The Gospel of Luke 11:33-34 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness.” (Luke 11:33-34 KJV).

In these passages, the Lord Jesus uses the metaphor of a lighted candle in a house, representing a healthy eye to a person's body. These teach us that the spiritual message of truth (light) should not be hidden but displayed openly so all those in proximity of the light should not grope in the dark. And these put us in the know that those whose inner being is lighted by a healthy "eye," are determined whether they see and live in God's light or are living in spiritual darkness. This, therefore, is stirring us to focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and His Words. He is the ultimate Truth and LIGHT, rather than the merchandise of this world or religious membership.

A healthy eye perceives the truth in Christ Jesus. Our faith in Him fills our being with light, while a "bad" or corrupt eye locked on the offerings of the world leads to darkness, warning us to guard our eyes and stay focused on our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the LIGHT of the world (John 8:12; 9:5). We are to rest in His grace by faith. For in Him, we have the LIGHT! Let not this LIGHT be hidden in a bushel of fear and shame [He warns about being ashamed of Him and His words (Luke 8:26; Mark 8:38)]. We are to share Him and His Words to all that we love, and most all - those that the Lord Jesus loves, who are in our proximity both physically and electronically. Let’s keep our eyes and life sustained by His Words, as it is written, the Psalmist declares: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:32 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.” (Luke 11:32 KJV).

This passage draws us to the Gentile people of Nineveh that repented at Jonah's inferior message. So, they will condemn the people in this generation of grace - Jews and Gentiles alike, then and now, at judgment day for rejecting Him, "who is greater than Jonah." He is the Lord who brought the ultimate message of truth and salvation. This highlights greater accountability and impending doom to them that reject the Lord's presence in the flesh, and His message and offering of grace. The Lord Jesus contrasts the receptive and repentant, pagan city of Nineveh with His own Jewish people, who demand signs. Yet in spite of the signs, they refuse to believe, emphasizing that His presence and miracles are far superior revelation demanding a greater response by faith.

The Lord Jesus reveals Himself as being superior to Jonah (and Solomon), He being the only begotten Son of God with a supernatural message and greater works of miracles. The people of Nineveh repented at Jonah’s simple warning. Here, in the generation of the Lord's grace revelation, despite hearing the message of grace and witnessing the work of miracles, they refuse to repent. This demonstrates a dense spiritual blindness. Hence, the Lord Jesus in this passage warns that the pagans of Nineveh will stand with the religious people of the generation of grace at the judgment day to condemn them for their unbelief, showing that religion is not the way to be save from judgment.

Rejection of God’s grace in the Lord Jesus Christ, by opting for religion and the offering of the world, is humanity’s gravest sin that surpass the disobedience of even the most wicked nations. It leads to severe consequences at the last day. Unbelief brings condemnation and judgement, as it is written: “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:18 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC

P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:31 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” (Luke 11:31 KJV).

In this verse, the Lord Jesus uses the Queen of the South who is the queen of Sheba as powerful example, that she will rise in judgment to condemn the people of this New Covenant of Grace generation that reject Him. The queen traveled from the far ends of the earth to hear Solomon's wisdom. But here, His own people reject Him who is "greater than Solomon" present among them. The Lord Jesus is highlighting their greater accountability and deeper spiritual blindness despite receiving a far superior revelation of God's wisdom and presence with works of wonder. The Queen of Sheba was a Gentile ruler from a distant land, identified as the modern-day Ethiopia, who journeyed to visit and test the wisdom of King Solomon of Israel with hard questions. She was amazed by his wisdom and the blessings of God upon him and his people.

And, yet here we are watching the chosen people of God, the Lord's fellow Israelites whom He came for to save and bring back to reconciliation with Him and the Father, rejected Him. He is much greater than Solomon that a Gentile queen sought to learn from his wisdom. These religious Jews, especially the religious leaders - the Pharisees, the Priests, the Sadducees and the Scribes, blinded by doctrines of their religion, failed to see and accept God in their midst. This, therefore, is our serious reminder that we must take heed to rest in His grace by believing in Christ Jesus, God who is in our midst. Scriptures declare, as it is written: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:22-23 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:29-30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.” (Luke 11:29-30 KJV).

