1. When Life Pushes You Down, Keep Coming (vv.1–8)

As I read about the persistent widow, something struck me:
– she never mentions God.
– She doesn’t pray.
– She doesn’t worship.
– She simply refuses to give up.

And Jesus takes that persistence and says to His disciples, “This is how you should pray.”

It reminded me that sometimes faith isn’t loud or poetic.
Sometimes it’s just showing up again.
Sometimes it’s refusing to quit even when nothing seems to move.
Sometimes it’s dragging your tired heart back to God because you know there’s nowhere else to go.

Not because we’re strong – but because we’re desperate.

And Jesus honours that.

2. The Danger of Thinking We’re Doing Fine (vv.9–14)

The Pharisee lists his spiritual achievements like a CV:
“I fast twice a week. I give a tenth of everything.”

And I felt the warning.
Because it’s so easy to slip into thinking that religious habits, good routines, or rule‑keeping put us in the right place with God.

But Jesus exposes the truth:
self‑righteousness is a wall, not a doorway.

The tax collector, broken and honest, is the one who goes home right with God.

It reminded me that intentional faith in Jesus is never about what I bring. It’s about coming empty and trusting His mercy.

3. The Beauty of Coming with Empty Hands (vv.15–17)

Then the children come.

They don’t bring achievements.
They don’t bring arguments.
They don’t bring spiritual credentials.

They just come.

And Jesus says, “This is how you receive the kingdom.”

It made me pause.
How often do I try to come to God with something to offer, something to prove, something to justify myself?

But children don’t do that.
They simply trust the One who welcomes them.

4. When Goodness Isn’t Enough (vv.18–30)

The rich ruler is sincere.
– He’s moral.
– He’s respectful.
– He’s everything we might call “a good man.”

But he doesn’t follow Jesus.

And this is where intentional faith becomes clear: if he truly believed Jesus was Lord, he would (should) have let go of everything and followed Him.

He believed in commandments, but we infer that he didn’t believe Jesus was worth everything.

It made me reflect on my own heart:

– What am I holding that holds me back?
– What competes with Jesus for my trust?
– Where is my faith divided?

5. Jesus Walks Toward What I Could Never Face (vv.31–34)

This is the part that stopped me.

Jesus tells His disciples exactly what awaits Him in Jerusalem: mocking, spitting, flogging, death.

And He still goes.

I know I couldn’t have done it. Even if I were perfectly righteous, I wouldn’t choose that road.

But He did.
– Not because He had to.
– Not because He was trapped.
But because He loves.

This is the moment in the chapter where my heart just says, “Thank You, Jesus. You didn’t have to – but You did.”

6. The Cry of a Man Who Sees More Than the Sighted (vv.35–43)

Then comes the blind man.

He can’t see Jesus, but he recognises Him more clearly than anyone else.

When he hears it is Jesus, he cries out. When people tell him to be quiet, he cries louder. He calls Him “Son of David.”
He asks boldly.
He follows immediately.

This is intentional faith in Jesus – not vague belief, not general spirituality, but a deliberate reaching out to the Messiah.

And Jesus asks him the question He still asks us: “What do you want Me to do for you?”

Not because He doesn’t know, but because faith becomes real when we name our need.

✨ Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for walking toward Jerusalem with a willing heart.
Thank You for doing what we could never do for ourselves.
Keep us from the trap of self‑righteousness.
Give us the humility of the tax collector, the openness of a child, and the boldness of the blind man who called out to You.
Where our faith is weak, strengthen it.
Where our hands are full, open them.
Where our hearts are hesitant, draw us closer.
Teach us to follow You with honesty, courage, and trust.
Amen.

May God bless you all,

‘But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.’

1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NLT)

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Note from Brother Don — click to open

I would love for this space to become more interactive as we walk together in faith. If there are subjects you’d like to explore from a Christian perspective, or if you have prayer needs for yourself, your family, or your friends, please feel free to reach out.

You can send a private message through the site — these are confidential and not visible to anyone else. The only exception would be if a safeguarding concern were raised; in that case, it may need to be passed on to the appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.

Above all, I want to ensure that what is shared here reflects what the Lord desires to say. Sometimes the “signal” of life can get in the way, and your feedback helps me stay prayerful, discerning, and aligned with His heart. Whether you simply read along or choose to share, I’m grateful you’re here.

Beginning a Journey With Jesus — click to open

If you’re exploring the Christian faith or wondering what it means to follow Jesus, you’re in the right place. Beginning a journey with Him is the most life‑changing decision a person can make — and it’s open to everyone.

Below is a simple explanation of the gospel message, followed by a prayer you can use if you feel ready to invite Jesus into your life.

A Brief Summary of the Gospel Message:

• God created you for relationship with Him.
• Sin — the things we do wrong — separates us from God.
• We cannot fix this separation by our own efforts.
• Jesus, God’s Son, came to earth, lived without sin, and died on the cross to take our place.
• He rose again, defeating sin and death.
• Through Jesus, we can be forgiven, restored, and made new.
• Salvation is a gift — received by faith, not earned by good works.
• When we accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us and begins transforming our lives.
• We become children of God, with a new identity and a new future.

A Simple Prayer to Begin Your Journey:

“Lord Jesus, I come to You today because I want to know You. I admit that I have sinned and fallen short, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for me and rose again so that I could be made new. Today, I choose to turn away from my old life and follow You. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me to live for You from this day forward. Thank You for loving me, forgiving me, and making me Your child. Amen.”

What to Do Next:

1. Find a Local Church
Look for a Bible‑believing church in your area. Speak to the pastor or leadership team and let them know about the commitment you’ve made. They will be able to support you, pray with you, and help you grow.

2. Consider the Alpha Course
I strongly recommend the Alpha Course, which runs worldwide. It’s a safe, friendly place to explore questions about life, the Christian faith, and God — whether you’re brand new or simply curious.

Visit the Alpha Course website

3. Reach Out if You’d Like Support
If you’d like prayer, have questions, or want to talk privately, you can send a confidential message through the site. Nothing you share will be visible to others. The only exception is if a safeguarding concern is raised — in that case, it may need to be passed on to the appropriate agency or person, as you would expect.