Jesus does not want to be in your heart and life He wants to own it and rule it well… I say unto you, that unto every one that hath (faithfulness) shall be given; but from him that hath not (no faithfulness), even that which he hath shall be taken away from him. But these mine enemies, that would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me...Luke 19:26-27. If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Whosoever doth not bear his own cross (burden to be a Christian), and come after me, cannot be my disciple...Luke 14:26-27. …having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all...Ephesians 1:18-23. Jesus must be supreme ruler of your heart mind souls and spirits. Jesus does not just want to be in your life He wants to rule it will. Jesus does not want to be in your heart He wants to own and rule it. Will you give all to Jesus in repentance and follow the revealed truth by doing what is good right and true? Jesus has to be first place in your life…He is enthroned above and is the head of the church do not put anyone above Him. Prayer Father we surrender all to Jesus and ask He would rule us well we bring not an offering of money but our hearts and minds and lives and offer these to Him please meet our needs and grant us repentance…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Jesus heals someone who asked…sought…and knocked on His door… As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God...Luke 18:35-43. This blind beggar could not find a door but Jesus is the door to heaven. Hears about Jesus and He close by even walking by. He thinks this is good news all I have to do is get and audience with Jesus just to be heard. This blind man keeps calling on Jesus until he had a chance to ask Jesus let me recover my sight…and Jesus being full of grace and truth granted his unceasing request. He would not stop calling out to Jesus! Jesus knew what he wanted but ask what do you want me to do for you? Then after being healed he followed Jesus. May we all have a break through…and follow Jesus We can ask Jesus in prayer in fact Jesus said ask…seek…knock and door will be opened unto you. When is the last time you called on Jesus for something you prayed about without ceasing? Prayer Father I ask you would heal us from our sin and infirmities…I ask that you would hear us and grant our requests for healing that we have been asking and seeking waiting for the door to be opened…please open the door and come heal us…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Will no religious people be forgiven or just the religious… He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”...Luke 18:9-14. In this parable…Jesus says the one who confessed his sin and that he was a sinner was justified or just-as-if -I’d never sinned. Yet the religious Pharisees gave God his resume of being religious and never confessed his sin. The tax collector knew he was a sinful man in need of mercy but the religious Pharisee thought he had no sin and was telling God how grateful he was that he was not a sinner. Oh may we realize where we stand with God as sinful men and women. Jesus died on a cross to take away our sinful pasts and give us future with Him. Jesus said unless one is born of the water and the Spirit a person cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Jesus said unless one believes He died and was raised from the dead and is baptized will be saved. IN this parable we read the value of confession of sin. Have you beat your chest and asked God to forgive you a sinner…yes or no? Have you been baptized to obey Jesus…yes or no? Prayer Father please forgive us of our sins we are just sinners without you justifying us…please show us mercy and grant us repentance where we need to grow closer to you…please meet our soul;s deepest needs so we can be reconciled to You and Your only Son Jesus who died on the cross and was raised from the dead to cleanse us…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

A short devotional on the Unjust Judge in the last of days… And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”...Luke 18:1-8. Just before Jesus gave us this parable He spoke of dark times in which we would want to see one of the days of the Son of man. In this parable Jesus speaks of the authority of a unjust judge. This judge does not regard man or God. He only does what he thinks best. There is a widow who has none to support here and she just keep coming to the judge for justice. The Judge does not care about he widow or her just cause but is only worried that she keeps coming and pestering him. He gives her the justice she asked for. Jesus said hear what the unjust judge said…he did it out of personal reasons not due to justice or mercy. We today are living in the last of days and we will have to face people and authority of this type. May we be wise in the ways of this world to get our just causes done. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

We should give God thanks for His many blessings… On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”...Luke 17:11-19. How many Christians take for granted blessings coming from God? There were ten lepers cleansed and only one gave thanks to the source. Many of us give credit to the doctors and not to God or as is has been said God does the healing and the doctor collects the fee. Perhaps we should be like this outcast among outcasts…a leper was an outcast but to also be a Samaritan was double trouble, yet his heart declared gratitude and honor to the source of His cleansing and healing. May we all give God thanks for the miracles and blessings in our lives. Prayer Father thank you for the times in my life where you have healed me, comforted me and thanks you for being a blessing to me in so many ways, please meet our soul’s deepest need for a heart of gratitude and forgive me of the times I have not been grateful for the things in my life…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Your unprofitable and faithful servant reporting for duty… Jesus said…“Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”...Luke 17:7-10. One day we will rest from our labors…one day we will receive a reward. One day we will be in heaven with Jesus and the Father. One day we will rejoice forever more. That day has not yet come…we must remain vigilant and diligent in the things and works of God. Our prayers…our encouragement…our teaching…our tears…our pains will all seem as if they or nothing compared to the glory which awaits us when we hear well done my good and faithful servant. Prayer Father please forgive us of our sins, we have forgiven those who have done us wrong. Please help us to remain vigilant and diligent in your service and please give us this day our daily dose of truth because Jesus is the truth and bread of life, we are just unprofitable servants reporting for duty…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment

