries to became a follower and not a minister, due to weight behind the word minister, understand that we are all called to be ministers when we are believers. A minister is nothing more than an attendant, someone on hand to meet the needs of someone else.
In Matthew 28:19-20, Christ says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Christ has commanded us to do something: share the Word of God and teach others what we have been taught. Ever see a new believer who has this incredible excitement, and they are sharing the Word of God even though they are still learning it themselves?
This is what we are supposed to be doing, and doing it from that place of excitement.
I may not know the entire Bible, but I know what the pastor taught me in church service, so I share my notes from the sermon. Everyone isn’t going to be a preacher, but we are all commanded to share what we do know.
Sadly, we see it all too well, that within any family, there is infighting, poor leadership, and poor representation. I have seen Bible studies turn into arguments where it ended in guys cursing each other out! How does that represent Christ? How is Christ glorified in that?
The word “strive” means “quarrel, dispute, or fight”. We have to understand that we are servants of the Lord, not of our own personal interest and feelings.
In Titus 3:1-2, the Bible says, “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”
Servants of the Lord have to be willing to place themselves under subjection to authority, and guide others to do the same. How can we obey the Lord but not obey the authority that is in place, ordained by Him. Our conduct towards authority is ministry.
After I was married to Jessica, the Security Director of the prison I was housed at sent five officers to my unit in order to confiscate my wedding ring. The officers didn’t know why, but they obeyed, and they were afraid because they were told that I might fight them to keep my ring. When they told me to give them my ring, I obeyed without thinking twice, then I asked why. I ended up having to send my ring home, but I ended up ministering to five officers about why I didn’t fight, why I obeyed, and I shared Christ with them! I got my ring back 7 days later, praise God! My obedience paved the way for ministry.
The word “gentle” means “affable and kind”. I also had to be kind to the officers, even though I was suffering injustice.
In 1 Timothy 3:1-2, the Bible says, “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach”.
The phrase “apt to teach” means “skilled in instruction, or well-versed”.
This means we have to study!
In 2 Timothy 2:15, the Bible says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
We have to study so that we are ready when people ask questions.
The word “patient” means “enduring of ill or forebearing”.
In Titus 1:8, the Bible says, “But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate”.
No matter the attack, or the evil that mounts up against us, we have to have the heart of Christ in all situations, so that our ministry points to Him.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 8, 2024 – Ephesians 4:22 – tearing down the structures of sin in our lives
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts”.
Ephesians 4:22
Hi Everyone!
As believers, there has to be a difference in our behavior, in out speech, and in how we treat people.
The world has their version of all of these things, but we have to put on Christ and live our lives to represent Him in all we do.
Are we light bearers, or have we caved to the world, becoming nothing more than a carbon copy of them?
In my prison environment, there are people living a worldly existence, doing things that are contrary to the Word of God.
There are people in complete rebellion to God, and there are always people who are supposed to represent the faith, yet they are so much like the world that they destroy their witness before they can give one.
Our life’s mission as believers should be to imitate Christ and present the kingdom to others, but if we aren’t living any differently from the world, then how can we do this?
Today, we will look at Ephesians 4:22, tearing down the structures of sin in our lives.
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts”.
The phrase “put off” means “to cast off or lay down”.
The word “conversation” doesn’t refer merely to one’s speech, but it actually means “behavior”.
Our behavior as believers is a window into our relationship with God. The closer we are in relationship with God, the more we bear His attributes, but the further away from God we are, our lives paint only a very worldly picture. So the Bible is telling us to cast off the behavior of our old life of sinfulness to receive the newness that comes with our salvation.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Have we considered that our old lives are dead, now that we have salvation in Christ? Imagine the person who digs up a grave to relive life as a corpse. We would think they are crazy, right? Well that is what we do spiritually when we re-assume the life that we have been delivered from!
In Colossians 3:8-9, the Bible says, “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds”.
Looking at the context in both Ephesians and Colossians, Paul is writing to believers, not unbelievers, so these things that he is encouraging and commanding them to walk away from are very present in their churches by numerous people.
Otherwise why would Paul be compelled to write such a letter? How is Christ represented in these behaviors? Don’t you also see this a lot? Sadly we are seeing people complacent in their salvation refusing to grow further.
In Hebrews 12:1, the Bible says, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”.
We are equipped with many of examples of the faithful, who continued to reach after God under all sorts of situations. God has given us these examples to show us that it can be done, and that we can cast off the sinful behavior of our old lives and live Godly lives right where we stand.
In 2 Peter 1:3, the Bible says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue”.
Because God gives us the power to live in Godliness, if we choose to continue to live in sin, we are not only rejecting God’s Word, but also rejecting His power that was freely given us for living the life He commands.
The word “corrupt” means “defiled, spoiled, or ruined morally”.
The phrase “deceitful lusts” refers to the delusion we live under longing for what is forbidden.
When we are saved, we are new people with a new identity, and are given a new standard for our lives. Therefore to live as if we are still in the world IS to live a lie.
In Ephesians 2:1-3, the Bible says, “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.”
The first part of verse one, “and you He hath quickened” nullifies the rest of the passage because being saved means we have died to our old lives, and have been made alive again to live new lives in Him. We have traded our corruption for the incorruption of Christ!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 9, 2024 – 2 Timothy 2:25 – gently teaching those in opposition to the Word of God
“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth”.
2 Timothy 2:25
Hi Everyone!
In serving the Lord, there will come opposition.
If you are in a position where you share the Word of God, where you are viewed as a leader in the faith, or if you are perceived to be knowledgeable in Scripture, expect that someone will try to discredit you.
Look at how many times the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and High Priests mounted offensives against Christ in an attempt to discredit who He was, the authority He taught with, and the impact He was making.
These people think they are opposing you, but they are actually opposing God and His creative intent for their lives.
When something isn’t being used according to its creative intent, there is a constant state of conflict where a person is trying to reconcile the fact that they aren’t who they are supposed to be, and their conflict could ultimately reach our doorstep.
How we respond could lead someone towards Christ or further away.
Today, we will look at 2 Timothy 2:25, gently teaching those in opposition to the Word of God.
“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth”.
The word “meekness” means “gentleness or humility”.
How we approach someone is just as important as what we actually say. I learn that constantly in my prison environment, and also through my marriage, being married to someone who is sensitive and soft.
I could be right, I could be well-intended, but if my approach isn’t gentle, then the message is lost.
In Galatians 6:1-2, the Bible says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
People who are spiritual are led by the Holy Spirit, so they reflect Christ. How did Christ handle people who had lost their way?
In John 8:10-11, the Bible says, “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
Christ didn’t beat this woman over the head with the Scripture, who was already experiencing shame, but rather gave her love and compassion in the face of her sin.
The word “instructing” means “to train up a child, to educate, or teach”.
In Proverbs 22:6, the Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
The goal is a person walking away from instruction closer to the Lord, but if our response to that person is not in gentleness, and is without compassion and understanding, then how will they ever experience Christ?
The word “oppose” means “to set oneself opposite of, or someone who is disputatious”.
Do we understand that these people who dispute the gospel may really be actually searching for answers? Some may even be disputing the gospel just to see how we are going to respond, but if they don’t experience Christ from us, then how can they ever fathom experiencing the God we serve?
In 1 Peter 3:15-16, the Bible says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”
Instead of resisting those who oppose the gospel, we have a privilege and opportunity to instruct them from a position of humility and reverence to God. Whatever conversion happens as a result is the work of the Lord, we are not responsible for the result. We are the guide to gently guide a person to the result.
The word “peradventure” means “perhaps”.
The word “give” means “to bestow upon”.
The word “repentance” means “reformation, compunction for guilt, or reversal of one’s decision”.
Our approach can actually serve as the reason a person does seek after repentance.
In Acts 8:21-23, the Bible says, “Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.”
Instead of Peter calling Simon the Sorcerer a filthy unbeliever, he told him that his heart wasn’t right with God, still being rooted in sin, and he instructed him to repent and pray that God would check his heart.
How we respond to someone struggling in sin can either advance the Gospel, or slap the Gospel in their face. You choose.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 10, 2024 – Romans 3:3 – God is, whether we believe or not
“For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?”
Romans 3:3
Hi Everyone!
Just because we don’t believe, it doesn’t make it any less true.
Imagine the world we live in, full of evidence of the existence of God, full of references and resources that display a pretty pronounced history of Jesus Christ’s existence on earth and yet, people still refuse to believe.
Just because they don’t believe, doesn’t mean they just fade away.
They are still alive and active, continuing to show mankind their faithfulness.
Back in the day, the Jews road on the coattails of their title, being God’s chosen people, yet when Christ came to earth, many rejected Him right to His face, even saying that He cast out demons by Satan!
No matter how many people refuse to believe Him, Christ is still who He is.
The world today is no different, but my hope is that one day, eyes will open and all will see our loving God just as He is.
Today, we will look at Romans 3:3, God is, whether we believe or not.
“For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?”
Our faithfulness can sometimes be a powerful witness. When people see us trusting in the Lord, declaring His goodness, living by the Word of God, it may compel them to seek after God as well. Likewise, our lack of faithfulness can serve a horrible purpose, to actually turn people away from the faith.
In Matthew 23:15, Christ says, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.”
The scribes and Pharisees were the religious authority of the Jews, and were supposed to be the face and voice of God on the earth. Instead of allowing their lives to speak for the faith, they were actually using the Word of God wrongly, turning people away from God instead of towards God. In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, he is highlighting that those who are Jews does not give them any advantage over other peoples, because it is only those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation who become the children of God.
The phrase “not believe” means “to disbelieve, to be without faith in God and Christ”.
Paul is raising a question in this verse that serves as a challenge to us all. Because we go to church do we, just as the Jews did, think our status is superior because we are closer to God than others.
In Romans 10:16-17, the Bible says, “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
We can be in the church building, and appear to be most holy, but still not have the faith it takes to hear from God.
In Hebrews 11:6, the Bible says, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
So those who disbelieve will not benefit nor please God like those who know God in their lives. What would it profit anyone to pray to a God they don’t believe in?
The word “unbelief” means “faithlessness”.
In Hebrews 4:2-3, the Bible says, “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.”
Preaching is being heard all over the world now, and due to the internet, God’s Word is spreading to places it may not have otherwise. The Word of God is the power of God unto salvation, but if no one believes it, then some would incorrectly surmise that it doesn’t have power. Well, just because we don’t plug an appliance into a socket, doesn’t mean that electricity doesn’t work.
The word “faith” speaks of the good faith, the sincerity of the faith, also displaying the faithfulness of God to His Word.
The phrase “without effect” means “useless, or to make void.
Just because we don’t believe doesn’t make God any less faithful.
In Numbers 23:19-20, the Bible says, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.”
What God speaks is the truth, and our God has no reason to lie. He has done and does what He says He is going to do with or without our belief.
In 2 Timothy 2:13, the Bible says, “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”
God’s Word is going out, looking for faith in the earth.
What will He find in you?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 11, 2024 – 1 John 2:4 – living and breathing the truth of God in our lives
“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
1 John 2:4
Hi Everyone!
Where is the evidence of our salvation?
It is all too easy to be on one’s best behavior at church, looking the part, lifting up holy hands with the saints, but what happens when church isn’t happening?
Do we continue to be the church? The church was never in buildings, and this misconception is the reason why we can be one way in church and a totally different person outside of the building.
Have we failed to realize that true obedience isn’t when we follow the rules when the person in authority is standing in our midst, but when we don’t see them around and when we are on our own?
When we project an image that we really are not, we are essentially living a lie, and sadly, too many people observe members of the church living that lie in public places.
In our life, we have to be the church, everywhere, all the time.
Today, we will look at 1 John 2:4, living and breathing the truth of God in our lives.
“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
What we profess is only half the battle. I have been a person who told people I was a Christian while I was still gang-affiliated, while I was still fighting, while my hand was still in illegal activity. I would go to church services on Saturdays in my prison environment smelling like smoke, just minutes after yelling and cursing over the tier. I would sit in church and enjoy being there, having maybe two hours of looking the part, before I fell right back in my habit of lawlessness.
To say I knew Christ then would have been a lie. There is a big difference in really knowing Christ and merely knowing about Him.
The word “know” can mean “to understand”, but here it expresses oneness, the command of God to us for a unification between us, where instead of us just knowing Scripture, we become Scripture.
This is a relational term, and in Genesis 4:1, the Bible says, “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.”
There is always something birthed from when we know, meaning there will always be fruit present from what we are truly one with.
This is the same oneness that Christ prays over us for in John 17:20-21, where He says, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
This is the evidence of oneness, that people see this and believe it, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the fruit we are supposed to bear from knowing the Lord, to let His light shine through us.
In John 15:5, Christ says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
This oneness allows us to become a tabernacle for the Holy Spirit to dwell in, thus making us the church, a people who people come to, to experience the presence of God.
The word “keepeth” means “to hold fast, to guard from loss or injury, or to obey”.
The word “commandments” means “an authoritative prescription or an injunction”.
Looking at these definitions, we can see that God has to have the ability to change our plans on a dime so we will follow His Word. Hence the word injunction, enabling Him to be able to give us something we need for our spiritual health, so that we will actually do what He says, hence the phrase authoritative prescription.
In Matthew 7:26-27, Christ says, “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
Disobedience leads to destruction when the storms in life come. When we look at the Word, we can look at it as a bunch of rules, or we can look at it as God’s love, where He is positioning us for success.
The word “liar” means “a falsifier”. This is a very strong statement.
In John 8:44-45, the Bible says, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.”
I don’t ever want my life to speak the message that the enemy is my father and my nature is of him. I don’t ever want to become so wrapped up in His lies that I can’t experience the truth that God desires to reveal to and through me.
What does the ministry of our lives reveal? Do we know God or are we allied with the enemy?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 12, 2024 – 1 John 2:6 – walking as the Lord walked
“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
1 John 2:6
Hi Everyone!
Does our walk imitate Christ?
Two days ago, someone I have been confined with and I have known for the twenty-one years came at me disrespectfully and aggressively.
I didn’t have a clue why he came at me the way he did, but I handled the situation respectfully, still letting him know that I didn’t like how he was handling me.
Well, I didn’t know that someone in my Biblical Studies Bachelor’s Degree program was watching from the door. He commended me for my conduct, and he was mad at the guy for coming at me wrongly.
This same type of incident has happened to me multiple times in the last couple of months, and there have been a number of people watching, some hoping I would snap one day and start fighting, others hoping that I would continue to keep the peace, and some waiting to see me not look like a Christian.
“What would Jesus Do?” was a popular question asked by the letters W.W.J.D.
But is this really in our hearts?
Today, we will look at 1 John 2:6, walking as the Lord walked.
“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
We come back to the word “saith”, a word that expresses a profession or gives testimony.
We say a lot of things, but do our actions line up with our words?
In Matthew 7:21, Christ says, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
Just because we talk the part, doesn’t mean we are any closer to salvation. I went to church as a child all the way through my adolescence, but I wasn’t saved. My heart wasn’t transformed and the minute I left church, so did church leave me.
In Matthew 21:28-31, Christ poses this scenario: “But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.”
We think we can just say anything and our actions don’t have to speak for us. We live in a society where there is a lot of ‘Hollywood talk’ where a person professes something, makes a commitment, or claims to be a believer, but the fruit speaks the greater message.
The word “abideth” means “to stay, remain or dwell”, expressing a oneness with Christ.
In John 15:4-5, Christ says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
By abiding in the Lord, and allowing Him to abide in us, we enter into a loving relationship full of power and trust. Being one in Christ allows us to do things that we have never been able to on our own. I realize that I need Christ at all times, because I will never see most tests coming, and my own power to overcome situations is not sufficient if not coupled with the power of Christ.
In John 15:10, Christ says, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.”
Abiding in the Lord doesn’t just mean that we follow rules, but we enter a relationship with God where we experience the greatest love we’ll ever know.
The word “walk” means “to tread all around as proof of ability, or to live in the image and likeness of God”.
In Matthew 11:29-30, Christ says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
A yoke is a farmer’s tool used to guide oxen to be able to plow in a straight path, so taking Christ’s yoke upon us means that we surrender to His headship, and position ourselves under His authority to be directed as He wills. When we live the way Christ lived when He was on earth, we live from rest.
In 1 Peter 2:21-23, the Bible says, “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”.
Christ left us an amazing example to follow, and our ability to follow will produce fruit that displays the God we serve.
When others see our life, does it point to Christ or the world?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 13, 2024 – 1 John 2:17 – when we die will we have exchanged our sinful life for an endless life in Christ?
“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
1 John 2:17
Hi Everyone!
There is an expiration date for sin. Our sinning on earth will stop when we die.
Warren, a brother in my Biblical Studies program, had a close friend he brought to the Lord. Together, they shared God’s love with other prisoners, and the brother continued in his salvation after his release, living his life to please God.
He was known for his walk with the Lord. Sadly, while checking on his elderly mother, who had called for his help he stepped outside and while talking with a neighbor a car drove past, shots were fired ultimately killing this faithful brother.
His name was Greg.
He went to prison unsaved, left prison saved, and died known for his faithfulness to God.
Greg is in glory now, basking in the presence of God.
If an unbeliever doesn’t know how long they have left on earth, should they delay giving their life to Christ, continuing to sin, assuming tomorrow is promised?
Today, we look at 1 John 2:17, when we die will we have exchanged our sinful life for an endless life in Christ?
“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
The word “world” speaks of the present world system that is opposed to God, the wealth and enjoyments of this world, and life’s goods.
It also speaks of the worthlessness of the world’s system, the evil of this world, and the irregular desires and temptations of this world.
The word “passeth away” means “to go away or depart”.
Years before, while incarcerated, Greg felt a stirring in his spirit that it was time to turn his back on his sinful life, and give it to Christ. Fortunately Warren, a very strong believer was with him in that moment.
God doesn’t make mistakes.
In John 6:44, Christ says, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
When God drew Greg to Him, he positioned Warren in that perfect place and time for what Greg needed.
In Romans 10:13-15, the Bible says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Understand something. People in the world are tricked into thinking that the world’s system is THE system, and there is no other option to living by the lusts of the world. It is when a person is introduced to the truth that they can be implanted with the desire to receive the gospel which saves souls. That day Greg had a willing heart and a willing servant to teach him the Word and he received salvation as a result.
The word “lusts” means “a desire and longing for what is forbidden by God”.
In James 1:10-11, the Bible says, “But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.”
Most of the wealth of the world is garbage compared to the riches of the kingdom of God. When faced with choice between serving sinfulness or God, Greg chose to serve the Lord, and began bearing fruit for the kingdom. The world system in Greg with its lusts died, enabling abundant life to live in Greg.
The word “doeth” means “to complete, fulfill, obey, heed, or accomplish”.
The word “will” means “purpose, decree, determination or volition”.
The phrase “abideth forever” means “to live, dwell, or remain in perpetuity, to experience everlasting life”.
In John 3:16, Christ says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
When we repent and receive the free gift of salvation, free for us but costing Christ His life, everlasting life begins right there and we enter into a blessed kingdom that has no end.
In 1 Peter 1:23-25, the Bible says, “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: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”
If saved and obedient, we will be exchanging this temporary life, and it’s abundant available sinful pleasure, for an incredible life with the Lord lasting forever.
Greg is now experiencing the eternal life promised him in the Bible, trading beauty for ashes.
Will that inevitable ending of our own life on this earth begin our life in glory, or in damnation?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 14, 2024 – 1 John 2:18 – a futile campaign against Christ
“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.”
