The Gospel of Luke 1:43-45 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:43-45 KJV).

In these passages, by divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth uttered a sublime truth and reality. Mary carries in her womb the Lord of the all the creation, whom Elizabeth addressed with reverence as "My Lord". As Mary greeted Elizabeth, she offers her humble personal response, in a way saying: ‘Why me?! How wonderful and amazing it is for me to meet the Saviour of the world!’ The is such a statement of awe-filled incredulity, as some students of the Scriptures described. Elizabeth is awe-struck that the blessings of God continue to be showered upon her. For her, being pregnant with John was already the best blessing she thought she could receive (Luke 1.24-25) and now she realizes that there are even greater things to come from God for her and for the whole world. If this is happening to us today, and it is, we just have to simply say, “How so blessed am I?” That’s how grace works. It is not earned. It’s a gift!

Who is Elizabeth referring to, saying blessed is she? Who is this “she”? Is she still reflecting about herself, or is she thinking of Mary, who stands in front of her? It is likely that she is speaking of Mary, as she has just said - that hearing Mary speaks caused the baby John to leap with joy in her womb. But it may seem that even if she is speaking about Mary, she is also speaking of her own state of being blessed, of believing the impossible is possible with God. Choosing to live by faith despite being unable to prove that a miracle is just that: the work of God, is faith in action!

Elizabeth’s words are not just true for Mary. They are true for herself, as well. Her words are true for anyone who chooses to stand firm, by faith, on the promises of God and turn their eyes to heaven to await their fulfillment. “For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV). These words are echoed over Thirty years later, in the presence of the risen Lord Jesus Christ: “Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”(John 20:28-29 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 1:41-42 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: and she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” (Luke 1:41-42 KJV).

This is such a deep-seated enlightenment, “the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost." This dramatic encounter between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, sets the stage for an extraordinary moment in humanity’s destiny. As Mary greets Elizabeth, John leaps in her womb. This reaction is not a physical motion. It is rather a spiritual reverence of his Lord and acceptance of his role, being the forerunner to the coming Messiah. The moment highlights the bond between these mothers and the eternal implication of their sons’ supernatural conceptions. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims with joy Mary's blessedness among women and the greatness of the fruit of her womb.

Elizabeth’s declaration of blessing on Mary and the Child in her womb signals the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant of grace and truth that came in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. This marks the dawn of a new era of redemption by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, who Mary carries in her womb “by the power of the Most High that overshadow upon her. The Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35).

Yes, this Child in Mary’s womb is the Son of God who came to save the World. That’s you and I who rest in His grace by believing. This, the Lord Jesus affirms Thirty plus years later, in His Words, declaring: “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” (John 12:46-47 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 1:39-40 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.” (Luke 1:39-40 KJV).

Mary, having been told by the angel Gabriel of her cousin Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy in her barren state, was stirred to arise to give her a visit. It is understandable for her to seek comfort with someone she can relate with, going through the same situation as she is. She quickly sets out to see Elizabeth in the city of Judah, 90 miles away from Nazareth. This sets up the convergence of heavenly plan with two contrasting mature and virgin women chosen and favored for God’s glory. Mary knew that Elizabeth needed comfort more than she does, being labeled as “barren” for years. And now, suddenly pregnant, must be overwhelming in her advanced age.

Understandably, Elizabeth kept herself in seclusion in their house. Mary entered their house with haste to greet her, trying not to make a scene in an already volatile scenario. Just by the thought of the imagery of Elizabeth’s aging state, one can feel the tension her pregnancy would cause if displayed under the peering eyes of her neighbors who are fully aware of her barrenness. Known only to Mary, they are favored beyond human understanding. Their fates are bound together by heaven’s hand. They are partakers of God’s salvation plan for the world, that He so loved (John 3:16). The child that Elizabeth is carrying will herald the Son of God that Mary carries in her womb. As Gabriel declared to Zacharias - “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”” (Luke 1:17 NIV).

Through their sons, the gathering power to save mankind is set in motion. For all whose hearts are made ready to receive the King of Kings, conceived in Mary’s womb, the good news is come, as John the Baptist would shout in the wilderness: ““Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”” (Matthew 3:2 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 1:38 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38 KJV).

A heart of a servant and submission to the Lord’s plan and purpose for her life are the qualities that Mary demonstrated, for our emulation, in this passage. With her yielding words of affirmation, the angel Gabriel completed his mission, and left. This declaration of Mary points to the essence of the Lord’s coming by supernatural conception in her womb “the handmaid of the Lord”. Yes, as Mary was, we are called to servanthood! Hence, thirty years later, with His disciples, “Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” (Matthew 20:25-28 NIV).

