Satan has done well to deceive the world. Unfortunately many have played into his hands. They thought they were pursuing paths of happiness, greater freedoms, quicker paths to prosperity and love, only to find themselves broken, empty and enslaved. What counterfeit schemes is Satan unleashing next? How do we stop this?
Listen to our 3-minute message on how you can successfully navigate around Satan’s counterfeit schemes and walk confidently in God’s Truth.
While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him– John 12:36-37 (English Standard Version)
Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
In the preceding verses, here we find Jesus explaining to the crowds and his disciples why he must die. Die? Yes, this was the one that many saw perform miracles in healing the sick, driving out evil spirits from tormented souls, and even raising the dead! But Jesus knew their hearts. He knew people viewed him merely as a miracle worker but didn’t believe on him as Savior of their souls.
That sounds like some of us today. Oh, we know God as the one who blesses and works miracles for us but do we know him as Savior? When we get on our knees to pray, are we merely asking him for more and more material things and neglecting to thank for him for the salvation of our souls? Do we truly believe in our hearts? The fact of the reality is a lot of us believe in Jesus Christ, the God-man, for what he CAN do for us but NOT for what he DID do for us which is die on the cross for our sins and rose on the third day defeating the power of death and offering to us eternal life for those who believe in him.
We would be wise to mirror the faith of the father who brought his son to Jesus to be healed from an evil spirit. The Bible says this man said, “But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”-Mark 9:22-24 This attitude the man demonstrated is one of trust and confidence in Jesus even for his faith!
For faith is not something that we can obtain on our own but it is a gift from God. For the Bible says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. –Ephesians 2:8-9
Yet, it concerns my soul for those who believe but refuse to admit it publicly for fear of rejection or ridicule from people. Oh they would be more concerned about God’s eternal acceptance than the temporary approval of their peers.
May they remember Jesus Christ’s truthful warning: “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” –Matthew 10:32-33 For a time is coming and indeed it is here now where many people will be deceived more and more by the evil one Satan. Hearts will be hardened and more people will not believe. Friend, I pray with all the love in my heart that you believe in Jesus Christ for the salvation of your soul.
For the Bible says, “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” –2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 Amen
About Jason M. Alexandre
Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.
“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:26-28 (English Standard Version)
Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” –Matthew 5:4 May the eternal grace, peace, and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with the families of the 147 victims killed in a terrorist attack at Kenya’s Garissa University. Most of the victims, if not all, identified with being a Christian. God bless the souls of those university students who courageously made a conscious choice in the face of danger not to deny believing in the name of Jesus Christ.
They did not fear the terrorists with guns who could kill the body because their assurance rested in the One who already saved their souls. Maybe the words of their Savior flashed through their minds in the face of persecution and danger. For the Bible says, “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” –Matthew 10:32-33
I pray that we ready our hearts for the persecution that will inevitably come to Christians in the United States. In some cases, it is already here! Will we be bold in the face of danger, ridicule, and rejection, standing our ground in our belief in Jesus Christ? Or will we give in for the sake of our lives here on this fallen, dying and decaying earth? “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” –Matthew 16:25
Christians be encouraged! I know it seems grim when we look around and see the spiritual and moral decay rapidly increasing. The more sin becomes acceptable and overlooked, the more Christians will be hated.
Oh they could kill the body but never the soul! Be encouraged! For Christ said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’ –John 15:18-25 Amen
About Jason M. Alexandre
Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. –Proverbs 12:25 (English Standard Version)
Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
It’s disheartening, grievous, but unfortunately true: not every leader of God is living or teaching the true Word of God. Some shepherds are leading their entrusted flock astray. From the country church to the televised mega church, and those in between, the twisting of the “good news” has left many seeking “a good word” to serve as a salve from the pain of being fleeced by false teachings.