1 John 2:18
Hi Everyone!
There are many in opposition to Christ.
As our society is becoming more Godless by the second, Christ is being put on the back burner, Christ is being lied about, and Christ is being put on trial as to whether or not He is real.
There are people who give Him credit as being a prophet, but won’t acknowledge that He is the Messiah, Son of the living God, God robed in flesh.
I have seen more campaigns against Jesus than I have seen against any other religious figure in the world.
Why is that?
Well, I have learned by being an outspoken believer in my prison environment that there are people who are trying to find a way to say “Aha! See, I knew you weren’t really a Christian” to me.
God has told us that the last times would bring these campaigns, further establishing that God’s Word is truth. We are definitely in these last times.
Today, we will look at 1 John 2:18, a futile campaign against Christ.
“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.”
The phrase “little children” is referring to believers, a term of affection expressing relationship.
It is always important to know who is being spoken to in the Word to determine whether the context still applies and can apply to us today.
In John 21:5, the Bible says, “Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.”
Christ uses the same term children, a loving expression of a father to His kids. Why is this significant to this passage?
In Matthew 18:2-4, the Bible says, “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
To be referred to as children or little children is to suggest that they are converted as believers, and by pure, child-like faith, have received the kingdom of God. They, like us, have a sure foundation in Christ and in truth, and have protection from the enemy’s schemes.
The phrase “last time” refers to a season of time that began at Pentecost and continues to today.
In Acts 2:16-18, the Bible says, “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy”.
At Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on all flesh, it activated the last days that we speak of, that we are living out now, that insurmountable evidence of its truth is being established. It is important to understand who we are in the face of the times we are living in, because if we don’t know who we are and what time we are living in, then we can easily be misled.
The word “antichrist” doesn’t just speak of the main enemy of Christ, but it speaks of all who oppose Christ as the Messiah and that the Messiah has come in the flesh. These are those who stand in opposition to Christ, those who reject His identity, His Word, and His role.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, the Bible says, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”
Even Paul is stressing the importance of not being misled by the lie of the enemy, that the falling away that we clearly see in our world is only to reveal those in opposition to Christ.
In 2 Peter 2:1-2, the Bible says, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”
There are going to be people in church spreading lies in their teachings that directly oppose the Word of truth, and we have to be able to decipher truth from the lies.
In Matthew 24:4-5, the Bible says, “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”
Not only do we have to understand that there are antichrists in the world, but they will be planted in the Church.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 15, 2024 – 1 John 2:15 – a break from the world in order to break towards God
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
1 John 2:15
Hi Everyone!
I remember I was at a major crossroad in my life.
I was offered a leadership position within the gang I was a member of, I immediately accepted.
The problem was, I had been saved for a little over three years at that point! I “shied away” from the gang life because I was on a worker’s unit where none were practicing members.
Until this moment, I never before had to confront that part of my life to take a stance against it.
After accepting this position, I was convicted to the point where I couldn’t read my Bible without thinking about the gang literature I would have to know all over again. It was noise until I told the guy who offered me the leadership position that I had to decline the offer. What followed was a 4 day long argument, where I not only defended my faith, but I also renounced my gang affiliation altogether.
We can’t serve two masters, and your thing doesn’t have to be gangs. It could be sex, money, anger, or anything we place in front of God.
We can’t love God and the world at the same time.
Today, we will look at 1 John 2:15, a break from the world in order to break towards God.
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
This word “love” here means “to love things in a social or moral sense”.
The word “world” doesn’t mean “the earth” but it means “the present order of things, as opposed to the kingdom of Christ, and hence, always with the idea of transience, worthlessness, and evil both physical and moral, the seat of cares, temptations, or irregular desires”.
Now a person looking at this might question whether or not this contradicts John 3:16, which says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.
But the definition states clearly that the world is referring to a system in opposition to God, not the people in the system that is in opposition to God.
In Romans 5:7-8, the Bible says, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
God hates sin, but He loves us so much, in giving His only begotten Son to be THE sacrifice for our sin. That is real love.
Imagine God having a perfect purpose to create mankind in His image and likeness, but mankind messed that up. He sends Christ to live on earth, who shows He is everything God desires for mankind to be on earth. Mission accomplished, right?
Now, He takes the perfection of His creative intention and sacrifices Him on the cross, so that people who are completely undeserving of such a gift could partake in it.
We’ll go one further. Jesus Christ willingly went to the cross, loving us the same way God does!
In Romans 12:2, the Bible says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
When we love the world’s system, we not only live in opposition to God, but we conform ourselves to a system that aims to bring about our destruction. By conforming to the world, we won’t ever get the chance to experience the perfect will of God, and establish by experiencing God’s perfect will that God’s will is good.
In Matthew 6:24, the Bible says, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
When we conform to the world, we are making sinfulness our ultimate goal, and we are also bringing ourselves in subjection to and under Satan.
When I was at that crossroad, I realized that I was trying to serve two masters, and I had to make a choice. It really wasn’t a hard decision for me to walk away from my gang, but like I said above, it took 4 days of defending my reasons. But the most beautiful thing happened. Two guys who are highly respected defended my stance to walk away! I was “free”, now longer having the bonds of that life on me anymore.
The phrase “love of the Father” refers to the relational love, the benevolence, the love-feast we get to experience from God. It also refers to God and Christ being the object of the love in our hearts. If we love the world, then we miss out on such an amazing privilege.
In James 4:4, the Bible says, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
Don’t we want to live our lives as believers in conformity to the Word of God, living as children of God, living in the love of God?
There is no better place to be!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 16, 2024 – 1 John 3:2 – a thought of heaven far above our understanding
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
1 John 3:2
Hi Everyone!
There is a life true believers will experience that is far beyond our comprehension.
All we know are these bodies we live in and this world we live in.
We experience sickness, pain, depression, disease, and death.
In this world, we experience wars, injuries, discord, and grief.
We will encounter none of these things when we go to heaven to be with our Father forever.
There are people who want the end to come now, so they can be released from their current place of suffering, but how right is that to want the end to come right now while there are still people living unsaved in the earth?
We shall trade all of this for a heavenly kingdom, but don’t we want as many people as possible to experience Christ as He truly is?
Today we will look at 1 John 3:2, a thought of heaven far above our understanding.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
The word “beloved” speaks of those united with God and each other in bonds of holy love.
Most of us don’t feel beloved on this earth. Many of us feel quite the opposite: unappreciated, rejected, abandoned, and unloved.
There is a difference between what we feel and what is actually real because John 3:16-17, says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
We were so loved that God gave His Son, His only Son, so that we can experience salvation and everlasting life by faith in Him. Many of us know condemnation so well, even as believers, that we totally appreciate that we are deeply loved by God and He treasures us as His children.
Even in 1 John 3:1, the Bible says, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
God not only sent Christ to die for our sins, but in receiving salvation, we have become a part of his family. Through being adopted into the family of God, we learn there is a growing process that has to occur in us before we can accept who we now are in Christ. We need to grow into our identity to experience the undefiled love of God.
The word “sons” meaning “the builders of the family name”.
In Romans 8:16-17, the Bible says, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
We have to understand that we are not able to comprehend on our own who we now are in Christ.
It is the Holy Spirit who gives us the ability to become the way God sees us, as builders of His family name, as heirs of the kingdom of God, and possessing the same promises and abilities as Christ.
This is something that we can’t fathom on our own, something we have to continue to die to self daily for, in order to receive it as truth. It is far too easy to see our flaws, our sin, and our corruptible flesh.
In John 1:12-13, the Bible says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
First, we are given power in our new identities as the builders of God’s family name. We don’t just have the title, but we have the power and authority that comes with our identities in Christ. We have the hardest time fathoming this because we lack the faith in what has already been done for us, feeling too unqualified to experience something so amazing.
The word “appear” means “to manifest or render apparent”.
Now for the person experiencing difficultly with accepting who we are now in Christ, we are really going to have trouble fathoming “being like Him” and seeing Him Him “as he is”.
In John 20:14-15, the Bible says, “And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.”
Mary had no clue that Jesus was standing right in front of her because His appearance was different from what she had known.
But, when He spoke her name, she knew!
Christ takes on a heavenly form that we can’t comprehend on this earth, neither can we fathom what we will look like in our glorified bodies, but one day, we will!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 17, 2024 – Exodus 14:14 – engaging in a battle only the Lord can win
“The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
Exodus 14:14
Hi Everyone!
I am in the fight of my life, essentially the fight for my life.
I have been confined for the last 21 years, and my life has been undeniably changed for the good.
For the last 16 years, I have walked with the Lord, allowing Him to cut away things and people who need not be there in order for me to live the way He wants me to live.
God has blessed me with so many people along the way to help me press forward in faith, and He has blessed me with a wife, family, and community to come home to. So many good things are happening, so how am I in the fight for my life?
Everyday I wake up in prison, I am staring down a life sentence without the possibility of parole, a sentence designed to keep me in prison until I die.
We are saying that enough is enough, and we will be either shopping a legal motion for sentence modification around to law offices, or we will be filing this motion ourselves, but either way, it is time for me to go home.
I know it won’t be our efforts, but the Lord”s grace and favor that opens the doors for us at the and of the day.
The promise is already available by faith, but if I won’t step up and honour God’s fight for it, then I am no different than the ten spies too afraid to seize the promised land.
Today, we will be looking at Exodus 14:14, engaging in a battle only the Lord can win.
“The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
The word “LORD” here speaks of Yahweh, Jehovah, the Self-Existent, Eternal God.
This speaks of a God who is supremely in authority, Who controls everything.
The word “fight” is not merely a term referring to battle, but it means “to prevail or overcome”. It speaks of the end result of the fight, not just the fight itself.
In John 16:33, Christ says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
No matter the battle we face, whether we know it is time to stand for freedom from a life sentence or whether we are even standing to keep our marriage, it is God who provides the victory.
In 2 Corinthians 2:14, the Bible says, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”
Our victory is always in Christ, and if we are trying to win the fight by any other way, we are going to come up short.
Now, we can’t be about waging our own warfare, and then to suit ourselves tell God, “Fight this one for me”.
In Exodus 14:13, the Bible says, “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.”
The Israelites made an exodus from Egypt, but were running from the Egyptians, because Pharaoh took back his command to let them go. With the Egyptians in hot pursuit, this word came. Sometimes it appears that our enemy will soon overtake us, but remember God has our backs.
In Exodus 14:25, the Bible says, “And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.”
Somewhere in this battle, the Egyptians realized that the Israelites had God fighting for them, as if they didn’t have evidence of that before.
In Deuteronomy 1:29-30, the Bible says, “Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes”.
Having a record of victory from a previous battle, we can see clearly that God will deliver us from this next one as well. God’s victory will always bear testimony.
In Joshua 23:3, the Bible says, “And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God is he that hath fought for you.”
Joshua is old and has seen God’s hand provide victory after victory for them as a people. I want that to be my dying testimony as well.
The phrase “hold your peace” means “to be still, to be silent, and to hold our tongue”.
In Psalm 46:9-10, the Bible says, “He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
This is the hard part for us because we are going to have to relinquish our will to let God work. The Israelites shouted at the walls of Jericho at the command of God and the walls came down. God gave them the victory. God gave Israel the victory when they thought they had to fight. It was all God.
So I am in the fight of my life. Who fights for me?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 18, 2024 – Luke 12:32 – receiving the “Kingdom of God” from a giving, loving God
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Luke 12:32
Hi Everyone!
I am in prison, currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
At the same time, my faith is unwavering that I am going to be released from this sentence, and will be home, a free man.
I am within the walls of this ‘earthly kingdom’ decreed with keeping me confined, but I am of a “Kingdom” that has declared me free and free indeed, where God hears the groaning and sighing of the prisoner, where God has shown that He opens doors that no man can open.
One would think that I am smack dab in the middle of two opposing forces, but I am not; just because I am in a foreign kingdom doesn’t mean that I am of that kingdom.
Ambassadors go to foreign nations representing the interests of the nation that they are of, and this is no different. I am a child of God, a recipient of the “Kingdom of God”, despite being imprisoned here.
And, I will continue to represent the interests of the “Kingdom of God”.
Today, we will look at Luke 12:32, receiving the “Kingdom of God” from a giving, loving God.
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
The word “fear” here means “to be afraid, terrified, or to cause to flee”.
The phrase “little flock” means “a group of believers” and refers to the flock of Christ or the Church.
So Luke here is encouraging believers to understand that in this world, there will be logical reasons to have anxieties, but recognizing that we are the Church, we also understand that God is a provider, and He will meet our needs.
In Romans 8:15-17, the Bible says, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
Being children of God, we have an identity and we also have access to God in a way that we can’t really fathom. At salvation, we didn’t just have our sins forgiven, but we became spiritual beings, living according to the spirit instead of according to the flesh. Sometimes, just knowing who we truly are kills anxiety and fear.
Remember we are built on a sure foundation, and that sure foundation is Christ.
The phrase “good pleasure” means “determination, well-thinking, of choice with benevolence applied”.
This means that God not only intentionally makes His “Kingdom” available to us, but He is always excited to give it to us! It is similar to our parents being excited about a gift they purchased for us, knowing that our joy is going to be made complete.
The word “kingdom” consists of the community of those who receive Jesus as their Saviour, and who, through the Holy Spirit form His Church with Him as its Head.
This “Kingdom” exists and rules in the hearts of all Christians, if we allow it to.
In John 10:16, Christ says, “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”
We were those sheep who weren’t of the fold, who have now been received as if we were always a part of the fold. We sometimes act as if we have no access to God whatsoever, and we live like we have no place in the “Kingdom” that belongs to us.
If we live hoping to earn something that has already been given to us we will not walk in victory.
In Ephesians 1:4-5, the Bible says, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will”.
We were chosen to receive salvation, and it is no accident that we are a part of the kingdom of God. Sometimes a child here on earth who is adopted into a household doesn’t feel like they belong. We may feel that way at first, but we can trust and allow time and God’s Word to help us understand that we are God’s choice in love!
In Ephesians 1:9, the Bible says, “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself”.
The will of God is revealed to those in His “Kingdom”, God makes His agenda known to His children, so He will continue to express to us who we are in Him.
But the key is: are we truly listening and do we believe?
In Philippians 2:13, the Bible says, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
The last thing to consider is that the Holy Spirit IS working in us to produce the will of God, which means we are not alone, trying to do everything on our own.
We have a God Who gave us His “Kingdom” and IS showing us how to live in it.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 19, 2024 – Luke 12:8 – a confession ringing in the ears of the angels of God
“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God.”
Luke 12:8
Hi Everyone!
Confession is vital to salvation.
I’m not talking about the type of confession done in the Catholic tradition where one sits in a booth and seeks spiritual counsel from the priest, but the confession of Christ Jesus as Lord, the confession that God raised Him from the dead.
Confession is also vital in our sanctification process, where our confession of Christ to mankind, and where our acknowledgement of Christ is instrumental to our stance as believers glorifying God.
I remember when I was a teenager and I was afraid to tell people that I went to church. The reason being that I indeed went to church and enjoyed it immensely, but I had no relationship with God, which meant I had no appreciation for what I was a part of.
Now, I give God the glory and have no problem confessing Christ anywhere to anyone. It feels good now as I confess Christ on earth, Christ is confessing me in heaven!
Today, we will be looking at Luke 12:8, a confession ringing in the ears of the angels of God.
“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God.”
The word “whosoever” is an all call, a word that goes out for all to receive, and the promise in it applies to all who believe in faith, and fulfills the conditions of the promise.
The criminal and the doctor are invited into the same promise.
In John 3:16-17, the Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Do we see that “whosoever” in this passage? It is the love of God that invites whosoever, so while we are looking at our sin, His love has invited all into salvation.
Sadly, many see this invitation and have no desire to partake in it, but God is faithful and patient, and in 2 Peter 3:9, the Bible says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
God doesn’t want any to be without salvation, and that is why He continues to stir hearts, that is why He continues to have His children share His Word, and that is why He hasn’t given up on us yet.
I am a testifier of that truth, that God never gave up on me, so matter how jacked up I was, no matter how many problems I made for myself.
I was a horrible person before Christ, and my best efforts were poisonous. Praise God that He saw beyond my flaws to who I could be in Him.
The word “confess” means “to acknowledge, give thanks, assent, or agree”.
This means we are conveying the truth to others, we are giving God the glory, we are assenting that Christ is our Saviour.
We are giving testimony that Christ is Lord.
Our mouths are fulfilling the command given in Acts 1:8, which says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
When we witness for the Lord, we are declaring His goodness in the earth, and someone else is going to hear how awesome our God is.
In Psalms 34:1-3, the Bible says, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.”
Do we understand that our confession is a form of praise, where God is attributed as being worthy, and that confession could lead to someone else having the confidence to give God the glory as well.
In Revelation 12:11, the Bible says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
Do we know that our confession of Christ will lead us to victory, because we are seeing Him over the circumstances we face?
The word “angels” refers to the celestial messengers of God, entrusted to delivering the commands from God to us, entrusted with delivering the provision that comes from God, also entrusted to promoting the welfare of mankind.
Have you ever been given good news to give to someone else? There is an excitement there, isn’t there? This is how the angels are to deliver a word to us from God, because it manifests the will of God.
In Hebrews 10:35, the Bible says, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.”
There is a reward that comes from our confession of Christ. When we honor the Lord with our mouths, we are spoken of by Christ in heaven!
What won’t God do for His children who acknowledge Him?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 20, 2024 – Luke 12:39 – preventing a break-in from the enemy
“And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.”
Luke 12:39
Hi Everyone!
We have a real enemy in Satan that is trying to destroy us.
He tries daily to get us to deny the Word of God, to turn our backs on God’s promises, and to give up our place as children of God. At the same time, he is influencing the world in such a way that criminality is at an all-time high, ungodliness is abounding, and you are actually an outsider if you are doing the right thing.
The major problem is we leave our hearts and minds wide open for the enemy to come in and pilfer our wealth from us.
We give Satan free reign to access our marriages, our friendships, our jobs, and our dreams, and then we wonder why we don’t have the victory? We have to be vigilant, guarding against the enemy, because burglars only try to rob those who have something of value.
Today, we will look at Luke 12:39, preventing a break-in from the enemy.
“And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.”
The phrase “and this know” expresses importance, that this is something that Christ wants us to pay attention to.
We should pay attention to this verse as if He is saying it twice, because He has given us a “pay attention” disclaimer before He actually shared His Word.
The word “goodman” means “a householder, especially the head or master of the house”.
While this is speaking of anyone who is in charge of their house, the focus is everyone who is ‘responsible’ for the Holy Spirit that dwells inside them. I also see the need to compel men to pay even greater attention, because we men are responsible for what is happening in our homes, jobs, and communities.
In Genesis 2:16-17, the Bible says, “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
God gave man strict instructions on what to eat and what not to eat, but in Genesis 3:1-3, the Bible says, “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.”
Now, as much as Christian society wants to make Eve the culprit behind the fall of man, the instruction was given to Adam before God created Eve. (see Genesis 2:16-17. It is VERY clear).
Please believe that the enemy is going to come and distort the Word of God given to us.
But what will we do?
In Genesis 3:6, the Bible says, “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”
Adam was standing right there, allowing his wife to be tempted by the enemy, and not only did he not speak against Satan, he was led astray as well!
Men have given in to the enemy so much to the point where we don’t speak against the enemy when he tries to lead our families astray. Men aren’t even staying in their homes and marriages to train up their families in the Way of the Lord.
