2016 Day 26 – Mark 5

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When we truly follow Jesus most people will not understand; even believers around you. In the beginning of Mark 5:40 it says, But they laughed at him… These are the same people who had hope and faith when the child was alive, but when the child stopped breathing they believed it was now impossible for Jesus to heal. However, just a few verses earlier, Jesus commanded Jairus at the end of Mark 5:36, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” That command to Jairus did not change when the circumstances changed. The same goes for us. Jesus commands us to “just believe” no matter what our circumstances. It is never too big or too small and it is never based on what we think is possible; all things are possible through Him.

2016 Day 25 – Luke 8

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Having faith is both simple and difficult. On the one hand there is nothing more we need than to believe and on the other we feel helpless because of the same reason. With Jairus in Luke 8:50, nothing could show this more clearly, Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus; “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” We all want to do more. One of the hardest things I ever have to do is to let go so God can fix it. And truth be told, He never leaves me. He may not fix things the way I want or the timing I may desire, but in the end, God’s plan and timing are always perfect.

2016 Day 24 – Reflection Day

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Hope everyone has a great day of reflection and worship. This is a great day to catch up on reading and spending time with family and friends.

If you ever come across anything you’d like me to post on this blog, please feel free to contact me at dino.evangelista@gmail.com.

2016 Day 23 – Matthew 13

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I love the parable Jesus tells of the hidden treasure in Matthew 13:44, “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.” In the parable, the man knew the value of the treasure was so great he was willing to sell everything in order to have it. This is what our relationship with Christ is like; it costs us everything to receive the full value of the treasure of salvation.

2016 Day 22 – Matthew 12

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Actions speak louder than words, but words are powerful just the same. Jesus warns in Matthew 12:37, For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. In the end, it all matters because of how we affect and influence others. Maya Angelou once said, “People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” We always want to be a powerful impact on those around us. Let us strive to be powerful AND positive.

2016 Day 21 – Matthew 11

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In today’s reading I found it very peculiar when Jesus said the following words in Matthew 11:6 “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” Jesus was not apologizing for making the establishment uncomfortable with who He was. It was not a statement of regret for His own actions. Jesus was making a statement about the blessings people would receive if they simply removed themselves from what was dictated as right and instead looked to His example of what we are called to do. Because of His sacrifice we are free to serve and love others without the burden or constraints that existed without His mercy and grace.

2016 Day 20 – Luke 7

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We look at physical healing as something difficult. It sometimes even requires a miracle. But the spiritual healing of your heart is even more difficult. And just like in physical healing where there are often scars, spiritual healing leaves scars as well. But when Jesus heals the sinful woman at the end of today’s chapter He says in Matthew 7:50, Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Jesus wants all of us to live in peace. The kind of peace you can only find from miraculous healing. Our scars remain because of us, not Jesus. Trust in Him and accept His complete healing because He loves us regardless of the sin He has forgiven in our past.

2016 Day 19 – Matthew 8

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One of my favorite stories of Jesus is the one with the Centurion’s sick servant and the faith he displayed to Jesus and His ability to heal and save. The Centurion was a gentile and was probably not someone who knew there was a Messiah coming to save the world, but he saw what was happening and he accepted what was possible by putting his faith in Jesus. Jesus Himself reacted to this man’s faith in Matthew 8:10, When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” Knowing what is possible with Jesus is all we really need to believe He can do miracles in our lives. May we all have the faith of the Centurion and know Jesus has the ability to save and heal us. And, most importantly, let us all know and have faith Jesus has the capacity to love us more than we ever thought possible, despite the flaws and sin in our lives.

2016 Day 18 – Matthew 7

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There are plenty of people out there who talk a good game. There are many self-proclaimed athletes who can trash-talk with the best of them. But “talk” is cheap and the measure of an athlete is found on the athletic field. The same goes for the faithful believer and servant of God. In Matthew 7:21 Jesus says, “Not everyone who say to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Jesus wants your “walk” to be better than your “talk”. Talking about doing the right things means nothing if you are unwilling to do the right things. Let your actions be the measure of your commitment to doing the will of God.

2016 Day 17 – Jump

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I really enjoyed this video. Steve Harvey is a pretty amazing guy. What a great message!

If you ever come across anything you’d like me to post on this blog, please feel free to contact me at dino.evangelista@gmail.com