During the fasting period, we will focus on removing distractions like all forms of media, social media, or entertainment, and increasing spiritual disciplines like prayer, reading, and meditating on Scripture (Joshua 1:8) to encounter God more deeply.

2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV says, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

This series focuses on 10-12 biblical couples to help us understand how to be equally yoked in relationships and avoid, sever, or improve unequally yoked relationships. 

The goal of the 40 Day Sugar Fast by Wendy Speake focuses on choosing healthy options so that your relationship with Christ is the only option!

Today's topic on becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman, is the epitome of righteousness, strength, loyalty, determination, and spiritual accord with God.  The "excellent woman" reveres the Lord. She walks with God, She holds Him in highest regard. She maintains a close relationship with the One who gave her life, who maintains her health, cultivates her character, preserves her husband, protects her children, supports her ideas, inspires her creativity, fuels her determination and blesses her. Consequently, she tackles challenges with confidence. Surely she is a woman who has found a healthy balance between being herself and remaining extremely involved with, and committed to, her family. 

Today's topic on the grind of envy is something that could easily consume us when we are of this world and losing our purpose of being in the world. We must continue to be transformed by renewing our minds daily. In other words, get rid of all ill-will and deceitful people to make room for a baby, who is naïve and open to the milk of the word. We shouldn't envy others because the best version of ourselves lays within the confinements of God.

   Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Tim. 6:6-8 (NIV)

    Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Heb. 13:5 (ESV)

    Do all things without grumbling. Phil 2:14(ESV).

In other words, be content with God and He will makes your paths straight.

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person" Colossians 4:6

1. The discipline of the written Word of God.
2. The discipline of inner desire.
3. The discipline of prevailing prayer.
4. The discipline of daily consistency.

If we truly see the value in wisdom we ought to pursue it earnestly and diligently. God desires us to seek wisdom and God gives willingly gives wisdom to those who know the value. A life filled with the practice of wisdom reaps the rewards of wisdom.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, lean not on your own understanding, but in all thine ways; submit to HIM and HE will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 

1. The Miracle of healing a man at the pool of Bethesda

2. The Miracle of healing a woman with internal bleeding

3. The Miracle of cursing a Fig Tree

4. The Miracle of healing the Canaanite woman's daughter

These miracles further show the power o Jesus Christ and his grace and mercy.

This miracle continues to show the power of God and who He is. It also exemplifies that no problem is too large or too small for Him to address and resolve. As Christians, we all need to learn to Let Go...and Let God!

“As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” In other words, bad things happen to good people all the time, but trust in God with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV

It’s important to open your ears because you are what you think, hence you manifest what you say. Speak positivity and it shall follow you. Blessings never fall to the wayside. It is the gift that keeps on giving.

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

If our daily focus is on the material world, our faith will also sink like Simon Peter. We must nourish our faith daily, through prayer.

When Jesus proclaims that Jairus' daughter was only sleeping and asks her father to have faith, he revealed (1) that death is only temporary, (2) that he has power over death and (3) that faith is essential to activating miracles. In this convergence of two miracles, one where faith on its own activated healing (the woman with the issue of blood) and the other where faith was requested (Jairus' daughter), Jesus teaches us that faith is essential to our walk with God. It is needed in all aspects of our life and the ultimate healing we seek, freedom from death, comes with the price tag of faith. Activate faith in your walk with God and your path to freedom will be clear. "In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:6.

There is a saying, Good friends are like diamonds, precious and rare. But bad friends are like autumn leaves, found everywhere. May our friendships always produce the fruits of the spirit. And may the soft rain of our friendships nourish the heart forever.

However, John is not claiming that these are the only miracles Jesus ever performed. On the contrary, this book mentions that Jesus did other works which are not specifically recorded (John 20:30–31). It's all but certain that Jesus had performed other miracles while he was in Galilee, after the wedding in Cana. Nicodemus referred to His "signs" in John 3:2. People responded to Jesus's "signs" as well which lead many to seek him out (John 2:23), including the Official who's son had fallen gravely ill.

The Bible is filled with the miracles of God, though some might wonder if there are still modern-day miracles unfolding in our contemporary world. Some will debate about the details of various events and ponder whether unexplainable events really are miracles today.

1. The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders (Episode 7 titled, Built on Solid Foundation) Matthew 7:21-27 where we discuss the importance of building one's life on obedience to the teachings and example of Jesus.

