At the end of the Gospel of Matthew, “Jesus came to the [apostles] and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have…
One of the most important words in the Christian lexicon is “stewardship.” Yet, it’s one of the least used words, so let us reflect upon it a little today before we choose it. The best way to understand stewardship is through a parable Jesus once told. You will find this in Matthew 25:14-30. Jesus told of a man who traveled…
Do you believe churches are holy places that should not be desecrated? Many of us forget that our bodies are also holy places. Paul wrote: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore…
Scripture speaks about seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, one of which is wisdom. There is something special about this gift because it is the most used to describe Jesus and the apostles who followed him. To give you a few examples, Scripture speaks about how, as the child, Jesus “grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and…
A friend of mine decided to go sky-diving one day. The adventure started with a little interview. The videographer asked my friend how he felt about jumping from a little plane at 15,000 feet. I remember him telling her he was afraid of heights. She asked him why he was doing it then. “Because I am afraid,” he said. And…
As a little child, I remember going to the doctor on odd occasions when I fell ill. The doctor would ask me what was wrong with me. However, before I could answer him, he'd tell me to stick my tongue out! It didn't take long for me to realize that he didn't care what I said to him; all he…
I’ve told this story twice in the series, but there is nothing to better illustrate the need to serve others than Jesus washing the apostles’ feet. When he was done, Jesus asked them: “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He then continued: “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.…
Henry Kissinger, the US Secretary of State during the Nixon administration, tells of a Harvard professor who had given his students an assignment. After collecting the papers, he marked them before returning them to the students. At the bottom of one was written, "Is this the best you can do?" The student thought, "no," and redid the paper. He submitted…
Integrity refers to the quality of being honest and truthful and having strong moral principles. It involves having a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. People with integrity are known for their reliability, trustworthiness, and consistency in their actions and decisions. They are also known for being transparent and accountable for their actions…
Today we will choose spiritual revival. Spiritual revival is a process of renewal in the spiritual life of individuals, communities, and even nations. The world is in pretty bad shape, but you don't need me to tell you that. The evidence is all around us. The only thing that can fix it is a great spiritual revival, but how can…
A wise man once said, "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty" (Proverbs 11:24). Simply put, the more you give, the more you get, the more you keep, the less you have. Years later, Jesus would say something similar. "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down,…
Today we will choose conversion. Conversion is often described as a one-time event in which a person turns from sin and places their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This initial decision to follow Jesus is often called "being born again." Paul said, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has…
A few days ago, we saw how important it is to live one day at a time, with our eyes looking ahead rather than dwelling in the past and recalling all our mistakes and failures. However, this does not mean we should forget what happened. Instead, we should remember them because, as George Santayana said, "Those who cannot remember the…
One day Jesus delivered a man from a demon. On cue, the Pharisees criticized him, saying, "He drives out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons." Jesus questions their logic. "Really? A kingdom divided against itself will fall, won't it? If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?" (See Matthew 12:26). This is an…
Way back at the beginning of time, after God had created the universe and populated it with all kinds of living things, Scripture says he looked at his work and saw it was good. However, after he made man, the Bible says that "the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make…
There has never been a teacher quite like Jesus, who *practically* demonstrated every lesson he taught. The most notable lesson was, perhaps, on the day of the Last Supper when he got down to his knees before sinful men and washed their feet. When he was done, he said: “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that…
One of the heroes of the New Testament is a man known as Barnabas. He was originally named Joseph, but the apostles gave him the nickname Barnabas, which means "son of encouragement" or "son of consolation" (Acts 4:36). He earned this nickname because of his generous spirit and his willingness to encourage and support others, especially new converts to the…
Jesus is often referred to as the Prince of Peace. The title "Prince of Peace" comes from a prophecy in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, where the prophet says: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,…
During Jesus Christ's trial, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, asked Jesus if he was a king. Jesus replied, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." Pilate responded with a famous question:…
I do a series of reflections on the gospels, and those who watch these might notice that I begin every Scripture passage by saying: Listen! That is because, as G. K. Chesterton said, “there’s a lot of difference between hearing and listening.” What’s the difference? Hearing is simply the act of receiving sounds by the ear. If we are not…
One day, when Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, he entered a village and was approached by ten lepers who called out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" Jesus saw them and told them to go and show themselves to the priests, which was the customary way for lepers to be declared clean and re-enter society. As they went,…
