Anthony Diaz 9/17/25 Anthony Diaz 9/17/25

Obedient Channels

Beloved, let us love one another. 1 John 4:7.

Visualize a triangle with God at the highest point and the two lower points are “You” and “Others.” This is a diagram of a relationship with God and man. Our lives before accepting Christ as Savior are represented by a single dot of self-centeredness, but in salvation, we now make contact with two worlds. Truth flows from God to the believer and out to others who cross our paths. We become obedient channels of His truth and love. To say we love God but care nothing for others is to deny God’s Word. Personal faith in Jesus Christ is what makes us able to reach out to others and become a testimony for Him. Once a cartoonist depicted a man rowing a boat toward a golden shore labeled “Heaven.” All around him were people struggling in vain to reach the shore, but he was heedless of their peril. He was singing, “I am bound for Heaven, hallelujah!” This is not an adequate picture of the Christian life. When we have the Lord in our hearts, He gives us peace with Him and with our fellow man. This is our calling, to be His light in a dark world. “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:8–9).

Graham, Billy. Truth for Each Day : Daily Devotions to Renew Your Mind and Inspire Your Soul (a 365-Day Devotional), Thomas Nelson Incorporated, 2023. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=30516542.
Created from liberty on 2025-09-17 03:04:21.

Anthony Diaz 9/16/25 Anthony Diaz 9/16/25

Animals In Heaven?

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44.

God’s creation story includes His creative work in the animal kingdom. “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle . . . and everything . . . on the earth. . . . And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:24–25). All of this took place before sin entered the world. We know that God gave animals to mankind for a purpose, because before the great Flood, God preserved every species—male and female—on the ark so they would inhabit the land again. Animals are among God’s many diverse gifts to man. It’s important, though, to understand that Jesus Christ died for our souls to give us life eternal in Heaven. While we can enjoy the many things God has created for us on earth, we have a responsibility toward other people. He calls us to love one another and gives us His own example of love toward us. It is hard for us to love others if we do not first love the Lord Jesus Christ. Do not miss Heaven. Even when we allow our imaginations to run wild on the joys of Heaven, we will not really know the realities until we are there, but one thing is certain, nothing will compare to being in the eternal presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. What a thrilling future for those who know that someday we will populate the kingdom of God.

Anthony Diaz 9/15/25 Anthony Diaz 9/15/25

Fruitful Lives

“He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.” John 15:5.

It is hard to understand the Christian life without understanding the Person and the work of God’s Spirit, but what a marvelous picture we have in the New Testament book of Galatians, chapter 5. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. . . . If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (vv. 22–23, 25). We cannot do this on our own, but as children of God He gives us the gift of His Spirit that resides within us and helps us live according to His example and His loving commands. This cluster of fruit should characterize the life of every child of God. We’re to be filled with love, joy, and peace. We’re to exhibit patience and extend gentleness and kindness to those we meet. We’re to be filled with goodness, meekness, and temperance. As we grow in Christ and put Him on the throne of our lives, God’s Spirit becomes dominant in our thinking and in our actions. God intends for Christians to live on the highest plane, bearing the fruit of His Spirit because it’s His Spirit that empowers us. When we’re praying daily for the Lord to empower us, our desire for immorality, dishonesty, jealousy, and all these other things that beset man can no longer find a place in our lives to dwell.

Anthony Diaz 9/14/25 Anthony Diaz 9/14/25

Strong In The Lord

When I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10.

When we seek the promises of God’s Word, His truth will uphold us daily, no matter what we go through. We must turn constantly to Him in prayer, confident not only that He hears us but remembering that even now Jesus intercedes for us. When we focus our thoughts on Christ and maintain our connection, His very words encourage us and keep us pressing onward. The Bible’s words are true: “Neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39). True joy is derived from depending on the Lord Jesus. He is the One who supplies our strength in weakness, for when we are weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). Strength is found in the wisdom of God, and that is at our disposal whether young or old. We do not have to let the world hold us captive as we work and live in this world; our freedom is in Christ. When faith begins to fade, we must ask the Lord to stir it up by considering all He has done for us, and be strong, for the Bible declares, “My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!” (Haggai 2:5).

Anthony Diaz 9/13/25 Anthony Diaz 9/13/25

Serious Business

This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:17.

