Who is Going to Heaven?

N. T. #81 "Who is Going to Heaven?"

May 31, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 9

Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. (verse 21)

LET IT GLOW

We have pecan trees because we have seen them produce pecans. Other trees located beside them do not. We know which is which by the fruit they bear. so it is with people. Read on, friend.

Jesus is more concerned about our walk than our talk. He wants us to do right, not just say the right words. He desires a personal relationship with Him as our Lord and Savior. What pleases Him is our faith and obedience to do the will of the Father. We are to live by the Golden Rule, not just know it. We wank on the narrow way with Him, having good fruit. Sure, we fail at times, but we confess our sins and ask forgiveness. Obedience is a norm course of our life. 

Are we lifting up the name of Jesus to others in our little world? Can others tell we are a Christian by our deeds?

 LET IT GROW

We should be fruit inspectors of our teachers, preachers, and leaders in our churches. False teachers show by their actions that they have never had a spiritual relationship with Jesus. (verses 19-20) Someone may call Jesus Lord, have a ministry that appears authentic, but lack good fruit. The worthless trees are teachers who teach false doctrine. We have several denominations who are teaching another word, another way of life. their words may sound good, but are not the Truth. We need discernment.

The King of kings will respond on the Day of Judgment, " Depart from Me, you lawbreakers, I never knew you." (verse 23) On the final day of reckoning God will settle all accounts, judging sin and rewarding faith.

Outward profession of religion will not get us to heaven, either. A sound brass or tinkling cymbal will only be a form of godliness, without the power. We are to be doers of the Word and not just hearers.

LET IT GO 

Help our faith, love, obedience to grow stronger today.

Fruit Inspectors

N.T.#80 "Fruit Inspectors"

May 30, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 8

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (verse 20)

LET IT GLOW

In this section, Jesus is warning about false prophets. We are to take heed, be on guard, watch out, and keep ourself from them. They appear as sheep, but are inwardly, wolves. (verse 15) They reveal their true self by the fruit they bear. They bear corrupt and evil fruit. (verse 18)

Let's look at the fruit he bears.

• First, the false prophet feeds on thistles and thorns (worldly nourishment), not grapes and figs and feeds them to others. (The true food for the soul is Jesus Christ and His Word.) 
• You will know them by their fruit. (verse 20) Corrupt trees cannot bring forth good fruit. (verse 18)
• You cannot always tell by its appearance of a tree if it is going to produce good fruit. (bark and leaves may appear good)
• Try and test the spirits, prophets and teachers. (1 John 4:1)
• Prove, examine, all things, including the prophet's fruit. (1 Thess. 5:21)

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8:5)

Do your leaders use the Bible to read from and teach as truth for living or do they tell nice stories?

LET IT GROW

This fruit has to do with two things. What a person bears in his own life and what a person bears in the lives of others.

Does your teacher present the gospel stressing faith and grace with behavior of obedience? Do they stress positive, acts of love and attitudes, doing for others? Is hope given?

The terrible future of the false prophet is severe judgment. As a fruitless tree is cut down and cast into the fire, so is the false prophet. the good tree continues to produce good fruit. 

So we are fruit inspectors. Does our life produce the evidence of the holy Spirit through love, joy, peace, patience, faith, goodness, kindness, humility, charity, and  holiness? Maybe we should inspect our own fruit first.

There is no one righteous, not even one. (Romans 3:10)

Sin always has consequences. God's Word points us to Christ, who can forgive our sins and set our feet on the right path.

LET IT GO

Keep us on the right path today, Jesus.

Sheep and Wolves, Fruit Trees

N.T. #79 "Sheep and Wolves, Fruit Trees"

May 29, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Jesus is teaching and warning about false prophets. The were around during the Old Testament times (foretold of things to come), during His time, and now during our time. These men proclaim and teach the gospel, but it is a different and false gospel that we have. They prophesied only what the king and people wanted to hear. They claim it was God's message,but was not. 

Christ says 7 things about false prophets:

1. Beware of their presence. (verse 150
2. Their chief trait is to appear as sheep, but are wolves inwardly.
3. Their revealing mark is the fruit they gather. (verse 16)
4. Their true nature is not good, but corrupt and evil. (verse 17)
5. Their fruit is hopeless since they cannot bear good fruit, but only corrupt and evil fruit. (verse 18)
6. Judgment is their terrible future. (verse 19)
7. Their fruit exposes them. (verse 20) [The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible]

Did you notice these false prophets deceive not by disguised themselves as sheep, but by impersonating true shepherds. They promote the wide gate and wide way. Their sheep's clothing may refer to the woolen attire that was the characteristic garb of a shepherd. (MacArthur)

We are to beware of those whose words, which may be as soft as wool, sound religious but are liars. Actually, they are motivated by money, fame, or power. We can tell who they are when they minimize Christ and glorify themselves. They come camouflaged, looking like sheep, but are wolves. 

Throughout years in churches, we have noticed that church members can have those characteristics, too. They may call you "sweety," but are not focused in doing God's will His way, nor the Word, but are focused in accomplishing their agenda. they can divide, scatter and even devour the sheep, driving them from God, onto crooked paths.

LET IT GROW

How do we know false prophets when we see them? We can recognize them by their fruit.(verse 16) Five times Jesus mentions fruit in this section. If a tree is healthy, it will produce good fruit. If the fruit is bad, it's because the tree itself is bad. (verses 17-18)

The lesson here is for us to examine the evidence of a teacher's life and ministry. Is that person's teaching and doctrine consistent with God's Word? Does his lifestyle display holiness and love for the Lord? If either answer is no, don't be deceived. Watch out for the counterfeit.

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

Good fruit promotes humility, charity, holiness, and love. The changed life is the proof of one's profession of conversion. (2 Cor. 5:17) Is our fruit pleasing God and encouraging other believers? 

