Idle Words

N. T. #140 “Idle Words”

August 31, 2023 

Matthew 12-Part 14

For I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account therefore in the day of judgement. (verse 36)

LET IT GLOW 

What we do is due to our heart. We act, behave, and do things because of what we are within.  

These last two weeks I have been a bear, since fracturing my ankle bone. Not only is the pain awful to put up with, but I get frustrated that I can’t do things as normal. I can’t carry a bowl of cereal with milk to the table. I have to ask hubby to do it for me and wait. Everyday things I do for myself and others is a challenge. So I say words that don’t normally come out of my mouth in frustration. I may as well settle on the couch being my new bed, night bed, and day bed. That is where I will be for 7 more weeks. 

It did help to feed my cats and kittens, then prop my leg up on the swing and watch them eat this morning. Finally, some are coming around, curious about the crutches. I can pet a few and play with others.  Sorry for venting and being late for posting.

There is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. (Ps. 139:4)

I am not proud of my words lately, Lord. Please forgive me. 

LET IT GROW 

Looking at our key verse above, idol means inactive; lazy. 

These words are unprofitable. They revel what is in our heart. 

Let all things be done unto edifying. (1Cor. 14:26)

Let it not be once named among you…neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting. ( Eph. 5:3-4)

So we need to watch our negative, unfruitful, and ineffective words. Be considerate to others. Look inside our heart.

LET IT GO

Help me hold my tongue and words today.

May I honor You Jesus with my words.

Words Reveal What is in our Heart

N. T. #139 

August 30, 2023 

Matthew 12-Part 13

LET IT GLOW 

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (verse 34b)

In the Greek language, abundance means surplus; superabundance; over and above. 

So whatever is in our heart, it overflows and comes out our mouth. Is it love or hate in our heart? Does forgiveness or revenge dwell in our heart? Is their obedience or rebellion in our heart? Is there faith or a lack of faith in our heart?

If we listen to the words of people, we will find out what is in their heart. What do they hear from us? Is it encouragement or criticism?

LET IT GROW 

A good man out of the good  treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringers forth evil things. (verse 35)

Treasure means a deposit; wealth. 

What we say reveals what is deep down in our heart. If we have deposited God’s Word, loving attitudes, peace and thankfulness, then it will surface and come out our mouth. 

Good means benefit; well.

If we deposit good and beneficial things in our heart, then it will come out through our mouth. What do we spend our time doing, thinking about? Are we only talking about sports, our job, problems, health issues, family instead of mentioning our Lord Jesus or what good things we have learned in studying His Word, how He has blessed us?

On the other hand, if evil in put into our heart, then evil words and deeds will come out. Garbage in, garbage out of the mind influences our heart condition and words. What do we watch on television or read?

I appreciate all who are faithfully studying the Scriptures with me. May God bless His Word overflowing with good things to you today.

LET IT GO

Keep us on the road of faith, love, and obedience, Jesus.

Make us conscious of anything we dwell upon that is not pleasing to You, Father.

Give us thankful hearts. 

May Your goodness 

 

Good and Bad Fruit

N.T. #138

 August 29,2023 

Matthew 12-Part 12

LET IT GLOW 

When on blasphemes against the Holy Ghost, they are deliberately rejecting Christ and His salvation. Therefore, there is no forgiveness of this sin. 

Paul admitted to being a former blasphemer, persecuted, and violent aggressor in1Timothy 1:13. Yet, he was shown mercy because he acted ignorantly in unbelief. So there is hope for others.

The Pharisees were in a different category of blasphemous sin-intentional rejection while having irrefutable proof of Christ’s identity and Spirit’s power. They attributed the miraculous works of Christ to the work of Satan. Also, the Pharisees rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Their responses were hate and anger. (Swindoll)

LET IT GLOW 

In verse 33, Jesus refers to a previous lesson about fruit trees. A tree is known by its fruit.  A bad tree meant it was diseased; a good tree is healthy and produces good fruit. 

The Pharisees had evil and bad hearts, thus producing bad fruit, such as wickedness, oppression, division, and murderous plots against an innocent man-Jesus. 

A good person produces good things from the treasure of their heart. Jesus was good, righteous, healing, delivering from wickedness, forgiving, and loving, with good works. What a contrast.

Is the fruit of our life  good or bad? Are we for Jesus or against Him?

I continue to ask these types of questions because readers and visitors of this site come from around the world. It is my desire to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ as much as possible. I plant the seeds and He waters and produces fruit from it as He deems right. 

LET IT GO

Produce good fruit in us, Lord Jesus, for Your glory.

 

What is Blasphemous?

N. T. #137 

August 28, 2023

Matthew 12-Part 11

LET IT GLOW 

We left Jesus letting the Pharisees have it with both barrels, as we say in the south. Either you are with Me or against Me. There’s no startling the fence. He is your Savior or not. It can’t get any plainer than that. 

