The Lord's Prayer

 N. T. #58 "The Lord's Prayer"

April 28, 2023 

Matthew 6-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Whenever I hear someone using God's precious name in a cursing way, I simply ask them not to use my Father's name that way.

Prayer is talking and listening to God in communication. Jesus told us to not be like the religious leaders of His day, which used fancy words to be seen of others as spiritual. (verse 5) Jesus reassured us that our Heavenly Father knows our needs before we ask, yet He wants us to ask Him. 

Jesus instructs us how to pray, beginning with verse 9:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.

*Jesus our to show how personal God is. We are not the only child in God's family.

*The Heavenly Father abides in heaven, but has control over everything, which includes earth.

*God's name is hallowed, which means purify or consecrate; sanctify; make holy. When we pray, we are to honor God's name as holy, which refers to who He is, His character is holy. He is the Creator of all and the only one deserving of worship. (Tony Evans)

God is not only majestic and holy but also personal and loving. We can honor His name by being carefully to use it respectfully. 

Our calling as Christians is to bring glory to the name of God. Christians carry the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, so our life should reflect Him. Is Jesus pleased in our actions and words?

LET IT GROW

Are we more concerned with protecting the reputation of people but too little concerned with protecting the holy name of God. The Israelites profaned God's name before the nations by the way they lived. King David sinned before his nation, so God publicly disciplined him in order to protect the holiness of His name.

When we pray, God's name should be treated as holy. May we not tarnish His name and hinder our children from loving God as their heavenly Father.

LET IT GO

How precious is Your name, Father God.

Thank You for hearing our prayers and tending to our needs. 

How awesome You are!

Thank You Jesus for being our Great Intercessor. (Hebrews 7:25)

Praying

 N. T. #58 "Praying"

April 27, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 3

Therefore do not be like them. Fo your Father know the things you have need of before you ask Him. (verse 8)

LET IT GLOW

 Even before we call on our Father He has already begun to provide all that we need. (Is. 65:24) Jesus wanted His disciples to learn how intimately God knew and loved each of them. That's why He told them to pray. God knows about our situation, too. Prayer enables us to experience God more intimately. He knows exactly what we will face today and next week. He is our provider and knows what is best for us. Yet, God wants us to go to Him in our need. If we but ask, He will provide. (Matt. 7:7; Phil. 4:13)) (Blackaby)

Since our Heavenly Father knows our needs before we ask, then why pray? Prayer is not man's attempt to change God's method of changing our will but to bring us into conformity with His will. Prayer changes people. In the life of a believer in Jesus, prayer is an act of total confidence and assurance in the plan and purpose of God. (Falwell)

LET IT GROW

A persistent prayer is not a shallow repetition of words, but should be offered with a sincere heart. We should mean what we say in our prayers. A genuine prayer is prayed to be heard by God, not by people. We should get alone, out of everyone's sight, avoid interruptions and disturbances, so we can concentrate on God working in our heart with freedom as He wishes. 

Peter prayed on a housetop in Acts 10:9, Cornelius prayed in his house in Acts 10:30, Jesus prayed on a mountain in Luke 6:12. 

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

LET IT GO

Lord, speak to us through Your Word and Spirit.

We are a needy people.

Please give us peace, love, and strength for another day.

May we proclaim Your greatness.

How to Pray and How Not to Pray

 N. T. #57  "How to Pray and How Not to Pray"

April 26, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Previously, we discussed the true spiritual worship expressed in giving. Today we learn about praying. Do you pray to God? When and where, how often do you pray? Are your prayers answered?

What is prayer? It is talking to God, whether by thought or tongue and a way a believer fellowships with God. Fellowship with man is the one thing God desires. 

First, Jesus warns us about praying with the wrong motive. We are to not be like the hypocrites who would pray to be seen of the people as being religious. They prayed for the applause of people. (verse 5) Also, they prayed to put on a show using fancy words to impress others. So a person can pray for the wrong reasons, with the wrong motives. 

Secondly, where did the hypocrites pray? The prayed in the synagogues, striving to bring themselves honor using lengthy and wordy prayers. Also, they prayed on the street corners, bringing notice to them. It was pride that seemed to be behind their prayers. Reckon it only got as high as the ceiling?

Public praying is not condemned by Jesus, just the wrong motive behind it. Remember, Jesus sees our hearts.

[Resources: Liberty Bible Commentary, Life Application Study Bible, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary, Matthew Henry's Commentary, The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible]

LET IT GROW

Since we don't want to have the wrong motive of praying to be seen by men, what is the right motive? It is praying to be heard by our God. (verse 6)

Prayer can be a wonderful experience as we talk and listen to our Creator and Heavenly Faither. Through prayer we get forgiveness of our sins, find answers to our questions, and come to know our God more intimately and find His will for our life. We can worship and praise our God through silent prayers. 

How do we have meaningful prayers? Jesus told us in verses 6 and 7:

• Pray in your closet, shutting the door. Having a special place where you can get alone with God without interruptions is the main idea. 
• Pray in secret. Secret means concealed; private; inwardly; hidden. It is called "getting alone with God." 
• The Father which sees in secret shall reward thee openly. (verse 6)
• Do not use vain repetitions when praying like the heathen do. Vain repetitions means folly; to no purpose; through the idea of tentative manipulation unsuccessful search or else of punishment.

