# Meditation For Today --- ## Posts - [According to His will](https://bequette.com/according-to-his-will/): This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears... - [He said](https://bequette.com/he-said-2/): “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no... - [You must believe](https://bequette.com/you-must-believe/): Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the... - [The Sheep and the Goats](https://bequette.com/the-sheep-and-the-goats/): “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his... - [Do good](https://bequette.com/do-good/): Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person... - [Who condemns](https://bequette.com/who-condemns/): He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along... - [The narrow gate](https://bequette.com/the-narrow-gate/): “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and... - [God is faithful](https://bequette.com/god-is-faithful/): Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and... - [The bread of life](https://bequette.com/the-bread-of-life/): Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes... - [The Armor of God](https://bequette.com/the-armor-of-god-3/): Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that... - [In the law](https://bequette.com/in-the-law/): but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the... - [God is Love](https://bequette.com/god-is-love/): If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so... - [The new creation](https://bequette.com/the-new-creation-2/): So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in... - [He committed no sin](https://bequette.com/he-committed-no-sin/): “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. ” When they hurled their insults at him,... - [The night is nearly over](https://bequette.com/the-night-is-nearly-over/): The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and... - [Be holy](https://bequette.com/be-holy-2/): As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as... - [Wake up](https://bequette.com/wake-up-2/): For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the... - [The peace of God](https://bequette.com/the-peace-of-god-2/): Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord... - [The gift of God](https://bequette.com/the-gift-of-god-2/): As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed... - [Forever](https://bequette.com/forever/): For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from... - [Why do you worry](https://bequette.com/why-do-you-worry/): Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little... - [The reality](https://bequette.com/the-reality/): So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built... - [While we wait](https://bequette.com/while-we-wait/): For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to... - [God's will for you](https://bequette.com/gods-will-for-you/): And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,... - [The old has gone](https://bequette.com/the-old-has-gone/): So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in... - [God's invisible qualities](https://bequette.com/gods-invisible-qualities/): For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood... - [My Father's house](https://bequette.com/my-fathers-house/): “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many... - [Lord, show us](https://bequette.com/lord-show-us/): Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through... - [The Father Revealed in the Son](https://bequette.com/the-father-revealed-in-the-son/): At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things... - [A sacrifice](https://bequette.com/a-sacrifice/): This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and... - [Be ready](https://bequette.com/be-ready/): “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a... - [The Lord](https://bequette.com/the-lord/): Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke... - [He was named Jesus](https://bequette.com/he-was-named-jesus/): When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem... - [New birth](https://bequette.com/new-birth/): Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us... - [The true light](https://bequette.com/the-true-light/): The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though... - [Glorious Grace](https://bequette.com/glorious-grace/): Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms... - [We understand](https://bequette.com/we-understand/): Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what... - [Run the race](https://bequette.com/run-the-race/): Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and... - [To bring salvation](https://bequette.com/to-bring-salvation/): For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one;... - [Walk in love](https://bequette.com/walk-in-love/): And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his... - [Through Him](https://bequette.com/through-him/): Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the... - [The Son of God](https://bequette.com/the-son-of-god-2/): But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive... - [Fully Human](https://bequette.com/fully-human/): Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus... - [Fix your thoughts](https://bequette.com/fix-your-thoughts/): Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as... - [God's final word](https://bequette.com/gods-final-word/): In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in... - [The Son of God](https://bequette.com/the-son-of-god/): The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were... - [Hearing and understanding](https://bequette.com/hearing-and-understanding/): They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he... - [The faith of the centurion](https://bequette.com/the-faith-of-the-centurion/): When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion’s servant,... - [The good news](https://bequette.com/the-good-news/): Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever,... - [Forevermore!](https://bequette.com/forevermore/): But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep... - [Add to your faith](https://bequette.com/add-to-your-faith/): His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called... - [Who will be saved?](https://bequette.com/who-will-be-saved/): Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by... - [God's mercy](https://bequette.com/gods-mercy/): What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy... - [Do not](https://bequette.com/do-not/): “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and... - [The birth of Jesus](https://bequette.com/the-birth-of-jesus/): This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to... - [Prayer of Faith](https://bequette.com/prayer-of-faith/): Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone... - [Submit to God](https://bequette.com/submit-to-god/): What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but... - [Wisdom](https://bequette.com/wisdom-2/): Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the... - [Mercy triumphs](https://bequette.com/mercy-triumphs-2/): My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into... - [Don't be deceived](https://bequette.com/dont-be-deceived/): When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me. ” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does... - [Rejoice in the Lord](https://bequette.com/rejoice-2/): Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord... - [Be