Do not put Christians to the test by tempting or testing them to sin against God… And Jesus (he) said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”...Luke 17:1-4. It is better to die drowning in the sea with a heavy millstone or concrete block around your neck than to cause a Christian to sin. Jesus said it is better off for you to die than to cause a Christian to stumble. There are some people who just love to take you down a notch. Love to knock you off their perceived pedestal. Some people call it sport to or a game to cause a Christian to make a mistake and sin. For those who tempt another to sin…it is better to die than to try or cause a Christian to sin a sin against God. Jesus also says we are to forgive those who offend us or tempt us when they repent. However we as Christians must rebuke or reprove them or call their attention to what they have done to us to offend us. Then when they repent or stop the behavior, we are to forgive the actions against us. Yet Jesus still said you are better off dead than to tempt a Christian to sin…We may forgive but God is the avenger of wrath and punishment. Prayer Father help us to forgive and please be our avenger and deliverance from those who put us in circumstances that may cause us to sin…please meet our soul’s deepest needs so we may prosper and be in health as our soul prospers…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

It does not matter what you done son…just stop and come home… God is pleading for you to stop sinning and come home. God wants and has provided everything you need to be a peace with Him and included in the family of God. You were baptized and raised with Jesus just stop your rebellion and come home. God will receive you…as it is written Therefore, come out from the midst of them and be separate," says the Lord, "and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you; And I shall be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters," says the Lord Almighty...2 Corinthians 6:17-18. Do you want an Almighty Father who will provide all that you need…then repent or stop and come home… Then He said, "A certain man had two sons; And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me that portion of the property which falls to me.' And he divided to them his living. And not many days after, the younger son gathered everything together and departed into a distant country. And there he wasted all his substance, living in debauchery. But after he had spent everything, there arose a severe famine throughout that country, and he began to be in need. Then he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he was longing to fill his stomach with the husks that the swine were eating, but no one gave anything to him. And when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have an abundance of bread, and I am dying of hunger? I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; And I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired servants." ' And he arose and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran and embraced him, and ardently kissed him. And his son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servant, 'Bring out a robe, the best robe, and clothe him, and give him a ring for his hand and sandals for his feet; And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and be merry. For this my son was dead, but is alive again; and he was lost, but is found.' And they began to be merry. But his elder son was in a field; and when he was coming back, and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. And after calling one of the servants nearby, he inquired what these things might be. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come home, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him safe and well.' Then he was angry and would not go in. As a result, his father came out and pleaded with him. But he answered and said to his father, 'Behold, I have served you so many years, and never did I transgress your commandment; yet you never gave me a kid, so that I might make merry with my friends; But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed the fattened calf for him.' Then he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But it was fitting to make merry and rejoice because your brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, but is found.' " ...Luke 15:11-32. Prayer Father who is in Heaven Holy is your name…please give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins…we have forgiven those who done us wrong….we renounce satan and anything you forbid…please teach us better and grant us repentance for Yours is the power the kingdom and the glory forevermore amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Why are you trying to divide the Lord’s church…God hates those who do… There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood; A heart that deviseth wicked purposes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, A false witness that uttereth lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren...Proverbs 6:16-19. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned...Titus 3:10-11. Now it is obligatory that a servant of the Lord not be argumentative, but gentle toward all, competent to teach, forbearing, In meekness correcting those who set themselves in opposition; if perhaps God may grant them repentance unto acknowledging of the truth, And that they may wake up and escape from the devil's snare, who have been taken captive by him to do his will...2 Timothy 2:24-26. Some people live to argue a point…but is arguing worth the losing of your soul? Jesus said we shall know the truth and the truth will set us free. There are many people who argue over doctrines and I do not mean the doctrine of salvation. To them I would ask do you have to know everything doctrinally to go to heaven? The child that has been baptized does not know many doctrines but is saved just the same as those who do teach many doctrines. These verses