Category: Blog

The Miracles of Jesus

Lent — February 16, 2024

“Take Jesus at His word.”

(Jesus Heals an official’s son at Capernaum in Galilee)

John 4:43-54

“My Word is my Bond!” These words are the motto of the London Stock Exchange. But what does the saying actually mean? It means you can take me at my word when I say something. If I were to say, I’m going to do something, you should feel confident that I will follow through and do it.

I have seen plenty of old westerns where two cattlemen or ranchers make a promise to each other by shaking hands. No written contract, no lawyers involved, just taking a man or woman at their word.

Have you ever seen the movie “Hook,” starring Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook and Robin Williams as an adult Peter Pan Pan? “My word is my bond” was Captain Hook’s favorite line in the movie. As you probably know from other films and books, Hook was not an honorable man and did not follow through on his promises.

It’s different today than it was many years ago. The words, my word is my bond, have a hollow ring to them. Unfortunately, we live in what I call “A me and I world.” Many people look out for themselves and don’t always understand the damage and hurt they cause by not keeping their word to others.

***********************The Point**********************

Not so with Jesus. Read the passage below from John’s Gospel and see if you can pick up on how we can take Jesus at His word.

“At the end of the two days, Jesus went on to Galilee. He himself had said that a prophet is not honored in his own hometown. Yet the Galileans welcomed him, for they had been in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration and had seen everything he did there.

As he traveled through Galilee, he came to Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was a government official in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die.

Jesus asked, “Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?”

The official pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.”

Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” 

And the man believed what Jesus said and started home.

While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. He asked them when the boy had begun to get better, and they replied, “Yesterday afternoon at one o’clock, his fever suddenly disappeared!” Then the father realized that that was the very time Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. This was the second miraculous sign Jesus did in Galilee after coming from Judea.”

John 4:43-54

Did you catch it? The verse above tells us how You and I can and should trust Jesus and take Him at His word?

So, Jesus was more than a little upset with the people of Galilee. They weren’t that interested in who He was, as much as what He could do for them through His miracles. Yet the official pleaded with Jesus, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.

” Jesus replies, “Your son will live.” 

Here’s the good part!

And the man believed what Jesus said and started home.

He believed. Why? Because He had faith that Jesus could do what He said, even if He didn’t come with him to Capernaum. His belief was reinforced all the more when the official was told by his servants that his son was healed at the very hour; Jesus said, “Your son will live.” 

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—Ephesians 2:8

It’s essential that, as Christians, we take God/Jesus at His word. As history shows, we must have faith that God will follow through.

God promised a savior; He sent Jesus. Jesus said, don’t worry about food and clothing; I’ll provide those things (Don’t expect Jesus to show up at your door with a bag of groceries or some new shoes you need for work. But you may receive those groceries from a church member or a gift card for shopping from a friend.) and He does. God said He would flood the earth, and He did. Jesus’ death and resurrection were prophesied, and it happened exactly how God told the prophets it would.

Read your Bible because the examples go on and on.

When God says He’s going to do something, He does it. No paper contract is needed; not even a handshake is necessary because God is a God of His word. His word is His bond.

Dear Lord. We believe and know that you are a God of your word. You always come through on your promises. Please help us to be like and do the same by being men and women of our word. Amen

The Miracles of Jesus

Lent – February 15, 2024

 “Do whatever He tells you.”

(Jesus turns water into wine)

John 2:1-11

Have you ever played the game “Simon Says?” I’ve used the game several times during youth nights and as a children’s message.

It’s pretty easy to play. One person is the leader or Simon. Then, the rest of the group stands in front of Simon, and He or She begins to give instructions.

The group only follows Simon’s instructions when he or she prefaces their request with the words “Simon Says.” So, if Simon says, “Simon says touch your nose,” the group is supposed to touch their nose. If Simon does not preface their instruction with Simon’s words, then the children or youth in the group shouldn’t follow their instruction. So, if Simon says, “Put your arms in the air,” the group shouldn’t do that. But if they perform the command without Simon saying, “Simon Says,” first, then the people in the group who do are out of the game.