In response to the religious people’s repeated demand for a sign, these passages focus on our Lord Jesus Christ as the ultimate sign, proclaiming “the sign of Jonah” which points to His death and resurrection. It gives us insights from the lesson of knowing the prophet Jonah stayed three days and nights in the belly of a great fish (Jonah 1:17). The Lord Jesus emphasizes that true faith is not borne out of demanding constant miraculous signs but on a heart that accepts the truth of His redemptive work.

The Lord Jesus called those religious people an "evil generation" for continually demanding extraordinary signs to make them believe, despite the evidence of His words and miraculous works. Hence, the Lord Jesus proclaimed with finality that the only sign given to that generation is the "sign of Jonah the prophet". These affirm that just as Jonah, the sign to the Ninevites, was in the belly of a great fish for three days and three nights, He would be in the heart of the earth for the same period before being raised from the dead in power. He is greater than the prophets, yet many of the Jewish religious leaders refused to acknowledge Him.

For us believers of today, the greatest sign is the Lord's resurrection. Those who call themselves Christians should place their trust in the finished work of Christ Jesus our Lord on the cross. They should not place their trust in their religion whatever denominational wall of doctrines they lean on, nor in their own efforts nor the pursuit of more signs and wonders. True faith in the Lord’s holy and written Words is built on the reality and truth of the Lord’s death on the cross and His resurrection from the grave. It’s the truth that brings rest, healing, righteousness and life by grace through faith. Not by rituals of religion nor by works to observe the law. Scriptures declare, as Apostle Paul testifies: “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” (Galatians 2:21 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:27-28 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” (Luke 11:27-28 KJV).

These passages of the Lord’s interaction with a woman in the crowd gives insight that true blessedness does not come from physical lineage of family tree but from a spiritual connection established by hearing and obeying God's Word. The Lord Jesus emphasizes that this obedience flows from grace through faith, not human effort or a legalistic mindset of religion.

The Lord Jesus, in using the woman's praise of his mother as a mirror of contrast, highlights the importance of spiritual relationship by hearing and doing God's will, rather than a natural, physical or familial connection. The highest form of honor and blessedness is found in actively living out the teachings of God's Word, a characteristic Mary herself exemplified through her obedient submission to God. This obedience is a fruit of faith to receive God's grace, rather than a burdensome work of self-effort to observe the demands of the law. The focus should be on receiving the Lord’s love and the supply of His grace through faith, not on our own effort of earning some kind of award points in order to be worthy, the hallmark of religious teachings.

"Hearing the Word" is not just a casual reading of the Bible, but engaging with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, allowing Him to communicate to our souls, leading to our transformation. The Word who is the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1) is power. Every time we partake His Words in our meditation and reflection, we’ll never be the same. His Words renew our hearts and minds to move us from where are to where God wants us to be. Scriptures remind, as it is written: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:24-26 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” (Luke 11:24-26 KJV).

A cleaned empty house must be occupied and lived in, lest spiritual squatters come in and possess the house. This house analogy of the Lord is referring to our physical being - our human flesh and life, of which He demonstrated when He sweep clean the evil possessed mute. The Lord Jesus warns that the swept off evil will not rest, finding no other host, without trying to get back in when it finds the place still empty. It won’t come back in alone. It invites many worse evils to come and move back in with. It reminds of the case with another man in Gadarenes who was possessed with a legion of devils, which the Lord Jesus cast out into the herd of swine in Luke 8:26-33.

In these passages, the Lord Jesus is using the house parable to warn us that merely removing a spiritual problem (like an unclean spirit, addiction, or sin, without replacing it with God's presence, leads to a worse spiritual state, as the evil spirit returns with seven more, making the final condition much more severe than it is in the first. The Lord Jesus uses this to show us that self-righteousness or a temporary fix isn't enough. A person must fill the "swept and empty house" (that is his/her life) with the presence of God and His Word for true, lasting transformation, otherwise they become vulnerable to intensified evil captivity.

So, it is therefore our admonition and cue, especially for those who have not invited the Lord Jesus in their life, now is the moment. Free from religious red tape with its rigmaroles and rituals, just you and the Lord Jesus hidden from the sight of people and the world, believe and let Him come in! He says: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.” (Luke 11:23 KJV).

