The Gospel of Luke 4:24-26 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; but unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.” (Luke 4:24-26 KJV).

The Lord’s town folks in Nazareth just displayed a very fluidly swinging kind of attitude. After being impressed by the gracious words the Lord has spoken and marveling at His wisdom, their attitude quickly shifted. They begin to question the Lord’s authority, and wonder how such a seemingly ordinary person could possess such extraordinary abilities. This skepticism ultimately leads to their rejection of Him. Hence the Lord declares that, "a prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house" (Mark 6:4).

Prompted by such unbelieving posture, the Lord Jesus reminds them of a time hundreds of years past. In that time of Israel’s history there was a great famine. For over three years the heaven was shut and there was no sowing and reaping. The Lord references the story of the widow in Zarephath (also known as Sarepta) during the time of the prophet Elijah, which is found in 1 Kings 17. The passage states that during that time of great famine in the land of Israel, the Lord directed Elijah to go to Zarephath, where a widow would provide for him. When Elijah arrived, he encountered a widow gathering sticks and asked her for water and a small cake of bread. Despite her dire circumstances and having only a handful of flour and a little oil left, the widow followed Elijah's instructions and provided for him. Miraculously, her flour and oil did not run out until the famine was over. There were many widows in Israel, but God directed Elijah to a widow beyond Israel, to remind them that His blessings go beyond nationality and status.

Yes, this warns that God's blessings would be extended beyond His chosen people Israel, due to Israel’s momentary unbelief. A blessing to us ALL in the gentile world! And this, referring to Israel's stumble or unbelief, apostle Paul affirms: “So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!” (Romans 11:11-12 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 Luke 4:23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.” (Luke 4:23 KJV).

In the midst of His home folks’ skepticism, the Lord Jesus said rebuking them: “So He said to them, “You will no doubt quote this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal Yourself! Whatever [miracles] that we heard were done [by You] in Capernaum, do here in Your hometown as well.’ ”” (Luke 4:23 AMP). The Lord revealing their sarcastic thoughts basically coax them to say it. The proverb "Physician, heal thyself" is a common saying, implying that doctors should heal themselves first before healing others. That’s what the cynical mind of these people thought of which the Lord brought to the open urging them to say it.

The Lord is reacting to His hometown's skepticism. He has claimed to be the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy (Luke 4:16–21). In response, the people spurned it, treating Him as nothing more than another Nazarene boy, like any other they have known (Luke 4:22; Mark 6:1–4). Sensing this resistance, the Lord Jesus knows exactly what will come next: a demand to see a miracle. They may have heard about His miracles in Capernaum, as described in other gospels. Mark's account of this incident implies Jesus had already performed a few healings in Nazareth as well (Mark 6:5). And yet, when He starts to challenge their beliefs, the people will want something even more spectacular.

Demanding for miracles to be performed before believing, is what this folks were preconditioned to behave. This is of no wonder that the same attitude we can still observe in many lost souls of today. Some say they have faith but with the attitude of “let me see first then I believe”. But, the truth is - it is only by believing in the only begotten Son of God that one can see. Scriptures say: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). And to those who believe then and now, it is written: “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31-32 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 4:22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?” (Luke 4:22 KJV).

The Lord Jesus Christ is in His home turf, so to speak. A familiar ground among people He grew up in and with. The Lord’s presence in His hometown of Nazareth is met with a mix of admiration and skepticism. While the people "spoke well" of Him and were amazed by the "gracious words" (or "words of grace") His mouth spoke, they also questioned His identity, saying, "Isn't this Joseph's son?". They're enthralled by His aura of wisdom and eloquence as He speaks but struggled to reconcile His authoritative declaration with His humble upbringing.

“Isn't this Joseph's son?" This is a question of skepticism. They knew the Lord Jesus from childhood and couldn't imagine Him being the Messiah, someone who would possess such profound wisdom and authority. They were struggling to reconcile their familiar knowledge of Him with His claims. Their reactions give meaning to the idea that familiarity breeds contempt. They’re blinded to see the divine source of His words and dismiss Him based on their limited understanding of who He is seen through the lens of their religion..

Yes, they’re being blinded by the eye patches of religion they wear. They totally missed it like many today who are sadly continuing to wear religious blindfolds, despite the truth they already heard from God's holy and written words. The enemy successfully utilized the concept of religion to keep many from recognizing that the Lord Jesus came not to establish religious enterprises. He came to be in us by His grace through our faith in Him. The Lord Jesus declares this truth, when He uttered this prayer for us with the Father: “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:21-23 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 4:20-21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” (Luke 4:20-21 KJV).

As customary in their synagogue Sabbath gathering, an attendee would stand to read the Scriptures. In this particular day when the Lord Jesus returned home filled by the Spirit stood up for the reading and was handed the scroll. The reading was so perfectly set to be the writing of Isaiah which prophesied about Him. Hence, as He finished reading, closed and handed back the scroll, He sat down with all eyes set on Him eagerly waiting what He has to say. And, “He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21 NIV).