If we look at most churches in America, women outnumber the men, so men, we aren’t even in a position to fight against the enemy!
The word “thief” means “stealer”.
Let’s look at what the enemy’s agenda is.
In John 10:10, Christ says, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
Look at what is happening in society and tell me that the enemy isn’t a strong influence in the world we live in.
In Matthew 24:42, Christ says, “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”
Not only are we supposed to keep watch for the enemy’s invasion, we need to also live our lives as though the Lord will show up at any time. We leave too much to chance and we are way too slack when it comes to our responsibility as believers.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3, the Bible says, “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”
We have to always be on guard. Thieves do not break into homes where the lights are on and people are home.
We have become so unaware of the enemy’s attacks that he is essentially squatting in our homes, our families, our communities, our hearts, and our minds.
It is time to wake up!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 21, 2024 – Luke 12:40, exercising readiness in the Lord’s arrival
“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”
Luke 12:40
Hi Everyone!
We discussed the need for us to be on guard for the enemy, to always keep our eyes open.
We are to also live our lives in expectancy of the Lord’s arrival in our lives.
This isn’t merely some eschatological happening, where He comes and this life on earth is over.
It is also in the special “God moments” that we jointly experience truly being children of God on this earth. It also comes in the moments where we have answered prayed for His grace over some area of our lives.
But the big question is, are we going to be ready when He shows up?
If our parents were away and didn’t tell us when they were coming back, we would be more conscious to be on our best behavior, knowing they can pop up at any minute.
Why don’t we carry ourselves in the same manner with Christ, knowing that He can come at any time?
We have to live as if His eyes are on us at all times.
Today, we will look at Luke 12:40, exercising readiness in the Lord’s arrival.
“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”
The word “be” here means a coming into being, implying a change from one condition to another.
The word “therefore” is “there for” the summing up of the point Christ made in Luke 12:36-37, where He said, “And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.”
Remember, these are the words of Christ spoken to warn us to live our lives as if His arrival is at any minute.
The word “ready” means “adjusted or prepared”.
This is an active role that we have as believers to conform our behavior to the example of Christ.
In 1 John 1:7, the Bible says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
By continuing to walk in the light of Christ, the blood of Jesus Christ continuously pours on us, making us acceptable before God.
In Matthew 25:1-4, Christ says, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”
Christ uses this parable to teach us about readiness, a preparation that takes place that allows us to enter into any situation equipped to handle the moment.
The five wise brides were ready for the bridegroom by having their lamps ready to burn brightly at any time. Imagine with me the oil being the Holy Spirit that empowers us to walk in the light of the Lord and be prepared for His arrival. The foolish brides are those who didn’t prepare out of the odds that the bridegroom wasn’t coming. Well, the bridegroom came when they all were sleeping, but the five wise brides were able to allow their light to shine.
In Matthew 5:16, Christ says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Our readiness allows us to bring glory to God through our lives.
There is a person on my unit who is in the Biblical Studies Bachelor’s Degree program that comes to me every morning for clarity about the Scriptures. He reminds me of a Nicodemus because when I first met him 9 months ago, he was staunchly against Christianity, but now we sit in the day room at 5 in the morning and break Scripture down. What if I wasn’t ready for his questions 5 months ago?
See, we have God moments that happen to us all the time if we are ready for them, but are we preparing ourselves?
In 2 Timothy 2:15, the Bible says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Are we studying God’s Word to be prepared for the day to day interactions we are going to have? Professional athletes don’t prepare themselves on game day, but it is in the thousands of hours of practice they put in that makes them ready for those moments.
In 1 Peter 3:12, the Bible says, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
We are being watched right now, whether we are preparing ourselves or not for the coming of the Lord, for those God moments we will have along the way, and for the life we are going to live in Him.
Not knowing when these moments will come should make us vigilant to remain ready with our lamps trimmed and filled with oil.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 22, 2024 – 3 John 1:4 – the beauty report of our seeds growing and bearing fruit
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
3 John 1:4
Hi Everyone!
Our priorities are all out of whack in today’s society.
We care more about likes and shares than we do about sound truth, and we care more about what type of career our children are going to have over whether our children live according to the Word of God.
We live in cultures where kids now are taught contemporary songs before they are taught about God who created mankind and bestowed on them the common grace that makes one musically inclined.
This world is becoming more Godless because our children aren’t being taught who they are in the Lord, where they truly come from, and what they are created for.
This just doesn’t fall upon the parents, but it also falls upon the church, because this faulty prosperity doctrine, and misapplied grace teaching is ensuring that we are growing in good feelings, but we aren’t growing in the knowledge of the truth of the Gospel.
Being a parent now, I am overjoyed that our children are true believers. This should be all of our joy.
Today we will look at 3 John 1:4, the beauty report of our seeds growing and bearing fruit.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
John, the writer of this epistle, is as a loving spiritual father to the believers that he is writing to. He is deeply concerned with their growth in the Word of God and in their fellowship with one another. He writes with hopes that they will not only come to know the love of God, but they will experience it in such a fashion that they become living manifestations of God’s love in the world.
In Proverbs 22:6, the Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
If we want our children to become everything that God created them to be, then we can’t leave that to chance.
Being someone who has physically trained people in fitness, I have the responsibility to know injuries, physical strengths and weaknesses, and have an understanding of where they are now in order to help them build up to where they would like to be. Not only do I have to show them the exercises, but I have to show them how they are done, correcting their form when it deviates from how it is supposed to be.
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the Bible says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Now take fitness out, and insert the faith, and that is what we are supposed to do when we train up our children: assessing what they can do, what would hinder them, show them the correct way in Word and deed, and help correct them when they deviate, all while encouraging them in love and truth.
The word “joy” means “cheerfulness, gladness or delight”.
Joy here is an expression of approval that positively reinforces behavior. When parents are proud of something their children are doing, they show their joy, and that not only lets the child know they did right, but it helps them to keep doing it, knowing they have support in their corner.
The word “hear” shows that from exile, John is getting reports of the church growing and the people he has preached to and taught are growing in faith so much that the Word is coming back.
It had to be a sense of great joy for John, to know that the work God has given him to do was bearing fruit, but it shouldn’t surprise him.
In John 15:16, the Bible says, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
John heard this come right out of Jesus’ mouth, and he now is living this out.
Sometimes, it takes being a parent to understand the importance of what we are being taught.
The word “children” can means offspring, but here, it means “a pupil, disciple, or spiritual child”.
The word “walk” means “to tread all around as proof of ability, or to live”.
The word “truth” refers to divine faith and truth derived from God, conduct conformed to that truth, evidenced by one living uprightly in Christ.
In Matthew 28:19-20, Christ says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
This is the command of Christ given in the Great Commission, the same commission John has followed that has born fruit, and the same commission that he is charging us to uphold.
John wants us to have the same joy he is experiencing from getting reports that our children are excelling in the faith.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 23, 2024 – Job 1:20 – worship in the face of suffering
“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped”.
Job 1:20
Hi Everyone!
Grief can and will happen to us all.
We are going to experience the heart-wrenching losses that can shake our confidence, break our spirit, and affect us deeply, but how we respond can give an indication of how long the suffering will remain.
When I lost a ton of very close family members, close friends, and people from church, brothers in my prison environment waited on me to break. The more crazy stuff happened, the more I trusted in God, and God reinforced my faith in a way I can’t comprehend.
Fast forward to the present day and I am literally doing harder time now than I ever have before, knowing that I no longer belong in prison, and having everything essentially ready for my homecoming, but a day hasn’t gotten shaved from my sentence.
Had I not gone through the fire before, I wouldn’t have the strength to endure all the madness I am experiencing.
Today, we will look at Job 1:20, worship in the face of suffering.
“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped”.
Job was extremely rich, and he was incredibly blessed by God with material blessings. He actively and faithfully served God and there was no one on the earth that was like Job.
In Job 1:9-10, the Bible says, “Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.”
When Satan can acknowledge how blessed we are, how protected we are, and acknowledges our worship, then this means that Job’s conduct provided a record in both the earthly and heavenly realm. Satan had to get permission from God to afflict Job.
Nothing happens to us unless God allows it and if He allowed it, then He has already provided the victory when the smoke clears.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, the Bible says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
God knows our limitations and knows how hard we can be pushed. God is in the business of building His Church, not breaking down His believers.
Job, in one day, lost his enormous wealth, and lost his children. Everything he had was taken from him and he had nothing but grief as a testimony to what was going on in his life.
The phrase “rent his mantle” and “shaved his head” are outward expressions of excruciating pain and grief. It is also a stripping off of everything that makes us appear strong, so we are naked and bare before God in the midst of our suffering.
In Genesis 37:33-35, the Bible says, “And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.”
Jacob experienced this same type of suffering at the loss of Joseph, his favorite son, and he didn’t see an end to his suffering. Sometimes, when we experience deep trial, we don’t see how it is going to work out for our good.
The phrase “fell down upon the ground” means “to prostrate oneself, or to cast oneself down”.
The word “worshipped” means “to spiritually prostrate oneself before God”, implying that we present ourselves before the Lord empty, broken, with a desire to be filled.
In order for us to come to a heart of worship in the face of grief, we have to understand that God holds the answers, the comfort, and the process by which we find our way through.
In Romans 8:28, the Bible says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Knowing this and believing this in the midst of trial can be two different things. We don’t always feel loved and called when we face trial, or experience grief. It is not about how we feel, but about what God’s Word says.
In 1 Peter 5:6-7, the Bible says, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Job knew that His help came from the Lord, and in his brokenness, he humbled himself before God and sought Him.
We know how the story ends, Job got double for his endurance, but only after he endured in worship.
We must do the same, because no matter what comes, our worship will always produce a response from God.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 24, 2024 – Exodus 15:11 – praising God from victory, for deliverance
“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”
Exodus 15:11
Hi Everyone!
God has given us an ample enough record of His goodness and faithfulness to last us a lifetime.
If God stopped blessing us right now, there would be endless reasons to praise Him.
Looking back over my life, looking at how God’s sovereign hand positioned me around the right people to have those divine appointments, I see an intentionality with every detail that fully shows me that God is truly in control.
I have seen hard lessons learned turn into the exact thing someone else needed to make it through their storm, as if God appointed my trial, knowing that I would experience the moment of clarity necessary to glean the message that someone would need five years later!
Sometimes, we have to sit back to reflect on how God has delivered us from bondage, from danger, and even from ourselves. Looking back should cause us to offer praise.
Today, we will look at Exodus 15:11, praising God from victory, for deliverance.
“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”
The phrase “who is like unto thee” is a statement that expresses that no one can compare to our God.
These are Moses’s words, spoken in song after reflecting on the deliverance from Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea. He is putting things in their proper perspective and coming to a full understanding that it was God alone who delivered them all.
The word “LORD” speaks of the Self-Existent, Eternal God Jehovah.
This is fitting because when Moses was in Egypt, telling Pharoah to let his people go, there was a war going on between the deities of Egypt and the God of Israel. Of course Egypt lost because there is none like our God!
In Psalm 24:1, the Bible says, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”
Everything belongs to the Lord, so who are we to think that we are above giving Him the praise that is due his Name?
In 2 Samuel 7:21-22, the Bible says, “For thy word’s sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them. Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”
David desired so deeply to build a house for the Lord, a building to express the glory and honour that is due His Name. Nathan told him that he wouldn’t be the one to built the house of the Lord, but his son Solomon would be the one to built God’s temple. David reflected on the goodness and favor of God and it caused praise to stir up in him.
Do we ever look back on our lives and just praise God for how mighty His hand is?
In 1 Kings 8:22-23, the Bible says, “And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart”.
Solomon prayed a prayer of dedication after he completed the temple of the Lord. God had declared that Solomon would build it, and now Solomon is standing in the finished product of God’s Word.
What is our reaction when we sit in the midst of an answered prayer? Do we give God praise?
The word “glorious” means “magnificent or honourable”.
The word “holiness” speaks on the purity, sanctity, and perfection of the Lord.
The phrase “fearful in praises” speaks of the awesome reverence of God that commands laudation in appreciation for what He has done.
The phrase “doing wonders” means “fulfilling, accomplishing, or performing miracles that are both unusual and extraordinary.
In Psalm 71:18-19, the Bible says, “Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!”
I want to be someone who can look back over my life and give God the glory, to have all these moments of worship in the midst of it all, knowing that God is the One who brought me through.
In Psalm 77:12-14, the Bible says, “I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.”
I don’t want to be someone who becomes so entitled that I forget all about how good God has been to me.
I not only want to intentionally recall moments where God has delivered me, I want to share these moments with others as well, so they can know our God the way that I do.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 25, 2024 – Luke 13:5 – living in true repentance
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
Luke 13:5
Hi Everyone!
Repentance was the message that John the Baptist preached from the wilderness, making way for the Lord.
When the Lord Jesus Christ began His ministry, repentance was the message He preached.
When Peter gave the first sermon of the Church, and people asked was should they do, being convicted by guilt, his message was the same as for us to repent.
Do we see a running theme here?
Going to church will only take us so far.
The great songs, the powerful preaching, and the loving environment can make anyone want to stay, but if none of it changes the heart, then the Church becomes nothing more than “a fix”, something given to appease a habit.
We have to be more than mindless drones flocking to a building hoping to experience God.
We have to turn our backs on the nonsense that is keeping us from experiencing salvation, and we have to turn our minds and hearts to the Lord.
This is a matter of spiritual life and death.
Today we are going to look at Luke 13:5, living in true repentance.
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
An issue was brought to Christ.
Scholars say that Pilate had put people to death for offering sacrifices. The people were confused, trying to attribute the way the Galilaeans died to the way they lived, but Christ, knowing their thoughts, provided both their question that they never asked and the answer. Christ also mentioned a tower of Siloam that fell upon 18 people, killing them all, expressing that it was not because they were the worst of the worst that this kind of death happened to them.
Christ is imparting a crucial point here. He wants us to try to understand that it is not in the way we die that gives testimony of the sin that is in our hearts, but in the way we live that gives testimony of both sin and repentance.
If we are good people, but we don’t repent, then our goodness means nothing.
The word “repent” means “to think differently, to reconsider, or to morally feel compunction”.
It expresses a change of direction, from one aimless wandering in sin, to one fully devoted to following and serving God.
In Matthew 3:1-3, the Bible says, “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”
The first thing I want us to notice is that John the Baptist is not preaching his message in a “church”. We tend to look down on those who are outside of the church, those living in sin, those who are in the streets, but these are the people John the Baptist is preaching to. We have to get our impressions of who deserves repentance out of our heads, because John the Baptist is preaching to all who are in the wilderness, not a select few.
In Matthew 3:7-9, the Bible says, “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”
John’s call to repentance didn’t just reach the identifiable sinner, the obvious choice, but it also reached the people who were in religious leadership. This shows that when it comes to sin and repentance, the path is level for us all. John also said for them to bring “fruits meet for repentance”, but he is referring to a changed heart, mind and attitude empty before the Lord.
Our repentance is going to always leave evidence of its truth.
In Matthew 4:16-17, the Bible says, “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Imagine the person of the world as being someone living in darkness, but they can’t see their darkness the way they are living, nor can they see their way.
Christ is that light that leads them out of darkness.
The word “perish” means “to destroy fully”.
Christ is so loving and patient towards us, and 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Sure the message is “repent or perish” but God’s love for mankind is extended in His patience, desiring as many people as humanly possible to experience salvation for their souls.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 26, 2024 – Jude 1:4 – being on guard against the silence in opposition
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Jude 1:4
Hi Everyone!
When we are living for the Lord, living from victory, we have to expect opposition.
Now, this doesn’t mean that we are living our lives, lurking around, waiting for the presence of the enemy, but it does mean that we should have our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds tuned into the truth.
There will also be people who will slip in with the intention of dividing the church with the lies of the enemy, trying to make sport of the grace of God convincing us that we have a license to do whatever we want since Christ’s blood covers us in salvation. This shouldn’t be, but sadly this is becoming more and more normal.
Today, we will look at Jude 1:4, being on guard against the silence in opposition.
“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”
When we see that a verse begins with “for”, we must understand that it is connected to a previous verse that is being expanded. This means we have to go back and find why the “for” was used.
In Jude 1:3, the Bible says, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”
In this verse we have our context. Jude is writing to believers in the church, imploring them to fight for the faith they have received. Why? Because the contents of verse four, our topic verse, are transpiring, causing the need for a fight for the faith.
As the Church was building, opposition was also being planted, because many were being saved and turning away from their old schools of thought. As Christianity was exploding, other philosophies were being nullified, so a huge conspiracy arose to corrupt Christianity in an attempt to turn those people back to how it was.
The phrase “crept in unawares” means “to lodge stealthily, or to settle in alongside”.
In Luke 20:19-20, the Bible says, “And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them. And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.”
They did this to Jesus while He walked the earth, and He was God robed in flesh. The chief priests and scribes sent people who looked like they wanted to learn, but they really wanted to destroy.
What do we think can happen to us?
In 2 Peter 2:1, the Bible says, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”
The phrase “ordained to this condemnation” implies that the people doing this are already judged and slated for destruction. Crabs in a bucket? Isn’t it their normal practice to bring others down with them?
The phrase “ungodly” means “irreverent, impious, or wicked”.
When we think of the grace of God, we should not only think about the Gospel message of the free gift of salvation given us, but also think of God’s divine influence on our hearts.
The word “lasciviousness ” means “licentiousness, filthiness, or wantonness”.
Simply put, these people teach to hurt us tricking us because we are saved, encouraging us to do whatever our heart desires, including sin, because we are going to heaven anyway.
In Romans 6:1-2, the Bible says, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
Anyone who teaches that it is okay to live in sin and profess the faith is a liar.
The word “denying” means “to contradict or reject”.
This is the person who teaches us to reject the Gospel message, and also reject Christ’s Lordship.
In Titus 1:16, the Bible says, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
What we say and how we live can be two very different things.
In 1 John 2:22, the Bible says, “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”
We have to be on our guard against the enemies of the faith, because they will come looking like us, but they are really trying to implode the faith.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 27, 2024 – 1 Corinthians 2:5 – the wisdom of men versus the power of God
“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 2:5
Hi Everyone!
I don’t want to be known for what I know, I want to be known for sharing what God has taught me.
I don’t want to find success in my own efforts and power, I want to be known for my submission to God and His mighty hand of favor teaching me to let Him do the impossible through me.
I don’t want to engage in mindless conversations that don’t edify Christ or the body of believers, because if my life isn’t about God, then I have no choice but to make it about me.
I don’t want to share God’s word with all of this technical “mumbo jumbo” making myself appear to be scholarly, when I can give a person something simple that can help change their lives.
I am in my freshman year of a Biblical Studies Bachelor’s Degree Program, and the experience is amazing, but I learned very quickly that what I am only really learning are things the Holy Spirit is guiding me on.
My ‘greatness’ will never lead one soul to Christ, but God’s greatness will change a whole family, community, and nation.
Today, we will look at 1 Corinthians 2:5, the wisdom of men versus the power of God.
“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
Paul is teaching the Corinthian church, who are in the midst of a lot of adverse teaching. There is a huge morality issue as immoral sexuality is a frequent issue.
There are also waves of philosophers coming to Corinth from all over the place, “wowing” people with the latest knowledge. Then there are people who are even discounting Paul’s apostleship, like God didn’t hand pick Him.
So amid all of these shifting variables, Paul only has one concern, and that is sharing the Word of God so that God can demonstrate His power.
Remember in John 3:30-31, where the Bible says, “He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all”?
