The Gospel of Luke 23:11-12 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.” (Luke 23:11-12 KJV).

These passages show where hostile rulers Herod and Pontius Pilate became friends over their shared contempt in our Lord’s redemptive mission. This shows how earthly forces unite against our Lord Jesus Christ, which foreshadows the believer's ultimate victory. Herod and Pilate were long-standing political enemies. It is amazing how swiftly in this day they found common ground for unity through their rejection and mockery of our Lord Jesus Christ.

To humanity’s worldly view, the partnership of political and religious authorities ganging up against our Lord Jesus Christ looked like a win for the enemy. Herod, with his soldiers dressed the Lord in elaborate kingly attire send Him back to Pilate with jeering and taunting. But, we should note though, that just as our Lord Jesus Christ triumphed past their humbling plot through the cross by His resurrection, He will scatter our invisible enemies and turn any opposition against us into absolute victory by grace through faith in Him. Scriptures assure us, as it is written: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5 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 23:9-10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.” (Luke 23:9-10 KJV).

Our Lord Jesus Christ stays completely silent and refuses to defend His self while Herod peppered Him with questions, even the chief priests and scribes stand by, shrilling with their fierce accusations. This moment is an ultimate display of our Lord’s humility, grace, and inner dignity. Rather than reacting in anger, lashing out at the corrupt ruler who murdered His cousin John the Baptist, or trying to win over His critics, our Lord maintains His profound silence in absolute calm and peace.

Our Lord’s gospel of Grace uses this example to show believers that they do not need to fight back or panic when facing false accusations. Instead, they can rest in God as their defender, trusting His quiet strength rather than human arguments. In our reflections of Luke 12:11, our Lord Jesus gave the same manner of instruction to the apostles, and to us who believe in Him, how to react when brought accused before the courts of judges and rulers.

When facing all kinds of challenges and the same confrontations, let us therefore be reminded of these words and keep it alive in our hearts and mind. It is written: “Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:17-20 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 23:8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.” (Luke 23:8 KJV).

This passage highlights the excitement of King Herod to see our Lord Jesus Christ, revealing that he’d been hoping for this for some time. He wanted to watch the Lord performs miracles simply out of curiosity. This moment of encounter for hope of shallow entertainment-seeking curiosity, contrasts with the intent to see the Lord truly by faith. This should remind us that our Lord Jesus Christ grants us daily miracles of grace rather than performance for amusement. In Christ Jesus our Lord, our daily life in grace is filled with moment to moment of miracles.

Herod wanted a spectacle. He viewed our Lord Jesus through the lens of material world wanting to be amused or impressed rather than seek the truth to be saved. His heart was set on self-gratification and fleeting joy rather than repentance for eternal bless of salvation. He is like those many held captive by religion, mesmerized by their leaders and charismatic figures. They flock to watch their so-called “healing crusades” or other rituals for indulgence. They use the Lord’s name in vain to perform “healing” for stage show of deception and other ulterior motives.

The miracles from heaven are not for show. Signs and wonders are for our strength, to reveal God’s glory, affirm His power, display His compassion, and confirm His message. Miracles are for drawing those who are lost, so they believe and that by believing all may have life in Christ Jesus’ Name. It is written: “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life” (John 20:30-31 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 23:6-7 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilæan. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.” (Luke 23:6-7 KJV).

These passages give a surprising twist to show that Pilate really has no interest in local religious conflict which he sensed by the way these religious fanatics are presenting their accusations. Their attempt of trying to lure Pilate, by presenting this case as a threat to Roman rule, did not work. Pontius Pilate learns from the Lord’s accusers that He is from Galilee, where He started His teaching. So, he sends the Lord to Herod Antipas, who is also at Jerusalem for the Passover.

Pilate passes the buck realizing the Lord falls under Herod’s legal authority. He sends the Lord to Herod to avoid handling what he suspects a hard case to deal with. It is worth noting that Pilate’s role as Roman governor or prefect for Judea, is to maintain public order—especially during crowded festivals like the Passover which is being celebrated in this moment. He is normally stationed in Caesarea, but moves to Jerusalem with extra troops during major Jewish holidays to suppress potential riots or political uprisings.