thankful](https://bequette.com/be-thankful/): Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.... - [Overflowing with thankfulness](https://bequette.com/overflowing-with-thankfulness/): So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built... - [Do good to all](https://bequette.com/do-good-to-all/): Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh,... - [Give thanks](https://bequette.com/give-thanks/): Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through... - [Now](https://bequette.com/now/): The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Philemon 25 (NIV) - [Be alert](https://bequette.com/be-alert/): Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety... - [Love one another](https://bequette.com/love-one-another-4/): For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from... - [Love in Action](https://bequette.com/love-in-action-2/): Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love.... - [With your heart](https://bequette.com/with-your-heart/): If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the... - [The stumbling stone](https://bequette.com/the-stumbling-stone/): What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is... - [We know](https://bequette.com/we-know/): And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been... - [We wait](https://bequette.com/we-wait/): I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For... - [God's children](https://bequette.com/gods-children/): For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does... - [The Spirit gives life](https://bequette.com/the-spirit-gives-life/): Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live... - [According to the Spirit](https://bequette.com/according-to-the-spirit-2/): Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of... - [Grace, Love, Fellowship](https://bequette.com/grace-love-fellowship/): May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit... - [Come to me](https://bequette.com/come-to-me/): “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no... - [Are you willing](https://bequette.com/are-you-willing/): When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him... - [Blessings and Woes](https://bequette.com/blessings-and-woes/): He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and... - [Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand](https://bequette.com/jesus-feeds-the-five-thousand/): When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds... - [Hidden Treasure](https://bequette.com/hidden-treasure-2/): “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again,... - [A Lamp on a Stand](https://bequette.com/a-lamp-on-a-stand/): He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead,... - [The Parable of the Good Samaritan](https://bequette.com/the-parable-of-the-good-samaritan/): On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do... - [The Word](https://bequette.com/the-word/): The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon... - [I am He](https://bequette.com/i-am-he/): “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor... - [It will be done](https://bequette.com/it-will-be-done/): In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said... - [I live](https://bequette.com/i-live/): Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and... - [Faith in Action](https://bequette.com/faith-in-action-4/): Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what... - [By your words](https://bequette.com/by-your-words/): “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be... - [Reconciled](https://bequette.com/reconcilled/): Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he... - [Mind your own business](https://bequette.com/mind-your-own-business/): and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with... - [Glorify God](https://bequette.com/glorify-god/): May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ... - [I am with you](https://bequette.com/i-am-with-you/): Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore... - [Rejoice](https://bequette.com/rejoice/): Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do... - [I lack nothing](https://bequette.com/i-lack-nothing/): The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside... - [The Word Became Flesh](https://bequette.com/the-word-became-flesh-2/): In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with... - [By grace, through faith](https://bequette.com/by-grace-through-faith/): But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even... - [Through the Spirit](https://bequette.com/through-the-spirit/): Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of... - [Keep watch](https://bequette.com/keep-watch/): “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he... - [The Fulfillment of the Law](https://bequette.com/the-fulfillment-of-the-law/): “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish... - [To you who believe](https://bequette.com/to-you-who-believe/): I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may... - [What shall I choose](https://bequette.com/what-shall-i-choose/): I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that... - [Who is approved](https://bequette.com/who-is-approved/): But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord. ” For it is not the one who commends himself... - [To save sinners](https://bequette.com/to-save-sinners/): Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I... - [Worthy is the Lamb](https://bequette.com/worthy-is-the-lamb/): Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand.... - [You created all things](https://bequette.com/you-created-all-things/): “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and... - [Love one another](https://bequette.com/love-one-another/): “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.... - [Be kind](https://bequette.com/be-kind-2/): Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) - [Seek peace](https://bequette.com/seek-peace/): For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful... - [Do Not Worry](https://bequette.com/do-not-worry/): “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body,... - [There was a rich man](https://bequette.com/there-was-a-rich-man/): “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At... - [Father, I thank you](https://bequette.com/father-i-thank-you/): When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if... - [The Spirit](https://bequette.com/the-spirit-3/): None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord... - [Believe in your heart](https://bequette.com/believe-in-your-heart/): Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by... - [Have hope](https://bequette.com/have-hope/): For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in... - [God's will](https://bequette.com/gods-will/): “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and... - [The Almighty](https://bequette.com/the-almighty/): “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to... - [God and money](https://bequette.com/god-and-money/): “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be... - [Grace and truth](https://bequette.com/grace-and-truth/): Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given... - [The Word became flesh](https://bequette.com/the-word-became-flesh/): The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though... - [Let your light shine](https://bequette.com/let-your-light-shine/): “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light... - [The Kingdom of