Acts 9:1-4 - What Paul Saw on the Road

Acts 9:1-4:  Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

One of the stories that always amazes me in Scripture is Paul’s conversion. Paul was then known as Saul of Tarsus, the man who once hated Christians. He was stopped in his tracks by the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. In that blinding light, his physical eyes were closed, but his spiritual eyes were opened. What Paul came to see in those days of blindness can still teach us something about following Jesus today.

The first thing Paul realized was that he was a sinner. That’s never easy to admit. Paul had always thought of himself as a righteous Pharisee, doing the will of God. But now he could no longer hide behind his religion or his good deeds. He realized had been fighting against the very Son of God. That’s a humbling moment we all need—to stop pretending we are better than we are and honestly admit, “I have sinned.”

Paul also saw that the religion of his fathers couldn’t save him. Tradition is powerful. Many of us grew up with faith passed down from our parents or grandparents, and that’s a blessing. But we don’t inherit faith like eye color. Each of us must come to Christ personally and develop our own obedient faith. Paul had to realize that his upbringing and heritage, as valuable as they were, weren’t enough without obedience to Jesus.

Another lesson Paul learned is that his conscience wasn’t always reliable. He had always followed his conscience, even when persecuting Christians—but he was still wrong. That’s sobering, isn’t it? Sometimes people say, “Just follow your heart,” but Paul’s story warns us that our hearts can mislead us. Our conscience needs to be shaped and corrected by God’s Word, or it will never point us in the right direction.

Paul also discovered that prayer, as important as it is, could not wash away his sins. He had spent three days praying and fasting, but it wasn’t until he obeyed the command to be baptized that his sins were forgiven (Acts 22:16). Prayer is a gift for God’s children, but for Paul (and actually even for us), forgiveness only came through obedience.

And perhaps most encouraging of all, Paul saw that it was no disgrace to change. He had been wrong—terribly wrong—but instead of clinging to pride, he humbled himself and allowed God to transform him. The man who once tried to destroy the church became one of its greatest servants. That’s what grace does—it changes us from the inside out.

Paul’s story reminds me that it’s never too late to admit we’re wrong, never too late to repent, never too late to obey Jesus. On the road to Damascus, Paul lost his sight, but he gained his vision. And maybe that’s what we need too—not just to see the world with physical eyes, but to see our lives clearly through the eyes of Christ.

Ephesians 5:19 - Singing: Worship God in His Way

Ephesians 5:19:  “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

When you think about worship, what comes to mind? A choir, an organ, a guitar? Or the simple voices of Christians singing together? The real question isn’t, “What do I like?” but “What does God want?”

Paul answers in Ephesians 5:19:  “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

Notice he doesn’t say “play” or “strum.” He says “sing.” The Greek word (ado) means to sing with the voice. When God wanted instruments in Old Testament worship, He commanded them (2 Chron. 29:25). In the New Testament, He commanded singing. Paul makes the “instrument” clear:  the heart.

This shows us worship isn’t about what pleases us, but what honors God. If Noah had used cedar instead of gopher wood, would God have been pleased? No—because God had specified. In the same way, when God specifies singing, adding instruments changes what He asked for.

Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Worship in truth means worship on His terms.

History agrees. For centuries, Christians sang without instruments. Clement of Alexandria warned they belonged to pagan feasts, not the church. Augustine said the true instrument is the heart. Even the word a cappella means “in the style of the church.”

So why does it matter? Because worship is a gift for God. If your spouse asks for something simple and heartfelt, but you give something flashy instead, who are you really thinking about—you or them? The question in worship isn’t, “Do I like it?” but “Does God want it?”

Ephesians 5:19 makes it clear:  God wants His people to sing, making melody in their hearts. This is worship that is simple, spiritual, and centered on Him. When we lift our voices this way, we offer the kind of praise the apostles knew, the early church practiced, and God still desires.

So, the next time you sing, remember—you’re holding the only instrument God ever asked for:  the heart. Play it well, and He will be pleased.

Romans 8:6 - Life, Peace, and the Trouble with Carnal Thinking

Romans 8:6
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Paul wrote, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6 NKJV). That’s not just religious talk — it’s a reality check. What we set our minds on truly shapes our lives. And let’s be honest:  sometimes what we see in ourselves (and in the church) looks a lot more like carnality than spirituality.

