The Gospel of Matthew 2:9-10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” (Matthew 2:9-10 KJV).

These passages describe the appearing of the star after the Wise Men talked with King Herod. The same star they follow from the east leads them from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. When the star stood still over where the baby child Jesus lay, they experience overwhelming joy. 

Several core reveals are highlighted through these verses. We keep in mind that the Gospel of Matthew introduces the Lord Jesus as the King and the rightful heir to the throne of David. The journey of the Magi shows that pagan or non-Jew scholars were drawn by divine revelation to worship the true King of the Jews. This contrasts with the fear and hostility shown by the Jewish King Herod and the religious establishment in Jerusalem.

Pointing to the gifts the Magi brought—gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11)—is an illustration of God's abundant supply. It reminds us that having our Lord Jesus in our life attracts divine favor and provision. Just as the presence of the Lord drew a rich caravan of resources to a modest home in Bethlehem, believers under grace do not need to rely on frantic self-effort by the "law" and by worldly system, but can rest in Christ as the source of all wealth and blessing.

It emphasizes that God did not send humanity an instruction manual or a list of demands to fulfill for righteous living. He sent a Person - our Lord Jesus Christ. The elation of the Magi who "rejoiced with exceeding great joy" mirrors the reaction of a heart that encounters Grace. True joy comes from finding and resting in Christ Jesus rather than striving to do religious requirements.

God uses supernatural guidance, like the star (representing the spirit of God’s holy and written word, that draws those who seek Him through His words), to outmaneuver the destructive, paranoid plots of Herod, who tried to use the Magi for a malicious design. And there are “Herod(s)" in this day represented mainly by religious deceptions. But, God's timing and protection always prevail to preserve His purpose of grace and redemption for humanity. Hence, let’s follow the unction of the Spirit by the truth of the Scriptures and have the attitude of the Magi. For, when they saw the star stood still, they rejoiced exceedingly, as the Scriptures reveal: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” (Roman 3:23-24 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 Matthew 2:7-8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.” (Matthew 2:7-8 KJV).

Looking through these verses on the broad New Testament message of salvation, through a grace-centered lens, reveals key insights to reflect on. We are made aware that Herod calls the wise men secretly to find out the exact time the star appeared. He directs them to Bethlehem, asking them to send back words once they find the child so that he can "come and worship him also". His intent, though, was to destroy the child Jesus.

Herod represents the world's system, manipulation, and hostility against God's anointed. But, evil cannot thwart God's plan. When the enemy tries to attack or manipulate a situation, God is already three steps ahead, providing escape, wisdom, and provision. We are assured of God’s protection in Christ Jesus versus human malice and trickery.

When the Magi arrived asking, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?", this shakes king Herod with fear, deeply. He is paranoid of losing his position of power. But, the focal point of the entire passage is not Herod's paranoia or deception, but pointing lost and searching people directly to our Lord Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of grace, life, peace and everything we need in this realm. That's who the magi were and we, as well, who now have found the Lord and rest in His grace. We sought the Lord! And it is the hope for these reflections to draw others who have been held captive by the world like Herod, and those deceived by religion. Come seek the Lord our King through His Words. We are created by Him and for Him. Scriptures affirm and declare: “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16 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 Matthew 2:5-6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, Art not the least among the princes of Juda: For out of thee shall come a Governor, That shall rule my people Israel.” (Matthew 2:5-6 KJV).

These passages tell us that the chief priests and scribes answer King Herod's question about where the Messiah is to be born, by declaring Bethlehem from the Old Testament prophecy in Micah 5:2. He is the coming king and ruler of Israel that comes from the least of the princess of Judah in the un-presumptive little town of Bethlehem.

Key point to note from these passages tells us that during the time of our Lord Jesus’ birth, there were two Bethlehems in Israel—one in Galilee (of Zebulun) and the famous Bethlehem Ephrathah (Bethlehem in Judah). The prophecy specifically pinpointed Bethlehem Ephrathah, the ancestral home of King David, also called the "house of bread".