The Lord's act of closing the book, handing to the minister and then sitting down, was an assertion of authority to teach according to synagogue practice. His actions signal to the people that He is about to offer His own interpretation and understanding of the passage He has just read. Hence, the people’s reactions were full of anticipation and expectation. As He boldly proclaims the fulfillment of prophecy, this is pointing to His presence and the inauguration of His mission to bring good news of deliverance and healing to the world. These verses serve as a powerful reminder for us of the Lord Jesus being the fulfillment of God's promises and His pivotal role in establishing the kingdom of God on earth. Now, God the Father in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, as we totally depend on His grace by faith, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 4:17-19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, And recovering of sight to the blind, To set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:17-19 KJV).

This must be the most profound moment for synagogue worship! The scroll of the book of Isaiah is handed and unrolled. The Scripture is read from the Book of Isaiah 61:1-3. Then, with breathless wonder, the words are declared and heard: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, ..." Such a stunning and timely declaration of Isaiah's prophecy of His mission by Him who came to carry it out. “.., because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,” (Luke 4:18 NIV).

In these passages, Luke wants to put us in the know that the Messiah is come, setting His mission in motion, being Spirit-anointed, Spirit-led, Spirit-empowered, and Spirit-fulfilled. The Lord’s actions are linked to the Father and to the Old Testament prophecies by the Holy Spirit. Because of the work of the Holy Spirit, freedom will come at the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ who ministers to the outcasts. His ministry is no accident. It’s been planned from the foundations of the World, revealed by the Spirit through the prophets.

So, what's there to learn for us in this? It is the time of God's favor and salvation! It is the time when God fulfills His promises to bring about a new era of newness in our way of living. It is the time when divine intervention from heaven is being brought into our world. Now, by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, we are privileged to hear from the mouth of Grace who came “To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Hence, for everyone who have NOT or not truly believe and all those entangled with religion, precepts of the world and wrong believing on matters not from the Words of God - the Holy Scriptures, now is the time to settle in the truth. God is calling, now is the time. After this “Now” could be a costly delay. Scripture says: “For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2 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 4:16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.” (Luke 4:16 KJV).

This passage reveals that the First thing the Lord Jesus did to kick off His public pronouncement of the Good News of His mission, was to get back to the place where He grew up. That’s home! Which demonstrate to us now that we do the same in our knowledge of the truth - get back home and share it with the people close to us first. Here we can picture of His home folks doing their Sabbath rituals, as in our present day religious climate, doing Sunday rituals. No problem with gathering together to immerse in God’s Words. The problem is with religious rigmaroles being practiced that has nothing to do with God’s Words, which distract from the truth drawing away from a personal intimate oneness with God. God wants us close with Him in a personal level, not religious practice of pagan chants, practices and other religious rigmaroles to earn favor from their gods of many forms and shapes. That’s the climate the Lord got into when returning home attending their synagogue Sabbath day gathering, for which the Lord Jesus rebukes the synagogue leadership (Matthew 23:13-39).

The first thing the Lord did and we must too, He stood and read the Word! The Scripture is what matters! In our gathering to honor God and our Lord Jesus Christ in this day and age is to stand on the rock of His Word and read to proclaim, firstly, at the gathering of the people we love at home! That’s in our hometown where we grew up - Our Nazareth!

Before ascending to heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ gave His instruction to the apostles, and by extension to us too who now have the privilege of being partakers of the Good News in Christ Jesus. It is written: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”” (Acts 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 Luke 4:14-15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.” (Luke 4:14-15 KJV).

The Lord’s example of being equipped with God’s Words as our first weapon of choice reminds us that when we face down the devil's attacks, schemes, and temptations, we can emerge victorious and stronger with the Spirit's power at work within us! While we don't like periods of trial, God can use it to our benefit, His glory, and the devil's defeat, as the Lord did during His 40 days of trial. Scriptures remind us to -“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3 NIV).

So, we don't give up in difficult times. We stand firm and always keep our faith strong by resting in the Lord’s grace. We must consciously keep in our hearts God’s guiding Words, as it is written: “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 NLT). We will come out victorious and accomplish the mission God has appointed for us on this planet, as the Lord Jesus did launching out His ministry with power.

Knowing that God will provide us with a way of escape and the power of His Spirit to overcome the challenges we face, let us stand rooted in our faith. He assures us with these words: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 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 Luke 4:12-13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.” (Luke 4:12-13 KJV).

The devil has been tempting the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of His hunger and solitude during the course of His forty days in fasting (Luke 4:1–8). He resisted and withstood using quotes from the Holy Scriptures. Had the Lord Jesus succumbed to those tempts, especially the last tempt and jumped, the Father would likely have spared Him, just as God provided for the stubborn Israelites in the wilderness. However, that act would have short-circuited the plan for our salvation (Matthew 16:21). The Lord’s response to the devil’s final tempt was a quote again from the Old Testament passage: "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested Him at Massah." (Deuteronomy 6:16). 