Jesus condemns the use of empty repetition as an attempt to overcome the will of God by wearing Him out. It isn't the length of the prayer, but the strength of prayer that prevails with God. God is not impressed with words, but with the genuine outcry of a needy heart. (Falwell)

"Help me Jesus" can go directly to His throne. Help comes. I have asked for some unusually things, but my Savior comes through for me in my time of need.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus that You love us and are concerned with each of our lives.

May we do Your will, Your way, today, I pray.

Please bless those who come to read this.

Glory to God in the highest.

The Motive of Giving

 N. T. #56 "The Motive of Giving"

April 25, 2023

Matthew 6

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (verse 1)

LET IT GLOW

Here is a review the 6-character traits of a genuine Christian which Jesus taught:

1. Be reconciled with another person that is angry with you or you are angry with them before making offerings to God.
2. Don't lust after a person, for it is the same as adultery.
3. Commit to marriage instead of divorcing without fornication.
4. Keep oaths and swear not; tell the truth so others know you mean what you say.
5. Trun the other cheek instead of retaliating evil for evil.
6. Love your neighbors and enemies, doing good and praying for those who mistreat you.

Isn't that enough homework for us to apply? Yet, Jesus continues to instruct us. Which ones are the hardest for you to live out? Are we loving the unlovely?

LET IT GROW

In this chapter, Jesus goes beyond mere outward conformity to the law to the inward conviction of the spirit. He illustrates this with examples of giving, praying, fasting, and serving. (Falwell)

It is the inner motives which govern external acts of righteousness that Jesus is concerned with from us. Our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. The motive of our actions is more important than what we do for God. We are to put into practice what Jesus teaches. (McGee)

Jesus wanted His followers to be kingdom people, but He didn't want them to do kingdom activities in order to be praised by others.  

There are times that rewards us things which are not material or financial. Love is to be our motive for giving to others. God is so greatly faithful. It is Him that we live to please, not ourself.

The word alms is used four times in verses 1-4. However, they are different words with different meanings. In verse 1, alms means equity (of character or act); justification; righteousness. In verses 2-4, the smae word is used for alms, which means compassionate (as exercised toward the poor); beneficence; a benefaction.

In other words, Jesus tells us:

1. Be careful not to practice your righteousness to be seen. We must not give in order for public recognition. To do so makes us a play actor (hypocrite), appearing spiritual and not being so. It is a false impression.
2. When giving money to those in need, don't sound a trumpet and don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. We are to not publicize our giving. Those who do have their reward of men, not God. In other words, don't brag about your generosity. If you are playing for the applause of people, you have all you are going to get. (verses 2-3)
3. God sees our giving when we do it in secret. He rewards it whenever it is love for Him that is expressed by our giving. 

Giving to God and to others must be pure, not selfish in what we can get in return. Jesus wants us to check our motives for our generosity. Would we still do something if no one ever knew we did it? Whatever we do, is it done out of love?

And it is impossible to please God without faith. (Heb. 11:6, NLT)

In Genesis 15:1, God tells Abram, Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great. 

LET IT GO

Give and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, running over. 

Lord, make our hearts into giving hearts.

To You be the glory forever, Jesus.

Extraordinary Love

 N. T. #55 "Extraordinary Love"

April 24, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 25

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (verse 48)

LET IT GLOW

Is our love as a believer in Christ going beyond that of the world? Jesus has been teaching us how to love our enemies, as well as our neighbors. Love is the proof of our salvation. Because God has shown us mercy and grace, we can in turn show mercy and grace to others, no matter how they treat us. Now, I know how difficult this is, believe me, I have had some harsh treatment during my years as a teacher and in ministry with my husband. We are to turn the other cheek and go the second mile with the unloving. I'm not saying allow people to take advantage of us. Sharing the Truth can be a way of showing love. 

As the Heavenly Father sends rain on the just and the unjust, so we should shower all with the love of the Father. As God gives sunshine on the good and evil ones, we should be shining love for Jesus, too. (verse 45)

Even wicked people will look out for those who look out for them. (verse 46) The publicans did that in Jesus' time here. 

Publicans were public officials of Jewish nationality who worked for the Roman government as tax collectors and generally despised by the people. (Falwell)

The love of God within us believers is to go beyond, be extraordinary, but not for recognition. Is that you and me today? What are we doing out of the ordinary? Do people know we are Christians by our love?

LET IT GROW

Here is our challenge for today-our key verse above. 

In the Greek language, perfect means complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.)

As God's love is complete, not omitting any group, so must the child of God strive for maturity in this regard. (Kent)

Christians we are still sinners with a sin-nature after coming to Christ so we will not obtain absolute sinless perfection while living on earth. In heaven we will because Christ will make us so.

When we love others in the power of the Holy Spirit, seeking their best interest, shows we are maturing in Christ. What kind of world would we live in if we did that? Will we show kindness to all we meet today? 

A true Christian loves, blesses, does good, and prays for our persecutors and enemies. Is there someone we need to show extra kindness to today? Ask Jesus for help with this assignment.

LET IT GO

How perfect, holy, loving, and gracious You are to us, Father.

Help us to return it by treating others like You treat us.

