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J.O.Y. in Sequencing - How the key to happiness is about Jesus, then others, then yourself. Apr 07, 2025

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Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

BRAND NEW BOOK - The Daily Bible Devotional Volume 2 (Acts - Ephesians) is now available on Amazon. We hope this becomes a great daily tool in engaging with the New Testament, one chapter at a time.

Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)

Sponsors:
Jon Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham Financial Group
Website: www.cunninghamfinancialgroup.com
Phone: 205-326-7364
Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
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Phone: 813-380-8487

Here's the Exercise of the Episode:

Answer four questions:

- Why are you a Christian?

- Why do you go to worship?

- Why do you treat everyone with kindness?

- Why do you abstain from sexual immorality?

First - Answer each question starting with JESUS

Second - Answer each starting with OTHERS

Finally - Answer each starting with YOURSELF

This is the way to process and prioritize all we do.

Sequencing is Important: J.O.Y.

Luke 22 - Daily Bible Devotional Apr 07, 2025

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Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.com

Luke 22

Jesus is the calm amid the storm as the end of His earthly life approaches. The Jews seek to kill Him. Judas has set up His betrayal. The disciples, while faithful, understand little and often devolve into arguments over who is the greatest. Peter makes a commitment he cannot keep. But in all this, Jesus remains faithful. He gathers the Apostles and establishes the memorial supper that would have great meaning after His death and resurrection. He goes to the garden and communes with His Father. He is comforted by an angel and made ready to complete His mission. He quietly submits to arrest. While Peter’s world is shattered by weakness in denying Jesus, the Savior tells the world He is God’s Son, knowing it will lead to His death.

Satan is at work near the end of Jesus’ life. He enters Judas to lead him to betray Jesus. He incites the jealousy of the Jewish leaders. He even demands permission to sift Peter like wheat and succeeds in tempting him to deny Jesus. Satan is a menace, then and now. He still features these same tactics: greed, fear, and pride. But Jesus is our anchor in the storm of Satan’s efforts. He gathers and protects His disciples. He appeals to God on our behalf. Jesus communes with us in His memorial supper. And Jesus helps us face trials with composure and wisdom. We should always be anchored in Him and grateful for His help in times of need.

Holy God, we praise You during the trials and temptations of life. Satan tries to sow doubt and fear into our hearts. Father, give us clarity to see Your Son. He was focused, faithful, and always connected to You. His identity as Your Son sustained Him. Dear Lord, help us to be more like Him. Lead us to make more time for prayer and to keep our eyes on future hopes and blessings in Jesus. His behavior, even in the face of evil, was controlled by peace. Father, fill us with peace in knowing our triumphant King is always with us.

- Why was Jesus so calm even as Satan was doing his work? How can you establish that kind of peace even if there is trouble around you?

- Jesus’ disciples struggled under trial because overconfidence led to complacency. How do you keep from complacency in your faith?

- “Are you the Son of God?” “Yes, I am.” Jesus confidently confessed His name. How does your faith in His identity help you daily?

Luke 21 - Daily Bible Devotional Apr 04, 2025

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Luke 21

Jesus is at the temple and commends a poor widow for putting in all that she has to live on. This contrasts with those who give out of their surplus. Jesus has a message for those who deem the temple to be holy, but do not worship there with the right heart: the temple in Jerusalem will be destroyed. The disciples ask Jesus when such things will happen. Jesus tells them times will get tough and deceivers will abound. But it will be a great opportunity to testify to the truth. He instructs them to flee to the mountains when the judgment begins. Disciples will need to be on guard, stay prepared, and be willing to walk away when the time comes. This destruction would come in their generation.

The destruction of Jerusalem occurred in 70 A.D. Roman soldiers attacked the city, and many Jews were killed. Jesus warned about this, and those who believed in Him looked for signs, stayed ready, and escaped annihilation. There was much deception in those days. Disciples had to sift through error and be sure they were following the truth. The Roman army was the agency of Christ’s judgment against the ungodly. We know that a final judgment is coming. Jesus will return personally, and He will destroy the world and those who are caught in deception. We can “stand before the Son of Man” if we listen, learn, and prepare for the coming of our King. The day of judgment is coming.

