Keeping My Eyes on the Prize
We have to follow the Lord, and Jesus promises to empower our becoming like him through the Holy Spirit. Politicians talk about change as if it is some precious metal not easily mined or the holy grail to be recovered. They tout their ability to bring change. They may even talk about the quality of change they hope to bring. They all seem to ignore one fundamental truth. Change is easy. Please understand me. The experience of that change may not be easy. However, change is as predictable as the sunrise. Change is everywhere. Change happens whether we do anything or not. Whether we want it or not. Change is the constant that interrupts, redirects, and enlivens each of our lives. Change happening is redundant! However, the transformational change we desire is hard, complex, and challenging. Transformation is a change with a focused goal and a clear outcome. Transformation removes the steady, mundane, and predictable and replaces it with a whole new way of being. Transformative change, the process of genuine transformation, is radical. Going through it is challenging. Most importantly, transformation is life-altering. So, what kind of change, what kind of real transformation does God want to see in each of us? Throughout the New Testament, God has a clear destination for our transformation. God wants us to become like Jesus: A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone, when he is fully trained, will be like his teacher (Luke 6:40 ESV). My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you (Galatians 4:19). To [his people,] God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end, I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me (Colossians 1:27-29). Because of the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the freedom to be transformed, “with ever-increasing glory,” to become more and more like Jesus: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). In a previous post on Mark 1:17, Jesus invited disciples into the journey of transformation. Jesus described three stages to this journey: Come, now!We have to decide to begin the process of transformation as an immediate priority. Follow me.We have to spend time with Jesus and learning from him daily if true transformation is going to take place. I will help you become.Jesus has promised to help us in this journey of transformation; in fact, his job is helping us become and be transformed. A key part of stages two and three is re-emphasized in Paul’s words to the Corinthians. We have to follow, and Jesus empowers the becoming through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul is more specific with the Corinthians. He’s basically saying, “Keep your eyes on the prize! Focus on and contemplate Jesus — focus on what he taught, rejoice in who he is, and notice how he did it. As you focus on Jesus, reflect on who he is and how he lived among others. As you do, the Holy Spirit will transform you to be like him!” Our goal, our prize, is to become like Jesus. We want to be “transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory” as we “fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2). This transformation may not happen quickly. However, like water running consistently over limestone, the nature of Jesus wears its way into our demeanor, our character, and our compassion. The Holy Spirit transforms us because we make Jesus our all-consuming passion. If we want to become more like Jesus, we must realize that the goal of our lives is not changing, but Jesus. He is the prize we hope to become. We cannot attain this prize on our own. Incredibly, as we focus more and more on Jesus, we find ourselves transformed by the Holy Spirit. As Paul emphasized, mature disciples realize they haven’t yet attained their goal of full Christ-likeness (Philippians 3:12-14). God, through the Holy Spirit, is still working on each of us (Philippians 2:13; Romans 8:28). As Jesus becomes our focus, our all-consuming passion, the Holy Spirit continues the work, doing what we cannot: he transforms us to be more like Jesus. The Spirit is responsible for handling stage three: “I will help you become.” Does this take a while? Yes, a lifetime. Will I get impatient with my setbacks and the long wait to become all I want to be? Yes, but you will find life so much richer and Jesus so much more than you ever imagined as you see yourself becoming what he wants you to be. So, where do I start with this focus? How do I keep my eyes on the prize? You can find a more detailed explanation below, but the bottom line is really pretty simple to understand. Focus on Jesus each day. Read some of his story daily from one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Memorize some of his words regularly. Consciously react to a situation NOT as you are tempted to react, but as you believe Jesus would try to act in that situation. Thank him for the good things that happen — not necessarily in a specific prayer, but as the companion who walks with you. Share with him the things that make you struggle. Is transformation really that simple? We will add a tweak or two to the process, but remember, we supply the focus — we come to Jesus, and we follow — he promises to use the Spirit to help us become!