Since the beginning of recorded history, people have fought for freedom in various ways. From slaves seeking emancipation to colonised peoples seeking independence, human beings have demonstrated a strong desire to be free from oppression. However, the chains that have bound us the tightest have been the chains of sin. Two thousand years ago, Christ broke those chains. "It is…
All of us have experienced failure, and the impact of the fall is directly proportional to the height we have risen. Those who reach the pinnacle of success often believe they are untouchable, even though history should have taught us that no one stands so firmly he cannot fall. If you are one of these people who has fallen, take…
Jesus gave his believers the "Great Commission" of making disciples of all nations. We cannot make disciples of anybody unless we are disciples ourselves. That requires discipline. Discipline and discipleship are closely related concepts in Christianity. The word "disciple" comes from the Latin word "discipulus," which means "learner" or "pupil," and the word "discipline" comes from the same Latin root.…
We all know John 3:16, where Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Belief — or faith in Jesus — is the key to being saved because Scripture also says: "Salvation is found in no one else,…
Have you read Paul's letter to the Philippians? It is the most joyful book in the Bible! Paul uses the Greek words for joy and rejoicing sixteen times in only 104 verses. "Rejoice in the Lord always," he urges at one point. "I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). What is interesting is that Paul wrote this "epistle of…
Today we are going to choose to live a surrendered life. But what does that mean? Living a surrendered life means giving back to God what he has given us. It's relinquishing control over every aspect of our lives, turning it over to him to do as he pleases. Jesus lived a surrendered life: "I have come down from heaven…
Revenge is a very popular movie theme. From Death Wish and Carrie to Django Unchained and The Godfather, everyone loves these stories of vengeance because it fulfills one’s own desire for revenge. We have this innate nature that wants to see people pay for the pain they have caused us, don’t we? Now we may not pick up a sword…
Today we are going to choose repentance. If you wondered why we didn't begin this series with repentance, it is because of an important principle. The principle is this: God does not love us because we repent; we repent because God loves us. Consequently, we needed to get to love before we got to repentance. We spoke about love yesterday,…
I always squirm when people speak about falling in love because when we fall *in* something, we can fall *out* of it too. And falling out of love — as I am sure you can attest — can have some terrible repercussions, the least of which is heartbreak. So, what do we do? Stop falling in love? That is as…
Have you ever had to navigate a room in the darkness? Chances are you have, and stubbed a toe or hurt a knee as you banged into something or someone. We live in a world that is as dark as any room without power — perhaps darker — and we cannot make our way in it without hurting ourselves and…
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul wrote: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives…
John Bradford was an English Reformer who lived in the 16th century. One day when he saw criminals led to their execution, he is said to have exclaimed, “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” He knew that were it not for divine grace, he could easily have been one of the criminals going to the gallows. What…
Disappointments are a part of life. So is failure. So, also is rejection. It hurts when we experience it. When things don’t work out as planned; when we fail in something, be it an exam, a career, or a responsibility; or when someone we love dumps us, it hurts. Sometimes it hurts like crazy. Getting upset, sad, or angry is…
One of my favorite passages of Scripture — I have many favorites — is contained in Isaiah 40. The prophet writes: "Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). How awesome is that? But what…
One of the loveliest pictures Jesus painted is the one where he speaks of his Father as the gardener, himself as the vine, and us as the branches on the vine. He says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can…
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Two things make us more…
One day when Jesus was dining with a group of Pharisees, he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table. He promptly launched into a parable before saying, "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted" (Luke 14:11). God hates pride. Pride was Lucifer's sin, which caused…
One day Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them they should always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). He spoke about a widow who kept returning to an unjust judge, seeking justice against her adversary. The judge ultimately granted her request because of her persistence. Jesus concluded the story by saying, “Will not God bring about justice…
Jesus said: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Unfortunately, many of us don’t lead the abundant life Christ promised because of our bad choices. Let us change that. Over the next forty days, as we pray and fast, we will…
Click here for the extended "LIVE" versions:
1. Abundant Life
2. Perseverance
3. Humility
4. Rest
5. To Abide
6. To Wait
7. To Look Ahead
8. Light
9. Grace
10. Contentment
11. Love
12. Repentance
13. To Forgive
14. To Surrender
15. Joy
16. Faith
17. Discipline
18. Hope
19. Freedom
20. Gratitude
21. To Listen
22. Truth
23. Peace
24. Encouragement
25. To Imitate Christ
26. Friendship
27. Unity
28. To Remember
29. Conversion
30. Generosity
31. Revival
32. Integrity
33. Excellence
34. To Serve
35. Tongue Control
36. Courage
37. Wisdom
38. Purity
39. Stewardship
40. To Evangelize
2. Perseverance
3. Humility
4. Rest
5. To Abide
6. To Wait
7. To Look Ahead
8. Light
9. Grace
10. Contentment
11. Love
12. Repentance
13. To Forgive
14. To Surrender
15. Joy
16. Faith
17. Discipline
18. Hope
19. Freedom
20. Gratitude
21. To Listen
22. Truth
23. Peace
24. Encouragement
25. To Imitate Christ
26. Friendship
27. Unity
28. To Remember
29. Conversion
30. Generosity
31. Revival
32. Integrity
33. Excellence
34. To Serve
35. Tongue Control
36. Courage
37. Wisdom
38. Purity
39. Stewardship
40. To Evangelize
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2004 - 2023
Aneel Aranha