Questioning Our Beliefs

 N.T.#118 "Questioning Our Beliefs"

July 31, 2023 

Matthew 11-Part 3

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me. (verse 6)

LET IT GLOW

Questioning our beliefs can be a good thing. It can result in our digging deeper into God's Word. We search for answers to our questions. We find reassurance that Jesus is Truth and God has everything under control, His control.

John the Baptist needed reassurance that Jesus is the Messiah, for John was in prison and facing death. Now this is the guy who had baptized Jesus and heard God say Jesus was His Son with whom He was well pleased. John preached repentance to prepare people for the Messiah as he lived primitively. Because John pointed out Herod's sin, he was put into prison. Do you think Joh wanted to know for sure that his sufferings were for something?

Do we sometimes second guess faith when things don't go our way? When we stand up for the Truth of God's Word, yet folks reject it. It is hard. Especially when family members make fun of our commitment to the Lord. And then there are times church members get upset with us for doing what is right, showing them they are wrong. Others make it difficult for us to be faithful to Jesus.

We must carry on the Word and faith in Jesus. It will be worth it after all. We will win heaven in the end. so stay surrendered and stand strong in Jesus. Let Him fight our battles.

LET IT GROW

What was the answer Jesus wanted sent to John?

Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. (verse 5)

These are the works of Christ and His miracles. Isaiah 35:5 and 61:1 referred to the works the Messiah would do. Jesus answered John's doubts by pointing to the acts of healing the blind, lame, deaf, curing the lepers, raising the dead, and preaching the Good News to the poor. With so much evidence, Jesus's identity was obvious. (Life Application Study Bible)

Jesus' Words and deeds validated who He is. Anyone can make claims, but Jesus backed up His with the works of the Messiah. Did Jesus not meet John's expectations of Him? Did John expect Jesus to set up His kingdom right then? 

Jesus knew things to come that Joh didn't know:

• the timing of the full advent of the messianic kingdom;
• His impending atoning death and miraculous resurrection;
• His commissioning of the apostles and ascension to the right hand of the Father;
• the coming Holy Spirit at Pentecost;
• the establishment of the church;
• Gentiles converted by faith;
• His coming perfect kingdom when John the Baptizer and all the believing Jews of the first century participating.

So John wasn't wrong in his picture of what the messianic age would look like; he was just wrong about the timing of the events. Jesus didn't rebuke John for his doubting, didn't give blame or shame, nor lecture him in a condescending tone. He simply sent the messengers back to report what they had seen and heard. That was enough to give encouragement and reassurance. 

When we doubt, we must turn to Jesus, not away from Him.

LET IT GO

Where would we be if it wasn't for the love of God, Jesus' dying on the cross in our place?

Jesus set us free from the chains of our sins and doubts.

How gracious and loving You are, Sweet Jesus!

Our hope is found in Christ alone.

Father, You know all things, so we are going to trust You with all things.

Doubts

 N.T.#118 "Doubts"

July 28, 2023

Matthew 11-Part 2

And said unto Him, Art thou He that should come, or do we look for another?

LET IT GLOW

Doubts come and go, right? Do hard times seem to result in our sliding away from our faith in Jesus? Well, we are not the only one to experience doubt. Read on to find out who it was.

After Jesus sent His disciples out to minister to the Jews, He continued to preach, teach, and heal. Then an unusual thing happened. John the Baptist sent his disciples to enquire of Jesus if He was the Messiah. (verse 3) John had heard of the works of Christ while he was in prison. So John sent 2 of his disciples to Jesus with the above question. 

John had been put into prison by Herod. Herod had married his own sister-in-law, and John publicly rebuked Herod's flagrant sin. John's purpose was to prepare the people for the coming Messiah. (3:3) If Jesus really was that Messiah, then why was John in prison when he could have been preaching to crowds, preparing their hearts? Was Jesus the Messiah foretold of by the prophets or should they look for another? (Luke tells us of this event in chapter 7.)

Was John expecting a pastoral visit? did he want to be broken out of jail or something? John was perplexed. Did he expect Jesus to overthrow the Roman government and establish His kingdom on earth then? Where was His army? John needed answers, for he was facing a trial and death. Did John need his faith confirmed? 