LET IT GO 

The Broad and Narrow Way

 N. T. #78  "The Broad and Narrow Way"

May 26, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 6

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (verse 14)

LET IT GLOW

The closing section of the Sermon on the Mount presents 2 choices for the listener and reader. These are a series of contrasts:

• two ways (verses 13-14)
• two trees (verses 15-20)
• two professions (verses 21-23)
• two foundations (verses 24-29). (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Concerning the 2 ways, first is the wide gate and the broad road. The gate is religion, which is man's attempt to make himself acceptable to a holy God. Many people follow on this broad road, seeking to have a relationship with God (verse 13) Yet, they do it on their own terms-works, trying to be good, But this road is a dead end which leads to destruction. The Pharisees walked on that broad road focusing on rules and laws, which no one could keep due to their sinful nature.

There are many paths on the broad road that lead to sin, lusts, and evil. A lot of people go that way in life. Sadly, it leads to destruction.

There are but two ways, right and wrong, good and evil, the way to heaven and the way to hell. There are saints and sinners, godly and ungodly; no middle of the road.

The broad way will ultimately lead to outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 8:12, 22:13,24:51, 25:30) Their sins, wickedness, and rejection of Jesus Christ as Savior will send them to such a hell.

We are to share the gospel with those people before it is too late for them as death comes quickly.

LET IT GROW

The contrast here is a strait gate. Strait means narrow (from obstacles standing close about).

What do we learn about this gate and way?

• Jesus tells us to enter in at the strait gate, for He is that gate.
• It requires faith in Jesus as Savior and Messiah, God's Son, the only way to heaven.
• When we pass through this strait gate, we have new birth of our soul, faith, godliness, and receive grace.
• It is hard to find this strait gate and hard to get through, like a passage between two boulders. The world offers other gates, other religions. 
• We stoop down and become as a little child, humbled and in need of a Savior, God's way, not ours.'
• This gate is not closed nor locked, but wide open with loving arms bidding us to come.
• The path is narrow through this gate, but it leads to everlasting life, eternal bliss, hope for a wonderful end. 
• Few find this way.

There is only one way to eternal life with God and that only a few decide to walk that road. Believing in Jesus is the only way to heaven, because He alone died for our sins and made us right before God. Living His way is not easy nor popular, but it is true and right. There are so many obstacles of temptations, worldliness, discouragements, etc. Thank God there is One way-Jesus!

But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghose. (Titus 3:4-5)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. (John 14:6)

Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior yet? 

LET IT GO

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord!

Applying the Golden Rule

 N. 5T.#77 "Applying the Golden Rule"

May 25, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 5

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (verse 13)

LET IT GLOW

Jesus could have said to His disciples, "Listen up guys. Here is a Golden Rule to remember and put it into practice all your life. Don't forget it. Treat others in the same way you want them to treat you." However, He did not say it this way.  

J. Vernon McGee looked at this verse in a different light: "Therefore" is the most important word in the Golden Rule. It relates the Golden Rule to that which precedes it. Prayer and the Golden Rule come together in one package. Only as we "ask, seek, and knock" are we able to live in the light of the Golden Rule.

Is McGee saying that we should pray for others like we want them to pray for us, treat others like we want them to treat us?

We are told to pray for those who despitefully use us. (Matt. 5:44)

Hard assignment, isn't it?

LET IT GROW

Jesus Christ came to teach His followers not only what we are to know and believe, but also what we are to do toward God and people. When we put others on our level, then we can treat them how we want to be treated. If they treat us with hateful words and deeds, we do not retaliate, but return love and good to them instead. We are told to love our neighbors as ourself. 

The Golden Rule means to love others: to practice the "one anothers" of Scripture. (Tony Evans)

This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (John 15:12)

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. (1 Thess. 5:11)

Do for the people around you what you want God to do for you, and watch how He delivers. (Evans)

We can't expect good things from God, if we do not fair things, and that which is honest, and lovely, and of good report among men. 

the Golden rule as Jesus formulated it is the foundation active goodness and mercy-the kind of love God shows to us every day. Think of a good and merciful action you can do today. (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GO

Jesus, help us let go of jealousy, greed, selfishness.

Use us to love the unlovely, forgive the unforgiving, give to the greedy.

May we be doers of the Word and not hearers only.

Will God Answer?

N.T.#76 "Will God Answer?" 

May 24, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

We continue to learn how Jesus tells us to pray-ask, seek, knock. What happens when we ask God by faith? We receive. What happens when we seek? We find. What happens when we knock? It is opened up to us. (verse 7) 

God makes us a promise here:

• We do the asking and God does the giving. It is not lent to us nor sold to us, but given to us as a gift if God sees it is fit for us to have. God is all-knowing. He knows what is best for us. Also, He sees into our future, we don't. So we trust Him do the right thing. (There were some selfish prayers that I am glad God did not give to me.)
• When we seek God's will about a matter or situation in our life, we will find His answer. He can direct circumstances, move hearts, get us where He wants us to be. 
• When we knock on heaven's door, it will be opened unto us-the door of mercy and grace.

Faith takes us to the throne of grace. Jesus intercedes for us to the Father. We submit to His will, give God the glory, love Him with all our heart. Isn't it amazing that we can communicate with a Holy God, the Creator of all things, One that loves and guides us with His eye?

When we pray, we receive, find, and have it opened to us. (verse 8) Does it get any better?

So why do we not pray more? Take the hard and easy things of life to Him more often?

Keep praying friends. In His time and in His way God will answer. My prayer for 46 years was that God would give me a son, and like Hannah, I would give him back for God's service, kingdom work. Last Sunday, we witnessed our son being ordained as a deacon. And, my husband got to baptize our granddaughter. Our cup of blessings run over! she was saved 5 years earlier at our VBS one summer.

Praise the Lord! 

LET IT GROW

Sometimes God's answers to our prayers are no or wait instead of yes. So we keep knocking, asking, seeking. Faith trusts our God to do what is right and just.

Then Jesus asked what father would give a son a stone or serpent when he asked for bread or fish to eat. Our heavenly father is above the earthly father, wh knows how to give good gifts. His love, goodness, tenderness excels that of earthly parents. 

God wants our heart, devotion, relationship, love more than anything else in this world. Don't we need reminding of this? Yet, God is not a puppet to be controlled. He is in charge, not our flesh.

