The Gospel of Luke 15:22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

““But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet” (Luke 15:22 NIV).

The Father knowing the content of his son’s heart doesn’t need the full utterance of guilt by giving His spontaneous response of restoration instructions. This displays God’s outright, lavish embrace of a repentant sinner to full son (ship). He calls for the robe to cover the son's filthy rags (his own efforts of sins) and signifying that he is honored as a son by the Father.

A ring is put on his finger representing signet of authority as a son restored where he belongs. The sandal for his feet, gives him the freedom of son (ship), not as slave or servant who goes barefoot in their restricted movement environment, while sons are fully free.

This passage is a picture of God’s unconditional love, not earned on performance, but by His grace, restoring sinners to son(ship) or daughter(ship) -that’s you and I. Turning around from whatever state we are - being away from God, and coming to Christ Jesus by faith, we are made God’s children. We are declared co-heirs with Christ, as it is written: “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ,…..” (Romans 8:16-17a 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 15:21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” (Luke 15:21 KJV).

This passage shows us the son finally managed to say his heart. It captures the prime moving core of the Prodigal Son's return, where repentance steps into the realm of the father’s unconditional love. We watch the son expects punishment, eager to submit to the father’s justice over his unforgivable act. He comes willing to accept the penalty for his sin and dishonor against his father and God. But, he is met instead by the warm Spirit of the father’s love.

This is a penultimate posture of repentance in the act of humility. The prodigal son’s confession of unworthiness in the realm of grace is where human performance is overridden by the father's love. This demonstrates the nature of the heart of God, that looks beyond the son's declaration of remorse and surrender, showing grace does not heap condemnation on repentant souls.

The son’s prepared speech, noble and real, is based on effort of performance: "make me one of your hired servants". The father stops him. This is our reminder that as we come in the presence God by faith in Christ Jesus, we are accepted and set free, as the Scriptures declare: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 15:20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20 KJV).

This analogy gives a profound revelation of God’s grace and love, showing that He is not waiting to condemn, but is longing to embrace and restore sinners. The Father running to the prodigal son signifies His active, loving pursuit of us, welcoming us with unconditional love and grace despite our failures. This is such a touching display of grace over guilt, the father does not wait for apology speech that his son prepared. He runs to the son, kisses him, and embraces him tightly on his neck, showing how God removes our guilt, not heaps it on us.

This passage shows us that our father is in active pursuit of us. Seeing his son while he was "still a long way off," reveals that God is always watching the horizon and waiting for us to turn to Him. He is eagerly waiting to restore us. His love and compassion, aims to show us that His grace always exceeds our failures. This assures us that when we return to God, He meets us with love rather than condemnation. All we need to do is rise up from where, and whatever state we are in.

This is therefore your cue. Rise up as you are. No make overs of religious rituals and pious acts of penance. Just turn around back to the Father. He is watching the horizons for you to return. He loves you and us all! He is patiently waiting, as it is written: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 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 15:17-19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.” (Luke 15:17-19 KJV).

These passages show us a profound change of thinking, the prodigal son "comes to his senses," realizing that even his father's house servants live better than he does in this desolate place of rebellion and sin. He decides to return home, admit his sin, seek forgiveness and ask his father to take him as a hired servant. This shows the son’s journey from arrogance to desperation, on the brink of “perishing with hunger” causes him to realize his folly.

The son doesn't just want food; he is in anguish, shattered by his sin not just against his father, but against heaven. So, he humbles and deems himself unworthy to be called a son, showing true humility, he seeks his father to take him as one of his hired servants. This is a powerful picture of grace at work, where the son’s "repentance" is empowered by his realization of his father’s goodness. Repentance is not just an act of turning around and bear sorrow for sin, but coming to one’s senses to realize the Father’s heart, goodness, and grace.

Motivated by grace and hope abounding in his father’s house, the son realized that even his father's hired servants are well-fed with excess to spare. This reminds us that in God's house, we have access to abundance of provision by grace. The world is the “far country” of lack. Scriptures affirm, as the psalmist testifies: “They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.” (Psalm 36:8-9 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 15:14-16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.” (Luke 15:14-16 KJV).

These passages follow the prodigal son to the foreign land he travelled, where he squanders all his wealth and faces famine, as a picture of the emptiness found in trying to live apart from God's grace. This represents worldly hunger for being separated from God that leads to spiritual and physical drought.

This forewarns that passion for worldly things only brings emptiness that would eventually drive the sinner back to the Father's unconditional love and unlimited provision. These passages show the futility of seeking satisfaction in worldly things that the "far country" represents. When people are controlled by material desires to "spend all", they inevitably hit the bottom of the pit.

The job of feeding pigs (unclean to a Jew) and desiring its food that no one offers to give, represents how the world enslaves us and fails to satisfy our hunger. Even pods for pigs! Yet "no one gave him anything". In essence, these passages contrast the scarcity of human effort with the abundant supply of God's unmerited favor and grace. For it is written: “Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:20-21 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 15:13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.” (Luke 15:13 KJV).

Continuing on the parable of The Prodigal Son, this passage says that after the younger son was given the cash value of his inheritance left for a far country. There, he lived riotously. Yeah, the Prodigal Son is described of taking his inheritance to a distant land and squandering it through "riotous" or wasteful living. This represents a person's willful rebellion against God, seeking autonomy in flesh apart from God to live through selfish, immoral indulgence, leading to tragic loss.