How did Jesus answer John's doubts?

• He sent John's disciples to go tell John what they had heard and seen.
• The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor (which Jesus did). 
• God blesses those who do not turn away (offended) because of Jesus.

LET IT GROW

Jesus' answer was to tell John what miracles, which only god could perform, the men heard and saw. Happy are those who accept God's will for their lives. They praise, honor, and glorify Him. They don't turn away, against, or become bitter because of His will for their life.

The New Living Translation says it this way, God blesses those who do not turn away because of Me. (verse 6)

William Beck says it this way, "Happy is anyone who doesn't turn against Me.

I haven't denied Christ, but I have wasted days going my own way. Those were days I turned away from Jesus. I was too busy to read the Scriptures or pray. I can't get those days back and neither can you. But grace abounds; He is faithful. I'm so happy that Jesus didn't turn away from me!

LET IT GO

There is nothing better than You, Jesus.

How faithful and forgiving You are.

Encourage us all today, for You are The Messiah!

Departing and Going

N.T. #117 "Departing and Going"

July 27, 2023

Matthew 11

LET IT GLOW

Well, it is good to be back home. We had a fantastic time, seeing our second grandson become an eagle scout, graduate from high school, and spending time with our two children an all their children. Thank you for being patient as I didn't take my laptop with me on our trip.

As we left chapter 10, we read the instructions which Jesus gave His disciples in spreading the Good News through Israel. The kingdom of God is at hand. (10:7) They were sent out to preach, perform miracles, and proclaim the coming kingdom. Jesus gave His disciples the authority over wicked spirits, the ability to heal diseases, and even the power to raise the dead, all on His behalf. (10:1,8) 

Fame of the coming King Jesus spread far and wide. Jesus was really the long- expected Messiah. When Jesus finished giving instructions, what did He do? Certainly, He did not retire.

He departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. (verse 1b)

Are we sharing the gospel wherever we go?

Are we departing from our usual tasks and going to share Jesus?

LET IT GROW

The word which is used in the Greek for Jesus commanding His men means to arrange thoroughly; institute; appoint; order; ordain.

For special uses of this word refers to:

1. a military command. Jesus sent His commanders out on a campaign, briefing them before they went.
2. calling one's friends to one's help. Jesus was like a man with a great ideal summoning His friends to make that ideal come true.
3. a teacher giving rules and precepts to His student. Jesus was like a teacher sending His students out into the world, equipped with His teaching and His message.
4. an imperial command. Jesus was like a king dispatching His ambassadors into the world to carry out His orders and to speak for Him.

We noted that Jesus forbade the twelve to go to the Gentiles or to the Samaritans. Paul did that later. It was not a permanent command, but Jesus desired the Jews be given the Gospel first. The disciples did not have the background, knowledge, nor technique to preach to the Gentiles. 

Repentance and faith prepare people for the blessings of the kingdom of heaven, which Christ gives. We are not told the specifics of Jesus message after the disciples departed. Probably it was the same message as the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew Henry)

LET IT GO

Where would we be if it wasn't for the love of God?

 If it wasn't for those who preached and taught salvation through Jesus Christ, where would we be?

 He can set you free, dear one, from the penalty of sin and heaven in the here after.

Giving Cold Water in Jesus' Name

N.T. #116 "Giving Cold Water in Jesus Name"

July 25, 2023

Matthew 10-Part 10

LET IT GLOW

How much we love God can be measured by how well we treat others. Giving a cup of cold water to a thirst child is a good model of unselfish service. A child usually can't or won't return a favor. 

Is there something unselfish we can do for someone else today? God will notice when others do not.

LET IT GROW 

What are we known for-giving, helping, encouraging others? Do others see Jesus is us? Are we praying for the lost, the needy, those in hard times?

LET IT GO

Show us how You want to minister to others today through us, Jesus.

*I am writing this early because we are heading north to visit our daughter and her family for a week. Our second grandson graduates high school (home schooled). So come back Thursday for another study continuing in chapter 11.

Have a blessed week!

Rewards

N.T.#115 "Rewards"

July 24, 2023

Matthew 10-Part 10

LET IT GLOW

We all like to be recognized for a job well done, a pat on the back, a raise in salary. Jesus explained that rewards awaited His disciples for the good they were doing in His name. How are rewards in heaven obtained?