LET IT GO 

Great is Thy faithfulness unto me. 

Your mercies are new every morning.

Help us to depend upon You more, seek what You want us to do or what You want for us.

Be our Guide.

Asking, Seeking, and Knocking in Prayer

N.T. #75 "Asking, Seeking, and Knocking in Prayer"

May 23, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 3

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7)

LET IT GLOW

Did you notice that Jesus made a contrast between outwards acts of worship (giving, praying, fasting) and inward attitudes of devotion (possessing, praying, judging)?

Today's topic is on prayer again. Jesus gives us another formula, if you will, for requesting for a heavenly intervention. It doesn't make God do what's outside His will but releases Him to do what is inside His will. (Tony Evans)

Whenever we have a need, we are to:

• Ask
• Seek
• Knock.

Pray; pray often, pray with sincerity and seriousness; pray, and pray again; make conscience of prayer, and be constant in it; make a business of prayer, and be earnest in it. (Matthew Henry)

How often do we really pray? Maybe 3 times a day-when we wake up, eat lunch, and go to sleep. It seems to be typical of busy Christians. Then a crisis comes along and we hit our knees, begging for help. (Guilty!) What would life be like for us if we kept in a prayerful attitude throughout the day? When we had big decisions to make and small one-pray. When we wonder which road to take in life, a job, house, marriage-pray. When we meet folks as we are out and about in our community-pray for them.

Dare I say that life would be different for us and those around us if we prayed like that?

LET IT GROW

In the Greek language, ask means beg; call for; desire (to question by inquiry, information); request as a favor; to learn (understand).

When we ask of God, we come as a beggar with wants and burdens, needing support and supply.

Seek means to worship god; enquire; seek after, seek for, seek means.

We are to seek as for a thing of value that we have lost, or as the merchantman that seeks goodly pearls.

Are we seeking God's will in all matters of life? Are we seeking wisdom in His Word?

Knock  means to rap.

When we pray, we are knocking on heaven's door desiring to enter into the house (as one knocks on the front door before entering).

When we knock through prayer, Jesus Christ opens the door (for He is the Door) when He is our Savior, and we are admitted to converse with God, we are taken into His holy presence, His love, and His favor. However, sin shuts and bars the door against us. 

[Resource: Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew]

LET IT GO

Let go of pride, self, and seek God's will.

Pray more, ask more, seek more, knock more.

Pearls and Swine

N.T. #74  "Pearls and Swine"

May 22, 2023

Matthew 7-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

In this chapter, Jesus is speaking on judging others. First, He told us to not do it. Secondly, He told us whatever standard we us in judging others will be used on us. Thirdly, He calls us a hypocrite whenever we do so as we apply God's standards to someone else's life and not to our own life. We fall short.

Jesus explains: Why worry about the mote (a twig or straw) in our friend's eye when we have a log or beam in our own eye? (verses 4-5)

J.V. McGee called the sawdust and a great big redwood long. With that blocking your vision, you are in no position to judge the little sin of another.

When we address our own sins, then we become more understanding, compassionate, and righteous in assessing our brothers sins.

LET IT GROW

In verse 6, Jesus tells us, Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Pearls would be things of value. God's Word is of value to a Christian. 

There are numerous places in the Bible in which God instructs His people to make judgment calls. Here is one of them. This verse refers to those who despise spiritual things, but you can't obey this command unless you can discern who the "dogs" and "pigs" are. The difference between judgmentalism and what Jesus calls us to do here is the standard we use. When you sinfully judge, you use your own standard and condemn others. When you obey Jesus words in verse 6, you use wisdom, refusing to give what is precious in God's sight to those who refuse to value spiritual things. (Tony Evans)

Using wisdom and God's standards is how we are to live. We are told to not waste our time on unbelievers who do not treasure holy concepts of the Bible and reject the Truth. they first need a clean heart by coming to Jesus for salvation, then we teach them the ways and Words of God.

When a person's heart has not been broken over their sins, they will turn on us and try to break us. They may point out our sins instead of being concerned about their own. 

Rend means to break, wreck, crack; shattering to minute fragments; disrupt, lacerate; tear.

That is when we walk away and pray for them.

LET IT GO 

Please give us discernment, Jesus.

We pray for our families who need Jesus in their heart.

Please save all who come to read the words in this post.

Glory to God in the Highest, peace and goodwill toward men.

Is Criticism Our Habit?

 N. T. #73"Is Criticism Our Habit?"

May 18, 2023

Judge not, that ye be not judged. (verse 1)

Matthew 7

LET IT GLOW

I think the population around here has doubled in the past few years. Houses are going up in additions like crazy. People from out of state are moving into ours. That results in traffic congestion.  We wait to get onto the highway, wait at stop lights, have cars pull out in front of us not wanting to stop or wait. The list could go on. Let me tell you, this problem is trying everyone's patience. We get angry and speak badly of the other drives, and then turn around and do those same things to others. Whew!

Jesus is teaching how to conduct ourselves in reference to others.

Judge means to distinguish; decide (mentally or judicially); condemn; punish: condemn, avenge; sentence to.

So, what are to learn from this one verse?

• Judging others is prohibited. We must judge ourselves and our own motives and actions, not others. 
• If we do not judge others, then we will not be judged. 
• Christ is the qualified only one to judge, not us.
• Judging others usurps God's authority.

Don't speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God's law. (James 4:11a,b)

Criticism seems to be a practice that is in abundance. Instead of helping with a task, folks criticize the one doing it. We aren't perfect people, so we should not expect others to do a perfect job, right? Yet we do. (Guilty) It is easy to point out a failure. It seems to boost our own self-image, but it only reveals our pride, ego, low self-esteem. After all, we are probably guilty of doing the same thing or thinking it.

When others fall short or fail, let's encourage them; thank them for trying; accept their non-perfect ways. Honey attracts more than vinegar.

1 John 1:8 says, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

LET IT GROW

For you will be treated as you treat others. The same standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. (verse 2)

How can we judge the inner motives of another? We can't read their thoughts. We may think they are trying to take over a project when in reality they are only trying to help. 