This passage emphatically declares a state of war between good and evil. This gives notice that there's no spiritual neutrality; people must choose sides in this battle between the Kingdom of God and Satan. One must make that conscious decision of actively supporting Christ's work in faith (gathering) or passively/actively opposing it for not believing (scattering). The Lord Jesus is emphasizing that allegiance to Him is critical for our sakes, especially when confronting accusations that His power comes from evil, highlighting that indifference or neutral stance to His mission is to align with the enemy, with eternal ramification.

It is therefore a strong tacit call for wholehearted devotion, urging people to actively build up God's kingdom, as manifestation for believing in the Son (John 6:29), rather than remaining apathetic which leads to self-condemnation (John 3:18). In essence, the Lord Jesus is saying, "If you aren't helping build my kingdom, you're helping the enemy tear it down". One can’t claim to believe and not plunge in the vast provision of the Lord's grace, allow the Holy Spirit's fruit to be manifest by faith in Him our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 5:22-24). Doing good to share the Holy Word of God that we have, as fruit of His grace through faith becomes a natural flow of our living. The Scripture is urging us: “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:15-16 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:21-22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.” (Luke 11:21-22 KJV).

In these passages, the Lord Jesus uses the parable of a strong, armed man guarding his palace to illustrate that while Satan (the strong man) keeps his possessions (lost people) securely captive, the Lord Jesus (who is the Stronger Man) has come to overpower him, disarm him, and reclaim the captives. It demonstrates God's kingdom invading and defeating evil. This is in response to religious and worldly people's accusation that He casts out demons by Beelzebub (the prince of demons). This asserts that the Lord's power over demons proves stronger than Satan and is actively liberating captives from darkness, taking them as “spoils of victory” restored in the light of the kingdom of God.

This illustration is the Lord’s forceful clarifying response to the false accusation against His heavenly miracles, showing that His ability to cast out demons meant He is conquering Satan, not working with him. This affirms the arrival of God's kingdom on earth, where the ultimate battle against evil is being won by our Lord Jesus Christ. This assures us that the Lord Jesus is mighty to deliver and save us from Satan's bondage. The Holy Scriptures affirm and proclaim, says the Lord:“It is I speaking in righteousness, mighty to save” (Isaiah 63:1b). And… "The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save” (Zephaniah 3:17a).

We are saved by His death, so that by His life we shall live. It is written: “Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:9-10 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:18-20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.” (Luke 11:18-20 KJV).

Addressing the accusation that He casts out demons by the power of the devil, the Lord Jesus stresses out in these passages that such an act would be illogical, as Satan would be dividing his own kingdom against itself. The reality is, the Lord’s ability to cast out demons proves that a stronger power—God's power—is at work, which signals the arrival of God's kingdom on earth and the defeat of Satan's rule. The Lord Jesus asserts that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. If Satan (Beelzebub, the prince of demons) were empowering Him to cast out demons, Satan would be working against his own interests which ensure his own kingdom's self-destruction.

The core of the Lord's message is that He is the "stronger power of the light" who has subdued Satan’s "strong power of the dark". His miraculous works, like casting out demons, are evidence of His superior mighty power and divine authority. The implication is that because He is successfully casting out demons, the Kingdom of God has arrived and is actively breaking the stronghold of Satan on Earth. The miracles He performed are clear manifestation (or an "unconscious testimony" from even His enemies) that His miraculous works originated from God, not evil. By their accusation of Him casting out demons by Satan’s power they self-condemn themselves, for they will be judged by their Jewish sons who claim to cast out demons by the power of God.

We are therefore reminded, as His children by faith, we are now covered by His love in the higher covenant of grace, through the Son that the Father loves. He brought heaven down with power, doing greater works that the Father shows Him. The Scriptures attest - “So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.” (John 5:19-20 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:16-17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against an house falleth.” (Luke 11:16-17 KJV).