John the Baptist’s ministry blazed the trail for Christ to come, and when Christ’s earthly ministry began, John the Baptist stepped back to let Christ work.
Do we do the same, allow the Holy Spirit to do the work as we share the Gospel?
In 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, the Bible says, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
We are nothing but vessels being used by the Father for His use. Whether we are the one planting the seed, or watering the seed it means nothing if God is not bringing the increase. We have to be willing to step out of God’s way and not try to be God, because we will only become people trying to puff ourselves up instead of glorifying Him.
The word “faith” means “persuasion, belief, credence, or moral conviction; the object of the Christian faith, meaning the doctrines received and believed, Christian doctrine, the Gospel, and all Christianity stands for”.
The word “wisdom” means “learning or philosophy”, speaking of the learning and philosophy current among the Greeks and Romans in the apostolic age intended to draw away the minds of men from the divine truth, which stood in contrast to the simplicity of the Gospel.
In 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 the Bible says, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
God is doing the work, allowing His light to shine in our hearts, revealing the Gospel to us. In service, we are merely giving to others what God has given us, and that way, God is glorified because He is attributed to being the giver of what we have.
The word “power” means “miraculous force”.
In 2 Corinthians 6:4-7, the Bible says, “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left”.
In all of these God displays His power and allows the supernatural to be done. These are conditions that usually break people down, but God uses these situations to display His power through people who are enduring the trial.
It is His love, His power, His Gospel, and His truth that allows me to be the beacon of His light that I am from my prison environment.
All glory given to God!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Perspective
Oct 28, 2024 – Matthew 28:19 – a commission that is still active and required today
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”.
Matthew 28:19
Hi Everyone!
This is the iconic Great Commission that was uttered by Jesus Christ after He rose from the dead.
He implored them to take their experience, their observations, and the teachings they had received and go into this world and preach and teach the Gospel to others.
This commission is for all believers, whether pastors or part of the flock.
God gives us saving grace, but He also gives us common grace that allows us to enter into different professional fields, have different talents for social media, and engage in leisure activities. The barber and football coach are just as responsible for spreading the Gospel as ministers and deacons.
We are to use what God has given to advance the kingdom into the world.
Today, we will look at Matthew 28:19, a commission that is still active and required today.
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”.
Let’s look at the first three words of this verse.
The phrase “Go ye therefore” gives us two things to consider.
The first word: “Go ” means our ministry will require movement, so we cannot be stagnant in our lives and then expect the opportunities for ministry to knock on our door.
Are we available for others so that we can share the word of truth with them, or are we so self-absorbed that the spiritual well-being of others doesn’t matter to us?
Christ, no matter how He felt, no matter how tired He was, He made Himself available to the multitudes.
In Matthew 15:29-30, the Bible says, “And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there. And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them”.
Jesus had plans to go somewhere else, away from the crowds, and a trip to the mountain was a place Christ usually went to pray and become refreshed. Imagine that at the first chance you are given to sit down, you are bombarded with requests. How will you respond?
Christ’s response was compassion and healing.
The third word: “therefore” means that this verse is a charge given due to a previous point, so we have to find out what the “therefore” is there for.
In Matthew 28:18, the Bible says, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Christ gave this commission while possessing all power. This means that if He gave us the command, He most certainly then empowers us to carry it out.
In Acts 1:8, the Bible says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
The good news about spreading the Good News is that we don’t have to operate in our own power. We have been empowered to be witnesses, giving testimony about the goodness of God and the truth of the Gospel.
In 2 Peter 1:3, the Bible says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue”.
We have been thoroughly equipped to live a Godly life, including sharing God’s Word because God has ensured that we know Christ.
The word “virtue” here means “moral excellence”.
God has empowered us to also uphold a standard in Him, so when they see us, and hear our words, they can tie us directly to God.
The phrase “teach all nations” means “to disciple or instruct all people”. This means that we can’t discriminate on who we make the Word available to.
In Romans 12:9-10, the Bible says, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another”.
Nowhere in this verse does it give us the ability to choose who we teach. Currently, someone I have been sharing the Word with doesn’t really care for me much, and has attacked the faith, but whenever He wants to know something about the Word, I am available. Right at this second, at 5:57am, he is at the next table, reading the Bible!
The concept of “baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”, not only speaks of water baptism and baptism of the Holy Spirit, but it also speaks of being submersed into Christ likeness and oneness.
That “name” we are baptized in is Jesus Christ.
In Acts 2:38, the Bible says, “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
The goal of sharing the Gospel is for a person to experience salvation, and oneness with Christ.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Perspective #2
Oct 29, 2024 – Matthew 28:20 – the teaching part of the Great Commission
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:20
Hi Everyone!
In looking at the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ, we have to understand that there are three commands given.
First, He instructs them to go.
Second, He tells them to disciple.
Third, He commands them to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
It is our job as believers to share the Gospel with people everywhere, so that they can receive salvation and admittance into the kingdom of God.
We can’t teach unless we know what to teach, right?
This is where people get intimidated – by the prospect of being responsible for something so great that they don’t feel qualified.
But God has equipped us at every level to share the Gospel from the depth of our knowledge and experience. The beauty about sharing the Gospel is that we are giving someone else what God has given us.
Today we will look at Matthew 28:20, the teaching part of the Great Commission.
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
The word “teaching” means “to direct, advise, instruct, or tutor”.
Being a certified tutor, I understand that there is a major difference between merely giving an individual directives to follow and tutoring.
I like the definition of tutor because a tutor coaxes alongside a person and not only shows them what is required, but also shows them how to perform the task. A tutor also more than willing to give other examples so the person can practice what they just learned.
In sharing the Gospel, it is more than just throwing a bunch of words around. It is using whatever God gives us to make the picture plain.
In 2 Corinthians 8:11-12, the Bible says, “Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”
God works with our willingness to share the Gospel, and provides us with the tools by which we share the Gospel.
In Matthew 13:10-11, the Bible says, “And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”
Christ used parables to explain the kingdom of God, so that people could take something tangible to explain the spiritual.
I have shared the Gospel by using physical illustrations, where I am literally showing a person something in the middle of our day room, even using bystanders as examples. We don’t have to be like everyone else when we share the Gospel, nor do we have to use standard methods.
There is no cookie cutter template for how to effectively share the Gospel, but there is one important thing when sharing the Gospel – it has to be the truth and it has to be completely backed by the Word of God.
The word “observe” means “to fulfill a command, to keep our eye upon, or to obey”.
In John 13:14-15, Christ says, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”
We have the example of Christ to follow, and we also have the apostles’ example. If we aren’t living out the Gospel, then that will hinder our teaching because how can a person learn effectively without seeing an example of how to walk according to the Spirit?
In Luke 6:42, Christ says, “Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.”
We must have and currently live out the example we are teaching others to follow.
This is sadly the reason why many people refuse to come to the faith, because they have seen horrible examples of the faith. When we are seen walking in obedience, it makes it easier for them to do the same, because they see that it can be done.
In Romans 10:13-15, the Bible says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
God celebrates His children who share the Gospel with others, speaking the words He has given us to share, because it can lead them to salvation!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 30, 2024 – Luke 17:3 – forgiveness from love
“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.”
Luke 17:3
Hi Everyone!
Forgiveness is a hard thing to do.
There is a letting go that has to happen, a making whole that has to happen from an offense, sometimes without the other person’s remorse.
What happens when a person makes sport of your forgiving heart and continues to do things that offend you that you have to forgive?
That is a rough one, but we have to forgive them. I am going through a situation where my Dad did something that hurt me to the core and insulted me greatly, but I can’t hold a grudge because that only means that I am no better than him.
Christ hung on a cross and forgave those who put him on there,
Stephen forgave those who stoned him as they were hurling rocks at him.
Forgiveness isn’t about them.
It is about love, and moving forward with a heart of peace.
Today, we will look at Luke 17:3, forgiveness from love.
“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.”
The phrase “take heed” means “pay attention, be cautious, to hold in the mind”.
If Christ our Lord is telling us to pay attention before He says something, then the disclaimer reveals how important this is.
Let’s look at the rising divorce rates, the explosion of violent crime, the war happening in Israel and Ukraine right now, the mass shootings, and murders taking place all over our world.
Doesn’t the lack of forgiveness play a vital role in all of these horrific events that we see transpiring all over America?
The phrase “thy brother” doesn’t give us an out as Christians from forgiving unbelievers.
In Mark 12:30-31, Christ says, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Loving our neighbor as ourselves, means that we treat others the way we want to be treated and that is not exclusive to Christianity. Our problem comes in when we try to set our own rules for who is forgiven and who isn’t.
The word “trespass” means “to sin against, to offend, or to wrong”.
The word “rebuke” means “to admonish or censure”.
This is another thing that we get a little skewed. Some people believe that when we are offended, we have to just close our mouths and not express our hurts to the person who offended us. Christ tells us differently, because He clearly tells us that it is okay to say, “Ow, this really hurt”.
In Matthew 18:15-16, Christ says, “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.”
Christ tells us that not only should we share the fault with the person who hurt us, but He also tells us to gather witnesses that can speak towards how the offense would hurt if it happened to them.
We have to go the extra mile sometimes for the sake of peace, especially when we are the one who is offended.
The word “repent” means “the think differently, to reconsider, or to morally feel compunction”.
Sometimes, the offense feels greater than the “I’m sorry” we received and we need to want the offender to stew more and lie in what transpired from their transgression, But that doesn’t make us any better than them.
In Ephesians 4:26-27, the Bible says, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”
We can’t cleave to our hurt and anger when we are trying to make peace and live in peace, because we open up the door for the enemy to have reign.
The word “forgive” means “to lay aside a fault”.
In Matthew 18:21-22, the Bible says, “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
This means we should be prepared to forgive someone more times than we can count.
Ouch, right?
Well, how many times have we offended a Holy God with our sin and He has forgiven us?
In Leviticus 19:17-18, the Bible says, “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
It goes back to love, because if we press into love, there lies our capacity to forgive.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Oct 31, 2024 – Ephesians 5:1 – bearing our Father’s image and likeness
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children”.
Ephesians 5:1
Hi Everyone!
We have an awesome, loving God that has done incredible things for us. We also have the Word of God, which gives us an extensive picture of the example of Christ as He walked the earth.
We have detailed accounts of the prophets and people who lived by God’s example, which gives us a clear picture of what works and what doesn’t. With everything at our disposal, it is safe to say that if the Word of God commands us to be followers of God, we have all the tools and resources available to us to perform the thing that God commands.
When we enter into a relationship with Christ, we begin the process of sanctification, which matures us into more Christlike people. It should make sense to others that we are Christians, and we shouldn’t look so much like the world that people can’t distinguish us from them.
I am in a prison environment and I am someone who is highly visible and outspoken for my faith. Just imagine the witness I would leave if I served worldliness.
Today, we are going to look at Ephesians 5:1, bearing our Father’s image and likeness.
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children”.
We once again have a ” therefore” in the text, which means that we have to find out what it is there for.
In Ephesians 4, Paul shows believers that there is a new way of thinking that goes with our newness in salvation. There should be a separation from our former way of doing things and our former way of thought, and there needs to be a drawing toward the things of God.
In Ephesians 4:22-24, the Bible says, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
There has to be some intentionality with serving God that compels us to shed the worldliness that has held us captive.
This doesn’t just happen on its own, because, there is a role that we play in this.
Within the framework of living for Christ lies a continuous decision making process where we choose the things of God over the things of the world. This is why Paul compels the Church to be followers of God, because a follower looks like Who they follow.
The word “followers” means “imitators”.
An imitator is someone who looks at the life of someone else and mimics the behavior so one can’t clearly distinguish between the two people.
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the Bible says, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
When we follow Christ, we become an example for others to follow, so it is highly important that we project the right image.
In Colossians 3:1-3, the Bible says, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
Our minds and heart have to shift from the things of this world to the things of God in order for us to effectively imitate Christ. We have to understand that by following Christ, the deadness of our flesh through worldly living has been replaced with the Spirit of God, that continues to conform us into the image of Christ.
We can’t be who God desires for us to be if we are focused on the world.
In 2 Timothy 2:4, the Bible says, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”
As followers of God we have exchanged the itinerary of the world for the agenda of the kingdom, and being citizens of a heavenly kingdom, our behavior should exemplify that of the God we serve.
In Matthew 7:15-16, Christ says, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”
Who we serve will be evident to all, because our behavior will give testimony of who we have our minds set on. How can we profess Godliness when our fruit is everything but Godly?
The word “dear” means “beloved”.
The word “children” speaks of the children of God, the devout worshippers of God, or Christians.
In John 1:12-13, the Bible says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
We are empowered to be the children of God and as the children of God, we will reveal God to the world around us. It is in our love, in our forgiveness, in our conduct, and in our reactions.
Our interactions should reveal that there is indeed something different about us, and that is Christ!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 1, 2024 – John 1:4 – being lit for Christ
“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”
John 1:4
Hi Everyone!
I thought I was living it up when I was submersed in the street life.
I smoked weed daily, sold drugs, made money, and courted women.
The excitement and unpredictability of the street life allured me deeper and deeper into darkness, and I was too busy “having fun” to realize that I was ensnared in bondage.
I knew Christ on a superficial level, enough to ask for forgiveness when I went too far, but the Gospel was not in my heart, lighting my life or my path.
When I received salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, not only was my life changed beyond recognition, but my perspective changed as well. I began to know my Saviour relationally, and I saw the world through a different set of lenses.
Instead of contributing to the problems affecting our society, God made me a part of the solution.
Now I live because Christ lives in me.
Today, we will look at John 1:4, being lit for Christ.
“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”
The first thing we have to do in unpacking this verse is to identify who the “in him” is.
In John 1:1, the Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Putting this verse in concert with John 1:14, which says, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth”, it is safe to establish that the “in him” is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
In Hebrews 12:2, the Bible says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Every component of our faith is centered on Christ, and He is the focal point of our faith. When this truth is established in our hearts and minds, the light essentially comes on.
When we speak of the word “life”, we are looking at life in the absolute sense, not from the perspective of our finite minds, to a life without end.
In Hebrews 13:8, the Bible says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
Jesus Christ not only lives forever but He reigns forever as well. The same Christ who was in the beginning is the same Christ we experience now, and because He lives, we have the ability to experience His life in us.
In John 5:26, the Bible says, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself”.
The same life that God has in Him is the same life that lives in Christ. We can never truly fathom what this means for us, even from God’s Word.
In 1 John 5:11-12, the Bible says, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
This same life Christ has is now given to us to experience the same way that He did! As believers, we have eternity within us, and we also have His kingdom in us. Until we fully grasp that, we can never experience the life Christ experienced on earth.
The word “light” refers figuratively to the moral and spiritual light and knowledge which enlightens the soul, mind and conscience, including the idea of moral goodness, purity, and holiness, and of consequent reward and happiness.
This word is used to identify Jesus Christ, our Great Teacher and Saviour of the world who brought life and immortality to light in His Gospel.
In Psalms 119:105, the Bible says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
The direction we need, to live the life that God desires us to live, can only be found in Christ, the Word of God.
In John 8:12, the Bible says, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
When I followed after the world, I engaged in darkness so deeply that my eyes became conditioned to it. Abnormal became normal because I didn’t have the truth reigning inside me.
Sadly, there are believers who have received Jesus Christ as Saviour, but have not allowed Him to help them overcome the darkness by fully surrendering and letting Christ’s light shine.
In John 12:35-36, the Bible says, “Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.”
When I was in the streets, I had no clue where I was going. Some days I wasn’t sure I would be alive before the day was over.
Living a life of uncertainty, where you are relieved to have made it through another day is not living at all.
Living in His light and life is truly living, and I also always know where I am going!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Anniversary Devo
Nov 1, 2024 – Proverbs 18:22 – 2nd WEDDING ANNIVERSARY – a reflection upon a beautiful marriage
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”
Proverbs 18:22
Hi Everyone!
On November 1, 2024, Jessica and I will be celebrating our two year wedding anniversary.
We were married on November 1st, because 11-1 lines up with Hebrews 11:1, which says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
It was definitely a move of faith for us to get married, especially with the life sentence I have been serving the last 21 years.
By faith, we know freedom is coming, so we are trusting God in advance. Two years later and we are experiencing that oneness right where we stand, in a way we could never imagine.
I honor my helpmeet, because she is right in the trenches, bringing beauty into our space together.
She is truly a blessing sent from God’s hand and together we serve God and promote His will in our marriage, our family, our community, and in our purpose.
This has been the most amazing journey I could ever take, and it is with the woman God especially created for me.
Today, we will look at Proverbs 18:22, a reflection upon a beautiful marriage.
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”
The word “findeth” means “to attain or acquire”.
The word “wife” means “woman or female”.
This finding comes as the result of a search. This search wasn’t just for a woman, but I had to also search the Scriptures to know who I would have to be as a husband
In Matthew 7:7-8, Christ says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
I actively pursued Jessica long before I knew who she was. Crazy, isn’t it? Not really.
In Proverbs 24:27, the Bible says, “Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.”
So before I met Jessica, I was reading books written by pastors on marriage, watching relationship sermon series on TBN, and asking married believers questions about marriage. Before we can receive what we desire in a wife, we have to build the capacity for it. This is a lifelong commitment, and it requires us to be on a sure foundation, which is Christ.
The word “good” implies God’s creative intention being fulfilled.
In Genesis 1:3-4, the Bible says, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.”
God declared, it became, and THEN it was good.
Look at what God said in Genesis 2:18, which says, “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”
God saw the man was sufficient, but not complete, so God created a helpmeet FOR him.
This means that husband and wife must share the same vision, because the wife helps the husband attain the purpose that God has for them. Too many people get married because the “warm and fuzzies” are real, only to find out that they are divided because there are two visions in one flesh. Building the capacity is one thing, but making sure that the woman we marry is not only aligned with us physically, but spiritually as well is highly important because together, we will embrace and fulfill God’s will for our lives.
The word “favour” means “divine goodwill, or divine delight”.
In order to experience God’s favour, we have to continue to align ourselves with His Word.
In Ephesians 5:21, the Bible says, “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
There has to be a corporate submission to the marriage, in reverence to God. God has to be the reason that we are submitting ourselves to the union. Sure the Bible says for wives to submit to their husband, but the same passage calls for husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the Church and gave Himself up for it. How can a husband find a wife and find a good thing, but is unwilling to sacrifice for the union God has instituted? How can we expect God’s favour without submitting to His will for our marriage?
In Proverbs 31:10, the Bible says, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”
I have found that virtuous woman, and I place great value in Jessica.
Do I live that out? Do we as husbands live as if our wives are priceless? I promised Jessica that I would never stop courting her, doing all the good stuff I was doing before we got married, and I continue to keep my word, because she is truly worth all the love that I have, and want, to give.
In Proverbs 31:28, the Bible says, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”
I have truly found the woman God has for me, and every day is an anniversary. I praise God for the blessing He has freely given in love!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 2, 2024 – John 13:31 – Jesus Christ glorified
“Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.”
John 13:31
Hi Everyone!
It is our job, and it should be our mission, to become who God created us to be.
God created us for His glory, to live our lives pointing the way to Christ.
God has equipped us for His good purpose, and when we are living in what God created in us, there is glory in heaven over it.
It is like God told the heavenly hosts who we were and what we were to become, so when we fulfill that, heaven celebrates – how truly sovereign and awesome God is.
Christ came to this world with one main purpose: to die for the sins of mankind, and be the atonement for our iniquity.