Unbeknownst to Pilate, he has no way out of this case. He is set to be involved being the supreme judicial authority in the region. Only he holds the “jus gladii” (the right of the sword), meaning he alone has the power to pronounce and execute a death sentence, most especially crucifixion. And the Lord Jesus is prophesied to be executed on the cross which only Pilate can proclaim. This must come to pass for our redemption.

Pilate can’t sulk. He, only, can send a person to death with pierced hands and feet on the cross. Scriptures prophesied, as it is written: “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—” (Psalm 22:14-16 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 23:5 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.”(Luke 23:5 KJV).

This passage reveal that the religious leaders, along with the throng of Jews led by the High Priest, push back against Pontius Pilate and double down on their accusations. They insist that our Lord Jesus Christ stirs up the whole Jewish people through His teaching, starting from Galilee all the way to Judea. The religious crowd and elders claim that our Lord is causing riots and subverting the nation with His message. They emphasize His geographic reach to convince Pilate that He is a widespread political threat to the Roman rule.

All those accusations are far from the reality and truth. Viewing through the lens of God’s Grace, these are false political charges against a Savior whose kingdom is not of this world. This brings into surface the hidden danger of religion, which sadly continues to proliferate to this day. It warps and confuses people’s view of truth. It puts people on the saddle of deception that leads away from God into condemnation.

Those religious zealots that rejected the Son of God - our Lord Jesus Christ who came driven by love to save the world (them included), lost their opportunity as they allow religion to blind their spiritual sight. We shouldn’t follow them. Rather, we follow the apostles who believed. Let’s reflect on their confession of faith which Apostle Peter profoundly said, as it is written: “So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”” (John 6:67-69 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 23:3-4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.” (Luke 23:3-4 KJV).

Now, standing before Pilate, our Lord Jesus affirms His identity as King with a quiet "You say it," in response to Pilate’s question: “Are you the king of the Jews? This prompts Pilate to declare, "I find no fault in this man." In the context of our Lord’s New Covenant of Grace, this moment highlights our Lord Jesus Christ as the unblemished, faultless substitute whose pure righteousness is credited to those who believe. Pilate’s verdict represents secular or human judgment, and he publicly announces our Lord’s total innocence.

By grace, this affirms that just as Pilate found no fault on our Saviour, God sees us that believe as completely faultless through Him. The great exchange is executed as our Lord Jesus takes the guilty verdict so that those who trust Him receive an official, unalterable declaration of righteousness.

Because our Lord Jesus goes through the tribunal faultless and willingly accepts judgment, believers, as you and I, who totally depend on His grace, now can walk under a permanent "not guilty" verdict from heaven. We are called to recognize the truth that victory over sin comes from realizing we are already made righteous as a gift from God, rather than trying to earn God’s approval through works. As it is written, Scriptures affirm: “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 5:9-10ESV).

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 23:1-2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Cæsar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.” (Luke 23:1-2 KJV).

The religious assembly leads our Lord Jesus Christ to Pilate and accused Him of misleading the nation, challenging taxes, and claiming to be a King. The parade starts at the religious high priest’s house with our Lord Jesus treated as convicted criminal by their sham trial. They’re heading towards Pilate’s palace, the Roman governor of Judea. They come to have Pilate order our Lord’s crucifixion, him being the only authority to order such punishment. Hence, another trial is set with Pilate presiding to determine the veracity of the crime charged if worthy of execution by nailing to a cross.

Here, we can note that the religious priests are presenting a different trump up charges for their case before the governor. They accuse the Lord of trumped up charges subverting the authority of Rome. These are purely religious concoction. Yes, our Lord is guilty of sins He didn’t commit. He absorb the sins of all humanity that collectively share guilt for leading the sinless Savior to the cross. The cross ultimately manifests our radical forgiveness and complete freedom from self-condemnation by our Lord’s sacrificial absorption all of our sins - past, present and future.

Humanity’s sins paved the way to Calvary, making them the "guilty party" that handed the sinless Man - Christ Jesus our Lord, over to a painful and shameful death. The accusations and actions of the sinful religious men (as all sinned - Romans 3:23) paradoxically drove our Lord Jesus to His ultimate destiny of securing redemption for all. This redemption each and every person can possess by grace through faith on Him who paid it by dying on the cross.