This highlights that though Mary and Joseph lived far away in Nazareth, God used a Roman census decree to send them to Bethlehem, ensuring the exact fulfillment of Micah's prophecy written hundreds of years earlier.

The irony of the religious scholars, the chief priests and the scribes is that they possessed deep scripture knowledge and immediately knew the correct answer from Micah’s writings. Yet, they lacked a real heart or faith to yield to grace in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. They use their knowledge instead to help a hostile King Herod who is trying to locate and destroy the Child who is born to save them and the world.

The verses highlight that God declares out of Bethlehem would come as prophesied a "Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel". It stresses that our Lord Jesus comes not just as a historical figure or a baby in a manger, but as the eternal Shepherd and King whose origin is "from eternity past" and reigns “eternity hereafter”. It is written, our Lord declares: ““I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”” (Revelation 1:8 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 Matthew 2:3-4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.” (Matthew 2:3-4 KJV).

When the wise men from the east arrived seeking the newborn King, they traveled with a large entourage—so large that it caused all of Jerusalem to take notice and feel stirred and fearful. We’re shown the vivid contrast from Mary and Joseph’s modest state (where they could only afford a poor person's offering of turtledoves or pigeons in Luke 2:22–24) with the massive wealth of the gifts presented them by the wise men—gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).

This brings us to awareness that having our Lord Jesus in our life changes our financial and spiritual state of being. To the world and religious people not receiving our Lord’s gift of grace, His arriving cause confusion and stirring. They scramble to create their own god by way of religions and doctrines working hard on their own efforts. In contrast, just as Christ's coming and presence attracted great treasures to His earthly family, His grace ensures that believers are provided for all that they need by abiding in Him.

Hence, rather than chasing wealth or trying to manufacture blessings, we are made aware that looking directly to our Lord Jesus pointing to Deuteronomy 8:18, God gives the power to receive wealth through His unmerited favor of grace. In the epistle, it is affirmed: “As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:9-11 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 Matthew 2:1-2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2 KJV).

These verses give the account of wise men arriving in Jerusalem asking, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” We note that this greatest event happening in Judaea is during the time of King Herod’s reign, a paranoid and ruthless king. The magi’s arrival sets the transition from poverty to sufficiency of provision for the young family. Mary and Joseph, with their new born Child, are described to offer turtledoves or pigeons—the offering of the poor under Levitical law (Luke 2:24). The arrival of the wise men bearing gold, frankincense, and myrrh completely altered their financial reality.

The wise men’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were not just symbolic of Christ’s royalty, priesthood, and sacrifice; they were tangible, high-value treasures that God provided to sustain the young family’s funding for their eventual flight to, and stay in Egypt. Mary and Joseph did not work, hustle, or manipulate circumstances to earn these riches; rather, the wealth followed the revelation and celebration of our Lord Jesus Himself being present in human form.

Yes, the Lord’s presence now being celebrated in the family of Mary and Joseph, the wise men from the east are drawn to worship the new born King. He is worthy, as it is written: “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Revelations 4:11 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 Matthew 1:24-25 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:24-25 KJV).

As we continue to reflect on these verses through a mindset centered on grace and the Lord’s finished-work, we grow in the knowledge of trusting and yielding to our Lord’s sovereignty over our lives. That’s the example we see on Joseph described waking from his dream, obeying the angel's command, taking Mary as his wife, keeping her a virgin until the Child was born, and naming Him Jesus. We must note that the name Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) contains the abbreviation for Yahweh and literally means "The Lord is our Savior".

With our Lord's name bearing His job description reminds us constantly that saving us from our sins is not a secondary task, it is the Lord’s primary mission. Every time you call upon the name of Jesus you are invoking God Himself to rescue and redeem you.

In our reflections on Matthew 1:23, it points out that Immanuel ("God with us") is a promise of God’s permanent, unchanging presence with everyone that believes, echoing Hebrews 13:5-6. With consciousness of God with us replaces self-effort, anxiety, and striving for God's peace, joy, and divine supply. This notes that true transformation comes from beholding our Lord Jesus' presence rather than relying on human willpower.