In these passages, the Lord Jesus was again coerced by religious and worldly people to show a sign from heaven of their choice and liking. They didn’t like the sign they just watched? Amazing! And, No. They are blinded to see things of heaven. For that, they accused the Lord of casting devils by Beelzebub (originally a Philistine God, the chief of the flies and prince of demons). This really shows us the danger of being enamored and shackled by precepts of religion and the world. Those eye patches of religion and frills of the world can have mortal effect on a person's understanding and values. But, looking through the filter of faith and grace of the Lord in His holy and written Words, these passages direly remind us to be wary of the momentary comforts of religion and worldly trappings. Those can warp humanity’s spiritual view of true living. Here, the Lord reminds that any kingdom divided in civil war is wasted, or any household in squabbles will fall.

Hence, we are reminded in this reading that when faced with "mute" or oppressive situations, we should not look to our own efforts or performance but to the Lord's finished work. Having been released from consciousness of sin, by accepting that our Lord Jesus Christ has already paid for all the sins of humanity, the "door" for the enemy to attack through condemnation is closed. The Holy Bible proclaims: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1-4 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:14-15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.” (Luke 11:14-15 KJV).

In these passages, we find the Lord Jesus casts a demon out of the mute that made him able to speak, prompting the people to blasphemously accuse He comes from Beelzebub’s house. They say the Lord cast out evil by the devil's power. This centers on the contrast of the self-righteous law and God's abundant grace in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the reality of the Kingdom of God coming through Christ Jesus with God’s undeserved favor and provision. These people are blinded by religion. But for us who depend in the Lord Jesus by faith, His grace now relieves us from striving and from legalistic performance. By His amazing grace, we who were once blind, now can see. We are where true blessing comes from, receiving His free gift, not from our works or status in the world. In Him, we can see that His power is a sign of the overwhelming love and provision of the Father, accessible through faith in the Son.

The accusations against the Lord Jesus (attributing to Beelzebub the healing of the mute), represent the religious mindset of law-keeping and self-effort. With miracles and signs displayed in the works of Christ Jesus, we see lives transformed by faith. We are blessed not by earning it through legalistic performance (like that of the religious accusers of the Lord) but by receiving the undeserved favor (grace), freely given through Christ Jesus our Lord. Hence, we are instructed: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.” (Matthew 10:8 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:11-13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:11-13 KJV).

Dovetailing the Lord’s teaching about how to pray, these passages affirm God's generosity as a loving Father to those who ask. These assert that if imperfect earthly parents give good things, those are what their children ask to satisfy their needs, the Heavenly Father gives the best gift—the Holy Spirit—to those who ask. It signifies that prayer is the expression of relationship built on trust, between a parent and a child. Prayer is the key to receive divine enablement, not just to get material things. The core message is about persistent and trusting prayer, relying on God's willingness to give good things, culminating in the ultimate gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us for victorious spiritual life. It is not by our merit, but by the finished work of the Lord. These passages reveal that our needs are what attract the Lord’s abundant supply through grace.

The parable the Lord Jesus uses in these texts shifts from our persistence in prayer to the Lord’s readily available provision of grace, meaning our asking is rooted in our identity as His children, not in earning His favor. The truth is we already have His favor notwithstanding of what we have done or do. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”(Romans 5:8 NIV). All our righteous effort of good works doesn’t impress God. He calls those filthy rags (Isaiah 64.6). What impresses and pleases God is our faith as we come in His presence in total dependence on Him. It is written, the Holy Bible says: “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:9-10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10 KJV).

One dire warning we must take heed in these passages: is to be careful what we ask, what we seek and what door to knock, for surely we will receive, we will find and will have the door opened, good or bad. We must, therefore, be firmly rooted in the truth of the Lord’s New Covenant assurance that prayer is an act of total reliance in the unmerited favor of God. It is in the knowledge that everything we need in life is already made available in the Lord's finished work on the cross (John 19:30) by faith, rather than our toilsome effort.

Reliance on the Person of grace, who is our Lord Jesus Christ, not effort - in contrast to religious teachings that emphasizes sacrificial pleading and hard work, as if to convince a reluctant God. "Ask, seek, knock" is approaching an eager and willing Father with confidence, based on relationship through faith in Christ Jesus. The stance we take is receiving God's supply by faith, not working for it. Conceding and acknowledging our need before God in the posture of readiness to receive is what allows God's supply to flow, just as the Lord Jesus responded to people with needs who came during His physical presence in this world (Matthew 15:30-31).

We have the reassuring promise of the Scriptures, as Apostle Paul exhorts with these words: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:19-20 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:5-8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” (Luke 11:5-8 KJV).