You think there wasn’t an extraordinary celebration in heaven over Him fulfilling His purpose?
Look at what His fulfillment has produced, a person who was convicted of murder, sentenced to life without parole, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people in and outside of prison. Only God can do something like this!
Today, we will look at John 13:31, Jesus Christ glorified.
“Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.”
In looking at this verse, we notice it begins with “therefore”, which means that something happened before this that will give us context for where this verse is taking us. We have to find out what the “therefore” is there for.
In having the last supper with the disciples, Jesus announces that one of them will betray Him.
In John 13:25-26, the Bible says, “He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.”
So we know the traitor is Judas Iscariot, but let’s look at something else. Christ blocked the disciples’ understanding of what He said, so they wouldn’t try to stop Judas from betraying Him.
In John 18:10-11, the Bible says, “Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”
The disciples would have certainly put a hurting on Judas if they had know he was the traitor, but if they had stopped him, then Christ might not have been crucified.
Please understand that Christ allowed Judas to leave, knowing that he was going to betray Him, and knowing what type of death He would suffer.
In Luke 22:42-44, the Bible says, “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
Christ experienced agony over the death He would suffer, so much so that an angel had to come to encourage and strengthen Him, God robed in flesh! Christ prayed for a way out, and He didn’t take the way out. He knew what He had come to do, and He obeyed God, no matter the cost.
The word “glorified” means “to render conspicuous the divine character and attributes of, to render glory, or to celebrate with worship, praise and adoration”.
Looking closely at this, it is easy to gloss over. This is Jesus Christ; He is supposed to be glorified, right? But we see it is not just the fact that He is glorified, but WHEN He is gloried.
The topic verse says, “NOW is the Son of man glorified”. Heaven didn’t wait to glorify Christ when He actually died, but they celebrated in advance!
In John 12:23-25, the Bible says, “And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”
Heaven glorified Christ because His death would mean life for countless people who would receive salvation by faith in Him. It means that death would be arrested, it would mean that Satan lost, and it would mean that we would have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit’s indwelling.
In John 7:38-39, the Bible says, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”
Because Jesus Christ gave Himself to die, He gave us who believe access to the Holy Spirit, which is the kingdom of God in us!
I was actually going to not choose this verse, but the Holy Spirit nudged me to do it. Praise God that He did!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 3, 2024 – John 13:34 – a command to love
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
John 13:34
Hi Everyone!
Love is a word that has seemed to change meaning over the 43 years I have been alive. People older than me would likely profess the same thing.
The word love is now thrown around like it is a campaign slogan. For the people who still believe in what this glorious word represents, they see it now applied to any item or body of work but rarely given a rank equal to loving another person with all their heart.
It’s understandable why they are disappointed and even hurt because to them, love implies trust and vulnerability, and planting those invaluable seeds on such unfertile ground stings like a poor investment that tanked to zero.
This is not the love God has taught us in His Word, nor is it the kind of love that Christ commands us to fulfill.
The type of love we are commanded to show is something so beautiful that it manifests the presence of God.
God wants us to love because when we love, we ooze His essence.
Today, we look at John 13:34, a command to love.
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
The word “new” means “newly introduced, hence implying better”.
Okay, for those of us who read the Bible, it is a little confusing, as in Leviticus 19:18, the Bible clearly says, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
Doesn’t this clearly tell us to love? How is this any different from what Christ commands?
The key is in the details. The passage in Leviticus teaches us to love our neighbor as ourselves, but the passage in John teaches us to love one another AS CHRIST HAS LOVED US. There is a difference because Christ shows us the most powerful example of love that we could experience. Our love can only go so far, and many people struggle to even like themselves.
But if we love the way Christ loved us, then the love never ends.
In John 3:16-17, Christ says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Jesus Christ went to the cross from love for mankind, and remained there so that we who believe can have the right to salvation and eternal life by His sacrifice. This sacrificial love is the most powerful example of love, one where we are commanded to follow Christ’s example in our own lives.
The word “commandment” means “an injunction, or an authoritative prescription”.
Let’s unpack the word “injunction” first. An injunction is a court order that stops the function of an already existing action.
In Matthew 5:17, the Bible says, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”
Christ’s injunction fulfilled the law of Moses, which gave Him room to give us a better law to follow. The authoritative prescription Christ instituted was love, something, where if we put it into practice, we can keep the presence of God ushered into our lives. This kind of commandment ensures that we fulfill the law.
In Romans 12:1, the Bible says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
As Christ was the ultimate sacrifice for sin, we ought to be living sacrifices, willing to give our time, effort, and ability to further help those around us experience the power of God through us.
The word “love” means “to regard with goodwill, favour or benevolence; to serve with fidelity”.
In Ephesians 5:1-2, the Bible says, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
Do people see the same qualities in us as they read about Christ? Ouch, right? But all is not lost, because we can still get back on the horse and start practicing undefiled love to those around us right now.
In 1 Peter 1:22-23, the Bible says, “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.”
God doesn’t want us showing this fake love society is known for, but pure love from the depths of our spirit. People do know the difference, so what makes us think that God doesn’t notice.
Christ left this new command because through our love, then people will know that God is still alive and active, and there is still hope in Christ.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 4, 2024 – Deuteronomy 4:40 – obedience that produces fruit from heaven
“Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.”
Deuteronomy 4:40
Hi Everyone!
We live in a society where it seems like anything goes.
People do what they want; they party like there’s no tomorrow, substance abuse is running rampant, sex projected in the media is in high demand, and our world is becoming more and more Godless by the second.
People are turning away from the marriage covenant to practice a form of polygamy, where there is a willful sharing of spouses!
Now if we look at the condition of our world over the last 50 years, we see such a rapid decline in morality, and we also see a world in peril.
We are playing in the backyard of hell trying to find a slice of heaven, and sadly, all we’ll find is destruction.
But the great life we so desperately want is tied to our obedience.
Today, we look at Deuteronomy 4:40, obedience that produces fruit from heaven.
“Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.”
This text comes as a series of exhortations, or encouragements, to remember God’s mighty and sovereign hand, that He is indeed worthy of our worship and obedience. God has an impeccable record of goodness to us, even when we do not deserve it.
In Deuteronomy 4:36, the Bible says, “Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.”
There is really no excuse when we have heard the voice of God and have received His instruction. This is Moses encouraging the people to draw their hearts to the Lord, Who has covered them, instructed them, and loved them like the greatest father ever.
The word “keep” means “to observe, take heed, or protect from loss or injury”.
The word “statutes” means “enactments or decrees”.
The word “commandments” means “laws or precepts”.
In Psalm 119:11-12, the Bible says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.”
What is our attitude towards the commandments of God?
Do we see them as something that we are privileged to experience, or do we see His laws as some burdensome chore that steals away all of our fun? Do we have a desire to be instructed by God, or are we content with living our own life by our own laws?
There is a common statement being used out there. “I’m living my truth”. What if our truth is an outright lie?
In Leviticus 22:31, the Bible says, “Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the LORD.”
This simply tells us that God is in charge, and whatever He says, goes.
Is the Lord supreme in authority in our lives, or are we subject to His ancient enemy?
In Romans 8:6-8, the Bible says, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”
We can’t be carnal and spiritual. One has to die so the other can live. When we make our own decisions about how our lives should go, we have effectively rejected our Lord as King in our lives.
The word “command” means “to charge or set in place”.
The phrase “may go well” speaks of the blessings that proceed obedience of God’s Word.
The word “prolong” means “lengthen”. Just as a parent praises the child that follows the rules, God is no different.
In Deuteronomy 5:16, the Bible says, “Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
Not only will our lives be blessed for obeying God’s commands, but He will give us long life as well.
In Deuteronomy 6:3, the Bible says, “Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.”
People want the blessings of God without the obedience, treating God like a wealthy parent that is expected to give no matter how we act.
In Deuteronomy 6:18, the Bible says, “And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers.”
Just as God promises a good land to the Israelites, we have a spiritual kingdom promised for us to experience.
Solid obedience goes a very long way, and if we will heed the Word of God, we can expect His blessing in our lives.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 5, 2024 – Jude 1:16 – refusing to be mesmerized by the boastful elite of society
“These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.”
Jude 1:16
Hi Everyone!
We live in a braggadocio society where people flaunt their wares all over social media in order to gain a following.
There are some content creators that have millions of followers, and may even have millions of dollars, but what is their message?
The church is being invaded by people like this; people of status and acclaim that could very well pluck the membership away from the truth due to the allure of possessions and power.
They, like people of the world, have no desire to live according to the Gospel, but rather, they desire to live only by whatever they desire.
False teaching and false doctrine is flooding the world, and one of the ways it is being funneled through the church is by people who sound like they have it all together. Don’t be tricked!
Today, we look at Jude 1:16, refusing to be mesmerized by the boastful elite of society.
“These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.”
The word “these” suggests that there is more to this verse than what is listed in the above passage.
We have to come to an understanding about who “these” are, so that we don’t attach this to the wrong people. Knowing who the Scripture is referring to and who the Scripture is for is highly important, because Scripture is frequently misapplied because of the lack of context.
This is also the reason people are also carried away by prosperity doctrine or other false teaching because Scripture is taken out of context.
Going back, in Jude 1:14-15, the Bible says, “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”
These are people who I don’t want to be found with when this happens.
“These” are the ungodly, who are operating in the earth as if their actions have no consequences.
The word “murmurers” means “grumblers”.
I know this is a toxic environment, because being in prison, there are many people who grumble about what is wrong with everything while not lifting a finger to change anything.
The word “complainers” means “blaming fate, or discontent”. This is the person who exercises no personal accountability, and always looks for a culprit for what is wrong in their lives, never once looking at themselves.
In Philippians 2:14-15, the Bible says, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”
We can’t be murmurers and complainers without sin being present in our lives, because we have to actually violate God’s word to do these things.
In John 7:11-12, the Bible says, “Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.”
Whenever there is murmuring, the mind is taken off God, and it focuses on things that actually go against the Word of God.
The word “walking” means “to traverse, journey, or live”.
The word “lust” means “a longing for what is forbidden”.
In Galatians 5:16-17, the Bible says, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”
The lust we carry as believers will prevent us from doing what we are supposed to do in the kingdom of God, so it also works to keep those people of the world from experiencing the Gospel.
In James 1:14-15, the Bible says, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
It is what is worldly that comes from us that draws us away from God and it leads to destruction.
The word “advantage” means “useful, or benefit”. Watch out for the people who appear like they have at all, and definitely watch their words.
In Proverbs 28:21-22, the Bible says, “To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.”
Isn’t is odd that a rich person can feed us a load of garbage and we will eat it up, but a poor person can’t tell us the truth?
Watch out for “these”.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 6, 2024 – 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God will see us all the way through, for His glory
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
Hi Everyone!
As believers, there is often an uphill climb to live out the faith in our lives.
This uphill climb is the reason why most people quit, or bear little fruit.
Most don’t realize that the struggles we face, the battles we encounter, the failures we have and the brokenness we feel is a part of the greater plan that is going to build us into the people fit for the purpose God has for us.
There is going to be testing involved, because in 1 Corinthians 10:13, the Bible says:
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Three things need to be considered in this verse.
First, we are going through things that others face, so we aren’t alone in our struggle. Feeling like an island is dangerous ground for a believer, because from an island, how can they call for help?
Psalms 121:1-2, says, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth”.
How can God’s help take root in our hearts if we feel no one will hear us and understand us?
Hebrews 4:15 says, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin”
Knowing this let’s us know that we are in the presence of a loving, understanding God who truly sees us.
Second, we have to understand that we serve a faithful God.
In Philippians 1:6, the Bible says, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”.
God sees us through His good purpose for our lives, and even when we struggle, we have an all-knowing God who will allow something that seems like it is breaking us to build us stronger than we ever have been.
In James 1:2-4, the Bible says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Doesn’t it sound comical to “count it all joy” when experiencing a personal hell, almost unreasonable?
God is not asking us to celebrate the trial, but the triumph, that we have a God who is building us to make us equipped for something we haven’t even faced yet!
God knows what He is doing, even when we don’t.
Third, we have to understand that in the midst of trial, God provides a way through it. God knows when we have had enough and are fast approaching our breaking point.
In Jude 1:24, the Bible says, “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy”,
This verse is expressing that God has no desire to see His children broken, in despair and giving up.
In Psalm 91:11-12, the Bible says, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
This provision is available to those who remain in that secret place of God, in God’s beautiful presence, in prayer and fellowship with Him.
This is why Psalms 91:1-2 says, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”
Our way through a bad ordeal isn’t some trap door, but is in the presence of God, where He will provide us with the instruction or comfort to see us through our trial.
Two days ago, I had a video visit with my wife. What was supposed to be a beautiful time between husband and wife was interrupted numerous times by the correctional staff who believed that my wife’s workout shorts were inappropriate dress for the video visit. These interruptions putting a strain on our time together, and caused a huge argument between me and Jess in the process, making an already bad situation worse. This incident produced a brokenness in me where I wanted to give up, because the good I do and am doing seems to always be met with resistance by correctional staff.
I was angry, hurt, and frustrated, but God planted a brother I have done nearly twenty years of time with on my unit to talk me off of the ledge.
Weirdly, this whole incident was viewed by guys on our unit who commended me for my response during this trial. Somehow, God got the glory from this!
We will never get advanced notice of when the trials of our lives will come, but one thing we can be certain of is that God will see us all the way through them, for His glory!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Perspective
Nov 7, 2024 – 1 Corinthians 10:23 – and reflect on whether or not our lives edify the Church
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”
1 Corinthians 10:23
Hi Everyone!
As believers, we don’t have a license to live the way we want to live.
The blood of Jesus Christ is a perpetual washing that cleanses us from sin and makes us righteous before God, but that does not give us permission to live a life of sin.
Too many people punch their ticket for salvation and then take their foot off the gas, knowing that they are going to heaven regardless when it’s all over.
We shouldn’t have the mind where we even want to do whatever we want to do, but what God’s will commands us to do.
We should use our salvation to be beacons of light and hope to an unsaved world. We should use our relationship with God to help build up the house of God and advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We shouldn’t ever live life as if we have a “free pass”, because our salvation means much more to God than our ability to do whatever we want. It should mean much more to us too.
Today, we look at 1 Corinthians 10:23, and reflect on whether or not our lives edify the Church.
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”
Paul is dealing with a ton of issues in the Corinthian church: sexual immorality, false teaching, merging the faith with pagan traditions and customs, and the list goes on. Through a series of correspondences, Paul is trying to right the ship in Corinth by giving them the truth and also by showing them how they’re actions counter the truth.
The phrase “all things are lawful” is actually used as Paul uses air quotes, mimicking the speech of those in Corinth who have adopted this erroneous catch phrase.
This became a message that has spread through the church, giving people license to do whatever, but in 1 Corinthians 10:21, the Bible clearly says, “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.”
We can’t sprinkle a little Satan into our Christian diet and expect to find true success in what we do. The concept of “all things are lawful” is a cop out used by people who don’t want to grow spiritually.
In Luke 16:13, the Bible says, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
Just as we can’t serve God and serve money, we can’t serve God and serve sinfulness.
In Romans 8:5, the Bible says, “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.”
The nature we serve will clearly be evident by the fruit we bear in our lives, and it will also be a living testimony to what is at work within us.
In Romans 8:7-8, the Bible says, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.”
How can “all things be lawful” if it places a wedge between us and God preventing us from living lives that please the One who made us?
The word “expedient” means “in the sense of contributing; advantageous or profitable”.
The word “edify” means “to construct or build up the house”.
In a society where people are content with going buck wild, we have to ask ourselves as believers do our actions and lifestyles contribute something to the advancement of the Gospel, or do they provide something that merely fulfills our own longings?
In 2 Corinthians 13:5, the Bible says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
We have to measure our actions and even our mindsets with the Word of God to ensure that we are operating from a Godly perspective.
In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, the Bible says, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
We have to remember that our allegiance should be to the kingdom of God, so our actions will produce fruit that will help further the advancement of the Gospel in our homes, communities, and in the world.
In Romans 6:16, the Bible says, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
This is going to be evident, but if we adopt the Corinthians speech of “all things are lawful”, we will undoubtedly position ourselves to serve our own passions instead of serving the living God, behaviour that puts us on the path to a very destructive life.
How is the kingdom of God spread by that?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Perspective
Nov 8, 2024 – 1 Corinthians 10:24 – seeking the good of our neighbor over our own good
“Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.”
1 Corinthians 10:24
Hi Everyone!
We live in a world where selfishness abounds.
More and more people are deeply concerned with “getting theirs”, so much that they are willing to walk over those in need who are sitting right in front of them.
It is so unusual that people are giving yet it is celebrated like some miraculous fear, but as believers, it should be something that we are actively and regularly doing.
In our own communities, who are the outcasts that get to experience our love?
Who is that wayward teen that we haven’t taken the time to know their name even, before we pigeonholed them as a failure to society?
When have we taken the time to tell someone in need that we are here for them?
Have we gotten so far off the track that we are only concerned with our success and our success alone?
The church in Corinth had this issue, but nearly two thousand years later, we are even more self-centered and even greedier than ever.
Today we will reflect on 1 Corinthians 10:24, seeking the good of our neighbor over our own good.
“Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.”
The word “seek” means “to enquire, endeavour, desire, or pursue”.
The word “wealth” means “resources, means, or abilities”. It should also be noted that the word “wealth” was italicized, which means that the word was added later for more contextual clarity.
Think about this:
In just one chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul was writing about the history of Israel, and how long before Christ came to this world they were doing things that didn’t please God. Paul’s writing also warns us to be better than those he was writing to who sought their own way. He is also dealing with enduring personal trials by walking the way God desires us to walk through trials.
Paul then turns to those who partake in the evil customs and sacrifices to idols.
Now, we can see that he is talking to those of us who are looking after our own ambitions while leaving others in the church behind.
Sounds like the church was having some real issues in Corinth, doesn’t it?
In Romans 12:1, the Bible says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Being a living sacrifice is someone who lives their life in service to others through God. This means that we are to always consider someone else’s estate before we consider our own.
In Luke 6:38, Christ says, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
We are so busy trying to get what we think we have coming to us, instead of making sure that our brothers and sisters have what they need, that we are missing the command of Christ with His promise attached, that if we give it will come back abundantly.
When we live for only our benefit it implies a lack of trust in the provision of God.
In Romans 15:1-3, the Bible says, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.”
Imagine this. We buy a house in a neighborhood, and to make our house bigger, we tear down other houses, all while flaunting our wealth. Before long, we have the most beautiful house on the block, in the middle of a relative slum, because we didn’t once think about building up our community, by using our wealth to help others.
Christ didn’t use His heavenly wealth and ability to serve Himself. He took a serious “pay cut” to come to this world to serve us, and then gave His life so that we could experience salvation and eternal life.
He did this for us, not for Himself.
What is our ambition, to be known for our ability, money, and resources, or to be known for our service?
In 1 Corinthians 10:33, the Bible says, “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”
Paul’s goal was to contribute everything God had given him to help as many people as possible receive salvation.
This should be our goal, to have more concern about the spiritual state of others than we do about accumulating worldly goods. What is the use of having all the spiritual knowledge possible if we don’t use it to advance the kingdom?
In Philippians 2:4-5, the Bible says, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”.
When we have the mind of Christ, our brother and sister will matter to us more than we do, and we will always have a posture that readies us to assist those in need.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Perspective
Nov 9, 2024 – 1 Corinthians 6:15 – keeping our union with Christ pure
“Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.”