The Lord Jesus Christ confers a very special bond with the disciples and with all of us who receives Him by faith, for theirs and our heart of service. The Lord Jesus declares: “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” (John 15:15-17 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 Luke 1:36-37 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:36-37 KJV).

Responding to Mary’s troubled innocent thoughts, and wonder of how this message she’s been told can be so in her virgin state, Angel Gabe said to her “check on your barren cousin Elizabeth. She’s six months pregnant in her old age!” In a way, he asserts that “with God, there is nothing impossible!”

This is such a reassuring promise for us all, in what ever state we are in, in all issues of living. What seems totally absurd or hopeless or inconceivable or preposterous in our human perspective is totally way far lower than the boundless view and thoughts of God. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. The Lord instructed prophet Isaiah, to tell the people who were once in a state of wonder: “I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.” God’s Decree. “For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think. Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth, Doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They’ll do the work I sent them to do, they’ll complete the assignment I gave them.” (Isaiah 55:8-11 MSG).

There is power in God’s spoken Words. The same power we have been given, having been created and restored in His image as we believe and put our faith in Christ Jesus. When we declare with faith like He does, things that are not as though they are, it comes to pass. It is by faith in God alone that Mary shall subserviently bear a Child in her womb. Scriptures affirm: “Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.” (Romans 4:16-17 NIV).

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 1:34-35 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:34-35 KJV).

Mary’s question was one out of innocence and wonder. While Zacharias’ was a question of doubt (Luke 1:18). That’s the contrast of these two recipients of God’s extraordinary news. The one who served in the temple of God doubted. This young lady sought to affirm how this comes to pass. When God gave Mary the promise that she would give birth to the Messiah, she thought it seemed impossible. Having a baby without a man defies natural laws. Her response serves as a powerful example of surrender to God's will.

But the angel Gabriel was not upset when she asked how it was possible, like when Zacharias asked it. He simply guide her to have a fresh perspective. He was saying, in effect, “Mary, you’re looking at it in the natural. In human view, it can’t happen. But the Spirit of God will make it happen.” At this critical moment, Mary chose to look beyond logic. She stepped into faith. She gets in cooperation with God and didn’t allow the reasoning of the flesh talk her out of it.

As with Mary, God puts promises in our heart that don’t make sense. We shouldn’t discern them only from a carnal point of view. Rather we see them in the spirit realm, by faith in the Son of God that the angel Gabriel announced to Mary. “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” (Romans 4:16-17 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 Luke 1:31-33 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:31-33 KJV).

In these passages, the angel Gabriel delivers the astounding message he was sent for in this visit with the troubled Mary. There are several insights of existential importance about the Son that Mary will conceive. She “shall call His name Jesus”, which in Hebrew means “YAWEH saves” or “GOD saves”. And, "He shall be great" without compare. His greatness is beyond description. The psalmist says: “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalms 145:3 NIV).

He shall be called “Son of the Highest” for this child is God Himself who humbled Himself. “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT).

“The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David” for His family pedigree gave him a claim to the throne of David (Isaiah 11:1). And, He gets it! “He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever” fulfilling the prophetic words in Isaiah 46:3-4.

“His kingdom there shall be no end.” You and I belong to this eternal Kingdom as we receive Him who came through the womb of Mary. He takes our form in human flesh so that He can move in our neighborhood to be with us, so we can be with Him. He does it because He doesn’t want heaven without us. So, ‘He brought heaven down.’ In Him we shall reign forever (Revelation 5:10). This, the scripture affirmed: ”Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”” (Revelation 11:15 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 1:29-30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” (Luke 1:29-30 KJV).

For a young virgin in the awesome presence of a messenger from God must be so overwhelming. Then topped with words: “…“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”” (Luke 1:28 NIV). That would be hard to fathom for an innocent young lady doing her mill of the day, un expectant of anything extraordinary. She has every reason to be troubled. One can imagine her mind churning for logical explanation she could grasp on to be in this moment of encounter, with her mind already full and grappling the affairs of her upcoming wedding. She could be confused.

The gospel of Luke, who is a gentile physician, deals with the physical nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. These passages set the heavenly-staged events of the enter-twinning miraculous births of John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus Christ. This put into right perspective the extraordinary nature of the fulfillment of God’s divine plan for the salvation of mankind. At this point Mary is yet unaware, but she is about to hear the consequential part she’s about to play in this plan of eternal significance. Yes, this has everlasting importance, not only for Mary, but all who believes in the only begotten Son of God who she is favored to bear. For He who is to come is full of grace and truth.