• Confessing before people that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, then He will confess us before the heavenly Father. (verse 32)
• When we loose our life for His sake, we shall find it. By doing God's will His way instead of our will our way, then a reward awaits us. (verse 39)
• When we are received, then that person is receiving Jesus as we do good.
• When we support the ministry of God's men who speak for Him, then we will receive their reward, also.
• When we receive righteous people because of their righteousness, then we will be given a reward like theirs. (verse 41)

Sounds like it does matter how we treat others. Are we treating folks like we want to be treated?

Rewards refers to pay for service, good or bad; wages.

LET IT GROW

One more reward is obtained when we give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of Jesus' followers, then we will surely be rewarded. (verse 42)

A disciple of Jesus Christ is His representative. Paul said that we are "ambassadors for Christ," in 2 Cor. 5:20.When we welcome Jesus' disciples/followers, they we are welcoming Him. (verse 40)

Christians are the body of Christ. When people show kindness to Jesus' disciples because of their public affiliation with Him, Jesus takes notice and well reward such generosity. 

Are we willing to accept rejection from family members? Are we showing self-denial and benevolence toward other messengers of Christ? Are we taking time for the least who suffer, are downtrodden, or oppressed?  Great is our reward when we do so. Press on, dear one. 

As Paul said, I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18)

I think it will be reward enough when we get to heaven and worship our Savior. We will bet to meet the saints and prophets and people in the Bible. No more pain and suffering, no more bad people doing bad things to us. Peace and love will surround us there. What a day that will be!

LET IT GO

Great are You Lord Jesus, and worthy of glory, honor, and praise.

May our motivation be to return You love shown to us by loving others.

A Bad Hair Day

N.T.#114 " A Bad Hair Day"

July 21, 2023

Matthew 10-Part 9

He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it. (verse 39)

LET IT GLOW

How many times have I complained about having a bad hair day? Almost daily. My solution is to wash it, clip it up, then go. 

In verse 30, Jesus says, "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

If Jesus cares enough to count our hairs, and has that much knowledge, then I figure He must care for us an awfully lot, right? Do we consider how detailed God's interest in our life is? (He died for us.)

As a youth, I tried to count how many hairs I had, but that was impossible. Especially back then I had more hair. I seem to be more concerned about counting money, things, and stuff.

And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. (Luke 19-18)

Are we precious to our Heavenly Father, or what?

LET IT GROW

On a hot summer day, a glass of cold well water is so sweet and refreshing. Giving my husband one while he mows the yard seems the kind thing to do. 

And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded. (verse 42)

Each act of kindness done to insignificant people will be rewarded. Although that is not my motive, showing love is. Are we giving others the Living Water-Jesus Christ?

LET IT GO

Share the Living Water today with others."

Loyalty

N.T.#113 "Loyalty"

July 20, 2023

Matthew 10-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

Certainly, one should be loyal to their spouse, boss, and church. Can we say we are loyal to our Savior?Can I safely say that we desire to be a loyal follower of Jesus Christ? (Why else would you be studying His Word to learn how to live for Him?) 

Charles Swindoll points gives us 4 vital qualities of a loyal disciple enlisted in the Master's service which Jesus points out:

1. Loyal disciples openly acknowledge Christ before the world. Confess means acknowledge; promise; profess; covenant. Romans 10:9-10 says, If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. Do we fully identify with Jesus in in word and action? Do you have genuine faith alone in Christ alone?
2. Loyal disciples willingly accept rejection, even from their own families. Our expressed commitment to Christ will not result in increasing peace and harmony. Instead, it will bring division, disharmony, misunderstanding, and harshest kinds of rejection and persecution. Even throughout the world, believers have been considered dead by their family when they accept Christ as Savior. (False religions do this.)

LET IT GROW

       

        3.Loyal disciples sacrificially choose their essential priorities. Jesus did not suggest that we        

           should not love our parents and our children. But we're not to love them more than we love  

           Christ.      If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and  

            follow Me. (Matthew 16:24)

  

          4. Loyal disciples experience the blessing of union with Christ. Jesus dwells in His people and  

              does not forsake them. Whenever a person receives a disciple and/or their message, it is as  

              though they are receiving Christ Himself and God the Father. (verse 40)

Rewards await us for our loyalty in serving as Christ's willing disciples. Press on! Get over being rejected, which is easier said than done. 