1 Corinthians 6:15
Hi Everyone!
When we become believers of Jesus Christ, we receive salvation from sin, redemption from the penalty of death, and admittance in the kingdom of God, where we can live in Him forever.
This essentially becomes a marriage, and in marriage the two become one flesh.
This means that whatever one person does, the other will experience the effects, whether good or bad.
Because we have been cleansed from sin, we affect our fellowship with God when we revert back to our old patterns .
It bothers God when we sin because we are connected to the body of Christ, and we essentially are unfaithful to the union we have pledged.
The church in Corinth was trying to sprinkle in their old habits with their salvation, but they were no different than we are, trying to merge sinful behavior that we have been delivered from. This shouldn’t be.
Today, we look at 1 Corinthians 6:15, keeping our union with Christ pure.
“Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.”
Intention is everything and Christ prayed that we would be one in Him.
In John 17:20-21, the Bible says, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
If we look at this passage carefully, we will see that when we walk in oneness with Christ, it actually produces a credibility for the world that God is in us. So, when we break that fellowship with God, we hinder the world’s ability to see God’s work through us.
In fact, we bring a black eye to the faith, because we make the faith a joke when the world sees us acting no differently from them.
In Romans 6:13-14, the Bible says, “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
God has essentially allowed us a second chance at life in Him, so we should always use what God has given us to bring glory and honor to Him. That is, we display His credibility through our behavior and through our interactions with others.
The word “know” expresses a oneness with the truth, and an understanding of the truth that allows a person to act according to the truth.
In Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
When we are members of Christ, we make ourselves available for God’s service, to be used by Him for His benefit, in displaying His glory through us.
The word “member” means “a limb or part of the body”.
In Romans 12:4-5, the Bible says, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
Our roles in the kingdom are not the same, and that is perfectly okay, because together, we make up the body of Christ that is fully equipped together to produce the will of God in the world.
In 1 Corinthians 12:25-27, the Bible says, “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”
God doesn’t desire division within His body, because His creative intent is that of marriage, where the two are undivided. Not only should the husband be not separated from his wife, but the wife should not be divided either. Being divided prevents God’s glory from being revealed when each party serves their owe agenda and not God’s.
If we truly care about God, then we won’t join our bodies to a “harlot”, which means “an idolater or a whore”, because being one body, we will always be considerate of how our behavior affects our spouse and especially the God we serve.
In Ephesians 4:15-16, the Bible says, “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
Instead of division due to sin, there should be unison in accountability and purpose, where we all work together to edify Christ.
Christ has to be our focus, not us.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Perspective
Nov 10, 2024 – Philippians 3:9 – forsaking our own righteousness to obtain the righteousness of God in Christ.
“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith”
Philippians 3:9
Hi Everyone!
Too many of us go down the rabbit hole of pursuing our own righteousness, sending us spiralling in legalism that will never take us any closer to Christ.
It is important to follow the rules, but the purpose has changed when we have put on the righteousness of God by faith in Jesus Christ, to one of desire to follow and not of obligation to follow.
Those who are living their lives trying not to step on cracks are seriously missing out on the abundant life promised to us, and those who are sitting in the judgment seat on those who struggle in their sin are no better off spiritually.
We can follow all the law, which is still impossible, but if we don’t place our faith in the name of Jesus Christ, then we aren’t any more saved that those in the world.
Having the righteousness of God ensures that when God looks at us, He doesn’t see our flaws, He sees Christ’s blood perpetually atoning for our sin.
Today, we look at Philippians 3:9, forsaking our own righteousness to obtain the righteousness of God in Christ.
“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith”
The phrase “be found in Him” refers to being spiritually united with Christ, and therefore found not guilty before God as the divine judge.
We know this is true because in Romans 8:1-2, the Bible says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
When I became a believer, I was then under a new ‘law’ of grace, that of the kingdom of God, because like other kingdoms it has it’s own set to rules to be followed. Now as a believer, I am called to serve the law of faith and love, that is only given by faith in Jesus Christ.
Therefore there is no-one who can ever condemn us when we are in Christ, and we have clear evidence of God’s intention when we look at the story of the woman who was caught in the act of adultery.
She was brought before Jesus and her accusers claimed that the law said that they should stone her, but they wanted to catch Jesus out, and asked His say on the subject. Christ flips it and tells them that whoever is without sin could cast the first stone.
Of course, no one hurled a stone because all have sinned, and they departed, leaving her with Jesus.
In John 8:10-11, the Bible says, “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
Christ came to show us that when we are in Him, there is no one that can truly stand in judgment against us, nor will He!
The word “righteousness” according to the law of Moses, was a justification that arose by following the rules and statutes before Christ, which gave others the ability to stand in judgment against those who didn’t follow the rules.
But the word “righteousness” according to faith in Jesus Christ is the justification that God gives, where believers stand in a right relationship with God due to their salvation, which is the result of their faith in Jesus Christ.
Only this righteousness expresses the evidence of holiness in God’s eyes, because the blood of Jesus Christ enables believers to stand holy before a holy God.
In Romans 10:3-4, the Bible says, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”
When we don’t know who we are, we will meander through life trying to establish an identity, getting no closer to it.
When we know who we are in Christ, we don’t need to work for God’s gift of holiness as we already walk in it daily. If we truly follow Christ we will let the Holy Spirit continue to conform us into the image of God.
The word “faith” refers to a firm persuasion, belief, constancy, and fidelity, the result of our standing with Christ.
In Romans 9:30-32, the Bible says, “What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone”.
We don’t want to be people who are fighting to be something that we already are in Him. The worldly are trying to look saved, but the believers in Christ are already saved and living from that righteousness that is in faith.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Perspective
Nov 11, 2024 – Romans 6:14 – being under grace and not the law
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
Romans 6:14
Hi Everyone!
Sometimes, we feel powerless to the sinful nature that tries to seep back into our midst.
We are saved and we are trying to live a holy life, but here comes this temptation, this thing that threatens to destroy our walk of faith.
Sometimes, we are strong enough to withstand it, but other times, we give in and do something we have been delivered from.
What do we do? Well, first we confess our sin before God, then we accept His forgiveness, and finally, we get back on the horse and keep pressing forward.
We are no longer under the law, with its regulations and punishments, but we are under grace, where God doesn’t give us a “sin pass”, excusing our sin, but He does give us the power to not have sin enslave us.
Today, we will reflect on Romans 6:14, being under grace and not the law.
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
The word “sin” speaks of the proneness to sin, the desire to sin, or the propensity to sin.
The word “dominion” means “to rule or exercise lordship over”.
A pastor that comes to the prison I am housed in says, “As a believer, I am not sinless, but I sin less”. That is because the lordship that sin once had over mankind was broken on the cross when the blood of Jesus Christ redeemed us from the penalty of sin and death.
In Romans 8:2, the Bible says, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
We entered into the kingdom of God when we received salvation, and when in a new kingdom there are new laws by which we follow.
If we move to a different country, the laws that once governed us are nullified, because the new country’s law must be followed. How many believers go to church while struggling in sin, because then have not understood that sin’s hold on them is actually broken in Christ?
In Romans 7:4-5, the Bible says, “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.”
Being saved, we have the ability to produce different fruit under God, the fruit of the Spirit that will produce evidence of our salvation.
No one says that this will be some overnight process, but slowly but surely, we will become more and more like our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
As an unbeliever, sin was lord, but that lordship was broken.
God promises in our topic verse that sin would not triumph in our lives, because we live in the victory of Jesus Christ over sin, as long as we maintain His ‘in Christ’ relationship.
Living under the law implied living under the Mosaic law where that law and sin ruled over God’s people.
Living under the law of grace means that we are living under the new covenant of Christ, and the word “grace” speaks of the divine grace and favour exercised in conferring gifts, graces, and benefits on man. This is God’s divine empowerment, giving us power over sin.
In Galatians 5:13-14, the Bible says, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Just because we are under grace, doesn’t mean we can do what we want, but it means that we can walk in love towards God and mankind because we have been given that ability. We still have the choice to not use our salvation to look any different than the world, but under grace we have the tools to come out from among the world and be separate as 2 Corinthians 6:17 says.
In Romans 3:24-25, the Bible says, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God”.
We don’t have to work for salvation and righteousness because those are gifts freely given to us by faith in Jesus Christ.
We now work from salvation, and instead of sin being our focus, fulfilling God’s purpose in us becomes our new goal.
In Ephesians 2:10, the Bible says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
With this new life, we have the power given by the grace of God to actually become who we were created to be.
As long as we are consumed with the law, we won’t ever experience this abundant life promised to us. Allow the power of God to change our hearts instead by living in His grace, where He has fully equipped us to live in Him.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Perspective
Nov 12, 2024 – Philippians 3:15 – believers operating in the same mind as Jesus Christ
“Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”
Philippians 3:15
Hi Everyone!
Believers should be ‘as one’ in the earth, moving together to advance the kingdom of God.
It doesn’t matter if we are Baptist, Pentecostal, Episcopalian, Lutheran, or Assembly of God, etc., our goal is to prepare the way for the Lord’s salvation.
We get so wrapped up in our denominations that we have truly lost sight of the ultimate goal: to fellowship with our loving God in heaven, to live a holy and saved lifestyle that helps attract people to the Gospel message, and to be one in Christ and with each other, so the Holy Spirit has an unobstructed conduit to move through the whole Church.
We have to come back to the Biblical teachings, and rely on God to reveal to us the truth of His Word, not the denomination we are a part of.
Whether we believe it or not, there is only one church, and our divisions are hindering God’s divine intent to assemble us together as one.
Today, we look at Philippians 3:15, believers operating in the same mind as Jesus Christ.
“Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”
The word “therefore” appears here, which means that there is some context from previous Scripture that needs to be understood for us to fully understand this verse.
In Philippians 3:12-14, the Bible says, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Paul writes from the perspective of a person who still lives in a fallen, sinful world, and hasn’t yet reached “perfection”, which is the prize of the fullness of blessings and rewards, now and in the age to come, most especially being in perfect fellowship with Jesus Christ. This is the goal for believers, to experience the Lord Jesus Christ now in Him, not physically but in our spirit, and eventually face to face in heaven.
The word “perfect” doesn’t mean flawless, but it means “completeness, spiritually mature, full grown in knowledge and truth”.
The phrase “thus minded” refers to any who entertai the sentiment expressed in Philippians 3:12-14, that our goal is to experience “perfect” fellowship with Jesus Christ now and when this life is over and we are gone to glory.
In Philippians 2:5, the Bible says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”.
Our goal on earth is to have and exercise the mind of Christ. When Christ walked the earth, there were the same types of divisions within the body, but the difference was that Christ wasn’t the head. We have more denominations than we could name, all are supposed to be representing Christ.
In John 17:20-21, Christ prays, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
Christ knew that He was soon going to the cross, and His desire for the Church He was leaving behind was for them individually to be one in Him as He is with God.
How well do we think we are succeeding in that?
Through denominationalism, are we representing the unity Christ prayed for, where the ultimate goal is to live in Him until we live with Him in heaven?
In 1 Corinthians 2:6-7, the Bible says, “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory”.
True wisdom is directly in line with the Word of God, and is designed to bring us into oneness with God and each other. The wisdom of the world, which comes through our flesh, is what causes the separations we experience today. The goal of our faith has become secondary to the ‘groups’ that we have aligned with.
The word “reveal” means “to disclose or take the cover off”.
We have to trust in God to reveal truth to us when we disagree.
In 1 Corinthians 14:20, the Bible says, “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.”
The idea of “being men” expresses spiritual maturity, not gender.
This means that we have to remember James 1:5, which says. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
We have relied on denominations to reveal the truth concerning God’s word and will for our lives. That must come to an end. We must only rely on God’s Word.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 13, 2024 – Daniel 3:25 – the God who stands in the fire with us
“He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
Daniel 3:25
Hi Everyone!
Life will always present some level of trouble and trial.
No matter how far along in the faith we are, we are going to experience some form of testing that will produce some level of adversity.
It is much bigger than us.
I have experienced my share of hardships and testing that turned out to be a testimony, because someone watched me struggle and persevere right before their eyes.
We can never control everything that happens to us, but we can be confident in the fact that if we are going through it, that God has our end already figured out.
There have been moments where I am so grateful for the trials, because it gave me the testimony that has been effective in showing others that they can make it too.
Today, we will reflect upon Daniel 3:25, the God who stands in the fire with us.
“He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
In this passage in Daniel, we have Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were in charge of the affairs of Babylon. They were three of the distinguished captured young men of Judah who participated in the governmental activities of Babylon while in exile. Imagine a prisoner becoming the mayor of a city, and you can understand how valuable they must have been to Nebuchadnezzar.
Now, Nebuchadnezzar had a statue erected, and he called everyone to worship what he had made.
In Daniel 3:4-6, the Bible says, “Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
The instructions were given, and they were pretty clear, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to comply with the command, even knowing the punishment. Their refusal was so evident that other Chaldeans saw it, and they told the king that these men refused to comply with his command.
Here is where it gets real. Nebuchadnezzar gives them another chance to comply, but:
In Daniel 3:17-18, the Bible says, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”
They didn’t care what would happen to them, and they showed Nebuchadnezzar that there is no compromise when it comes to serving God.
So Nebuchadnezzar got mad and commanded them pitched into the fiery furnace, now heated up seven times hotter. The king’s own ‘mighty men’ who bound the three were killed by the super hot flames as the three were tossed into the furnace.
This was supposed to be their end, right? Not so!
Nebuchadnezzar and his servants see another in the fire, as the beautiful song by Hillsong United says!
Not only was God with them in the fire, but He walked around with them in a place that should have consumed the three instantly.
In Isaiah 43:2, the Bible says, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
It is amazing when we can see the Bible confirm itself, not just in word, but in action. This passage in Daniel is confirming what was written by Isaiah, and it gives us another piece of evidence of how closely God protects us in love.
In Psalm 34:6-7, the Bible says, “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.”
Once again, this example in Daniel confirms the writings of David, showing us that God responds to our cries, and we have His angels as protection against harm.
The word “hurt” means “harm or damage”. When God is involved, we won’t look like what we have been through. They were thrown into a fire, and nothing was burned!
In Acts 28:5-6, the Bible says, “And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.”
Paul was bitten by a snake and should have suffered some instant ill effect, but nothing changed.
Seeing this, they had no choice to attribute it to God, even though they didn’t know who God is.
Have we ever thought that the trials we face will open up the door for people to experience the presence of God?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Perspective
Nov 14, 2024 – Matthew 7:5, removing the judgment from our perspective
“Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”
Matthew 7:5
Hi Everyone!
We live in a very judgmental society, one that is rotting from the inside out.
We as believers, look at the fallibility in other believers without considering our own fallibilities, and we then have the audacity to try to “help” them with their issues without considering dealing with our own.
Maybe that is our intent, to be so focused on identifying the flaws of others that we don’t see our own.
This attitude is something Jesus does not want present in the church as we are then so busy pointing fingers at each other instead of learning to be directed in the Way of the Lord.
This is what the enemy wants, that we remain so stagnant in offense that we never grow into the people of God that we are called to be.
We must do away with these judgmental attitudes as we are causing a slow decay within the kingdom of God on earth, because we are looking at each other, itching to say, “aha”, instead of looking to Jesus, who teaches us how to begin and end our faith.
Today, we will look at Matthew 7:5, removing the judgment from our perspective.
“Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”
The word “hypocrite” is an important term to look at because its meaning gives us the ability to see the kind of person who Christ is talking about.
The word “hypocrite” means “an actor in a stage play, or a dissembler”.
Put this together. This is a person, hiding their true feelings and motives, acting like they are saved so they can break apart the work of the kingdom.
In Matthew 7:15-17, the Bible says, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.”
The person who stands in judgment against another is not operating in the name of Jesus, but they aim to destroy the work of God. We are not going to always see them by their words, but we will see them by their behavior.
The word “cast” means “to toss or throw”.
The word “beam” refers to a stick of timber, what we would know as a plank.
Having a 2×4 in our eye would definitely distort our vision so we could barely see. This speaks of the sin that we live in that blocks our vision from seeing the Word of God, and hearing the leading of the Holy Spirit.
In Luke 12:56-57, the Bible says, “Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?”
Christ is showing us that we are not equipped to sit in judgment against another, especially when we have a record of sin that we have to address within ourselves.
Doesn’t the Bible says in Philippians 2:12, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Now if our focus is supposed to be on making sure that we are living according to the Word of God, how do we have time to focus in on how someone else is living?
Doesn’t the Bible also say in Ephesians 4:1-3, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
When we are focused on making sure that we are living a holy life, we don’t have time to focus on the useless thought processes that only aim to separate believers.
If I have sinned, then that should give me a heart of compassion towards others who are struggling in sin, not disdain and judgment.
When we are looking down on people, then we are living in pride, and meekness has gone out of the window. How can we experience unity within the body when judging divides us?
In James 5:16, the Bible says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
The Bible clearly tells us that we should be working together and not against each other in order to eradicate sin from our lives, building a community of accountability, not accusation.
In Revelation 12:10, the Bible says, “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”
Think about it. When we judge our brothers and sisters, we come into agreement with the enemy by being an instrument of his strategy in the kingdom.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Perspective
Nov 15, 2024 – Luke 6:37 – a real love beyond judgment and condemnation, a love that forgives and restores
“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven”.
Luke 6:37
Hi Everyone!
One of the main reasons people give for not going to church is that too many churchgoers judge them and make them feel like outsiders.
Sadly, this is true, and they feel judged and condemned before they can begin to introduce themselves.
Before churches became more contemporary in nature, allowing the wearing of jeans, tee-shirts, and sneakers, some churchgoers would criticize them for not wearing a suit, and form a wall against them, without considering that maybe the Lord called them to church that day.
Too many times, we pass judgments that are our own thoughts and not the mind of Christ, and that shouldn’t be, because by expressing our undesirable opinions, we push people away from hearing the Gospel message.
While we are a church that doesn’t condone sin, we must truly love the sinner, as Christ does, with an everlasting love.
There is a big difference between the Lord standards of loving us and laying our own standards on others.
Today, we will look at Luke 6:37, a real love beyond judgment and condemnation, a love that forgives and restores.
“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven”.
The word “judge” means “to decide in one’s own mind what is right, proper, and expedient; to form or express an opinion about someone”.
Within this definition we can understand what is truly wrong with our using our own mind to form these judgments, and giving our own opinions, not Biblical facts.
In Philippians 2:5, the Bible says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”.
In 1 Corinthians 2:16, the Bible says, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”
From these two verses, we understand that we are not to exercise our own mind and judgment, but we are to allow the Word of God to be our template and the Holy Spirit to be our discernment. There should not be this big difference between how God sees us and how we see others.
Remember the story in Luke 7, where Jesus went to the Pharisee’s house to eat, and there was a woman there who was a sinner, who broke the alabaster box and poured the fragrant oil on Jesus’ feet? Christ posed a question, asking which person indebted to his master and forgiven would love him more, the one who owed him the least, or owed him the most?
In Luke 7:43, the Bible says, “Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.”
See, it is okay for us to form judgments about things and to be right about them, because 2 Timothy 2:15 says,
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
God expects us to use discernment, the discernment given to us by the Holy Spirit, instead of using our own thoughts on the subject.
In Luke 7:47, Christ says of this woman called a sinner by the Pharisee, “Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.”
The Pharisee judged her as a sinner, but Christ judged her as forgiven. Do you see how our opinions can distort the truth of God?
The word “condemn” means “to pronounce guilty, cast judgment against”.