God](https://bequette.com/the-kingdom-of-god/): Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the... --- # # Detailed Content ## Posts - Published: 2025-05-10 - Modified: 2025-05-10 - URL: https://bequette.com/according-to-his-will/ - Categories: The Word This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15 NIV --- - Published: 2025-02-12 - Modified: 2025-02-12 - URL: https://bequette.com/he-said-2/ - Categories: The Word “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. ” Matthew 11:25-30 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-30 - Modified: 2025-01-30 - URL: https://bequette.com/you-must-believe/ - Categories: The Word Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:2-12 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-29 - Modified: 2025-01-29 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-sheep-and-the-goats/ - Categories: The Word “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. ’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? ’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. ’ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed,... --- - Published: 2025-01-28 - Modified: 2025-01-28 - URL: https://bequette.com/do-good/ - Categories: The Word Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:1-10 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-27 - Modified: 2025-01-27 - URL: https://bequette.com/who-condemns/ - Categories: The Word He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. ” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:32-39 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-26 - Modified: 2025-01-26 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-narrow-gate/ - Categories: The Word “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-25 - Modified: 2025-01-25 - URL: https://bequette.com/god-is-faithful/ - Categories: The Word Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry. ” We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:7-13 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-24 - Modified: 2025-01-24 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-bread-of-life/ - Categories: The Word Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. ” John 6:35-40 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-23 - Modified: 2025-01-23 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-armor-of-god-3/ - Categories: The Word Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-22 - Modified: 2025-01-22 - URL: https://bequette.com/in-the-law/ - Categories: The Word but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say? ” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her. ” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? ” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin. ” John 8:1-11 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-21 - Modified: 2025-01-21 - URL: https://bequette.com/god-is-love/ - Categories: The Word If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:15-21 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-20 - Modified: 2025-01-20 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-new-creation-2/ - Categories: The Word So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-19 - Modified: 2025-01-19 - URL: https://bequette.com/he-committed-no-sin/ - Categories: The Word “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. ” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed. ” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:22-25 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-18 - Modified: 2025-01-18 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-night-is-nearly-over/ - Categories: The Word The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself. ” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. Romans 13:9-14 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-17 - Modified: 2025-01-17 - URL: https://bequette.com/be-holy-2/ - Categories: The Word As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy. ” Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:14-19 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-16 - Modified: 2025-01-16 - URL: https://bequette.com/wake-up-2/ - Categories: The Word For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. ” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:8-17 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-15 - Modified: 2025-01-15 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-peace-of-god-2/ - Categories: The Word Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-14 - Modified: 2025-01-14 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-gift-of-god-2/ - Categories: The Word As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-13 - Modified: 2025-01-13 - URL: https://bequette.com/forever/ - Categories: The Word For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever. ” And this is the word that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:18-25 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-12 - Modified: 2025-01-12 - URL: https://bequette.com/why-do-you-worry/ - Categories: The Word Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:25-34 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-11 - Modified: 2025-01-11 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-reality/ - Categories: The Word So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. Colossians 2:6-8,2:16-19 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-10 - Modified: 2025-01-10 - URL: https://bequette.com/while-we-wait/ - Categories: The Word For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-09 - Modified: 2025-01-09 - URL: https://bequette.com/gods-will-for-you/ - Categories: The Word And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-08 - Modified: 2025-01-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-old-has-gone/ - Categories: The Word So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-07 - Modified: 2025-01-07 - URL: https://bequette.com/gods-invisible-qualities/ - Categories: The Word For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. Romans 1:20-25 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-06 - Modified: 2025-01-06 - URL: https://bequette.com/my-fathers-house/ - Categories: The Word “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. ” John 14:1-4 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-05 - Modified: 2025-01-05 - URL: https://bequette.com/lord-show-us/ - Categories: The Word Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. ” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us. ” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. John 14:6-11 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-04 - Modified: 2025-01-04 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-father-revealed-in-the-son/ - Categories: The Word At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. ” Matthew 11:25-30 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-03 - Modified: 2025-01-03 - URL: https://bequette.com/a-sacrifice/ - Categories: The Word This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood — to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished — he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith Romans 3:22-26 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-02 - Modified: 2025-01-02 - URL: https://bequette.com/be-ready/ - Categories: The Word “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. ” Luke 12:35-40 (NIV) --- - Published: 2025-01-01 - Modified: 2025-01-01 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-lord/ - Categories: The Word Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:11 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-31 - Modified: 2024-12-31 - URL: https://bequette.com/he-was-named-jesus/ - Categories: The Word When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. ” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. Luke 2:15-21 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-30 - Modified: 2024-12-30 - URL: https://bequette.com/new-birth/ - Categories: The Word Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-29 - Modified: 2024-12-29 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-true-light/ - Categories: The Word The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:9-14 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-28 - Modified: 2024-12-28 - URL: https://bequette.com/glorious-grace/ - Categories: The Word Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:3-6 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-27 - Modified: 2024-12-27 - URL: https://bequette.com/we-understand/ - Categories: The Word Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:1-3 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-26 - Modified: 2024-12-26 - URL: https://bequette.com/run-the-race/ - Categories: The Word Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-25 - Modified: 2024-12-25 - URL: https://bequette.com/to-bring-salvation/ - Categories: The Word For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 9:24-28 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-24 - Modified: 2024-12-24 - URL: https://bequette.com/walk-in-love/ - Categories: The Word And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work. 2 John 6-11 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-23 - Modified: 2024-12-23 - URL: https://bequette.com/through-him/ - Categories: The Word Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-6 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-22 - Modified: 2024-12-22 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-son-of-god-2/ - Categories: The Word But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end. ” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin? ” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:30-35 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-21 - Modified: 2024-12-21 - URL: https://bequette.com/fully-human/ - Categories: The Word Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises. ” And again, “I will put my trust in him. ” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me. ” Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil — and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:11-18 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-20 - Modified: 2024-12-20 - URL: https://bequette.com/fix-your-thoughts/ - Categories: The Word Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory. Hebrews 3:1-6 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-19 - Modified: 2024-12-19 - URL: https://bequette.com/gods-final-word/ - Categories: The Word In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. Hebrews 1:1-4 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-18 - Modified: 2024-12-18 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-son-of-god/ - Categories: The Word The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-17 - Modified: 2024-12-17 - URL: https://bequette.com/hearing-and-understanding/ - Categories: The Word They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: “‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. ” For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them. ’ “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen! ” For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! Acts 28:23-31 (NIV) Posted on --- - Published: 2024-12-16 - Modified: 2024-12-16 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-faith-of-the-centurion/ - Categories: The Word When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue. ” So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it. ” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel. ” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well. Luke 7:1-10 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-15 - Modified: 2024-12-15 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-good-news/ - Categories: The Word Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God! ” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah. At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent. ” And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea. Luke 4:38-44 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-14 - Modified: 2024-12-14 - URL: https://bequette.com/forevermore/ - Categories: The Word But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 20-25 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-13 - Modified: 2024-12-13 - URL: https://bequette.com/add-to-your-faith/ - Categories: The Word His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 2 Peter 1:3-9 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-12 - Modified: 2024-12-12 - URL: https://bequette.com/who-will-be-saved/ - Categories: The Word Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them. ” But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven? ’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep? ’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame. ” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. ” Romans 10:5-13 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-11 - Modified: 2024-12-11 - URL: https://bequette.com/gods-mercy/ - Categories: The Word What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. ” It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. ” Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will? ” But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this? ’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? Romans 9:14-21 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-10 - Modified: 2024-12-10 - URL: https://bequette.com/do-not/ - Categories: The Word “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:19-24 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-09 - Modified: 2024-12-09 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-birth-of-jesus/ - Categories: The Word This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. ” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-08 - Modified: 2024-12-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/prayer-of-faith/ - Categories: The Word Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-07 - Modified: 2024-12-07 - URL: https://bequette.com/submit-to-god/ - Categories: The Word What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. ” James 4:1-6 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-06 - Modified: 2024-12-06 - URL: https://bequette.com/wisdom-2/ - Categories: The Word Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-05 - Modified: 2024-12-05 - URL: https://bequette.com/mercy-triumphs-2/ - Categories: The Word My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:1-7, 12-13 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-04 - Modified: 2024-12-04 - URL: https://bequette.com/dont-be-deceived/ - Categories: The Word When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me. ” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:13-18 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-03 - Modified: 2024-12-03 - URL: https://bequette.com/rejoice-2/ - Categories: The Word Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-02 - Modified: 2024-12-02 - URL: https://bequette.com/be-thankful/ - Categories: The Word Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-12-01 - Modified: 2024-12-01 - URL: https://bequette.com/overflowing-with-thankfulness/ - Categories: The Word So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ Colossians 2:6-8 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-11-30 - Modified: 2024-11-30 - URL: https://bequette.com/do-good-to-all/ - Categories: The Word Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-11-29 - Modified: 2024-11-29 - URL: https://bequette.com/give-thanks/ - Categories: The Word Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-11-28 - Modified: 2024-11-28 - URL: https://bequette.com/now/ - Categories: The Word The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Philemon 25 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-11-27 - Modified: 2024-11-27 - URL: https://bequette.com/be-alert/ - Categories: The Word Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-11-26 - Modified: 2024-11-26 - URL: https://bequette.com/love-one-another-4/ - Categories: The Word For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:18-23 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-11-25 - Modified: 2024-11-25 - URL: https://bequette.com/love-in-action-2/ - Categories: The Word Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:9-19 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-11-24 - Modified: 2024-11-24 - URL: https://bequette.com/with-your-heart/ - Categories: The Word If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame. ” Romans 10:9-11 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-11-23 - Modified: 2024-11-23 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-stumbling-stone/ - Categories: The Word What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it righteousness were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. Romans 9:30-32 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-11-22 - Modified: 2024-11-22 - URL: https://bequette.com/we-know/ - Categories: The Word And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:We know28-30 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-11-21 - Modified: 2024-11-21 - URL: https://bequette.com/we-wait/ - Categories: The Word I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:18-25 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-11-20 - Modified: 2024-11-20 - URL: https://bequette.com/gods-children/ - Categories: The Word For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father. ” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:14-17 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-11-19 - Modified: 2024-11-19 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-spirit-gives-life/ - Categories: The Word Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. Romans 8:5-10 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-11-18 - Modified: 2024-11-18 - URL: https://bequette.com/according-to-the-spirit-2/ - Categories: The Word Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4 (NIV)According to the Spirit --- - Published: 2024-09-29 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/grace-love-fellowship/ - Categories: The Word May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV --- - Published: 2024-09-28 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/come-to-me/ - Categories: The Word “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. ” Matthew 11:27-30 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-27 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/are-you-willing/ - Categories: The Word When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. ” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean! ” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them. ” Matthew 8:1-4 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-26 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/blessings-and-woes/ - Categories: The Word He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. Luke 6:17-26 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-25 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/jesus-feeds-the-five-thousand/ - Categories: The Word When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food. ” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat. ” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:13-21 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-24 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/hidden-treasure-2/ - Categories: The Word “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:44-50 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-23 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/a-lamp-on-a-stand/ - Categories: The Word He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear. ” “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Who ever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. ” Mark 4:21-25 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-22 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-parable-of-the-good-samaritan/ - Categories: The Word On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life? ” “What is written in the Law? ” he replied. “How do you read it? ” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live. ” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor? ” In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and... --- - Published: 2024-09-21 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-word/ - Categories: The Word The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown. ” Mark 4:14-20 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-20 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/i-am-he/ - Categories: The Word “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. ” The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us. ” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he. ” John 4:21-26 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-19 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/it-will-be-done/ - Categories: The Word - Tags: The Word In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered! ” “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. ” Mark 11:20-26 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-18 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/i-live/ - Categories: The Word - Tags: The Word Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever. ” He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. John 6:53-59 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-17 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/faith-in-action-4/ - Categories: The Word Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:1-3 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-16 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/by-your-words/ - Categories: The Word “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up. By your words in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up. By your words in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. ” Matthew 12:33-37 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-15 - Modified: 2024-09-15 - URL: https://bequette.com/reconcilled/ - Categories: The Word Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Colossians 1:21-23 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-14 - Modified: 2024-09-14 - URL: https://bequette.com/mind-your-own-business/ - Categories: The Word and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-13 - Modified: 2024-09-13 - URL: https://bequette.com/glorify-god/ - Categories: The Word May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-12 - Modified: 2024-09-12 - URL: https://bequette.com/i-am-with-you/ - Categories: The Word Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. ” Matthew 28:18-20 NIV --- - Published: 2024-09-10 - Modified: 2024-09-10 - URL: https://bequette.com/rejoice/ - Categories: The Word Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-09 - Modified: 2024-09-09 - URL: https://bequette.com/i-lack-nothing/ - Categories: The Word The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-09-08 - Modified: 2024-09-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-word-became-flesh-2/ - Categories: The Word - Tags: The Word In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The Word Became Flesh. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I... --- - Published: 2024-09-07 - Modified: 2024-09-07 - URL: https://bequette.com/by-grace-through-faith/ - Categories: The Word But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:4-10 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-30 - Modified: 2024-08-30 - URL: https://bequette.com/through-the-spirit/ - Categories: The Word Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-29 - Modified: 2024-08-29 - URL: https://bequette.com/keep-watch/ - Categories: The Word “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. Mark 13:26-36 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-28 - Modified: 2024-08-28 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-fulfillment-of-the-law/ - Categories: The Word “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-27 - Modified: 2024-08-27 - URL: https://bequette.com/to-you-who-believe/ - Categories: The Word I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:13-15 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-26 - Modified: 2024-08-26 - URL: https://bequette.com/what-shall-i-choose/ - Categories: The Word I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! Philippians 1:20-22 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-25 - Modified: 2024-08-25 - URL: https://bequette.com/who-is-approved/ - Categories: The Word But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord. ” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-24 - Modified: 2024-08-24 - URL: https://bequette.com/to-save-sinners/ - Categories: The Word Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-23 - Modified: 2024-08-23 - URL: https://bequette.com/worthy-is-the-lamb/ - Categories: The Word Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise! ” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever! ” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5:11-14 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-22 - Modified: 2024-08-22 - URL: https://bequette.com/you-created-all-things/ - Categories: The Word “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. ” Revelation 4:11 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-21 - Modified: 2024-08-21 - URL: https://bequette.com/love-one-another/ - Categories: The Word “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. ” John 13:34-35 (NIV)Love one another --- - Published: 2024-08-20 - Modified: 2024-08-20 - URL: https://bequette.com/be-kind-2/ - Categories: The Word Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-19 - Modified: 2024-08-19 - URL: https://bequette.com/seek-peace/ - Categories: The Word For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. ” 1 Peter 3:10-12 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-18 - Modified: 2024-08-18 - URL: https://bequette.com/do-not-worry/ - Categories: The Word “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 than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat? ’ or ‘What shall we drink? ’ or ‘What shall we wear? ’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-17 - Modified: 2024-08-17 - URL: https://bequette.com/there-was-a-rich-man/ - Categories: The Word “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire. ’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us. ’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment. ’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them. ’ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said,... --- - Published: 2024-08-16 - Modified: 2024-08-16 - URL: https://bequette.com/father-i-thank-you/ - Categories: The Word When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. ” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him? ” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him! ” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying? ” Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days. ” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God? ” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me. ” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out! ” The dead man came... --- - Published: 2024-08-15 - Modified: 2024-08-15 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-spirit-3/ - Categories: The Word None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” -the things God has prepared for those who love him- these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:8-12 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-14 - Modified: 2024-08-14 - URL: https://bequette.com/believe-in-your-heart/ - Categories: The Word Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them. ” But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven? ’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep? ’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:5-10 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-13 - Modified: 2024-08-13 - URL: https://bequette.com/have-hope/ - Categories: The Word For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:4-7 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-12 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/gods-will/ - Categories: The Word “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. ” Revelation 4:11 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-11 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-almighty/ - Categories: The Word “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. ” Revelation 1:8 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-10 - Modified: 2024-08-10 - URL: https://bequette.com/god-and-money/ - Categories: The Word “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. ” The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. Luke 16:13-17 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-09 - Modified: 2024-08-09 - URL: https://bequette.com/grace-and-truth/ - Categories: The Word Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. John 1:16-18 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-08 - Modified: 2024-08-08 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-word-became-flesh/ - Categories: The Word The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:9-14 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-08-07 - Modified: 2024-08-07 - URL: https://bequette.com/let-your-light-shine/ - Categories: The Word “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) --- - Published: 2024-06-25 - Modified: 2024-06-25 - URL: https://bequette.com/the-kingdom-of-god/ - Categories: The Word Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst. ” Luke 17:20-21 (NIV) --- ---