The essence of the third temptation of the Lord is akin to Israelites’ stubbornness while being rescued from Egypt. They quarreled with Moses at Massah or Meribah, demanding God do their bidding, rather than submit to God's bidding (Exodus 17:2-7). The Lord Jesus recognized this and made it clear that we are to accept our circumstances with faith that this is for our best, rather than demand God perform for us according to our whims and desires. God had promised to provide for Israel, but they demanded He provide on their time schedule. God is our sovereign provider. Our part is to rest in His grace and the devil flees.

There is haunting and ominous tone in Luke's account of the devil's departure "for a season". While the Lord Jesus won this encounter, Luke wants us to know that the evil one will be lurking nearby for an opportune moment. Defeated this time, the deceiver will choose his time and his methods, as he persist. The devil is a dirty street-fighter who plays by his own rules with only one goal — to destroy all that is good and godly. Hence, as God’s children in Christ Jesus, Scriptures warn us: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:8-11 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 4:9-11 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” (Luke 4:9-11 KJV).

Reminiscent to that encounter between Eve and the serpent in the garden planting a seed of doubt on Eve (Genesis 3:1-5), here we watch the devil do it again using “if” to plant a seed of doubt. By taking the Lord Jesus Christ to the highest point of the temple, which the Jews considered very sacred, the devil was insidiously baiting the Lord Jesus to try to get Him to prove that He is really who He is. The devil never let any chance he could try to challenge the Lord's divinity to slip unutilized. The Lord Jesus Christ in His human form doesn’t have to or need to prove. He knows who He is! He is the image of the invisible God! (Colossians 1:15).

It’s as if the devil was telling the Lord to prove it! That’s what he often does to us- planting seeds of doubt to confuse us about our identity as sons and daughters of God. We must stand still on the grounds of truth of God’s holy and written Words affirming who we are. Never engage the devil in his terms. We must keep watch of his wands and tricks. The Lord Jesus saw through the whole charade. He would not test God, because to put God to the test is to distrust God's faithfulness.

We will all pass through the fires of trial and temptation. Yes, we want to be confident in God's presence. We never doubt His faithfulness to His promises or to us. We don't need to test His faithfulness; it's been proven over the course of centuries. The issue is our dependence on His grace and our limited view of all that is going on in His work in history. We must not think we can put God to the test; we are the ones who will be tested! Never cooperate with the devil. Our job is to believe in Him by totally resting in His grace, as our God is faithful to us! It is not about our faithfulness that matters. It is His faithfulness! Scriptures declare: “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 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 4:5-8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Luke 4:5-8 KJV).

These verses give us a great demonstration of the Lord’s love for us because His crucifixion would not have happened had He not resisted the devil's lame offer. He has no authority to offer it! This deception and temptation revolves around the struggle between the spirit and the sinful physical realm. The Lord was deceptively offered a shortcut to dominion of the world, one that would not require His suffering and death. Yet, because of His love for us, He chose the long hard road of Calvary that led to Golgotha.

"In a moment of time," speaks of the fleeting nature of earthly things and the ephemeral "happen" ness it gives. Highlighting the human desire for control, fame, influence and power, it also reflects the ongoing battle between good and evil, as Satan tries to lure the Lord Jesus away from His divine mission and passion. The Lord Jesus, in the harsh rebuke of His response to the devil, would not compromise on this preeminent truth — only God alone is to be honored and worshiped as God! No matter the physical costs, risks or consequences, the Lord Jesus reminded us that we are to serve and worship God alone!

In the heavenly realm, named morning star, Satan attempted this same coup of power, hence was cast out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15). The Lord Jesus shows us the power of Scripture. As children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, it is our first choice of weapon against our enemies. In our battles as true believers in Christ Jesus (and there will be many) in this post resurrection time of grace dispensation we are in, we have this instruction, as it is written: “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Ephesians 6:16-17 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 4:3-4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” (Luke 4:3-4 KJV).

In the most vulnerable state, while the Lord Jesus Christ hungered during His forty days of fasting in the wilderness, the devil turn to tempt Him with bread. Coaxing the Lord, “The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”” (Luke 4:3 NIV). “If” you are the Son, that’s the devil in his cunning statement, like he always does. God the Father already affirmed His relationship with His only Son when John the Baptist baptized Him — "You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy." (Luke 3:22), the Lord Jesus had no reason to doubt who He is with His Father.

With the Lord’s knowledge of Scripture, He could easily answer Satan's well-timed attempt to tempt. But, what are we to learn from this confrontation? We can know that Satan knows when, where, and how to attack us in our weak moments. His enticements are often targeted as a shortcut to a real need. He deceives us, like he did to Eve (Genesis 3:1-7). However, our identity with God, the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, and the power of God’s Words of truth help us win our battles, as the Lord Jesus did and continues to do. The real challenge is for us to keep each of these three areas of our faith secure and strong. We are God's beloved children (Romans 8:16 TPT). The Holy Spirit is in us (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19). God's Word is our lethal sword for battle against the enemy of our soul (Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17).

These we strengthen by totally resting in the Lord's grace by faith in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 12:9). And, be sustained by ingesting God's holy and written Words day and night through our regular meditation and reflection. It is written, God said to Joshua: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 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 Luke 4:1-2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.” (Luke 4:1-2 KJV).