This false appearance of godliness is in fact godlessness. The last days are indeed here and God is giving us daily indications that our hearts must be right and focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ! For the Bible says regarding godlessness, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” -2 Timothy 3:1-5
We need a good word! We need the gospel! Not false pipe dreams of attaining riches that may certainly and inevitably put us on a slippery slope to destruction ultimately bringing our hearts farther and farther away from communion with the living God. There is a judgment awaiting false preachers who lead others astray. The Bible says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. – James 3:1
Oh how careful we need to be with what we say to others! For their souls are at stake! You say, “Well then. What is a good word? How can I recognize which preaching is really good for my soul?”
The answer is that which the central message focuses on Jesus Christ and the redemption of man through the work of the cross. We only need the word of God to impart this truth to others. For all scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. –2 Timothy 3:16 “But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.” –2 Timothy 2:16
For the true preacher called by God to present the good news of Jesus Christ, the Bible says to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” -2 Timothy 2:15
People’s hearts are restless and they need an answer. Their hearts need a good word that can save their soul and not deceive them. A good word that can relieve their anxiety and make their hearts glad! Brothers and sisters in Christ, we would be wise in imitating the attitude of the apostle Paul. For the Bible says, “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. -1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Amen. Be blessed!
About Jason M. Alexandre
Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.
We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. – 1 John 1:1-2 (New Living Translation)
Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
How many of us believe the current event stories we hear weekly on our radios, read in the papers and watch on television? Do you think the stories are accurate? Do you believe in the reporters? It requires some faith from us to believe in that news story and often times we tend to share it with others wherever our day may take us.
Led by the Holy Spirit, the disciple John (“the one whom Jesus loved”) felt it necessary to write this letter to the Christians living in a Roman empire who desired to exacerbate their faith daily. Many victories were won in the Christians surviving severe persecution but many were beginning to compromise their faith and conform to the world’s standards. False teachers were at an all-time high and the church was on a downward slide away from the Christian faith. The Christians began to grow complacent with the faith and a reminder was needed to encourage the believers to get back on track.
This testimony from John was a sure testimony. There was no falsehood in his account. For he ate with Jesus, talked with him, heard many of his sermons and saw many of his miracles. John even stayed at the foot of the cross when Jesus was being crucified and never left his side. He wanted to assure true believers that they possessed eternal life and remind them that their faith was genuine so that they could enjoy all the benefits of being God’s children.
However, it would take them to truly live like Christians and not like the world. Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14 For this kind of fellowship is exactly what weakens the Christian commitment, integrity, or standards.
A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ and “whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”-1 John 2:6 To walk today as Christ did we must obey his teachings and follow his example of complete obedience to God and loving service to people. My friend, I challenge you to remember the testimony that was once given to you that brought you into the family of God when you trusted in Jesus as your Savior. In fact, remember your own testimony that while you were yet still a sinner, Christ died for you. –Romans 5:8
Is that not a good enough reason to tell others of his great love? There’s more work to do and people are starving for the Gospel message that could save their souls. I pray that you will continue to share your faith and strengthen your testimony as you live in a right relationship with Jesus Christ. Amen. Be blessed.
About Jason M. Alexandre
Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” – Luke 22:31-32 (New International Version)
Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
What comes to mind when you think of the apostle Peter also known as Simon? Denied Christ? Quick-tongued? Hasty? Impulsive? Over confident? These might be some of characteristics often associated with Peter. Throughout the centuries he is often remembered as the one who was fervent and zealous for Christ but denied him when Jesus was seized by the religious leaders and led away to be crucified. That sounds like some of us today. Oh, we don’t mind sharing our faith and serving the Lord during peaceful times but when times of persecution, danger, and mocking comes, how many of us do not stand firm for Jesus and instead shrink in fear denying him?
I suppose that Jesus found it extremely necessary to remind his disciples of Satan’s design and his schemes. For in the preceding verses of our text, a dispute arose among the disciples as to which of them would be considered the greatest. –Luke 22:24
The disciples had it all wrong. They were interested in worldly power instead of loving service to their brothers. Their pride had blinded their eyes to the spiritual warfare that was taking place and indeed would take place later on. Satan probably taunted Jesus and said, “Look at them, give them to me. Especially Peter so that I might try him.”
