Category: Faith of a Mustard Seed

¹ Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. ² And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. ⁴ And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. ⁵ But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where Helay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him. See, I have told you.” ⁸ So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. ~ Matthew 28:1-8

¹ When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. ² And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. ³ And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” ⁴ And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. ⁵ And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. ⁶ And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. ⁷ But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” ⁸ And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. ~ Mark 16:1-8

¹ But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. ² And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, ³ but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴ While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. ⁵ And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? ⁶ He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, ⁷ that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” ⁸ And they remembered His words, ⁹ and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. ~ Luke 24:1-9

¹ Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. ² So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” ³ So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. ⁴ Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ⁵ And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. ⁶ Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, ⁷ and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. ⁸ Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; ⁹ for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. ¹⁰ Then the disciples went back to their homes. ~ John 20:1-10

It’s now Sunday. Early Sunday morning. The dawn hasn’t even fully set, but the women are up. They’re awake, and they’re heading to the tomb. It doesn’t say any men went with them, just the women. To do what? Properly prepare Jesus’ body for burial. What’s interesting about that? Well, who was going to roll away the tomb? Remember, Jesus was laid in the tomb, and a great stone was rolled in front of the tomb, so how would they have gotten in?

Honestly, I believe the women didn’t quite know either. I believe they went in faith that they would somehow get the stone rolled away; they just needed to try. I doubt they slept much the last three nights. But it didn’t matter; their LORD was in that tomb, and He needed a proper burial. When they reached the tomb? The stone was rolled away, but Jesus’ body wasn’t there.

I can imagine the fear shooting through their bodies as they approached the empty tomb. The guards had abandoned their posts. And there before them sat an unknown man. And what does he tell them? Jesus has risen, just as He had prophesied many times. This group of women was the first to see the empty tomb. The first to hear of the good news that their Messiah had risen. That they were not wrong. That He indeed was (and still is) the Great Redeemer. Jesus was alive.

Sometimes, faith needs us to walk blindly. Not necessarily that we don’t see anything, but that we don’t see everything. They had no idea how they were going to get the stone rolled away, yet they went. Not empty-handed either, but with herbs and spices prepared to prepare His body properly for burial. They didn’t know what state His body would be in. Remember, Isaiah said He would be (and He was) beaten beyond recognition. Lazarus was in the tomb for 4 days before Jesus came to raise him from the dead, and Martha warned Jesus the body would have begun to stink when He ordered the tomb to be opened. So, imagine the smell of a body that had been beaten beyond recognition. That had been tortured and destroyed.

The women didn’t care, though. They had one mission and one mission alone. Give the LORD a burial He deserved. And when they arrived, the stone had been rolled away. Jesus wasn’t there, but two angels were. Two angels were before them, confirming what they had seen. Jesus has risen. He is risen, alive, and has come into His glory.

Faith requires us to trust. To walk without always knowing where, why, or how. To move even when it doesn’t really make sense. To act when we’re not sure how it will be done. Faith requires us to trust blindly. But, unlike the world, we aren’t trusting in men who can’t see what’s next. Or in demons who can’t assure our welfare. Or in princes, thrones, dominions, or rulers whose power is not their own. We put our trust. Our faith in the LORD God Almighty, who knows beginning and end. Who was, is, and is to come. Whose power is His own, and whose authority known can take away. He who made Heaven and earth. Who established them by His own might and strength.

We may not know the end. But He does. We may not know the how. But He does. All that we don’t know or understand. All that worries us and concerns us. All that keeps us up at night is all in His hands. He holds all things. So, let this Resurrection Sunday encourage you. Let it lift you up. Let it give you hope and strengthen your faith. Jesus did not abandon His followers then, so He will not abandon you now. You have not been left as orphans. You have not been forgotten. He is watching over you. He has and still is preparing a way for you. You need only follow it.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Walk Blindly.

¹ Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, ² saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to Me. ³ If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The LORD needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” ~ Matthew 21:1-4

This is a very simple basic verse in Christianity. Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. We all know it. It’s Palm Sunday. So, it becomes one of those verses that we often overlook and take for granted, but today something struck me as a ‘huh, never really noticed that before’ moment. Jesus told two of His disciples to go get a donkey from the village. Then He tells them, just let anyone who asks know the LORD needs it.

It’s simply the Greek word Kyrios which is used to translate both Yahweh and Adonai. It simply means Lord. Now, here’s what gets me. Both Mark and Luke share that some did in fact ask what they were doing and the two disciples answered with what Jesus told them. And just as Jesus said, they let them go with the donkey without any trouble.

All they needed to know was that the LORD needed the donkey. They didn’t need to why. What for. Where. How long. If he’d get it back. All of these questions didn’t matter. All that mattered was that the LORD needed them. Now, how many of us can say that we have that much faith and that much trust in the LORD’s plans?

