Author - Clay Corvin

1. Hypocrisy (Matthew 23:13-33, Luke 12:1-3)

What Jesus Said:

• “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces.” (Matthew 23:13)
• “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” (Luke 12:1)

Why Jesus Condemned It:

• Hypocrisy pretends to be holy while hiding sin.
• The Pharisees demanded perfection from others but refused to change themselves.
• Hypocrisy blocks others from knowing God by giving a false representation of holiness.
• Jesus hates fake religion—He seeks genuine faith (Matthew 15:8).

Lesson for Us:

• Don’t just act righteous—seek true transformation.
• Be authentic in faith, admitting weaknesses and striving for change.

2. Pride and Self-Righteousness (Luke 18:9-14, Matthew 23:12)

What Jesus Said:

• “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)
• “God, I thank you that I am not like other people…” (Luke 18:11 – Pharisee’s prayer)

Why Jesus Condemned It:

• Pride rejects the need for God’s mercy.
• Self-righteous people trust in their own goodness instead of God’s grace.
• Pride blinds people from seeing their own sin.
• The Pharisees loved status and power, not God (Matthew 23:5-7).

Lesson for Us:

• Humility leads to God’s favor (James 4:6).
• Confess daily dependence on Christ, not your own strength.

3. Greed and Love of Money (Luke 12:15, Matthew 6:24, Mark 10:17-25)

What Jesus Said:

• “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”(Luke 12:15)
• “You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

Why Jesus Condemned It:

• Greed enslaves the heart and pushes God aside.
• The rich young ruler chose wealth over following Jesus (Mark 10:21-22).
• Greedy people hoard possessions, ignoring the poor and needy.

Lesson for Us:

• Money isn’t evil, but loving it is (1 Timothy 6:10).
• Give generously, trusting God as your provider.

4. Unbelief and Hardness of Heart (John 3:18, Mark 6:6)

What Jesus Said:

• “Whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:18)
• Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. (Mark 6:6)

Why Jesus Condemned It:

• Unbelief rejects God’s truth and leads to spiritual death.
• Many saw miracles yet still refused to believe.
• The Pharisees hardened their hearts even when Jesus proved He was the Messiah.

Lesson for Us:

• Faith in Jesus is essential for salvation.
• Ask God to soften your heart and grow your faith.

5. Religious Legalism (Mark 7:6-9, Matthew 23:4)

What Jesus Said:

• “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” (Mark 7:8)
• “They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders.” (Matthew 23:4)

Why Jesus Condemned It:

• The Pharisees added rules that burdened people instead of setting them free.
• Legalism focuses on externals (appearance, rules) rather than heart transformation.
• Jesus taught that mercy is greater than sacrifice (Matthew 9:13).

Lesson for Us:

• Christianity is about grace, not rules.
• Follow God’s commands out of love, not obligation.

6. Lust and Adultery (Matthew 5:27-30, John 8:3-11)

What Jesus Said:

• “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)
• “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11)

Why Jesus Condemned It:

• Lust starts in the heart before it becomes sin.
• Adultery destroys marriages, families, and trust.
• Jesus emphasized purity and faithfulness.

Lesson for Us:

• Guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:8).
• Flee temptation, don’t entertain it (2 Timothy 2:22).

7. Judgmental Attitude (Matthew 7:1-5)

What Jesus Said:

• “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1)
• “First take the plank out of your own eye.” (Matthew 7:5)

Why Jesus Condemned It:

• We often judge others harshly but excuse our own faults.
• Judgment without mercy drives people away from God.
• Only God is the righteous judge.

Lesson for Us:

• Show mercy and grace, as God does.
• Correct others in love, not condemnation.

8. Causing Others to Sin (Matthew 18:6-7)

What Jesus Said:

• “If anyone causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck.” (Matthew 18:6)

Why Jesus Condemned It:

• Influencing others toward sin is destructive.
• Jesus hates abuse and exploitation, especially of children and the vulnerable.

Lesson for Us:

• Live in a way that leads others to Christ, not away from Him.

9. Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28-30)

What Jesus Said:

• “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven.” (Mark 3:29)

Why Jesus Condemned It:

• Rejecting the Holy Spirit’s work is rejecting salvation.
• The Pharisees accused Jesus of using Satan’s power, rejecting the truth.

Lesson for Us:

• If your heart is still open to Jesus, you haven’t committed this sin.
• Accept the Holy Spirit’s conviction and seek repentance.

10. Hating and Rejecting Others (Matthew 5:43-44, Luke 6:27-36)

What Jesus Said:

• “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
• “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

Why Jesus Condemned It:

• Hate poisons the heart and destroys relationships.
• Love and forgiveness reflect God’s heart.