You can spot the difference pretty quickly, though. Ever notice how some folks will go to a ball game in the pouring rain, but a drizzle on Sunday morning is enough to cancel worship? Or how we can feel “too sick” for church, but somehow well enough to drag ourselves to work Monday morning? That’s not dedication — that’s our priorities showing up.

Spirituality isn’t about checking a box or showing up when the weather’s nice. It’s about valuing God more than comfort, convenience, or culture. It’s about setting our minds on “things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).

When we’re spiritually minded, we see worship not as optional but essential. We notice the brother or sister who’s drifting and reach out to restore them (Galatians 6:1). We understand our whole life is meant to be a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1), not just an hour on Sunday.

The truth is, carnality always weakens the church and turns people away from Christ. But spirituality breathes life, strength, and peace into both our souls and our community. And here’s the best part: it’s not reserved for “super saints.” It grows in ordinary Christians who are willing to stay in God’s Word, pray, and walk daily in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

Carnal thinking leaves us empty, but spiritual living fills us with life and peace. And honestly, who doesn’t want more of that?

John 3:1-3 - Nicodemus: From Darkness to Light

John 3:1-3
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Nicodemus is one of those fascinating figures we read of in the Gospel of John. He wasn’t a fisherman, tax collector, or ordinary person like many of Jesus’ other followers. He was a Pharisee—a respected religious teacher, an expert in Scripture, and a member of the Jewish ruling council. In other words, Nicodemus was the kind of man people looked up to for answers.

And yet, when we read of him coming to Jesus in John 3, he came at night. It is possible he didn’t want his colleagues to see him. Maybe he was afraid of what others would think. Or he simply wanted a private conversation with the teacher who was performing all of the miracles he was hearing about. Whatever the reason, John makes it clear that Nicodemus came to Jesus “in the dark.”

When he opened the conversation, Nicodemus sounded respectful: “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God.” But as Jesus often did, He immediately cut to the heart of the matter:  “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Nicodemus was stunned. He thought Jesus meant a physical rebirth, and he couldn’t understand. Jesus was really saying, “You need a spiritual rebirth—from above, by water and the Spirit.”

This was shocking for a man like Nicodemus. His entire life was built on his study of the Scriptures, Jewish traditions of the Rabbis, and his careful obedience to the Law. But Jesus told him plainly:  Eternal life isn’t found in rules or knowledge. It comes only by being born again, born from above, through faith in the Son of God.

To make His point, Jesus reminded Nicodemus of the story in Numbers 21, when God told Moses to lift up a bronze serpent so that the dying Israelites who were snake-bitten could look at it and live. In a similar way, Jesus would be lifted up on the cross, and whoever looked to Him in faith would find eternal life. This is the context of the verse we all know so well: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” - John 3:16.

Nicodemus didn’t fully believe that night. But his journey didn’t end there. Later in John 7, he cautiously defended Jesus in front of his peers. And finally, after the crucifixion, Nicodemus brought a very costly gift of burial spices and helped Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus. That act was public, costly, and courageous. It was Nicodemus’ way of stepping out of the shadows and into the light.

His story reminds us that faith is often a journey. Some of us begin with curiosity, asking our own questions in the dark. Others cautiously defend Jesus but hesitate to commit fully. But in the end, real faith calls us to step boldly into the light, no matter the cost.

Nicodemus challenges us with one big question:  Are we still hiding in the dark, or are we ready to step into the light of Christ and be born from above?

Revelation 8:1-4 - God Values Our Prayers

Revelation 8:1-4
When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.

Prayer is often something we know we should do, but sometimes it gets pushed to the edges of our busy lives. Yet, in Revelation 8:1–4, we are given an encouraging glimpse into heaven that reminds us just how precious and powerful our prayers really are. John describes a moment of silence in heaven — "about the space of half an hour" (v. 1) — an unusual and dramatic pause in the middle of the opening of scrolls and unfolding judgments. This silence comes just before the next series of events in God's plan. But what happens during that silence? The prayers of the saints are presented before God!

An angel comes and stands at the altar, holding a golden censer. The air is filled with a sweet smell as he is given "much incense" to offer "with the prayers of all saints" (v. 3). This incense, and our prayers, rises up before God — "from the angel’s hand" — as a sweet offering. And – it’s not just to maintain heaven’s atmosphere. It’s not an afterthought. It’s central to the scene. Heaven quiets itself for the prayers of God’s people.