This brings us to today’s devotion.

**********************The Point********************

Let’s take a look at Jesus’ first miracle, when He turned water into wine.

“On the third day, there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

There were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So, they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”

John 2:1-11

Whenever I read the passages above, I think about the servants putting the water in the stone jars. I imagine more than a few jaws dropped that day when they realized what Jesus had done.

Here’s the part that always makes me smile. Mary goes to her son and tells him the wedding party is almost out of wine. Why go to her son? Because Mary has confidence, He can do something about it. It makes you wonder if she had already seen Him perform a miracle or two that is not recorded in the book of John.

Even though Jesus rebukes His mother for a moment,

“Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”

 What does Jesus mean by this? “Mom, it’s not time for me to make myself known as the Son of God yet!”

Mary seems to patiently listen to Him, and even though Jesus’ reply appears to be a negative answer, she still tells the servants,

“Do whatever he tells you.”

In the end, Jesus listens to His mother, performs a miracle, and saves the bride and groom from embarrassment in the process.

Those words Mary spoke to the servants are just as important today as they were then. “Do whatever He tells you.”

If you read my devotion yesterday, you saw how Jesus instructed us by telling us what not to do. Don’t help others for glory, don’t draw attention to yourself when you pray, and don’t make money (and possessions) more important than God. And in Matthew 6:25, Jesus says,

“Do not worry.” (which is a devotion in itself.)

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus gives instructions to do certain things and not do certain things. The point is we need to not just read His words but also follow them.

It’s not a game like Simon Says. We don’t listen just when He (Jesus) states His name. We should hear and follow every word that comes from His mouth. We must listen and follow the statements of His apostles and followers who wrote the New Testament.

When calling His first disciples along the Lake of Gennesaret, Jesus looked at them and simply said, “Follow me,” and they did. May we always follow the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, and do whatever He asks of us.

Dear Jesus. Thank you for the many instructions you gave us before leaving this earth. You gave us direction and left us with an excellent moral compass to use in this world. May we always listen to and follow your words. Amen.

The Miracles of Jesus

Ash Wednesday – February 14, 2024

Are you glorifying God or yourself?

Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21

If you’ve ever played a video game, or even better, a virtual reality video game, you know what it feels like to be the hero. You may fight demons, dragons, warlords, or giant beasts. In other video or VR games, you may be on a quest to find gold or jewels and are deterred at every corner by an adversary.

One thing I’ve found when I play these games is sometimes I win, and sometimes I lose. There are times when I am the hero, and there is a roaring crowd giving me adoration. Other times, I succumb to the dragon, beast, or other adversaries, and I lose. No cheers, no roaring crowd, just booing or a big red x on the screen that says, “You lose, game over.”

We play these games wanting to be the winner, to bring attention to ourselves, so the characters in the game or the person you’re playing with say, “Wow! Great Job!

************************The Point*******************

Interestingly enough, even though we strive to be winners and be admired in games and life, Jesus tells us something else. In Matthew’s gospel, chapter six, Jesus gives us a list of don’ts or do-nots to follow.

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Matthew 6:1-6

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled, so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then, no one will notice that you are fasting except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them, and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there, the desires of your heart will also be.

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

Matthew 6:16-21;24

In the verses above, there are four ‘do not’ admonitions from Jesus (And you don’t need to look further than Matthew 6:25 for more, when Jesus says, “Do not worry.”) are stated:

“Don’t do your good deeds publicly to be admired by others.“

The idea behind doing a good deed (serving others) is to show your love for others and do for them as Jesus did and does for us. It should never be self-serving with the hope of admiration; it should always be self-sacrificing.