LET IT GO 

Use us today, Lord Jesus, to share what a wonderful Savior You are!

Mend broken hearts, set our feet on the solid Rock of Jesus.

Caring and Sharing

 N.T.#113 "Caring and Sharing"

July 19, 2023

Matthew 10-Part 7

Do not fear. (verses 26, 28, 31)

LET IT GLOW

Persecution, suffering, rejection, scourging, death-Jesus prepared His disciples to expect those on their mission trip. However, Jesus did encourage them. We humans have a tendency to fear instead of having faith. 

Why not fear in the mission of being a sheep among wolves?

1. God wants His message revealed, not concealed. (verses 26-27) So He saw to it that the guys were protected and His Word proclaimed.
2. Even if the enemies killed the witnesses, they would continue on to eternal life. (verse 28) The persecutors should be afraid for they faced eternal judgment.
3. Ged never ceases to love and care for His disciples even in the midst of trials and tribulations. 

[Resources: Swindoll's living Insights in Matthew]

That is encouragement for those going on mission trips in foreign lands. (Please pray for our friends from our former church as they share the Gospel in the Dominican Republic this week.) It is such a joy to be able to go and share.

Are we sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in our community, on our street, and in our family? Are we willing to be on mission for Jesus as the disciples were?

LET IT GROW

Have you watched the little sparrows in your yard? I have. Especially in the spring, they come into our yard to eat the dandelion seeds and grass seeds. It is amazing to consider how God provides for those tiny birds. Yet, doesn't He do the same for us, sharing and caring for us?

Sometimes we can use reminding that our God is sovereign and in control. What is evidence of this? Why, our God feeds the tiny birds, the sparrows. (verse 29) 

God is omniscient and knows everything, past, present, and future. He even knows the number of hairs on our head. (verse 30)

Because of God's omnipotence, omniscience, and benevolence, the disciples could have confidence that He will never abandon or forsake His own. (verse 31)

LET IT GO

Keep us faithfully serving You, Father.

Bless all who are faithful in studying the Word with me here.

Thank You Jesus for providing what we need, when we need it. 

Jesus, You alone are the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father except through You.

Help us be more caring and sharing like You.

Expect Persecution

 N.T.#112 "Expect Persecution"

July 18, 2023

Matthew 10-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Are you being ridiculed and persecuted for being a believer in Jesus and following His teachings and Word? Read on dear one.

As sheep among wolves, what did Jesus warn the disciples about? Religious persecution, since they were sent to the Jews. The disciples would be dragged into religious courts, tried for heresy, and blasphemy, then punished severely. In today's times, the church, Christians, and believers in Jesus can expect the same thing when they point out the Word of God, wickedness, hypocrisy, and false teaching. How strong is our faith and committment to Jesus and the Gospel?

Secondly, Jesus warned the disciples of governmental persecution. Not only would they be mistreated at the hands of their fellow Jews, but also governors and kings would persecute the disciples. (verse 18) Agrippa, Herod Antipas, and emperors persecuted and killed those early followers of Jesus Christ for their message. 

Why were they persecuted? for My sake. (verse 18) It was because they were followers of Jesus. For a testimony against them and the Gentiles. They did not want to hear about their sin and being lost sinners in need of a Savior, for they had THE JEWISH LAW. 

The modern equivalent might be a president or dictator, a supreme court, a congress, or a parliament. How were the disciples to respond?

• Don't be anxious, taking no thought about all of this.
• Don't prepare the message ahead of time. Trust the Holy Spirit to tell them what to say in each situation they faced. (verse 19)
• Allow the Spirit of your Father to speak through you. (verse 20)

LET IT GROW

The third persecution the disciples should have expected was that of the domestic and cultural persecution. Leaders of their own religious community, the synagogues, would turn against the disciples and their message.