Let us, therefore, take it as our cue to follow Joseph choosing to trust God's word over social pressure, rumors, or the fear of disgrace, or rigmaroles of religion. This we do by yielding to the truth that our Lord Jesus Christ came to completely lift the weight of sin and condemnation, fulfilling the prophetic purpose announced to Joseph before the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Scriptures affirm: “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.” (Romans 8:1-2 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 Matthew 1:22-23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:22-23 KJV)

These passages focus heavily on the character, grace, and constant presence of God found in the name of His Son Immanuel ("God with us"). Emphasizing on the Gospel of Grace, breaks down these verses to give believers comfort, peace, and practical reassurance, leading to unpack the Hebrew roots of the scriptures to reveal God’s heart.

The name Jesus (Yeshua), means "The Lord is salvation" or "He will save". This highlights that our Lord Jesus came specifically to remove the barrier of sin that separated humanity from God. By taking away our sins, He cleared the path for God to overflow our lives with His unmerited favor, goodness, and blessings.

Immanuel "God With Us", from Hebrew words: imm (meaning "with"); anu (“us”) and El (the "Mighty God"), remind believers that this is the same mighty God the Creator who parted the Red Sea, yet He chose to become a man to be intimately close to us. We are reminded with His Presence for Blessing, Not for Condemnation. This is with knowledge that many people carry a warp, religious view of God's presence. They assume that if God is "with them," He is there to watch them like a strict judge, waiting for them to make a mistake so He can punish them.

Under the New Covenant of the Grace of God, our Lord Jesus is with you strictly to help, deliver, and bless you. Because He already paid the full penalty for your sins on the cross, God’s presence is totally secure, welcoming, and comforting. The cornerstone of God’s covenant of grace is that God’s presence is unconditional for the believer. He emphasizes that Immanuel means the Lord is with you even when you make mistakes, face intrusion of addictions and other destructive habits, or feel like a failure.

This draws true parallels to the Old Testament story of Joseph - a successful man rising from the slammer to second in command in Egypt because "the Lord was with him". This teaches that practicing the consciousness of Immanuel changes your practical circumstances. When you stay mindful that God is right with and in you, His presence brings deep peace, supernatural rest, and wisdom that causes whatever you touch to succeed. By faith resting is the Lord’s grace, this powerful declaration we are to hold on to, as the Psalmist declares: “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!” (Psalm 27:13 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 Matthew 1:20-21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21 KJV).

These passages reveal that saving you and me is the job description of our Lord Jesus Christ, meaning that every crisis you face—whether physical, financial, or emotional—is an opportunity for Him to fulfill His name. Grace is the Hebrew origin of the name Jesus, and it is the practical application of salvation today. The name "Jesus" is Yeshua in Hebrew. This name incorporates an abbreviation for Yahweh (the Lord) and literally means "Yahweh is our Savior" or "The Lord is our Salvation".

Because Yahweh means "He who causes everything to be," calling on our Lord Jesus means you are calling on Almighty God Himself to step into your circumstances and save you. The angel’s instruction to name the child Jesus "for He will save His people from their sins" sets in motion His divine mission of rescue. Under the covenant of the grace of God, saving you is not your job. It is God's job.

When the text states specifically “saving people from their sins”, reminds us that the word salvation encompasses total wholeness. God packaged your deliverance, your healing, your emotional peace, and your financial/material blessings entirely within the person of Grace - the Son of God.

In the grace-based New Covenant, it emphasizes that believers do not need to rely on their own strength to overcome failures or hardships. When you find yourself in a crisis, you do not need to work your way out of it to earn God's favor. Instead, you simply have to receive what is already "packaged" for you by resting in His finished work on the cross and calling on His name by faith. This, the Scriptures affirm as it is written: “For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”” (Romans 10:13 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 Matthew 1:18-19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.” (Matthew 1:18-19 KJV).

These passages highlight the Old Testament life of Joseph (the son of Jacob) on the broader themes of God’s unmerited favor, grace, and mercy over strict legalism under the law. He is facing a moral dilemma in a betrothed wife carrying a child in her womb not his. Fellow believers who rest in the Lord’s New Covenant of grace view this account of Matthew about Joseph of Nazareth through the same lens of God’s unmerited favor.