In these passages, we witness the Lord Jesus Christ being tempted by the devil who is very desperately trying to imperil the Lord’s mission before it starts. Knowing that the Lord Jesus came to give the devil his ultimate defeat, his intent was not to let it happen without a fight. This sets the devil's many attempts to frustrate God’s plan to save us from his deadly grip. While Forty days in fasting, the devil subjected the Lord Jesus Christ to all kinds of temptations he has in his tool box, which ultimately led to testing the Lord’s divinity in His state of physical hunger.

An old saying says: “The devil is in the details." This saying is true that the devil wants us to overlook the details. It is "more true" that he tries to weaken anyone led by the Spirit, especially early in a person's state of belief. If the evil one can derail the early passion of a new believer, when the presence of the Spirit is new and fresh, then he doesn't have to keep coming back to try to derail that believer. Just as when the Lord Jesus overcame temptation, Satan’s intent to win early on was frustrated. We must hone in on Luke's key point: The Holy Spirit empowered and led the Lord Jesus Christ in His fleshly state through these trials.

In the book of Acts, the power of the Holy Spirit manifest in early believers of the risen Lord Jesus Christ. They were found guided (John 16:13) and led (Romans 8:14) by Him who lived in them (1 Corinthians 6:19) and worked through them. As with the disciples, through faith in our great Teacher and Savior, we are in the path of victory over Satan through the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, we have the assurance as it is written: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57 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 3:23-38 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge, which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er, which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim, which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson, which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor, which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala, which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech, which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.” (Luke 3:23-38 KJV).

In these long passages, prominent Names, People, Ancestors, with Stories and Connections of Faith in History, Faithfulness and Promises of God are rich. These verses give us more than mere genealogical names of the Lord’s lineage through Joseph His earthly adoptive father. With this account of Luke of the Lord's ancestry tracing back to Adam, reminds us of His authentic humanity. He’s like you and I growing up unnoticed until the time He started His ministry at around age Thirty. These names are reminders that the Lord Jesus comes to us as part of God's promise to redeem and bless the world through Israel. These are also reminders of a long line of faith and countless stories of faith that brought us the Messiah, the person of grace - Christ Jesus our Lord. These are our reassurances that God is faithful to keep His promises and bring salvation to His people.

So, when our days are gloom and nights seem darkest and hopes seem most distant, this list of names can be our nudge that God doesn't tire or sleep. He doesn't forget His promises. He will do what He has promised. How do we know? He has done it for generations. He is a promise keeper to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David. And even in those moments when we can't see His hand at work in our world, He is working to bring about salvation for those who knowingly accept of being loved by Him. We are to be conscious always that: “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.” (1 John 4:10 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 3:21-22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22 KJV).

The water baptism of John the Baptist, which is total immersion in water as the Holy Bible demonstrated, is an act of spiritual cleansing and rebirth. When one immerses in water to be cleansed of the filthiness of old self and comes out of water as a renewed person is an act of commitment to walk in a new life. The Lord Jesus in submitting to John’s baptism was an act of identifying with humanity and all its sinfulness, even though He Himself was sinless. As John expresses reluctance to baptize the Lord, He persuades him to proceed, stating it is fitting for them both to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:13-15). This is an act of humility and solidarity with humanity setting the stage for His redemptive work on the cross. As the Lord Jesus stepped into His mission being ushered by John the Baptist into full public knowledge, the windows of heaven were opened with the Father affirming His only Son He’s well pleased with for coming to save us. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit in a form of a dove descending on Him affirms that the Lord’s mission is the work of the triune God. In this sacred moment the presence of the Father's voice from heaven, the Son in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descending on the Lord, is manifest.

The act of baptism in water points to the Lord’s ultimate work of redemption - His death, burial and resurrection. As we submit to true baptism (not baptism to be part of a religion) by total immersion in water and coming out of water in newness, as the Lord Jesus did rising from the grave, we become united with the His death and resurrection. Apostle Paul reminds us with these words: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 3:19-20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.” (Luke 3:19-20 KJV).

These passages gave a glimpse into the political and social landscape of the time, reflective of our present time. The reproof mentioned in these verses refer to the public confrontation between Herod and John the Baptist. He boldly chastised Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, who was his sister-in-law. This marriage was not only a violation of Jewish law but also a scandalous and immoral act that was widely condemned then and as well as in today’s social norms. John the Baptist's reproof of Herod's actions reflects his observance to uphold the moral and ethical demands of the law, and his willingness to speak truth to power without fear.

It’s been said that our true character is revealed in what we do and who we are when no one is watching. For most of us, that statement is probably true. However, there is another test of truth and truth-telling. Will we tell the truth to everyone, even those who have power over us and who don't want us to say it? One of the stark reminders of Satan's reality in the world is the long line of martyrs for the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. With the Lord himself at the head of that line, the line includes John the Baptist, who tells the truth to the powerful King Herod, just as he did with common and powerless people. He demonstrates integrity and courage. Thankfully, in our long story of faith, many others have followed John's example. May God give us the grace to do the same if we are tempted or threatened not to tell the truth.