This image is powerful because it shows us our prayers matter in heaven. They rise up like incense—fragrant, meaningful, noticed. Not one of them is lost or ignored. God listens. And more than that, He responds. In the next verse (v. 5), we see the angel take fire from the altar, fill the censer, and cast it to the earth—symbolizing that God is taking action in response to those prayers.

Too often we think of prayer as something small. But in Revelation 8, we see it’s part of something much, much bigger. Our prayers are not only heard — they are part of God’s divine work in the world. The prayers of the saints are not passive; they are powerful!

So what does this mean for us?

It means we must never underestimate the importance of praying — both privately and with others. When we feel helpless, prayer is not the last resort; it is the first action of faith. When we feel unheard by the world, we are still heard in heaven. And when we wonder if our words are making a difference, Revelation reminds us that God receives them, values them, and moves through them.

So – be encouraged to pray with confidence, knowing that even if the world doesn’t notice, heaven does. And never forget: your prayers go farther than you can imagine—all the way to the very throne of God.

Matthew 10:29-31 - You Matter More Than You Know

Matthew 10:29-31

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Have you ever felt small? Like in the, “Wow, the world is so big, and I’m just one person” kind of way? It’s easy to feel lost in the vastness of life, especially when challenges stack up or when we wonder if anyone notices us. But here’s the thing: God notices. And not just in a “keep tabs on you” kind of way — He sees you, knows you, and cares about you in a way that’s deeply personal and intentional.

Think about the profound truth of Matthew 10:29-31 for a second. Sparrows, and according to Jesus, the cheapest birds in the market, are still under God’s watchful care. He sees every single one. And if that’s true for sparrows, how much more true is it for you? You’re not just a face in the crowd to God. He knows you so intimately that He knows the number of hairs on your head. That’s not just poetic language — it’s Jesus’ way of saying, “God knows every detail about you, and you are deeply valuable to Him.”

This passage tells us something incredible about God: He’s not just the Creator of the universe; He is also the caretaker of even the smallest details. He’s involved in both the cosmic — and the personal. If God is paying attention to a sparrow falling to the ground, how much more is He paying attention to the moments of your life?

This doesn’t mean life will be without challenges. Jesus speaks these words in the context of sending His disciples out into a world that won’t always welcome them. But His point is clear: even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming, you can trust that God is with you.

It’s easy to think that our struggles or prayers get lost in the noise of the world. But Psalm 56:8 reminds us that God sees every tear and every struggle. Nothing about your life escapes His notice.

You’re not just on God’s radar — you’re carved into His very being.

Isaiah 49:15-16: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”

When Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid,” He’s not brushing off your fears. He’s giving you a reason to face them:  you are valuable to God. This is the same God who created the stars — and yet He chose to knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-14). He sees you as His masterpiece, His child, and someone worth everything. God’s care for you is unwavering.

So, when you feel invisible or unworthy, remember this:  God sees you. He sees your victories, your struggles, your laughter, and your tears. He sees your worth, even when you don’t. And because He sees you, you can rest in the assurance that you are never alone, never overlooked, and always loved.

So, the next time you see a sparrow flit by, let it remind you of these words. You’re worth far more than that little bird, and God has His eye on you every moment of every day. You matter more than you know.

Matthew 5:13 - How Salty Are You?

Matthew 5:13

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?

It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

When Jesus declared, "You are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13), He wasn't asking us to go out into the world like Emeril Lagasse, shouting “Bam!” and adding flavor to everything—He was laying down a profound and meaningful guideline for how we’re meant to live as His followers.

So, what does it really mean to be the “salt of the earth,” and why does it matter so much?

First off, back in the time Matthew wrote his Gospel, salt was essential for preserving food. Before refrigeration, keeping food from spoiling, especially in hot climates, was crucial. Jesus used this image to emphasize our role in preserving the goodness and truth of God’s Kingdom in a world that can easily slip into moral decay. Paul echoes this idea in Romans 12:2, where he urges us “not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by renewing our minds.” By living out our faith, we help maintain the moral and spiritual integrity of society, preventing it from falling apart.

But Jesus didn’t stop at preservation. Salt also enhances flavor. It makes food taste better, just as we’re called to bring out the best in the world around us. In Colossians 4:6, Paul advises us to let our conversations be “always full of grace, seasoned with salt,” so that we know how to respond to everyone. Our words and actions should add a touch of grace, kindness, and love, making life richer and more meaningful for those around us. We’re here to add a bit of compassion to a world that can often feel bland and bitter.