The sins our Lord Jesus carried to the cross were fully forgiven and forgotten; He does not hold past mistakes or ongoing shortcomings against us that believes and totally rest in His grace. Our sins were cast into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19). We can now rest with new identity in grace, free from condemnation, recognizing that the complete price has been paid and God is at peace with us. Scriptures assure us: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 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 22:71 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.” (Luke 22:71 KJV).

In this passage, we see the religious council who are witch-hunting for reasons to justify their plot to eliminate our Lord Jesus Christ declaring they need no further evidence against Him because they heard His identity claim straight from His own mouth. This emphasizes that as He is being cast out by religious leaders for condemnation our Lord Jesus calmly accepted this rejection and death sentence, choosing truth over self-protection. He could have easily called heavenly support before this corrupt and hostile tribunal. He has available twelve legions of angels by His call (Matthew 26:43).

The “high” council of religious Jews ask Him if He is the Son of God. Our Lord Jesus responds with absolute truth and certainty, "You say that I am," confirming His divine identity. The religious leaders use this honest confession as grounds to condemn Him by their religious brand of “blasphemy”. This would have been the right instance for them to see the truth if only they sought for it. But, they were so clouded by their religious doctrine and love of affluence and fame. They couldn’t let go. They handed the Lord for execution out of envy (Matthew 27:18).

For the now, this is our cue. We must, therefore, continue to seek for truth by partaking in God’s holy and written words guided and taught by the Holy Spirit, rather than ride on the subtlety of religion, lest we be blinded and fall as well, like the religious people that nailed our Lord Jesus Christ to the cross. Sadly, for them, the Scriptures reveal that - “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4 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 22:69-70 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.” (Luke 22:69-70 KJV).

While our Lord Jesus Christ stands before the religious council, He continues to declare that after this sham process, the Son of Man will sit at the right hand of God's power, affirming He is the Son of God. This bold declaration points to our Lord’s finished redemptive work, showing that He willingly faces the cross to secure our eternal righteousness and position in the Lord’s unmerited favor.

Our Lord Jesus looked past the mock trial and humiliation toward His triumphant position seated at the right hand of God, signifying that the work of our salvation and forgiveness would be fully accomplished. Resting in His presence by grace through faith in Him, we are secure. This emphasizes that because our Lord Jesus Christ spoke the truth of His identity and went to the cross, believers are now permanently settled in His imputed righteousness without human effort or religious works.

With absolute and firm resolve, our Lord Jesus Christ’s unshakeable reply: "You say that I am” demonstrates His absolute authority and unwavering love to redeem us and bring us safely into God's family. He is bringing us not by the process of religious system that hung Him to the cross which unfortunately the same system of religions perpetuated to this day deceiving many in the world. Rather, He brings us to be in Him and the Father by grace through the finished work on the cross that makes us worthy. By our faith in Him, He imputes on us His righteousness, as it is written: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 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 22:66-68 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying, Art thou the Christ? tell us. And he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe: and if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.” (Luke 22:66-68 KJV).

The scene is daybreak before the religious tribunal. Our Lord Jesus stands before the religious council of elders, chief priests, and scribes questioning if He is the Christ, to which He replies that they will neither believe Him, nor answer if He questions them. They will not release Him either, as He is set to complete His mission. The Lord knows this is a sham hearing. Being the Person of grace, we know this moment not as a helpless condemnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rather, we see Him in His quiet, resolute determination to endure rejection and judgment in our place.

The “Kangaroo” council of religious authorities demands a direct answer from our Lord while they are already plotting to condemn Him. Hence, our Lord’s responses, highlights their closed hearts and He redirected their gaze to His ultimate authority and high calling.

Our Lord Jesus Christ willingly takes the place of the accused, absorbing human hostility so believers like you and I can share His unmerited favor and eternal security. He died for our sins once and for all. Scriptures declare as Apostle Peter himself testifies: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,” (1 Peter 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 22:63-65 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.” (Luke 22:63-65 KJV).