ESV Becoming a believer in Christ is a wonderful new beginning, but it isn’t the end of pain or problems. It is the beginning of facing up to them. Being a Christian involves a lifetime of hard work, dedicated study, and difficult decisions. We must beware of any belief system that claims “happy-ever-after” endings on Earth. The Christian life is not to be lived flippantly. It’s serious business. If we have our eyes upon ourselves, our problems, and our pain, we cannot lift our eyes upward. Just as a child looks up to a parent as they walk together, so are we to look up to Christ and follow Him. The majority of difficulties believers experience can be traced to a lack of Bible study and praying to the Lord for direction, correction, comfort, and assurance that He is with us every step of the way. Christianity is not an insurance policy against life’s ills and troubles; it is about glorifying Him in the midst of them. He may not take away trials or make detours for us, but He strengthens us through them. This becomes part of our testimony to the unbelieving world. We must learn to let the Word of God feed and strengthen us in living out Christ’s message to the world as we depend upon the Holy Spirit to teach us.

Anthony Diaz 9/12/25 Anthony Diaz 9/12/25

The Cost Of Discipleship

What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Philippians 3:7.

God has paid the greatest debt we will ever incur, and once we understand the incredible sacrifice He has made for us, we will be compelled to turn to Him in obedience and love. Many people want the benefits of their faith, but they hesitate at the cost of discipleship. To be a disciple of Jesus means to learn from Him, to follow Him. The cost may be high. A person must determine to leave sin behind. Living a disciplined life for Christ helps condition believers for a life of usefulness. Our minds must be set to do the will of the Lord, which is walking in obedience to God’s commands. Jesus does not call us to a life of selfish comfort and ease—He calls us to a battle! He calls us to give up our own plans and to follow Him without reserve. Yes, it costs to follow Christ. But it also costs not to follow Christ. Saving faith is a commitment to Jesus as Savior and Lord. It is more than assent to historical or theological truth given to us in God’s Word. It is faith in the promises of God that all who trust in Christ will not perish but have eternal life. Jesus didn’t use gimmicks to gain followers. He laid out tough demands of discipleship—total commitment to His Word.

Anthony Diaz 9/11/25 Anthony Diaz 9/11/25

Safe In The Midst Of The Storm

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 NLT.

In spite of modern innovations to bring ease, man has not found the cure for the plague of worry. When people are polled, it is not unusual to see that worry often tops the list of things that plague them. Cardiac specialists say that it’s one of the causes of heart trouble. Psychiatrists tell us that worry breeds nervous breakdowns and mental disorders. It’s disastrous to health, robs life of its zest, crowds out constructive and creative thinking, and cripples the soul. What’s the answer? Bickersteth, a hymn writer, wrote, “Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin. The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.” In Christ, we are relaxed and at peace in the midst of the confusions, bewilderments, and perplexities of this life. The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest. We have found peace because we have learned to trust our living God. Whenever the story is told about the little bird in the midst of the storm, peace falls upon the soul. As the sea waters beat against the rocks in dashing waves, the lightning flashed, thunder roared, and the wind blew fierce, but in the crevice of the rock a little bird was asleep, its head serenely tucked under its wing in peace. Being secure in Christ Jesus brings that perfect peace.

Anthony Diaz 9/10/25 Anthony Diaz 9/10/25

The God Of This Age

“The devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.” Luke 8:12.

The same Book that tells us of God’s love warns us constantly of the devil, who would come between us and God. Some of Satan’s favorite tricks are persuading others to ignore or deny God’s truth. The devil is real and he is an enemy. The devil is out to defeat the Christian in his or her walk with Christ and bring doubt to God’s Word. He well knows that the child of God is a dangerous enemy to his cause. He made every effort to tempt and defeat Christ, and today he concentrates on Christ’s followers. He is the commander-in-chief of the powers of evil and launches attacks against those who have taken sides with Christ and His righteousness. What the Bible says about Satan and his minions is true because it’s God’s Word. The devil harasses, accuses, tempts, deceives, and lies in his dealings with Christians. He works through his allies, the world, and the flesh. The devil uses worldliness to wreak havoc among God’s people, to hinder the progress of righteousness. The devil is a powerful foe who is called “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4). When we are filled with the Spirit of God and handle His Word with wisdom, the Word of God will defeat Satan every time.