Loving Our Enemies

N.T. #54 "Loving our Enemies"

April 21, 2023

Matthew5-Part 24

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. (verse 44)

LET IT GLOW

Seriously, what are you waiting for? Put on love. You'll never regret it. Plus, it's totally your color. Regardless of what you put on, wear love. It's your basic all-purpose garment. Never be without it. (Kristen Welch)

6. Love neighbor/love enemy

God's law commanded the Jews to love their neighbor. (Lev. 19:18) However, the natural conclusion for many Jews was to hate their enemy.  (verse 43) Jesus turned that way of thinking on its head when He told them to love their enemies. Only He can deliver people from natural selfishness. After telling His followers to not retaliate from bad done them, Jesus tells them (and us) to love their enemies.

Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. (Col. 3:13b,14)

Forgiving those who were ugly to me, hurt my feelings, did honery things, turned their back on me, makes it very hard to do. Only Jesus can fill us with love for those folks. We can't do it on our own. 

LET IT GROW

Jesus is telling us how to love our enemies, according to verse 44:

• Bless them that curse you. Bless means to speak well of; thank or invoke a benediction upon ; prosper.
• Do good to them that hate you. Good refers to well, honestly.
• Pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. Despitefully means to insult; slander; falsely accuse.

To sum up what Jesus instructed us, we are to speak well of, do good to, and pray for those who treat us badly. When we do, then we are showing that we are a child of God. (verse 45) He shows kindness and grace to the evil and good ones by sending rain and the sunshine. If we only show love to those who love us, what reward do we have? Even worldly people can be nice to those who are nice to them. We are to be the exception. I have some homework to do.

LET IT GO

Make us loving people, Jesus.

Help us forgive as You forgive us.

Amazing grace how sweet!

Vengeance

N. T. #53 "Vengeance"

April 20, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 23

LET IT GLOW

So many times siblings fuss over material things parents leave behind. During grief they want what reminds them of the loved ones or what they think they deserve. 

As kingdom people, we are to think and live differently than those in the culture around us. During Biblical times the punishment was to be in proportion to the crime. So if one caused your eye sight to be taken away or you lose a tooth because of the violence of another, then you were allowed to retaliate in the same way and take away their sight or tooth. This was the Old Testament principle. (Lev. 24:20)

However, Jesus wanted His followers to develop a servant mindset. The response to personal injury is not personal vengeance, according to Jesus' principles for the believer's life. Our first reaction is to get even, but we are to do good instead of keeping score. Love and forgiveness is not natural for us, but it is for our God. So when we are slapped on the right cheek, we are to turn the left cheek to them. 

I know this is not easy, friend. 

In Romans 12:10, Paul tells us, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 

I have found throughout my years, that when I give the wrong done to me, to God for Him to handle, His vengeance is worse than what I would have done. God protects His children.

Vengeance means vindication; retribution; punishment.

LET IT GROW

Next, Jesus gives several scenarios  which His followers are to develop in a servant mindset  in reacting to unfair or unreasonable treatment:

1. Physical violence-no defense or retaliation.
2. Robbed by personal assault or compulsory litigation-give more than what is required. When your suit coat is taken, give your overcoat, too.
3. Required to go 1 mile-go 2 miles with them. Roman law required Jews to carry a pack up to 1 mile, but Jesus wants us to go the extra mile. (Romans 12:17, 21) verse 41
4. When one asks to borrow something, give it to them, not expecting it returned. Be willing to lend or give to those in need. (verse 42)

It is the spiritual intention of the heart that Jesus looks at, our attitude. Submission is sometimes the way to overcome. (Pr. 25:21-22) Often fighting or recovering one's property costs us more than the object, relationships or witness.

Charity (love) suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. (1 Cor. 13:4)

Trust God to provide or replace what is given. In the big picture of life, small things are only little things. 

LET IT GO

Jesus, thank You for giving to us. Help us give to others.

Thank You for forgiving us our sins. Help us forgive others.

Please pray for a family in our church who lost their 12 year old daughter and her mom in a head-on collision.

Yes and No

N. T. #52 "Yes and No"

April 19, 2023 

Matthew 5-Part 22

Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths. (verse 33)

LET IT GLOW

I shouldn't be surprised when our Scriptures deal with certain topics and the readers fall away. I know these are hard, for don't we all have some family members living in sins that Jesus touches on?  Aren't we to consider all that Jesus had to say important for our Christian growth and to apply in our life? So those of us who want to please our God will continue on, no matter if we are few. Hopefully they will return and remain faithful to our Savior. Thank you for staying faithful.

4. Oath-taking/truth telling

Numbers 30:2 says, If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. 

If we make a vow unto the Lord, then we are to keep it. Otherwise, we should not make it when we know we can't keep it. 

Forswear means to commit perjury. Perjury is false swearing.

Jesus goes into more detail. Do-not to swear by:

• heaven, for it's God's throne; (verse 34)
• earth, for it is His footstool; (verse 35)
• Jerusalem, for it the city of the great King;
• head, because we can't make one hair white or black. (verse 36)

We are to speak the truth all the time so others know we mean what we say and know we will do what we say we will do. Mean what we say and say what we mean-yes is yes and no is no. This is especially important as we raise our children.

A Christian should have a reputation not for exaggeration or lying often. People can't believe us on our word alone. Always be honest so others will believe our simple yes or no. by avoiding lies, half-truths, and omissions of the turth, we become known as a trustworthy person.