Yes, John the Baptist was jailed by King Herod for declaring the truth. But, we have the Lord’s assurance that in the fullness of His grace, in Christ Jesus by faith, we have liberty. Yes, John may have been jailed. But, in the truth that he knew and standing on, he is set free! It is written: “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31-32 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 3:18 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.” (Luke 3:18 KJV).

John the Baptist warns the people following him then, and us now reflecting these words, about the Lord’s winnowing fan - “whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.” (Luke 3:17 KJV). This warning tells everyone that when everlasting life or eternal destruction are the only options, to reject the Good News about the Lord Jesus Christ is to choose destruction. The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) emphasize the radical nature of such a choice we must make about the Kingdom of God and the coming of Christ Jesus our Lord. He is the Good News. He brings the Good News. He ensures the Good News.

Hence, if any rejects Him and the call of the Kingdom of God, the warnings are real that go with that choice. In this world, where few want ultimate choices and the vast majority resents having to deal with lasting consequences of moral and spiritual choices, John the Baptist's message still has a penetrating, and invigorating, and for some who are captive by wrong believing or the absence of God’s presence due to spiritual blindness, this has an irritating echo. Like it or not, the Lord Jesus calls us to decide about who will rule our lives. The choice we make, means everything and everlasting!

Not allowing the grace of Christ Jesus rule our lives by faith in Him, one will fall. Apostle Paul reminds: “You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.” (Galatians 5:4 NIV). Likewise, reality and truth remind us that: “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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 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 3:15-17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.” (Luke 3:15-17 KJV).

Expectation is highlighted in these passages. The people at this time were eagerly waiting for the arrival of the promised Messiah, who they thought shall deliver them from oppression, and establish the long-awaited kingdom of God. "The people were in expectation," for the fulfillment of God's promises. When John the Baptist appeared a surge of excitement was triggered, him being the first voice heard coming from God after a long silence of hundreds of years since the prophet Malachi.

Using the football game as analogy, where key plays in a game determine its outcome, it often depends upon the guys who are overlooked — the men "in the trenches," the offensive and defensive linemen. However, most coaches and sport analysts suggest that turnovers and skilled positions, driven by star players, are crucial to a victory. But looking deeply, the outcome of the game is mostly determined by the players whose work is seldom discussed and noticed unless they mess up.

John was one of those men "in the trenches." He kept a huge following for himself. He was a star and immensely popular. But, John kept his integrity and didn't change his message to pander anyone, even an adulterous king Herod (Matthew 14:3-14). John stuck to his assignment, pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ and away from himself. He stayed in his lane, admitting himself not worthy to untie the Lord’s shoelace. Hence, the Lord Jesus Christ emphasized that John is the sort of servant who is the greatest person in His Kingdom. John's example is the kind of stardom each of us can and aim to be (Matthew 11:11). Serve!

The winnowing of wheat analogy is a reminder that we will be purged by fire. Yes, John baptized in water which symbolizes the full emersion in God’s Word to be cleansed of sins. But the Lord Jesus cleanses by fire. It is written, Scriptures affirm as apostle Paul testifies: “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-15 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 3:14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:14 KJV).

In this passage John the Baptist, in his cry out in the wilderness calling for people to repent, is approached by soldiers and they ask him what they should do in response to his message? These soldiers are likely gentile Roman warriors who were occupying the land of Israel during that time. They were often seen as oppressors and were despised by many Jews. John's response to them is of great significance as it provides insights into the nature of repentance and ethical conduct, not just for soldiers, but for all who believe. He said: "Do violence to no man." This reveals the kind of heavy handed conduct of these soldiers being the Roman Empire’s war machine.

He told them: "Neither accuse any falsely." This admonition touches on the issue of integrity and honesty. It urges the soldiers to refrain from bearing false witness against the people under their charge. This command is relevant not only to soldiers but to all believers as it underscores the value of truth and righteousness in all dealings with others. It upholds the principle of justice and fairness.

He instructed them: "Be content with your wages." This advice challenges the soldiers to be satisfied with what they have and not to engage in corrupt practices such as extortion or bribery. It encourages contentment and gratitude, and it speaks against the temptation of greed and dishonest gain. This message is repeated in the risen Lord’s revelation to the apostle Paul, who stated that godliness with contentment is great gain.

In his letter to Timothy, Apostle Paul gave us this exhortation: “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:6-9 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 3:12-13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.” (Luke 3:12-13 KJV).

These passages show another group of people asking John the Baptist what they shall do? - in response to his call for repentance. John's counsel to questions from various groups about how to live out that repentance, directly points to opposite direction of what they do. Each corresponds to some temptation common to such group. For people in general, John's advice is to use one's abundance to bless those who are in lack.

Here, John is approached by publicans or tax collectors (Luke 3:12 NIV). Being in an era of Roman occupation, the Jewish people were subjects of a pagan empire. Fellow local Jews were hired by the invaders to levy and collect taxes. This was doubly offensive to the people of Israel. Not only did the publicans and tax collectors work on behalf of their nation's oppressors, but they also collaborated with unclean Gentiles. As a result, the term "tax collectors" was often used as general metaphor for distasteful, immoral people.