“Don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them.“

There is a time for public prayer, church, group bible studies, etc. But overall, prayer is a one-on-one time between our Lord and us. Praying and conversing with God is for us individually to Praise Him. It’s also a time to ask forgiveness, ask for our needs and wants, and a time for us to be flexible and listen and bend to His will as we are given direction and discipline.

When you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled, so people will admire them for their fasting.

Not everyone fasts, and that’s okay. Yet, during the Lenten season, many people fast from food or activities they enjoy. Fasting is also a way of saying to God, “I sometimes let _______ become more important in my life than You, Lord. This (day, week, month) I fast from this item to show you are more important than any earthly thing.”

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them, and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

First of all, let me say the old adage is correct, “You can’t take it with you.” Is it okay to have money? Is it alright to be a corporation’s CEO and make seven or eight figures a year? The answer is Yes! But be smart with what you possess here on earth. Are you hoarding or using it to help and serve others?

Here’s the point: anything we possess, money, land, cars, etc., is temporary. We can lose all of these things in an instant. (And everything we have, no matter what it is, comes from God)

What’s more important to you? The things of this temporal life or the treasures that await us in heaven. So be careful, don’t make money and your possessions your gods. You can’t serve the God of the universe and the gods of the world.

Being highly esteemed, respected, and admired in this world all feel great for a while. But God’s love and total forgiveness in Jesus Christ and the guarantee of the riches of heaven are far better rewards than any we can obtain on earth during our lifetime.

Dear Jesus. Please help us remember that everything we do should be all about you, not about us. Please guide us through your Holy Spirit to not seek adoration or fame in place of your great love and forgiveness. Help us serve others with the gifts You have given us and the resources You put at our disposal, not for accolades, but for you. Amen

A Devotion

By Joe Guagliardo

Matthew 2:1-12

“The Magi visit Jesus”

January 6, 2024

Have you ever had an “Aha” moment? It’s another way of saying you had an Epiphany. Here is one of the Oxford Language Dictionaries’ definitions of Epiphany.

 “A moment of sudden revelation or insight.”

We’ve all had them. Remember in the past when you were taking a test, and you were totally stumped by a question. Then suddenly, after looking at the question repeatedly, or perhaps moving on to another one, the Aha moment hits. You remembered the answer to the question.

You’re trying to fix the kitchen sink. The drain is clogged. Try as you might, you can’t figure it out. Then, all of a sudden, Bam, the answer to fixing it hits you.

It happens more often than you think. We have sudden revelations or understandings of something.

Most of you know where I’m heading with this conversation.

I’m talking about the celebration of Epiphany in the Christian church. This year, Epiphany falls on Saturday, January 6.

***************************The Point***************************

The Magi Visit the Messiah

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi (2:1 Traditionally wise men) from the East came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

 ’But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for out of you will come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel?’ (2:6 Micah 5:2,4″)

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me so that I, too, may go and worship him.”

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then, they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and Myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”

Matthew 2: 1-12

Let’s first look at the story.

Epiphany is the time of year when we remember the Magi, or Wise men who visited Jesus.

The passage above states:

“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.”

Even though modern-day displays show the Magi at the stable at Jesus’s birth, they actually showed up at Jesus’s home many months after he was born.

The Magi were, in a sense, wise men. They were perhaps priests, astrologers, or astronomers who traveled from the Middle East, following the star that led them to the home of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Many experts believe they came from Babylon, which is modern-day Iraq.

As we know, the Magi/ Wisemen brought gifts. The assumption is that there were three of the Magi because of the three gifts, but we really don’t know how many people arrived from the East.

The gifts were Gold, incense, and Myrrh.

The gold suggests royalty or kingship. Somewhere along the way, the Magi had an epiphany and knew Jesus was the Son of God.

They also brought incense. Incense was used in worship in the temple. And the smoke rising from the incense symbolized God-pleasing prayers going up to heaven.

The final gift given was Myrrh.