Yes, you and I, by grace through faith in Christ Jesus are favored, for He “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,” (2 Timothy 1:9 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 1:26-28 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” (Luke 1:26-28 KJV).

These passages start by stating "in the sixth month" in reference to the term of Elizabeth's pregnancy with her coming son John the Baptist. And it goes on to reintroduce the angel Gabriel, who is described as being sent from God to a city of Galilee called Nazareth. He is the same angel who announced to Zacharias that their prayer for a son is answered. This is a crucial moment in the unfolding of God’s plan for the world, as it marks the divine visitation to Mary. The commissioning of the angel Gabriel as the messenger of God carries significance as he ‘stands in the presence of God’ (Luke 1:19). He carries God’s heavenly authority.

Gabriel is sent by God to announce to the virgin named Mary of the house of King David who is betrothed to a man named Joseph also a descendant of King David, that she will bear a Son through the Holy Spirit. Mary was espoused to Joseph, but had not yet consummated their marriage. It therefore underscores that this conception is miraculous and sacred.

This fulfills Old Testament prophecy, which states, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14). God's plan for the coming of His Son is set in motion. Gabriel’s pronouncement “the Lord is with you” invokes comfort and assurance, indicating God's powerful presence in Mary's life. This points to the Lord’s assurance to us all who believe and totally depend on His grace. The Lord Jesus proclaimed to the disciples and to us that followed Him: “…. behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:20b 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 1:24-25 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” (Luke 1:24-25 KJV).

True to the announcement of the angel Gabriel, upon Zacharias’ return home from his priestly duties at the Temple, Elizabeth got pregnant. Many questions arise in the minds of many about her five months of seclusion upon knowing of her conception. The answer to those questions can be surmised as her utmost care to protect the child that the Lord gifted her in her state of barrenness. That would be the wisest step a woman in her state who has been ostracized in those times for not giving her husband a child. She must have been subjected to enormous trauma for being called a barren woman. In that era, bearing a child is the highest honor a wife can give to her husband. We saw that in Sarah’s dire effort to bless her husband Abraham with a child (Genesis 16:1-2). And, with Rachel too, doing the schemes she did so to raise a family of hers through her maid with her husband Jacob (Genesis 30:3-8).

So, in gratitude for her blessings, Elizabeth went off to relish her pregnancy for five months. She declares with amazement: “So this is how God acts to remedy my unfortunate condition!” (Luke 1:25b MSG). Yes, in her old age, she’s been branded a disgrace by many for a long time. It is not her making. It is beyond her control, but society is harsh and unreasonable. They label you at whims, or even cancel you - like what we observe in this ungodly world of our day. Hence, she is truly grateful the Lord looked at her and took away her dismay of her inferior worth perceived by society.

This is such a great reassurance for us who hangs on patiently in our trust in the Lord, being His redeemed by faith. Apostle Paul exhorts us with these words: “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 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 Luke 1:21-23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.” (Luke 1:21-23 KJV).

In these opening passages of Luke’s gospel account, God announced great news through the angel Gabriel to these faithful couple who waited to have a child for a lifetime. Angel Gabriel’s appearance with Zacharias put him in shock that kept him unusually awhile in the altar of incense. As it happened in the inner chamber, on the outside court of the temple the people marveled of his longer than the usual time of wait. They knew something supernatural happened, which was affirmed when Zacharias came out speechless. Unbeknownst to the people, this temporary debacle was the result of his hesitance to believe.

Symbolically, Zecharias’ completion of his duties in the temple can be understood to represent the exit from the old covenant, and entrance into the anticipated new covenant that will be established through the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. This serves as the precursor to the transformative impact that the birth of John the Baptist, in ushering the subsequent eternal significance of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ will have on the world. The kingdom of God is coming, specifically to those who repent and believe in the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).

This, the Lord Jesus proclaimed Thirty years later, as it is written: “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”” (Mark 1:14-15 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 1:18-20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.” (Luke 1:18-20 KJV).

We’d probably be tempted to ask: how could Zacharias doubted? He was a priest privileged to be in the inner chamber of the Temple offering at the altar of incense. He should have been expectant of the Lord’s presence! Perhaps, one would dare to say: I would not have doubted angel Gabriel’s message. Really?

We know better. In our human frailty, still in the flesh, our perspective is limited. Even with Zecharias’s years of faithful service, the experiences and goodness God poured out upon him in the Temple were simply too much to comprehend. In his carnal mindset, Zecharias confronted the good news from heaven with unbelief. The news was unreconcilable with the reality of his aging body and the barrenness of his wife. Maybe, as most often happens to many of us, he wanted more assurance. Doubt, even on our best of days, pushes us to demand for proof - just like the doubting Thomas (John 20:25).