Anthony Diaz 9/9/25 Anthony Diaz 9/9/25

Bright Future

God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:31 ESV.

After God created the world, He said it was perfect, because He had made it exactly the way He wanted it to be. He pronounced His creation very good before Satan tempted Adam and Eve and before the world was invaded by sin. Adam and Eve chose to believe Satan’s lies instead of God’s truth. God had given them everything they needed. They enjoyed fellowship with the Creator; they walked in perfect harmony with Him. But when they turned their backs on Him and listened to Satan’s lies, sin took root in the human heart. We do not live in an ideal world but in a world dominated by sinful, selfish desires. What we see taking place around the globe, rebellion and protest against God, is a revolt in the human heart concerning His truth. Many have fallen into the world’s trap, following its self-indulgent goals and driven by its self-centered motives. We must make sure that Christ is first in our lives, and make it our goal to live according to God’s Word. The history is grim, but the future is bright. Why? Because the Bible tells us that this sin-sick, fallen world will not last forever. At the end of time God will intervene, and the new Heaven and the new Earth He creates will be free from all evil and pain.

Anthony Diaz 9/8/25 Anthony Diaz 9/8/25

Fully God And Fully Man

God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law. Galatians 4:4–5.

Jesus Christ was not just a great teacher or a holy religious leader but God Himself in human flesh—fully God and fully man. Jesus is not only the Christ; He is also God, our Lord and Savior. This is an almost incomprehensible truth: God Himself came down to this planet in the Person of His only Son. The incarnation and the full deity of Jesus are the cornerstones of the Christian faith. This great truth is underscored throughout the New Testament. The Bible says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created. . . . For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell” (Colossians 1:15–16, 19). Matthew told us of the birth of Jesus and stated, “All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us’ ” (Matthew 1:22–23). Furthermore, He demonstrated the power to do things that only God can do, such as forgive sins. Christ is alive! His resurrection is a fact. His tomb is empty—and this is the compelling and central proof of His unique divine nature.

Anthony Diaz 9/7/25 Anthony Diaz 9/7/25

The Christian’s Privilege

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15.

Every believer in Jesus Christ should do the work of evangelizing because we possess the greatest message of all time—Jesus loves the world and came to redeem the world from sin. An evangelist carries a message to others, to tell people simply and clearly what God says concerning His Son, Jesus Christ, and what He has done for all. This is done with urgency because the souls of people are at stake. While some are called to do this as their life’s work, all believers have a part in spreading the gospel, and what a privilege it is. A messenger conveys a message to another. He or she may not enjoy doing it if the message contains bad news, but the messenger should be faithful to deliver it. This is the duty of the evangelist. God has given the message, and those who convey it should be faithful to every word recorded in Scripture. God’s Word alone is the authority, and it is more powerful than human personality or natural speaking ability. The Bible is always living, active, and relevant (Hebrews 4:12). Doing the work of evangelism is not a calling just for the clergy. There’s a mighty army around the world of those who follow Jesus with a vision to reach their own people for Christ.

Anthony Diaz 9/6/25 Anthony Diaz 9/6/25

The Real Joy Of Living

“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10.

We will never be free from discouragement and despondency until we know and walk with the very fountainhead of joy—Jesus Christ. We have to be tuned to God. Joy is not surface; joy runs deep. The ability to rejoice in any situation is a sign of spiritual maturity. Without dark clouds in our lives, we would never know the joy of sunshine. Suffering can give us opportunities to testify of God’s love. The world is a gigantic hospital; nowhere is there a greater chance to see the peace and joy of the Lord than when the journey through life is in the darkest valley. The Bible teaches that we are to be patient in suffering. Tears become telescopes to Heaven, bringing eternity a little closer. The important thing is to be prepared to meet God when this life is over and give account to how we’ve spent our lives while on Earth. Whoever reads these words right now can be settled and know the peace and fellowship of Jesus. When Christ transforms our hearts, it brings a glow to the face, puts a spring in our steps, and joy in our souls. Christianity flings open the windows to the real joy of living. Those who have truly been converted to Jesus Christ know the meaning of abundant living, even in the midst of trouble.