Lesson for Us:

• Choose forgiveness over bitterness.
• Reflect Christ’s grace, even to enemies.

Final Thought:
Jesus didn’t just condemn sin—He offered forgiveness and transformation. His harshest words were reserved for unrepentant hearts. The call remains: turn to Him and live in His grace.

Spiritual Growth & Mindset

1. Start Your Day with Prayer & Gratitude – Thank God for life, blessings, and His presence before doing anything else.
2. Read Scripture Daily – Even a few verses help ground your thoughts in God’s wisdom.
3. Practice Mindfulness & Presence – Focus on the present moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
4. Let Go of Resentment & Forgive – Holding onto grudges only weighs you down. Release bitterness and free your heart.
5. Be Intentional About Your Thoughts – Replace negativity with truth and faith-based thinking.

Health & Well-Being

• Drink More Water – Proper hydration improves your energy, focus, and overall well-being.
• Move Your Body Daily – Take a walk, stretch, or do a workout—physical movement is essential for health.
• Get Enough Rest – Prioritize sleep to rejuvenate your mind and body for the day ahead.
• Eat More Whole Foods – Reduce processed foods and nourish your body with nutrient-rich meals.
• Practice Deep Breathing & Relaxation – Stress management starts with calming your nervous system.

Relationships & Community

1. Reach Out to Someone You Love – Send a message, call, or spend time with someone who matters.
2. Listen More Than You Speak – Engage with people fully, seeking to understand rather than just respond.
3. Serve Others Daily – Small acts of kindness—holding a door, giving a compliment, or helping someone—can change lives.
4. Invest in Quality Friendships – Nurture relationships with people who uplift, challenge, and encourage you in faith and life.
5. Set Healthy Boundaries – Protect your time, energy, and peace by saying no when needed.

Personal Growth & Productivity

1. Start Journaling – Write down your thoughts, prayers, and reflections to gain clarity and track growth.
2. Commit to Lifelong Learning – Read, listen to podcasts, or take courses to expand your knowledge and skills.
3. Simplify & Declutter – Remove unnecessary physical, mental, and emotional clutter to focus on what truly matters.
4. Make a Daily To-Do List – Set realistic goals for each day and celebrate small accomplishments.
5. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone – Take on challenges that stretch your abilities and help you grow.

Start Today! Small changes lead to big transformations.

Verse 1:
No wisdom of man, no eloquent speech,
No power in words, no lessons to teach,
Only the cross, where mercy is found,
Only His love, where grace abounds.

Chorus:
Nothing but the cross, nothing but His name,
Jesus is my answer, forever He reigns.
No wisdom, no striving, no power of man,
Only the cross—salvation’s plan.

Verse 2:
The world seeks reason, the scholars debate,
But faith stands firm, it will not wait.
Jesus has spoken, the work is complete,
The cross is enough, my soul is at peace.

Chorus:
Nothing but the cross, nothing but His name,
Jesus is my answer, forever He reigns.
No wisdom, no striving, no power of man,
Only the cross—salvation’s plan.

Verse 3:
Lay down your striving, surrender your pride,
Come to the Savior, arms open wide.
No need for wisdom, no need for gain,
Just trust in Jesus, the Lamb who was slain.

Chorus (Repeat):
Nothing but the cross, nothing but His name,
Jesus is my answer, forever He reigns.
No wisdom, no striving, no power of man,
Only the cross—salvation’s plan.

Verse 4:
Now I will preach, now I will go,
Not in my strength, but Christ alone.
No words can save, no wisdom can win,
Only the cross—where life begins.

Don is a man of great character.
He is a humble man of good repute,
Always thinking of others first.
His lifelong focus is on helping others. 
 
Don loves his wife and is devoted to her and his family. 
All of them are precious to him. 
 
God is first. 
Don’s focus is on the call of Christ in service. 
He is a prayer warrior.
He loves Jesus and spends significant time with Him. 
 
His steps are ordered by the Lord. 
Only Jesus has control of his life. 
 
Don never acts out of selfish ambition.
Every person is important to him.
The needs of the individual count with him.
Praise the Lord for Don’s faithful life. 
 
Gratitude is the attitude of Don’s heart.
He is grateful for everything the Lord does for him. 
 
He is a kind and generous man,
Sensitive to the need to treat others with dignity. 
 
Every day is important. 
His gifts and skills are at the service of the Lord.
Don is surrendered to glorifying the Lord with his life. 
He is a man after God’s own heart!
 
 
Clay Corvin
October 22, 2024

Everything can and will change.
Cast your burden on the Lord.
Hard times will not destroy you.
God provides refuge and strength in times of trouble.
 