Today’s Verse – Proverbs 3:25-26
Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. —Proverbs 3:25-26 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… What guards your heart from fear? Only one protector is sure and faithful, his name is the LORD. He is our confidence and protector. Prayer and the Holy Spirit are our assurance of God’s deliverance. In our current afflictions, either we will be delivered FROM death to serve God powerfully or delivered THROUGH death to share with him in eternity (Philippians 1:18-26). Our fates and futures remain in God’s gracious hands! My Prayer… Almighty Deliverer, please give me the courage to live for you with passion, no matter the cost. I trust, dear Father, that you are able to keep me from stumbling and will present me “before your glorious presence without fault and with great joy” (Jude 1:24)! In Jesus’ name, I confidently pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
The Spirit of Grace Under Fire
Note from Jesus Dear Believer, Today I want to give you a glimpse of My servant, Stephen. In the verses below, you will see how he followed My example when faced with death: He rested his trust in life after death in My hands; he said: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” As he died, he forgave those who murdered him and asked Me to forgive them: “Lord, do not hold this evil against them.” As Stephen died, he was allowed to see Me in all My heavenly glory and know that his faith in Me was worth the high cost he was paying. He said: Look, I see the heavens opening! I see the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. Stephen had been one of those selected to help the neglected Grecian widows receive their needed food — neglecting these Grecian widows was a problem the early church addressed, and I visited with you about that problem yesterday. He was selected because he was “full of the Holy Spirit and full of wisdom” (Acts 6:3-5). Notice in the verses below that the power and influence of the Spirit on Stephen and through him continued to grow as he lived for Me and ministered in My name: The Holy Spirit gave Stephen such wisdom in responding to their arguments that they were humiliated. But Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. Gazing upward into heaven, he saw something they couldn’t see: the glory of God, and Jesus standing at His right hand. The Holy Spirit not only empowered Stephen but also brought him words to say in the face of those who opposed My message and brought him personal comfort as he faced his death. Following My example as I went to the cross, Stephen faced death with courage and confidence. He ministered by the power of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Holy Spirit worked through Stephen in his life, the Spirit also worked through him in his death. The Spirit used Stephen’s death to take the flame of faith and spread its sparks throughout the region as My disciples were driven from Jerusalem. My death and resurrection became the foundation for the wonderful things that happened on Pentecost for the thousands of Jewish people who were saved. The Holy Spirit similarly used Stephen’s death as the initial impetus to spread My salvation outside of Jerusalem and eventually throughout the Roman Empire to non-Jews. What the evil one intended for harm, the Holy Spirit turned around and used for good. What the devil tried to use to snuff out the flame of faith, the Spirit used to spread that flame. Verses to Live Stephen’s death was brutal and jarring. Just as My disciples were gaining momentum and increasing in number, Stephen was martyred. So as you read this account of his death, remember how the Spirit used this tragedy to begin the spread of the gospel to all nations. Saul, who was present when Stephen was martyred, later was called Paul and was the great evangelist, especially to non-Jews. The early believers were scattered, taking My story all around the surrounding regions to both Jews and non-Jews. The sparks of grace scattered after the death of Stephen become the spreading flame of grace to the Gentile world. Stephen continually overflowed with extraordinary grace and power, and he was able to perform a number of miraculous signs and wonders in public view. But eventually a group arose to oppose Stephen and the message to which his signs and wonders pointed. (These men were from a group called the Free Synagogue and included Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians, and Asians.) The Holy Spirit gave Stephen such wisdom in responding to their arguments that they were humiliated; in retaliation, they spread a vicious rumor: “We heard Stephen speak blasphemies against Moses and God.” Their rumor prompted an uprising that included common people, religious officials, and scholars. They surprised Stephen, grabbed him, and hauled him before the council. They convinced some witnesses to give false testimony. False Witnesses: This fellow constantly degrades the holy temple and mocks our holy law. With our own ears, we’ve heard him say this Jesus fellow, this Nazarene he’s always talking about, will actually destroy the holy temple and will try to change the sacred customs we received from Moses. The entire council turned its gaze on Stephen to see how he would respond. They were shocked to see his face radiant with peace — as if he were a heavenly messenger. (Acts 6:8-15) Stephen: You stubborn, stiff-necked people! Sure, you are physically Jews, but you are no different from outsiders in your hearts and ears! You are just like your ancestors, constantly fighting against the Holy Spirit. Didn’t your ancestors persecute the prophets? First, they killed those prophets who predicted the coming of the Just One; and now, you have betrayed and murdered the Just One Himself! Yes, you received the law as given by heavenly messengers, but you haven’t kept the law which you received. Upon hearing this, his audience could contain themselves no longer. They boiled in fury at Stephen; they clenched their jaws and ground their teeth. But Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. Gazing upward into heaven, he saw something they couldn’t see: the glory of God, and Jesus standing at His right hand. Stephen: Look, I see the heavens opening! I see the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God! At this, they covered their ears and started shouting. The whole crowd rushed at Stephen, converged on him, dragged him out of the city, and stoned him. They laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul, while they were pelting Stephen with rocks. Stephen (as rocks fell upon him): Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Then he knelt in prayer, shouting at the top of his lungs, Stephen: Lord, do not hold this evil against them. Those were his final words; then he
26 Jun 2025
We also need God’s help to understand His plan and live for Him. He has promised to avail wisdom, revelation, and power to help us navigate this life and also have a clear picture of the hope He has called us to. Ephesians 1:17-21.