Anthony Diaz 9/5/25 Anthony Diaz 9/5/25

Denying Yourself

He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 2 Corinthians 5:15.

Selfishness is part of human nature. A child says, “It’s mine.” A teenager centers on his insecurities. An adult proclaims, “Look out for number one.” Today, advertising and “pop” psychology have raised self-centeredness to state-of-the-art levels. Two conflicting forces cannot exist in one human heart. Where selfishness rules, love cannot dwell. When Christ fills our hearts, it puts selfishness on the run. Our personalities, our intelligence, and our capabilities are gifts from God’s own bountiful hand. If we divert their use for our own profit, we become guilty of selfishness. People are conscious of “self,” and it’s important to have a right understanding of our value—that God loved us so much that He died to bring salvation to the human race. Each person develops best when he or she begins to see themselves as God sees them, as people who are so valuable to Him that He wants to cleanse them of sin and make them children of God. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).

Anthony Diaz 9/4/25 Anthony Diaz 9/4/25

The Infection And The Cure

“Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:12.

A sense of doom has settled upon the hearts of people today. No matter where they travel, there’s a specter of hopelessness. It’s seen boldly in the headlines. It’s sensed in humanity’s futile search for fulfillment. The very atmosphere seems impregnated with a stifling hopelessness that’s robbed millions of the zest for living. What keeps world powers at each other’s throats? Why is there so much intolerance? Why do world leaders gamble with the lives of millions and keep the world dangling on the precipice of war? What diabolical force drives people to crime, lust, and unbridled living? What power is it that breaks up homes? What is it that causes people to pour their futures out of a bottle and trade all that others hold dear for a few sparkling drops from the vine? Such dilemmas cause many psychiatrists to say, “It’s difficult to offer a cure.” The Bible says that the human heart is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). Human nature behaves in evil ways because of sin. But the Bible provides a cure. It’s found in someone called Jesus, and the remedy is His gospel. The entire human race is infected with sin and every trace of it can be removed. The cross of Christ is the bridge over which all must pass in order to stand with Jesus for eternity in Heaven.

Anthony Diaz 9/3/25 Anthony Diaz 9/3/25

Equipped With God’s Promises

All the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:20.

The Bible is a book of many promises, and unlike the books of men, it doesn’t change or get out of date. The Bible makes it clear that no problems in our lives are too great or too small for God’s concern. He cares about everything that affects those who belong to Him. God has given us the entirety of His Word of truth, and we must search it out, for there is great blessing in doing so. From one end of the Bible to the other, God assures us that He will never go back on His promises. But the greatest of His promises given to all mankind is found in perhaps the best-known passage, John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God has given His promise of eternal salvation and says, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). God stands ready to fill us with His words; for there is no greater armor, no greater strength, and no greater assurance that He is with us, and in us. When we walk with Him through this life He will equip and nourish us by His instruction and will help us stand firm on His promises.

Anthony Diaz 9/2/25 Anthony Diaz 9/2/25

Victims Of Delusions

[They] exchanged the truth of God for the lie. Romans 1:25.

The Bible plainly teaches that one of the characteristics of the end of this age is that people will develop a capacity for delusion rather than the truth. The scientific revolution has produced an overemphasis on the secular but a decline of faith and principle. Sin is explained away by psychological terminology. Many people are enamored and deluded by philosophies that destroy lives and nations. Surely we are living in the day of which the apostle Paul said, “They did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:10–11). What a candid picture of society today. The Bible is clear that those who reject the truth are victims of a great delusion. Today many are worshiping everything but God, thus the propensity for delusion. We see it in our gullibility for false advertising. We see this capacity for delusion in politics. Where a person has deviated from the eternal truths of God, there is darkness. When God’s truth is rejected, people are opened up to Satan’s deception. This is the importance of Christians living out their faith in God; to shine the light on the gospel—carrying a testimony of hope to those living in darkness, that they might come to know God’s truth and receive His salvation.

Anthony Diaz 9/1/25 Anthony Diaz 9/1/25

Jesus’ Divine Nature

The Lord is . . . not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 PETER 3:9.

