I am planning on a short daily study from the book of Acts for the month of February. Beginning with chapter one for the first day, and a chapter for each day following.
I pray these studies will be fitting, encouraging, constructive and full of instruction and correction for those in the Body of Christ today.
Luke
Christmas Day 7
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want to always hear the word of God, and to do it; and I want all who are neglecting to hear His word, and searching in other documents, and signs, and wonders, and sorcery to know that if you will not hear God’s word in the Holy Bible you will not hear Him, though One rose from the dead.
“…Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:29-31 (KJV)
Christmas Day 40
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want to always know, trust, and believe that a man’s wealth is not determined by the things he possesses, but by the Person who has his heart; and I want all who read this to know, trust and believe that as well.
“Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15 (KJV)
Camp Delight – Christmas Day Two Hundred and Eight
What do I want for Christmas?
I want the Camp Cooks, Bible Teachers and CGL’s [Cabin Group Leaders] to dedicate themselves to the work of the Lord, work for Him and to be the witnesses of Jesus Christ that we should be.
Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” [Jesus Christ] Luke 24:46-49 (KJV)
Christmas Day Two Hundred and Eleven
What do I want for Christmas?
This is the weekend for remembering. It is Memorial Day weekend, remembering the ones who died in service to our Nation defending, and fighting for our freedom.
I want us to remember most of all today that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried, and rose again giving all who will call on Him, freedom from sin, bondage and death.
And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:17-20 (KJV)
Christmas Day Two Hundred Fifty and Five
What do I want for Christmas?
I am thinking today that I want all my family in Christ, my birth family, my children; all who are in Christ Jesus, including myself; to be financially free – I do not mean “Rich” in this world’s goods; or Wealthy with money, but indebted to no human being, financial institution; except to love one another.
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 (KJV)
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to Me, and heareth My sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:45-49
Day Two Hundred Sixty and Nine
What do I want for Christmas?
With the onset of cell phones, texting, and such I want all of us to be more aware of the distraction, while driving an automobile that these devices cause; and make a personal change in behavior, and use of them while driving.
Last afternoon on the way home I encountered an individual, driving the opposite direction, coming across into my lane, headed for me, and it was while he was talking on his phone. He did manage to get it back in the right lane, before…
Realize that you are not attached to that phone. You have control of it; not it control of you. Remember, also, that you do not have to answer every text or call immediately. Right? Right. Your life does not exist in your phone.
And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15 (KJV)
That includes cell phones, Ipads, Iphones, notebooks, etc.
Day Two Hundred Seventy and Nine
What do I want for Christmas?
I want the people, the families of victims in the bombing in Brussels, Belgium to be comforted, strengthened, and to be drawn near to the Lord Jesus Christ through these horrible events.
Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3-5 (KJV)
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28
Day Three Hundred
What do I want for Christmas?
I want the Presidential candidates to behave like grown men (since there are no longer any ladies in the GOP), and quit behaving like school yard children; just a plug for a couple of candidates Dr. Ben Carson and John Kasich have behaved like gentlemen, grown men; the other three are despicable. May God have mercy on us.
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” [Jesus] Luke 6:45 (NKJV)
Day Three Hundred and Three
What do I want for Christmas?
I want the poor, the orphan, the elderly, the sick, and all people to be treated justly, and fairly by all who name the name of Christ and by all who are in positions of authority in government.
He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.” Proverbs 14:31 (NKJV)
“The rich and the poor have this in common, the LORD is the maker of them all.” Proverbs 22:2
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” Luke 4:18-19
Day Three Hundred and Six
What do I want for Christmas?
I want everyone to know that Jesus must be coming really soon, because I am getting very uncomfortable, every passing day, with this world, and all that is going on in it; and I know other true followers of Jesus are growing more uncomfortable with it too.
“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” Luke 21:25-28 (NKJV)
Day Three Hundred and Nine
What do I want for Christmas?
On this LORD’S Day I want the presence of the Lord Jesus to be evident in our Church at Shiloah Baptist Church of Jenkins, Missouri; and for the Holy Spirit to move in conviction where it is needed, comfort in the hearts which need comfort, encouragement, and give all boldness and courage to be the witnesses for Him that we ought to be.
Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.” Acts 9:31 (NKJV)
Day Three Hundred and Twenty
What do I want for Christmas?
I want people of Jenkins, Missouri; the State of Missouri; the United States of America; the North and South American continents; and the world to know that they are sinners, apart from God, lost, condemned and dying; and that Jesus Christ the Son of God, and God the Son died on the cross, was buried, and bodily arose again for you (for us all) that we might be redeemed to God, and have the peace of God which passes all understanding.