The “far country” analogy is a state of humanity's carnal living that is far detached from God, focusing on instant self gratification over divine living in God’s grace. With ‘riotous living’ it means wasteful, reckless, or uncontrolled squander of resources, often associated with a lifestyle of debauchery. The act of taking the inheritance before its time, while the father is still living, manifests the desire for the "material benefits" from the father without the bond of relationship, a complete severance from family.

This is, therefore, our reminder to have genuine faith (2 Timothy 1:5). Without this kind of faith we are warned the risk of a life like this prodigal son. Hence, Apostle Paul draws us to genuine faith in Christ Jesus our Lord in the confines of grace with this exultation, as it is written: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:16-24 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 15:11-12 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he said, A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.” (Luke 15:11-12 KJV).

These are the opening passages of our Lord’s teaching using the famous 'Parable of the Prodigal Son’, which we’ll reflect deeply these several days. We are to ingest these words by the teaching of the Holy Spirit for us get a hold of the Lord’s intent to apply it in our daily walk. We see in these verses a man having two sons. Here, we watch the younger demanding his share of the inheritance early, effectively wishing his father dead against the norms of honoring one’s parents of taking the privilege to inherit only after they pass on. Inheritance is not a right. It’s a privilege that rests on the one giving who and when to pass on. This act represents humanity's rebellion against God. Yet, the father’s compliance shows God respecting man’s free will in the confines of His extravagant love.

In this analogy, the father represents God, the younger son represents the tax collectors and all of us who were once sinners. The older son represents the religious Pharisees (who were grumbling about the Lord’s association with sinners). By asking for his share of the estate before the father's death, the son is asking for the money, not the honor of legacy. In that culture, this was a massive disrespect and insult, equivalent to saying "I wish you were dead".

The father grants the request, highlighting God’s willingness to allow us to make our own choices and deal with the consequences. This story, set in context of the lost sheep and the lost coin, shows that God is set to restore those who fall, regardless of their sins, and rejoices in their anticipated return to His provision of grace. The focus is on the father's (God's) love and compassion, rather than just the son's rebellion - a choice of free will.

God is righteous and just. He can’t take back the Free Will He’s given in the beginning when He commanded Adam, as it is written: “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”” (Genesis 2:16-17 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 15:8-10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” (Luke 15:8-10 KJV).

With this parable, our Lord Jesus Christ continues to give a picture of His passionate grace in seeking lost sinners, emphasizing His relentless love as opposed to enmity of sin. The woman represents God, the light is Christ Jesus-the Son, and the search highlights His active pursuit to find and restore people where they ought to be, bringing forth heavenly joy instead of dejection.

Just as the woman searches her whole house for a coin that was lost, this tells us that God is not passively waiting for sinners to find Him. He is actively searching for them. That's you and I before He found and restored us. He pursued us! The lost coin represents the lost people in this darkened world who are valuable to God, even in their worst state of being.

This analogy shows that God’s grace supplies and restores, unlike the law with its holiness which demands and condemns. This illustrates that repentance is not a terrifying demand by force, but a joyful party of being found by God. The lost coin's value does not diminish because it is lost. Rather, its loss raised its worth for the woman to go to great lengths to find it. We are precious to God. He does the utmost to pursue each and every person in this world, because of His love. It is written: ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 15:7 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7 KJV).

God expresses His ecstatic delight in rescuing the lost, which emphasizes the encompassing power of grace over the law. It shows that repentance is not arduous penance of religion but total submission to be loved, saved, and carried on the shoulders of our Good Shepherd. The focus is on the lost sheep-the authentic sinner, and the Good Shepherd - representing our Lord Jesus Christ, seeking for and then carrying the lost sheep. Amazingly, by grace it is not the lost sheep finding its own, rather it is the shepherd seeking to bring it back home.

Repentance under the grace of God is shown as stopping to resist with meekness as a sheep, then surrender to allow the Lord Jesus to save you. He will lift and carry you on His shoulders. In divine joy, heaven celebrates because He delights in restoration, not in condemnation.

The parable’s message highlights that every single soul is very precious in the sight of God, regardless of how far they have strayed and wandered. He never neglects any one. This directly collides with the ironic perception of the "ninety-nine", who to some respect may also represent the self-righteous Pharisees. They think they do not need repentance. Hence, God is actively pursuing the un-presumptive lone "sinner".

This passage, therefore, manifests heavenly celebration in God’s grace that supplies all our needs, and His lavish love on the lost without condemnation. This, Paul and Silas affirm in their response to the "lost" jailer. It is written: "Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”” (Acts 16:30-31 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 15:5-6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.” (Luke 15:5-6 KJV).

Our Lord Jesus Christ continues in these passages His parable of the lost sheep that the owner pursues to seek. These reveal that when he found it “he lays it on his shoulders rejoicing”. This imagery illustrates God's tender, proactive, and relieving love in redeeming lost people. Instead of punishing the strayed sheep, the shepherd bears its weight on his shoulder, representing the gentle, restorative action of our Lord Jesus carrying our burdens, weariness, and sin which He, once and for all, nailed it to the cross with Him. This, we remember this season for the enormous price He paid taking our place on the cross.