Humans do not decide who Jesus is. Jesus Himself said that He was divine. Faith in Him is believing this truth. He said, “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30). His miracles back up His claim, as did His assertion that He could forgive sins—something only God can do (Luke 5:20–25). Repeatedly, the gospel writers pointed out the way He fulfilled the Old Testament’s prophecies concerning the Messiah. But Jesus’ divinity was demonstrated most of all by His resurrection from the dead and His ascension into Heaven—events that were witnessed by hundreds. What difference does it make? Only a sinless, divine Savior could save us, for only He could become the perfect and final sacrifice for our sins. This is truth that has stood the test of time. We should thank Him daily for leaving Heaven’s glory and coming to Earth for us. He walked the dusty ground of Earth and suffered unimaginable pain, and He did it because of His love for mankind. God could not consistently love mankind if He had not provided for the judgment of evildoers. But there is one thing that God cannot do; He cannot forgive unrepentant sinners. His desire is for all people to find His redeeming love. Let Christ occupy every area of our lives that others may see Jesus in us.

Anthony Diaz 8/31/25 Anthony Diaz 8/31/25

When Doubt Strikes

Let him ask of God. . . . in faith, with no doubting. James 1:5–6.

Doubts can be debilitating. When sincere Christians hear critics attack the Bible, there may be increased temptation to doubt God’s Word. When confronted with the reality of doubt, people may question, “Am I really saved?” Satan will do everything he can to cause doubt about our salvation in Christ and destroy our witness. When we find ourselves doubting what Christ has done for us, it is often because we open our ears and minds to what others say. This is the story of Eve. She “listened” to the serpent, Satan. He twisted God’s Word, which brought confusion to Eve (Genesis 3). Instead of listening to him, she should have repeated God’s command and taken to heart His words of truth. Christians often respond like Eve. Many unbelievers are skilled at twisting God’s Word and distorting its truth to accommodate the destructive morals and secular behavior that they are not willing to give up. Doubt can be an effective tool for Satan. Doubt can also be planted within us by the Holy Spirit to cause us to examine ourselves. If there is not a time we can remember of confessing our sins to God and accepting His forgiveness, doubt can be a blessing that will bring us to faith in Him. It is God who gives us faith to believe Him, and it is Christ who brings assurance to our souls.

Anthony Diaz 8/30/25 Anthony Diaz 8/30/25

Our Christian Witness

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom. Colossians 1:28 ESV.

All Christians are witnesses; they are either sharing what Christ has done in their lives by word and deed, or they are not. Some are negative witnesses; others keep silent about their faith, and others are quick to proclaim that Christ saves from sin. Every believer should desire to share this great news. There is no substitute for the witness of the facts of the gospel—the Holy Scriptures. The apostle Paul gave an example of such witness: “I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you. . . . that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:1, 3–4). For those who fear to speak out, let the Word of God speak for you. Satan will do everything he can to make you fearful, but he cowers at the spoken and written Word of God because he knows its power. Quoting Scripture is the one thing the devil cannot stand; it defeats him every time. When we witness, the Spirit of God goes before us, preparing the way, giving us the words, and granting us courage. But this does not come without knowing God’s Word. It is our responsibility to read the Bible and declare its great truths. It is the greatest honor a Christian has: to speak the very words of God.

Anthony Diaz 8/29/25 Anthony Diaz 8/29/25

Take A Stand

Speak each man the truth to his neighbor. Zechariah 8:16 Christians understand that the world is embroiled in the great battle between right and wrong, just as the Bible says. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness” (Isaiah 5:20). Christian responsibility is to speak truth in the midst of an unbelieving world. When God’s people speak the truth from Scripture, it does offend. Some Christians may do this in the wrong spirit, but God’s truth remains and God Himself will fight our battles. But this does not mean that Christians are to be silent when society assaults the Word of God. We must take a stand in light of truth—God’s truth. It is important to understand that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). The battles on Earth are far less than what is taking place in the heavenly realm known to God. But on Earth, He empowers His people to be strong and to put on the armor of God. We need to take up the shield of faith and stand on biblical truth and be the light of Christ. God’s people ought to fight for His truth because it is the only hope that mankind has to live in freedom for eternity.
Graham, Billy. Truth for Each Day : Daily Devotions to Renew Your Mind and Inspire Your Soul (a 365-Day Devotional), Thomas Nelson Incorporated, 2023. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=30516542.
Created from liberty on 2025-08-26 15:57:48.