• Family will rise up against you. (verse 21)
• Close relatives would ridicule, berate the, disown them, shun them, even become angry considering the disciples had betrayed their Jewish brothers, children or parents. 
• Be innocent as doves. (verse 16)
• Know that the world hates the Lord Jesus Christ, whom Christians love, worship, and obey. (John 15:18-21)
• Most would experience death for following Jesus.
• A reward awaited them for their faithfulness. 

Like the disciples, we are to keep on keeping on spreading the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christs our Lord and Savior. Keep persevering even when it seems unbearable, knowing that even if they kill the body, our soul is eternally saved!

Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Rev. 2:10)

It is the persecutors that should be afraid for God's eternal judgment!

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Matthew]

LET IT GO

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

No matter the cost, help us proclaim the Truth-Jesus Christ is the only Way to heaven.

Be Prepared

N.T.#111 "Be Prepared"

July 17, 2023

Matthew 10-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, sent out His disciples and told them what to expect in the world:

• They were going as sheep among wolves. Wolves attack sheep in order to devour them. Wolves are aggressive, vicious, cunning, unafraid, and ravenous. 
• He told them to be wise (discreet; a cautious character) as serpents and harmless (innocent) as doves. The devil/serpent had shrewdness and intellectual keenness. (Gen. 3:1) Believers are to remain gentle in their tone, gracious in their responses, and disarming in their charm, even in the midst of wolves. 
• Jesus warned the men about religious persecution (verse 17), governmental persecution (verses 18-20), and domestic, cultural persecution (verses 21-31)
  

Jesus popped the disciples' idealistic balloon. It is rough out there when you try to share the Gospel, which requires admitting you are a sinner.

 

LET IT GROW

The religious backlash would take place in religious instruction and worship. At that time, it was the local Jewish courts connected with the synagogues-the councils and Sanhedrin. When it came to religious matters, the Roman Empire was limited in their control over matters. So the 12 preached and ministered in the name of Jesus among their fellow Jews. (verse 6)

They were to expect being arrested and drug into the religious courts, trying them for heresy and blasphemy, then punished severely. Also, Paul and the early Christians went through those experiences, as well as the disciples.

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Matthew]

Are we prepared to tell the truth and endure the harsh treatment in doing so?

LET IT GO

Praise to Christ Jesus, the Savior of the world and our souls.

Receive and Give

 N.T.#110 "Receive and Give"

July 13, 2023

Matthew 10-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

What can we learn from Jesus' instructions as He sent His disciples out to minister to people?

• As they were sent first to Israel, their own house, to offer salvation to the Jews. He was to show love for his own family and friends first. Those were most likely to respond instead of react.
• The disciples were to preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. This was a message given by the Lord Jesus Himself. 
• The gifts and power was given by God to the disciples. The message confirmed that God loves and cares about people. 
• In their ministry, the disciples were not to spend their own money. The peopole were to adequately support His apostles and servants.
• They were to seek a worthy host, a person of good reputation and morals.

The Lord sent His messengers out visiting in the houses of the city. They were carrying the gospel to the people. 

LET IT GROW

Freely you have received, freely give. (verse 8b)

Sounds like there is no room for misers in God's kingdom. Jesus reminds us to be prepared to give our possessions as freely and joyfully as we received them. 

Every good thing we have ever received has come from God. (James 1:17)

Job knew he was going to heaven empty handed, though He was wealthy. 

Are we ones through whom the Lord can pour out His blessings to others? If we struggle to give freely to others, then we have become more attached to the gift than the Giver. 

LET IT GO

All that we have comes from You, Father.

Open our heart and hands to give to others.

Trust and Obey

N.T.#109 "Trust and Obey"

July 12, 2023

Matthew 10-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

What a blessing it was to reap what we sowed. We had 3 teams that went out locally to invite children to Vacation Bible School. As a result, the Lord sent us 7 families of children. Our church people saw how faithful God is when we trust Him and obey.

Jesus sent His disciples out to witness to the Jews. What were they to do?

• Their message was, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. (verse 7)
• They were given power to heals the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. Freely ye have received, freely give. (verse 8)
• They were told to take no money, no wallet or money belt, no overnight bag of clothes, nor a scrip (a pouch for food).
• For the workman is worthy of his meat (wages).

How were they to accomplish this mission work in cities and villages? 