The Myrrh symbolizes Jesus being a human and that he would someday die. Myrrh is what they call a resin and is used in perfume but also used on someone’s body after they die.

These gifts were given to Jesus and His family by people who had a “revelation.”

They knew that they were in the presence of the Son of God.

We’ve all heard and read the story of the three Wise Men. Like them, we believe that Jesus is and was the Son of God. He was sent to us to save us from ourselves.

Praise God for His love and saving Grace that, through our Faith, gives us eternal life.

A Devotion

By Joe Guagliardo

It’s a New Year; put it in God’s Hands.

“Matthew 6:25-34”

December 31, 2023

Yesterday, my wife Kathy and I went grocery shopping at our local Aldi’s. I always go in alone to seek out an electric cart, as she is disabled. Very rarely, there is not an electric cart available. Happy to say there was one there this time too.

 We went into the store, did our shopping, and checked out. When we arrived at our car, I opened the hatchback and began loading in our purchases. I was about halfway done when I noticed an older man (I’m 72, so yes, he was older than me) struggling as he carried his purchases without a cart to his car.

I stopped loading my own groceries, leaving Kathy in the electric cart, and ran up to the man to offer my assistance. He was very grateful for the help, as he was holding two large bags and a 12-pack of paper towels in his arms.

I took one of the bags from him, and we walked out to his SUV. As we walked, he thanked me and said he was “16 years shy of his 100^th birthday.” That made him 84 years old.

He also mentioned that this used to be easier when he was younger. But the most incredible thing he told me was that he took no medications and had no ailments.

After I loaded his car and bid him farewell, I thought about the statement he made. He was 84 years old, had no health problems (except age), and took no meds.

I told Kathy, and like me, she was taken aback by that statement. Kathy (due to her M.S. and blood pressure) takes about 15 different medicines and supplements, and I take seven or eight.  

**********************The Point********************

We all carry baggage, we all have problems.

When I saw the older man in the parking lot, he quite literally had baggage!

But we all have ailments and problems that we worry about. Here’s what Jesus says about that:

“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life?

 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon, in all his splendor, was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So, do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:25-34

Did you read that passage above? Again. And again, Jesus reiterates, “Do No Worry.”

Jesus says to not worry about clothes, food, or drink. What he’s talking about is everything. Do not worry. If I worried about my wife’s health or mine constantly, I’d never have time for living. And the same goes for you!

Jesus tells us to do two things, first:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Make God number one in your life, and He will take care of you.

Jesus also makes one more “Do Not” statement:

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

Keep the faith. Make God first, and don’t worry about what tomorrow will bring. Each day has its own problems. We can’t constantly worry about “What’s Next.”

We deal with what’s before us and ask God for help and guidance. He is always with us, “Even to the end of the Age.”

Have A Blessed New Year!

A Devotion

By Joe Guagliardo

Matthew 22:37-39

“It’s the day after the day after.”

December 27, 2023

It’s the day after the day after … Christmas, that is. The festivities and parties are over. The gifts have been exchanged with others and perhaps also at the store. Maybe, just maybe, you even attended a Christmas Eve or Day service.

We’ve celebrated Christmas, so what’s next? Yes, next week is New Year’s, but I seldom count that as a holiday. Kathy and I usually stay home and don’t do anything (And we’re in bed by 11 p.m.)

Epiphany comes after New Year’s. That’s when we remember the star in the east that led the wise men to the home of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. But what’s really next?

*************************The Point***********************

Has this Christmas impacted your life as we celebrated the birth of Christ, the Savior of the World?

The point is, now that we’ve celebrated the birth of our savior, why don’t we celebrate a new beginning.

Here are some thoughts:

1. Love God
   1. Matthew 22:37 says: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Make God first in your life. Love Him the way He Loves you.

2. Love Others –

Matthew 22:39 says: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Love, respect, and be kind to others.

3. Read the Bible often. I’ve been connected to the church for 35 years, and I’m still learning something new every day when I read it.

