"Jesus exalts what the world despises and rejects what it admires."

-Alistair Begg 9/2026  

Admitting We are Poor

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Luke 6:17-36

17-18  ..."Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place; and there was a large crowd of His disciples, and a great throng of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were being cured. 

19  And all the people were trying to touch Him, for power was coming from Him and healing them all.

20  And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 

21  Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. 

22  Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. 

23  Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets. 

24  But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full. 

25  Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 

26  Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.

27-28  But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 

29  Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. 

30  Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. 

31  Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. 

32  If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 

33  If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 

34  If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. 

35  But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. 

36  Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful..."

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Admitting We Are Poor

-Alistair Begg

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Partiality, Preferential Treatment, and Distinctions

Sharing Today's Alistair Begg Devotional--------with my own emphasis in colors:

Show No Partiality

"My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory."

James 2:1

A living faith is not only a listening faith but also a doing faith. True belief manifests itself in action—and, in some cases, in inaction. In other words, true faith is known not only by what it does but also by what it doesn’t do—for example, as James points out, by not showing partiality.

Partiality—the sin of treating people differently due to their outward appearance, status, or usefulness—was a clear and present danger in James’ day, and it remains so in our own. James was not condemning all acknowledgment of distinctions, or even preferential treatment for legitimate reasons. A young man who gives up his bus seat for an elderly woman is not running foul of James’ teaching! Rather, what James was making absolutely clear is this: external characteristics, and especially those that indicate wealth, in and of themselves do not mean that someone deserves honor.

This is the point of the illustration in James 2: if two men enter our gathering, one in fine clothing and the other in shabby, and the wealthy man gets the place of honor while the poor man gets shoved aside, then we are guilty of the sin of partiality. To give such preferential treatment to the wealthy would be to make “distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts” (v 4). God does not judge us by such distinctions, and so neither should we judge others in this way.

In His life and ministry, Jesus displayed how impartiality ought to look. He was willing to allow a woman of ill repute to weep over Him and for her tears to wash His feet (Luke 7:36-50). And He was just as prepared to call a rich man down from a tree to take Him to his house (19:1-10). Why? Because He knew that great wealth and worldly honor do not and cannot make someone more valuable in God’s eyes. He was well-acquainted with both the richest of riches and the lowest circumstances imaginable. In descending from heaven, exchanging honor for humility, Jesus set aside the glory which was His due in order to draw near to and save sinners like us—rich and poor alike.

When we grasp the wonder of this reality, we begin to see the true ugliness of judging others on the basis of the external and superficial. Partiality should have no place among the people of God because if we know God at all, it is because He dealt with us impartially. Be honest with yourself, then, and ask the Lord for the grace to see others in the way He does and to show others the mercy and grace He has shown you.

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---Thank you, Pastor Begg

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Our Frail Memories

-PLUGGERS

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But don't forget who saved you from your sins!

Ephesians 2:4-10

..."But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions,

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, 

so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."...

Glory to God!

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Honor Our Country's Freedom: Paid with the High Cost of Lives Lost, and for Those Who Continued to Live.

Honor our Country for it is where we have received such freedom which the rest of the world desperately desires.

Hear Him!

 ~Kinsman Co.

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..."Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,

your loosen'd tongues employ;

ye blind, behold your Savior come;

and leap, ye lame, for joy."

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Nehemiah 8:10

..."Then he said to them,

 'Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, 

and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; 

for this day is holy to our Lord.' 

Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” ...

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Luke 15:3-7

..."So He [Jesus] told them this parable, saying,

“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?

When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 

‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’

I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."...

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2 John 1:12

..."Though I have many things to write to you, 

I do not want to do so with paper and ink; 

but I hope to come to you and speak 

face to face, so that your joy may be 

made full."...

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1 Peter 1:3-9

..."Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord 

Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has 

caused us to be born again to a living hope through 

the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 

to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable 

and undefiled and will not fade away, 

reserved in heaven for you, who are protected 

by the power of God through faith for a 

salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now 

for a little while, if necessary, you have been 

distressed by various trials, so that the proof 

of your faith, being more precious than gold 

which is perishable, even though tested by fire, 

may be found to result in praise and glory and 

honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and 

though you have not seen Him, you love 

Him, and though you do not see Him now, 

but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with 

joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining 

as the outcome of your faith the salvation 

of your souls."...

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GLORY to the LORD GOD!

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As a Mother...

"When you have a child, 

you decide to have your heart 

living a lifetime 

outside your body."

~Unknown

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A Gem of a Jewel

This world is not our home -this is a way of thinking and of living for a Christian, a Believer in Jesus as our Savior. 

We have a great and wonderful Truth in which to set our hope.

Trouble is a way of life in this world. Sorrows, injustices, hatred, falsehoods, betrayals...

But as a Believer we rest our hope in our life with Jesus among a fallen world. Our choices are to be aware of our surroundings, but to live in joy because of our Savior.

All day, everyday we can find comfort and joy in Him. Troubles can envelope us, but we can choose to look and remember the "gems and jewels" which surround us or the memories we treasure and His word in our hearts and minds.

Don't give up, don't give in to this world's choices, evil, and treachery. There is a way of life that is so very worth living, and this life is living for the Lord Jesus!

Look around you--if only in your memories and live a life of "gems and jewels".

Glory to the LORD!

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2 Corinthians 5:6-7

..."Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— for we walk by faith, not by sight— "

Romans 8:18

..."For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us"....

1 Peter 2:9-10

..."But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."...

James 1:22

..."But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves."...

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Enjoy Your Autumn!