Worse was the reality that many tax collectors were prone to corruption. Romans cared little how much money they collect from conquered people, so long as the correct tax amount was given to imperial officers. Unscrupulous tax collectors could add extravagant amounts to the taxes they collected, knowing they could threaten them with arrest or imprisonment. Sounds very familiar in today's environment.

John's advice speaks to the core of rampant overtaxing. He instructs them to collect only what was right and no more. In a later passage, Zacchaeus the tax collector will demonstrate repentance by restoring fraudulent wealth to those from whom it was taken (Luke 19:8). This can only be manifest by pursuing and coming to grace as shown by Zacchaeus - the short tax collector. He sought the Lord Jesus without rituals of religion by just climbing a sycamore tree to see the Lord. All he did was come to the Person of Grace. No rigmaroles of confessions and other religious red tapes. Which is what one should do. He turned around come to the Lord Jesus and grace embraced him, saying: “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”” (Luke 19:5 NIV).

And Zacchaeus drawn by the grace of God, not by self effort to comply the demands of the law or religious creed, displayed spontaneous fruit of grace. “And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 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 19:8-10 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 3:10-11 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.” (Luke 3:10-11 KJV).

Now here’s a question that reflects a longing for spiritual truth and a recognition of their need for heavenly guidance. And, John the Baptist whose mission was preparing the way for the arrival of the Messiah, called people to turn away from their sinful ways and embrace a life of righteousness. The people’s question, "What shall we do then?" reflects their recognition of the need to change their ways and live in a manner that is pleasing to God. It incapsulates the profound longing of the human heart for spiritual guidance and direction.

John’s response is a call to generosity and charity, emphasizing the importance of sharing one's possessions with those who are in need. His message focuses on repentance in preparation for the coming Messiah, and his call to manifest fruits of charity and kindness as a reflection of the righteousness by grace with compassion that are inherent by faith in Christ our Lord.

The imagery of possessing two coats or an abundance of food puts the listener on the spot as one who is capable of meeting the needs of others. This reminds that where much is given much is expected. The truth is that you are blessed to be a blessing. The responsibility that comes with having more than what is required for one's own needs is divinely ordained. By urging the sharing of resources, this verse promotes a vision of community in which individuals are concerned with the well-being of others and willing to sacrifice their own comfort for the sake of those who are less fortunate. This is not an act driven by self aggrandizement or personal applause. This is an act under the guidance and unction of the Holy Spirit for the glory of God.

As with Abraham, being his heirs by faith in Christ Jesus, we are blessed to be a blessing. God says to Abraham and by extension to us too who rest in God's grace in Christ: “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”” (Genesis 12:2-3 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 3:7-9 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” (Luke 3:7-9 KJV).

These passages challenge every unbelieving and wrongly believing person - caught in the trap of religion and the world, to confront the influence of sinfulness and embrace the call to truly turn back to God. It points to the profound love and grace of God and the Messiah, who offer the gift of forgiveness and salvation to all who truly seek Him with a sincere heart and not perpetuating religious acts like this crowd who came to John for baptism. Stubbornness on clinging to wrong beliefs and pretending to come to God won’t save one from wrath. God can’t receive religious people. Instead, He can raise out of stones true worshippers if none of those He came for would truly come. The true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, hates religion. Hence, John calls them ‘generation of vipers’. This describes their rule over the people they have deceived to follow their religious creed that uses the name of God to trap many with their deception.

Also, repentance is personal. It is not inheritance. It is not a feeling of remorse nor confession of regret to someone. It is an act of turning to God, believe and totally depend on Him. Often, people claim and identify with the efforts and status of those ahead of them or around them, and those who have gone before them, as their own. Yes, faith certainly is aided, influenced and handed over by a long heritage, but GENUINE faith is always first-hand personal trust. No one can believe for us. Many in Jesus' day wanted to claim lineage, race, and heritage as their spiritual guarantee. John reminded them and all of us — all people for all time — that the essential thing is our personal faith. It must be authentic, forgetting and releasing off those shackles of religious heritage and pedigree. Let's manifest the genuineness of our faith in our attitude of total dependence on our Savior, not in who we claim as our parents or what religious group we claim to belong.

The truth is, it is not man made creed, nor religion, nor denomination, nor group, nor building that we ought to belong. True faith says: we belong to Jesus Christ. He holds us in His and the Father’s mighty hands, as it is written: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”” (John 10:28-30 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 3:4-6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“as it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, And every mountain and hill shall be brought low; And the crooked shall be made straight, And the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” (Luke 3:4-6 KJV).

Luke introduced John the Baptist as the voice crying in the wilderness, calling for repentance and preparation for the arrival of the Lord. The wilderness symbolizes a place of desolation and spiritual barrenness, and John's proclamation in this setting prompts the urgent need for the people to turn to God and make way for the Messiah, the person of grace and truth - Christ Jesus our Lord.