We must have a discerning spirit. False prophets were teaching false doctrine. We should be watchful that the Truth of the Word is actually truth. We can be fruit inspectors.

In relation to drivers, we can allow others into our line so they don't have such a long wait. Courtesy can go a long way. Some day we may be late and need kindness shown to us.

LET IT GO

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Keeping the First Things First

N. T. #72 "Keeping the First Things First"

May 18, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 18

LET IT GLOW

Did you worry about something yesterday? Jesus is teaching His disciples and us to not worry about what we will eat, drink, or wear. Those things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers. After all, no one can add inches on their body nor days onto the life span. Our Heavenly Father already knows all our needs. I say, this is quite a Sermon on the Mount, right?

Why does Jesus call His listeners "ye of little faith?" Matthew did not record any conversation of others during Jesus' speech or teachings. He saw into their hearts. There must have been a lack of faith He found there. 

What can we learn from these teachings of Jesus?

• Our life is a greater blessing than our livelihood. 
• If we can trust God through Jesus to take care of our souls for eternity, then we should be able to trust God and His provisions for us, leaving all our physical needs to Him. After all, the birds depend upon God for their food.
• We should be clothed with dignity and integrity, with strong faith, not little faith. The lilies are beautifully appearing in the field, receive water and sunshine to grown and be covered. 
• Our life is to exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, faith, goodness, self-control, love for God and others. Unbelievers are concerned with wealth and possessions and power while living on earth. They are not concerned about their soul's state. Believers are to be thankful and content with what we have. 

 We have better things to think about than focusing on our physical needs. Leave them to God.

1 Peter 5:7 tells us, Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

We are to be about our Father's business, as Jesus was, doing Kingdom work. Is that our purpose in life? Are we sharing Jesus' love and salvation with others? Let's let Jesus be our Master, not money or possessions.

LET IT GROW

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (verse 33)

It is our duty to seek sincerely, to desire, pursue, and aim at these things. Heaven is our end and holiness as our way. We are to seek the things of Christ more than our own things. Let waking thoughts be of God. Let Him that is the First, (Alpha) have the first of every day.

Whatsoever is not faith is sin. (Romans 14:23)

When our priority is spiritual, God will take care of the material; for where God guides, He provides. Each day has enough challenges and responsibilities of its own. Live for today.

Be present in the present. 

LET IT GO 

Keep us in Your will, Lord.

Worry Can't Make You Taller or Younger

N.T. #71 "Worry Can't Make You Taller or Younger"

May 17, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 17

LET IT GLOW

When we were in college, I would go to different grocery stores buying their specials of the week. I didn't have a credit card to us, only cash, so I knew who much I could spend on food. It was tough for 4 years, having 2 children to provide meals. But we made it. A lady in our home church would send us $25 a month, which provided milk and bread when we were without. During those years, we learned to trusts in God for our needs, for He is faithful. How about you? Are you worried today about something?

In this section, verses 25-34, Jesus is teaching us to not worry and to observe nature so we are reassured of God's provisions:

• Life is more than what we eat and drink, more than what we wear. (verse 25) Life is the spirit, heart, mind, soul, breath.
• Observe the birds, who do not plant, harvest, nor store food in barns. Our Heavenly Father feeds them, our Heavenly Father will feed us. (verse 26)
• All our worries cannot add a single moment to our life. (verse 27) Stature means maturity (in years or size); age. Our life is in God's hands. (However, worry can cause ulcers and high blood pressure.)
• Look at the lilies/flowers of the field; they do not work or make their clothing. Solomon, in all his glory as king, was not dressed as beautifully as the lilies/flowers. (verses 28-29)
• Wildflowers are here today and burnt up by the summer sun tomorrow. If God so wonderfully cares for us.

I often hear pecking on my front porch. It is either a blue jay or a red headed woodpecker eating my cat's food. I tell them to go eat seeds in the field or insects in the trees of the woods, but they do not hear me. could it be this is a provision for them?

Why do you have so little faith? (verse 30a) We should do what we can to work and provide for our family. Depending upon God for our needs is what He wants from us. He already knows what we need before we ask. Maybe we need to live more within our budget, income if we are having financial problems.

LET IT GROW

So don't worry about what we will eat, drink, and wear. Why? 

These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. (verse 32,NLT)

The solution for worry is found in verse 33: Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. 

Finally, Jesus told us, So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enought for today. (verse 34,NLT)

If I could, I would be 5'8", but I can't change my height. God made me 4'10" and I accept it. Few people tease me now that I am an adult. God provides a way for me to reach food on the top shelf at the store. Sometimes it is my husband, a stranger, or a box that gets it for me.

Around the house, I wear previous years of Vacation Bible School t-shirts. I don't need much to wear. After all, my drawer is full of 20 years of shirts. (I don't wear them to worship services, though.:)

Maybe we need to reassure our children that God provides for His children. Share with them the times He has done so.

LET IT GO

Thank You Father for all you give me.

Jehovah Jireh, we praise You. 

Contentment With Things

N. T. #70

May 16, 2023  "Contentment With Things"

Matthew 6-Part 16

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink: nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (verse 25)

LET IT GLOW

One of the greatest need of people is to be delivered from worry and anxiety. That comes whenever we trust Jesus to meet our needs and focus on Him being first place in our life. Easier said than done, I know. 

It has been years since we had a car payment. We pay cash for older cars so that happens. We were blessed with not 1, not 2, but 3 Cadillacs. The first one was totaled in an accident. Everything was modern on it. The second one we use for my husband's ministry. It has more miles on it. The third one was my cousin and uncle's car, so it is low mileage. It has enough bells and whistles that we are pleased to drive an older car to church. It is a matter of contentment. We thank God for providing them. (We used to drive jalopies when in college.) Not having a car payment allows us to freely give to those in need. What about you?

Life refers to spirit, heart, mind, soul, breath.

In the big picture of things of life, does it really matter what we are eating, drinking, and waring? Just so we honor God with it. When our thoughts are on meeting those things, then our anxiety level increases. Not that we are to neglect our physical needs and those of our family, but we can get by simple things and not fancy ones. Also, we are not to be lazy, but work for those things.