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” 1 Timothy 1:15 (NKJV)
“And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”” Luke 19:9-10
What Do I Want For Christmas? Day 351
What do I want for Christmas?
I want the lotteries in our States and Nation to cease. They are, in the end a tax on the poverty stricken people of the nation, through the deceit and lust for more.
“And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”” Luke 12:15 (NKJV)
Christian Persecution
There are a few people I know who have jail, and prison ministries. They do it because they believe God has called them to go to the places where men and women are incarcerated for crimes against God and humanity. Yet, these minister to the men and women who are willing to listen to the message of Christ; the hope for all mankind; even the murderers and rapist and child molesters.
The event from Acts which we read today is not of criminals who have violated God’s laws, but violators of men’s laws which are against God. The apostles had preached when they were ordered not to preach in that name of “Jesus”; yet, they did. Hear what they said:
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand, a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him.” Acts 5:29-32 (KJV)
This takes place following their arrest, and imprisonment. An “Angel of the Lord” has come to them in the “common prison” and opened the doors, and sent them to preach in the temple. They went, and that is where they are found the next morning. Doing as they had been told by God.
When men’s laws are against God’s law, then Christian men and women are to continue their practices of being Christian; obeying God’s Word, His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments. I do not think we Christians should be surprised by persecution in a dark world. We ought rather, be surprised that we are not; because the apostle Paul has written, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV). Now, I do not want to be persecuted, but really, if I am not; am I really living a godly life? The apostles were.
As Peter stated above; “We ought to obey God rather than men”. That begins through our faith; trusting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour; obeying Him in our lives; being His witness.
One thing this passage of Scripture teaches is that the freedom of speech is from God, not men; therefore men cannot take it away. Let our speech be always with words that glorify our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
This Man will Receive You
One of the things that causes jealousy in the hearts and minds of men and women is when someone else gets more notice, and attention than we do.
This jealousy is quite evident among the religious leaders of Jesus’s time on earth with us; walking, talking, teaching, living for the Father, and His glory. The way He lived, the words He spoke, the kindness in His voice to the weak, the lame, the sick, the poor, and the outcasts was what drew these people to Him.
Luke the Historian of the life of Christ writes:
“Then drew near unto Him all the publicans and sinners for to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This Man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” Luke 15:1-2 (KJV)
Why do the religious always want to seek after those who have? Why do those, even, who profess themselves to be Christian go after the same? Jesus had no ill motive of seeking what the wealthy, religious leaders had to offer. He came to save souls (Luke 19:10).
The publicans were the most hated of people. They were the tax collectors of the day. Hebrew people who were collecting money from their own to give to the Roman government; therefore very despised, and hated; yet, Jesus would sit with them speak with them, and treat them with dignity and respect.
As Christians in the world of 2015 we must be as Jesus and treat all people; no matter their race, their economic level; their political affiliation; their illnesses; or transgressions; must treat them with the love and respect that Jesus would. Yes! That would include the muslim religion, and any other religious sect.
In loving them; we still confront sin; and its crippling, killing affects on those who are enslaved by it.
Draw near to Christ today. He loves you so much that He died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again.
Amazed by the Power of God
We ought always be amazed by the power of God. We ought always realize that God is working, moving, accomplishing His purposes in the world around us and in our own lives.
Previous to the verses we look at today Jesus had been on the Mount called “Transfiguration”, and He was speaking with Moses and Elijah. A wonderful experience for Peter, James and John, and where they heard the Father say, “This is My Beloved Son: hear Him”.
Coming down from the mountain they encounter a man who has a son possessed of a demon, and is tormented by the evil one; tearing, tossing, torturing him with great pain, and grief to the father of the son. The other nine disciples have been powerless to cast out the demon. Jesus has come and speaks to the “unclean spirit”, and the demon leaves, the son is healed, and is delivered to his father (Luke 9:28-42)
Jesus knew the time of His death was near. He had spoken to the disciples of His death on previous occasions, but they did not yet understand.
“And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, He said unto His disciples, Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of Man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask Him of that saying.” Luke 9:43-45 (KJV)
In verses 51 and 53 we can note that Jesus had His “face set to go to Jerusalem”, and that means all the way to the cross, and to death for our sins.
In the words of the text above Jesus wanted the disciples to know and to understand; but it just had not happened yet.