Joseph lives physically under the law. But his heart abides in God’s grace. Instead of rushing to judge or publicly disgrace Mary under the letter of the law, Joseph chose an honorable and noble path of quiet compassion. This reflects the heart of God.

Joseph’s silent struggle and merciful intent set the stage for God to step in with a dream through an angel, to shift his perspective from human anxiety and fear to submit in the divine purpose of the One in Mary’s womb who saves His people from their sins.

Just as grace triumphs over condemnation, Joseph's quiet mercy mirrored the heart of God, who was about to introduce unmerited salvation to humanity through Christ rather than judgment. The child in Mary’s womb is affirmed as it is written: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:14-16 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 Matthew 1:17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.” (Matthew 1:17 KJV).

This passage summarizes the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ, dividing Israel's history into three distinct periods of 14 generations each—from Abraham to David, from David to the Babylonian captivity, and from the captivity to Christ Jesus our Lord. It highlights the redemptive history and the transition from the Old Covenant of the Law to the New Covenant of Grace. Rather than focusing on legalistic human performance, the Lord’s genealogy of flawed individuals gives the picture of grace.

Tracing how God orchestrated the lineage through the generations—despite human flaws, failures, and messy dysfunctional family histories—to fulfill His promise of sending the Messiah, we see the Lord’s divine grace at work.

Highlighting that the Old Covenant and the Law given through Moses lead into the New Covenant of the grace of God, where righteousness and salvation are not earned by human striving or religious works, but received as an unmerited gift of God's grace. The finished work of our Lord move true believers away from a performance-based mentality to living out their identity based on what our Lord already accomplished.

One may wonder: why the genealogy of our Lord in this gospel is divided into three symmetrical grouping of Fourteen generations? Firstly, this marks David’s royal signature on the lineage as the number equivalent of David’s Hebrew name is “14”. Matthew maps the history of God’s people in three symmetrical epochs. From Abraham to David marks the formation and rise of Israel and its kingdom. From David to exile in Babylon reminds of the kingdom’s peak followed by its collapse and judgment. From captivity to the advent of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, marks the long wait and the restoration by God upon His people and all humanity by His grace.

This is revealed to all who seeks the God of all creation who came to bring us all who believes to be with Him forever. It is written: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 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 Matthew 1:12-16 (b) When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“and after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; and Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; and Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” ;(Matthew 1:12-16 KJV).

This final segment of our Lord’s earthly genealogy is recorded by Matthew starting from the return from Babylonian exile through a chain of lesser-known ancestors of Joseph - the husband of Mary. It culminated in the prophesied birth of our Lord Jesus, who is called Christ. We remain looking this through the lens of God's unearned provision, love and new covenant of grace.

Magnifying Grace over Human Flaws, God deliberately weaves imperfect and unexpected people into the lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ (such as Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba) in earlier segment of this genealogy. It shows that God's grace is greater than human failures and pasts.

This emphasizes shift from Law to Grace. The reason that our Lord Jesus came is to lift the condemnation of the old covenant of the law—which demands perfection that humanity cannot fulfill—and institute the covenant of grace where believers are accepted and declared righteous by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord because of what He has done, not human effort.

In the light of the gospel of the grace of God, this points out that the genealogy through Joseph - the husband of Mary, establishes the legal/royal line to the throne of David, while underscoring that our Lord's birth bypassed normal human generation through the virgin birth—signaling that our salvation and identity come completely as a gift from God rather than human works or lineage. This is affirmed by the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary: “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.” (Luke 1:30-31, 34-35 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 Matthew 1:12-16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“and after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; and Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; and Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” (Matthew 1:12-16 KJV).

These verses continue to trace the royal, legal lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ after returning from Babylon exile through King Solomon to Jaconiah down to Joseph, while resolving a critical Old Testament curse. This return that happened during the reign of Cyrus the Great of Persia in Babylon (Ezra 1 and 2; 2 Chronicles 36), marked the physical, religious, and political re-establishment of the Jewish people in Judea.