LET IT GROW

Jesus warns us against careless, profane, and flippant uses of oaths in everyday speech. An oath shouldn't be used to convince someone of the truthfulness of what we are saying; that might only be a cover-up for deception. Anything in creation that we swear by is under God's authority. So speak with truthfulness. (Tony Evans)

It is common in our day to use phrases like, "I swear by God," or "cross my heart, hope to die," or "on my mother's grave." However, we should not have a need to do so. Our reputation should be one that we keep our word, when we say yes or no, we follow through.

Some other verses on this subject are: Numbers 30:2, Deut. 23:21, Eccl. 5:4, Job 22:27, Ps. 50:14, 76:11

LET IT GO

Help us watch our words and commitments, Jesus.

May we keep our vows made.

Keep truth in our mouths and honor You, Father God. 

Divorce

O. T. #51 "Divorce"

April 18, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 21

LET IT GLOW

There are 6 practical application of genuine Christian character to ture spiritual living that Jesus teaches:

1. Murder/anger
2. Adultery/lust
3. Divorce/commitment
4. Oath-taking/speaking truth
5. Retaliation/forgiveness
6. Hating your enemy/loving your enemy. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

So far, we have learned that anger is a hart matter, if not resolved, leads to murder. We are to be reconciled with our brother before giving our offering to God; adultery stems from lust, so we need to be careful what our eyes see, mind thinks, and we say or do.

The third topic Jesus covers is the matter of divorce. Moses' law allowed divorce whenever a wife is unfaithful, disgracing him. (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) 

The Jewish religious leaders had varying understandings of divorce. some thought you could divorce for any reason but Jesus limited divorce. Marriage vows are to be viewed as sacred and permanent. It is the person seeking the illegitimate divorce who is blamed for the sin-not the woman who remarries. (Tony Evans)

Now Jesus tells us that when a man divorces a wife (except for her unfaithfulness, adultery), causes her to commit adultery, as well as the man who marries her afterwards.

Fornication means indulge unlawful lust (of either); harlotry (include adultery and incest); sex idolatry.

If the divorce is not for sexual immorality, then any remarriage is adultery because God does not acknowledge the divorce. (MacArthur)

LET IT GROW

Divorce is as hurtful and destructive today as in Jesus' day. god intends marriage to be a lifetime commitment (Gen. 2:24) When entering into marriage, people should never consider divorce an option for solving problems or a way out of a relationship that seems dead. Jesus attacks those who purposefully abuse the marriage contract, using divorce to satisfy their lustful desire to marry someone else. (Life Application Study Bible)

Are our actions today helping our marriage grow stronger, or are we tearing it apart?

LET IT GO 

May we have a forgiving spirit, a loving marriage, and honor You in all we do, Jesus.

Lust of Heart and Mind

N. T. #50 "Lust of Heart and Mind"

April 17, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 20

Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14)

LET IT GLOW

2. Adultery contrasted with lust.

Jesus addresses the topic of adultery, which is a married person having sex with someone other than their spouse. Marriage requires absolute faithfulness of both. Jesus goes further than the unfaithful act, but He makes a statement about lust being involves. If one looks on a person with lust, then they have committed adultery already in the heart. (verse 28)

Lust means to set the heart upon, long for (rightfully or otherwise); covet; desire.

This is a matter of the heart and the mind. Desire to have sex is mental adultery when it is with another not your spouse. Not only is the act wrong, but the intention is, too. To be faithful to your spouse with your body but not your mind is to break the trust so vital to a strong marriage. Deliberately filling one's mind with fantasies that would be sin if carried out is taught by Jesus. 

Immoral actions begin with immoral thoughts. Pornography is a huge stumbling block to moral purity and a clear example of the kind of sin that Jesus warned against. (Evans)

Adultery is in the head, not just in the bed. (Swindoll)

LET IT GROW

The lust factor is not eliminated by cutting out an eye or cutting off a hand. Blind people can lust. Self-mutilation is not a cure for lust.   He is calling for a radical approach to avoiding sin. Job made a covenant with his eyes. Joseph ran from the temptation of intimacy. Eating of the forbidden fruit or lusting after them results in an impure mind and heart. 

What is the solution?

• Avoid looking at magazines, internet, tv that excites the desires of the body. Watch out for books.
• Avoid touching a person in an inappropriate way. 
• Do not dress to attract others sexually. Do a body check before leaving the house-if you can see it, others can too. (1 Tim. 2:9)
• Avoid conversations not appropriate.
• Do not be alone with people you question their behavior or appearance.
• Stay away from the wrong places and people.
• Capture our thoughts. (2 Cor. 10:3-5)
• Resist the first thought by quoting Scriptures.
• Guard yourself at all times. Consider how it may look to others.
• Flee lusts; not yielding our body to sin. (Rom. 6:11-13)
• Walk in the spirit. (Galatians 5:16)
• Repent, turning from adultery to God. (Matt. 4:17)

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. (Proverbs 1:10)

Memorizing Scriptures helps us in various situations. 

LET IT GO 

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord.

Resolve Conflicts

N.T. #49 "Resolve Conflicts"

April 14, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 19

LET IT GLOW

In the comparison of the command not to murder and the inner motive of heart hatred, Jesus tells us to be reconciled with our offended brother, then bring our gift or offering to God. If we recall someone has something against us, we are to leave the offering, then go make it right. We are to resolve a conflict and bring back into fellowship our fellow man or woman. Did you notice that He didn't mention who was at fault. After the reconciliation, then we are to bring our offering to God and free to do service for Him.