The prophet Isaiah had foretold (Isaiah 40:4) the leveling off of the playing field by the coming harbinger of grace, that would straighten and smoothen the roads, level the hills, and fill in the valleys so people could find the Savior. Questions to stir us, would be: Does your life navigate in the grace of God? Does it rely in Christ Jesus? Does it depend on the renewing power of the Holy Spirit? That is being in total dependence in God's grace, not by self effort. All of us, who are saved and been born again by faith, are called to be like John. We are to make the road to the Lord clearer for others to navigate so that FINDING Him is not an obstacle to FOLLOWING Him.

The salvation of God is not restricted to a select few, but is offered to all who would receive it through faith in Jesus Christ. Yes, salvation is for all who believes; Not by good works; and Not by indulgences and rituals of religion. Scriptures declare: “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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 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 3:3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;” (Luke 3:3 KJV).

John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. He went around the area of Jordan River, calling out people to be baptized in affirmation that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven (John 3:3 NLT).

For that to happen in people's lives, they had to reorient their priorities and values, especially those consumed with their religious customs and traditions, like the Jews were. In other words, they need to make a full U-turn in their lives and go in the opposite direction — no longer living by their own instincts, values and non biblical beliefs, but to live based and with consciousness on God's grace and will. One of the biggest problems in this post-modern society is that people are arrogant. They believe they can decide their own way and choose their own path based upon what seems right to them.

For true conversion to take place, for real salvation to come, there has to be both a surrender of this personal arrogance and a genuine yielding to God. John the Baptist preached this message with personal integrity. The questions to confront are: Do you live based upon God's will for you? Are you committed to rest in His grace? Or, are you still trying to live by your self effort based on what seems right to you? or, are you trying hard by self-effort to be just by the "law" that no one can, except the Lord? (Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:11; Matthew 5:17-20).  You see, repentance isn't just about remorse for the mistakes, wrongs, transgressions, sins, or hurtful things you've done. It is about turning from them to God and living by God's divine grace in total dependence in the Holy Spirit. Our own ways are flawed and destructive. Without surrendering to God, we will find ourselves doing things that are hurtful both to others and ourselves. Let's turn our hearts and lives fully to the sovereignty of God! Not to creed nor religion!!!

Apostle Peter, addressing his fellow Israelites who have been consumed with religion, called on them and us all. It is written: “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” (Acts 3:17-19 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 3:1-2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judæa, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituræa and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.” (Luke 3:1-2 KJV).

These passages provide historical backdrop for the events unfolding to set the stage of the ministry of John the Baptist. With the highlight of the political power figures in control of the region, gave the pulse of the political and social climate during the time of John the Baptist’s ministry. This seemed to make us think that it is our setting or our location or our time in life that determines when we feel God's influence the most. But, we watched the gathering convergence of the newly established Roman Empire setting its control over the region at the same time as the Kingdom of God emerging by Words revealed through John the Baptist in the wilderness.

This unfolding of the Lord’s coming reminds us that God is greater than this setting, location and time of historical establishment of governing power. God's message came to John at the onset of Roman power occupying Israel, imposing control over the land’s political and social lives. Yet, this was the time that God chose to speak and to act to fulfill His promises and to redeem all peoples. No matter where we are in the circumstances of our life, we mustn’t think that God can't act and bring change, deliverance, and salvation. God is greater than any circumstance. The real issue is whether or not our hearts are yearning for His mighty works and His powerful words to change us regardless of our setting, location, or time in life.

Scriptures declare, that:“All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.” (Ephesians 1:20-23 MSG).

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 2:50-52 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:50-52 KJV).

Finally, the young Lord Jesus Christ was found in the temple, and his parents returned with him to Nazareth. He willingly returned to his quiet life in Nazareth, where he was, in a way, hidden living under the radar of public eyes for many years. He certainly came to Jerusalem yearly for Passover Feast celebration (Luke 2:41) with His physical family, though it’s not mentioned whether he ever again sat among the teachers at the temple.

The Lord Jesus exemplified true obedience growing as man. Though once He slipped away to do His heavenly Father’s work, he didn’t make that his regular practice for many years. He followed His physical parents’s directions, likely working with Joseph as a carpenter. He gave children an example of obedience to parents. Being born of a woman, he was under the fifth commandment, teaching the faithful how to honor their parents. Even though his parents were humble and ordinary people, and Joseph was only his legal father, even though Jesus was strong in spirit, full of wisdom, and the Son of God, he was obedient to them.

His mother, though she didn’t fully understand his words, kept them in her heart, waiting for a time when they would become clear and useful. We may ignore obscure words from men, but not from God. What’s unclear now may later become plain. Like a student memorizing mathematics equation before understanding them, we must store up Christ’s words for future use (John 2:22).

The Lord Jesus Christ humbled himself by being born a child, and the image of God became more visible in him as he matured. Young people, as they grow physically, should also grow in wisdom, and in doing so, gain favor with God and others. This was affirmed by the words revealed by the risen Lord to apostle Paul. “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8 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 2:48-49 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?” (Luke 2:48-49 KJV).