should warn and instruct us not to divide the Lord’s church based upon man teaching. Major in the majors and minor in the minor teachings. Father help us not to argue and divide Your Only Son’s church please help us major in the majors and minor in the minor things of You…we do not want to be the pharisees which Jesus condemned for not showing mercy, justice and faith…please grant us repentance and unity in the church of Christ…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Jesus is looking for you the lost sheep… And he spake unto them this parable, saying, What man of you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and his neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons, who need no repentance...Luke 15:3-7. Are you the black sheep or the lost sheep knowing you have done some wrong things and are lost because you are living in a sinful condition…yes or no? Jesus is looking for you to change and call on Him to save you and reconcile with you. In this parable Jesus calls us sheep and having one go astray…is this you? How's your heart condition are you beating for Jesus if not then go to Jesus in prayer and ask for the necessary things to be strengthened to get back on the right path. Jesus is saying it does not matter what you done…I am looking for you to return to the safety of the sheepfold and I am your Good Shepherd. You shall have no other gods before Me… You Shall not take the name of God or Jesus in vain…only use in prayer or teaching You shall not make any graven image and bow yourself to them…do not worship the created Keep yourself Holy and remember the Sabbath say and now every day is treated as the sabbath…Jesus said to the Samaritan woman that any day now God accepts worship if it is in Spirit and Truth…so keep yourself in the love and grace of God by obeying the truth and you will not need to crucify Jesus again for your sins. Honor your mom and dad…they took care of you in diapers you take care of them in diapers You shall not murder… You shall not commit adultery… You shall not steal… You shall not bear false witness…have you told a lie or participated in a lie? You shall not covet but want what God is given you and continues to give you. Prayer Father please meet our soul’s deepest needs and heal us from our wayward path…we want to be strengthened in the truth and obey You…please grant us repentance where needed so we can be reconciled with You and Your Only Son Jesus…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Many are blessed by Jesus and consider Him Lord but many do not obey Jesus… And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 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, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are; then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets; and he shall say, I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and yourselves cast forth without. And they shall come from the east and west, and from the north and south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And behold, there are last who shall be first, and there are first who shall be last. ...Luke 13:23-30. God is so good He blesses even the evil with rain, but how many evil people actually render true obedience from the heart? How many of our religious neighbors say Jesus is God’s only Son yet live as people in need of forgiveness because they have not fully surrendered to Jesus. Perhaps they have not been baptized and do not understand Jesus grace covers their sin because they remain obedient to Jesus. My best has to be covered in grace from Jesus to be accepted by the Father. I do make mistakes and sin but it is not a lifestyle of sin. Many of our religious neighbors have a lifestyle of sin and think they are saved because they have been blessed by the God of Gods…I hope they realize where they stand before the door is shut and they are cast into the outer darkness. Prayer Father please reveal the truth to us where we have went wrong and are not right with You and please grant us repentance where needed so we can change and overcome our bad habits or even a lifestyle that does not honor You…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography

Your unprofitable servant reporting for duty… No man, when he hath lighted a lamp, putteth it in a cellar, neither under the bushel, but on the stand, that they which enter in may see the light. The lamp of thy body is thine eye: when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when it is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Look therefore whether the light that is in thee be not darkness. If therefore thy whole body be full of light, having no part dark, it shall be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining doth give thee light...Luke 11:33-36. How many are coveting this world and the things of the world instead of wanting what God has given us to want? Many think that money or success is God’s approval. Jesus however lived poor and had no house but only His clothes and was the king of kings. Are we completely committed to only wanting what Jesus will is for us to do? Or are we give me this and I will do that? We must be completely committed to whatever Jesus will is or as it is written your unprofitable servant reporting for duty. We cannot mix this world’s philosophies with Jesus will or its principles. When we pray is it a to do list for God or just reporting for duty? Prayer Father we confess our selfishness and ask that You would make as wholly full of Jesus light or will…we are Your unprofitable servant reporting for duty…let Your will be done…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend #benjaminbrianstewart #Love #Christianity #Faith #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Art #ChristianLife #Gospel #ChristianInspiration #Salvation #ChristianCommunity #love #instagood #photoftheday #beautiful #happy #new #sports #entertainment #technology #business #fashion #health #travel #food #music #art #photography Ying Yang