As Apostle Peter ran out of the courtyard bitterly, our Lord Jesus Christ is blindfolded, mocked, beaten, and blasphemed by the guards holding Him. These passages highlight the onset of His substitutionary suffering. He endured extreme humiliation, rejection, and physical abuse not for His own faults, but so you and I, as well as all of humanity that believe in Him could receive His dignity, His wholeness, and His unmerited acceptance. Our Lord Jesus took the blows, shame, and derision that the sinful humanity deserved. These set the process of the "great exchange"—where our Lord Jesus was treated as a criminal so we who yield to His grace and love could be treated as righteous children of God.

In silence, and in His nature of being love (1 John 4:16), our Lord did not fight back nor hurl insults in response. His silent endurance displays a love that refuses to retaliate, securing permanent peace and forgiveness for those who believe in Him. Because He absorbed the full brunt of hostility and wrath on humanity’s behalf, God is no longer angry. Nor is He keeping score against those who trust in Christ Jesus as Lord. The Holy Scriptures affirms and declares: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 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 22:59-62 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilæan. And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:59-62 KJV).

As our Lord Jesus warned during supper, Apostle Peter denies his Master three times. This is affirmed by the rooster’s third crow. And our Lord Jesus surrounded by His captors turns to look at him hearing the rooster crows three times, causing Peter to weep bitterly. The Lord’s look was not one of condemnation or anger, but a gaze of unfailing love saying, "I still love you, Peter."

Apostle Peter fails because he relied on his own strength and pride, declaring he would die for our Lord rather than resting in His grace and protection. Our Lord has poured upon Peter His pre-emptive grace. Before the failure, our Lord told Peter in Luke 22:31-32 that He had already prayed for his faith not to fail. He prayed for him knowing he would fall, securing his restoration ahead of time, as he rests in the Lord's grace.

When their eyes met, our Lord did not glare in disappointment. His gaze conveyed deep grace and love, shattering Peter's self-reliance, producing in him true softening and yielding to the Lord’s grace bringing to tears. Hence, later, when Peter recognized our Lord at the shore, he jumped into the water toward Him (John 21:7)—driven not by paralyzing guilt or sin-consciousness, but by the confidence that our Jesus Christ loved him unconditionally despite his mistakes.

As the Lord loves Peter, He loves us too! He loves the world (John 3:16). This is not a love that we can earn. It is a love out of His grace. We can’t earn this love that’s offered to Peter and all of us. This was offered to Judas, but was rejected like many are doing. What we must do is receive this love like Peter and all the apostles, with the exception of Judas. We receive it by coming to the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ as we are - no make over, and rest in His grace. This love of our Lord has no bounds. Apostle Paul, who confessed of being the worst of all sinners, testifies as it is written: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 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 22:58 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.” (Luke 22:58 KJV).

This passage records Apostle Peter’s second denial of our Lord Jesus Christ objecting: "Man, I am not!" when another person in the courtyard identified him as being with the Lord. This gives more highlight to our Lord’s unfailing grace, set to point out His love instead of condemnation. The Lord’s tender, forgiving and loving presence always bring restoration rather than ruin. Peter’s denial captures the heat of the moment when he is recognized as one of the Lord’s follower by another person in the crowd, which he emphatically denied.

Peter was warned by the Lord beforehand in Luke 22:34, knowing full well that he would stumble and fail under pressure. But faith that does not fail comes only from the intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ. He prayed that Peter's faith would not fail, securing his ultimate rise from the fall and restoration. This is setting the stage to transform failure into a foundation to stand on, demonstrating how our Lord Jesus uses our lowest moments not to disqualify us but to equip us to comfort and strengthen others once we come back to Him yielding to His grace by faith.

This humbling moment of Apostle Peter, he uses to testify by his experience for our reminder, comfort and strength, as it is written: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:8-10 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 22:56-57 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.” (Luke 22:56-57 KJV).

While Apostle Peter was enjoying the warmth seated by the fire in the courtyard, a servant girl at the High Priest's house looked at him keenly. When the servant girl pointed Peter that she recognized him as one of the Lord’s disciples, Peter denies knowing the Lord out of fear. We note, however, that in spite of his fear and failure, Peter remained in the courtyard in the presence of His Master and Lord, unmindful of what he just did. He denied knowing his Lord whom he professed to follow to prison and death in his declaration at dinner earlier. But, here he is wavering.