The shepherd - who is representing our Lord, does not scold or drag the sheep, as many would likely do, but gently picks it up, symbolizing God's grace in executing the rescue of every lost soul. With the shepherd bearing the sheep on his shoulders represent our Lord Jesus's mandate to protect, to do His role as the High Priest, and His advocacy to carry His people’s burdens. And, the shepherd’s joyful celebration with his friends and neighbors highlights the Lord’s delight in rescuing lost souls, bringing all sinners back with the faithful flock in the kingdom of God for eternal celebration.

The lost sheep is brought home by the shepherd's strength and loving care, not on its own ability to return, highlighting that salvation is entirely our Lord’s work. Neither by observance of the law, nor following religious rituals, certainly not earned! It is entirely by grace. 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.” (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 15:3-4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?” (Luke 15:3-4 KJV).

In these two opening verses from the Lord's parable of the lost sheep, we see the owner "Leaving the ninety nine to find one that was lost". This is symbolizing God's intense, personal love for every lost person which the lost sheep represents. It gives the reassuring revelation that leaving the ninety nine of his flock which represent the faithful group is safe and secure in the wilderness under the canopy of his grace. With the owner, representing God, going with trust that the faithful ninety nine are preserved, He pursues to unconditionally rescue and restore one person who has wandered away needing salvation, no matter the cost it takes.

The metaphor highlights yours and my worth to God. He overlooks no one person. No one is insignificant to Him. Every single soul matters. God is an active, relentless seeker of the lost, sinful, or marginalized, rather than wait for them to find their way back to return on their own. Those who are not saved yet, especially those trapped by wrong beliefs in religion and world offerings, the Lord is seeking you. By your reflection of these passages now, He is on the brink of finding you. Don't run! Don't hide! Stay put and get out of the bushes of religious and worldly devotions. Let Him see and pick you up by yielding to His grace in faith! He loves you! In Christ Jesus we all are loved. This, Apostle Paul testifies: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 15:1-2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” (Luke 15:1-2 KJV).

Our Lord Jesus, with these passages set the stage for the parables of lost things by highlighting the contrast between our Lord’s welcoming attitude toward sinners amidst the religious leaders' grumbling. Tax collectors, who were called publicans, and outcasts or sinners were drawn to the Lord Jesus, while the Pharisees and Sadducees criticized Him for associating with them, prompting the Lord to reveal God's heart for the lost.

This is such a profound picture of grace, where our Lord Jesus Christ welcomes sinners, while the self-righteous, religious Pharisees and lawyers murmur with judgments. It stresses that while the Law, as it is observed, demands work to be righteous, Grace supplies it in faith. Revealing our Lord as the Friend of sinners, this scene introduces parables showcasing God's joy in seeking the lost. He welcomes sinners not to condone their sin, but to bestow grace.

The Pharisees, the priests and the Sadducees represent the law and religion (demanding and proud), while the sinners who draw near the Lord represent those who know they need grace, coming to hear Him, as their Savior. This therefore, calls all mankind to believe and leave the  "world" of legalism, of performance and of religion to enter God's kingdom of extravagant grace. This, Apostle Paul testifies, as it is written: “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:14 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 14:34-35 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 14:34-35 KJV).

Our Lord Jesus shows the multitude, with these illustrative passages, that if they rely on their own strength to follow Him, rather than receiving His grace, they become like flavorless salt—ineffective and unable to abide in their life of discipleship. We should note that when the Lord Jesus spoke of "giving up everything" (vv. 26-33), He was addressing a large, self-righteous crowd (vv. 25) who thought they could follow Him in their own effort and volition.

When men and women attempt to live for our Lord Jesus based on their own rules and abilities, they lose their saltiness—the "flavor" of grace, this analogy says. We are called to rest in the Lord’s grace so as to avoid becoming "flavorless". Our posture is not trying harder, but to recognize and yield that discipleship in our Lord Jesus is impossible without the supply of His grace by faith in Him.

As the Lord’s true disciples, we are thus seasoned as we hear to be nourished by the Word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). He is the Word (John 1:1; 14) and the bread of life that we take - like the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. In one of His teachings to the crowd that follow Him, it is written the Lord “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 14:33 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33 KJV).

The Lord Jesus is pronouncing the core foundation of following Him, that unless one leaves everything and turn around to go follow Him, he can't be His disciple. He says that none can follow Him with worldly luggages towed behind. He directs with profundity to "give up everything," as He addressed the pompous and religious crowd who thought they can gain righteousness through their own works.

This passage gives the message aimed at making people realize they cannot follow our Lord Jesus by their own strength. He draws them to rely on His grace rather than their own abilities. This, therefore, is our call, to listen and respond to come before the Lord Jesus Christ as we are, freed from the shackles of the world, along with its myriad of merchandise and scheme.

As the Lord did to the crowd that followed Him wherever He went during His time in flesh on the earth, He is calling us too. Especially those who are behaving like the religious and worldly crowd, the moment is ripe to listen. It is written: “And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:34-36 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 14:31-32 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace for.” (Luke 14:31-32 KJV).