• Inquire or search out a believer who lived in the town.
• Solute them and rely upon their hospitality, accomodations, gifts.
• Bless the household with peace.
• If a wicked city would reject their message, the men were to shake off the dust of their feet as they left. (verse 14)

Do we go out into our neighborhood and share the Gospel with those around us? What about our coworkers?

LET IT GROW

Jesus was teaching His disciples to depend upon God for everything. Are we moved by compassion for the lost and pray to the Lord of the harvest? (9:36-38)

Reaping a harvest spiritually is done by all believers as some give and some go. We can support those called as missionaries. 

Are we modeling the character and commitment of and to Christ as we live in this world? We are to be real, not phony, free from hypocrisy, suffer hardship without complaining, and serve with pure motives. Are we free from fame, pride, money focus in ministry? Our integrity is to be evident as we go and serve. Trustworthiness, unselfishness, morality, and ethics, are things of integrity.

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights in Matthew]

LET IT GO

Are we willing to go and compel people to come into God's family and house so it is full of Jesus' praises?

Trust God for words and provisions as we go. Trusting Jesus through it all.

Watch where He is working and join God in kingdom work.

Bless others.

Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

 

Go and Give

N.T.#108 "Go and Give"

July 11, 2023

Matthew 10

LET IT GLOW

Jesus was giving instructions, bot positive and negative, to His apostles as He sent them out to share Jesus. Swindoll's Living Insights on Matthew explains it this way:

• First, Jesus told the disciples/apostles where to go and not to go. (verses 5-6) They were to go only to the Jews, not to the Gentiles or Samaritans. This first missionary work was focused on the eople they knew best-their own kinsmen according to the flesh. They knew their language, religion, and culture. 
• Jesus told them what to say. (verse 7) The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Perhaps the guys included a call to repentance of sins, believing in Jesus as the Messiah, and water baptism. (John 3:22)
• Third, Jesus equipped them to minister to those in great need. (verse 8) by Jesus' authority, He gave them power to do the kinds of miracles that He had been doing up to that point. the apostles were to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons free of charge. Those signs and wonders would be proof that their message was true-the kingdom of the Messiah was imminent!
• Next, Jesus instructed them to travel lightly, depending on God's provision for their journey. (verse 9-10) They did not spend days or weeks planning a strategy, nor fund-raising for the mission. Neither money nor extra supplies were to weigh the men down. They were trusting God to meet their needs along the way.

Do we know the result of their mission trip? I tend to think if it were told here, then the Bible would have been twice as long. Don't you want to think that some of the Jews believed their message?

We don't know the extent the influence of our witness results in, do we? Sometimes folks may respond positively to the Gospel, yet some may be delayed. 

Such was my case. I had heard the Good News of Jesus' salvation, but I did not respond right away when the Holy Spirit convicted me of sin. I was at a Vacation Bible School with my friends. Later, after the death of a classmate and friend, I did.

LET IT GROW

The original disciples had unique apostolic authority. The same power was given to 70 others in Luke 10:1-20. So of the principles can apply to our own callings and ministries today. However, not everything Jesus said to His disciples applies to us. 

Jesus gave a temporary itinerary ministry specifically and exclusively to Jews, not to Gentiles or Samaritans. (verses 5-6) The disciples with out with nothing. After Jesus' death and resurrection, His mission charge was for us-You shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

If you have never been on a mission trip, don't pass up the opportunity to do so. I have and it is such a blessing to share the Gospel with others.

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, thank You for the mercy You give to us daily.

Use us in Your kingdom work.

Are You Called?

N.T.#107 "Are You Called?"

July 10, 2023

Matthew 10

LET IT GLOW

If we skip to verses 2-4, we read the names of the apostles Jesus equipped and sent out with the Gospel. 

Apostles means a delegate; an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commission of Christ (with miraculous powers; messenger; he that is sent.