LET IT GROW

What is Jesus talking about?

1. Do not be preoccupied with the material possessions of life. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. (verse 33)
2. Do not be so wrapped up in securing things that we become anxious, disturbed, and sleepless. Those result in high blood pressure, ulcers, and heart attacks.
3. Do not be so consumed with getting, that we think little of God. 
4. Don't be so entangled with the affairs of this earth that we forget eternity. [The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible]

God loves us and will take care of us when we are trusting in Him. We must be willing to do work that may not be the top job we had in mind, but our willingness is rewarded.

LET IT GO

What a Father, what a friend, what a Savior He is!

How faithful You are!

Who Are We Serving?

N.T.#69 "Who Are We Serving?"

May 15, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 15

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (verse 24)

LET IT GLOW

Jesus is teaching about many things concerning one's life. He taught about almsgiving, prayer, fasting, and giving. Previously, we have been challenged to focus on treasures in heaven that we are sending up. Spiritual matters are to have priority over worldly possessions. Upon what does our mind dwell during the day?

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (verse 21)

It isn't that we are to go live in a compound, but as we live in this old world, walk and talk with Jesus along the way. Seek His will in our circumstances and how should we spend the money we have?

The fourth topic Jesus speaks about is serving. We can't serve 2 masters. 

Masters refers to supreme in authority; controller; God, Lord, Master, Sir. 

It all boils down to this-are we the controller or money the controller of our life or is God the Controller of our life, thoughts, heart?

Jesus says we will hate the one and love the other, or we will hold to one and despise the other. So we either love Jesus and hold to Him or we hate Jesus and despise Him. Plain, isn't it?

Mammon means confidence; wealth; avarice (excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain); greediness.

What do we spend our time thinking about? Is it how we can gain more and more money to add to our savings account? Thus, we neglect our family and church. Are we enslaved to the credit card? Or is it how we can serve Jesus today? Is it loving others to Jesus? (This speaks to me first, friend.) 

LET IT GROW

Double-mindedness is an attempt to sit on the fence in relation to spiritual matters. There is no halfhearted service for God. It is either all or nothing. Jesus gives the believer no option between loving God and loving the world. The regenerated heart is one which so longs for righteousness and desires the things of heaven that it lives above the temporal things of the earth. (Falwell)

Is the physical or spiritual more important to us? God promises several great things to the one who serves Him:

• All the necessities of life. (Matthew 6:33)
• Freedom from anxiety. (Phil. 4:6-7)
• Joy and contentment. Heb. 13:5)
• Abundant and eternal life. (John 3:16; 5:24; 10:10) (The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible)

It think it comes down to the matter of our attitude.

LET IT GO

Help us be content with what we have.

Keep our focus on serving You, Sweet Jesus.

How great is Your love!

Where is Our Focus?

 N.T.#68 "Where is Our Focus?"

May 12, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 14

LET IT GLOW

What is our focus in life? Is it laying up treasures in heaven, doing God's will, or is it pleasures on earth?

In verse 22, we realize that a good heart is like a good eye. The eye is a gate that gives entrance to the mind of man. What we look at is what we think about, and what we think about is what we actually become. 

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7a)

If we focus on Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world, (John 8:12), then our mind and heart will be full of light. The deeds of our body will be the deeds of light. The singleness of the eye and heart means that a person sets his attention upon the Lord Jesus for the purpose of doing His will. (Acts 2:46; Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22)

For the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Cor. 4:18)

Set your affections on things above, not in things on the earth. (Col. 3:2)

Where are our affections, heart, focused upon?

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

LET IT GROW

In order to focus on heaven and store treasure there, you have to see clearly. either we let light in through our eyes, or we remain in darkness. It's that simple. And unless our spiritual perspective is directed by God, we will wander in the dark. Few things can distract our spiritual focus and fill us with darkness as effectively as becoming a slave to money. The danger is when the money has us-the physical becomes more important than the spiritual. (Toney Evans)

I realize that we have to make a living. What he is asking is, "Where is our spiritual focus? Jesus or money?" Having money isn't the problem. The danger is when money has us.

LET IT GO

Keep our perspective, focus, and treasure in You, Lord Jesus.

Use believers to share the love and mercy and salvation of God.

What do You Treasure?

N. T. #67 "What do You Treasure?"

May 11, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 13

LET IT GLOW

In verse 19, Jesus tells us to not lay up our treasures on earth. What kind of treasures is that?

• Treasures that moths can eat. I heard last year that a certain woman spent thousands of dollars on a special gown to wear to an event of the year. I wonder where it is now.
• Treasures that rust can destroy. Silver, gold, and metals can tarnish, so are they realy a good investment?
• Treasures which thieves can break in and steal. Jewels and money can be taken away un the blink of an eye.

In the Greek language, treasures a deposit; wealth; what can be layed down, bowed down to, or placed; purpose.

Other things which people treasure might include: houses, land, autos, newest computer, huge tv's, money securities, material things, family, etc.

I heard of a guy who spent $75,000 on a new truck. How would he even drive it in the big city without worrying it might be hit?

I confess that I spent time looking for a new house this past year. We had sold a business and I was wanting to get out of this old farmhouse. It is cold in the winter and hot in the summer, and has only 1 bathroom. We made several offers, but none was accepted. I think God was trying to tell me something. I needed to be content and thankful for what He has provided. So we plan to update and remodel this house. I am grateful for the memories it holds in my childhood. With this plan, we will be free to give to mission work and meeting needs of others.

LET IT GROW

Heavenly treasures are a far better investment., which are eternal and imperishable. What treasures can we have as believers?

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through to steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (verse 20-21)

The best things to treasure are those unseen things which make us happy, such as contentment, trust in God, a witness, integrity, love for people, our testimony, leading others to faith in Christ, and using our spiritual gifts for God's glory and the church.

Store your treasure where you want your heart to be. Your heart will follow your treasure. (Tony Evans)

Our treasure is our alms, prayers, and fastings, according to Matthew Henry.