Today’s Verse – Matthew 6:25
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 important than food, and the body more important than clothes? —Matthew 6:25 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Food and clothing are some of the biggest worries of our human existence. They have been for centuries. However, God reminds us that no matter how important these may seem to be in our world, life is much bigger than these things, and God wants us to trust that he will supply them when we trust in him. If our Heavenly Father loved us so much that he sent Jesus to save us (John 3:16-17), how much will he not give us what we really need in life (Romans 8:32)? My Prayer… Father, please help me rein in my envious and covetous heart. I know that my desire for things makes me anxious and near-sighted in my faith. Please give me a more expansive view of your Kingdom and a greater trust that your past demonstrations of grace will be equally true in the future. As you do, I am committed to use the blessings you lavish on me to help others. In the name of the LORD Jesus. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Growing through Problems
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, The apostle Paul spoke the truth about Our — Father, Son, and Spirit’s — desire for Our new covenant people when he wrote: So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26-28 NIV) However, it often takes time for social reality to be brought into conformity with My will. So My disciples must always seek to live the values and ethics of My kingdom even if the world doesn’t appreciate those values. Almost everyone in the earliest days of the church was Jewish. Prejudice was a significant problem. Sometimes that prejudice manifested itself toward non-Jews coming into My spiritual family — the dominant problem addressed in Acts chapters 10-15. However, prejudice was also an issue between sub-groups within the Jewish community. In the verses below, Grecian Jews who were in Jerusalem and who had become My disciples made an accusation of discrimination. Their widows who did not speak the native language in Jerusalem were being overlooked and were going hungry while the native-speaking widows were receiving better care and more ample provision as the early Christians shared their possessions (Acts 4:32-35). Rather than denying the accusation of prejudice or ignoring this charge of discrimination, My apostles acted very wisely. Notice what they did: Openness The apostles brought all the community of disciples together to discuss this issue — no secret meetings and no sweeping the problem under the rug! Calling The apostles pointed out that their primary calling was to proclaim the message they had received from God. Involvement The apostles called on the church family to be involved in the solution to this problem — more than just being open with the communication, the apostles were asking for help in selecting men to find a solution. Direction The apostles gave clear criteria for selecting those who would be part of the ministry team to the Grecian widows and asked the whole congregation to put forward leaders who fit this description. Participation The congregation of believers selected seven men who fit the criteria of being full of the Spirit and wisdom. Empathy The congregation recognized the need for those who could understand both the language of the Grecian widows and also their plight as hungry foreigners in the homeland of their ancestors. So they chose men who had Greek names — one was even a non-Jewish proselyte — and who would be familiar with the Greek language these widows spoke. Appointment The apostles publicly commissioned or ordained these men for service and publicly prayed for their ministry. Growth The problem was overcome, the message continued to spread, and many came to faith in Me. Equipping Some of these men selected to serve the widows later became very important leaders in other ways. Focus The apostles devoted themselves to their calling — prayer and sharing My message — while encouraging and equipping others to engage in ministry. Before you read the verses below, review the ten principles of great leadership and congregational problem-solving that are listed above. These are great principles to put into practice among My people today. Every problem has a potential for disaster or development. Led by the Holy Spirit, the apostles turned this potentially crippling problem into an opportunity for the development and growth of My disciples. Verses to Live Imagine how unaddressed prejudice could have wrecked the growth of My early church. However, the Spirit’s guidance through Godly leaders turned around this potential disaster. Instead of disaster, the actions of My leading disciples became the springboard for greater growth. It also provided a new group of leaders the opportunity for development and service. Things were going well, and the number of disciples was growing. But a problem arose. The Greek-speaking believers became frustrated with the Hebrew-speaking believers. The Greeks complained that the Greek-speaking widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. The twelve convened the entire community of disciples. The Twelve: We could solve this problem ourselves, but that wouldn’t be right. We