In verse 25, we are to agree with our adversary quickly, lest they take us to court. 

Adversary means an opponent (in a law suit); Satan (as the arch enemy).

We are to go out of our way to avoid legal conflicts before human judges. Otherwise, the accuser may hand us over to the judge, who will hand us over to an officer, and throw us into prison.  If that happens, we won't be free again until we have paid the last penny.

LET IT GROW

In Jesus' day, someone who couldn't pay a debt was thrown into prison until the debt was paid. Unless someone came to pay the debt for the prisoner, he or she would probably die there. It is practical advice to resolve our differences with our enemies before their anger causes more trouble. (Prov. 25:8-10)

If an offence we have done to our brother, in his body, goods, or reputation, be such as will bear an action, in which he may recover considerable damages, it is our wisdom, and it is our duty to our family, to prevent that by a humble submission and a just and peaceable satisfaction; lest otherwise he recover it by law, and put us to the extremity of a prison. (Matthew Henry)

Proverbs 6:3 b says, Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased. 

It refers to an agreement made between two people. Sometimes all we can do on our part is turn it over to Christ, the Judge. If it is at all possible, we are to be at peace with all.

To sum it up, we are to try to make peace right away before we have to stand before God.

LET IT GO

Keep us humble, Lord.

Give us wisdom how to handle matters so we honor You with our life.

Glory to the King of kings.

 

Making it Right With Others

N. T. #48 "Making it Right With Others"

 April 13, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 18

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee: Leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (verses 23-24)

LET IT GLOW

People can hold grudges against one for decades. I know a brother and sister that did not speak to each other for 50 years. One did something that hurt the other deeply and there was no apology during all that time. Then one's spouse died and the other came to the funeral and hugged each other. A relationship was severed because of pride. Time was wasted and gone now.

2. Ask forgiveness and forgive others.

Jesus considers our relationships with others important, as well as our relationship with our God. He wants a healthy horizontal relationship between us and others. It is in order to have a healthy vertical relationship, intimate and in fellowship with God, we must maintain our horizontal relationships with others., Make peace with your adversary inasmuch as it depends on you. Be reconciled before he takes legal action or consequences of your dispute become worse. (verses 25-26) (Tony Evans)

 The other way is true. If someone is at odds with us, we are to leave our offering and go and be reconciled with them. Also, if we are at odds with another, we are to go and be reconciled with them.

Reconciled means to change thoroughly; to make different.

Our hearts and minds are to be changed when we talk it out, no matter who is offended. 

LET IT GROW

It is better to be wronged than to allow a dispute between brethren to dishonor Christ. (1 Cor. 6:7)

Jesus calls for reconciliation to be sought eagerly, aggressively, and quickly-even if it involves self-sacrifice. (MacArthur)

We are to do it quickly so we're fit for communion with God. Love is better than burnt offerings and sacrifice. 

Don't let the sun go down on your wrath. Talk it out, express your feelings and thoughts. The other one may not even know they have offended you. 

Forgiveness is hard, I know, but it is commanded of us. Saying we are sorry seems to have gone away from our society. People make excuses for their actions instead of admitting they were wrong. 

LET IT GO 

Is there anyone we are to go to today and make it right?

Please Lord forgive us our sins as we forgive others.

Thank you for mercy!

Anger Leads to Murder

N. T. #47 "Anger Leads to Murder" 

April 12, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 17

LET IT GLOW

After addressing God's commands in general, Jesus spoke about some specific commands. Six times in this chapter He said, You have heard that it was said...but I tell you....  It was so Jesus might offer a corrective to some misunderstandings. (Tony Evans)

He used contrasts between the outward demand of the Law and the inner attitude of the heart desired by God. Christ, the Master Teacher, gave the practical application of genuine Christian character to true spiritual living. (Falwell)

1. Thou shalt not kill. (verse 21; Exodus 20:13)

*When a person kills another with a sword, stone, strangles, burns in a fire, that killer will be put to death; a judgment of the Sanhedrin court.

* Killing is forbidden of ourselves, any other, directly or indirectly, or being any way an accessory to murder. 

*The Jewish law prohibited only the sinful act, not the sinful thought. 

*If we are angry with a brother without a cause, then we are in danger of judgment. 

*Anger may lead to murder, such as was the case of Cain killing his brother Able. God knew Cain's heart. (Matt. 15:19)

*Anger that shows authority, brutish passion, resentments, leads to revenge, then it is vain to do hurt. When one is angry enough to kill another, they may take it further to plot that death; they may not do the dirty work themselves, but in the heart it is murder. Killing is a terribe sin, but anger is a great sin too because it also violates God's command to love. 

So we need to be careful if our heart becomes angry with another.

LET IT GROW

If we are angry with a brother or sister, or use vicious words toward them, we are guilty of breaking the law. That takes God's standards to a whole new level. God not only considers our actions but also our thoughts and words. So God is concerned with the motives of the heart. (Tony Evans)

Anger can continue into bitterness against someone. That is a dangerous emotion that always threatened to leap out of control, leading to violence, emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage. Anger prevents us from developing a spirit pleasing to God.

Jesus goes a step deeper. If we call another Reca, we are calling them empty-headed, worthless. It is an expression of contempt, coming from pride. (Prov. 21:24) This is tongue-murder. If they call another fool or stupid, it is showing spite, hatred. This one is without grace.