4. Attend church services regularly. When I go to services on Christmas Eve, I don’t recognize over 50% of the people. Most only come a couple times a year. (A former Pastor of mine called them CEOs; Christmas and Easter only 😊)

Whether you prefer traditional or contemporary worship services, there’s one for you.

Remember this! Attending church is not just about worshipping God (Which is important). It’s also about connecting to others who also love and worship Jesus.

5. Finally, if you can, get involved this year. Join a small group Bible Study. Help out when and where you can at church and in the community.

There’s so much to learn about Jesus and God’s plan for us.

Plus, you’ll begin making new friends and forming relationships with others who are like-minded people.

May this New Year be a new beginning for you and your family as you get to know God and His family better.

A Devotion

By Joe Guagliardo

1Timothy 1:15-17

“The Gift of Salvation, We Can Count On It”

December 22, 2023

Are you a trusting person? Here’s a couple of definitions I found online:

Someone that you can rely on to be good, honest, sincere, etc.

 A person who is able to be relied on as honest or truthful.

A trustworthy person is reliable, responsible, and can be trusted completely. He/she is a trustworthy and level-headed leader.

You may recognize the picture above. It is of a group of people doing a “trust fall.” A trust fall is an excellent way of teaching people to rely on each other.

The eight people you see in the picture cross their arms with each other to make a sound landing platform for the person who is falling backward. Usually, the person falling folds their arms in front of them, closes their eyes, and falls backward, trusting that the group will catch them. Since everyone must take a turn, it is in everybody’s best interest to do it correctly.

What does the trust fall prove or show? It shows that the group can be relied on and trust each other.

As Christians, we don’t have to fall backward to prove that God is with us, and we can trust Him at His word.

****************************The Point**********************

First Timothy tells us how much he counts on Jesus. Because Jesus is a man/God of His word.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason, I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus, might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

1 Timothy 1:15-17

Timothy tells us wholeheartedly that Jesus came into this world to save us. Timothy says,

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”

Was Timothy the worst of sinners? Probably not. The point is, is that we are all sinners, and we all need Jesus. Timothy even states the obvious that I’ve spoken of often.

“Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”

Jesus waits patiently for people to come to Him. All He asks is that we believe in Him and what He did for us. If we do this, we will receive eternal life.

Timothy closes by giving Glory to God.

God sent His Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins. All we have to do is believe in Him and what He did for us, and we will live in eternity with Him.

“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.”

Trust in His Words!

A Devotion

By Joe Guagliardo

James 5:7-8; Matthew 28:19-20

“Waiting”

December 17, 2023

Seven days and counting. That’s right, only seven days until Christmas day. Shopping online and in brick-and-mortar stores is at its peak right now. People are rushing around trying to get the perfect gift for everyone on their list.

Children hope to get the perfect gift from Santa, and parents are just plain exhausted from trying to find items their kids want.

It seems every year that Jesus’ connection to Christmas gets lost, except for possibly and hour spent at a church service on Christmas Eve or Day.

But we really need to remember something at this time of year. As the writer wrote, and you’ve heard many times, “There is no Christmas without Christ.” Or perhaps you’ve heard this one, too, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

*********************The Point*****************

Advent is a time of waiting. We are waiting for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Savior of the world who died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Then He rose from the dead three days later.

Jesus conquered death. He rose from the dead. In doing so, He guaranteed us that someday we, too, would rise from our inevitable bodily death.

As we celebrate Christ’s coming this Christmas, we are waiting for something else, too.

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You, too, be patient and stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near.”

We are awaiting Christ’s return. We wait for the day Jesus returns to take us home to His heavenly home. The difficult thing to do is to wait patiently for Christ’s return.

“But about that day or hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”

Only God knows when Christ will return, just like when God told Noah to build that Ark because He would flood the world. He did not tell Noah exactly when the flood would occur. The same goes for Jesus. He will return when God the Father says, “It’s time.”