These passages present the analogy of a king assessing his military strength before battle, teaching that discipleship requires calculating the serious costs of following our Lord Jesus Christ. It emphasizes total spiritual preparedness, and evaluating one's commitment against the challenges ahead to avoid "unfinished excursion" in wavering faith.

In calculating the cost, our Lord Jesus uses this analogy urging followers to consider if they are truly willing to give up everything—worldly possessions, family, and self—to follow Him. The king with ten thousand men represents the believer facing superior spiritual opposition represented by twice the strength of his warriors, highlighting the need to rely on God’s power rather than own strength. Following our Lord Jesus is not a casual decision for a hope of a spectacular moment. It is a long-term living commitment of trust that requires wisdom, likened to planning on building a tower or preparing for a war.

The king in the parable with inferior army, sending an emissary before battle to find ways and conditions for peace, represents realizing our need for peace with God, which Christ Jesus provides freely. It is a matter of accepting His "shalom"- that's peace being in Him. And, the ultimate "cost" is simply believing in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ, letting Him handle the battle, as we rest in His grace. For our assurance, let us lean on the slingshot-equip young David’s vow to Goliath. It is written, he declared: “This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.”” (1 Samuel 17:46-47 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 14:28-30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” (Luke 14:28-30 KJV).

Our Lord Jesus Christ, continuing on His message of the heavy cost on being His disciples, uses the analogy of careful budget planning before building a tower. These passages within the context of grace and true discipleship, give contrast with "law" observance. It highlights that while the Lord asks followers to count the cost, the focus is to rely on God’s grace to finish the work, rather than self-effort. One needs to be detached (hate) reliance on family and self. Then, look to Christ Jesus and totally rest on His grace.

The Lord Jesus while talking about the cost, His ultimate message is about understanding that His grace supplies what is needed. In “counting the cost”, He calls us to be wise, not to operate on our own in fear, but to "sit down" and surrender to Him the planning, whether in life itself or every aspects of endeavors in life. That is our walk in this journey of living. The "cost" is not about struggling in our own strength to meet a standard or to succeed on something, but by trusting in Him to "finish" the work in us. Always conscious, by faith, that He is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5).

In essence, with these passages, our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that while we should count the cost, we should rely on God to supply all that's needed, the strength to complete the "tower" of our lives. As children of God in Christ Jesus by faith, we are assured by His promise, as revealed through the Apostle Paul, it is written: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 14:25-27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:25-27 KJV).

With these verses, the Lord Jesus speaks of hating family and taking up the cross as a message directed at self-righteous, legalistic and religious great multitudes traveling with Him to show them their inability to truly follow Him through human effort. He contrasts this with "grace" messages meant for sinners that recognize their need for a savior and come to rest in His grace by faith. Truly trusting the Lord Jesus is displayed by totally yielding our life to Him above and over everything even our life. True faith is manifest by choosing to follow Him in spite the threat of consequential death. We are reminded: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:25 NIV).

We note that our Lord Jesus Christ was speaking to the large, self-righteous multitudes, challenging their superficial commitment. Yes, they go along following Him in His journey towards Jerusalem, but not all for believing. Rather, mostly, they follow Him for curiosity and for finding ways to trap Him.

Speaking of the cost in following Him, the Lord positions these verses within a larger context between "demands" vs. "supply" arguing that these hard sayings were meant to break down self-reliance. In the view of grace over works, this contends against "strenuous effort" approach to following our Lord Jesus Christ, promoting that true discipleship comes from resting in the supply of His grace rather than trying to pay a high cost through working hard in the flesh.

In essence, these verses are meant to show that salvation is by grace and that "taking up the cross" is not about self-mortification, but about relying on the Lord's completed work. This, Apostle Paul affirmed by his testimony, as it is written: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” (Galatians 2:20-21 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 14:22-24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.” (Luke 14:22-24 KJV).

These passages provide the core of the Parable of the Great Banquet, illustrating that because the primary invited guests (representing the descendants of Israel who have become captive by religion) rejected God's invitation, the doors are opened to the marginalized, the poor, and the Gentiles. God’s grace is universal, yet the final warning highlights that those who reject His invitation will miss the kingdom. Yes, the Master declares: “I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” (Luke 14:24 NIV).

The Master’s order to “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” is pointing to God’s mandate of the universality of His grace. This is directing to go to the uncivilized gentiles, the pagan worshippers, the heathen and all those hidden in dark alleys of the gentile world, announcing their invitation to come to the table of God’s grace. Seats are set for them at the banquet of salvation by grace. They just need to look on the Son - our Lord Jesus Christ, come, believe and take the seats! This is unmerited favor of grace compelling them to come! This, the Lord Jesus affirms: “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”” (John 6:40 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 14:21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“So that servant came, and shewed his Lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.” (Luke 14:21 KJV).

This passage shows a pivotal shift in the Parable of the Great Banquet, where the master (representing God), disappointed by the invited guests' (the religious Israelites) no-show excuses, orders his servant (the Lord Jesus and all who are saved by His grace) to urgently invite the marginalized—the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame—to His feast. This signifies God’s dismay on those who reject Him and the swift expansion of salvation to welcome the undeserving, the unreligious who recognize their inability to earn salvation, the broken and the whole gentile world.