need to focus on proclaiming God’s message, not on distributing food. So, friends, find seven respected men from the community of faith. These men should be full of the Holy Spirit and full of wisdom. Whomever you select we will commission to resolve this matter so we can maintain our focus on praying and serving — not meals — but the message. The whole community — Greek-speaking and Hebrew-speaking — was very pleased with this plan, so they chose seven men: Stephen (a man full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit), Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (a Greek-speaking convert from Antioch). These men were presented to the apostles, who then prayed for them and commissioned them by laying their hands on them. The message of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples continued to increase significantly there in Jerusalem. Even priests in large numbers became obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:1-7) Response in Prayer O Father, please bless our leaders in Your church today. Give us the courage to select leaders based on their Spirit-led wisdom and their ability to serve, with empathy, those who need to be served. I pray that Your leaders can be open and courageous in dealing with problems like prejudice, division, and hunger among Your people. Help us, O Lord, to demonstrate Your love for all people in the way we treat each other. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2025, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
25 Jun 2025
It is important to honour the Lord and live for Him because of His plan for humanity. Understanding that plan will hopefully give us purpose and motivation to do it. May we comply and be ministered to. Ephesians 1:3-11.
Daily Prayer for June 25
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13, NIV Lord our God, grant us courageous hearts, we pray. Grant that we may always find our strength and support in you and may bear with joy whatever the present days bring us. No matter how much evil occurs, we know that your peace is already prepared. We await your peace, and we are allowed to believe that everything will turn out according to your will and according to the good you have prepared for your people on earth. For in faith your people overcome the world, and at last through their faith others too may receive something from you and may lift their eyes to you, the God of truth, of justice, of salvation, and of peace. Be with us every day, Lord God. Help us. Bless us, and bless all who try to bring help where it is needed. Let us praise your name forevermore! Amen. Recent articles on Plough The Strange Love of a Strange God Esther Maria Magnis When my father got cancer, we prayed desperately. No answer came. Or did it? Read now Community of Sourdough Bakers Kendall Vanderslice Sourdough microbakeries are strengthening local neighborhood bonds one loaf at a time, though it’s not always as delightful as it looks on Instagram. Read now Beholding the Ordinary Arthur Aghajanian By depicting quotidian scenes of workers, neighbors, and strangers at heroic scale, photorealism invites us to reconsider what’s worthy of attention. Read now Food Is Not Magic Garth Brown You may not be able to eat your way to immortality or manliness, but food is something we can make and enjoy together. Read now The Truth About Liars Adrienne von Speyr Wait, is that a mote, speck, splinter, or sawdust in your eye? A Swiss mystic learns to get past the obvious faults in others. Read now
Today’s Verse – Psalm 73:23-26
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. —Psalm 73:23-26 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… In times of confusion, we can take comfort in knowing that while we may not understand everything here on earth (Psalm 73:1-22), God will be faithful and work it for our good (Romans 8:28-29). Everything we have and know here on earth is subject to decay, but our relationship with the LORD is our strength forever. His strength will not wear out, grow old, or decay. He will not abandon, fail, or forget us (Romans 8:32-39), but will bring us to him in glory. My Prayer… Almighty God, thank you for always being with me, especially in those moments when life is most confusing and my fears most troubling. Please give me the faith to ask you honest questions and trust you even when things don’t look like they are all that good for those who believe in you. Please strengthen my faith, help me hold firm as I wait for your mighty vindication for your people. Who have I in heaven but you? What do I have on earth that is lasting but you? So, in you I place my trust. In Jesus’ name. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Goodness and Deception