This stumble of Apostle Peter began when he hesitatingly followed our Lord Jesus "at a distance" rather than staying close by Him. Now, seated in the camp of those plotting to eliminate the Lord, Apostle Peter must be overwhelmed by evident tension surrounding him. This illustrates how human fear and self-reliance lead to compromise and fall. A servant girl staring at Peter by the fire must be very terrifying for Peter in his state of relying on his own strength.

This highlights the difference between human self-confidence (which fails under pressure) and true dependence on God's grace guaranteed by the Lord’s sacrifice at the cross. We are weak. In our weakness we must yield to God's grace by faith. Apostle Paul's testimonial exhortation reminds and assures us. It is written: “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 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 22:54-55 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.” (Luke 22:54-55 KJV).

In these passages, we watch Apostle Peter who, while reclining during the Passover meal celebration, declared in hype "Lord I will go to prison and death with you!"(Luke 22:33). Now, as his Lord and Master, our Savior is seized and herded by the soldiers for cruel interrogation before the religious High Priest, we see him clandestinely shadowing behind the Lord and His captors. He managed to enter the hall where the Lord is taken warming himself among them by the fire. This moment illustrates human frailty, the danger of relying on self-effort and strength, in contrast with total dependence in the unfailing, proactive grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Earlier at supper, before this moment of test, the Lord told Peter, "Satan has asked for you... But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail." Our Lord Jesus Christ interceded for Peter's faith before he made this waver. Yes, Peter falls short of his declaration. Yet, in spite of weakness and fear, grace brought Apostle Peter in the warm comfort of the fire near the Lord. Faith led him here in the Lord's proximity. The hype may have faded, but rest in the Lord's grace by faith keeps Peter in the presence of the Lord.

Choosing to remain in the Lord's presence in our failures, stumbles, even in our seeming successes, and in all circumstances is what matters. We are assured of comfort with these words, as it is written: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 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 22:52-53 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” (Luke 22:52-53 KJV).

This "pressing" and voluntary submission to bear humanity’s (yours and my) sins, choosing to pour out grace and the agony on the cross over avoiding the cup of suffering, mark as the beginning of our Lord’s agonizing journey. The "Pressing" in Gethsemane with sweat and blood is the start of the Lord’s heavy, emotional and spiritual crushing for our sake, mirroring the olive pressing process to extract oil (Luke 22:44).

The chief priests, temple captains and religious elders creep under the cover of darkness waving their swords and staves to arrest the Lord. They’re given this temporary window to do their dark scheme. This is ironic. They all have the Lord freely available to them as He teaches in the temple daily. But, they couldn’t lift a hand on Him. Our Lord Jesus acknowledges that the religious authorities operated under the quick permission of darkness because it’s the designated time for Him to take substitutionary judgment in our stead.

Our Lord invoking His choice to love, rather than calling down from heaven legions of angels to defend Himself, He willingly submitted to the work of darkness of that hour to secure eternal redemption and righteousness for us all who believe. Yes, that moment of our Lord crossing the line for His arrest over escape, secure us who hear Him and believe. We too now cross from death to life, as the Scriptures affirm: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24 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 22:49-51 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.” (Luke 22:49-51 KJV).

This is an amazing display of our Lord’s divine grace. When a disciple cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant during the Lord’s arrest, He stops their violent reaction and heals the man. This is the ultimate picture of unearned grace that shows the Lord Jesus responds to hostility with immediate healing and mercy rather than judgment.

Grace reigns over retaliation. Our Lord Jesus does not punish His enemies or defend Himself with force in the physical realm. He heals the wounded servant instead, as He does to everyone in His presence. He tells the disciples "No more of this", showing that God's kingdom and salvation are not won by efforts of human flesh, anger, or striving with the sword.