The Jewish punishment for those sins included beheaded, stoned, or burnt. (in procession)

We are to preserve Christian love and peace with others and our brethren.

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer; and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1 John 3:14-15)

Wow! I have gotten into a bad habit of calling other stupid. I realize this is sin and it must stop. I need to pray for that person who angered me.

LET IT GO

May we watch our thoughts and words and action, Jesus.

Help us be filled us with love and not anger.

How Do We Get Righteousness?

N.T. #46 "How Do We Get Righteousness?"

April 11, 202

Matthew5-Part 16

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. (verse 20)

LET IT GLOW

First, let's consider what the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees looked like in contrast to a believer in Jesus:

• They were strict religionists; more concerned with external righteousness, looking religious.
• They gave God a formal worship instead of giving God a confession of unworthiness and their need for Him in a personal way.
• They gave God good works; instead of giving God their heart.
• They gave God a clean and moral body; instead of giving God a confession of needing help spiritually.
• They gave God only a part of their lives; instead of giving God a total abandonment of of themselves.
• They felt like they must do good to be acceptable to God; instead of trusting in God's love.
• Mostly, they would not accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Savior.

[Resource: The Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible]

Do we need a heart search today after reading those? Is our life like those Pharisees? Are we just going through the motions of being a Christian?

See Romans 3:10, 23; 20-22; 4:5; Titus 3:4-5. 

LET IT GROW

In order for us to have righteousness, it must:

1. come from what God does in us, not what we can do ourselves;
2. be God-centered, not self-centered;
3. be based on reverence for God, not approval from people;
4. go beyond keeping the law to living by principles beyond the law.

We should be just as concerned about our attitudes that people don't see as about our actions that are seen by all.

What makes us righteous? It is accepting the salvation gift Jesus offers us because He loves us, not that we have earned it. Faith is believing and trusting in Jesus. It is His righteousness through the shedding of His blood on the cross that washes away our sins.

In Romans 4, it says Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness. (Gen. 15:6)

David spoke of the blessing of God-How joyful are those whose lawless acts are forgiven and whose sins are covered! How joyful is the man the Lord will never charge with sin! (Ps. 32:1)

Let us rejoice if we have this forgiveness.

LET IT GO

Praise to Jesus for providing what we cannot-righteousness.

Thank You that heaven awaits us believers in Jesus.

Who Will Be Least and Great in Heaven?

N. T. #45 "Who Will Be Least and Great in Heaven?"

April 10, 2023 

Matthew 5-Part 15

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (verse 19)

LET IT GLOW

Just as it is important for us to keep the laws of our land, so it is more important for us to keep the laws of the Bible. Jesus came not to annul the Law, but to fulfill it. 

Jesus is teaching His followers the importance/seriousness of keeping even the smallest details of the Law of Moses. The Law was not meant to become an extra burden on the souls of men. the Law convinces us of the need of the Savior, Jesus Christ. It teaches us how to live-loving God and others.

There are two groups which Jesus contrasts. The first is those who break the least commandment and teaches others to do so- they will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.

Break means to loose; destroy; put off; dissolve.

Least refers to (in least size, amount, dignity, etc); very little (small); smallest.

These people are teaching disobedience to any of God's Word. Jesus will hold them in lowest esteem. There is no impunity for believers who disobey, discredit, or belittle God's law. Although they are offenders, they will still be in the kingdom of heaven. 

So it is important to do what we teach others about the Word of God. Not just consider it a story, a job, or something we like to do for the attention. Our life is a book for others to read. Do we teach one thing and do another?

LET IT GROW

The second group Jesus mentions is those who do what they teach. God will reward the faithfulness and effectiveness of our lives. There will be varying degrees of blessings and rewards in the kingdom. 

We are to live out what the Bible says for us to do as followers of Jesus. We are to be a peculiar people. 

Great is much; largely; mostly.

To sum it up, when we teach God's Word, we are also to be doing what we teach, living it out. Our life is an open book. Others will read it. We may be the only Jesus some will ever read. Are we speaking and acting like Him? What a responsibility!

LET IT GO 

Help us be forgiving and loving even to those who are not toward us.

Fill us with Your Spirit so we can be doers of the Word and not hearers only. 

It Will Be Fulfilled

N.T. #44  "It Will Be Fulfilled"

April 7, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 14

For verily, I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  (verse 18)

LET IT GLOW

At this time of year, I think of all Jesus did for me and provides for me now. One day this old world will be over and we will be in a glorious heaven with our Savior reigning, forever. Until then, I will keep reading and teaching His Word as Truth. There is hope in Jesus for us all. 

Jesus is emphasizing both the inspiration and the enduring authority of all Scriptures. He affirms the utter inerrancy and absolute authority of the Old Testament as the Word of God-down to the least jot and tittle. the New Testament fulfills and explicates the Old Testament. The underlying truths remain; a brighter light of the gospel reveals their mysteries. (MacArthrur)

Looking at the meanings of words in the Greek language, we find:

Verily means truly, certainly, or amen. 

A jot is the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet, called yodh. (It is like our apostrophe.)

A tittle is a small projection on the edge of certain Hebrew letters to distinguish them from one another.  (An example is the D differs from the R only by the use of the tittle.)