However, Jesus demonstrated His great love by warning and praying for Peter so that his faith would not fail. I am convinced that Peter later remembered Jesus’s warning about Satan. For Peter exhorted us in saying, “Be alert and of a sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8 The Bible cautions us earnestly to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. To put on the full armor of God, so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes. For there are dark and evil spiritual powers lingering around in our fallen world. – Ephesians 6:10-12
I’m so glad that Jesus made a way for us to be with him one day in his Holy Place (Heaven). For although like Peter, we can strengthen our brothers and sisters by praying for them, the truth is that we are human beings who are susceptible to forget praying for our family, friends, and ministers. Yet Praise the Lord! We do have ONE prayer warrior named Jesus who will never forget us, NEVER stop praying for us until we meet Him face to face. Christians are in a continual process of being sanctified and will indeed sin at times. Satan will try to trip us up and condemn us, but Hallelujah! The Bible says, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding (pleading, petitioning, praying) for us. –Romans 8:34
(Read John 17:6-25 where Jesus prays for His disciples and Believers)
Take a moment today to thank Him for his grace and protection from the evil one. Amen.
About Jason M. Alexandre
Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.
And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.–Hebrews 12:5-7 (New International Version)
Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
Son? Daughter? “I disciplined you because I love you. I don’t want to see you harmed in the future and I don’t want you to hurt yourself so it was best that I correct you now.” A loving parent might utter these words after disciplining their child. It’s not easy for a loving parent to discipline a child, but it is necessary. Parenting is a great responsibility the Lord gives to parents to guide and nurture their children.
Today, it is becoming increasingly difficult for loving parents with good intentions to discipline their children. These days, if a child is disciplined physically as opposed to verbally, that parent may be questioned by authorities for child abuse. Yet, God originally intended for children to be disciplined even if it meant, physically. For the Bible says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” – Proverbs 13:24
Lack of discipline might raise the question of whether a parent truly loves their child because it shows a lack of concern for the character development of their children.
Parents have years of experiential wisdom in living that in disciplining their child today it will help avert the possibility for future disaster. So it is with God who has infinite wisdom. Those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their personal savior, through God’s great pleasure and will have now been adopted as sons and daughters of God. –Ephesians 1:5
Some thought that when they became Christians that hard times would never come again. They questioned God’s love in times of suffering and confusion, whether through sin or not their fault. Yet, remember that God loves you. No discipline seems pleasant at the time. However, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:11 Those he loves, he rebukes and disciplines. – Revelation 3:19
I don’t know what you’re going through friend, but I do know you are a child of a loving Father who knows you and your future completely. Jesus Christ knows your plight and shares in it with you. For the Bible says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”– Jeremiah 29:11 (New Living Translation) Amen
About Jason M. Alexandre
Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.
Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” – Genesis 4:9
“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ –Matthew 25:44-45 May each day we have breath in our lungs remember Cain’s question to the Lord and answer it with for ourselves with a resounding, “Yes! I am my brother’s keeper!” This pretension is indeed true. For we are not that different from one another. One similarity we share is that we were made God’s image.
For the Bible says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” –Genesis 1:27 Some may say, I am just too busy to help anyone! I have problems of my own! Another similarity we ALL share. For the Bible says, “Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.” –Job 5:7 No fault of our own that trouble often finds us for it is inherent of our fore parents who disobeyed God and sinned and we therefore followed in their example.