Our Lord shows the heart of the Savior. Even in His final moments on the brink of suffering, our Lord Jesus supplies wholeness, revealing His nature as our complete healer and provider. Hence, for us in this time of our Lord’s post resurrection period, we are redeemed and restored as sheep in His flock by faith. We receive the blessings of His finished work at the cross. His wounds heal us. Scriptures declare: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”(1 Peter 2:24-25 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 22:47-48 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:47-48 KJV).

This scene exposes the ultimate tragedy of fake devotion—using a symbol of deep love and friendship to commit an act of evil and betrayal. While the Lord is still speaking His warning to the sleepy disciples, Judas arrives with his throng of conspirators. He comes to plant a kiss of betrayal on his Master. A kiss is meant to show loyalty, love and warmth. But Judas perverts the value of a kiss, by twisting the sacred gesture into a tool for deceit, human rejection and suffering.

Because our Lord Jesus experienced betrayal from a close friend and disciple, He sympathizes with our hurts, and offers His peace to help us rise above them. Judas being one of the Lord’s chosen twelve, his betrayal cuts to the core. In His being in the physical state, our Lord Jesus Christ knows what it feels like to be hurt or let down by someone you love. He understands you and I, as He was tempted and hurt in every way like us, so He feels our grief.

This is a moment of warning to all that professed to believe. It proves that betrayal and sin can come from close quarters, even from those who walk alongside the truth. He faced the darkest acts of mankind so we could receive unmerited favor. Instead of bitterness, looking to our Lord Jesus gives us peace and the power to forgive and heal.

Hence, God reminds us not to be like Judas who may be physically with the Lord’s inner circle of disciples but not completely in, in spirit. His opportunity and time were wasted. He was walking with them physically, but not totally and wisely yielded to the Lord’s grace in mind, body, soul and spirit. God’s holy and written Words draw us to this reminder: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 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 22:45-46 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:45-46 KJV).

The reality of human weakness is evident in the disciples’ display of sleepiness. Yes, they’ve been in a very strenuous night of anxiety and worry for what transpired in their midst. One of their own betrayed their Master. Being fast asleep while their Master in prayerful agony, manifests the disciples’ human weakness and emotional overwhelm, rather than mere laziness. The Lord’s call to “rise and pray” when He found them asleep points believers away from relying on self-effort and toward resting in His finished work of grace at the cross.

These verses reveal that the disciples were grief- stricken and stressed. It highlights human frailty. Human strength fails under intense emotional and spiritual pressure going through dark valleys. Our Lord knows more trials were coming, and He warns them that trying to face pressure through human effort leads to temptation and failure.

Prayer in the covenant of grace is not about working yourself in ritualistic religious chants or begging God, but shifting your inner vision to see His provision and receive it. Just as our Lord bled and sweated under stress in Gethsemane to redeem humanity from the curse of anxious toil, believers are told to rise out of passive defeat and anchor their hearts in His rest by prayer in communion with the Lord.

With the Lord’s prompting to the disciples, we too are to rise up and pray unceasingly, as Scriptures remind: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 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 22:43-44 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:43-44 KJV).

Continuing on the unfolding events in these last moments of our Lord’s communion with the Father in earnest prayers, these passages mark the Garden of Gethsemane as the beginning of our Lord’s intense physical and spiritual crushing for humanity’s sake. This is extremely and aptly painful, with Gethsemane as the spot which in Hebrew means "oil press." Just as olives are crushed to produce pure oil, our Lord Jesus underwent deep anguish and pressure. Here, He is experiencing hematidrosis—a rare medical condition where extreme stress causes capillaries to rupture, mixing sweat with blood as He perspires.

The Lord’s agony was driven by the anticipation of drinking the spiritual cup of suffering for all the sins, curses, and filth of the world. This meant Him experiencing temporary spiritual separation from His beloved Father.

When our Lord reached His breaking point and prayed in deep sorrow, God dispatched an angel from heaven to strengthen Him. The angel's appearance empowered Him with supernatural provision of grace, peace, and endurance from heaven to rise up and resolutely finish His assignment at the cross.

Hence, when you and I, as well as every believer, totally yield to grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we are confronted with overwhelming, dark hours of pressure and trials, we’re not alone. God similarly dispatches angels to help and pour out grace for grace to sustain us through all of our agonizing travails. This is assured by His words, as it is written: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11 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.