Salt also represents purity. James 1:27 calls us to keep ourselves “unstained from the world.” This doesn’t mean we have to be perfect, but it does mean striving to live with integrity and holiness. By maintaining purity in our hearts and actions, as Jesus encouraged in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:8), we set a godly example for others to follow. Our purity shines as a beacon of light in a world that can sometimes be dark.

Lastly, in ancient times, salt symbolized covenant loyalty. In Numbers 18:19, salt is mentioned in the context of the “covenant of salt” between God and His people, representing a lasting and enduring agreement. As the salt of the earth, we’re called to be steadfast in our commitment to God and the mission He has given us. This isn’t just a temporary task but a lifelong calling to be faithful witnesses of His love and truth. Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,” knowing that our efforts are never in vain.

However, Jesus also warns us about the dangers of losing our “saltiness.” In the same verse, He says, "It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." This is a serious reminder that if we, as His followers, lose our distinctiveness—if we stop living according to His teachings and values—we risk becoming ineffective in our mission.

In the ancient world, salt that had become diluted or contaminated with impurities lost its value and its effectiveness. Similarly, if we fail to live out our faith and values, we can’t fulfill the role Jesus has called us to. In this sense, our witness and influence become "useless," like flavorless salt. The phrase "thrown out and trampled underfoot" carries a sense of judgment or consequence. Just as useless salt is discarded, so too might we be if we fail to live out our calling effectively, risking irrelevance or rejection by those around us.

In essence, Jesus is urging us to maintain our distinctiveness as His disciples—preserving our "saltiness" by living in accordance with His teachings. It’s a serious responsibility, but also a joyful one. We have the opportunity to make a real difference simply by living out the values Jesus taught. Let’s embrace our role with enthusiasm and purpose, sprinkling a bit of that divine salt wherever we go—preserving goodness, enhancing life, and reflecting the purity and loyalty of our covenant with God.

Matthew 4:4 - Food for the Soul

Matthew 4:4

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

I love to eat - admittedly, too much at times. You can keep your steak and potatoes, to me, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked casserole, bubbling with cheese and filled with layers of savory goodness. Whether it’s a hearty lasagna, hot “Chicken Mexicana”, or even a classic green bean casserole, food has a way of bringing joy, warmth, and satisfaction to our lives. But as much as I cherish these earthly delights, I know that food, and all things of this world, pale in comparison to the things of Heaven. It’s essential to keep this perspective in mind, especially when we consider the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 4:4.

After fasting for 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:4), Jesus responds to the devil’s temptation by saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This profound statement reminds us that while food nourishes our bodies, it is God's word that truly sustains us. The physical nourishment we receive from food is temporary and fleeting, but the spiritual nourishment we gain from God’s word is eternal and life-giving.

Jesus' response teaches us that the things of this world, even something as essential as food, must be put into perspective. The world offers many things that can satisfy us temporarily—food, wealth, success, and comfort—but these are fleeting. In contrast, the words of God offer lasting fulfillment and guide us toward eternal life.

This principle is echoed throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 8:3, Moses reminds the Israelites that God humbled them and allowed them to hunger so that they might learn, “man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” God’s provision goes beyond physical needs and extends to spiritual sustenance.

In John 6:35, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. While casseroles may satisfy our physical hunger, only Jesus, the Bread of Life, can satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst.

Matthew 4:4 also highlights the importance of relying on Scripture to guide our lives. Jesus, in His moment of physical weakness, turns to Scripture for strength and guidance. Jesus models for us the importance of immersing ourselves in God’s word, allowing it to be our anchor in times of temptation and trial. Psalm 119:105 reflects this truth by saying, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” It’s God’s word that illuminates our way and sustains us through life’s challenges.

The verse also reminds us to trust in God’s provision. In a world where we’re often tempted to rely on our own efforts to meet our needs, Jesus shows us that true reliance is on God alone. Philippians 4:19 assures us, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” When we trust in God’s provision, we acknowledge that He knows our needs better than we do and that He will provide for us in ways that are far beyond what this world can offer.

So while I may love casseroles and all the wonderful foods this world has to offer, I know that they are only temporary pleasures. The word of God, the Bread of Life, offers sustenance that will carry us through this life and into eternity. Let us remember to prioritize the spiritual over the physical, to rely on Scripture for guidance, and to trust in God’s unfailing provision. In doing so, we’ll find that the things of this world, as delightful as they may be, truly pale in comparison to the things of Heaven.