You’ve overcome challenges before.
Reframe it as a learning experience.
Often these rough patches provide just the training we need to succeed. 
Not getting what you want can be a blessing.
 
Being kind to yourself is the best medicine.
Trust the Lord to see you through and
Allow yourself to have some fun.
Other people’s negativity isn’t worth worrying about.
 
You have lots of strengths as a person.
The Lord Jesus is your stronghold.
He knows suffering.
He will walk with you. 
 
Develop a gratitude mindset.
Identify things that bless you.
Make a list and write it down.
Read the list at least once a day. 
 
Follow Jesus. 
Spend time with Him.
Pray for deliverance. 
Watch the Lord work out your suffering and set you free. 
 
Clay Corvin
September 12, 2024

NEVER – ISA. 51:6 “MY SALVATION WILL LAST FOREVER”

God speaking: “My salvation will never fail!
It will last forever!”

Are you discouraged?
The world, the flesh and the devil got you down?
Failure has you blue!
Or maybe the government and the people that run it!
Your life is hard and chaos is winning the day!

Stop!  Listen to what Jesus has to say:
Look up at the sky, at the sun, the moon, and the stars!
They operate seemingly without end.
Look at the earth around you, the mountains, rivers and oceans.
They appear to be unchanging.

They are not eternal.
Jesus is coming back.
All that will disappear.
We are here today and gone tomorrow.
All this stuff is temporary.

Jesus says that our salvation will last forever.
That His righteousness will never fail.
We can trust that Jesus will do the right thing,
When no one else does. 
Jesus is faithful and HIS salvation will never end. 

Clay Corvin

September 7, 2024 – Saturday

LOVE THE LORD

Love the Lord your God with all your heart.
Daily focus.
Pray without ceasing.
Know His Word.
All required to maintain control of our deceitful heart.
My way generally tends to not be God’s way.
I will let the Holy Spirit control me, so that I will walk God’s path. 

Love the Lord your God with all your soul.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
He knows what you are facing, and you don’t.
Whatever the pain, or gain, the Holy Spirit controls you.
Good or bad are passing in the wind.
The only forever good thing is Jesus.
Serve the Lord with gladness and He will fill your soul.

Love the Lord with all your mind.
Get the focus off material things, they are passing away.
Only God’s people will last.
Study God’s word.
Serve everyone, enemy and friend alike. 
Be usable, train your hands and feet.
Do the next right thing. 

The Jesus way will cost you dearly.
He demands first place,
Because He is the only way.
Seek Him, with all of your heart,
And He will add all you need to your life. 
Following Jesus is the eternal way.
Plan on spending forever with Him. 

Clay Corvin – September 2, 2024

WILL YOU SERVE JESUS EVEN IF YOU LOSE?

Life is never what it seems.
Dreams unfulfilled.
Evil always afoot.
Especially in the life of a child-evil adults destroying them. 

We never shake that evil.
It mocks us.
Always in our minds eye.
Most of us are grown up, abused, children. 

Jesus says you don’t have to live like that.
Come follow me and I will take you to the real Father.
He loves you.
Every thought that the Father has towards you is a thought for good. 

Now you have come to Jesus.
He says stay and grow.
You need some time to heal.
It’s not heaven but it’s the best situation you’ve had.

Then that old snake Satan whispers in your ear.
Look how nice it is over there. 
Come with me, these folks don’t treat you right. 
I mean the reality of life at Bethel is hard. 

The evil one says you are stronger now.
It’s much better back there. 
Nobody appreciates you here.
Let’s go, you’ve had enough. 

The Lord says, “Follow me and you will have great peace and will not stumble.”
I’m shaping you into a new creature. 
Your sins have been washed away and you are learning how valuable you are. 
You are precious to me and I will make all things new. 

It’s always your choice.
Will you stay and become more like Jesus? 
Will you follow Jesus even if you lose?
Jesus loves you – follow Christ. 

Clay Corvin – Lacombe, LA – my new home!
Praise the Lord Jesus – King of the Universe
August 25, 2024

ONLY LOVE

History wings its way,

Through endless spirals.

Mankind only changed,

By the interruption of Jesus!

He, Himself stepping into our world,

Shedding His blood, giving His life.

He paid a ransom for us,

None of whom cared, we nailed Him to the cross to die. 

The power of God,

Raised Him from the grave.

Jesus has the only scars in heaven,

Seated at the right hand of the Father. 

Today and every day until He comes back,

He intercedes for us, for things we do not know. 

What a Savior! 

What a change!

We live by faith,

The victor’s life.

The power of God protecting us,

As we keep our eyes and mind focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Clay Corvin

8/13/2024