Collecting treasures in heaven is not limited to tithing but is accomplished by all acts of obedience to God. We should seek to please God not only in our giving but also in fulfilling God's purposes in all we do. (Life Application Study Bible)

Where is our treasure? Is it here on earth or are we sending up treasures to heaven?

LET IT GO 

Keep our focus on You, Jesus, not on things.

Help us give our money for kingdom work, not for selfish desires.

Rewards

 N.T.#66

May 10, 2023 "Rewards"

Matthew 6-Part 12

LET IT GLOW

I like giving to college students, for we had such a rough time financially during our time in college. I understand doing without. God was always faithful in providing what we needed. Our lesson was to depend upon Him and be thankful. 

Previously, we learned how to fast for spiritual gain. We are to do it in secret with a usual appearance. We are to not be like the hypocrites who draw attention to themselves.

There is one word that appears 7 times in this chapter-reward.

In the Greek language, reward means pay for service, good or bad; wages. (found in verses 1, 2, 16)

A different word reward means to five away; deliver; repay; restore. (found in verses 4,6,18)

My conclusion is that there is no reward from God whenever we gives alms [compassionateness (as exercised toward the poor)] to be seen of men, sounding the trumpet in the streets, and fasting with a sad countenance. Those have their reward of men and not from God. (verses 1,2,16)

Also, when we give alms, pray, and fast in secret, then God will reward us openly (outwardly; shining). Our Father in heaven will reward us, while here on earth or in heaven. These seems to a matter of the sincere heart.  

LET IT GROW

I like how Jerry Falwell put it as a contrast of outward worship and inward worship manifested:

• Giving/possessing
• praying/worrying
• Fasting/ judging.

Our proper attitude toward giving to others to meet needs instead of hording our possessions, praying instead of worrying, and fasting instead of judging others results in grace shown.

Well, we all fall short in some area, right? Let's open our hearts and hands to others, as believers. When we do, God will reward us and provide for us.

LET IT GO

How amazing is Your grace, Father!

Help our trust become stronger.

Open our hearts and hands to give.

How Do We Fast?

N. T. #65  "How Do We Fast?"

May 9, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 10

LET IT GLOW

The previous topics which Jesus spoke about were almsgiving and prayer. Now He teaches about fasting. 

This direction assumes that fasting is a normal part of one's spiritual life. (1 cor. 7:5) Fasting is associated with sadness (9:14, 15), prayer (17:21), charity (Is. 58:3-6), and seeking the Lord's will (Acts 13:2,3; 14:23) [The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

Fasting refers to obstaining from food (religiously); not eating.

The Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29) was a day of fasting under the Mosiac Law, which was mandatory of the Jews. The Pharisees added 2 fasting days, on Monday and Thursday of each week, as a case of puilic display and piety.  What did their fasting look like?

• a sad countenance;
• disfigure their face; cover their face as a mourning gesture;
• and neglecting of appearance.

That was done so they could appear as spiritual men. Sounds like it was a show instead of a serious time spent with the Lord. At any rate, Jesus said they had their reward. He wanted to cautious us and His followers about not fasting in that manner.

LET IT GROW

How are believers to fast?

• Maintain your appearance as normal by anointing your head; in other words, fix your hair like usual;
• Wash your face; don't look grungy.

Fasting is to be done secretly unto the Lord while outwardly maintaining the appearance of joy and triumph. When we do it God's way, secretly, He rewards us openly.

Instead of spending time preparing food and eating it, we are to use that time we would have spent doing so in prayer.  Fasting teaches us self-discipline, shows us we can live with less, and helps us appreciate God's gifts. Self-sacrifice is to be done quietly and sincerely. [Life Application Study Bible]

What is our motives in the things we do? Is it for the right reasons or for selfish reasons?

LET IT GO

It's Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise to You, Holy God.

Bless all who red this today with Your everlasting love.

Forgiveness

 N.T. #64 "Forgiveness"

May 8, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 10

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (verses 14-15)

LET IT GLOW

Jesus goes beyond the mere outward conformity to the law to the inward conviction of the spirit. He gives us instructions for us as to how we should give, pray, fast, and serve. Verse 1-5 concerns giving alms and verses 5-15 deals with prayer. Verses 16-18 speak about fasting and verses 19-24 on serving.

Previously, we have learned about giving and praying. Jesus wraps up this section with why we are to forgive others. Do we consider ourself a forgiving person? Yet, sometimes there can be one that we struggle to forgive. I have had them in my own life. But when we consider God forgave our most grievous sin and rebellion against Him, it was for us sinners Christ died. (Rom. 5:8) So how can we refuse to forgive those who hurt and sinned against us?

Forgiveness is a choice. Jesus chose to forgive those who ruthlessly and mockingly nailed Him to a cross. (Luke 23:34)

Jesus said that the measure in which we are forgiving is the same standard God will use in forgiving us. God has established in His Word the standards He accepts and expects for us. Would you want God to forgive you in the same way you are presently forgiving others? (Blackaby)

We do not want to miss out on God's forgiveness because we are not forgiving others. To forgive is to hold a grudge no longer, not to seek retribution, Since we all need God's forgiveness regularly, we must not withhold it from others. If we do, we'' lose out on fellowship with God. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GROW

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesian 4:32)

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (Colossians 3:13)

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. (Luke 11:4)

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. (Luke 17:4)

Look at this: When we don't forgive others, we are denying our common ground as sinners in need of God's forgiveness. His forgiveness is based on our realizing what forgiveness means. Have I forgiven others who have wronged me? If so, then we can ask God to forgive us.

We all stumble, fall, blunder, and slip much too often. sometimes others do not ask our forgiveness and never will. That is when it is up to us to forgive them. Perhaps we are the one who needs to go to them and ask their forgiveness. 

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. (Mark 11:25) 

LET IT GO

Jesus, Your love is amazing; Your forgiveness is amazing.

Help me forgive those who keep hurting me.

Make me more like You, Jesus.

Who Reigns?