The 12 apostles are named in groups of 4:

1. Simon Peter (out spoken) and brother Andrew; James and brother John, sons of Zebedee or Thunder;(verse 2)
2. Philip and Bartholomew, (the 6 were blue-collar workers, fishermen), skeptical Thomas and Matthew the publican/tax collector; (verse 3)
3. James, the son of Alphaeus, Lebbaeus (Thaddaeus) (verse 3b), Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot,(the betrayer).(verse 4)

This list is also found in Mark 3:16, Luke 6:14, and Acts 1:13. Those 12 men were just ordinary men without a place of prominence in the Synagogue or Levitical priesthood. They were common laboring men without professional training, not wealthy, no academic degrees in arts or philosophies, but ragged aggregation souls. (Robert Coleman)

Those men had human faults and failings that characterize all our lives. They were selected not because of what they were, but because of what they were to become by God's empowering grace. They were no different from you and me. (Swindoll)

God can use the ordinary for extraordinary purposes. The apostles were by Jesus' side throughout His earthly ministry, always watching, frequently learning, occasionally responding. Their training remained at the forefront of Jesus' agenda.  

LET IT GROW

Those disciples (learner, pupil) were Jesus' handpicked ministry team. He sent them out with specific instructions regarding what they could expect and how to accomplish their mission. Jesus supernaturally equipped those men.

And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (verse 1)

Jesus did not draft them, force them, ask for volunteers, nor twist their arms, but He chose them to serve Him in a special way. So it is with us-we can choose to join Jesus or remain behind. Hopefully, we will choose to follow Jesus. Then we can experience Him working in our lives and those around us.

LET IT GO 

Use us for Your kingdom work, Jesus.

May we honor You and lift You up.

You are our God, whome we love.

Liar, Lunatic, or Lord

 N.T. #106 "Liar, Lunatic, or Lord"

July 7, 2023

Matthew 9-Part 13

LET IT GLOW

As we finish the nineth chapter, let's take a closer look at what Jesus was doing/the mission of the Messiah:

• Jesus went to the poor, obscure villages teaching in their synagogues.
• He was preaching the Gospel of the kingdom.
• He healed every sickness and disease. (verse 35)
• Jesus took notice of the multitudes. 
• He was moved with compassion on the multitudes. (verse 36)
• He saw the crowds scattered, wandering around not knowing which direction to go (as sheep without a shepherd), having no faithful guides.

What is preached needs to be taught and lived out in our lives. 

 

For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which is lost. (Luke 19:10)

Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

Friend, are you needing rest from a troubled mind, heart, circumstances? Turn to Jesus.

LET IT GROW

The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. (verse 37)

God is Lord of the harvest. Ministers and Christians are the laborers, doing kingdom work as they share God's Word and salvation. We need the love and compassion of Christ as we go into the world with the Gospel. We need to pray for more people committed and faithful to the cause of Christ.

C.S. Lewis, a great Christian writer, said when it came to deciding who Jesus Christ was, we have only 3 choices-We could say He is a liar, a lunatic, or actually is Lord of Heaven and Earth. 

Jesus was not insane or a deceiver, for He healed people and raised the dead. The truth is, it is by faith that we believe Jesus is the Son of God, the perfect Messiah, and compassionate Savior. I pray that is who Jesus is to you.

Are we ready to go as a worker for Jesus?

LET IT GO

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, bless His holy name.

Worship King Jesus, whose name is great, His heart is kind, compassionate, and forgiving.

Bless His holy name!

A Mouth is Opened

N.T.#105 "A Mouth is Opened" 

July 6, 2023

Matthew 9-Part 12

LET IT GLOW

Jesus' fame was spread throughout Israel after He healed the two blind men. (verse 31)

Fame means to report thoroughly; abroad. 

This is a different Greek word for fame that is found in verse 26, which refers to a saying; rumor.

After Jesus healed the two blind men, He told them to not tell anyone. (verse 30) 

So, whenever we profess to direct our intention to the glory of God, we must see to it that the action be according to the will of God. (Matthew Henry)

I have not thought about that, have you? Our faith in Jesus should declare He can do anything and all things, yet when He does, maybe it is a private thing, not to be shared. Hmm.

I wonder if there were skeptics in the Capernaum when they heard about Jesus' healings. Since Jesus was humble and of a lowly mind, He did not want to be known as a HEALER, but THE SAVIOR, MESSIAH.

LET IT GROW

Then the 11th healing took place by Jesus. Verse 32 tells us a dumb man was possessed with a devil. 

Dumb means mute; unable to utter words.

