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  • Cain’s love and his change

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    by TA York

    Genesis 4:1
    “Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore [a]Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the Lord.” 2 Then she bore again, this time his brother [b]Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And [c]in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
    6 So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is [d]for you, but you should rule over it.”
    8 Now Cain [e]talked with Abel his [f]brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.”

    When I first read the story of Cain and Abel, I struggled with the idea that God might show favoritism. It was a confusing thought. Clearly, Cain did something wrong, but I found myself asking: how do I avoid becoming like him? Was God simply being a bully? Or—on a lighter note—maybe God just didn’t like vegetables as much as I do!

    In reality, Cain had every reason to believe in God. His parents, Adam and Eve, had literally walked and talked with the Creator. It stands to reason that they would have passed those stories and instructions down to their children. So, what was the real issue? Let’s explore the roots of this conflict together.

    Point I: The Absence of External Excuses:

    We often look for external reasons to justify bad behavior. In modern society, we blame “the wrong crowd,” violent media, or toxic environments. However, Cain had no such excuses. At this point in history, there were only four people on Earth. The negative influences of a “fallen world” had not yet infiltrated human culture.

    Cain didn’t listen to death metal or succumb to the internet; his environment was pristine. This suggests that the issue wasn’t external—it was internal. Adam and Eve were the root cause of the Fall, and every human born after them was born into a “sin nature.” Cain’s actions prove that sin doesn’t need a bad neighborhood to thrive; it only needs a human heart.

    Point II: The Duel of Two Natures:

    As human beings, and especially as believers, we experience a dual nature: the sin nature and the God nature. We don’t have to teach children to be selfish or dishonest; those tendencies are ingrained from birth.

    Alongside these natures, we are given freewill. We have a voice within us that prompts us toward the right or the wrong. The struggle Cain faced is the same one we face today: the “heart issue.” Our choices are the evidence of which nature we are feeding.

    Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”


    Point III: Rejection vs. Correction:

    It is a common misconception that God rejected Cain himself. In truth, Cain was caught making a wrong choice with wrong intentions. This is what angered him. Have you ever been caught doing the wrong thing? I have and I had a chip on my shoulder.

    The Wrong Choice:

    Cain gave a substandard offering. While Abel brought the “firstborn and the fat” (the very best of his flock), the text simply says Cain brought “fruit of the ground.” Imagine Cain taking a bite out of an apple, deciding he didn’t like it, and tossing the rest to God. He likely kept the prize harvest for himself and offered God the leftovers—the bruised, the moldy, or the worm-ridden.

    We see this same pattern addressed later in Malachi 1:6-8, where God rebukes priests for offering blind, lame, and diseased animals. God asks, “Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you?” Cain’s offering lacked respect because it lacked sacrifice.

    The Wrong Intention:

    Cain’s issue was pride. He grew his crops by the “sweat of his brow,” and his attitude was likely, “Look what I have done.” Much like King Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel, Cain failed to give honor to the One who provided the strength to work the land in the first place.

    Isaiah 2:11, 12

    11 “The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low;
    the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.
    12 The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty,
    for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled).”

    Point IV: The Warning at the Door:

    God’s response to Cain was not demeaning; it was a revelation. In Verse 7, God says, “If you do well, will you not be accepted?” This was an invitation to obedience. God was providing Cain an opportunity to “be real,” to search his heart, and to adjust his attitude.

    The warning that followed is one that applies to us all: “Sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” When our countenance falls—when we feel that bitterness or anger rising—it is our responsibility to return to God and allow Him to change us.

    Application: Moving Toward Maturity:

    In Hebrews 5:12-13, we are warned against remaining “infants” who can only handle milk. To grow, we must learn to discern right from wrong through self-examination, prayer, and fellowship.

    The Danger of Suppressed Emotions:

    I grew up in a household where emotions were suppressed. If I cried, my father would say, “I’ll give you something to cry about,” and follow it with a beating. As an adult, I learned to hide my feelings so well that I eventually lost touch with them entirely. I would tell myself “it’s okay” while stuffing the anger down, only to explode later over something tiny.

    I believe this may have happened to Cain. I believe Cain loved his brother, but because he masked his resentment and refused to deal with his heart before God, that suppressed emotion turned into a flash of murder and a lifetime of regret. We cannot act as if nothing is wrong for years and expect not to react when the pressure builds.

    The Power of Accountability:

    I have a brother in Christ (accountability partner) with whom I share my life. We don’t judge or preach; we listen and ask questions. Recently, a man interrupted me during a Bible study to turn it into his own “teaching moment.” Initially, I told my accountability partner I was fine. He pushed further, asking, “How did that make you feel?”