Be ready. Jesus will return. We don’t know the hour or minute, but rest assured, He will return.

Be ready by doing the Lord’s word that Jesus gave us to do.

“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 commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

A Devotion

By Joe Guagliardo

John 19:18-20

“It is Finished!”

December 15, 2023

It’s hard to believe, but … My Christmas shopping is done. Wife, daughter, grandkids, friends, and other family members, it is finished.

I remember many times over the years when Kathy and I were still shopping on Christmas Eve. Also, if you’ve read any of my early devotions, I discussed finishing wrapping gifts at 2:30 a.m. on Christmas morning.

But, this year, we got an early start and finished up early. It feels so good to be done.

***************************The Point**********************

When Jesus came to earth over 2000 years ago, He had a job to do. And when His assignment, which His Father (God) gave to Him, was done, He said the same thing:

The Death of Jesus

“Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said,

“I am thirsty.”

A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said,

“It is finished.”

With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

John 19: 28-30

Jesus fulfilled all of the Old Testament Prophesies. He taught He healed, He showed love for others, and He died a horrible death and 3 days later rose from the dead. What I just wrote is a small composite of what Jesus accomplished in three short years.

Ultimately, Jesus knew that He had accomplished what He had come for:

“Knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled …. Jesus said,

“It is finished.”

With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Jesus knew He had accomplished what His Father had sent Him to do. And with one final act, His death, our sins were forgiven. Three days later, He would rise from the grave, overcoming death itself. And once again, giving us not only the forgiveness we received from His death on the cross but, through His resurrection, an opportunity for eternal life with Him forever and ever.

A Devotion

By Joe Guagliardo

Ephesians 2:8-9

 Jesus paid our bill

December 4, 2023

Most of you have health insurance. For some, it’s very affordable, while for others, it can be costly.

My health insurance is pretty good. If I see my primary doctor, there is no charge. Also, most of my medications are covered by my insurance.

The one thing most of us dislike is our co-pay. Most of us have to pay a co-pay before we see the doctor. Depending on who your health insurance carrier is, the prices of co-pays vary

I don’t have anything against co-pays, as I believe no matter what, a doctor should get paid for their services.

That brings us to today’s story:

This morning, I had an 8 a.m. doctor’s appointment. I arrived early, checked in, and paid my co-pay.

This is when it gets interesting. Several people who had appointments arrived after I did. Two of them checked in, paid their co-pay, and got called in before me (There are many doctors and nurse practitioners in the office). After I had been waiting for a few minutes, a third gentleman came in and checked in. He was told he had a co-pay (I didn’t hear how much it was).

This patient (of middle age) told the receptionist that he shouldn’t have to pay anything because the meds that the doctor had prescribed for him didn’t work, and he was still sick.

The receptionist explained that patients must pay a co-pay every time they visit the office. He was adamant and told the receptionist he wouldn’t pay another co-pay. I’m not sure what she said, but I presume it was something like, “If you don’t pay your co-pay, you can’t see the doctor.”

He then stomped out of the office, mumbling, and said aloud, “This is ridiculous.”

Your opinion is yours, but I had never seen such a scene before. I don’t always enjoy making my co-payment, but I can honestly say I’ve never caused a scene over it.

***********************The Point*******************

Unlike the odd encounter between the patient and receptionist, our salvation does not depend on you and me doing anything except believing (Faith). No indulgences (financial payment for the forgiveness of sins) will save us from our sins.

No, there’s only one payment to be made, and it was made by the Grace of God through the death of His Son, Jesus. God’s Son died for our sins. No payment on our part is necessary. All God asks us is to believe in His Son, Jesus. Believe in all that He taught, all that He healed, and how much He loves you and me.

B.G.T.F. By Grace through Faith. No co-pay and no indulgences are necessary. Our debt has been paid.