It was not a matter of low intelligence, but the man was unable to speak. Some friends must have brought the man to Jesus. Jesus got to the root of this man's problem! Jesus cast out the devil from him. It was a spiritual problem, not a physical one. The man was able to speak. 

What happened next? Multitudes marvelled, saying, it was never so seen in Israel. (verse 33b)

Christ excelled all. 

Of course there was opposition to who Jesus was and is. The Pharisees blasphemed, saying He cast out devils though Satan. (verse 34) Later in chapter 12, the Pharisees accused Jesus again. they did not want to bow down to King Jesus, but later did when they died. I am just saying, we will all bow before Jesus and proclaim He is Savior Messiah. 

LET IT GO

You have no rival nor equal. Forever God You reign. Yours is the kingdom and glory.

How powerful You are, King Jesus!

How merciful and compassionate You are!

Help us to be merciful and compassionate, too. 

Open our mouths to proclaim You are the Savior!

Freedom

 July 4,. 2023

In 1776, America declared its independence from England. So we have been a free country some 247 years. We have freedom of religion, not dictated by the country. We have freedom of speech, to express our beliefs. We have freedom to bear arms, to protect ourselves, family, and possessions.

What has kept us free as individuals and a nation is those who have fought for our nation against other countries who tried to dominate the world and America. Just think of the wars in which our country has been involved. Although more have been on foreign soil, our military kept us free.

As a believer in Christ Jesus, we are free. Here are some verses concerning our freedom:

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)

What is truth? 

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary defines truth this way: Truth is the absolute standard by which reality is measured. We live in a relativistic society that denies absolute truth, claiming, "What's true for you may not be true for men." But truth is not based on our feelings, experiences, or desires. Truth is God's viewpoint on every matter, and it is not subject to redefinition. Knowing the truth results in genuine freedom. The knowledge of truth liberates. Deliverance comes when we know the truth-that is, when we hang out in what God says. When this happens, we will experience the truth setting us free from illegitimate bondage.

Free means unrestrained ; not a slave; exempt; at liberty; deliver; to liberate.

Are you free from the bondage of sin? 

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  (Romans 8:1-2) 

If we are a believer in Jesus, God says we stand before Him with zero condemnation. Paul speaks of a new law-the law of the Spirit of life. Unlike Moses' law, this one can set you free from sin and death. Which law are we operating under now? The Spirit's law transcends the law of sin so that sin no longer controls the agenda.so we must walk according to the Spirit, not the flesh. We must continually take steps, calling on God to do in us what we could never do alone. 

To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Rom. 8:6)

As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.          (1 Peter 2:16)

Are you free from the bondage of sin? Have you been set free through the blood of Jesus? Simply admit your sins, asking Jesus' forgiveness. Believe Jesus is God's Son and Savior,and commit your life to Him. Then the Truth will set you free.

Tomorrow we will continue our study in Matthew. 

Be safe and thank God for our freedom.

In Christ,

Linda

Faithfulness

N.T.#104 "Faithfulness"

July 3, 2023

LET IT GLOW

I am having problems concentrating on today's lesson. I just have to share how our great God has blessed our church this week during Vacation Bible School. There were 3 groups of us who went out visiting our community along the highways and byways. We compelled them to come into the Lord's house so it would be full of His praises. We had around 10 new children come last week. Of course, that includes several new families on family night.

As the children studied in Bible class and Peter's relationship with Jesus, we adults experienced first-hand that Jesus is holy, trustworthy, faithful, forgiving, worth following, and for everyone. Following Jesus changes everything.

I think the adults were so blessed watching children experience His love as our people were giving of themselves through activities of meals, recreations, crafts, music, and missions. 

I must say that this was the best Vacation Bible School of which I have been a part. It was my fifth year as director and my 24th year to be involved. Our denomination does a fantastic job in providing wonderful curriculum. 

LET IT GROW

If you have not been involved in such a program, you are missing out on blessings. I thank God for allowing me to be a part of such a wonderful church.

Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Acts 2:21)

In Him we have redemptions, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:14)

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

All the prophets testify about Him that through His name (Jesus) everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. (Acts 10:43)

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

LET IT GO

Your praise will forever be on my lips, Jesus.

Help us plant the seed of Jesus saves, water it with Your love, and wait for You to give the increase.

Please bless your faithful servants.