    After sitting with it, I realized I felt annoyed and “upstaged.” By acknowledging that minor emotion, I was able to pray, ask God to take that stronghold away, and forgive my brother. This prevents “small” sins from crouching at the door and turning into “large” destruction.

    Again, it seems a tiny issue, but these are the issues to catch before they compile and become an avalanche.

    Conclusion: The Divine Covering:

    God has always wanted to be our provider. Just as He provided Adam and Eve with animal skins to cover their nakedness, He wants to provide a covering for our hearts. This is the true freedom found in Christ: a mind and heart where we learn to love by God’s grace.

    Here’s a thought; I believe Cain was a loving son and brother. Satan slowly worked his way into Cain’s life. To the point where Cain’s rage turns him into a murderer. Cain regrets this the rest of his life.

    Do not allow Satan into your life.

    A Practical Exercise:

    I invite you to spend time in your “prayer closet” this week. Sit in total silence for a few minutes. Clear the clutter, then ask the Holy Spirit to speak. This isn’t an overnight fix; it is a process of re-sensitizing yourself to God’s voice.

    After all, who wants to be Cain? We are called to a different standard:

    1 John 3:11-12: “For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother.”

    It’s time to re-sensitive our lives, through prayer, Bible study and good accountability.

  • Reflections: 1 John 3:1-10

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    by TA York

    The Lavish Love of the Father (1 John 3:1-3)

    “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.”

    The “great love” John describes is not an abstract concept; it is Jesus Christ, sent directly from the Father. Salvation isn’t something Jesus merely tried to offer—He accomplished it. It is a finished work, and our role is simply to receive it.

    This love isn’t a family heirloom passed down through DNA, nor do we obtain it via “spiritual osmosis” from our parents or by simply sitting in a church pew. Many attend church without ever truly accepting Jesus as Lord. Being a “child of God” is a personal identity, distinct from being a “child of the world.”

    I’ll be the first to admit I am not a perfect husband or father. I still struggle because pieces of the world remain in me. However, God’s love doesn’t mean He overlooks sin. On the contrary, a Holy God cannot coexist with sin. To bridge that gap, God became man in Jesus Christ. He set aside His heavenly crown to experience the human plight—hunger, betrayal, and pain—so He could truly understand us. This is Agape love: a pure heart that faced every temptation yet remained without sin.

    The Tie That Binds

    In my own home, between my wife, my three children, and my son-in-law, we have six different sets of life experiences. I am often misunderstood because my perspective is shaped by my specific past, including my pains. Just as it’s hard for me to explain my experiences to someone who hasn’t lived them, God knew that to truly have compassion for us, He had to live among us.

    I grew up with parents who were legalistic—not necessarily in a religious sense, but in their rigid demand that things be done “their way.” There was little room for grace or mercy. I was determined to raise my children differently, yet I still fall short. I am constantly returning to the Cross for forgiveness because I am still learning to be Christ-like.

    Empathy Born of Suffering

    The world may not value my suffering, but God uses it. As children of God, we gain a unique sense of empathy. I’ve found that my past pain allows me to “feel” for others in similar situations.

    The Power of Words:

    I once shared a verse with a young woman who grew up under constant shame. When I told her that both Jesus and I loved her with Agape love, I watched her entire countenance change. She found peace.

    The Power of Touch:

    I remember hugging a homeless man who began to cry because it had been years since someone had hugged him. Because of my own past experiences with homelessness, I didn’t smell the dirt; I only saw a person to be loved.

    The Power of Jesus:

    Luke 5:12-13
    12 “While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
    13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

    Every child of God MUST experience Jesus personally. We cannot rely on someone else’s faith; we must each come to the realization that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. That there is absolutely no other way to the Father, except through Jesus.

    Walking with Godly Friends (v. 2, Luke 5:18)

    In verse 2, John addresses us as “dear friends.” Friendship is vital to the Christian walk. In Proverbs, we see that healthy relationships require four pillars: Trust, Truth, Transformation, and Tenderness. If one is missing, the bond weakens.

    Luke 5:18 “ Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.”

    We see this in Luke 5:18, where men carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus. This is the model for the Church. Godly friends act as “iron sharpening iron.” They carry you when you are “lame” or wounded by life, bringing you to Jesus through prayer and non-judgmental support.

    Hebrews 3:13
    “ But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

    Note: Not everyone is meant for your journey. Some people may be distractions from your specific assignment. Letting them go doesn’t mean they are “bad,” it just means you are prioritizing your walk with Christ.

    Practicing Righteousness (v. 4-10)

    1 John 3:4-10
    4 “Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. 6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

    7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.”

    John is clear: living in Christ is the key, but it is the hardest part of the faith because we are bombarded by the world’s values. We see it everywhere—from the cost of Bibles versus secular books to the content on our screens. The world focuses on the “here and now,” but God gives us Toshiyah (wisdom and resourcefulness) to look ahead.