The master’s charge to go "quickly" gives the message of urgency. It signals that the window of opportunity to accept God's invite to salvation is time-sensitive. The time frame is notably set by the brevity of one’s appointed moment on this planet or the Lord’s imminent return. For such reason, readiness is of the essence, for by then - after this realm, there’s only eternity in either heaven for those who came to recline, or in hell for those who reject the offered seat at the banquet table of God’s grace.

This passage, therefore, emphasizes that God’s love is unconditional and that everyone, regardless of their past or state of being, is welcome at the table of grace. For those who have not come, NOW is the moment. Come! The Lord loves you, as you are. He chose to die for you and I. It is written, Scriptures declare: “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8 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 14:19-20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.” (Luke 14:19-20 KJV).

The Lord Jesus, continuing on His parable of the Great Banquet, highlights two excuses of those who were invited in these passages. These represent prioritizing worldly affairs over the Lord’s urgent spiritual invitation, resulting in their absence at the feast. One of the lame excuses is of his newly acquired five yoke of oxen that needed to be tested. Not of an urgent nature, this should have not kept this man from the banquet. Yet, it did, not solely because of the oxen, but due to a blinded and hardened heart. This excuse symbolizes prioritizing material wealth and worldly affairs over spiritual matters. Testing five yoke (ten oxen) implies a significant business investment that the man places above the invitation. It highlights that worldly possessions can become idols that hinder one's response to God.

The other excuse of just having been married, represents prioritizing lateral relationships with family over God’s invite for a vertical relationship with Him. While not inherently evil, these excuses are used as pretexts to reject the invitation of God. It is an alert that earthly concerns unrestrained can hinder humanity's total commitment to enter the kingdom of God.

These, therefore, remind us that being children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, we are directed, as Scriptures say - “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:2-4 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 14:16-18 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.” (Luke 14:16-18 KJV)

In these passages, our Lord Jesus Christ tells the Pharisees, Priests and religious leaders the parable of the Great Dinner Banquet, where a man (representing God) prepares a feast (pointing to heaven and salvation) but is rejected by the invited guests (initially, the chosen people Israel and those who heard the message of the grace of God) who prioritize religious and worldly concerns of land (material) and other possessions, over God’s invitation.

The "great banquet" is the abundance of God’s kingdom and the gift of salvation offered to humanity. It is a feast celebration of grace. The Master’s hail to "Come, for everything is now ready" is the invite to salvation which is already prepared and provided by God through the finished work on the cross of Christ Jesus our Lord.

The invitees’ excuse, to check a field (prioritizing real estate work) displays humanity’s common tendency for temporal and carnal preferences. These highlight that superficial, daily, and material concerns keep people from accepting God's offer of eternal salvation. The excuse, while seemed casual and mundane, is in fact a grave rejection of the host. They show a lack of awareness in the importance of the spiritual feast, and rather prefer worldly, carnal, or temporary possession. This parable shows that many, who claim to desire the kingdom of God, will reject it due to their enthrallment of the world.

This, therefore, is our prompt to be alert, being children of God that the Scriptures instruct with a warning, as it is written: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17 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 14:15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 14:15 KJV).

Hearing the Lord’s teaching to invite for banquet those who could not reciprocate, a guest at the party proclaims, "Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God!" This statement reflects a religious Jew’s presumptuous belief that all physical Israelites were guaranteed with seats at the Messianic banquet table. The Lord Jesus uses this to relate the parable of the Great Banquet to challenge the man’s presumption. These religious leaders are focused on their social status and self-righteousness. The man’s comment was likely a pious, but superficial exclamation, meant to imply he was among the worthy to sit at heaven’s celebration banquet.

Acceptance of the invitation of the Gospel of the Grace of God is the key. Indifference or rejection of the gospel has dire consequences. Hence, we are therefore reminded in this passage to be steadfast in faith, being children of God in Christ Jesus. Not by our merit for being religious nor by our efforts to observe the law. In Christ Jesus by faith in His finished work on the cross, we are blessed to eat bread in the kingdom of God. Eating bread signifies we are in a very close fellowship with the Lord. Scriptures declare, as it is written: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” (Ephesians 2:4-6 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 14:12-14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:12-14 KJV).

In these passages, our Lord Jesus Christ, now talking to the host of the party, continues to give the message of contrast between the "law of demand" and the “supply of grace”. This highlights that by grace we are to bless those who cannot repay, such as the physically disabled, the poor and the unprivileged. This selfless act reflects God’s heart, and assures rewards at the day of resurrection, in contrast to acts that aims to seek earthly appreciation and reciprocity.

Outlining the limits of human effort to observe the law, points toward the need for the grace of God that can be found by totally yielding through faith in the Lord’s finished work on the cross. In Him, true gracious giving is done without expecting anything in return. This mirrors how God loves and provides. Our focus is on those who are socially overlooked (the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind). They are those have no means to reciprocate. They can’t lavish you with indulgences and paybacks. This sets you in the posture for eternal promise of repayment "at the resurrection of the just," shifting focus away from the posture of instant gratification for temporary gain to eternal, divine reward.

In essence, this is our cue to live by grace, allowing the Holy Spirit to reflect through us God’s unconditional, generous nature, rather than transactional, worldly religious and social exchange. We aim to lavish with our generosity the unprivileged and the poor who can’t repay. Scriptures affirm that: “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17 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 14:10-11 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: thent shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 14:10-11 KJV).

