Tagged: Daily Reflections

“I assure you, it will go easier for Tyre and Sidon than for you on the day of judgment.” –Matthew 11:22 Although many people don’t want to talk or think about it, it is a fact that “we shall all have to appear before the judgment seat of God” (Rm 14:10). After dying (Heb 9:27) and at the end of the world (Mt 25:31), each person will be “judged according to his conduct” (Rv 20:13). The Lord “will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and manifest the intentions of hearts” (1 Cor 4:5). Those who have lost their...

“He who will not take up his cross and come after Me is not worthy of Me.” –Matthew 10:38 We are Christians, disciples of Christ. We follow Jesus, Who saved us not so much through His power or wisdom, but through His ministry of suffering. Jesus came to earth to die on the cross to atone for our sins, pay the price for our salvation (1 Cor 6:20), and reconcile us to God (Col 1:20). We must never over-spiritualize our faith and forget that Jesus suffered horribly in the flesh (Heb 5:8). Jesus died a disgraceful death. He was publicly...

“Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” –Ephesians 1:3 Before we were created, the Lord destined us to “praise His glory” (Eph 1:12). Our bodies are not ideal for thinking, working, or running. Our human limitations are obvious when we forget information, stumble over our words, stumble over our feet, or get tired. However, our bodies are tailor-made to praise God. From our renewed minds (see Rm 12:2), singing tongues, praying lips, open hearts, raised hands, to our dancing feet – we are created to praise God always and forever. Our greatest praise of God is...

“It is enough for the disciple to be like his Teacher.” –Matthew 10:25, RSV-CE In the original temptation, Adam and Eve were tempted to become like gods (Gn 3:5), knowing what was good and what was evil. They sinfully succumbed to that temptation, and soon it was not enough for them to have this knowledge. In a sense, Adam and Eve became their own “God.” They decided to be greater than their master (cp Mt 10:25). Jesus teaches: “It is enough for the disciple to be like his Teacher” (see Mt 10:25). Disciples imitate Jesus in His character and in...

“Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will turn against parents and have them put to death.” –Matthew 10:21 The Jewish Christians of the early Church often were rejected by their families when they became Christians and united themselves with Gentiles in the Body of Christ (see Eph 3:6). The Jewish Christians were sometimes betrayed by their family members, handed over to the authorities, and put to death. Thus, if Jewish Christians did not turn their backs on their fathers, mothers, wives, children, brothers, sisters, and their very selves, they could not be disciples...