Powerful Creator, we live, move, and exist because of Your power and love. It brings great comfort to worship the One who created and controls all things. Father, give us the wisdom to see that this also means You have the power to destroy. As Jesus predicted Jerusalem’s destruction, so will this world be burned with fire. Thank You for teaching us how to avoid judgment and stand with Jesus on the final day. We commit to being ready and embracing every opportunity to tell others to love and obey Your Son, and to prepare to meet Him face to face.

- The temple was special to Jews, yet many had the wrong hearts. How important is your heart when you gather with others at places of worship?

- Jerusalem’s destruction was complete and terrible. How important is it to see that Jesus is willing to do this for those who reject His will?

- Jesus warns you to be on guard, so your heart is not burdened by the worries of life. How do you work on that to prepare for His return?

Luke 20 - Daily Bible Devotional Apr 03, 2025

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Luke 20

It is easier to ask questions than to answer them, especially when one’s motives are wrong. The Pharisees learn this lesson throughout this chapter. They ask about Christ’s authority, but they cannot answer His question about the baptism of John. Jesus then tells a parable about workers in a man’s vineyard. They beat his delegates, eventually kill his son, and they seek to take the vineyard for themselves. Judgment will be severe for such people. The Jewish leaders respond to this by asking Jesus questions about taxes and government, and then about marriage and the resurrection. On each occasion, He answers with integrity. He then asks them about David’s son being Lord and they have no answer. Jesus warns people to beware of those who question but have no integrity.

There is no doubt that Jesus’ teaching is powerful and demanding. Because of this, many in the world seek to diminish His authority and establish their own. A fundamental part of our faith is admitting that He has all authority to rule our lives. If He is relegated to a lesser role, our own desires will replace Him in the seat of our hearts. From there, many sinful things can happen. Jesus is faithful. He handles questions about Caesar, questions about the resurrection, and all questions with perfect wisdom. He knows infinitely more than we do. No question can stump the Maker of all things! If we doubt Him now, He will have difficult questions for us in the judgment.

Dear Lord, teach us how to have an all-in faith in Jesus. We have questions in this life. Help us to understand that our questions do not diminish His authority. Instead, they serve as more reason to trust in the One who knows all things. We have seen doubt turn to anger in the Pharisees and in people around us. How can we show them the peace that is found in surrender? Maybe that is seen in how we view the government. Or perhaps what we believe about resurrection. Give us opportunities to show the world we find our answers in Christ.

- The Pharisees asked Jesus, “By what authority” He speaks and acts. How would you answer that question on your Savior’s behalf?

- Jesus was righteous when questioned about taxes and government. Why is it important to be peaceful and wise when asked about such things?

- Questions about life after death can be very tough. Why is it important to defer to God and scripture and trust that He will work it out?

Luke 19 - Daily Bible Devotional Apr 02, 2025

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Luke 19

Compassion and repentance go together. Jesus shows compassion for a tax collector by approaching him, and Zaccheus responds by repenting of his sinful past. Jesus establishes a kingdom of workers who will carry His saving message. As the parable of the minas indicates, some will reject Him and be wasteful with their opportunities. But those who engage enthusiastically in sharing Him with others will be rewarded. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem for the last time, some worshipers gather to praise Him. But sadly, many in Jerusalem do not. It hurts Jesus to see so many reject His mercy. Jesus goes to the temple to drive out the greedy men and this enrages the Jewish leaders. These men prove to be the hateful and wasteful citizens from the parable of the minas.

Jesus went out of His way to help a tax collector in a tree, a man most would avoid. The parable of the minas, or even the talents, is only understood from this perspective. The work of cultivating His investment in us demands reaching people who are seeking Jesus. Evangelism is at the heart of discipleship. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. The Jewish leaders simply could not understand this. They wanted to protect their own established traditions, even though it had led to ungodly behavior, like money changing in the temple. They hated Him for demanding that they focus less on themselves and more on others. We must emulate Jesus and never these men of selfish motives.

Merciful Father, we are Zaccheus. We are sinners in search of someone to love us. Jesus has come, brought salvation to us, and challenged us to repent and lovingly serve Him faithfully. Lord, we are forever indebted to Him. Please give us the wisdom to know how to show that in the way we love, teach, and help others. You have invested in us, and we pray for the courage to multiply that investment. We will worship Your Son with boldness and joy. Please discipline us to focus less on self, money, and status, and more on kingdom ministry.