2. The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids (Episode 18 titled, Get Saved or Get Left) Matthew 25:1-13 where we discuss the importance of taking the time now to fill your lamp with oil and take extra along because you never know when the bridegroom (Jesus Christ) will arrive.

3. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Episode 8 titled, Got 99 Sheep and Still Chasing The Lost One) Matthew 18:1-14 where we discuss that the kingdom of God is accessible to all, even those who are sinners and stray from God's path.

1. The Parable of the Lamp under a Basket (Episode 1 titled, Lit Seasoning) Mark 4: 21-25 where we discuss being a light in this world, an example of God's goodness.

2. New Wine in Old Wine Skin (Episode 4 titled, New Wine, Who Dis?) Matthew 9:14-17 where we discuss letting go of the past and embracing all things new with Jesus Christ.

3. The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Episode 3 titled, The Mustard Seed Does Catch Up (not ketchup)) Matthew 13:31-34 where we discuss the exponential growth that can happen with very humble beginnings or with little faith.

The parable is as follows: And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

Jesus tells of a man who scatters seed on the ground and then allows nature to take its course.

In the parable of the persistent widow, Jesus teaches his disciples that justice has its source in God. Though many barriers exist in the world that prevent us from receiving or experiencing justice, we get justice by petitioning the one who brings about justice on the earth...

6 And the Lord(C) said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out(D) to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man(E) comes,(F) will he find faith on the earth?”

Some people think the Bible says the rich cannot enter Heaven, which is false. It’s just hard for them to enter Heaven. The rich and wealthy might think - I don’t need Jesus, I have money. They could be filled with pride, greed, selfishness, and more which will stop them from entering. Christians can indeed be rich and go to Heaven, but you must never trust in riches. All Christians, especially the rich, have a duty to help provide for the poor and be willing to share with others.

25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons.(A) 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’(B) So he divided his property(C) between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth(D) in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.(E) 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned(F) against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.(G)

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.(H) I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe(I) and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger(J) and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again;(K) he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.(L)

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry(M) and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property(N) with prostitutes(O) comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”(P)

What is the cost of discipleship to Jesus?

It is primarily obedience. It is the forsaking of many things but since everything in life has a price, it is a price worth paying, considering that the great promise of the Savior is for peace in this life and eternal life in the life to come.

“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”

When Jesus told the parable of the fig tree, He was trying to get our attention because He is the master gardener. He always nourishes and protects. He prunes off the dead parts of our lives that won’t serve us. He’s tender to our new vines and branches.

He shows up with sturdy gloves and an eye for detail. He shows up wearing old blue jeans, an old white shirt, and a hat; ready to get to work as we lay ourselves before Him as He tells us, “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain on the vine” (John 15:4). The vine He created was for the purpose of staying rooted and bearing fruit through Him. He reminds us, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples”(John 15:8). When He talks about each of us, His eyes shine as He takes pride in the work of our lives even when the work He is doing feels more like loss of life than actual living.

This is the meaning of the fig tree in Luke 13:6-9.

Jesus wants us to live our lives for God. He wants us to ensure we stay deeply rooted in His Word, in His Presence in all that we do. As He tends to our branches, He expects a fruitful return of His investment because He willingly paid dearly through the death on the cross. It covered our sins and in return, He wants to see each of us adding to the Kingdom of God with our hearts, our speech, and in all that we do.

11:5 "Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need."

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Persistent Neighbor? The persistent man who keeps asking for a favor of his neighbor will eventually get it, even though its inconvenient to the neighbor or the neighbor is reluctant to get up and unlock the door to give.

Jesus tells us to ask and keep on asking (Matthew 7:7), and whatever we ask in God’s will is assured to us. Before telling this parable, Jesus taught his disciples to pray the Lord’s Prayer, which includes the phrase “Your will be done” (Luke 11:2). So, putting it all together, we see that we are to be persistent in asking for God to work in our lives and answer our prayers according to His perfect will and timing, having confidence that He will do so.  Our Good Father in heaven will give us what we need when we ask, and when we are persistent in our prayers and in asking for His divine intervention, deliverance, guidance, healing, blessings, whatever it may be, He will give to us accordingly and in alignment with His will. Pray without ceasing, our Father is a working God who answers his children.

The question that the story poses is: can Simon see differently? Can he see what Jesus sees: a forgiven woman who shows great love? If he can see her this way, then he may perceive Jesus not only as prophet, but also as the agent of God's forgiving love.