But, thanks be to our Heavenly Father, He didn't take away His gift of grace and promises simply because Zecharias couldn't believe the bewildering promise he was given. Let us therefore use Zecharias’s encounter to remind us that God keeps his promises even when they are "infinitely more than we might ask or think."

As children of the Most High God in Christ Jesus, Apostle Paul, therefore, exhorts us with these words: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 1:16-17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:16-17 KJV)

This son of Zacharias and Elizabeth, who shall be called John the Baptist, would play a key role in ushering the advent of God’s kingdom. He will proclaim baptism of repentance for the forgiveness sin (Mark 1:4) in preparation for the coming Messiah, God’s chosen King. He prepares the heart of the children of Israel to respond and receive the King. In the spirit and power of Elijah he brings fathers and children together into one accord and leads the disobedient back to wisdom of the just. He makes those the Father draws (John 6:44) understand, respond and receive the Messiah's reign by grace.

As citizens of the kingdom, by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, we too are called to respond and to share the Good News. John’s work makes ready a people prepared for the coming Lord. These verses speak to the mission and purpose of John the Baptist, who was destined as a dominant force in the spirit of Elijah, to prepare the way of the promised Messiah. He was the forerunner preparing the hearts and minds of the people for the arrival of the coming King.

John the Baptist would usher in the ministry of repentance for salvation. The same assignment, we as Children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, are appointed to transform the minds and hearts of those who are lost. We are to be the voice in the wilderness, echoing John the Baptist's call to prepare the lost people of the world:  ... ““Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”” (Matthew 3:2 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 1:14-15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.” (Luke 1:14-15 KJV).

The angel brings good news of gladness for these senior parents-to-be and for many to rejoice at the birth of their son. His life is great before God, as he lives worthy in God’s eyes, not men. The prophets — Jeremiah: Chapter 31, Ezekiel: Chapter 36 and Joel: Chapter 2 — spoke of this time coming, when the Holy Spirit would be present and active for all the faithful. This son that Elizabeth bears, would herald His presence. He shall be filled with the Holy Spirit from the time he is conceived in his mother’s womb, as revealed by the messenger of the Lord. This is our pop-up alert pointing to the coming Messiah in whom our reign in the kingdom of God is defined by our willingness to live in grace by faith. In Christ Jesus, we shall live filled with and led by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:24-25).

John would be born to herald a new way of life and as our example in purity of living, free from the corruption of a defiled world. We too can live like Him, by faith in Christ Jesus. Yes, by faith we live in the Spirit, in Christ Jesus our Lord. We live not anymore by the flesh. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”” (Romans 8:13-15 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 1:13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.” (Luke 1:13 KJV).

While performing his lifetime dream to burn incense as a priest at the great Temple in Jerusalem, God surprised Zecharias with a great news. The angel of the Lord brought the revelation of fulfillment of God’s divine promise — the coming of the Messiah. Zecharias, along with his wife Elizabeth, are chosen to play crucial roles in His great endowment of grace. Zecharias, in performing his penultimate duty as the priest to burn incense in the inner chamber of the great Temple in Jerusalem, encountered the heavenly messenger who visited him. The angel Gabriel revealed that he and Elizabeth would have a son. Despite being well advanced in age to have children, God answered their prayer in a supernatural way. The messenger told Zecharias to name their son, John.

The name John, in biblical times, carries profound symbolic significance to convey a person’s divine mission and purpose. In Hebrew, the name John means “God is gracious”. This child is born to herald God’s salvation plan by grace for mankind. This points to the coming rule of grace upon our lives, by Christ Jesus. As believers in Him whom John the Baptist heralds, having been saved by faith through grace and not by self-effort of performance of the law, that's where we are today. By total dependence in the risen Lord Jesus Christ, we now live in grace. Scriptures affirm: “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17 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 Luke 1:11-12 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.” (Luke 1:11-12 KJV).

In this verse, the angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, who was a priest in the ancestry of Abijah, and one among so many serving in the temple. Zechariah, who served in his priestly duties with ardor, and his devoted wife Elizabeth, were both righteous and walking blamelessly before the Lord. However, they were both advanced in years and had no children, as Elizabeth was barren.

The appearance of the angel of the Lord to Zechariah occurs at a significant moment in the temple, as he performs his one-in-a-lifetime duty of burning the incense. This was a sacred and solemn act of worship that took place within the holy place of the temple’s inner chamber. The priests took turns to enter this chamber performing this very high-profile holy service. Its smoke symbolizes the prayers of the people rising to the Lord. The angel’s appearance at the right side of the altar of incense signals good news from the Lord, as the right side is often associated with blessing, favor and honor.

