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.

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 2025-09-09 14:25:45.

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.

Anthony Diaz 8/28/25 Anthony Diaz 8/28/25

A Healthy Church

We are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9 NLT.

The word church comes from a Greek word, ecclesia, which means “to call out.” The church is composed of all those true believers from Pentecost onward who are united together in Christ. The Bible teaches that we are the body of Christ, of which He is the Head (Ephesians 1:22–23). Within the vast complexities, bureaucracies, organizations, and institutions of Christendom there exists the true body of Christ. They are the ones who have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27). They are scattered in all denominations, and many are in no denomination at all. This is the church against which Christ promised the gates of Hell would never prevail (Matthew 16:18). The church needs to be called back to biblical authority. The Protestant church today is possibly as far from the authority of the Scriptures as was the Roman church in the sixteenth century. We desperately need a new reformation within the Protestant church. Only a healthy church can help a sick world. Much social action today is nothing but sheer humanism. True members of the church are those who have been transformed by the power of Christ. The changing of people’s hearts is the primary mission of the church. To proclaim the entire gospel of Christ is the only answer to mankind’s deepest needs.

Anthony Diaz 8/27/25 Anthony Diaz 8/27/25

Blessing From God

Children are a gift from the LORD. Psalm 127:3 NLT.

A study of world history reveals that there isn’t a single time when conditions were ideal or the future was not unstable. Even when social and political circumstances have been reasonably good, the world has been ravaged by natural disasters, plagues, and war. While modern medicine has removed many of the things that threatened life only a generation or two ago, modern technology has developed weapons of mass destruction that can wipe out entire civilizations. But thankfully, God is in control of the future. The Bible gives many examples of harsh times. The Jewish people were carried away into captivity and faced a dismal future because of their disobedience, but Jeremiah told them, “Marry and have sons and daughters. . . . ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to . . . give you hope and a future’ ” (Jeremiah 29:6, 11 NIV). This does not mean everything will be easy in life. But our responsibility is clear: if God gives children to us, we should do whatever we can to strengthen them spiritually so that they, too, can face the future with a confident hope in God and be an example to others. Children, indeed, are a blessing from the Lord, and parents should raise them up to love Him, obey Him, and become witnesses for the Lord who brings peace and joy to families.

Anthony Diaz 8/26/25 Anthony Diaz 8/26/25

Joyful Obedience

“I have come . . . not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 6:38.

Just to say “believe in Jesus” can produce a false assurance of salvation because even the devil “believes in Jesus.” To believe in Jesus is to turn from a life of sin, receive Him as Savior, and follow Him as Lord by obeying His Word. When this happens, a person’s desires change. When Jesus traveled the countryside, great crowds sought Him. But He knew the people desired to see His great miracles more than hear His words, so He told them: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost?” (Luke 14:28). When He began to tell them that He would soon die and be raised to life again, many people left Him and “walked with Him no more” (John 6:66). They didn’t want to follow someone who promised eternal life if it meant the cruelty of death. They were disciples in name only—and they walked away from the truth because their faith was insincere. Jesus paid the cost of our salvation with His blood, but there is a cost to following this wonderful Savior. Do not miss the glory of walking with the One who loves you and cares about everything that happens in your life. Those who truly believe in Him will want to obey Him with joy, no matter the cost.

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

Be Of Good Courage

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Hebrews 6:19.

There is a longing in our hearts for happiness. The human spirit also groans for something new. We run after hope as though it has magical power. We trick ourselves into believing that if everything lines up just right, we’ll gain hope and success. But true hope is a sure thing, and it is only found with certainty in the man Jesus Christ. The history of mankind has been a continuous series of half successes and total failures. Prosperity exists for a time, only to be followed by war and depression. Civilizations have come and gone. Success is worshiped, and God is disdained. Pleasure takes precedence over purity, and gain has priority over God. People still battle with the same problems over and over again. One day, the fluctuations of time, the swinging of the pendulum from war to peace, from starvation to plenty, from chaos to order, will end forever because the Bible says, “And of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:33). Determination is only part of realizing hope. True hope is not dependent upon us but rather where our hope is anchored. “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all [you] that hope in the LORD” (Psalm 31:24 KJV). We can walk in the “newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Place your trust in the God of hope.