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, Key transitions in the life and faith of My people need to be protected. In the early days of My church, this need for safety was especially true. My new disciples in Jerusalem endured repeated attacks from the Jewish religious leaders and those in power. The disciples persevered through threats, even death threats, beatings, and imprisonments from the same people who had Me crucified. Nothing outside their church family could derail this new movement of the Spirit. My message of good news triumphed throughout Jerusalem. However, My disciples soon faced critical junctures that you see described in the verses below and in the verses tomorrow. They faced several difficult challenges from inside My family of disciples. Pressure from the outside would continue to erupt. But, the more dangerous threats came from inside My household of faith. Some folks needed the basic necessities of life — food, water, and a place to stay. With people becoming disciples so quickly and many being from outside of Jerusalem, the challenge of caring for needy people became a valid concern. Because “the entire community of believers was deeply united in heart and soul,” My disciples effectively and lovingly addressed these needs. Notice what Luke says: Not a single person in the community was in need because those who had been affluent sold their houses or lands and brought the proceeds to the emissaries of the Lord. Notably, Barnabas — who would become a great leader among My disciples — was exceedingly generous. The compassion that Barnabas and other disciples displayed was glorious! The principles of My kingdom were clearly in evidence as needs were soon addressed with grace and generosity. However, the devil was not content to let any great movement of My grace go unchallenged. So My disciples had to face two tough tests back-to-back. I will speak about the first challenge today and the second one tomorrow. Seeing Barnabas held in such high esteem, a couple named Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property. That was great. Unfortunately, these two schemed and said that they had given all their proceeds from this sale to the apostles — My emissaries — when they hadn’t. Their gift was given so that the poor among My people would receive care. Although they said that they had given all the proceeds from the sale, they secretly kept back part for themselves. On one hand, their generosity was incredibly good. They gave a great amount to the needs of others. On the other hand, they lied. They lied to My people. They lied to My apostles. Most of all, they lied to Us — Father, Son, and Spirit. At this crucial moment in the early church, We protected the integrity of the disciples’ generosity and the apostles’ leadership. Our actions were quick, decisive, and firm. We wanted everyone to know that generosity is important, but duplicity is not tolerated. Harsh? Yes. Necessary? Yes! Effective? Absolutely! Why did we react so strongly, as you see revealed in the verses below? Why did we take such drastic measures? What is one of the most frequent criticisms hurled at My followers today? It’s that you are hypocrites. How many people have been turned away from faith in Me because of hypocritical people claiming to be My disciples? How many have ruled out learning about Me and becoming part of My people because of hypocrisy, especially hypocrisy and greed among leaders? My answer is simple: way too many! So in the early days of the church, We acted to protect this fresh movement of grace. We wanted the disciples to practice undiluted goodness and honesty. Such blatant hypocrisy, lying, and duplicity would not be tolerated. (The Father acted in a very similar fashion in the early days of the conquest of Canaan concerning the sin of Achan at Jericho (Joshua 7:1-26).) There are several truths in the Scripture below that I want you to realize from this episode in the life of the early church. First, generosity is necessary if My movement is going to grow and reach the hearts of all people. When people are generous above their tithes, people are saved, lives are rebuilt, and My movement grows. Second, during any great Spirit-empowered movement, the evil one will do all he can to divert, distract, and derail My people. While the outside attacks of the enemy are obvious, the inside attacks are often more subtle and potentially more damaging. Examine your own heart. Look carefully at your own attitudes, motivations, and desires. Especially watch out for the lure of greed and the desire to be seen as important. There are plenty of warnings in the Scriptures against both of these sins! Third, don’t let the false motives and bad behaviors of others keep you from continuing your walk of faith. Unfortunately, the evil one will lead some astray — sometimes even well-known or beloved leaders. Don’t let that disillusion you. For every Ananias and Sapphira, there are others who are like Barnabas. For every hypocrite, there are unnamed others who do loving and sacrificial things for Christian brothers and sisters without recognition. Fourth, when My people are led by the Holy Spirit, nothing can stop My work through them. What Satan intends for harm can be turned around and used by the Father for good! Verses to Live You are about to read two parts to the same story. The first is about the goodness of My people. The second is about how easy it is to lose goodness to greed. It is a reminder of how a desire to be considered important can corrupt what otherwise would be generous giving. Greed and self-importance are false desires that hold so many hostage in your world. Don’t let the evil one deceive you. First, these desires lead to spiritual death since they do not come from the Father (1 John 2:15-17). Second, remember Barnabas and the unnamed people like him. These people were