- What would it require for you or me to derail our day to stop and notice Zaccheus and then go to his home? How can we be more like Jesus?

- You belong to Jesus. This is such a peaceful place to be. How important is it for you to share that hope with people who need Him?

- It seems money and greed kept the Pharisees too blind to see Jesus. What can you do each day to keep that from happening to you?

Luke 18 - Daily Bible Devotional Apr 01, 2025

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Luke 18

Saving faith is defined by humility. Throughout this chapter, this is taught in many ways. It starts with persistent, thankful, modest prayer. How we approach God, and if we compare ourselves to others, says a great deal about us. This humility must persist after prayer and in how we treat those less fortunate than us. A ruler walks away from Christ because he will not sell his goods and help others. For those who are willing to do so, Jesus will care for them now and forever in heaven. Jesus demonstrates this entirely when He gives His life on the cross. So much of this for us is tied to our unworthiness. We are like the blind beggar, saved by the relentless pursuit of the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ teaching from Luke’s perspective is quite challenging. It demands of us things we may easily understand, like prayer and trust and seeking Him diligently and fully. But then Jesus turns attention to how we see others. He demands we never elevate ourselves over others. He tells us to give up our own goods to help those who have less. Instead of telling us to be cautious about that, He demonstrates unprecedented charity by giving His life on the cross. He then challenges us to love like He loves. Would we have stopped to help the blind man? Part of growth is realizing that we are that man. But this must then extend to the compassionate way we see others.

Ever-present Lord, we thank You for always being willing to hear our prayers. We believe You always answer in a way that honors You and is good for us, according to Your will. Help us to self-evaluate as we pray. Teach us to be loving toward others, and to ask for wisdom to give, to serve, and to spread Your mercy and kindness to them. Your Son gave everything and now sits in glory. Show us how to pattern our daily lives after Him. Open our eyes to Him and give us the opportunity today to help others see His way.

- How impactful is daily prayer in your life? If you are consistent and filled with thanksgiving, how will prayer be helpful to you?

- Do you pray for others? Not just friends, but the needy, the hurting, and even those who don’t love you. Why is this important?

- “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Do you appeal to Jesus in this way? How does Jesus respond to genuine calls for healing and help?

Asking for Nets - 6 Timeless Truths from Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

BRAND NEW BOOK - The Daily Bible Devotional Volume 2 (Acts - Ephesians) is now available on Amazon. We hope this becomes a great daily tool in engaging with the New Testament, one chapter at a time.

Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)

Dale Carnegie: How to win friends and influence people

SIX WAYS TO MAKE PEOPLE LIKE YOU (and make requests)

- Become genuinely interested in other people.

- Smile.

- Remember their name and use it often.

- Encourage them to talk about themselves and listen well.

- Talk in terms of the other person's interests.

- Make them feel important - and do it sincerely.

Luke 17 - Daily Bible Devotional Mar 31, 2025

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Luke 17

Jesus instructs His disciples: do not cause others to stumble, rebuke a brother in sin in order to help him, forgive those who repent, and keep laboring in this way throughout your life. Rest from these efforts comes in heaven. Jesus later heals ten lepers, but only one, a Samaritan, comes back to thank Him. Gratitude is a crucial element of faith and ongoing faithfulness. Pharisees then ask Jesus about the kingdom, and He explains that it is already in their midst. They are looking for a major political upheaval. One was coming, but not as they expected. It would be the destruction of Jerusalem as judgment for rejecting the Son of God. Jesus gives a deep description of what that will be like and how devastating it will be.

Jesus is protective of His brothers and sisters. We must see that and reflect that same love in the way we support our Christian family. There will be sin, and correction will be needed. But the goal is always repentance and fellowship. Sometimes this means our own repentance. This is not easy, but we are unworthy slaves of our King and must tirelessly pursue His ways. Gratitude will help. We, like the lepers, have been cured of a deadly disease. To come to Him and express thanks at His feet humbles us and helps us approach people with the right heart. Like the Jews did in 70 A.D., everyone will answer for their faith. Commit to deepening your trust in Him.

