We Wish to See Jesus

Category: Christian Living

Biblical teaching about discipleship, character, holiness, wisdom, relationships, and daily faithfulness.

  • Crosses to Bear, Selling Souls, I Hate It But…

    “We all have our cross to bear.” This is an idiomatic expression that refers to an unpleasant or painful situation that one must accept and deal with. However, in the first century, the people in Palestine would have understood this illustration in a completely different way. Even a twelve-year-old child, upon observing a man being forced to carry his cross, driven by Roman soldiers, would have known that the man was going to face his death, and no one would ever see that man again. 

    “They sold their soul to the devil!” Another expression that we do not give much thought to. People often joke about doing such things. Would you be willing to “sell your soul to the devil” to receive fame and fortune? Would you compromise your godly morals and spiritual wellness, just to increase your worldly pleasures? Jesus was not casual with His words, but rather, He was very specific when inferring that one man’s soul is worth more than the whole world! 

    “I hate it, but that’s what Jesus said.” Do we ever say anything like that to soothe one’s emotional response to the word of God? For instance, if someone is in an adulterous marriage, do we read Matthew 19:1-12 only to add, “I hate it, but that’s what Jesus says”? If so, we are distancing ourselves from the words of Jesus, which means we are also distancing ourselves from Him. May that never be the case! Instead, let us be sorrowful that someone has found themselves to be in sin and prayerfully help them to see God’s remedy for the situation.

    34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

    35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. 

    36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 

    37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 

    38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

    ~ Mark 8:34-38

    Dear God and Father, I pray to You to help me put an end to old habits that sometimes cause me to stumble. I know it’s what You want from me. Please guide me to renew my mind every day and bring me closer to You (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 15:31). I desire this more than anything. I don’t want to trade my integrity for worldly pleasures, either. Instead, I want to live a life of sacrifice that pleases You. Help me to embrace Your ways as You have revealed them in Your word. May I always hold tightly to You and your Son, Jesus; and may I never be ashamed of my faith. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

  • But the Lord was with Joseph

    Joseph faced many challenges that could have led him to abandon his faith and become a pessimistic person. However, he persevered and remained a faithful servant of God! Joseph’s unwavering commitment and hard work are a great inspiration, particularly to young people who are often confronted with trials and temptations. He serves as an excellent role model for young people to demonstrate that even in the face of adversity, one can remain steadfast and strong.

    20 Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. 

    21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 

    22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. 

    23 The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.

    ~ Genesis 39:20-23

    Holy God, I thank You for Your mercy and grace that are in Jesus. I also thank You for the example of Joseph. There have been times in my life when false accusations against my integrity have made me discouraged and tempted to give up. But Joseph’s story inspires me to persevere with faith and hard work. Despite being mistreated by his brothers, enslaved, and wrongfully accused of crimes he did not commit, he remained faithful to You and committed to doing his best. Please grant me the strength to emulate his example. May You be with me, and WHATEVER I DO, I ask that You make it prosper… Please, Lord. All to Your Glory. Amen.   

  • Woe To Hypocrites

    The modern definition of the word “hypocrite” refers to someone who says one thing but does another. For example, a person who tells others not to smoke – but is a chain smoker themselves. Jesus warned against hypocritical judging in Matthew 7:1-6, but the original meaning of the word hypocrite was “an actor under an assumed character.” This means that some people may seem to be living by God’s will, yet inwardly harbor traits that God despises. Jesus wants Christians to be GENUINE in their faith and NOT TO PRETEND to be someone they are not. He wants us to BEAR GOOD FRUIT from our actions, WITH PURE MOTIVES. 

    25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.

    26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

    27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

    28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

    ~ Matthew 23:25-28

    Holy God and Father: Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom? Who can fathom the depth of Your love? Unfortunately, hypocrites have given Your people a bad name over the years, and religious pretenders angered Jesus even in the first century. Please guide us in our efforts to please You, and may we look to Jesus as the perfect example of sincerity. Mold our character in His image! Please guide us also in correcting others with a pretender’s spirit. We need wisdom, conviction, and courage to do so correctly. Please help us in these things, and it is in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.  