The fearful and troubled reaction of Zacharias to the angel’s presence, was due to the suddenness of his appearance. He may have thought that God Almighty Himself manifest to him, knowing that God says: "no one can see my face and live" (Exodus 33:20). But, reflecting on this in the presence of Lord Jesus Christ who came in human form we are given the privilege of closeness with Him. For us in this age of post-resurrection dispensation of grace, by our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have His promise: ““Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

 

The Gospel of Luke 1:8-10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.” (Luke 1:8-10 KJV).

In the day of priestly reign in the house of Israel, the number of priests was so large that a priest often served God all of his life and never got to enter the sanctuary and burn incense before the Lord. But this day as this verses reveal, Zachariah got his once-in-a-lifetime break. God chose him to be the one to do the honor, after an almost a lifetime of going through the motion.

Yes so often, we feel going through a monotonous flow of ritualistic duties of living. At times, we do our routines mindlessly with little or no expectation of something great or special happening. Here, we see Zechariah’s experience reminding us that God has a plan and purpose for us in His own good timing. He likes to surprise us with those pleasurable life-changing events at just the right time.

Hence, whatever state of being we’re in, it’s not time to give up. God has a purpose for you and I. Let’s keep on doing the next right thing by faith standing on the rock of His Words of truth. God will not only see us through, but surprises us with a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the right moment when we thought we’re just going through the motion or just doing the mundane routine of living.

Let’s remain steadfast! As God’s children by faith in Christ Jesus, our labor will never be in vain. Apostle Paul remind us with this exhortation: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 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 1:5-7 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.” (Luke 1:5-7 KJV).

This passages gave us Zecharias and Elizabeth who both belonged to the priestly families of Abijah and Aaron, as examples of righteous waiting. In this world, when things aren't going well as we hope, we easily give up on our righteous pledge to trust God, then say "What's the use?" We ask, then think, "It surely doesn't seem to be working for me!" This aging couple remind us to not give up trusting on God in our time of waiting. We rest in His grace! His grace is sufficient. Apostle Paul reminds us with this: “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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

Here, we find these two "well stricken in years" yet faithful followers of God, who were righteous in the eyes of God. But, sadly, their fervent desire for a child had not been granted. Still, they honored God because it’s right. Their faithfulness undergirds Luke's account of our salvation story. So, in our walk by faith, when we find ourselves in a place of dismay and about to give up, let's remember this old couple. Let's hang on like them, and remember their example showing us that our faithful wait on God opens the door for us to partake in His glorious grace.

True to the faithful and patient wait of Zacharias and Elizabeth, as we too - Mae and I wait for grands, we remain at rest as we wait. Scriptures give us this reassuring promise: “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” (Isaiah 30:18 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 1:1-4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” (Luke 1:1-4 KJV).

This gospel of Luke opens up addressing to a person named Theophilus that only appeared, once here in these passages and another in the Book of Acts 1:1. The name Theophilus comes from two Greek words, "Theos" (God) and "Philo" (friend). So, it is addressed to the "friend of God." No one knows if this was a specific person. Perhaps this is a metaphor for all who approach God’s holy and written Words, seeking to know the Lord closely, so to be like Abraham who was called a friend of God (James 2:23).

Our belief in the One True God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Creator of heaven and earth, has never been and will never be a matter of ‘blind faith’. Luke who was a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ and a physician (Colossians 4:1), was apparently a Gentile, just like you and I. He partnered with and accompanied Apostle Paul in his third missionary journey, joining with him in Troas (Acts 20:5). This Gospel tells the good news of the human aspect of the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Luke decided to write this witness account to convey beyond the shadow of doubt those recorded by witnesses and ministers of the word who came from the beginning. So, all who have been instructed by God’s holy and written words, saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord, can stand in what truly is real and eternal. It is written, Scriptures affirm: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”(2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV).

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 John 21:25 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” (John 21:25 KJV).

This concluding passage of the Gospel of John puts into perspective our abounding hope in the mighty works of Christ Jesus that could not all be recorded. The world could not contain it! Apostle John reveals that many remarkable events took place during the Lord’s physical ministry, most specially His post-resurrection works that were profoundly powerful for the records. The vast ocean of revelations about the Lord that were largely unrecorded, hinting at the depth and richness of His life’s works, transcend what had been captured in the Scriptures’ written form. All those works were accomplished for us so we can rest in His gift of grace by faith.