“Increase our faith!” We proclaim these same words the apostles uttered to Christ so many years ago. Deepen our trust, renovate our hearts, and make us more like Him in every part of our lives. We pray for more gratitude so that we can be much more open to extending grace to others. Your Son has healed us. He has saved us from the judgment to come. We acknowledge our responsibility in connection with that. We know this means being mindful of Jesus and doing everything we can to help reconcile others to You. Gracious Lord, please increase our faith!

- How are you at forgiving others, or even the willingness to do so? Is this something worth praying about, and how will that help?

- What has Christ done for you that makes you grateful today? How can that attitude fuel your thinking and words all day long?

- Jerusalem was destroyed and only a few were prepared and survived. How do you stay ready and alert for the day of final judgment?

Luke 16 - Daily Bible Devotional Mar 28, 2025

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Luke 16

Jesus shares a parable about a manager who squanders a rich man’s possessions. Before being fired, he goes out and reduces debt for people who owe the rich man, in hopes that they will care for him after he is punished. The rich man praises the manager for his shrewdness! The point is we should use what we have now for righteous acts so we can be taken care of in heaven later. Otherwise, if we are unwise now, we will end up with nothing. This parable is told because the Pharisees love money. Jesus then shares the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus has nothing in this life but enjoys comfort in heaven. The rich man has much, shares little and ends up begging for mercy in torment.

The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. Many are foolish and selfish with it and create many problems in their lives. We should think of money as a tool used to joyfully serve God and others now, ensuring a heavenly reward later. In the final parable, Lazarus rests in Abraham’s bosom because, though physically poor, he was rich in faith. The rich man, in torment, would give every cent he had to be right with God, but he had nothing left to give. During his life, he knew God’s law of mercy, but he was too busy enjoying his money. This story emphasizes a fundamental teaching of Jesus: we cannot serve God and wealth.

Benevolent God, to know You and be saved by You is the greatest treasure of our lives. All carnal things pale in comparison. Father, help this belief shape our daily lives and priorities. Show us how to be generous to others and use our blessings to be righteous and kind. We believe in eternal heaven and hell. But we sometimes forget that today’s choices pave the way to our eternal home. Forgive our short-sightedness and open our eyes to Your Son’s law of charity and mercy. Free us from the love of money and fill us with love for others.

- How does your relationship with money change when it is seen as simply an asset to show faith to God and lay up eternal treasures?

- There is a verse in this chapter on divorce and remarriage (18). How do greed and selfishness often factor into failed marriages?

- Lazarus had nothing on earth, and he is now in eternal comfort. Can his story be a comfort to you or someone who is struggling in life?

Luke 15 - Daily Bible Devotional Mar 27, 2025

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Luke 15

Jesus is dining with tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees and scribes grumble about this. They completely miss that Christ has come to seek and save the lost. To educate them on His mission, Jesus tells three parables. The first is a man who loses one of his one hundred sheep. He searches for the one, carries him back, and throws a party to celebrate. The second is a woman who loses one of her ten coins. She sweeps the house until she finds it, and then rejoices with her friends. The third is about a son who takes his inheritance and wastes it. He finally comes home, and the father throws a feast. His older brother is angry about this and must be taught about mercy by his father.

The point of all three parables is the same: our Father in heaven rejoices when even one soul repents of sin and returns to Him. We might not care about one sheep out of a hundred, but the Shepherd does. We might have lived with one lost coin, but the woman could not. We would certainly be crushed at losing a son, and we would throw a great feast if he returned home. This is why Jesus ate with sinners. He knew that every soul matters and the Father loves them all. The older brother in the Prodigal Son story struggles to have mercy on his brother. To be like our Father, we must be humble and welcome all who repent.

Patient Father, thank You for loving us and desiring our salvation. We know Your greatest joy is seeing a soul restored to Your care. Great God, if we need to repent and return to You, please show us the way. If we are lost sheep, please send Jesus to carry us back home. But Father, we also need to help others turn to You. Please cleanse our hearts of any pride that would look at others the way the older brother did, the way the Pharisees did. Send us someone today who we can lead back to You.

- Jesus spending time with sinners was a shock to the Pharisees. Is it off-putting behavior to you? Should you be doing this also?

- All three stories show how important repentance is to God. How should God’s loving response to repentance affect all your decisions?

- The older brother was self-centered and unmerciful. Does this ever happen today? Should Christians ever feel this way about others?

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