In conclusion, God's Word is going to come to pass, even the tiniest promises and proclamations. If you have been with me through the studying of the Old Testament, then you will understand that Jesus Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection were foretold and happened in that way. (Falwell)

How deep is our conviction that the Bible is Truth and inspired by God? 

LET IT GROW

Life hurts, but Jesus is with us through it. He has provided a way for us to be free from the wages of sin, death. His death on the cross as the Son of God and Lamb of God, became our sacrifice for our sins. When we trust in Him as our Savior, we receive peace from those wages.

First Corinthians 15 gives us hope of eternal life in heaven. Jesus 

John 11:25-26 records, Jesus said to her (Martha) I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?

Believe-never die.

Not believe-die.

That is the choice. Admit you are a sinner in need of a Savior-Jesus Christ. Ask Him to forgive your sins.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for all You have done for us, for all You are doing for us, and for all You will do for us.

Make our life anew today, again.

Rejoice, for your King has come-King Jesus!

He is risen from death and the grave!

Glory to God in the highest. 

Happy Easter to all this weekend!

The Law is Fulfilled

 N.T. #43 "The Law is Fulfilled"

April 6, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 13

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill. (verse 17) 

LET IT GLOW

The message of Jesus Christ was superior to the Law of Moses. The New Testament gospel is not contrary nor contradictory to the Old Testament law. What were the two things Jesus said to His disciples in verse 17? First, He did not come to destroy the law. Second, He came to fulfill it.

Destroy means dissolve; overthrow; throw down in the Greek language.

 Jesus was not doing away with the Law of Moses. There were 3 categories of the Law:

1. Ceremonial Law-Leviticus 1 tells us Israel was to bring burnt offerings of animals for their sins; the priests offered up the blood and sprinkled it around on the altar in the Tabernacle. then he would burn the body pieces of the animal on the fire altar. It was a soothing aroma to the LORD. (verse 9) this was their worship and love for God shown to Him.
2. Civil Law-The principles are timeless. Deuteronomy tells of those laws about how to treat one another.
3. Moral Law-It was the nature and will of God that applies today. (Exodus 20 gives the Ten Commandments)

Jesus was the theme of the Old Testament. God's Word is entirely authoritative, so Jesus completely obeyed it all. Christ calls us to obey the Law, not for salvation but for sanctification. This is so we may see the kingdom rule of God in our lives. 

LET IT GROW

Jesus came to fulfill the Law.

Fulfill means satisfy; finish; accomplish.

Jesus showed us how God wants us to live as believers. He is the Living Example, Perfect Picture, the Ideal Man, the Representative Man, the Pattern for all men. (John 1:14; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3 )

Before Christ, the Law was only rules and words. Now we have life, power of the Holy Spirit, and power through Jesus. (Romans 8:1-4; Galatians 5)

The Law needed an interpreter, but Jes explained the rules and gave them meaning. He lived it out.

The Law demanded perfect righteousness. Man cannot live it perfectly, but Christ did. Jesus Christ is the Perfect Man, the Ideal Man, the representative Man for all. 

The Law shows us our sins It is by faith in Jesus Christ that we are made righteous by the shedding of His blood for us. (2 Cor. 5:21) 

Our High Priest knows what it is like when we are tempted to sin, for He was tempted in all points and did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15) Jesus frees us from that penalty when He becomes our Savior.

The Law demanded punishment for disobedience. Jesus took our punishment when He died on the cross in our place. Such love! Do you know this love, friend?

LET IT GO

What a Savior!

Thank You for mercy and grace and forgiveness whenever we sin.

Holy is the Lord God Almighty! Worthy of worship and praise is He!

Are You Light?

N. T. #42 "Are You Light?"

 April 5, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 12

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (verses 14-16)

LET IT GLOW

Are you able to walk to the kitchen at night in the dark? If you have lived in a house as long as I have, then you can. but I still like a night light in the bathroom for when I get up at night. It keeps me from walking into things. It doesn't take much light to disperse the darkness. We are supposed to be a light in a dark world. Read on to find out more about it.

There are several properties of light:

1. Light is clear and pure; clean, good, right, true. (Eph. 5:8-9)
2. Light penetrates; it cuts through the darkness. (1 Thes. 5:5)
3. Light enlightens.; it enlightens a person's vision. (John 12:35)
4. Light reveals; it opens up the truth of the area. (John 14:6)
5. Light guides; it directs the way to go and leads along the right path. (John 12:46)
6. Light strips away the darkness. (John 3:19-20)
7. Light routs the chaos. (Phil. 2:15)
8. Light discriminates between the right way and wrong way. (John 8:12)
9. Light warns; it warns of danger that lie ahead in a person's path. (Eph. 5:11-14)
10. Light protects; it protects a person from the dangers of darkness, from stumbling, falling, and injuring himself. (Rom. 13:12) (The Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible)

We are to be the light of Jesus in a dark world that is in sin and without Him. 

LET IT GROW

In John 14:6, Jesus said that He is the Light. He wants us to shine as a brilliant testimony of His presence and power in our life, so that the darkness in the lives of those around us will be displaced by the light of God's glory. (Blackaby)

Once the Father introduced His Son, His Light, the world was never the same. Can that be said of us?What a responsibility! Is God shining His divine light in our life so it dispels the darkness from around other? 

For God, who  commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4:6)

 LET IT GO

Shine in our hearts so we can give You glory.