I want to put this into perspective how much faith this owner had. This was a young donkey that had never been ridden before. The average donkey was worth anywhere from 20 to 50 denarii. That’s equivalent to roughly $2,500 to $10,000. So, a young donkey that had never been ridden before is on the higher end. This owner had no idea where the donkey was going, for how long, or even if he’d get it back, but it didn’t matter. The cost didn’t outweigh the reward.

He was willing to risk thousands of dollars for the sake of being used by the LORD. He took David’s words to heart:

I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.

2 Samuel 24:24

We know nothing of the owner’s story. His name, occupation, everything about him is lost to history, but the LORD remembers him. The LORD knows what he did. How he walked in faith and offered something that cost him much.

And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Matthew 6:4

His faith was indeed rewarded. Our God does not forget us. He is faithful. When we give, He doesn’t take it lightly. Especially when it is a sacrifice that costs us something.

This Palm Sunday, don’t let the day end without giving something to the LORD that costs you something. It doesn’t have to be money. It can be time. It can be a meal. It can be anything, but let it cost you something. Let this Palm Sunday be the beginning of stepping out and trusting the LORD regardless of what He’s asking. Regardless of how scary it feels. Regardless of how little He reveals. We are to trust the LORD with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Trust Costly.

⁸ I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth? ~ Luke 18:8

As humans, we are hardwired to have faith. To believe in something. We have to have faith or believe that what we are told or taught is true. Every human has some measure of generic faith. That’s why from the very beginning, civilizations had gods. They had a belief system.

That’s why children absorb everything they’re told, taught, and see. We are programmed to have faith and believe in something. Distrust, doubt are learned traits. So, that begs the question, how then can Jesus ask if He will find faith on the earth when He returns? Jesus isn’t looking for generic faith. He is looking for the faith of His elect. Active faith in Him. Faith that changed you and the atmosphere around you. So, then shouldn’t it be easy for Him to find that faith, since we’re hardwired for faith?

Not when it’s active faith in Him. See, our faith is often attacked. It’s the only key to eternal life so the enemy does everything in his power to snuff it out. Whether through oppression, tribulation, or persecution. Whether through deception, twisting, and misconceptions. It doesn’t matter. Any means necessary, the enemy will try to destroy your active faith.

The faith Jesus is looking for. The faith that influences, guides, and determines your actions. Jesus is looking for those who will carry their cross and follow Him.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Be Found In Faith.

Matthew 18:2-4

[2] And calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them [3] and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus tells His followers that they have to have childlike faith. Why? Because children believe easier and faster than adults do. A child will believe anything, an adult, not so much so.

We are called to childlike faith so that we might easily belief the impossible, for all things are possible through Christ who gives me strength. Children believe you when you tell them who they are and what they can accomplish.

Jesus’ statement wasn’t about fun, but innocent belief without constraint so that miracles might be prevalent in your life.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Stand On Childlike Faith.

^[10] The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10).

That is not necessarily only about financial or material “good things.” I’m sure it includes financial or material good things, but not just limited to that. I believe Solomon was painting a bigger picture with broader strokes and a broader brush. He was looking into the spiritual through the eyes of the Holy Spirit. He was looking toward a time when the worshipers who worship the Father would be worshiping in spirit and in truth. He was seeing our time, the time of grace.

I believe he is, without doubt, also speaking about the “good thing” to come through Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Jesus said that anything that two believers agree on earth about and ask for, it will be done for them by His heavenly Father (Matthew 18:19).

The Acts-chapter-2-believers, the early Christians, took Jesus at His word and not only believed but let their mouth voice their faith. This is their prayer: ²⁹ And now, LORD, look upon their threats and grant to Your servants to continue to speak Your Word with all boldness, ³⁰ while You stretch out Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the Name of Your holy servant Jesus (Acts 4:29–30). And in response to their prayer of faith, the place in which they were gathered and were praying was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to preach the Word of God with boldness. And guess what? Signs, and wonders, and incredible acts of healing continued to follow their ministry.

This is a promise that, as they say, we can take to the bank, because God is good for it. Therefore, “No good thing will be withheld from them that diligently seek the LORD.” Signs, wonders, miracles, and healing will accompany those who seek and believe. It was prophesied about and promised to us; therefore, as believers, we can claim that promise. Paul said that all of God’s promises are yea and amen. So, let us lay hold of it with both hands and claim our promise, in Jesus’ Name.

Father, increase our faith that we might believe for the miraculous so that Your Name is glorified among the nations, and that unbelievers may know that there is a God in heaven, and that You still sit upon Your throne, in Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

Genesis 41:38-45

[38] And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” [39] Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. [40] You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” [41] And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” [42] Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. [43] And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. [44] Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” [45] And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah. And he gave him in marriage Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On. So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.

I always hear that there’s no evidence for the existence of Joseph or the Hebrew people’s time in Egypt, but to me, this is evidence enough.