    God used this wisdom to help my wife and me. Though we didn’t initially qualify for a home, He taught me how to manage our finances and pay off massive bills for roofing and plumbing. I am learning to live in Christ, but it isn’t easy.

    “Practicing” is the key. Just as an athlete or a soldier practices their craft, we must practice “right standing” with God. We may not be sinless, but through practice, we should “sin less.”

    The Vine and the Seed

    John 15:1-4
    “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

    In John 15, Jesus calls Himself the Vine. To bear fruit, we must be pruned, which is often painful. But that pain produces endurance. 1 John 3:9 tells us that God’s “seed” remains in us. However, a seed only grows if it is watered and cultivated.

    We must help each other grow and be quick to cast out any “seeds” of unforgiveness or hatred. John likely outlived the other apostles just to emphasize this one final point: Learn to love. It is a long, difficult process to love other sinners just as we have been loved, but it is our highest calling.

    God bless!

  • We Are Coffee Beans

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    By T.A. York

    Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee? Having Hawaiian roots, I’ve always appreciated a brew that is rich, smooth, and nutty. Even the aroma is enough to send me over the top. My time doing mission work in Colombia introduced me to another favorite: the local tinto, which has a naturally creamy sweetness.

    But have you ever stopped to think about how that bean is actually processed? The method I’m familiar with follows a rugged, old-world tradition.

    From Cherry to Bean

    It begins in the fields, where workers harvest “coffee cherries.” It is vital to select only the berries that are deep red and gleaming in the sun. Once gathered, the cherries are washed and left to dry under the heat of the sun before undergoing their first fermentation.

    To extract the beans, the dried cherries are placed between two wooden surfaces—often an upside-down tub and a handled board—and crushed by hand.

    Refinement and the Wind

    After the beans are freed, they are fermented a second time. They must be washed repeatedly to remove their naturally slimy texture before being laid out to sun-dry once more.

    Next comes a light roasting, just enough to loosen the outer husks. The beans are then pounded in a mortar to separate the shells. To clean them, the processor uses a large bamboo plate, tossing the beans into the air and allowing the wind to whisk away the chaff.

    The Final Brew

    Finally, the beans are roasted a second time, watching as they transform from a pale beige to a rich, oily brown. Only then is it time to make the coffee. The beans are crushed into a fine dust and filtered through hot water to create the perfect drink.

    Romans 12:2

    “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

    Here is how the journey from a coffee cherry to a cup of coffee parallels the Christ-like journey:

    1. The Harvest: Chosen and Set Apart

    In its natural form, a coffee bean is actually the pit of a fruit called a “coffee cherry.”
    The Parallel: Just as a farmer selects only the ripe cherries from the tree, God “picks” us. We are chosen and called out of the world (John 15:16). At first, we are “raw, the pit and green”—full of potential but not yet ready for our ultimate purpose.

    2. The Milling: Removing the Old Self

    To get to the bean, the outer fruit (the pulp) and a thin parchment layer must be stripped away. This is often done through “washing” (wet process) or “drying” (natural process).
    The Parallel: This represents the initial work of the Holy Spirit. Before we can grow, the “outer layers” of our old nature—pride, worldly habits, and self-sufficiency—must be stripped away. As noted in my reflection on Psalm 147, we have to move past the “Unholy Trinity” of me, myself, and I.

    3. The Roasting: Refined by Fire

    The most dramatic change happens in the roaster. Under intense heat, the bean changes color, chemical structures break down, and the “essential oils” (the flavor) are released. If there is no heat, the coffee remains bitter and hard.
    The Parallel: The “heat” represents the trials and tribulations of the Christian life. As James 1:2–4 suggests, the heat isn’t there to destroy us, but to bring out the character (the flavor) of Christ within us. Without the trials, we remain “green” and immature.

    4. The Grinding: Broken to be Used

    A whole roasted bean smells good, but it cannot make coffee. It must be crushed into fine grounds to expose the maximum surface area to the water.
    The Parallel: In the Christian life, “brokenness” is often the prerequisite for usefulness. Being “ground” is painful, but it is how our lives become “hid with Christ” (Colossians 3:3). It is the process of being broken of our own will so that God’s will can flow through us.

    5. The Brewing: The Infusion of the Spirit

    Finally, hot water is poured over the grounds. The water “extracts” the essence of the bean, turning clear water into a rich, dark life-giving drink.
    The Parallel: This is the daily walk of faith. The “hot water” of our circumstances, combined with the “Living Water” of the Holy Spirit, extracts the fruit of the Spirit from our lives.