N. T. #63"Who Reigns?"

May 5, 2023 

Matthew 6-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

How did Jesus conclude His prayer or doxology? For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for eve. Amen. (verse 13b)

We praise our God because He deserves it, not because He needs it, for He has numerous angels to do so in heaven. Praising God for who He is and thanking Him for what He has done is a part of prayer. It is what we need as we recognize how awesome our God is, so merciful, forgiving, loving, and holy. 

This verse comes from David's blessing the LORD before all the people of Israel, found in 1 Chronicles 25:11: Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and Thou art exalted as head above all. 

David concludes that God is everything and that man is nothing. This prayer gives God all credit. (MacArthur)

The right to rule and reign only belongs to God. It is no one else's! (Not governments, not leaders, not humans, not demons) 

That men may know that Thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth. (Ps. 83:18)

The LORD reigneth, He is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith He hath girded Himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. (Ps. 93:1)

Is this your God?

LET IT GROW

Amen refers to surely (so be it).

All that was said before the amen denotes, so let it be.

In review, how did Jesus model a prayer for us to follow?

1. Praise God in His greatness and glory
2. Recognize Him as sovereign Savior, as His kingdom (heaven) comes
3. Pray the King's will to be done
4. Ask forgiveness for my sins as I forgive others, grace
5. Seek help to never return again to folly and not be tempted to dit again
6. Ask for deliverance from the devil's assaults and not be overcome by those assaults
7. Declare God as The King, all-powerful, glorious, forever eternal (Matthew Henry)

 We are to seek God first, ask forgiveness for our sins, and trust Him to meet our needs, then give Him the glory. May we not neglect to pray for others, also.

LET IT GO 

You are Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness, my God, that is who You are.

Thank You Father that You hear our prayers as believers in Jesus.

Glory to God in the Highest!

When Temptations Come

 N. T. #62 "When Temptations Come"

May 4, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 8

And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. (Matt. 6:13, NLT)

LET IT GLOW

At our wedding, some 50 years ago, my cousin sang The Lord's Prayer while we knelt together at the prayer bench praying. God has blessed, protected, and provided for us throughout those years. How faithful He is! As I have been reading through this chapter on how Jesus instructed us to pray, I often sing it. 

Temptation has a strong pull on all of us. We seek our own way and react with yielding.

Temptation means adversity; entice; to test; experience of evil. 

The King James Version reads, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. (verse 13)

James 1:13-14 says, Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

So God does not entice us to sin, nor test us with whatever is sinful. What is the source of our temptations? Satan and our own lusts are the sources. We read earlier about the 3 ways Satan tempted Jesus-physical desires (bread after fasting 40 days), power by proving Jesus is the Son of God, all-powerful, pride (have all kingdoms if He worshiped Satan.) Jesus resisted those temptations by quoting Scriptures. So should we.

I like how the New Living Translation has this verse-don't let us yield to temptation. We need rescuing from the evil one who tempts us. He is a liar, deceiver, and evil one. 

Maybe we should say, "Leave us not in temptation." It does not mean to keep us out of it, but when we are in it, do not leave us there. (McGee)

LET IT GROW

Sweets is my temptation, except for chocolate goodies. I don't like chocolate, so it does not tempt me to eat it, whether a cake, pie, or candy. But set me an apple pie or cherry cheesecake or a blueberry donut  in front of me and I will yield, as I did this last week. (Then the pounds come back on and I look like a donut. Ugh!.) You may have different temptations than mine. We have a Savior who forgives sin. However, we want to please our Jesus by not sinning, yielding to temptation. I fall short so much. Sometimes we need to turn our back on the temptation and run like Joseph did.I just need to learn to say "NO!."

Satan is smarter than us and has centuries of experience ruining human lives. so ask God to keep you from getting into situations that detour you from the kingdom road. Pray that He would deliver you from temptations that you're not ready to handle. (Tony Evans)

All Christians struggle with temptation, so we should not think that we are alone. Sometimes it is so suttle that we don't even realize what is happening to us. 

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 says, Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

God will help us resist temptation when we ask Him. Knowing when to run to God and away from the situation that tempts us to sin is our solution. My problem is I don't have a strong enough desire to loose the weight by not eating those goodies. If I did, then I would turn to God for help in turning away from it.

LET IT GO

Father, may Your will be done in all of us and in our hearts.

Help us love You more that the sin.

Keep us on the narrow road and our thoughts pure and holy.

At the cross I surrender my life.

I owe all to You, Jesus.

Forgiveness

N. T. #61 "Forgiveness"

May 3, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

As we continue studying the prayer Jesus instructed, we pray to our Heavenly Father, who is a Holy God. (verse 9) We are conforming our will to the will of God. (verse 10) We ask daily for our needs. (verse 11)

Today, verse 12 tells us And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

This is an eye opener. First of all, we are told to ask God's forgiveness for our sins, since we fall short of His standards. This should be a daily practice because not a day goes by that we all do not sin. So every time we pray, we are to ask forgiveness from God. 

Forgive means to send forth; forsake; lay aside; leave; cry; omit; yield up.

The word debts means something owed; a due; a fault in the Greek language.

Here is the thing-we either ask God's forgiveness now before we die or while we are on our knees before a Holy God after we die and He tells us to depart for He never knew us. One of my saying is, "We are sinners in need of a Savior." Since we are not perfect, we must ask a Perfect Savior, Jesus, to forgive our sins. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. None of us is perfect, except Jesus Christ. I pray you have already asked Jesus' forgiveness, but if not, today is the day of salvation. We are not promised another breath, dear one.

When I was 16, I realized that death came come to anyone, even a teenager. My friend and classmate Mike had died in a car wreck that summer. I knew in my heart that if I died, then I would go to hell and not heaven. In my bedroom one night I spoke to God. I didn't know the proper words to say, but I believed in Jesus as God's Son. He knew my heart, forgave me, and saved me that night. Since then, I have learned that daily I am to confess my sins and ask forgiveness of God through Jesus.

When God forgives, He no longer credits sin to our account. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GROW

Did you notice that Jesus did not stop at instructing us to pray for forgiveness of our sins? What is the other instruction? We are told to forgive our debtors; forgive our sins in the same way we forgive our debtors. 