The child Messiah, clothe in flesh physically growing, had an increasing sense of purpose. While He would apprentice in Joseph's carpentry shop (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). He was pulled to be doing about His heavenly Father's business. An Old Testament passage that was pointing to Him in the act of cleansing the Temple later in His ministry reads, "Passion for your house has consumed me." (Psalms 69:9; John 2:17). That passion starts to manifest in Him as He turned 12 years old.

This is an alert for us to keep in mind the growing stages of our children or grandchildren (or nephews or nieces), and not to hesitate to prepare and teach them how important it is that God should always reign in their hearts and that His holy plans must always be the pulling force of their choices! Yes, God’s plans for each of us has already been established before the beginning of time. It is set before the foundation of the world. Our part is to be in sync with His plan by resting in His grace by faith in Christ Jesus.

The Holy Spirit and His Words will lead us to do our Father’s business and will, being His Children in Christ. Scriptures remind us this: “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:11-12 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 Luke 2:46-47 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” (Luke 2:46-47 KJV).

The panic started when the young Messiah, Christ Jesus, was found missing after three days of the family’s trip back for home from Jerusalem. When Mary and Joseph realized that their son was not among their travel group, they scrambled to return back to the city to search for Him. After three days of searching, they found Him in the temple, engaged in dialogue with the teachers and scholas of the time. Amazingly, the three days mentioned several times when His parents realized that Jesus' was not with their returning group and the time they spent to search for Him can be seen as a foreshadowing of His own death and resurrection, which we know occurred three days after His crucifixion.

When Luke writes that "all that heard Him were astonished at the depth of His understanding and answers," he highlights the fact that the Lord Jesus possessed comprehension and wisdom extraordinary for someone of His age. Rather than just being precocious, He displayed deep understanding of spiritual matters and was able to engage in discourse with the religious leaders of the time.

Yes, they’re amazed of the of the Lord’s wisdom and knowledge displayed in His youthful age. And we should be more amazed as He did not come to exhibit wisdom for man’s applause. He is God Almighty. All wisdom and knowledge come from Him. He came to save you and I by His grace. In Him, we now belong in His kingdom by faith. For that, we have the more reason to be amazed and to worship Him. He is worthy! “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29 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 2:43-45 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.” (Luke 2:43-45 KJV).

These passages throw a glimpse of the Lord’s childhood life growing like every young man progressing through the dynamics of living in a human form. The event of Him staying behind in Jerusalem after the Passover Feast seem to look like an innocent punk on His earthly parents. But the truth of the matter is, that was a call for needed steps to be taken towards His mission on this planet as we already have known by hindsight. On ground zero as it transpired Mary and Joseph’s concerns to return and seek Him out were real and reasonable as parents with physical limitations. They have overlooked the reality and truth of who this young man they’re appointed to care for. He was appointed to be born so He could live a truly human experience. He was appointed to a mission to die so we can live.

He stripped Himself of all heavenly nature and privileges to take a full earthly nature to live like us. That’s the only way He could save us by being like us so that by the supply of His grace He can pay ransom for us by taking our place on the tree so that we can be like Him. Hence, these passages show His true image as man, living as every human does.

As God’s children through grace by faith in Christ Jesus, Scriptures remind us this: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8 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 2:41-42 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.” (Luke 2:41-42 KJV).

The Lord Jesus Christ who was born in flesh under the covenant of the law is revealed in these passages attending the yearly Passover feast celebration in Jerusalem with His earthly parents. Though born like us, we should note that in the flesh He is the true image of the Father (Colossians 1:15), those who have seen Him, have seen the Father (John 14:9). He came to fulfill the law, and grew abiding with His earthly parents following the observance of all the commandments of the law given through Moses.

These describe an event when he was twelve years old, visiting the temple in Jerusalem with his parents, Joseph and Mary, during the Feast of the Passover. It highlights His Jewish upbringing and customs of His family under the law.

The Feast of the Passover was one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar of remembrance. It is the commemoration of the liberation of the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. It's a time for the Jewish people to come together in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices and participate in communal celebrations. By going to Jerusalem for the feast, the young Christ Jesus and his family were fulfilling their covenant duty. These passages set a pivotal point for the Lord's spiritual identity and mission. These provide insight into His upbringing, His obedience to God’s covenant with the Jewish nation, and foreshadow His predestined role as the ultimate Passover sacrifice. Hence Scriptures remind us, children of God by faith Him, to -“Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 2:39-40 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:39-40 KJV).

These passages are amazing to reflect on. God came to visit our world in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. It began with a baby dressed in flesh being born and then growing up like you and I. This natural process of human nature for God, the Creator, to go through (Colossians 1:16), boggles our limited human mind. But, we must recognize that He is God Almighty! He calls into existence the things that do not exist (Romans 4:17b). There’s nothing hard (Genesis 8:14; Jeremiah 32:27) nor impossible for Him (Luke 1:37)!

The amazing part of these passages is not that God placed His favor on the Lord Jesus Christ, but that He favored us by choosing to share with our human experiences. That's amazing! And why did He do it? So we would know that He has been where we are; and so we would call out to Him to save us by total dependence in His grace in our times of struggle, weakness, vulnerability and temptation. Scriptures assure us with apostle Paul’s testimony, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:

F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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