This list of royal lineage through King Jeconiah (Josiah begot Jeconiah), upon whom God placed a prophetic judgment that none of his physical descendants would prosper sitting on the throne of David (Jeremiah 22:24-30).

Because Joseph was a legal descendant of Jeconiah through Jacob (Matthew 1:16: "And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born our Lord Jesus in flesh"), He could not inherit the throne through a biological father with Jeconiah’s seed. The virgin birth bypassed this bloodline curse completely.

In Matthew 1:16, a deliberate shift from "begat" (used for all previous generations) to identifying Joseph as "the husband of Mary, of whom was born our Lord Jesus". This shows Joseph as the legal or adopted father who conferred the legal right to David's throne, while Mary provided the physical lineage, with more details in Luke 3.

Matthew’s genealogy of our Lord connects to God's unmerited favor and grace, noting how God includes broken or flawed men (notably Jacob, Judah, King David and Solomon) and women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba) to show that human failure or a troubled past never disqualifies someone from God’s redemptive plan. This is good news of Grace to you and I. This, the Scriptures affirm: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.” (Romans 3:23-25 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 Matthew 1:7-11 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“and Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; and Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; and Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; and Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; and Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:” (Matthew 1:7-11 KJV).

These passages trace the royal lineage of David from Solomon through the kings of Judah down to the Babylonian captivity. Solomon is the son of David with Bathsheba, with kings listed following - through Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joram, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah, and ended with the exile to Babylon.

These highlight that God works through imperfect people and messy pasts rather than human perfection, knowing that Solomon dubbed the richest and wisest king (1 Kings 10:23), himself had a thousand women in his harem (1 King 11:3). The royal physical lineage of our Lord Jesus includes monarchs with severe moral failures, idolater and womanizer. Yet God's redemptive plan to send forth His Son the Messiah - our Lord Jesus Christ, remains unbroken. God promised David, by grace through faith, a descendant through his seed whose kingship reigns forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

This reminds us that God is not looking to condemn people by the old legalistic requirements, but is a good Father who gives unmerited favor and good gifts to His children. First and foremost, He brings all that BELIEVE unto salvation. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17 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 Matthew 1:6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“and Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;” (Matthew 1:6 KJV).

In this passage, our attention is drawn to the inclusion of her who had been the wife of Uriah, which refers to Bathsheba. She is the fourth woman highlighted in Matthew’s genealogy of our Lord. This underscores God's grace and His will to redeem a broken past. We note that it is an unusual inclusion of four specific women in Matthew's genealogy of our Lord Jesus—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba all of whom either had controversial, scandalous, or gentile backgrounds.

Bathsheba’s allusion is not as a mark of shame to hide, but as “a story of royalty” borne out of a deeply broken situation. Despite the adultery with David and the murder of Uriah, God sovereignly worked through the lineage to bring forth Solomon and, ultimately, our Lord Jesus Christ through her. The highlighting of Uriah, one of the most loyal soldiers in King David’s army, reminds of the saddest case in Israel, when King David had Uriah killed to cover up his affair with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1-17).

Reflecting through this very informative detail of our Lord’s genealogy should shift a believer's perspective from "earthwards" (self-effort, human failure, and shame) to "heavenwards" (God's grace, the finished work on the cross and the Lord's unmerited favor). The central takeaway from this verse is that God is never limited by a messy history. Just as David - described as a man after God’s own heart, was embroiled in a complicated sinful act, by faith God can turn anyone’s captivity, criminal mistakes, and destructive histories into blessings and new beginnings under the New Covenant of Grace.

Being a man after God's own heart does not mean David leads a perfect life. He rested in God's grace by faith. He commits serious wrongs, including adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Bathsheba’s husband Uriah. Yet, he never wavered in His trust in God. Hence, by God’s abounding grace, after removing Saul - the first King of Israel, God declared these words: “And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’” (Acts 13:22 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 Matthew 1:4-5 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“and Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; and Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;” (Matthew 1:4-5 KJV).