Sin is still immanent and if we have the means to remove a burden from our fellow man, our brother or sister, may we lovingly do so as if it were God almighty requesting our assistance himself. If they are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them a drink. If they need a coat, find them one. You help them, you please God. You turn your back, you displease God. If we are going to give of ourselves, may it be from the heart otherwise we sin by giving begrudgingly. Our attitude may be as Cain’s in that we try to hide this sin from God but he knows. While we may not be the direct cause of someone’s detriment as Cain was to Abel, our lack of response to help when we have ability to is not great either. God showed his great love and mercy in forgiving us of our sins. We didn’t deserve it but “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 
May we remember the focus of the parable Jesus gave in Matthew 25 to love every person and serve anyone we can. Such love for others glorifies God by reflecting our love for him. In us, one who has yet to know Jesus Christ and accept him, may come to know him through our godly concern and actions for their well-being. Amen
About Jason M. Alexandre
Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. -1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)
Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
Some of us have been enjoying the exciting National Football League playoff games the last couple of weekends. Both the away and home team has a single goal in mind, which is none other but to win. Though the question raise is: which team has more of a chip on their shoulder? In other words, which team feels the most pressure to win at that particular game? Let me suggest the answer is the home team. I noticed a home fan holding a sign that read “PROTECT THIS HOUSE.” For the fans expect their team to produce a win at home which also means that if the team is successful in winning, then they protected their home turf from outsiders coming in and getting glory.
If we have trusted in Jesus Christ as our personal savior, the Bible tells us that God now resides in us through the Holy Spirit and our bodies are a temple for Him that we must love, honor, and protect. How we use our bodies is extremely important to God. Our minds, hearts, and other body parts he urges us to offer them to him as a living sacrifice each day. For the Bible says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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.” – Romans 12:1-2 
So where do we start in protecting our bodies? For the unbeliever, it starts with a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ. God’s wrath is still on you because of your sins if you have not trusted in his loving sacrifice of his only Son on the cross. For the Bible says, “very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:7-8
My friend, to reject that love and his gift for you is a tragic mistake. For the believer, we start protecting our bodies, God’s temple by the renewing of our minds in reading His Word every day. The Bible is alive and relevant in every way for every circumstance or situation today. I’m so glad that God gave us this precious gift! For it helps us see through the deceptive and subtle half-truths and falsehoods floating around in the world. His Word is a true guide for us. What we feed our minds will be planted in our hearts and what is in our hearts we will inevitably act out. It is my prayer that our minds and hearts reflect the Word of God empowering us to live our lives and honor our bodies in such a way that is pleasing to him. –Amen.
About Jason M. Alexandre
Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.
And he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” –Matthew 15:16-20 (English Standard Version)
Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
In the preceding verses of this chapter we find Jesus being questioned by the Pharisees and teachers of the law when they asked him, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” –Matthew 15:2 And you recall during those days, humanly speaking, these Pharisees and teachers of the law were great respected men among the people of Israel. For they could quote the scriptures easily, they attended the church (synagogue) regularly, spoke eloquently, gave money to great causes, and other things of that nature. To a blind eye observing these men, one might say there are the men I want to follow and be like for they are close to God! Yes! They are the true leaders of Israel!
Well not so to Jesus. He retorted to their question sharply saying, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” –Matthew 15:3 For Jesus is God and he knew the condition of their hearts. He knew that externally these men looked very godly but internally, their inner man, was unclean. It’s like some people today. They come to church every Sunday, they’re involved in ministries, give lots of money to foundations and some even preach and seem to have gained a large following of people that respect them. “You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” –Matthew 15:7-9
Jesus sought to teach the Pharisees that it isn’t outward ceremonial traditions such as the washing of the hands (traditions) that makes one clean and pleasing to God but it is a changed heart and keeping the commands of God that God approves.
You and I recognize our sinful nature and realize that sin exists in a fallen world. How is it then that one’s heart can be changed? We certainly can’t do it by our own strength. We’ll fail over and over again. The answer is, we must be born again. Jesus said, “Truly, Truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” –John 3:5-6 Only the pure in heart, a heart that is changed by Jesus Christ, the incarnated God, through the forgiveness of sin believing on the saving work that he did on the cross for you and for me will see God face to face in heaven. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. –Matthew 5:8
Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? (Be in his presence) The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bride against the innocent. –Psalm 15:1-5 Amen
Lord, create in us a clean heart.
-Jason M. Alexandre
About Jason M. Alexandre
Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.
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