In the Gospel account of Matthew Peter attempts to rebuke Jesus after Jesus has spoken of His coming death (Matthew 16:21-23). A disciple rebuking his Master? I almost laugh at the thought; but Jesus rebukes Peter, and even tells Satan “Get behind me Satan”. For man, or the whole human race to think that they can thwart the power, plan, and purposes of God is even more laughable. See Psalm 2:4.
For the Christian today we can understand what has taken place; yet we must have the heart, mind and soul for hearing it, hiding His Word in our hearts, and obeying it. We can pray for understanding and wisdom in the Word; but if we never read it, and study it, there will not be any of wisdom or understanding. There will also be no growing faith in Him.
O Christian; hear Him. Do His word. Let these sayings sink down into your ears; and your heart. Jesus has been delivered into the hands of men. He died, was buried, and bodily arose and came out of that grave, and He ever lives.
Forgiveness and Loving Jesus
Do you love Jesus? How much do you love Jesus? Loving Jesus is a response to His love for us. He loves you. He loves me. He has proven that love by coming as a babe in a manger, living a life solely dedicated to the word, way, walk, and witness of His Father.
He proved His love for His Father and us all the way to the cross of death (Philippians 2:8). He suffered, He bled, He died for our sins. Who will love Him most?
When Jesus had gone home with a Pharisee named Simon; Simon had not been a bit hospitable to Jesus. He had failed to wash His feet; as was the custom of hospitality in that day; neither had he dried them. Then Simon; after a “sinful woman” came in and washed His feet with her tears, and dried them with her hair; begins to accuse her, and Jesus.
That is when Jesus gives one of His short parables with a big heart:
“And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And He said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.” Luke 7:40-53 (KJV)
This Pharisee saw himself as a righteous man, and this woman as a sinner; even accusing Jesus of not knowing about the woman. The apostle Paul saw himself as the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).
The woman did not ask a thing of Jesus. She only sat at His feet washing them with her tears, and drying them with her hair; pouring out her love for her Saviour. She never condemned the Pharisee for his coldness. She only loved Jesus.
“Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so” are the words from a precious “Children’s” Hymn. I am a child of faith. I know Jesus loves me; but I often ask myself, “How much do I love Jesus?” May we who are Christians show our love for Him through loving and doing His word, His will, and His way. Putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10ff), and putting off all that is wicked, vile and evil in the world.
Our Need to Pray
Prayer is something many people talk about. Prayer: just what is it? Is prayer not one speaking with God?
Can an unredeemed individual pray to a holy God; and get an answer? The Psalmist has written, “If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me.” (Psalm 66:18).
How important is prayer? It was important to Jesus. It was His time with His Father, and provided solace, strength, and wisdom in decision making. When He was overwhelmed by masses of people; He would go away to pray (Luke 5:12-16). Hear what Luke says…
“And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12 (KJV)
Let me just close by adding this comment. If Jesus the Son of God, God the Son needed to pray; so do I. I cannot live, breath or have any being without Him.
To whom do we pray? To the Father through the Son; because He made the way possible into the very throne of His grace; to find help in the time of need. (See Hebrews 4:16).
NOW, Let us go pray, and pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Living / Walking in the Power of the Spirit
For the Christian to accomplish any thing for the glory of the Lord, and not for the glory, or boasting of one’s own self; and/or ego; it must be done by the Spirit of God in us.
It is GOD who gets things done. It is God who saves a soul. It is God who opens eyes to His revelation. It is God who gives understanding and wisdom in the ministry of His Word. How did Jesus live?
“And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.” Luke 4:14-15 (KJV)
Following His baptism Jesus was led of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). He then proceeded to go to the synagogues teaching and preaching the Word of the Lord; which by the way was the Old Testament. There was no New Testament written at that time. He taught them things concerning Himself (Luke 24:27).
In everything Jesus did or said; He did so by the leadership and power of the Holy Spirit of God. He did not move from one place to the other, except by the Spirit. He did not speak a word, except by the Spirit. He did not do any healing without the Spirit of God upon Him.
Hear what Paul the apostle says of the Spirit of God and the Christian,
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Galations 5:16
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galations 5:25
This is living as Jesus lived. It is impossible without the Spirit of God in Christ Jesus. Walk in the Spirit; and we will have the Power of the Spirit.
Waiting Patience
There is a lack of patience in me. There is a lack of patience in me toward other people at times; especially when I am driving down the highway; or in the city. I must often correct my mind and thinking as I am driving. Many times; probably all the time; that correction comes from God’s Spirit in me.