Meaning of Parable of Creditor & Two Debtors - The purpose and message of this parable are based on Jesus' desire to explain to Simon his reaction to the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and anointed his feet with oils from her alabaster box.

Very simply, she is repenting of her many sins (hence the weeping), and therefore she is acting this way because of her great debt.

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him (Matthew 24:44, see also Luke 12:40).

What is interesting about this story is that all the virgins took their lamps to meet the bridegroom. If you looked at these virgins, they all looked the same. You would have assumed they were prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom. However, as you see having a lamp was not enough. With no oil the lamp was virtually useless. This leads to an important question. Are you focused on what the outside of the lamp looks like or do you care what’s inside the lamp? If the oil represents the Holy Spirit, the question of real importance is are you full of the Holy Spirit? Consider this verse in Romans.

“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” – Romans 8:9

If the Spirit of God does not dwell within you then you do not belong to God. The good news is that when God saved you, the Holy Spirit came to take up residence in your heart. This is the defining marker of a believer. Without the Holy Spirit or the oil as mentioned in this parable of the 10 virgins, you are just an empty lamp. It does not matter how good the lamp looks on the outside.

The parable sets up a comparison of two sons. One who says he will do what his father asks, but doesn’t, with one who says he won’t, but does. For every individual who hears this parable the comparison helps them (forces them) to ask the question, Which am I? Am I the child who presents himself as obedient while running around raising havoc, or am I the child who to all appearances is the “black sheep” but in the end does what is needed? Which am I? Which are you?

1. The master's wonderful clemency. The debt of sin is so great, that we are not able to pay it. See here what every sin deserves; this is the wages of sin, to be sold as a slave. It is the folly of many who are under strong convictions of their sins, to fancy they can make God satisfied for the wrong they have done him.

2. The servant's unreasonable severity toward his fellow-servant, notwithstanding his lord's clemency toward him. Not that we may make light of wronging our neighbour, for that is also a sin against God; but we should not aggravate our neighbour's wronging us, nor study revenge. Let our complaints, both of the wickedness of the wicked, and of the afflictions of the afflicted, be brought to God, and left with him.

3. The master reproved his servant's cruelty. The greatness of sin magnifies the riches of pardoning mercy; and the comfortable sense of pardoning mercy, does much to dispose our hearts to forgive our brethren. We are not to suppose that God actually forgives men, and afterwards reckons their guilt to them to condemn them; but this latter part of the parable shows the false conclusions many draw as to their sins being pardoned, though their after-conduct shows that they never entered into the spirit, or experienced the sanctifying grace of the gospel.

We do not forgive our offending brother aright, if we do not forgive from the heart. Yet this is not enough; we must seek the welfare even of those who offend us. How justly will those be condemned, who, though they bear the Christian name, persist in unmerciful treatment of their brethren? The humbled sinner relies only on free, abounding mercy, through the ransom of the death of Christ. Let us seek more and more for the renewing grace of God, to teach us to forgive others as we hope for forgiveness from him.

Hidden Treasure: The treasure was hidden, meaning it needed to be sought after. It was out of plain sight, so it couldn’t be stumbled upon and wouldn’t be found without looking. It’s the same for God. God is ever-present in our lives, but unless we’re looking for Him, we would never realize He is there. He asks us to Seek Him, meaning He expects us to go in search of Him. He hides in plain sight and when we open our eyes and seek Him, we find Him near. In this parable, once the man found the treasure, he immediately knew the value and was filled with joy. In the same way, when we find God by seeking Him, we recognize the value of God’s awesomeness immediately. There is no joy that compares to the magnitude of knowing God and being welcomed into his kingdom.  As soon as the man discovered the treasure, he realized its value was worth more than anything else. The joy it brought him was immense. So too, is the kingdom of God. The man sold everything he had to buy the field.  In the same way, when we seek God, we realize that there’s no earthly riches that are worth our place in His kingdom. When we find our place with God, we gladly sacrifice anything we have, even life, to secure our place with Him for eternity.

When we seek Jesus, He asks us to give everything to Him and when we choose Jesus, we choose His will over our own, giving everything over to Him. He gives His grace, love, and forgiveness to us freely, although the cost of following Him may be high. God’s Kingdom is a hidden treasure. When we seek and follow Him, He reveals Himself to us and the wonder of eternal life exceeds any earthly value and is worth everything we have. Eternal life requires believers to give up our own wishes and desires, but the benefits outweigh anything we can imagine.