These passages, looked through the lens of God's grace, describe the parable’s message of what should transpire when we take the stance of humility in our approach to living. From the perspective of heaven through grace, humility is recognizing that you cannot provide for yourself. It is relying entirely on God’s blessing which leads to being exalted. It is not humility in the view of the world, which is driven by hypocrisy for gaining approval of men and women to impress their carnal tendencies.

In every setting of living, our posture must be rooted in knowing our identity as a child of God, not in trying to earn His favor through works of self-efforts, nor to earn the world's acceptance and admiration by boosting yourself at the expense of someone else. Which reminds me of an instance during my life's corporate season.

Working as Comptroller of a privately owned corporation with a group of twenty operating companies, I was charged to train one of the young owners of the company. Upon completion of the training I was advised by my boss that, the young owner I trained intends to take my job. My boss was so anxious and apologetic. He asked me if the young man I trained was capable to do my job. My response was, I’m sorry I can’t answer it, as I would either be unfair to him or to me. I assured him not to worry. If ever I am to go and the door closes on me, my God will open windows of opportunities before me. But one thing's sure, I can say - he’s an owner and I am just a hired hand. 

As a result, few months thereafter, I was promoted to absorb the other comptroller's job of another group owned by the same corporation, to run two groups of companies, bringing the total of sixty operating companies under my charge. And, the young man was given a managerial position in one of the operating companies of the group. I never lift a finger to boost and promote myself. I just continued doing my job and entrusted everything else in God's hands.

We are, therefore, reminded to steadfastly stand in the undeniable truth that in the kingdom of God, taking the "lowest place" means to stop trying to prove our worth and instead allowing God to exalt us based on our worth by what our Lord Jesus Christ has already done. It is not about what we do and have done. The Lord is true to His Word: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12 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 14:7-9 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; and he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.” (Luke 14:7-9 KJV).

These parabolic verses give a lesson in humility and grace, correcting the tendency of religious and worldly groups in attendance to self-promote. In a world of vanity and greed many strive for honor, success and material gain by performance in self- promotion. Hence, these draw us away from the world to rest humbly in our identity as children of God in Christ Jesus, letting Him elevate us rather than seek positions of prominence and power ourselves.

These passages teach that in God's kingdom the way up is down. The lower you go, the higher you ascend. The lowly are lifted. Pride poisons and destroys life. Hence, the proud falls in a great crash (Proverbs 16:18). In this event, the Lord Jesus observes the invited Pharisees and Priests were seeking "places of honor" presumptive of their merits (by their efforts of law and religious performance), giving the Lord Jesus the opportunity to teach a posture of humility, which allows for undeserved favor of God’s grace to manifest.

Rather than being presumptive about self assessment to scramble for the best spots, God's children in grace are guided by the Holy Spirit to embrace a humble, resting posture. Opting for the low spot by not seeking a place of honor, you avoid the shame of being demoted, but gain the advantage of being lifted up or spared from disgrace. This reflects a life dependent on God’s grace rather than self-effort to earn merit and reward.

These, therefore, remind us that when you rest in your position as a favored child of God, you do not need to fight for the bigger share of the pie or recognition. In Christ Jesus, we have life abundant (John 10:10). We are the Lord’s beloved, as it is written: “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 14:4-6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; and answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? And they could not answer him again to these things.” (Luke 14:4-6 KJV).

In these verses, we learn that none of the religious people responded to the Lord's rhetorical question, of course. They're "holding their peace" which affirm the uncertain and warp logic of their Sabbath doctrine. The Lord Jesus heals a man with dropsy (which the modern world of medicine calls Edema) on Sabbath, directly challenging the strict, religious interpretations held by the Pharisees.

With the “pit” analogy the Lord exposes the hypocrisy of the religious leaders by asking if they wouldn't pull their own son or ox out of a well on the Sabbath. If saving an animal or a family member is allowed, He asserts the truth that saving a human life from disease is far more crucial than an animal, regardless of the day. Like a family member, he is a human being, too.

This challenges us who are saved by grace to ensure our actions are driven by love and mercy, and led by the unction of the Holy Spirit, rather than just keeping up appearances adhering to strict religious rules and striving in self effort to observe the law.

Being made righteous by grace through faith in our Lord’s finished work on the cross, Scriptures affirm: “Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:11-14 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 14:1-3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?” (Luke 14:1-3 KJV).

These passages describe our Lord Jesus went to dine at a prominent Pharisee’s home on the Sabbath, where He is being closely watched by religious leaders. This is setting up to expose the deep conflict between legalistic religious rules and God’s grace and mercy. A man with dropsy (swollen limbs) is set before Him, likely as a trap. In response to the watchful eyes of the religious leaders, our Lord Jesus preemptively challenged their strict, legalistic Sabbath rules by asking if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath. He is directly confronting their hypocrisy.

His coming to eat meal at the home of a "ruler of the Pharisees" on the Sabbath was a high-stakes social event. This is likely intended to ensnare Him in whatever He would do, which the Lord instantly knew by the obvious presence of a sick man before Him. The Pharisees are watching the Lord to see if He will perform a healing, which they considered "work", forbidden to do on the Sabbath. Preempting them, He takes the initiative by asking the lawyers and Pharisees directly: "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?".