This final verse draws us to embrace the majesty of the Lord’s pervading grace over all the world and the infinite universe. It is a reassuring promise to grasp on, and to receive by faith. The miracles and teachings recorded for our knowledge in Christ Jesus is crucial for us to continue growing. It is written: "the Word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12), propelling us ever closer to our Lord. The seed of the Word we have, when sown in the soil of our heart, sprouts and grows. Even if one doesn't fully grasp every aspect of the Lord’s life, what's essential is the commitment to follow Him, which remains central to our faith. The Lord Jesus emphatically commanded Apostle Peter and all God’s redeemed: “you follow me.” (John 21:22). The essence of the Lord’s mission goes beyond mere historical record, urging believers to engage deeply with their faith and intimacy with the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

All that is written in the Scriptures are enough for us to seize, receive and hold on, to be transformed in the likeness of Him who created and redeemed us; so we can become co heirs with Christ Jesus (Romans 8:17). The fullness of the Lord is uncontainable and unfathomable for all the earth. Faith is all we need in what has been recorded, for it is written: “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalms 145:3 NIV).

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 John 21:24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.” (John 21:24 KJV)

In this second to the last passage of this reflection of Apostle John’s account of the Lord’s deity, he affirms the truth of this testimony. Again, John refers to himself in the third person. This is the account of someone so close to the Lord Jesus Christ. One that often lean on the Lord’s bosom and hears the rhythm of His heart. Apostle John who never advertised his own efforts to love the Lord Jesus Christ, was the only apostle who went through the Lord's whole ordeal. He was there to witness His brutal torture in the hands of Rome’s war machine - the centurions. He stood at the foot of the cross when our Lord Jesus Christ declared “it is finished” unleashing all the resources of heaven for all our needs, so we can have it all by faith in Him (Romans 8:32).

It is amazing to note that Apostle John, who wrote these gospel accounts to manifest the divine identity of our Lord Jesus Christ, was the only apostle who did not die a martyr, according to historical evidence. Of all the Twelve Apostles, His brother James was the only one whose death was recorded in the scriptures (Acts 12:2). All of them, except Apostle John who often declares of himself ‘the disciple that Jesus loved’ died a martyr, according to historical records. Apostle John went through torture as martyr of faith - being thrown into “a cauldron of boiling oil”. He survived unhurt to write the Book of Revelations. History records that he died of natural cause in the ripe old age of 93 in the city of Ephesus.

Apostle John affirmed his testimony is true for us to rely on to build our faith in the grace of God. We are rest assured, as it is written: ““All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 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 John 21:23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” (John 21:23 KJV).

This passage reveals the dynamic of our walk as members in the body of Christ Jesus, saved by grace through faith in Him. With the Lord directing Apostle Peter “you follow me” and hinting of his ultimate martyrdom, Peter turns his attention to Apostle John, saying: 'Lord, what about this man?' This reveals a common tendency among us of being concerned about others’ business than ours. This displays our human propensity to compare our journey with those of others, rather than focusing on our own given assignment.

The Lord’s hypothetical hint about Apostle John’s patience to wait, which the other disciples thought the Lord said that John shall not die, does not jibe with Peter's concern. Instead, of responding to Peter’s curiosity, the Lord Jesus redirects him with the emphatic statement saying: “what is that to you?” This is about personal accountability in faith. We are called to know our path and not be absorbed in the affairs of others. This timeless truth ought to center our lives in our relationship with the risen Christ Jesus, rather than the dynamics of others’ relationship with Him. We are to faithfully pursue and follow the Lord Jesus, be ready in season and out of season, while we “tarry ‘til He comes.”

We don't look at our fellow members in the body of Christ through the lens of comparison and envy. We look at each other by the lens of the Lord’s gospel of grace, with compassion and love, building each other up. This, Apostle Paul exhorts in his epistle to the believers in Thessaloniki. “For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5-11 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 John 21:22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” (John 21:22 KJV).

This passage gives way to two-fold revelation for us to reflect on. Firstly, the risen Lord Jesus Christ reminds Peter and all who are born again by grace through faith in Him, that each person has his own unique appointment and assignment. We ought not concern ourselves with comparing our role with others or trying to understand or control what will happen to others. Instead, we should focus on following our Lord Jesus and fulfilling the specific mission and purpose that He has given us. This is a powerful reminder that in our Christian walk, comparison has no place. It is the enemy’s tool to sow seed of envy. Each person's calling is distinct and equally important in the eyes of God.