    2 Corinthians 2:15

    “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

    God is pleased with our aroma as we draw near to Christ. Just like our cup of good coffee.

    God bless



  • Love

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    1 Corinthians 13
    by Daniel York

    “Love,” is written by my youngest son. I pray that every 17 year old person thinks like this.

    The church in Corinth was situated in a wealthy, and cosmopolitan city, a hub of trade and culture where people prized sophistication, status, and public recognition. The believers there were diverse—some Jews, some Greeks, rich and poor alike—and many were spiritually gifted, passionate, and zealous for God. Yet their zeal had taken a wrong turn: instead of using their gifts to serve and build each other up, they competed, boasted, and sought attention. Factions formed around favorite leaders, jealousy and envy were common, and arguments often replaced love and unity. Worship gatherings sometimes left people confused or excluded, and acts of generosity were performed for praise rather than compassion. In short, the Corinthians were full of talent, knowledge, and spiritual power, but love was missing. Seeing this, Paul stops everything to declare the higher standard: spiritual gifts, wisdom, and sacrifice are meaningless without love, and the more excellent way is always love—patient, kind, humble, and enduring.

    13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
    4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
    8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies,they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
    13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.But the greatest of these is love.

    Paul opens 1 Corinthians 13 with a powerful and sobering truth: gifts without love are empty. He writes that even the most extraordinary abilities—speaking in the tongues of men and angels, prophesying, understanding all mysteries, having all faith, giving away all possessions, or even sacrificing one’s body—amount to nothing if love is absent. In other words, you can be brilliant, generous, spiritually gifted, or even heroic, but without love, it is all noise. God does not measure us by our skills, our accomplishments, or even the visibility of our faith; God measures us by the heart behind our actions. Paul’s point is striking: it is possible to perform the right actions with the wrong motives, to do good things for recognition or pride rather than out of true compassion. Love is the foundation upon which everything else must rest, and without it, even the most impressive feats are meaningless.

    Paul then turns to describe what love actually looks like, moving from the abstract to the concrete. Love, he says, is patient and kind; it waits, listens, and responds with gentleness rather than forcing its way. It does not envy or boast, and it is not proud, rude, or self-seeking. Love does not lash out in anger and does not hold grudges. It does not delight in wrongdoing but rejoices in truth. Paul completes this section with a rhythmic, almost poetic description: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Love is active, persistent, and enduring. It is not a fleeting emotion or sentiment; it is a deliberate, selfless choice to seek the best for others, to carry burdens, to stand firm in truth, and to persist through trials. This is the kind of love Christ demonstrated for us—sacrificial, forgiving, and unwavering.

    Paul also emphasizes that love lasts forever, unlike spiritual gifts or human achievements. Prophecies will end, tongues will cease, and knowledge will fade, for these are tools for this present life. But love is eternal; it is the language of heaven, the constant that transcends time and circumstance. When we stand face-to-face with Christ, all gifts and acts of service will be unnecessary, but love will remain. This teaches us that love is not only central to our relationships in this life but also carries eternal significance. It is the thread that connects our earthly actions to the divine reality of God’s kingdom.

    Paul then encourages believers to grow up into love, using the image of moving from childhood into maturity. As children, we often think and act selfishly, focused on our own needs, desires, and recognition. Maturity in love, however, shifts our perspective outward, centering our lives on God and the needs of others. He acknowledges that we are all still learning—“now we see in a mirror dimly”—and that our understanding and practice of love are incomplete. Yet, with each act of love, each choice to be patient, kind, forgiving, or selfless, we grow closer to the example of Christ. Love is not instant; it is cultivated over time through intentional practice and reflection.

    Finally, Paul concludes with one of the most profound declarations in Scripture: “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Faith is vital, hope is essential, but love is the highest calling of every Christian. Love is the nature of God, the evidence of discipleship, and the mission Jesus gives us. Unlike gifts, knowledge, or miracles, love never fails. It does not end, fade, or lose its power. Paul challenges us to look in the mirror of this chapter and ask ourselves: Are we patient? Kind? Forgiving? Do we embody the love Christ demonstrated? 1 Corinthians 13 calls us not only to feel love but to live it—actively, consistently, and sacrificially—in every relationship, every choice, and every moment of our lives. In the end, it is love that endures, love that transforms, and love that ultimately reflects the heart of Christ to the world.

    God bless

  • Remember Me!

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    The Decision of Two Thieves
    Luke 23:39-43

    39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
    40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?
    41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
    42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
    43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

    The scene at Calvary 2,000 years ago is mirrored in our world today. It represents the ultimate human decision: to accept or deny Christ. This is the eternal battle between good and evil waged within the human heart.