  • For He Was Afraid to Say

    In Hebrew, the term used for “sister” also refers to other close relatives. This means that Isaac’s deception was like his father Abraham’s (Genesis 12:10-20; 20:11-8). In those cases, what they didn’t say was more important than what they did say. Although the wives were related to their husbands, the most significant fact was that they were their wives. It is interesting to note that a pagan king of the Philistines once believed that it would be wrong if one of his men had taken Isaac’s wife. Despite not worshipping the true God, the Philistines had a moral code that deemed fornication a severe sin (In today’s world, fornication is widely accepted as a norm in the lives of most people, but it is certainly not acceptable to God, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Hebrews 13:4-6).

    6 So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. 

    7 And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” 

    8 Now it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked through a window, and saw, and there was Isaac, showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. 

    9 Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die on account of her.’ ”

    10 And Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might soon have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.” 

    11 So Abimelech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”

    ~ Genesis 26:6-11

    Holy God and Father in heaven, You are worthy to receive honor and praise. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and peace. I am grateful for these examples described and desire to be an honest man who prioritizes integrity in all my dealings. Lord, sometimes I see non-Christians living lives of sin, and that is disheartening. But there are other times that I observe non-Christians doing good deeds, such as helping the poor, serving others, and comforting those in need. I can learn from those good examples in how I should be. Please grant me the courage to speak what is true; give me the courage to do what is right. May I take the initiative in doing well, no matter any potential outcome(s) that I perceive will be hurtful to me, personally. Help me to do all things for Your glory, while also benefiting my community. Thank You for hearing my prayers. Amen.  

  • Proper Regard for Important Things

    According to the Bible, Esau was considered a profane man because he despised his birthright (Hebrews 12:16). The term “profane” refers to someone who doesn’t have a proper regard for important things. Later, when Jacob tricked their father into giving him the blessing that rightfully belonged to the firstborn, Esau was willing to accept the inheritance (Genesis 27). This shows that he didn’t take the matter seriously, prior (Genesis 25). Even though the birthright would have made Esau the head of the tribe and entitled him to a larger share of his father’s wealth, he treated it with little respect. Jacob didn’t act righteously either because he should have been willing to feed a hungry brother. Nevertheless, regarding the birthright itself, Jacob valued it much more than Esau did.

    29 Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. 

    30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom.

    31 But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.”

    32 And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?”

    33 Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. 

    34 And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

    ~ Genesis 24:29-34

    Holy God in heaven. I want to express gratitude for everything You have provided for my family, though I have not always shown my appreciation. Our world is full of distractions, and it is easy to be sidetracked by frivolous things. I, too, sometimes struggle with being slow to recognize and address important concerns. However, I understand that Your values, such as truth and righteousness, require careful consideration and discipline on my part. Therefore, I resolve to move forward with a clearer mind and a hardworking spirit. Please grant me the necessary wisdom to grow in properly regarding important things! Help me in this way, Father, to be more like You and Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

  • Exemplary Faith of Abram

    God was with Abram, guiding and blessing him, as Abram proved himself to be a faithful worshiper of God. However, Abram had his weaknesses, which were reflected in his lying to Pharaoh about Sarai. Despite his flaws, God bestowed grace upon Abram (Genesis 12:1-20). Abram’s wisdom was evident in his conflict resolution with Lot and their herdsmen. Additionally, Abram demonstrated his willingness and ability to fight for the safety of his nephew, after Lot was taken captive (Genesis 13:1-18). Furthermore, we see Abram’s strength of conviction in his refusal to accept goods as a reward from pagan neighbors, after he honored the priest Melchizedek (Genesis 14:1-24). Ultimately, Abram’s exemplary faith and character were the result of his trust in God.

    4 So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 

    5 Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan. 

    6 Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land.

    7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.

    ~ Genesis 12:4-7

    Holy God in heaven. I want to be faithful to You in all things. May I worship You as a faithful man, and may You have mercy on me when I succumb to weaknesses. I do not want to continue making the same mistakes because of weakness, though. I want to take every opportunity to grow, and at times when conflicts arise, I want to be a stable force in bringing about peace, especially when it comes to family disputes. Enable me the strength to stand up for what is right, and even fight for the physical and spiritual well-being of my loved ones. Give me the courage of conviction to not only do what is right in honoring spiritual leaders but also refuse fellowship with those who reject Your ways. Increase our faith, and please let these things be, O God. 