Secondly, this passage points to believers’ end times expectation. The phrase "till I come" is a reference to the Lord’s second coming. In this context, the Lord Jesus is saying that it is not our place to know or speculate about the timing of future events, most specifically His return and our fellow believers’ appointed time. No one knows the day or the hour of His return, as well as the time we have on this planet. We are to live faithfully abiding in His Words in our present moment, rather than getting caught up trying to predict or control the future, as well as, being occupied with the affairs of others.

One thing is certain, no matter our physical state by then when the Lord returns, we all shall be changed. Scriptures say: “I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.” (1 Corinthians 15:50-53 NIV).

Yes, we are made aware to keep ourselves alert and ready by immersing in His Words. Not religion! Our risen Lord Jesus Christ said: ““And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” (Revelation 22:7, 12 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 John 21:20-21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?” (John 21:20-21 KJV).

Exemplifying our human tendencies of comparing with others, when the Lord told him “follow me”, Apostle Peter turns to curiously see his fellow Apostle John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, closely following behind. With Peter asking the Lord ‘what shall this man do?’ illustrates the dynamics of their vertical individual relationships with the Lord and their horizontal bond amongst each other as the Lord’s disciples. Again, John identifies himself in the third person, as the one who leaned against the Lord’s breast at the Last Supper citing his close bond with Christ Jesus. Peter's question about John's fate reveals our human propensities to compare journeys with others, especially in the face of uncertainty about one's own path.

The Lord Jesus' command "follow me" was meant to redirect Apostle Peter's attention from John’s destiny to his own responsibility to follow Him. The Lord’s instruction serves as a vital reminder that individual callings are distinct, and our focus should remain on personal assignment rather than fellow believer’s purpose. The Lord essentially tells Peter that the specifics of John’s future are not his concern, reinforcing the message that each believer's path under God's guidance is uniquely crafted and designed person to person. Discipleship means resting in God’s grace, looking unto Christ Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). We look to Him, not our fellow believers. In doing so, we are equipped to fulfill our individual missions amidst our broader collective journey of faith in the body of believers.

We are to remember always, it’s not by our self-effort. We walk by faith in the good works of the Lord already prepared beforehand. It is written: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10 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 John 21:18-19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.” (John 21:18-19 KJV).

Apostle Peter thought he was ready for anything. He wasn't. He failed the Lord bigly just before the Lord was crucified. The Lord Jesus told him of it before it happened, saying: "this very night before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times" (Matthew 26:34). Peter argued with the Lord, and in one instance he even rebuked the Lord Jesus, when He foretold His death and resurrection. He was harshly chastised by the Lord Jesus for it of course, by telling Peter "get behind me Satan!" (Matthew 16:23). Here in this moment, Peter had just been humbled by his own failures and been made aware that true discipleship is founded in humility. Now, he’s been made ready to follow. We, as well, reflecting on these passages, should set ourselves ready to follow.

The risen Lord Jesus Christ gave Peter a preview of his and our life’s journey as believers. Like lambs and sheep, we go through the process of growing. As young believers we tend to rely in our self effort. As we grow in faith, we become conscious and dependent on the Holy Spirit to equip, lead and guide us where to go. With the symbolism of stretched hands, the Lord hinted Peter that his path would lead to him to die in a manner similar to the Lord’s death. In fact, He let Peter know that his future was directly tied to the crucifixion of his Lord. Yes, there is cost to bear in following our Lord, but the result is life. Out of His love, the Lord Jesus said to him, and to us too: "Follow me!"

As His redeemed by grace through faith, let us therefore be reminded by these Words of Christ Jesus our Lord, as it is written: “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:38-39 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 John 21:17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17 KJV).

Studies by Bible scholars of the original texts of these interactions between the risen Lord Jesus Christ and Apostle Peter reveal the contrast of the words they used. The Lord, when asking Peter “Lovest thou me?”, for the first and second time, used the Greek word for love ‘agape’ the highest form of love. The kind of love that is unconditional and unchanging (Romans 8:38-39). Peter, on the other hand, responded using the Greek word for love ‘phileo’, which refers more to a brotherly and friendship type of love. It seems that the Lord is trying to get Peter to understand that our love must be established to its highest form. One that's far beyond our limits.

In this last of threefold “Do you love me?” questions of the risen Lord, having just gone through on the cross to experience our human frailty, He shifts His question reaching down to our limitation. The Lord used the Greek word ‘phileo’ the kind of love Peter and all of us can grasp on. This grieved Peter, responding with surrender to the Lord’s omniscience, recognizing that He knows the contents our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). As the Lord commanded Peter for the third time to “Feed my sheep.”, the Lord is reminding Peter and us that we never cease feeding and caring for each other as children of God in Him. We care bound by love. Not our by our 'phileo' love, but by His 'agape' love.