    On one side, the evil within us hurls insults at Christ and demands proof, echoing the cynicism of the Pharisees. Like the first criminal, we often demand that Jesus “prove” He is the Messiah by fixing our immediate circumstances. We forget that we are never in a position to challenge Him. As people who are spiritually dying, our only rightful place is one of humility, yet pride often drives us to say the unthinkable: “Prove it to me, Jesus.”

    As C.H. Spurgeon wrote in The Soul Winner:

    “Men need to be told that, except divine grace shall bring them out of their enmity to God, they must eternally perish… they must be reminded of the sovereignty of God, that He is not obliged to bring them out of this state, that He would be right and just if He left them in such a condition.”

    I am deeply grateful that Jesus did not take offense at my own past behavior or my lack of gratitude. He looked past my attitude to offer forgiveness.

    The Power of “Remember Me”

    When the second thief said, “Jesus, remember me,” what was he truly asking? This “glimmer of hope” sparked a conversation that every human must eventually have (Romans 10:9-10). Was this man simply delusional with pain, or did he finally see the Truth?

    In his final moments, the thief (we are the thief) realized what Paul would later write: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He recognized that Jesus was his only hope.

    His request was not a casual one. He wasn’t saying, “Jesus, if you have a passing thought, think of me.” It was a desperate plea: “Jesus, you are my last hope! Do not forget me! Save me from myself!”

    The Response of Grace

    Jesus’ reaction was immediate and profound. He listened, He heard, and He did not judge. He didn’t offer “pointless advice” to a dying man, nor did He reprimand him for a life of sin.

    Jesus began His answer with the word “Truly.” In the original Greek, this carries a weight of absolute certainty:

    Ontos: In fact; really.

    Alithos: Amen; so let it be.

    Eilikrina: Sincerely; honestly; seriously.

    Jesus was giving tangible hope to a hopeless man. That same paradise is still available today to anyone who asks. As Numbers 23:19 reminds us, God is not a man that He should lie.

    A Personal Connection

    Interestingly, the thief called Jesus by His name. In those times, it was rare to address a teacher by their given name; it suggests a level of personal awareness. This man wasn’t a stranger to the Gospel; he had likely been exposed to Jesus and His message before.

    I remember a professor in theology school saying, “There is no sign on a person’s forehead that says ‘Do not evangelize.’ We must speak about Jesus to everyone, even those who seem hopeless.” I relate to this deeply because I once thought I was too far gone for Jesus to want me.

    The Urgency of Now

    Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us:

    “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets… but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…”

    The author of Hebrews spoke of the “last days” 2,000 years ago. Now, in 2026, we still hear that we are in the end times. The difference is that the “last days” describes a season of preparation. Whether Jesus returns tomorrow or years from now, the guarantee remains: You will never regret repenting and accepting Christ.

    How wonderful it is that the Heir of all things—the Creator of the universe—remembers us. As 2 Corinthians 6:2b says, “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

    A Prayer of Salvation

    If you are ready to make that choice today, pray this with me:

    “Dear God, I know that I’m a sinner. I believe that Jesus, Your Son, died on the cross for my sins and rose on the third day. I now repent of my sins and personally invite Jesus and the Holy Spirit into my life. Thank you for cleansing my heart and hearing my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

    Welcome to the family of God! Your next step is to get connected to a local, Bible-teaching church (I highly recommend Calvary Chapel) and begin reading your Bible every day.

    God bless you!

  • Psalms 142

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    Commentary: Psalms 142
    A Maskil of David in the Cave
    By TA York

    The word maskil is Hebrew for “instruction.” In the biblical context, it refers to divine guidance or a necessary correction to align our lives with God’s standards.

    1. I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.

    Imagine living in a cave. It is cold, damp, dark, and grueling. In that space, one feels a crushing sense of insecurity, a loss of purpose, and the physical ache of hunger. This was David’s lowest point; he had hit “rock bottom”—no pun intended.

    In that darkness, David did the only thing he could: he cried aloud to the Lord. Men, have you ever truly cried? I remember when I thought my eldest son might die. I wept aloud (I also wept quietly, I just cried out) to God, lifting my voice for mercy. Those were tears of desperation, begging for His compassion and healing. I was so broken that I asked God to give me my son’s illness instead. That was my rock bottom.

    I learned then that most people must hit the floor before they finally let go and give God total control. King David needed to remember the humility of this prayer later in life when he encountered Bathsheba.

    When things are easy and we are satisfied, God often ceases to be our priority.

    Consider a person struggling with addiction. As long as they get their daily fix or are enabled by well-meaning family, they feel “satisfied” in their sin. Their “god” is the substance. This leads to a “convenience store” Christianity, where people pick and choose which parts of the Bible to follow while ignoring the rest.