This question of the Lord is rhetorical, meant to draw the attention of the religious leaders to bring them to right understanding of God's original intent of the Sabbath. In grace, we being God's children by faith in Christ Jesus, Sabbath was made for us. In the account of Mark, when the Lord encounters the Pharisees at the grain fields, they raise a question about the Sabbath. “And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28 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 13:34-35 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” (Luke 13:34-35 KJV).

This is such a heart wrenching lament of our Lord Jesus and very poignant even today. Uttered with emphasis, He longs to bless the people of Jerusalem. The Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts remind us again and again of God's love for the great cities of that era - Jerusalem and others including Athens (Acts 16:15-16), Antioch (Acts 11:19-27), Corinth (Acts 17:8; 18), Rome (Acts 19:21), Ephesus (Acts 19:1). The gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles teach us how the Lord longed to reach these cities through the Good News of the Grace of God. Sadly through, those cities rejected the message of our Lord Jesus as Jerusalem did. Their rejection of God's grace and love resulted in disasters for those cities. For Jerusalem, however, its denial of our Lord Jesus was worse, Him being the Jewish Messiah, the promised hope of their Scriptures, sent as their Deliverer. But, instead, they delivered Him to the cross.

For us now, this is a warning not to be guilty of the same act of rejection. We must be conscious always to understand the Lord’s longing to bring us under His wing of protection like a ‘mother hen’ and respond by yielding Him our whole hearts, souls, minds, and being. Let’s cooperate to be loved by Him, resting in His grace through faith. Let us receive Him and declare “blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

These passages speak of the gentle, nurturing, and protective nature of our Lord Jesus Christ, urging us to settle our security and refuge in Him. The Psalmist's testimony proclaims, as it is written: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” (Psalm 46:1-3 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 13:31-33 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.” (Luke 13:31-33 KJV).

Responding to the threat of Herod Antifas as told by some Pharisees, the Lord Jesus, unafraid, called Herod a "fox" to describe his conniving, weak, and destructive rule. He asserts that His life is not dictated by political threats, but by His divine purpose. The Lord's message of the gospel of grace shows that no weapon formed against Christ Jesus shall prosper, even before the appointed time of the cross.

Our Lord states He will continue casting out demons and healing (doing the work of grace) "today, tomorrow, and the third day", as He continues His journey to Jerusalem, day by day. This indicates a set divinely purposed timeline, pointing to the literal three-day period, ending in His perfect completion of sacrifice at the cross and the grave. Amidst threats, He declares, "I must keep going." He is determined to finish His course, emphasizing that His physical ministry of teaching, healing and setting people free continues right up until His appointed time on the cross in Jerusalem. As the prophets who prophesied His coming perished in Jerusalem, He too is set to fulfill His mission in the City of David. That is Jerusalem, indeed!

In Jerusalem-on Calvary, the Lord Jesus gives His life for us. He dies as our ransom, so we can live. He declares these words using the analogy of Him being our Good Shepherd. It is written: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:10-11 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 13:29-30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.” (Luke 13:29-30 KJV).

These passages highlight the universality of God’s plan for His kingdom to be open for people from all over the world to enter, not just a select few. This brings a stunning truth and reality to those who assume they are guaranteed entry on account of pedigree or religious upbringing. It contrasts worldly ‘importance’ with divine value, where the last will be first, and the first will be last, stressing that salvation is about belonging to God in Christ Jesus, not by religious affiliation nor belonging to the world's elite.

Time and time again, our Lord Jesus warned the pretentious and hypocrite religious people of their eternal destruction (Luke 6:41-42). Those people make a big show of their religious dedication and zeal. They display pious acts in public when they are not. They look down on others (especially those who do not belong to their religious group and persuasion) out of their own self-righteousness while refusing to live with the love and the character of God, in grace by faith.

Seen through the lens of God's unconditional love and grace, the call to enter the Kingdom of God extends beyond every demarcation lines of the world. From the four corners of the earth people come and “will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29b NIV). And indeed, at this table of grace there are ‘last who will be first, and first who will be last.’ This is pointing to those who relied on their own righteousness through works, or legalistic obedience (the "first") may find to be last. And, conversely, those who recognize their unworthiness and depend solely on God's grace (“last") are the ones who are welcomed first. This, the Lord Jesus illustrated in His parable of “The Workers in the Vineyard” (Mathew 20:1-16).

This, therefore, reminds that salvation is entirely a gift of grace, not merit for works of self-effort. Scriptures declare this truth: “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 13:28 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.” (Luke 13:28 KJV).

This is a scenario no one would want to have and should not be in. But, then again, it’s a choice. This, therefore, warns that individuals relying on religious heritage or association, rather than personal relationship by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, will experience intense, regretful anguish ("weeping and gnashing of teeth") when excluded from the kingdom of God. Along with the rest of the world and those who heard but rejected the Lord, they will be watching biblical patriarchs and prophets enter the Kingdom of God, while they are cast out.