Continuing on the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ, in these passages Apostle Matthew highlights two gentile (non-Jew) women of extraordinary and contrasting backgrounds. This continues to demonstrate the unmerited grace of God. Rahab is a former Canaanite prostitute from Jericho who trusted in God's people and helped the spies sent by Joshua to the city of Jericho (Joshua 2). Ancient genealogies rarely listed women at all—let alone women with marginalized or sinful backgrounds. Her inclusion signals that our Lord Jesus came to identify with and redeem broken, shamed and sinful people. Her presence in the messianic line demonstrates that God's plan of salvation was never meant exclusively for the Israelites, but extended to all nations on earth.

Ruth is a Moabite widow who left her homeland and gods to take refuge under the God of Israel to be her God (Ruth 1). Instead of returning to her pagan gods after her husband died, Ruth pledged unshakeable loyalty (Hesed-in Hebrew, or steadfast love) to her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi, and to the God of Israel. Boaz declares this prayer for Ruth: “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”” (Ruth 2:12 NIV).

This emphasizes that No Life Past-Downers Disqualify You. God intentionally weaves imperfect and marginalized individuals into the family tree of our Lord Jesus to show that grace reaches over human failure, mistakes, and backgrounds. Now, by the grace of God, Rahab and Ruth are greatly favored, indeed!

Ruth was blessed by the elders and all the people at the gate (Ruth 4:11). She was favored by God with a son! (Ruth 4:13). And, in the “Hall of Faith”, Rahab is honored as our example: “By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” (Hebrews 11:31 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 Matthew 1:3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“and Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;” (Matthew 1:3 KJV).

In this passage, we mark the inclusion of a woman who was flawed and marginalized in the person of Thamar with whom Judah fathered twin sons. She is highlighted to refresh us of the mechanics of their relationship. The twins were born out of scandalous way as we trace back to Judah’s sexual solicitation escapade revealed in Genesis 38. While Tamar was originally Judah’s daughter-in-law having been the wife: first, of Judah’s first son Er; And then when Er died early due to his behavior described as wicked, she was given by Judah as wife to his second son Onan so she could bear a child for Er and Judah’s family as a whole. Onan also died due to a wicked act, as well. Hence, there no more grown up son to give her, Judah returned Thamar to live as a widow with her own family.

The circumstance that transpired between Judah and Thamar was one of a bizarre nature. Judah, who sometime later also just got widowed, went to a place called Timnah to shear his sheep. As he entered the town he came upon a woman dressed with covered face who he thought was a prostitute. Judah negotiated to sleep with her with a promise to pay her a goat which he secured with his signet ring and shepherd’s rod. In short, that encounter bore them the twins Pharez and Zara or Perez and Zerah. And Perez is now in the physical lineage of the Lord!

This demonstrates God’s Sovereign Grace, pure redemption, and pattern of working through the broken and the flawed. Hence, for you and I in our flaws - by faith in Christ Jesus who came through a lineage of imperfect people, the Scriptures affirm, as it is written: “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7-8 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 Matthew 1:2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;” (Matthew 1:2 KJV).

We now continue in our walk through the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the Gospel of Matthew, that shows it is not a sterile or "perfect" list of flawless people. Instead, it highlights God's unmerited favor by weaving in ordinary, broken, and flawed individuals that form generations of dysfunctional families to show that no past disqualifies anyone from God’s redemptive plan. The mention of Jacob brings forth a man of flaws, who cheated his older twin brother Esau out of his birthright and his father’s first born son’s prayer. He is the son of Isaac who - like his father Abraham lied by declaring his wife as his sister. In Abraham’s case, he allowed his wife Sarai to be taken by the Egyptian Pharaoh to be his wife (Genesis 12:19).

This passage also mentions Judas or Judah, who’s one of Jacob’s twelve sons. Judah and his brothers—the twelve tribes of Israel, highlights how the lineage leads directly to our Lord the true King who comes to reconcile and restore, shifting the focus from human performance to God’s sovereign grace. This lineage, rooted in imperfect people in the persons of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, establishes our Lord’s legal right to the promise and the throne, proving that God keeps His covenant commitments across generations.

This reassures us with the qualification for salvation. We just have to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ who came through the lineage of people like us. No denying, but recognizing we were lost but now we are found as we believe in Him. He declared to Zacchaeus, as it is written: “And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”” (Luke 19:9-10 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 Matthew 1:1 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” (Matthew 1:1 KJV).