    Scripture warns us clearly that a lukewarm or selective faith is dangerous (Revelation 3:16; John 15:4-6; 2Tim 3:5; Eph 5:6-7; Titus 3:10-11). Be assured: if you choose to follow God’s true prescription rather than your own convenience, you will face persecution. I share this from repeated personal experience. Do not close your eyes to the sin around you. Do not separate yourself from Him. Ask people in sin to repent.

    2. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. 3. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. 4. Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.

    Like David, we must be quick to seek God’s face. David didn’t sugarcoat his feelings; he poured out his complaints. God wants to see the real you—the person without the mask. He doesn’t need “check-in” prayers like, “Hi God, talk to you tomorrow.” He wants your raw honesty.

    Every time I allow myself to be truly vulnerable with God, I experience a shift from frustration to peace. I once flew to Indonesia feeling overwhelmed. I didn’t know the language, and I had no idea how I would even navigate the airport. I prayed, “Lord, I don’t know what I’m doing.”

    During a transfer in Singapore, I struck up a conversation with a man who, despite 95% of the population being Muslim at the time, happened to be a theology student. His brother worked at the airport I was heading to. I hadn’t told him my fears, but God answered my silent “complaint” by providing a guide before I even landed.

    5. I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

    Many people accept Christ based on a fleeting “feeling,” but when the emotion fades, they wander away. You must be certain that Jesus is your only refuge—the only Way, Truth, and Life.

    In the Old Testament, the Levites received no land as an inheritance because God Himself was their “portion.”

    At one point in my life, I lost everything and lived out of a car. In that “cave,” I learned that God is my portion. He eventually replaced what I lost with so much more. How could I not trust Him now?

    6. Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. 7. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

    The best prayers are often birthed in caves. While desperation can make some people bitter, staying close to God is the only way through. My parents were physically abusive, and as a child, I cried out for a rescue that didn’t seem to come. For years I asked, “What was the point of this suffering? If I’d had normal parents, I would have had a better life.”

    That mental anguish took years to heal. Finally, God helped me understand that He calls us His “precious treasure” (Deuteronomy 7). My “abnormal” life was training for my calling. Had I lived a comfortable, easy life, I would have only learned to serve the “unholy trinity”: me, myself, and I.

    God knew what He was doing. He set me free from the prisons of bitterness, anger, and worthlessness. Today, my life isn’t perfect, but it is far better than anything I could have built on my own. I am surrounded by brothers and sisters in the church who love and support me.

    That is my prayer for you: not that you find “religion,” but that you receive a revelation of Jesus. I want you to find the quiet in the midst of the storm. As the martyr Polycarp said, “I wish I had a hundred lives to give to Christ.”

    God bless.

  • 1 John 2:7-14

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    by TA York

    Commentary: 1 John 2:7-14

    1 John 2:7-8

    “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.”

    John begins with a paradox. He speaks of a command that is both old and new. To understand this, we must look at “the beginning.” John identifies Jesus Himself as the Beginning (see John 1:1, 14). In this sense, the command to love is as old as the Gospel itself.

    So, what makes it “new”? Jesus defines it in John 13:34-35:

    “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

    The “newness” isn’t the concept of love, but the standard of love: we are to love as Christ loved us. This isn’t the conditional love the world offers, nor is it merely the natural affection we feel for family. This is Agape—a sacrificial care that values others enough to share Jesus with them through both word and deed.

    Every Saturday, I visit an elderly lady who has been bedridden since 2020. She has no family, struggles with depression, and often complains. I listen patiently. My friends and I buy things to make her comfortable; they read, pray, and sing to her. I have even tried to get on her official family list at her facility, though the administrator hasn’t called me back yet.

    The world might say, “Why waste so much effort on one woman?” A seeker of platforms might say, “She is just one person; I need a crowd.” But Christ says, “I died for this woman; do not neglect her.” This is how we live out verse 8—by letting the darkness pass away as the true light shines through our actions. The more you pursue the Truth that is Jesus, the more His light radiates through you.

    1 John 2:9-11

    “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.”

    In Greek, the word for “hate” can imply “to love less.” Gandhi once famously said, “I love Christ, but I hate the Christians.” Sadly, we Christians can be so full of ourselves—judgmental, argumentative, and spiteful. When we push others away with our attitudes, that is the darkness in our hearts.

    Imagine walking a dark trail. Even if you are careful, you will eventually stumble. A flashlight provides sure footing, but the ultimate clarity comes from walking in the daytime. To “walk in the day” means to examine yourself through the Holy Spirit. It means taking off the mask, forgetting your ego in prayer, and becoming a child crying out to “Abba.”