In Romans 8:1-2, the Bible says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
Who are we to condemn someone without knowing who they are in the Lord? If we form negative opinions about people, restrict their access to Christ through us, and then expect them to change their lives, we deny Christ.
In John 8:10-11, the Bible says, “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
Jesus, who is God incarnate, didn’t condemn the woman taken in adultery and had every right to.
What is our problem?
The word “forgive” means “to free fully from debt or obligation, or to pardon”.
Being in prison, I understand that a pardon is something that not only would release me from prison, but would be a total wiping of my sentence off of my record.
In Matthew 6:14-15, Christ says, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
This is cut and dried, because we have Christ who, by His death on the cross, forgave us, relieving us of all of our sin. Let this be our example.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 16, 2024 – Matthew 7:6 – planting seeds on good soil
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
Matthew 7:6
Hi Everyone!
In prison, there are always moments where I share the Word with someone. Being in prison also makes me realize that not everyone is going to listen, nor are people going to respect what you have to say.
The same dynamic exists out there, especially on social media, because my wife and I have been trolled for saying something healthy and wholesome.
What is the alternative, saying nothing?
This is where the enemy wants us, in a place where we grow silent, refusing to share what God commands and also refusing to speak life over our own circumstances.
This is also where we have to understand that God his given us discernment, and even a warning system, to step away from unfruitful conversations.
There is really such a thing as wasted words, because a seed can be planted in the concrete.
Today, we will look at Matthew 7:6, planting seeds on good soil.
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.“
The word “give” means “to commit unto, or to bestow upon”.
The word “holy” means “consecrated by God, sacred, or set apart for a Godly use”.
The word “dogs” has two meanings.
The first meaning is an actual dog, as in the streets in those times, dogs lived in squalor and scavenged.
The second definition comes out of Matthew 15:26-27, which says, “But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”
Christ used the word “dog” to identify the Gentile people, who from a spiritual standpoint, assume the same characteristic as the actual dog. These are people who are apart from God and without the Holy Spirit dwelling within them that will allow them to receive the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
These are also people who reject the Gospel message.
In Acts 13:45-46, the Bible says, “But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.”
The Jews rejected the ministry of Jesus Christ spoken through Paul and Barnabas, so they turned away from them, turning to the people who would receive the message, the Gentiles!
Now wouldn’t this seem like a contradiction, that God would command us not to waste our words on certain Jews, that Paul and Barnabas clearly turned to the Gentiles to preach the Gospel? Not at all!
In John 3:16, Christ says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Whosoever is an all-exclusive term, telling us that salvation is available to all in the world that believe in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is clear that God doesn’t want us speaking to brick walls, especially after realizing that they aren’t listening.
The word “rend” means “to break or tear apart”.
Ever heard of the old adage “Don’t shoot the messenger”?
In Proverbs 9:7-8, the Bible says, “He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.”
There are conditions to who we disperse the Word to, and the wise man is going to take our words. They will allow them to be planted, and appreciate you for taking the time to share the Word with them. The fool, which is the ‘dog’ and the ‘swine’, are those who are going to try to ruin you for trying to help them.
In Proverbs 23:9, the Bible says, “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.”
I have been despised for bearing the truth. There are people in my prison environment that do not like me because of who I am in Christ, so they reject my words, even though they may know it is the best thing for them.
Here is why:
In John 8:43-44, the Bible says, “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
We have to understand that we are speaking different languages with those of the world who despise and reject our message of Christ, and sadly, some don’t want to learn. Shake the dust off of your feet and move on towards those who will.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 17, 2024 – Matthew 7:7- asking, seeking and knocking
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you”.
Matthew 7:7
Hi Everyone!
I have been in prison for the last 21 years, and I have been blessed by God to change my life for the better, a life where I can serve His purpose for my life, and become who He created me to be.
Over the years, God has shown Himself faithful, far beyond anything I could see or even measure, and He has given me favor with people that I would not have had otherwise.
God has allowed me to accomplish things that I thought I would never be able to accomplish, and even when I ran from the prophecy I was given, that I would preach the Word of God, He gently led me back into that word spoken over my life on my 17th birthday.
Amid all of these blessings, my heart aches with longing, because I am still in prison and I want to be home with my wife and our kids, where I know I belong.
Even though the wait seems long, I know in my heart that God has not only answered my prayer, but He is positioning me to receive the assistance and favor necessary to have it.
We have to believe that when we ask God for help, He responds, and He desires to give us what is in His will.
Today, we will look at Matthew 7:7, asking, seeking and knocking.
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you”.
Because of my longing to be free, it produces an agony to be home, so in looking at this verse, it is easy to say, “I’ve done all of this a million times, but I am still waiting.
Am I doing something wrong?”
Trust me, this is where the enemy wants us, in a place where we attempt to discount the promises of God because the wait is longer than we’d like.
Here is where Habakkuk 2:2-3 comes in, which says, “And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”
Just as the vision of God is for an appointed time, the answer to our prayers are for an appointed time. Think not?
In Daniel 10:12, the Bible says, “Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.”
Daniel received a terrifying vision, and prayed to God for the answer. He didn’t eat or drink due to the magnitude of the vision, and it took three weeks for God to deliver the answer to Daniel. Three weeks might as well been a lifetime, but his prayer was answered immediately.
Sometimes, there is a wait between the time we ask and the time the promise is delivered, and in Daniel 10:13, the Bible says,
“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.”
Do you think Satan wants God to answer our prayers? Absolutely not! There is a fight in heaven going on over the answer to our prayers, which shows us how important our prayers are to God.
The word “ask” means “to supplicate, request, or pray for”.
The word “given” means “to bestow upon”.
The word “seek” means “to desire or to worship”.
The word “find” means “to obtain”.
Have we ever considered our posture when making our request before the Lord?
Have we ever considered His will as we make our requests before God?
In 1 John 5:14-15, the Bible says, “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”
There is no doubt that God hears our prayers, but God’s will isn’t just about whether or not He will honor the request, but it is also about timing as well.
In John 15:7, Christ says, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
Are we living epistles, allowing God’s word to dwell and reign?
God isn’t an ATM machine or a genie lamp, dispensing whatever wish and whim we have.
His Word is the standard by which He answers His prayers, not merely our desires.
Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
Have we brought ourselves to a place of conformity to God’s word where we allow Him to form us according to His will? That is when we get the desires of our heart.
In Matthew 21:22, Christ says, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”
Then, do we really believe that God has answered our prayers? Do we stand in faith or disbelief?
Let us reflect on how we make a request to God. Does our request align with God’s will, and whether we have the faith to see His will done?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 18, 2024 – Matthew 13:11 – receiving the mysteries of God as children and heirs
“He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”
Matthew 13:11
Hi Everyone!
As believers of Jesus Christ, we now have been seated in heavenly places in Christ, a position given to us by God.
Just like if we became the citizen of another country, we would have to become one with their laws, culture, and also their language.
Believers have the ability to receive the mysteries of the kingdom of God because as citizens, it is a part of our history and culture to understand where we came from, what purpose we have in the earth, and how God desires us to fulfill that purpose.
We also have a direct line of communication with God by the Holy Spirit, where God wants us to know His secrets. It is something truly amazing when God reveals Himself to His children.
We have something as believers that the world doesn’t, and in that should lie our desire to help point the way to Christ, so it too can receive the mysteries of the kingdom of God.
Today, we will reflect on Matthew 13:11, receiving the mysteries of God as children and heirs.
“He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”
Before we go onto our study, we notice that Christ is providing an answer to a question. For context, let’s go back and find out what was asked and why.
In Matthew 13:10, the Bible says, “And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?”
This is the question the disciples asked Jesus Christ after He preached the parable of the sower.
A parable is an earthly story with a divine meaning, and this was a popular teaching method given by Christ so that mankind can understand kingdom principles without necessarily knowing the language.
Consider this to be a seed that will grow beyond the earthly message if planted in a Godly environment. Also, notice that the disciples asked Christ why did He say “unto them” and not “unto us”. This confirms that Christ taught the disciples plainly, because they believe in Christ and were already citizens of heaven.
The word “mysteries” means “secrets, facts, doctrine, or principles not previously revealed, not given by human insight, and also something bestowed upon someone after their initiation into the kingdom of God.”
In Matthew 11:25-26, the Bible says, “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.”
Our own intellect will not allow us to understand the kingdom of God.
Too many people think they can use their vast head knowledge of Scripture to understand the mysteries of God, witness the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and chief priests, who didn’t understand the mysteries of the kingdom of God, people who were supposed to know Scripture inside and out, and even by heart.
Christ rejoiced that God reserved His mysteries for those who would receive them in faith as a child, not as a scholar.
In John 3:10-12, the Bible says, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?”
Christ was speaking to Nicodemus who didn’t understand the concept of being born again through salvation. Christ essentially told Nicodemus that by having this position in the Church should mean that he is fluent in these matters, not to be taught as from a blank canvas.
In 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, the Bible says, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty”.
Our vast knowledge will get us no closer to understanding spiritual things, because God is looking for people willing to “be dumb” in order to receive His wisdom.
The key word to our topic verse is “given”, because this is something that we can’t obtain on our own.
The mysteries are given to us by the Holy Spirit.
In John 16:13, Christ says, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
This is why we can receive the mysteries of God as believers but the world can’t, because we have the Holy Spirit unlocking the doors of our understanding. What a blessed position to be in, to understand God directly!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 19, 2024- Matthew 7:11 – a God who loves to bless His children
“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”
Matthew 7:11
Hi Everyone!
Too many of us believers pray and ask God for things, and then question His desire to bestow upon us the things we prayed for.
When it comes to the faith part, we find ourselves contemplating whether or not we are qualified to receive anything from the Lord.
We see our inadequacy and project that upon our God, but if we saw the picture clearly, we would see that the grace of God has covered our inadequacy and His love has made us acceptable in His sight.
Instead of questioning God when our insecurity gets the best of us, let us consider relying on the security in His word, because God’s Word confirms His promises.
Instead of leaning on our faithfulness, let us rely on His faithfulness, and consider the things we have prayed for done.
I had to do the same thing with my freedom, and I profess that God has answered that prayer, and the manifestation of that answered prayer is in tow.
Today, we are going to look at Matthew 7:11, a God who loves to bless His children.
“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”
The word “evil” means “evil-disposed, malevolent, or wicked”.
This is Jesus Christ calling it as it is, conveying to us that our natures are inherently wicked.
In Genesis 6:5, the Bible says, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
This is the attitude mankind had after the fall, to follow after their own imaginations and to be in constant opposition to the Word of God. Look at our world, and we can confirm that mankind is still driven by this nature.
In Romans 5:12-14, the Bible says, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.”
We possessed this sin nature that only the blood of Jesus Christ could correct, but even as believers, we still aren’t sinless.
The word “give” means “to bestow upon”.
The word “good” means “useful, beneficial, or profitable”.
The word “gifts” means “presents”.
Even though we aren’t sinless, we still have the ability to do good in the world, and we have the ability as parents to give our children things that are beneficial to them. Now, compare our best parenting to God and we will see that we vastly fall short. Just as the sin in our lives doesn’t disqualify us from being able to give good gifts, our imperfections do not nullify God’s desire to bestow good gifts upon us.
In Ephesians 2:7, the Bible says, “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”
Most of us want stuff from God, but we haven’t accepted His grace which has bridged the gap between who we are supposed to be and who we are. If God’s grace, by faith in Jesus Christ, makes us righteous before Him, and that has the power to save our souls from the penalty of sin and death, then doesn’t that show us that the things we ask God for are much lighter than what He has already done for us?
We serve a good Father, who enjoyed to bestow good gifts upon us, but let’s look at the word “good” again, but from God’s perspective.
In Genesis 1:3-4, the Bible says, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.”
The word “good” expresses the command and divine intention of God being fulfilled.
This means that His will is being done. Just as we as parents will not give our five year old the keys to a car, God will not bless us with gifts that are outside of His will or that are harmful for us.
In Ephesians 2:8-10, the Bible says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
When we ask God for something, will we ask ourselves will this gift advance the kingdom of God either the dispensation of the gift or through the testimony that will follow the receipt of it? Is God going to be glorified?
In John 16:24, Christ says, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”
Just as we like to see our children’s joy be complete by our gifting, God is the same way, but do we trust in His desire to do exceeding more?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 20, 2024 – 1 Corinthians 14:12 – the priority of building up the church
“Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”
1 Corinthians 14:12
Hi Everyone!
God graciously bestows spiritual gifts upon us, making us distinct, and also making us members of a whole.
He purposely gives us different gifts so that we can be complete, able to reach the needs of any who attend service, or any who may be outside the congregation.
The Church is supposed to be a one stop shop in a sense, where a person should be able to attend and have their spiritual needs fulfilled, but sadly, people in the church are more concerned with gifts and entering certain offices, that they are no longer concerned with the point of the gifts in the first place, that advance the kingdom of God.
God has given us everything, including our circumstances, to allow Him to use us to help build the kingdom of God
But not to show the world what we, on our own, can do.
The pursuit of our gifts means nothing to someone starving, to someone who needs encouraging, or to someone who has lost their way.
Today, we will be reflecting upon 1 Corinthians 14:12, the priority of building up the church.
“Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”
This chapter of 1 Corinthians 14, was written to address a misunderstanding within the church about speaking in tongues. Paul doesn’t once say speaking in tongues is wrong, but he is more concerned about the effect of speaking in tongues on the church as a whole. If someone came up in the middle of service, grabbed a microphone, started speaking in tongues, and then took their seat, other than it being a display of the Holy Spirit, what would we learn from that?
In 1 Corinthians 14:1, the Bible says, “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.”
Paul is teaching us here that love should overflow from our hearts first, and he also encourages us to pursue our spiritual gifts, but he is giving a message to the church in these verses that prophesying is more fruitful for the church as a whole, because it is a direct word spoken from God through someone, something that is clearly understood.
So Paul wants the church to pursue gifts that will help advance the kingdom of God.
The word “zealous” expresses a deep eagerness.
People who are zealous have a relentless pursuit in them that drives them to see their goal accomplished.
The phrase “spiritual gifts” refers to the empowerment imparted by the Holy Spirit on and after the day of Pentecost, by which the apostles and early Christians were endowed with high supernatural qualifications for their work; knowledge equivalent to a full knowledge of gospel truth and the power of prophesying, working miracles, and speaking in other languages previously unknown to them; all done in evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 1:8, Christ says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
God gives us His Holy Spirit so that we can be witnesses in the world, not so that we can put on a show. Our desire should be in all situations, with all gifts, to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The word “excel” means “to superabound or be in excess”.
The word “edifying” means “building up in the faith and advancement of divine life.”
The word “church” means “Christian community or congregation”.
In Romans 14:19, the Bible says, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”
We have to always keep in mind that we have to advance the Gospel message of Christ through our love and through our gifts.
In Romans 12:1, the Bible says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
This verse expresses that we are to make ourselves available to others in service, even having that same sacrificial love that Christ has for us. If someone needed me to explain a Bible verse and I started speaking in tongues, singing songs, or serving food, then I have ignored their need in order to show them the Spirit dwells in me. That is counterproductive to the Gospel.
In 1 Corinthians 14:26, the Bible says, “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.”
In everything we do as believers, we should always have the kingdom of God in mind.
The problems come in where we make it about us instead of about God.
When our pursuit of gifts causes us to turn our backs on building Christian communities, we have lost sight of the gospel.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection [LAST READING OF A DEVO IN CEDAR CENTRE]
Nov 21, 2024 – Psalm 142:7 – a praise from prison declaring release
“Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.”
Psalm 142:7
Hi Everyone!
I keep having dreams that I am being released from prison.
The last one was two nights ago, where the officer, who is charged to Trinity International University here in Fox Lake Correctional, was in charge of packing me up for release.
The notice of release happened suddenly, catching us all by surprise and I was in the property department with the stuff I wanted to take with me.
I feel like David in the cave, under different circumstances, but in prison nevertheless, deeply desiring to go home. I am ready for freedom, and my freedom will allow me to share my testimony everywhere I go that it is God alone who is worthy.
I will praise Him daily and loudly, because He is my liberation and my justice. I am ready to go home to my family where I belong, and I trust that God hears us and will deliver me soon.
Today, we will look at Psalm 142:7, a praise from prison declaring release.
“Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.”
The word “soul” refers to David’s entire being, because not just his body feels imprisoned.
I see this all of the time in my prison environment, where people become institutionalized due to their minds being fixed on prison. Even if released, they would have the hardest time adjusting because they are completely disconnected from free society.
In David’s case, someone anointed to be king, prison was the last place he wanted to be, and the last place he expected to be. This would seem like the prophecy of Samuel was going in the opposite direction, not towards the palace, but further away from it.
Praising God at this point would be an act of total worship and faith, and this is why David was a man after God’s own heart.
In Psalm 34:1-2, the Bible says, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.”
God isn’t looking for people that are going to praise Him when everything is peachy, but from their imprisonment, from their depressive place, and from their struggle within.
Life isn’t going to always provide convenient moments for us to praise God, and in my opinion, praise during trial is like faith on credit, where we are praising God in advance for the victory that is going to happen. We clearly read that David asked God to bring him out of prison so he can praise His name, but we also see by Psalm 34:1-2 that David praises God in all situations.
The word “prison” means “a fastener of a person”, a term that expresses bondage.
David was in a cave, hiding from Saul, but the cave became a prison because he didn’t feel free to leave. How many of us have circumstances that have turned into prison that we need deliverance from?
In Isaiah 42:6-7, the Bible says, “I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.”
Jesus Christ is THE great servant freeing us from spiritual bondage, and THE Holy Spirit that dwells in Christ dwells in us as well!
Christ also came so that we could ALSO experience physical liberation from prison. Think not?
In Isaiah 61:1, the Bible says, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound”.
This is exactly what Christ came for, to open up the prison to those who are bound, to release us from our prison so that we could serve the Lord from freedom, first spiritual, then physical.
The word “praise” means “to hold out the hand in reverence and worship to God”.
The word “name” expresses an appellation of authority. The phrase “shalt deal bountifully with me” simply means “to reward or recompense”.
In Acts 16:25-26, the Bible says, “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”
This is what happens when we praise God in advance for His victory over prison. We know how Paul and Silas’s story ended, with them walking out of prison.
We know David’s story, that he walked out of his prison and went on to become king.
I know my story, that I am going to walk out of prison and become the minister and prison reform activist that I am called to be.
What is your story going to be?
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 22, 2024 – Psalms 142:4 – abandoned in prison, kicked while down
“I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.”
Psalms 142:4
Hi Everyone!
Being in prison, I constantly see people who are disregarded, unacknowledged, and forgotten.
I was one of those people who was left for dead when I was given my life sentence.
Family turned their backs on me, friends left my side, and people I helped turned against me.
Loneliness was an understatement, and my worst fear was playing out before me, because I was alone.
When I read David’s account of hiding in the cave from Saul, which essentially turned into a prison, I realized that my version of suffering carried no candle against what David went through. David saved the Israelites from Goliath, and served in Saul’s kingdom as the harp player that soothed Saul’s broken spirit. David never did anything wrong to Saul, yet he was running for his life, having no choice but to accept the confinement of a cave.
Today, we will look at Psalm 142:4, abandoned in prison, kicked while down.
“I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.”
The word “looked” expresses the reflection of a search that turned up fruitless. This is a serious view into David’s mind, and also the bleakness of his circumstances. He is running for his life and no one is helping him.