In these passages, the Lord Jesus tells this parable continuing to stress as He teach His disciples how to pray under the ambience of the unfulfilled old covenant of the law. This gives an illustration how to pray effectively—with bold, relentless faith, not faint-heartedness.

The friend in the story (alluding to the role of God who's separated from man by sin) eventually gives bread due to the friend's "shameless audacity", that is persistence, boldness, even impudent asking, not because he wants to, but because he's "harassed".

The Lord Jesus pivoting from the human example to God, said: "How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"(Luke 11:13). This highlights that God's supply (grace, provision, the Holy Spirit) is always greater than our demand and needs. It's not about our worthiness, but about His willingness to give to those who ask persistently. Especially those who were under the covenant of the law, they needed to ask.

This points us to the new economy in the New Covenant of Grace, where God's love overflows, unlike the scarcity mindset of the world and concepts of religion. We must be audacious in prayer, rather than be discouraged by delays and long waits. God’s supply is already made available (Matthew 6:32-33; Philippians 4:19). We must keep asking, seeking, and knocking boldly, of which in grace we come and declare in the posture of receiving all of His provisions with gratitude and exceeding thankfulness. We expect Him to do far more than we can imagine, as demonstrated through the widow in Elisha's story, that says: “Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.”

And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”” (2 Kings 4:1-7 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” (Luke 11:4 KJV).

This instance of the Lord’s teaching to the disciples is before His completed work on the cross. Those who seek forgiveness from the Father is preconditioned on forgiving those who have sinned against them. However, sadly in that state under the law, no one can and has the power to forgive according to the demands of the law (Romans 6:23). Only the Lord Jesus Christ can and has the power to forgive. So, taking this prayer on a self-effort to forgive, puts one in a position of not to be forgiven, as well.

This prayer declaration, therefore, must be done in the position of faith in Christ Jesus who imputes in us His finished work on the cross. All, including you and I, are already forgiven of their sins - past, present and future. Now, by faith in Him, we can forgive because we are forgiven (Ephesians 4:32). Not because of us, but because of Him who hanged on the cross to supply the demands of the law, in our behalf, that we could not fulfill. In this post-resurrection dispensation of grace, in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ, our prayer is not to ask but to receive. With thanksgiving, we come in the posture of receiving the blessings already provided through His grace by our faith. We are already blessed! (Ephesians 1:3).

Temptation? As God's children by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, He does not lead us into temptation. He is our refuge from it. This part of the prayer is a request for God's strength and protection to stand firm against evil and temptation when it inevitably arises in this sinful world. While we are still in a sinful world, by faith His love wipes multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Scriptures give us this reassuring exhortation: “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:12-14 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Give us day by day our daily bread.” (Luke 11:3 KJV).

The prayer of humanity including the disciples before the Lord Jesus accomplished His sacrificial deal on the cross, being in the fallen state from grace because of the law, was to ask what they need. Sin was revealed by the law (Romans 3:3; 7:7). Sin was in the world before the law but sprang to life by the law (Romans 7:9). Sin empowered by the law separated mankind from the abundant supply of blessings in God’s grace. Hence, in such a state, blessings were only accessible by asking in the posture of humility before the Father who dwelt in heavenly realm, recognizing He is our source for all our needs (Luke 11:2).

So, in this passage, the disciples still under the covenant of the law is taught to come with a humble request, like a beggar asking for bread, showing sinful humanity to rely on God’s provisions daily - for living and sustenance. This reminds to have a posture of total dependence on our heavenly source. This gives the message that we must not give thought of tomorrow what to eat and what to wear. We have the source that never runs out of supplies for what we need for every day of our lien of life in this realm.

In another instance, our Lord Jesus Christ reminds us to have that posture of faith that must not be distracted by any worldly circumstances. Our Father never ceases to provide. There is no reason for us to be anxious. We just have to remain in the right focus of direction according to the reminder of His Words. Resting in His grace, we have our Lord’s profound reassurance: ““Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:25-34 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” (Luke 11:2 KJV).