Enjoy this new season, and humbly pray for the persecuted...LORD, have mercy...hear our cry...
 

Never Forget

 Psalm 73

"Surely God is good to Israel, 

  to those who are pure in heart.

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
   I had nearly lost my foothold.

For I envied the arrogant
    when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

 

They have no struggles;
  their bodies are healthy and strong.

They are free from common human burdens;
    they are not plagued by human ills.

 

Therefore pride is their necklace;
    they clothe themselves with violence.

From their callous hearts comes iniquity;
    their evil imaginations have no limits.

 

They scoff, and speak with malice;
    with arrogance they threaten oppression.

Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
    and their tongues take possession of the earth.

Therefore their people turn to them
    and drink up waters in abundance.

They say, “How would God know?
    Does the Most High know anything?”

 

This is what the wicked are like—
    always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.

Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
    and have washed my hands in innocence.

 

All day long I have been afflicted,
    and every morning brings new punishments.

If I had spoken out like that,
    I would have betrayed your children.

When I tried to understand all this,
    it troubled me deeply

till I entered the sanctuary of God;
    then I understood their final destiny.

Surely you place them on slippery ground;
    you cast them down to ruin.

How suddenly are they destroyed,
    completely swept away by terrors!

They are like a dream when one awakes;
    when you arise, Lord,
    you will despise them as fantasies.

 

When my heart was grieved
    and my spirit embittered,

I was senseless and ignorant;
    I was a brute beast before you.

Yet I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever.

 

Those who are far from you will perish;
    you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

But as for me, it is good to be near God.
    I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
    I will tell of all your deeds."

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"Don't 'fit in'...Do what's right!"

-My title to this meme came from a precious person in my life when I asked his advice.

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Do not be surprised at your fiery ordeal

 1 Peter 4:7-19

..."The end of all things is near;

 therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 

Be hospitable to one another without complaint.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?

Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right."

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Jesus' mercy and grace is on display in we sinners who are saved by His marvelous grace.

..."a saint is someone who is no longer under condemnation for sin; or controlled by sin.

A saint is someone who has been humbled by the reality of her sinful impulses, her sin-infected motives, and her sin-stained record.

But instead of being constantly crushed by this reality, she finds herself constantly grateful for a far greater reality -- the reality of the grace and mercy extended to her in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

This grace keeps drawing her to turn toward Christ in sorrow over her sin.

She keeps finding that this grace is giving her power to forsake sin.

This grace is freely available to the last person you expect to become a Christian, whether that person is someone you see on the news, in your family photo, at your workplace, or in the mirror.

But it must be received.

Look at Saul, the Hebrew of Hebrews, who became Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles; a blasphemer who became a believer, a predator who became a preacher, a terrorist who became a theologian, a law-keeper who became a grace-receiver, a scoundrel who became a saint.

See and know that Jesus loves to put his mercy and grace on display in the lives of the worst of sinners."

- Nancy Guthrie, Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus: the Worst

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Marvelous Grace of our Loving Lord

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,

Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!

Yonder on Calvary's mount out-poured–

There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Sin and despair, like the sea-waves cold,

Threaten the soul with infinite loss;

Grace that is greater– yes, grace untold–

Points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,

Freely bestowed on all who believe!

All who are longing to see His face,

Will you this moment His grace receive?

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God's grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin!

-Julia Johnston

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1 John 1:5-9

..."This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us."

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Life is short: Choose Righteousness Together!

Ephesians 2:4-10

..."God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, 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, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."...

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There has always been Anxious Times

-Schulz

 Isaiah 35:3-4

..."Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble.

Say to those with anxious heart,

“Take courage, fear not.

Behold, your God will come with vengeance;

The recompense of God will come,

But He will save you.”...

Isaiah 41:10, 31

...‘Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’...

... “For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand,

Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’...

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The Joys of Motherhood

The joys and struggles of motherhood. 

We go from saying: 

"Aren't they sweet?!"  

to, 

"Why can't I keep them in a row anymore!?"

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Praying for Prodigals

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Tears of Joy from His Marvelous Grace!

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,

Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!

Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,

There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,

Threaten the soul with infinite loss;

Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,

Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.

What can we do to wash it away?

Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,

Brighter than snow you may be today.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,

Freely bestowed on all who believe!

You that are longing to see His face,

Will you this moment His grace receive?

Grace, grace, God’s grace

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin.

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Ephesians 2:1-10

..."And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.

Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, 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, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."...

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Cry Out to the LORD God Almighty!

 Psalm 56

"Be gracious to me, O God, 

for man has trampled upon me;


Fighting all day long he oppresses me.

My foes have trampled upon me all day long,


For they are many who fight 

proudly against me.

When I am afraid,


I will put my trust in You.

 

In God, whose word I praise,


In God I have put my trust;


I shall not be afraid.


What can mere man do to me?

 

All day long they distort my words;


All their thoughts are against me for evil.

 

They attack, 

they lurk,


They watch my steps,


As they have waited to take my life.

 

Because of wickedness, 

cast them forth,


In anger put down the peoples, O God!

 

You have taken account of my wanderings;


Put my tears in Your bottle.


Are they not in Your book?

 

Then my enemies will turn back 

in the day when I call;


This I know, that God is for me.

 

In God, whose word I praise,


In the Lord, whose word I praise,

 

In God I have put my trust, 

I shall not be afraid.


What can man do to me?

 

Your vows are binding upon me, O God;


I will render thank offerings to You.

 

For You have delivered my soul from death,


Indeed my feet from stumbling,


So that I may walk before God


In the light of the living."

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