    1 John 2:12-14 John addresses three stages of spiritual maturity: Children, Young Men, and Fathers.

    Children: We begin by learning the foundations—forgiveness, our connection to the Father, and our identity in Christ.

    Young Men: As we grow, we learn to overcome. We apply what we learned as children to defeat the enemy and our “old selves,” strengthened by the Word. As they say in seminary: “You can’t have a testimony without a test.”

    Fathers: These are the mentors. They use their life experiences and the wisdom gained along the road to give back and increase the Kingdom. They have a testimony to share.

    I’ve found that learning about God is a lifelong process. We don’t “graduate” from one level and forget it; we are often a child, a young man, and a father all at once. We revisit these stages as we uncover more about the Triune God. That is the beauty of the Bible—it meets us exactly where we are, changing as we change.

    Press on, good pilgrims.

    God bless.

  • Hear Me, Lord!

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    by TA York

    Psalms 86:1-3

    “Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.”

    Imagine a swimmer about to enter a race, wearing a heavy jacket and full clothing. Do you suppose he will win? Would you bet your life savings on him? Of course not. You might even laugh at the sight, knowing that to win this contest, the swimmer must strip down to the bare minimum to move freely.

    Time to move freely in Christ.

    This is exactly how we must come to God. We need to strip off the masks of pride, selfish desires, and anger—anything that holds us back from getting “real” with Him. Many gamble with their eternity by clinging to sin while calling themselves Christians. But death can arrive in a fraction of a second. We must stop gambling and hoping that God will accept us alongside our sin.

    If we refuse to forsake our sins, how can we expect God to ignore what He has expressly forbidden? If you want God to hear you, cry out: “I’m poor and needy. I’m a sinner—forgive me! I am Your servant.” Only then, through that surrender, will you find His mercy. Jesus will save and guard you, but from that point on, you must remain faithful and obey His teachings.

    Don’t misunderstand: God vehemently desires to show us mercy. He loves us so much that He appointed His own Son to die for us. Yet, because God is holy, He calls us to be holy. Holding onto sin is a sign that we do not truly trust Him, regardless of the excuses we use.

    Psalms 86:4

    “Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you.”

    Trusting God brings joy; the Bible tells us it is our strength. How do I know this is true? Though doctors tell me I will die soon, I am filled with a sense of peace and His joy. Whether I live or die, I belong to Christ! I look forward to sitting at the supper table with my Lord.

    Every day, I confess. Every day, I ask God to reveal my shortcomings. Nothing is greater than feeling His loving hands on my shoulders. I live in pain, but it is a small price to pay for His presence.

    Consider these examples of what happens when we place our trust in Him:

    David: A stone thrown by a child, guided by God, penetrates man-made armor to fell a giant.

    Joseph: A slave, alone in his faith but obedient to God, becomes second-in-command of Egypt.

    The Boy: A child gives Jesus two small fish and five loaves, and 5,000 are fed.

    Lazarus: A man dead for days is raised to life.

    Joseph (Mary’s husband): He listened to angels over the laws of men, saving Mary and the baby Jesus.

    Was it the humans who performed these miracles, or was it God?

    Proverbs 3:5-6

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

    Trust God with all your heart!

    We often use personal excuses to talk ourselves out of serving Him, yet Jesus holds the answers to our yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows.

    Has my Christian life been perfect? Absolutely not. I have faced persecution and rejection for my beliefs.
    Yet, I echo the words of the martyr Polycarp:

    “Eighty-six years have I served Him, and He never once wronged me; how then shall I blaspheme my King, who has saved me?”

    What are you waiting for? God invites you this very minute to return to His loving arms. Pray this with me:

    “Jesus, forgive me for my failures. I cry out to You; I am poor and needy. I need You in my life. Help me to overcome the sin that so easily ensnares me. Help me to be obedient to Your word, for I cannot do it alone. I trust in You. Thank You, Jesus, for hearing me. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.”

    Daily recommitment builds faith. Praying against strongholds allows the Holy Spirit to guide you. Praying for humility calms the heart, and praying for wisdom grounds you on a solid foundation.

    It is okay to question God about the hardships of life; it is okay to be upset when you don’t understand.

    The Bible says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Wait for His answer. As humans, we want to fix things with our own hands, but that is often a mistake. Allow God to answer. Often, the answer comes from the strangest place when you least expect it. That is how it has always been for me.

    Press on, good pilgrims. Press on in the name of Jesus.

    God bless.

  • The Song of the Goose

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    by TA York

    1 Peter 1:14-15

    “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.”

    One night, during a conversation with the Holy Spirit, He spoke something unexpected to me. He told me that I was a “goose.” At first, I simply replied, “Okay,” not entirely sure what He meant by such a comparison.

