This picture was taken a few years ago on the week of my birthday. For some reason, I usually equate a nature get-away with a great way to celebrate. It serves as a way to break up and scatter my responsibilities or a way to lighten some of the burdens of life.

This year, I felt inspired to gather my family around. We didn’t go anywhere for our “get-away” but gathered near to those loved ones whom God has blessed us with.

In this passage, some wanted to test Jesus, looking for a sign from heaven for their own “profit”. In turn, Jesus taught them to examine their motives. Rather than play into their human logic, He was able to teach them a heavenly truth.

Those who gather with Him are for His coming kingdom (stronger than the mightiest status quo). Wow! If we could comprehend what the Kingdom of God will do, then no longer would we be playing “chess” with our Creator and Redeemer.

It is by grace you have been saved through faith… (Ephesians 2:8.9). How can we not be amazed at God’s great power through His gift to the world through His Son.

I was startled to see a post about a Netflix series called “Adolescence”. It was shocking to examine the use of emojis to change cultural word meanings in order to convey debased thinking. What a trick of Satan to snag the minds of our nation’s bright future.

Those who gather their loved ones are less at risk. The only sure outcome for navigating a life path full of proverbial traps is choosing the narrow way. This starts by trusting Jesus as Savior and LORD.

Gathering with Him, is a gift that keeps on giving. He rescues us daily, hourly, minute by minute as we turn to Him. Being in a right relationship means we are no longer alone. – Teresa #mercy #love #acceptance

Luke11:14-24 (ESV)

Jesus and Beelzebul

¹⁴ Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. ¹⁵ But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” ¹⁶ while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. ¹⁷ But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.¹⁸ And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. ¹⁹ And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. ²⁰ But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. ²¹ When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; ²² but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.²³ Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.