Category: Verse for the day

“Do not be distressed or fearful.” –John 14:27 Jesus once said: “Do you think I have come to establish peace on the earth? I assure you, the contrary is true; I have come for division” (Lk 12:51). At that time, Jesus was speaking of rebuilding. He must remove the rotten parts of the foundation so He can build upon a firm foundation. He knows that a foundation built upon lies and rebellion cannot endure. He plans to build firm lives, hearts, marriages, families, parishes, nations, etc. So to those who refuse to live according to His Father’s plan, Jesus brings...

“How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ ” –John 14:9 Jesus became a man to reveal to us that God is not just the Supreme Being and the Creator, but also wants to be our personal, loving Father (see Mt 11:27). Most people in the world don’t believe this. Why would the awesome Creator of galaxies which stretch for billions of light-years decide to adopt us? As far-fetched as this may sound, it is absolutely true. Almighty God wants to be our Father (see Hos 11:4). Jesus, as “the exact Representation of the Father’s being” (Heb 1:3), came to...

“My Father has been glorified in your bearing much fruit and becoming My disciples.” —John 15:8 It’s late tonight and I’m tired. In my prayer for this teaching, I’m telling God I want sleep now rather than asking for fruitful words to write so He can be glorified (Jn 15:8). I don’t want to hear about being pruned (Jn 15:2). Does this sound familiar? The battle over bearing fruit really shows who is lord of our lives, Jesus or us. We can bear any fruit God requires of us, because the energy required to produce the fruit comes unfailingly from...

“I solemnly assure you, the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these.” —John 14:12 The Lord promises us that we will do far greater works than He did (Jn 14:12). We know of Jesus raising people from the dead, healing countless sick people, driving out legions of demons, walking on water, multiplying the loaves and fish, transforming the most hardened hearts, etc. How can we do these things? How can we surpass these works? The answer Jesus gave to these questions is: “Because I go to the Father” (Jn 14:12)....

” ‘Brothers, if you have any exhortation to address to the people, please speak up.’ So Paul arose, motioned to them for silence, and began.” –Acts 13:15-16 Imagine visiting a church. You’re a total stranger. After the reading of the Scriptures, everyone sits down. Suddenly the priest or minister looks at you and asks if you would give the sermon. What would you do? This happened to St. Paul when he visited the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia. When Paul was put on the spot, he was ready. He even gave the assembly a tour through the history of the...