Debtors are an onwe; person indebted; a delinquent; a transgressor against God; sinner which owed.

Some people have been seriously sinned against. They have endured horrific cruelty. Nevertheless, the Bible teaches that anything that comes a believer's way-has to come through God's fingers. God is sovereign, and He permits things for the good of His children-even when we don't understand. (The Tony Evans Bible Commentary)

Like Joseph in the Old Testament, people my intend to do evil against us, but God intends even that for good. (Gen. 50:20)

I figure that if Jesus, who was cruelly beaten and hung on a cross to die (although innocent of any crimes), can forgive His assaulters, then so can I. Having a keen awareness of our own need for forgiveness will put the offenses of others in proper light. 

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)

If we choose to withhold forgiveness from someone, our worship and prayers are futile. (5:23-24)

LET IT GO 

Help us to forgive others who have harmed us or said hurtful words to us.

Your mercy never fails, Jesus. Oh, how we need Your mercy today!

Please for me of my sins, for I am a sinner.

Give Thanks for our Daily Bread

 N. T. #60 "Give Thanks for Our Daily Bread"

May 2, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

As a believer in Jesus Christ as our Savior, our true citizenship is in heave. That is where our Heavenly Father God and Jesus His Son is right now. They are sitting on their thrones, high and lifted up. They are rightfully adorned and adored. It is through Jesus that we can pray to our Creator and sustainer of life. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? 

How are we to pray to such a Holy God? Jesus told us in this chapter:

1. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. God's name is to be respected, set apart, different from all other name, because He is above, over, and before all. He is pure and righteous, sinless.
2. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Our first request is for God's will to be done here, in our life and on the earth. Let Christ rule and reign in the hearts and lives of all people. One day He will come to earth ro reign as King over all. During those 1,000 years, Jesus Christ will be the only One worshiped. (Right now evil, hatred, rebellion, and wickedness is trying to rule in people.)
3. Give us this day our daily bread. 

In the Greek language, the word daily means indispensable; needful; next. 

Indispensable means not subject to being set aside. (Webster Dictionary)

It is God who provides rain and sunshine for crops to grow and fruit to mature. Do we thank Him for each thing we eat and drink? God knows our needs before we ask. He wants to to ask daily for our necessities of life. We are to trust God for all our needs in life and thank Him for what He gives.

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. (Colossian 3:17)

LET IT GROW

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life; he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. (John 6:35)

Paul told the church at Philippi, Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (4:11)

Are we thankful and content as we serve our God?

Friend, is your soul hungry for God's Word?

Are we praying and giving thanks throughout the day?

LET IT GO

How faithful You are, Father.

Thank You for all I have to eat. Help me to share with others this bountifulness.

You are Jehovah Jire, our Provider.

Whose Will do We Want to do Today?

N. T. #59 "Whose Will do We Want to do Today?"

May 1, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Can you believe it is May already? So thankful that winter is over, Good riddens to viruses and sickness. The sun is shining and there is hope for a new day. It's not yet warm enough to sit on the porch swing and sip iced tea, though. So glad you have joined me in studying the Lord's Prayer as we know it. Welcome to any newcomers. You may want to go back to previous posts beginning with chapter 1. 

We began with the genealogy of Jesus, His birth, His childhood spent in Egypt (6-7 years), the ministry of John the Baptist (Jesus' cousin), Jesus' baptism, His temptations by Satan, the calling of Jesus' disciples, and now, His teachings of the Beatitudes and how to pray. 

What are to components of the Lord's Prayer, which is a model for the Christian to pray?

1. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed by Thy name.

     He is God Almighty (El Shaddiah) that we are addressing, speaking to with petitions and praises. He is our Heavenly Father and we are His children; God is the Creator (El Yone) to whom we are speaking. His name is holy, glorious, 

Our supreme desire should be to glorify the name of God by the way we live. (Blackaby)

2. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it it in heaven.

God's will is the only priority in heaven. At His word, angels to God's bidding, immediately and without question. We are to pray that God would accomplish His will in our world in the same way. This means God's purposes would have preeminence in our life, our home, our business, our school, our church, and our government. 

Our desire should be for God's purposes be carried out in the world around us. Instead of doing our will, Christians are to seek and do God's will. When we know God's will, then we are to become involved in His activity as He answers our prayer. Prayer prepares us to be God's servant through whom He can carry out His will on earth. 

So we are to surrender our will to obey God's will, allowing Him to have absolute rule in our life. If we become burdened for a person, we should go see them and talk to them. 

At Gethsemane Jesus prayed, Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will. (Matt. 26:39) 

Each morning, we should deny ourself, take up our cross, and follow Jesus wherever He leads. 

[Resource: Experiencing God Day-By-Day, by Henry and Richard Blackaby]

LET IT GROW

We should not that Jesus was not referring to Israel's freedom from Rome, but a spiritual reign of God's kingdom. God's kingdom was announced in the covenant with Abraham,. (Luke 13:38) and in believer's hearts (Luke 17:21). It will be complete when all evil is destroyed and God establishes a new heaven and earth. (Rev. 21:1) (Life Application Study Bible)

How does God accomplish His will on earth? He does it largely through people who are willing to obey Him. We offer ourself as doers of God's will, asking Him to guide, lead, and give us the means to accomplish His purposes.

Tony Evans gives an example of the U.S. Olympic athletes who are awarded the gold medal. The national anthem of the U.S. is played and sung during that time. They represent our nation, so they don't get to choose what song is played at the accompanying ceremony. We are called to march to God's tune.

What is God's will? It is what God wants-when, where, and how He wants it. We are to follow God's rules so He can accomplish His purposes with us. If we do not, then He will accomplish His will without us. Since God is sovereign, He will us someone else. What a blessing it is to know we are doing God's will!

Who's will do we desire to accomplish today?

LET IT GO

Praise be to the God our Father who has provided a way for us to be His child through faith.

We surrender to do Your will, Your way, today, always.

Glory to Holy God on high!