We open, The Gospel of Matthew - who is himself one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by God’s grace from the tax collector‘s booth, by starting the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ through the lineage of David from Abraham. God called Abraham purely by grace to leave his family to go to the land He would show him. He responded without hesitation. That’s the same way our Lord Jesus Christ sent from heaven to earth and came without hesitance driven by love (John 3:16). In essence, Matthew starts the New Testament straight with our Lord Jesus Christ, showing that God's plan initiates from heaven down to us, rather than from us up to God.

King David was chosen by the grace of God to be the Second King of Israel. The genealogy of the Lord Jesus ties directly to the royal kingly line of David and the covenant promises given to Abraham - who himself was promised by God for kings to come from his descendants (Genesis 17:6), and who himself was looked up to as prince by the people he lived among within the land given by God for his inheritance (Genesis 23:5).

Our Lord’s birth in human form fulfilled God’s prophetic declaration to King David, as it is written: “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” (2 Samuel 7:12-13 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 24:52-53 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” (Luke 24:52-53 KJV).

As we close these reflections of the Gospel of Luke, we remain looking these final two passages through the lens of God's radical grace, the finished work of the cross, and the power of continuous praise. In the preceding verses, our Lord Jesus lifts His hands and blesses His disciples. While He is actively blessing them, He is taken up into heaven.

Our Lord Jesus Christ ascended with His hands lifted in blessing. And, as He is now seated at the right hand of God in that exact posture, we the church, His redeemed by grace through faith in Him are now under the perpetual flow of His blessing.

When we truly understand that our Lord Jesus has entirely removed our sins and left us with nothing but His favor, our natural, unforced response is adoration and honor and glory and praise.

Before encountering and recognizing the resurrected Christ, the disciples were hiding, downcast, and consumed by grief as shown by those on the road to Emmaus. Now, we’re given the knowledge that they returned to Jerusalem with "great joy." This joy comes from looking outward at our Lord Jesus and seeing Him unveiled in the Scriptures. When the disciples realized that Christ had conquered death and secured their righteousness, fear was completely driven away, giving way to overflowing joy.

The disciples’ constant state of praise and thanksgiving, beautifully positioned them for the coming Pentecost. That’s when the Holy Spirit was poured out on them. Their tongues naturally erupted into fluent languages of worship (Acts 2:4). This, therefore, reminds all believers that a heart established in grace is a heart full of praise. When you stop trying to earn God's favor and simply rest in Christ's finished work, your life becomes a continual temple of thanksgiving—which opens the floodgates for God’s gifts through the Holy Spirit to manifest power, healing, and peace in your everyday life.

Hence, Scriptures remind us: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11 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 24:50-51 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.” (Luke 24:50-51 KJV).

In these passages, we see our Lord Jesus chose ascending to heaven from Bethany, a place with its roots meaning "house of sorrows" or "house of depression". But historically, it is known as a place of rest and intimacy as our Lord Jesus often stayed here with His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. This reminds us that our Lord Jesus Christ meets us right in our places of sorrow or downcast state of being, bringing supernatural elevation and transformation of our heavy hearts into a place of comfort and rest.

These highlight that our Lord did not leave His disciples out of anger, disappointment, or frustration over their failures or lack of faith. Instead, His final posture with them was one of deep affirmation and love, ensuring that the last image the disciples had of Him was His hands lifted high in blessing with its nail scars itched in their minds and hearts. His nail-pierced hands reminds of the finished work of the cross. The blessing is not earned by human efforts. Rather, it flows entirely through Him by the full ransom payment He made for our sins, securing our peace, righteousness, and wholeness.

He ensures that, “while He was parted from them, He was blessing them." Our Lord Jesus Christ our permanent High Priest after the order of Melchizedek—ascended into heaven while actively blessing His disciples. This signifies an eternal, continuous, and uninterrupted stream of blessing over all of us believers, then and now. For we have a High Priest forever, as it is written: “So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”” (Hebrews 5:5-6 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.