In restoring Peter from his three denials of knowing Him, being His Lord and Master, He reminds Peter and us to surrender to His love. Giving the Lord Jesus the permission to love us is the only way we can care, feed and tend for each other as lambs and sheep in His flock. Scriptures exhort us: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:7-11 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 21:16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:16 KJV).

We can’t fail to notice the amazing attitude of Apostle Peter. Despite his failings and somewhat flip flopping resume’, he remains devotedly faithful in pursuit of clinging with his (and our) Lord and Master Christ Jesus. He fell short of his own expectation and the more so with God’s. He is the picture of us in our failures, inconsistencies and weaknesses. Yet, we watch him, again and again, coming in the presence of the Lord. He raced with John to the tomb when Mary Magdalene reported that the Lord’s body was missing. He is here in Galilee responding to the Lord’s instruction to meet Him here (Mark 16:7). That’s the kind of example we are to emulate about the Apostle Peter. We must always seek to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, as we are - no makeovers and pretenses, to rest in His grace. Yes, we fall maybe often than we thought. But, He always restores us as we come.

That’s what the Lord is doing with Peter as He said to him the second time: “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? “ To which Peter responds knowing the limitation of his love, “Yes, Lord you know that I love you.” Again, aware and cognizant that his and our 'Phileo' love is inferior to the Lord’s ‘Agape’ love. The Lord Jesus edifying Peter's honest declaration of love, using again the analogy of us as sheep in His pasture, with Him being our Great Shepherd, said to Peter “Feed my sheep”. The use of sheep vs lambs, that was used in the Lord’s initial instruction to Peter sends us the message that as believers in our risen Lord Jesus Christ, we are expected to grow and mature in our faith.

As we mature in faith, like lambs becoming sheep, we are to continue feeding each other as the Lord’s under shepherd, like Peter. And we feed each other by the Lord’s holy and written Words. His Words give us the sustaining life in His pasture in this physical realm. It is written, the Lord Jesus declared: “But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”” (Matthew 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 John 21:15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15 KJV).

The resurrected Lord Jesus Christ dined with Seven of the remaining Eleven apostles, minus Judas the traitor. Why Seven and not all? is amazing to reflect on - knowing that Seven is God’s perfect number. As soon as they finished breakfast, the Lord Jesus started Peter’s restoration process by calling him “Simon, son of Jonas”. This suggests that what follows could be another chastisement. The Lord called Peter by his old name when he was acting like his old self. The Lord’s sharp question, “Do you love Me more than these (the gang, boat, nets, and other joys of fishing or whatever pasts that we tend to fall back to)?” went right to the heart of the matter, as for Peter and all of us, this is a matter of the heart.

Peter’s reply, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” is an interesting semantics play. In the original Greek text, the word used by the Lord for love is 'agape', the highest form of love, love that conveys total devotion (1 Corinthians 13:4–8). Painfully conscious of his failures and deficiencies, Peter felt too ashamed to claim such type of love. Hence, he answered by using the Greek word for love: 'phileo', an inferior term signifying family and friendship affection. He added to plead to the Lord’s omniscience, and yielded: “You know that I love ('phileo') You.”

Full of grace, the risen Lord Jesus, commissioned Peter, by directing him, “Tend My lambs.” He metaphorically described believers, like you and I, as His lambs, emphasizing not only our immaturity, vulnerability and need while still in this physical realm, but also that we are cared for as we belong to His flock (Matt. 18:5–10). Each of us, who are saved by grace through faith and who belong to His flock, like Peter, are commissioned to feed the Lambs (fellow believers must tend to each others’ needs) within our domain, as the Lord’s under-shepherd.

Hence, in this context, Apostle Paul instructed the young Timothy with the means to do this, which is to “preach the word”. This instruction is for us too being recipients of God’s grace by faith in Christ Jesus. We are instructed to feed the lambs in our domain of contact. Along with Timothy, he exhorts us with these words: “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:1-4 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of John 21:14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.” (John 21:14 KJV).

The resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith and relationship with Him by grace. This rendezvous, the risen Lord Jesus had in Galilee, is the third of the many that He appeared to the apostles, disciples and believers before He ascended to the Father. The Lord’s resurrection is the power we stand on. For us in this day and age who believe, we have this affirming reminder of the Lord’s holy and written Words. “Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:12-17 ESV).

Our Lord Jesus Christ is risen! And, He lives forevermore to justify you and I. Not by religion. In Him, by faith, we are sinners NO MORE! “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4:25 NIV).

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.