May we not hide our Light so others can receive You. 

Are We Being Salt?

N. T. #41 "Are We Being Salt?"

April 4, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 11

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. (verse 13)

LET IT GLOW

Salt. We recognize when food is lacking it and when it has too much. I don't like too much on my food, but my husband salts things before tasting it. I found out salt is needed in our body to keep the heart beating right. I was in the emergency room once because I was very low on sodium and potassium. So grateful they were able to give me an IV of those.

Jesus continued to teach His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount. When we were there at the Sea of Galilee, I could imagine seeing Jesus seated with His disciples along the hillside giving them instructions concerning how to live for God and serve Him. What He had to say was so important that many wrote about it in what became our Scriptures.

1. Let's take a look at the properties of salt and how it is compared to the Christian's life:Salt is distinctive. It is totally different from other seasonings. Our life is to be different from those in the world. We are to be unspotted from the world, James 1:27 tells us.
2. Salt preserves. It keeps food from going bad and decaying, cleanses and disinfects. We are to keep the germs of the world from causing things to go bad, keeping the world from corruption.  (1 Peter 1:22-25)
3. Salt penetrates. It changes that upon which it is put. It inserts a new quality, substance, and life. Believers are to penetrate the world and insert a new life into it. (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10)
4. Salt flavors. It takes a bland, tasteless food and makes it relishing. Believers are to spice up the life of those around them for Christ. (Gal. 5:22-23; 1 John 1:3)
5. Salt is quiet. It is visible, but it works silently, making no noise whatsoever during its work. Believers are to work quietly and discreetly. (1 Peter 3:4)
6. Salt spreads flavor. A believer's salt is to be spread far and wide.  (Acts 4:20; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 Thess. 4:11-12)
7. Salt is irrepressible and can't be stopped. A believer's salt is their testimony and cannot be stopped. (Isaiah 55:10-11)

[Resource: The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible]

In the Old Testament, salt was often a purifying agent. Jesus's disciples are to purify a corrupt world through their example of righteous living and their proclamation of the gospel. (Ex. 30:35)

LET IT GROW

After Jesus described the character of kingdom people, He describes the impact and influence of kingdom people. Salt cannot preserve meat if it stays in the shaker. We must get out and spread love, mercy, salvation, and the Word of Jesus in a sinful world.

Pure salt cannot lose effectiveness, but the salt that is common in the Dead Sea is contaminated with gypsum and other minerals and my have a flat taste or be ineffective as a preservative. such mineral salts were useful for little more than keeping footpaths free of vegetation. (MacArthur)

McGee said the Scots translated "savour" by the more expressive word tang. The problem today is that most church members have not only lost their tang as ssalt, but as pepper they have lost their pep also. 

If seasoning has no flavor, it has no value. Is Christians make no effort to affect the world around them, they are of little value to God. If we are too much like the world, we are worthless.  Christians should not blend in with everyone else. Instead, we should affect others positively, just as seasoning brings out the best flavor in food. 

Are we being salt in our family, church, and community? Or have we lost our effectiveness? May we preserve the good and right in our area of influence. 

LET IT GO

Jesus, express Your life through us today.

Help us adjust our life to Yours.

Fill us with Your Spirit.

May we melt away the coldness of others, encourage those in challenging times, and help heal wounds.

Keep our testimony of all You have done for us alive.

Our Challenge

 N. T. #40 "Our Challenge" 

April 3, 2023

Matthew 5-Part 10

LET IT GLOW

Before we leave the Beatitudes, let's take another look at them. This is Jesus' longest recorded sermon. They were traits that Jesus was looking for in His followers. He said that God blesses those who live out those traits. Each one is an almost direct contradiction of society's typical way of life. He pointed out in the last one that opposition will come to those who develop these traits. The best example we have of each trait is found in Jesus Himself. 

Our challenge as believers and followers of Christ is to:

• Have a poor in spirit-humility;
• Mourn over our sins; 
• Have a gentle spirit;
• Hunger and thirst for righteousness;
• Be merciful;
• Be pure in heart;
• Be a peacemaker;
• Expect persecution. (verses 3-10) [Life Application Study Bible]

Our goal is to please God and become more like Jesus. The Beatitudes challenge the way we live each day. 

LET IT GROW

God wants us to experience His joy. (John 15:11) Yet we cannot experience His joy until we have mourned over our sin. If we treat our sin lightly, we demonstrate that we have no sense of enormity of our offense against Almighty God. Our sin caused the death of God's Son-Jesus. We fall short of what God intends. (Romans 3:23)

Repentance comes only when we acknowledge that our transgression has come from a heart that is far from God, and we are brokenhearted over our grievous offenses against Holy God. do not try and skip the grieving process of repentance in order to move on to experience joy. He forgives, comforts and fills us with joy. When we are filled with self, we cannot be filled with righteousness. 

Meekness means a life that is submissive to the Holy Spirit, giving Him the freedom to make any changes He knows are necessary. Meekness involves a self-control that comes from trusting God. Jesus said that in relinquishing control over our lives to God, we will gain life in abundance!            [Resource: Experiencing God Day-By-Day by Henry and Richard Blackaby]

LET IT GO

There is none like You, Jesus.

You are pure, righteous, humble, peace, merciful.

Forgive us when we fail You.

Please fill us with Your Spirit so we are more like You, Jesus.