This passage is the Lord’s clarifying response to a question about how many will be saved, emphasizing that salvation is not by works of self effort. Salvation is not for those who pride themselves of being religious zealots, like the Pharisees, the Priests and the Scribes whom the Lord Jesus calls out for their hypocrisy. This highlights the tragic reality of being close to the truth but missing it due to unbelief and/or being shackled by religion, realizing too late that only through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ by His grace one can enter the Kingdom of God and be saved. Scriptures affirm: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”” (Acts 4:12 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 13:25-27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.” (Luke 13:25-27 KJV).

These parabolic passages provide stern warning from our Lord Jesus Christ that the opportunity for salvation (the "narrow door") is set for this physical lifetime and demands urgency, so as not to miss it. After this physical realm, the door is shut. It’s over and gone. There’s nothing one can do. No amount of prayers and indulgences from concerned loved ones can change the reality that every being dies once physically then judgement for eternal destiny (Hebrews 9:27). The choice to enter the narrow door to believe and to receive the Lord’s gift of salvation by grace is now!(Ephesians 2:6-8).

The Lord is teaching in these passages that mere association with Him—listening to His teachings, or reclining with Him at dinner table (like some Pharisees and Scribes did) or casual familiarity (as most of the crowds that pursue Him)—does not equal to salvation. The Master of the house will eventually shut the door, leaving only those with true, transformative faith that receive salvation by grace to enter God’s Kingdom. The rejecting religious hypocrites, along with the unbelieving world, the Master will shut the door on their faces.

Yes, everyone must take it seriously. Come, believe and rest in His grace! This realm of living is the only opportunity for humanity, as it is written: “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:27-28 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 13:23-24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” (Luke 13:23-24 KJV).

These passages deal on our Lord’s interaction in one of His teachings in the cities and villages He passed through on His way to Jerusalem. A man raised a question whether only a few will be saved. This is such a revealing question, that carries concern for many people’s destiny. This sends a signal of warning for those who are still sitting on the fence of unbelief whose fates are drawing away from the Kingdom of God. As the Lord Jesus responds with instruction to enter the straight or narrow gate, signals the difficulty and hindrance of finding to enter it.

The “straight gate” refers to a restricted entrance representing the singular path to the Father and salvation into the kingdom of God. The direction to enter the "narrow door," is not a call to work for salvation through intense self effort, but as a call to abandon self-endeavor and rely entirely on the Lord’s finished work. To "strive" highlights the struggle to abandon humanity’s tendency towards self effort, and release from shackles of religion and worldly ways to able to turn around and focus on our Lord Jesus Christ to rest in His love. Only a few enter this gate due to religious and worldly baggage, as shown by the religious leaders of the day that the Lord Jesus rebukes harshly for their hypocrisy.

Hence, this stirs us to realize that only by faith in Christ Jesus our Lord, rather than human works, ensures you and I to enter the Kingdom of God by grace. Let us, therefore, be reminded always by His words to Apostle Thomas, the Lord “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV).

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

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

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

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

The Gospel of Luke 13:22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.” (Luke 13:22 KJV).

This passage depicts the Lord Jesus Christ traveling toward Jerusalem, teaching in cities and villages along the way. This context emphasizes that His journey is a deliberate, purposeful march toward His ultimate sacrificial death and resurrection. He is actively spreading the gospel, knowing the time is short, while moving toward His mission of redemption.

The way to the cross is what the "journeying toward Jerusalem" highlights and points to. Our Lord Jesus Christ is focused on the final phase of His mission to fulfill His destiny to save humanity. It is His divine appointment set before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:17-21). Despite the pressure of knowing His impending death, He is consistently teaching in the cities and towns He is passing through using His journey to instruct people about the Kingdom of God in their midst.

We too are in a journey to our ‘Jerusalem’ of divine appointment set before time begun (Ephesians 1:3-10), whether we know it or not. Now, for sure, we know! Let us navigate towards our ‘destiny’—with faith, totally yielded to His grace—knowing that God goes before us, being His children through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. Let us proclaim this truth as we go along to prepare those on our way for the impact of His Kingdom in our lives.

Fearless by remaining faithful always, we will get through. We are not going through it alone. We have our Lord’s promise:“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.…” (Isaiah 43:1-3a 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 13:20-21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” (Luke 13:20-21 KJV).

In these passages, our Lord Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to yeast- a "leaven" hidden in “three measures of meal”, emphasizing that although the Gospel may seem trivial and unimportant in the perspectives of the world, with its hidden beginnings, it possesses a quiet, irresistible power to permeate like a yeast and transform the entire world. This parable highlights how God's Kingdom expands from within, changing individuals and society from the inside out. Like the work out-of-sight to raise the dough, the Kingdom of God grows internally and quietly like the yeast, rather than through outward, forceful, or physical and political might. The Almighty power is in the Kingdom of God, in the presence of the Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, as this analogy alludes to the “three measures of meal.”

The moment the gospel is "sown" in the people’s lives in societies, its permeating process cannot be stopped. It will eventually affect every part of the "dough". Each and every being is touched by God’s love and the message of grace and truth, whether they recognize and acknowledge it or not. It is for each and every person to choose how to respond. It’s not by force. It’s by wisdom of knowing.

Ultimately, all those who are touched by the Gospel of the grace of God must choose to receive or to reject, to believe or to refuse. And, the Scriptures warn the consequences of each of every person’s choices. It is written the Gospel declares: ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:16-18 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.