In the 49 plus years that I have been born again I can see that God has grown me, and improved my patience and understanding for others, and probably less for myself. Where am I going with the “Patience” thing? I am going to tell you about a man who had waited for many years for the coming of Messiah; the first coming.
It is written,
“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law, then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel. And Joseph and His mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of Him.” Luke 2:25-33 (KJV)
Simeon had been promised by God that he would not die until he had seen the Christ [Messiah] of Israel, and Saviour of the world.
Now, here was a man who was patient; waiting for the coming of Christ. I am fairly certain he must have occasionally thought that it was not going to happen; but he keeps holding on to God’s promise.
You see faith is not the absence of doubt; it is believing in spite of the doubt. The enemy will continuously throw detours, roadblocks, and lies at you; but you just keep believing. You must keep believing and trusting God, and His Word. God has never failed, and He never will.
As Christians in 2015, and beyond, we believe that God has promised that His Son Jesus is returning soon; and Jesus has said Himself, “I will come again, and receive you unto Myself…” (John 14:3); so either we patiently await His coming, or we quit believing, and in doing; and so we end up saying, that God is a liar. He is faithful, and will bring to pass every word He has spoken.
Let us patiently wait. Wait and occupy until He comes (Luke 19:13). He is coming. Get ready by calling on His name, believing that He died for your sins, was buried, and He bodily rose from the grave; and He is alive today.
In Order… That You Might Know the Certainty…
It is not a rare thing; but Doctors in successful practices do not often leave their work to enter something else; such as to be a writer; a historian, in this case. Some have and do. When one leaves their medical practice to be a minister of Jesus Christ and His gospel that is a calling on them.
Luke was such a man; such a doctor. Luke is the Bible’s only Gentile author. He is thorough in his writing and record. He records what is known to be true. His history recorded is of the life and ministry of Jesus the Christ.
For a few days we will be looking at the historical account of Jesus Christ through the record of Luke. First let us hear what he says concerning his purpose for this record.
“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” Luke 1:1-4 (KJV)
There were some writings that had came out that were absolutely false; and he set out to correct them with a true account. Let me assure you that he is not speaking of, or writing about the three other Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark and John.
He was also set on the testimony of “eyewitnesses”, and he was very set on being truthful about the matter of Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Saviour, and the returning King. To “Theophilus” he wanted him to know “the certainty of those things” – the truth of it all concerning Jesus’s life – His birth, His life, His ministry, miracles, power, and His death, burial and resurrection.
The book of Acts is also a historical book written by Doctor Luke, and he addresses Theophilus in that writing as well.
My friend; Jesus is the Christ; Son of God and God the Son. Be sure you know and trust Him today.
Rejoice, Because Your Names are Written
Luke 10:17-20
1. The seventy disciples had returned from their missionary journey;
2. They were rejoicing over the miracles which had transpired through their ministry;
3. Jesus reminds them that the power and authority was from Him;
4. Jesus also reminds them that there is a greater thing than miracles and power.
I. SATAN NO LONGER HAS POWER AND/OR AUTHORITY OVER THE BELIEVER’S LIFE – JESUS WITNESSED THE FALL OF THE DEVIL (v. 18; Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:12-15).
II. THE BELIEVER HAS POWER TO TREAD ON THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL AND HIS DEMONS (v. 19a; Isaiah 59:60).
III. NOTHING CAN HARM THE FAITHFUL BELIEVER, FOLLOWING JESUS CHRIST (v. 19b; Isaiah 54:17).
IV. DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THE SENSATIONAL,MIRACULOUS WORKS OF GOD; RATHER REJOICE THAT YOUR NAME IS WRITTEN IN HEAVEN – BY GOD (v. 20; Ephesians 6:10-12).
i. The power of Satan was diminished by the power of the cross of Jesus Christ; by the resurrection the head of the serpent was crushed.
ii. As heirs of God, and joint heirs of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17), the enemy is under the feet of Christ.
iii. We must trust the strength and power of our Lord to protect, and keep us during the trials of life.
iv. We cannot let emotional sensationalism, signs and miracles detract us from what is truly important, and that is that “Your names are written in heaven”.
v. Be sure, by placing your faith and trust in the finished work of Christ today.
The House that will Endure the Trials, Tremors, and Troubles of Life
“And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to Me, and heareth My sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” ~Jesus (Luke 6:46-49)
Making Judgments, Bearing Fruit, From the Heart
“Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, ‘Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye,’ when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye. For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” ~Jesus (Luke 6:39-45)
The Fire and Hammer 