    He then explained: “In most churches, you have to be a duck to be accepted. You have to walk, talk, and act like a duck to fit in. Yet, you are a goose.” In that moment, I understood. There are people who simply do not fit into the standard mold because they are “geese.” These are the individuals who don’t just fall into line or blindly follow a group; they refuse to hang solely on the words of a pastor because they are driven to discover Bible doctrine for themselves.

    In many ways, these “geese” were the very foundation of the Reformation. Consider the example of Jan Hus. In his native Bohemian language, the name Hus literally means “Goose.”

    The Legacy of the Goose

    Hus wrote De Ecclesia (The Church), a work that laid the groundwork for future spiritual revolution. He advocated for the church to return to Christ as the center of faith and pushed for the Bible to be translated into the common language so that everyone could build a personal relationship with Jesus. Because he spoke out against the corrupt practices of the 15th-century church, he was labeled a heretic.

    When Hus was sentenced to death by fire for challenging the worldly powers of his day, his final words were prophetic:

    “You are going to cook a goose now, but in a century, you will have a swan which you can neither roast nor boil.”

    The “ducks” of that day thought they had won. Yet, exactly 102 years later, that prophecy was fulfilled when Martin Luther—the “swan”—nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg church.

    A Call to Holiness

    Today, it is time once again for God’s people to turn fully and completely to Christ. We live in a nation filled with wickedness, where even many who confess to be Christians remain entangled in purposeful sin. We must ask ourselves: Is it right to effectively place Jesus back on the cross? Should He be whipped again because of our continued, intentional disobedience? Absolutely not.

    We are called to proclaim the true Gospel loudly. While men may judge us wrongly, and we may face persecution or be “slain all the day long,” we must endure. Often, the sharpest pain comes from the persecution of those we call our brothers and sisters. May God give us the desire to burn with the same conviction as Hus, and may we sing even louder than he did amidst the flames.

    2 Corinthians 4:2 reminds us:

    “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

    Returning to the Source

    The time for revival has come, but it can only happen if we place Jesus Christ back on the throne. He is the head of the Church—not any man, and not any teaching that seeks to take His place. Scripture is clear: there is no other way to the Father except through Him. There are no additions or subtractions required; it is Christ alone.

    Jesus is our only source of heavenly power. We do not need beads, statues, indulgences, or prayers to others. We must ask ourselves: what idols have taken His place? It is time to study your Bible to cultivate a personal relationship with the Creator. While it is good to be involved in church and listen to your pastors, you must be a “Berean”—search the Scriptures and learn about Jesus for yourself (see Acts 17:11).

    The truth of the Bible is written in blood. Many have died so that you could read these words freely, following the ultimate example set by Jesus. Honor Him by reading His words.

    2 Corinthians 4:8-12

    “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed… So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.”

    Today is the day of repentance. Will you be a “goose” for the Kingdom?

    Sing the song of the “geese.”

    God bless.

  • Kingdom of Heaven

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    by TA York

    In Matthew 13:44-46, the Bible says:

    “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

    While sharing at a convalescent home Bible study recently, I realized that many people struggle to truly understand the depth of this scripture.

    I shared with the group that my doctors want me to begin dialysis, but I have decided that dialysis is not God’s current choice for me. In response, many people insisted—almost demanded—that I “choose life” and follow the medical recommendations. Of course, if God clearly told me to do so, I would have no problem obeying Him.

    However, the Holy Spirit shared a different perspective with me. God is the Creator of heaven, earth, and all of mankind; He has the power to heal me in a split second, a power I have witnessed firsthand during foreign missions.

    I must emphasize to you, my friends, that what I am sharing is a personal conviction. This is the path the Holy Spirit has set for me, and as a result, I am at complete peace.

    So, for those of you experiencing kidney disease or any trial, I encourage you to pray about the desires of God’s heart for your specific situation. During the quiet “midnight hours,” I felt the Lord confirm that He can heal me completely if that is His assignment for me. If not, then I get to go home to Him, where I will be healed eternally.

    This is exactly where the scripture of the “Hidden Treasure” and the “Pearl of Great Price” comes into play. I have “sold everything to buy it.” This isn’t necessarily about selling worldly goods; rather, it is about being completely “sold out” to God. It reflects the command to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matt 22:37).

    In other words, I have “bought into” the idea of giving every part of myself over to Jesus. The pearl of great price—the ultimate treasure—is Jesus Himself. I have surrendered everything I am and placed my complete trust in Him. Ultimately, there is no better way to express my love than to literally hand my life over to Him.

    As Romans 14:8 says:

    “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

    Our words rarely carry as much weight as our actions. Today is the day of salvation; I urge you to dedicate your lives fully to Christ. There is nothing to regret.

    God bless.