  • Build on the Rock

    After delivering His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus concluded by emphasizing the importance of putting His teaching into practice. Those who witnessed Jesus noted the authority with which He spoke. When the leper and the centurion approached Him, they appealed to His ability, willingness, and authority (Matthew 8:1-13). Jesus is both willing and able to provide for us, but He demands that we leave behind all worldly things and commit ourselves to Him! Even the winds and the sea obey Him (Matthew 8:14-17). The decision to willingly obey Him now is left to us, but there will come a day when all will indeed obey His words (Philippians 2:10-11). For example: In the country of the Gergesenes, there were demons who begged Jesus for mercy, but He cast them into swine, which then violently ran down the steep place into the sea and perished in the water (Matthew 8:28-34).

    24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 

    25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

    26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 

    27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

    28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 

    29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

    ~ Matthew 7:24-29

    Holy God… You are too wonderful for comprehension, like nothing ever seen or heard. Father, not everyone recognizes the need for a Savior. Some do, yet are unwilling to make Jesus their Lord! I understand that for me to receive healing, Jesus must be willing; I also understand the need for His being the Master of my life. May I properly submit to You, and may I truly be willing to sacrifice my own will, even the comforts of this life, to serve You more appropriately. I see that the winds and waves are obedient to You more than I have been in my own life, and for that I am ashamed. There will come a day when every knee bows before Jesus. I want to willingly make Him my Master, now! Please help me to properly understand Your words in Scripture and give me the courage to live by every word that comes from Your mouth! Amen.

  • With the Day of the Lord in View, Remain Steadfast

    The Day of the Lord is certain to come, even though God does not experience time as we do. However, judgment is not immediate so that more people can be saved. Eventually, the universe will be destroyed. Therefore, we must strive to live a righteous life. We look forward to a new heaven and a new earth! Considering these things, we should work diligently to remain faithful. Our brother Paul also warned us about these same things, so let us not be deceived by false teachings. Instead, let us continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 

    15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 

    16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

    17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 

    18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

    ~ 2 Peter 3:14-18

    Holy Father, thank You for all Your admonitions concerning the Day of Judgment that is sure to come. You have also given me all the necessary tools to prepare, for which I am thankful. Grant me the wisdom and strength to be diligent, and to prepare for the coming Day, appropriately discerning the truth revealed with Scripture. May You help me to never be led astray by false teachers and their doctrines. May I always be on guard, and may You grant me constant growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. To Him be the glory both now and forever, Amen!  

  • Humility Cures Worldliness

    Faith involves seeking godly attitudes and wisdom from above, rather than indulging in behaviors that lead to strife and evil. Trouble often arises as a result of lust and greed, and developing close friendships with the world can lead to becoming unfaithful to God. It’s important to submit to God and resist the devil.

    1 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 

    2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 

    3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 

    4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 

    5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?

    6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

    7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 

    8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

    9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 

    10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

    ~ James 4:1-10

    My God and Lord: You alone deserve glory, honor, and praise. There is often a lot of disagreement and conflict that arises from things that are not under control and drive people’s actions. I, too, have been guilty of behaving with lust and desire for things I could not obtain. I also have asked for things and not received them because my intentions were purely selfish. I made wrong choices and became an enemy to You, which is not the attitude You have instilled in me! Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me through Him. Thank You for saving me from my own sinful conduct! I humbly submit myself to You, even now! Please continue to cleanse my hands and purify my heart, O Lord. I desire genuine change in my heart and life. Continue refining me so that I can be more useful in Your service! Amen.

  • Faith Seeks Wisdom from Above

    5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 

    6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 

    7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 

    8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

    ~ James 1:5-8

    Proverbs 1:7 expresses the thought in this way: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Both passages emphasize that TRUE wisdom comes from God. He holds the answers to life’s most profound questions. Therefore, if you want to gain wisdom, start by seeking answers from God and His word. Moreover, let your entire life be guided by faith in His guidance!

    Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I humbly ask You to grant me the fullest measure of wisdom that I can receive from You. You have promised to give it freely and to never reprove me for asking. I trust in You and Your ability & willingness to grant my request, and I am determined to follow Your ways. I am aware that King Solomon also asked for wisdom from You, but he did not always use it wisely. Therefore, I pray that You give me a pure and tender heart, and that I use all that You grant me in a way that glorifies You and blesses others spiritually. Thank You for all the blessings in Christ, and for all that You will do in my life going forward. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.