In reflecting on this passage, it is important to recognize that our Lord Jesus Christ is on His way to the cross to accomplish His mission of restoring us back to relationship with the Father by grace. Our restoration is only by His completed work on the cross. Hence, in this moment in time the state of mankind was still separated from God, by the chasm of sinfulness. He is in heaven and humanity is in a sinful state in the world. Man’s posture in prayer is to look up to heaven and reach up to the Father in humility to plead for the heavenly kingdom to come and be done on earth. The reality of the Father’s holiness must be declared for a sinful man to be in the posture to ask and pray.

Now, after the cross, with all our sins have been paid - past, present and future, by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord, we are reconciled back with God. Not because of us, but because of the sacrificial work of the Lord on the cross. In Him, sins are behind us. The chasm between the Father and us is gone. He is in us! In Christ Jesus, we are in Him (1 John 4:15). Our prayer is now in His grace by faith giving thanks, for all our needs are already made available according to His riches in glory (Psalms 95:2; Philippians 4:19).

Now, as children of God in Christ Jesus, we come not to ask but to receive with thanks all that’s already been granted (2 Peter 1:3-4). In Christ Jesus, we no longer call on a Father who is far on high, the way religion does. Being born again by faith in Christ Jesus, we are in His presence resting in His grace. We are seated with Him, as it is written: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-7 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 11:1 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1 KJV).

In this passage, with one of the disciples seeking guidance how to pray after He finished praying, sets the stage for the Lord Jesus Christ teaching His disciples and us how to pray. This highlights the importance of prayer as a vital connection with God. As the Lord’s habit, He is often found looking for a secluded place to pray. And His disciples, who see His deep communion with the Father, desired the same connection. Hence, one of them couldn’t hold to ask, "Lord, teach us to pray". The Lord shows them and us how to converse with God, not in religious ritual way, but as a son and a daughter to a loving Father, fostering a warm communion.

This, therefore, reminds and encourages us to be persistent in prayer, as the Lord shows us an example in His habit. God delights to give us what we ask for (John 14:22). This the Lord Jesus assures, as it is written: ““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-11 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 10:41-42 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42 KJV).

In a reassuring manner, like a devoted Father would - as He is, the Lord Jesus responds to Martha’s complaints about her sister Mary with emphasis and endearment, saying “Martha, Martha”. This statement reflects the mechanics of closeness that the Lord Jesus enjoys with this family. He is visiting them to teach in their home about the Kingdom of God. His gentle yet emphatic rebuke of Martha highlights that while serving Him is good, it becomes toxic when it is done in self effort. She was distracted by her desire to serve the Lord materially and failed to realize her need to be nourished by Him spiritually, which is the good part.

These passages remind us to make it our foremost priority to rest in intimacy with our Lord Jesus Christ —sitting at His feet to receive grace, as Mary demonstrated by her example. We are to recognize the “One thing needful” and choose spending time in the Lord’s presence, beholding His glory, and listening to His Word, rather than being "cumbered about with many things.”

Like Mary, let’s choose to be a receiver. She allowed the Lord Jesus to serve her with His word, which is the penultimate, unchanging, and essential part in our life of faith in Him. This is not a rebuke against good deeds that manifest as fruit of the Spirit through grace by faith. It reminds us who are redeemed by grace, not to strive in works of self effort. Rather, we are to live resting in the "unforced rhythm of His grace" and respond in faith as our Lord Jesus invites: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.

The Gospel of Luke 10:39-40 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” (Luke 10:39-40 KJV).

In these passages, we're given a picture of Martha’s sister Mary in a posture of a devoted student, sitting intently at the Lord's feet absorbing His teachings. While Martha, on the other hand, is busy with the preparations for the Lord's meal, becoming irritated and pulled in different directions by her many chores. Hence, she complained with the Lord Jesus asking Him to tell Mary to help. She’s feeling proud of her efforts, but overwhelmed in serving her guests along with extensive kitchen work. She seeks some kind of the Lord’s intervention in a family affair that looks like a sibling rivalry.

Martha's actions of service in hospitality aren't bad, it is good and commendable, but it is driven by work of self effort, not fruit of faith in grace. It is rooted in a desire to please God by works, not by faith. We need salvation by grace in faith. Apart from grace His word clearly says: “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” (Isaiah 64:6 NIV).

What pleases God is not our works of self effort. Scriptures declare: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.