There’s a place called Tell el-Dab’a (Avaris), located in the Nile Delta region (identified as Goshen in the Bible), where excavations have revealed a large Semitic settlement during the Middle Kingdom (c. 1876 BC), matching the biblical timeline for Joseph’s arrival. The site includes a massive villa with a floor plan identical to later Israelite four-room houses, suggesting a prominent Semitic official (probably Jacob, Joseph’s father) lived there. Royal seals have been unearthed at there with names Yacob-har (Jacob) and Sakir-har (Issachar).

Lastly, there’s a tomb at Tell el-Dab’a that contained a shattered statue of a Semitic man wearing a multicolored coat, echoing the biblical description of Joseph’s “coat of many colors.” The tomb was eerily empty, with bones removed—consistent with the biblical account that Moses took Joseph’s bones from Egypt during the Exodus.

There’s always people that will say this isn’t evidence. There’s always gonna be people that will say that the Bible is a made-up story, but as Christians, when we see this kind of evidence (even though we don’t need it to have faith), it really does build our faith. It makes us feel more bold in our faith when we have evidence that we can say to the unbeliever and skeptic, when they demand physical, historical, archaeology evidence. This evidence isn’t always for us, for our faith, but for the skeptic, scoffer, unbeliever who needs some form of physical proof before they can give in.

Man can try to destroy all evidence of God, but the LORD’s name, His story, His Kingdom, and His people will never be forgotten. Never be blotted out. No matter how hard the world tries, He is the Rock that shall not be moved. So, stand firm on that Rock and know with certainty that the Scriptures are true and preserved from God.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Hold Firm On The Rock.

^[26] In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, ^[27] to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ^[28] The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” ^[29] Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ^[30] But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. ^[31] You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. ^[32] He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, ^[33] and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” ^[34] “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” ^[35] The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. ^[36] Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. ^[37] For no word from God will ever fail.” ^[38] “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her (Luke 1:26-38).

This passage could be considered Christmas Eve in God’s plan—not the night before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but the moment when the gift of Christ was first offered to the world, nine months before His birth.

There are a few important things to notice.

First, Mary was greatly troubled, but she was not terrified like the shepherds later would be. The word translated as “troubled” means perplexed—deeply thoughtful, puzzled. Mary’s first instinct was not panic but wonder. She tried to understand what God was doing, as shown by her questioning what kind of greeting this might be.

Mary responded with faith seeking understanding.

The shepherds, on the other hand, were sore afraid—terrified. In Scripture, angels often signal judgment or dramatic divine intervention. From their perspective, they may have believed death was imminent. Where Mary wondered, the shepherds feared judgment.

Second, Mary asked questions so she could fully understand what God was asking of her. Her question—“How will this be?”—was not unbelief, but a sincere desire to obey rightly. The shepherds, by contrast, did not speak at all until the angels had departed.

Third, the angel did not leave Mary without getting an answer. She had to choose. She could receive the gift—say yes—or she could refuse—say no. Only after Mary clearly accepted God’s will did the angel depart.

Mary understood who she was before God and said:

“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Only then did the angel leave.

Mary’s story reminds us that God’s greatest gifts often arrive wrapped in mystery and require a response. Like Mary, we may feel perplexed rather than terrified, uncertain rather than afraid—but God still invites us to trust Him. The question is not whether God has a plan, but whether we are willing to receive it. Faith does not demand complete understanding; it requires surrender. When we, like Mary, recognize who we are before God and say, “I am the LORD’s servant; may Your word be fulfilled in me,” we accept the gift God is offering and allow His purposes to unfold in our lives.

Father, help me understand who I am and what You want me to do. I know You have a plan for everyone, including me. Help me to find, understand, and receive the plans You have for my life, and to say with faith, “Let Your will be fulfilled in me.” Thank You, Father, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

⁵ Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. ~ Proverbs 30:5

This means that faith in our God is not just belief—it’s trusting Him to cover you, to absorb what would otherwise destroy you.

A buckler, on the other hand, is a small, usually round shield used for close, hand-to-hand combat to deflect blows, parry sword strikes, and facilitate offensive maneuvers. How does that relate to God being our Buckler?

Just as the buckler was a close personal shield, so is our God a close personal shield who deflects spiritual attacks, danger, and harm before they can overwhelm us.

God is our ever-present protector in the spiritual battles of life. He shields us from attacks, gives us wisdom to parry temptations, and empowers us to stand firm and take action in His name. Like a buckler held in the fist, God is intimately close, moving with us and defending us in every moment of the fight.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Trust In Your Buckler.

¹⁸But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. ~ James 2:18

Having faith to believe that God exists is nothing… It’s not faith at all. Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you…” That is faith! That is what really counts.

And what does that mean… except to remain, or continue living for Jesus and being obedient to His commands.

You are not allowed to live however you very well please. Your body is not your own; you are bought with a price.

Therefore, we are to hold our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto our LORD and Savior.

If you get caught up in the things of this world,  you will lose track of your relationship with Jesus, and if that happens, you will lose your soul.

Therefore, strive to make sure your soul is not in danger. Seek the LORD in all things. Put Him above all other things. Let your life be lived to Christ.

Peace. Love. Go Forth an Keep Track.