The phrase “right hand” refers to one’s strength, so he looked for someone to be strong for him, but couldn’t find it.
Life for David is bad, running from Saul, open season for the enemies of Israel, and he is a man without an army.
The word “know” means “to acknowledge or care for”, so people didn’t just walk away, they disregarded him altogether.
This is what David is experiencing from the cave.
In Psalm 69:19-21, the Bible says, “Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee. Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.”
Now, we know David as a man after God’s own heart, so on our logic, we are telling ourselves that something like this isn’t supposed to be happening to him, especially when he has served faithfully. This is supposed to happen to a sinner who has fallen from grace, not a person who serves God faithfully.
In John 16:32-33, Christ clears the air about that when He says, “Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
So Jesus is foretelling that even His disciples will be scattered, leaving Him alone. Christ also clears the air about His perceived loneliness, because He professes that God is with Him.
Do we understand that God is right with us when people attack and abandon us, when we are despised and rejected, when we can’t see beyond our pain?
We can have peace in the Word of God that will allow us to overcome anything in our path because Christ overcame the world for us!
The phrase “refuge failed me” refers to David’s attempts to rid himself of the feelings of abandonment, fear, and attack, but it also refers to his desire for someone to step in to help him.
In Psalm 31:11, the Bible says, “I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.”
Imagine feeling like you are a stench in the nostrils of those you hold to high esteem. It would rock us mentally and emotionally, wouldn’t it? We would expect it from our enemies, but from our friends? That would be devastating.
In 1 John 2:19, the Bible says, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”
Sometimes, these dark times happen to expose who is really in our corner and who isn’t. God doesn’t make mistakes and He is very intentional in everything He does.
The cave gives one perspective, but look at what is happening as David is praying from the cave.
In 1 Samuel 22:1-2, the Bible says, “David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him.”
God heard David’s prayer and sent a host of people to him! God was already sending the answer as David prayed!
The cave is not the end. It is the place David would be refreshed, where he would build an army, and where he would be released from his bondage and fear!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 23, 2024 – 1 Peter 4:7 – living as if the end is near
“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”
1 Peter 4:7
Hi Everyone!
We are living in the end times.
It has become so much of a cliché that people do not take the implications of this truth seriously.
It was designed to be a call to action, for us to check ourselves to make sure that we are living holy before a Holy God.
We have to check our behavior, our attitudes, and our posture before God, because at any point, our life could be over and we are kneeling before God.
If our posture in this life is one of callous disregard for who we are in Christ, then we should be worried if our life should end today.
In a society that is becoming more Godless by the second, we have to remain firm in the faith, as lights in a dark world.
We have to be the difference, and we have to show this world that the church doesn’t bend to the wishes of the world.
Even if the world doesn’t end right away, we still have to live in expectancy that God is coming back for His children.
Today, we are going to be looking at 1 Peter 4:7, living as if the end is near.
“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”
The word “end” speaking of the time when Christ is going to come back for His church.
The phrase “at hand” means “approaching or near”.
This phrasing is to not pinpoint a time that the Lord will come back for His church, but it does express a posture we are supposed to have within the church, living as if He could come today.
When the disciples asked Christ what would they see in the end times that would indicate that they have arrived there, Matthew 24:4-8 says,
“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.”
All of these things are happening now. We have had cults rise up where they actually believe that the leader is Christ. We have had wars and if you are watching the news, we seem to be one conflict away from another world war. We have had outbreaks of disease hit us, so many earthquakes that they are barely reported anymore, and there are people starving all over the world. We are definitely in the end times depicted very clearly by Christ, so why are we acting like we aren’t there?
The word “sober” means “alert, vigilant, self-controlled, and sound-minded.”
The word “watch” expresses a being on guard.
We can’t fly into the impulses of desires that separate us from the fellowship of God. This world is all about feeling good at all costs, but the church has to be different.
In Matthew 24:13-14, Christ says, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
Our response to the end times should be to advance the kingdom of God, to help people in the world to secure their forever in the Lord, and to share the Gospel to help people grow spiritually. We are using the end times to fulfill whatever longings we have, fulfilling the “you only live once” mentality.
In Hebrews 10:25, the Bible says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
There are believers who tell me that they don’t go to church, nor do they have to go to church. Isn’t that a major problem when believers don’t want to go to church to hear the Word of God?
In James 5:8-9 the Bible says, “Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.”
We also experience infighting within the church, attitudes towards each other that God does not approve of, attitudes that don’t express the love of God.
In 2 Peter 3:9-10, the Bible says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”
Even though we are acting in a manner that doesn’t advance the kingdom, God is still showing us grace and patience, giving us an opportunity to get our lives together, so that we don’t reach the end falling short of the mark.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 24, 2024 – 1 Peter 4:9 – giving from the right heart
“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”
1 Peter 4:9
Hi Everyone!
The worst kind of giver is someone who gives you something and complains about it, right to your face!
One of the worst feelings is when you receive something from someone who makes you feel super small for receiving their kindness, also when that person throws their kindness to you in your face.
This is not the giving that God commands, nor is it the posture believers must have.
We must have a heart of love and compassion for those in need, and we must have a desire to step in and meet that need with joy.
Our attitude in service can totally affect the effect of service, and if we don’t have the right attitude, we negate the power that giving produces.
The last thing we want to do is be a giver and give a black eye to the faith in the process. I know this firsthand both as a giver and receiver, as someone who grumbled and someone who was cheerful, and my aim now to give from a heart of love, compassion, and understanding.
Today, we will be looking at 1 Peter 4:9, giving from the right heart.
“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”
The word “hospitality” means “fond of guest, or a lover of use”.
This is a person who is willing to be used by God to open their doors to someone in need. This is the person who, in the times 1 Peter was written, would open their homes to lodge believers in need.
In those days, they didn’t have church buildings everywhere, and people had to travel long distances to hear the Word of God taught or preached.
The Gospel was spread in homes, which were the first church buildings of Christianity. When they fellowshipped with other believers and heard the Word, they would have to have a place to stay due to the length of their travels. Also, the inns that were available were not the best places to lodge safely, especially as a believer.
So this part of ministry was essential to the spreading of the Gospel, because they would travel to hear the Word, and then experience the love of the Lord through the people who opened their homes. Imagine receiving a great Word and then an inhospitable host.
In Romans 12:1, the Bible says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
To make ourselves living sacrifices is to make ourselves fully available to God in the service of others, having an attitude of love and a desire to make people welcome. Do we understand how much pride a person in need has to relinquish in order to to ask for help?
How is our response, one of annoyance or of sacrifice?
In Acts 2:46, the Bible says, “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart”.
One of the main reasons that Christianity exploded the way it did was because the home became an extension of the ‘body of Christ’, and people held these positions of hospitality with gladness, becoming conduits for God’s love to flow unobstructed from them.
The word “grudging” means “grumbling, murmuring, or complaining”.
This is a posture that defeats the purpose of the faith.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, the Bible says, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work”.
Our posture determines the effect of our ministry, and it also determines how God responds to us in return. If God loves a cheerful giver, then why do we serve with attitudes of grumbling, selfishness, and complaining? If we are going be met by God with all grace, so that we have enough and will be enough, then why work against the beauty of God’s grace by being a complainer.
In Hebrews 13:2-3, the Bible says, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”
We never know who the people we help are, and maybe they are messengers from God sent to test our faith and love.
In Philippians 2:14-15, the Bible says, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world”.
When we practice hospitality from a cheerful heart of love, God is glorified, and that also shows that we are truly children of God. We want our giving to radiate the light of the Lord.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 25, 2024 – Ephesians 6:20 – being an ambassador in chains
“For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Ephesians 6:20
Hi Everyone!
Being in prison comes with a great struggle and also with great scrutiny.
Being in prison and sharing the Word of God is a totally different struggle, where you a placed under a microscope, and your very movements, conversations, and responses are gauged by people who are waiting for me to fall on my face.
When I make a post about prison conditions, people throw my homicide convictions in my face as if I don’t have a right to speak out against injustice. It is from prison that true repentance came, it is from prison that God directed His mission for me to be a leader, mediator, mentor, and counselor of my fellow prisoners, and it is from prison that I am able to share the Word of God with those in prison and with those outside prison.
Wherever we are at, the commission of Jesus Christ is still the same, that all believers are commanded to share the Word of God. I am just doing my part.
Today, we will look at Ephesians 6:20, being an ambassador in chains.
“For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
The phrase “for which” expresses a continuation of a thought, so for contextual reasons we must go back to find out what the “for which” pertains to.
In Ephesians 6:18-19, the Bible says, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel”.
Paul is asking the Church to pray for him, that the Holy Spirit will continue to give him the mystery of the Gospel to preach to others.
So the “for which” is the mystery of the gospel. Even though Paul desires to get out of prison, he understands that preaching the gospel, whether in prison or free, is his priority. He is not waiting to get out of prison before he shares the gospel. He is doing it right where he is.
The word “ambassador” means “a representative” but it can also mean “preacher”.
An ambassador is someone who goes into a foreign nation representing the interests of the country they came from.
Ambassadors usually work from an embassy, which is a place that a foreign nation gives a visiting nation to plant their flag, meaning that while on embassy property, you are essentially in your home country. Well the purpose of the gospel is to expand the terrain of the embassy and find new places to plant our flag.
In Timothy 2:2-4, the Bible says, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”
Looking at the ministries of John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and the apostles, every one of them operated within the confines of their abilities to advance the gospel. Even Christ, who was God robed in flesh, only pursued the will of God, and that is the premise He also taught others from.
In 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, the Bible says, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
An ambassador is someone who concerns themselves with the agenda of the country they represent, so as ambassadors of Jesus Christ, our agenda is sharing the gospel. Our salvation and faith in Jesus Christ equips us to able to become able ministers of the gospel, helping others become reconciled to God.
The word “in bonds” refers to the imprisonment Paul is enduring while sharing the gospel, an imprisonment he is also enduring for having shared the gospel.
In Acts 26:29, the Bible says, “And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.”
Paul is not ashamed of being in prison, and he is actually telling a king that he wishes the king was like him!
In Philippians 1:20, the Bible says, “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”
Paul knew he was called to preach, and the call was a command. Prison became God’s platform for Paul to share the gospel and display the power of God. We are studying from the testimony God gave him in prison. Let us not discount the prisoner or what God can do in the prison house!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Perspective
Nov 26, 2024 – 1 Peter 4:12 – the trials we face that paved the way for the victories that shape our faith
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you
1 Peter 4:12
Hi Everyone!
“Woe is me!”
This is the typical reaction believers have to the trials and sufferings that they encounter, receiving these moments like a victim, instead of receiving them as a victor in Christ.
Remember, when we received our salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, we already won, and the power that the devil had over us was no more.
Believers, we are going to experience trials in our lives.
If God allows us to encounter trials, then there must be a divine purpose for them, and we will come out of it better, stronger, and wiser.
In my life, I knew trials on a first name basis and I still have my share of trials, but my trials have built wisdom, perspective, strength, and patience, allowing me to now stand in the gap for someone else who is experiencing their suffering.
Today, we will look at 1 Peter 4:12, the trials we face that paved the way for the victories that shape our faith.
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you”.
The word “beloved” expresses the deep love of Peter for the church, especially in the midst of the trials they are experiencing.
Christians are being imprisoned, executed, scattered, and beaten for practicing their faith. This type of suffering is putting a strain on the believers’ perseverance, and Peter is encouraging those he loved to press on in faith, understanding, and hope.
One thing I learned is how important love is when we are in the midst of a trial, because just knowing that we are loved adds a level of strength and perspective that we are not going through it alone.
It also greatly benefits the church that Peter has partaken in their same sufferings, because it is easier to experience encouragement from someone who has walked in the same shoes.
The phrase “think it not strange” means “don’t be astonished or surprised”.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, the Bible says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
The things we go through in life are also experienced by others, so we are never the only one who has gone through the trial we faced.
On social media, they have groups where people who have shared similar struggles come together and heal, because suffering alone usually means that you suffer longer. This verse shows that even though we go through trials that seem to have no end, God has already empowered us to endure what is happening to us, and not only endure, but make it completely through victorious.
In 2 Corinthians 2:14, the Bible says, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”
If we always triumph in Christ, then that shows us that there is an end to our suffering and victory is the ultimate cause.
The word “try” means “a state of trial that God brings His people through adversity and affliction in order to encourage and prove their faith and confidence in Him”.
Wait a minute.
You mean to tell me that God uses our trials to refine our faith so that we can build our confidence in Him?
So that also means that if God brings us through adversity and affliction, then doesn’t that mean that God knows exactly what we are going through and our suffering is not lost on Him. Think not?
In Job 1:8, the Bible says, “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?”
Sometimes, God orders our trial for a specific purpose, to bring about His glory through us, but do we believe that?
In Job 23:10, the Bible says, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
Job believed in God, and was assured that even though He was suffering, his trial would make him pure and more valuable than ever.
In 1 Peter 1:5-7, the Bible says, “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ”.
It is the power of God that keeps us and gives us the strength to endure the trials we face. If it happens for the praise, honor, and glory, then would God ever allow His children to fall on their faces?
Let us be confident that trial perfects our faith and makes us better than ever.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 27, 2024 – 1 Timothy 4:7 – rejecting the false doctrine that is soiling the gospel message
“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”
1 Timothy 4:7
Hi Everyone!
We have this thing in prison called “inmate.com”. It is the rumor mill that travels all over the institution I am in, usually with information that is completely false.
Someone spread it and it took off like a rocket, and people kept passing the information around the institution without fact-checking it.
The same thing that is happening in prison is happening on social media, where bogus information, “fake news”, is being pushed as the truth and people are being led astray.
Even sadder, this same thing is happening in the church, with some of our pastorate, who are spreading false doctrine through the church and people are taking that information as true and are running with it.
So many people are being lead astray, and the truth is becoming something that is viewed as perverse.
We as a church have to stand for the truth, no matter what, and we definitely have to teach from the truth because what we spread can easily become someone else’s truth.
Today, we will be looking at 1 Timothy 4:7, rejecting the false doctrine that is soiling the gospel message.
“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”
The word “but” let’s us know that there is a previous verse that is connected to this passage.
In 1 Timothy 4:6, the Bible says, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.”
We have part of the information still, because we know that by having words of faith and good doctrine, we are then equipped to stand against the profane and old wives’ fables, but we need a little more to tie this together.
In 1 Timothy 4:1-2, the Bible says, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron”.
When you sear meat, it forms a barrier that keeps the moisture in, so in these latter times, people are going to fall prey to false doctrine and be led astray, and these lies will be trapped inside their hardened hearts just as moisture is trapped inside of seared meat.
So, Paul is preparing Timothy, who is going to be take over the ministry when Paul is martyred for the faith, to be able to be a minister of truth, so he is telling him what things to cleave to and what things to reject.
The word “refuse” means “to reject or avoid”.
The phrase “old wives’ fables” means “mythical tales that lead people away from the truth of God’s word”.
This means that we are not to entertain the idea of something false, and Paul is imploring Timothy to not waste his time on things that won’t draw him any closer to the truth.
In 1 Timothy 1:3-4, the Bible says, “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.”
So from this context, we understand that this is not a new message from Paul to Timothy, but a reminder to continue in the faith he has shown and taught. This also shows that as people were teaching false doctrine then, they are still doing it.
In 2 Timothy 2:15-16, the Bible says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”
By continuous study of the Word of God, we become so familiar with the truth that false doctrine will stand out.
When the Secret Service of the Unites States inspect currency for counterfeits, they have studied the real bills so much that they can show exactly what is wrong with the counterfeit bills. The problem is people are studying counterfeit doctrine to determine counterfeit doctrine. It is only through the truth, that we can reject the lies of the enemy.
The “exercise” means “to practice or train”.
The word “godliness” means “piety, or holiness”.
The only way we can train in holiness is through the Word of God.
In Hebrews 5:14, the Bible says, “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
In training, we are developing the ability to distinguish between the truth and a lie, so that we can identify the lies of the enemy and reject them outright. Paul was preparing Timothy for ministry without him, but he is also preparing us to live holy lives in a world that is operating by its own rules.
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
Devo Reflection
Nov 28, 2024 – 1 Timothy 4:10 – trusting in God even when wearied by the reproach of men
“For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”
1 Timothy 4:10
Hi Everyone!
Believers have the power of God at work within us, and we have the ability to live from victory, live from favor, and live from faith no matter what is happening to us in the earth.
The same God who allows us to experience hardships is the same God who blesses us in the face of them, and gives us a testimony from it to declare His goodness and Majesty everywhere we go.
Along the way, we are going to have haters, people who don’t necessarily hate who we are, but hate who we are in Christ.
There are going to be people who speak harshly and apply pressure upon us, but instead of seeing those who oppose our stance in the Lord, we have to continue to fix our hearts and our trust in the Lord.
Sometimes, we are going to get tired of the struggle, Lord knows that I get tired too, but we have to see beyond to a God who is much greater than we are.
Today, we will be looking at 1 Timothy 4:10, trusting in God even when wearied by the reproach of men.
“For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”
The word “labour” means “to toil, to feel fatigued, or to be wearied”.
This term expresses the effects from labour rather than the labour itself.
The phrase “suffer reproach” means “to endure defamation, taunting or railing at”.
First, let’s be real here.
In John 16:33, Christ says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Christ made it certain that we would endure trouble, hardships, and people who treated us horribly. He encouraged us to look at the fact that He not only went through what we are going through, but He triumphed over it. That same power that resides in Christ lives In us!
In Romans 8:11, the Bible says, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
We have the Holy Spirit in us, which is a difference maker in the midst of the trouble we face. If that power can raise someone from the dead, then surely this same power can help us endure the attacks from people.
In 1 Corinthians 4:11-13, the Bible says, “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.”
This struggle is not lost on Paul, who has had his own share of struggle. Remember, Paul is equipping Timothy with a real picture of what the ministry will entail. There are going to be amazing moments where God’s power is displayed, but there will also be struggles where we like Timothy are going to feel beat down, broken up, and rejected by those around us.
We respond differently to the struggles because we have something the world doesn’t have, and that is the Holy Spirit at work within us
It became a testimony when people attacked my character and I didn’t react the way they expected.
The word “trust” means “to confide in, hope in, or have an expectancy for”.
This means that we trust that if God has allowed the moment of difficulty to come, then He has given us the ability to be who we are in Christ through it.
In Jeremiah 17:7-8, the Bible says, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”
No matter what comes our way, when we trust in the Lord, we will bear fruit. I have come to understand that I have been even more effective when the world is trying to bear down on me. My sustenance, my perspective, and my purpose remained in the Lord, and He saw me through.
The word “Saviour” means “deliverer”.
The word “believe” means “those who are full of trust or faithful”.
In Psalm 36:6-7, the Bible says, “Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.”
When we understand who our God is, it really makes what we go through a lot lighter, a lot easier to manage, and I have come to know that even in those moments, God has given me a pathway to share the Word through even my response!
God Bless!
Marshall & Jessica
PUT IN A FEW SERIES HERE:
The Beatitudes – 10: Nov 29, 2024 – Dec 8 – See DAILY DEVOTIONS 2021 Q3
The Forgiveness Of God – 15 + Intro Psalm 51 – 5: Dec 9, 2024 – Dec 23 – see DAILY DEVOTIONS 2021Q3
Christmas – 2: Dec 24, 25, 2024 – DAILY DEVOTIONS 2023 Q1
Warfare In The Spirit – 16: Dec 26, 2024 – Jan 10, 2025 – see DAILY DEVOTIONS 2021 Q2