In verse 31 and following, we read about which things are forgiven and which are not. 

Those things forgiven (lay aside; put away) include: all manner of sin and blasphemy (speaking evil against God) by people. Even speaking against the Son of Man is forgiven. 

We think of Saul, who killed and put Christians in prison before his conversion  He was a religious Jew who thought he was doing God’s work  He became a believer when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. Saul became Paul, the most extraordinary Christian in the New Testament. His sins were forgiven and so can ours.  Forgiveness is for the asking. 

Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior?

LET IT GROW 

What is unforgivable? Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and speaking against the Holy Ghost are not forgivable in this world or the next. Jesus said this. 

What the Pharisees said was unpardonable-accusing Jesus of having Satan’s power to perform healings instead of God’s power. They intentionally rejected Jesus as God’s Son and Messiah messenger, and proof of the Holy Spirit’s miraculously working through Him.

Those hard-hearted, spiteful acts were the unpardonable sun-rejecting Jesus. We must be careful in our churches that only Jesus is worshipped, and His Words are taught as truth and not replaced with other philosophical teachings, worldly ways, or heretical false doctrine.

There is no other way to heaven but through faith in Jesus Christ. What does your church teach? Are you attending a Bible centered church?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus that Your ways are simple for us to understand. 

Such love and mercy You show us sinners. 

May our God reign as King and Savior in earth soon. 

August  25, 2023

Do you want the good news or the bad news first? The good news is I didn’t break my ankle and no surgery is needed. The bad news is I fractured my fibula bone , the small bone that connects to my ankle.  I will be wearing a boot 6-8 weeks. It could take 8-12 months before I can walk normal again. The black and blue bruised foot and swelling should leave in another week.

How this happened, I was tugging at a dead stick in a tree. When it came down, I lost my balance and fell backwards.. Trying to catch my balance, I turned, but stepped in a mole hole, apparently.  What a dumb thing to do in the first place. Now I am paying for it. 

So I am living in the couch day and night with an ice pack when the ankle hurts. Finally, I learned how to buckle the boot myself. I painted smiley faces on the straps so the black things were visible to Velcro secure. 

Hopefully, this explains why our study hasn’t been consistent this week. It has been so painful and difficult to sit up. I still can’t sit at the computer, so I am slowly typing this on my phone. 

My husband has been great. He has waited in me hand and foot:) I can fold clothes and load the dishwasher when sitting in my step stool. That’s about all. So we are managing. My desire is to be more consistent next week with the lessons  

You know, no matter the pain I go through, it doesn’t compare a smiggen to what Jesus went through on the cross, taking my place in order to pay for my sins.

How grateful I am! What a Savior! Isn’t He wonderful.  

Time For a Decision

N. T. #136

August 24, 2023

Matthew 12-Part 10

He that is not with Me is against Me; and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.

LET IT GLOW

Concerning belief and following Jesus there is no middle ground nor startling the fence. Either a person is for Him or against Him. Either Jesus Christ is King and Lord of our soul or Satan is or self is. That puts it plain and easy to understand, right?

Jesus tells us that now is the time to choose Him  The line is drawn in the sand, so to speak. The wavering crowd and you and me must believe Jesus’ Words are Truth, love and serve Him with all our heart or turn our backs on Jesus.  

Dear one, have you accepted Jesus as your Savior and Lord? If we confess Jesus before people, He will confess us before the Father.  

Jesus is the God-man who died for our sins on the cross, then rose from the dead. He is the Messiah , the King of Israel. (Swindoll)

Will we gather with Christ or scatter with His enemies?

LET IT GROW

The crowd is hanger-in’s had seen and heard astonishing things being with Jesus. Yet they wavered. He seemed to be the Messiah, performed miracles, showed compassion, but the Pharisees spoke against Him. 

Christ has withstood 2millennia of skeptics, scoffers, doubters, deceivers, opponents, apostates, critics, heretics, debunkers, myth busters, and truth twisters. (Swindoll)

His truth has never been defeated through it all. It is a decision, a spiritual combat between the kingdom of God or the kingdom of Satan. 

Keep in mind that Satan is only an angelic creature made by God. He can do nothing apart from God’s control or permission. He is the enemy and accuser of humans. He has power to attack and ensnare us.  

Jesus is more powerful than Satan. Jesus can give us strength to withstand all manner of evil against us. Call on Him in time of need. Jesus never leaves us nor forsakes us believers.

We are either with Jesus or against Him. On which side are you?

LET IT GO

Thank You for loving and setting us free from the wages of our sin. 

Such love You have for us sinners!

May we surrender you Your will today.

All hail King Jesus, Emanuel, Prince of Peace, Lord of lords, Bright morning Star, Rose of Sharon! 

Throughout eternity we will sing Your praises. 

Please save all who read this today, Jesus.

Who is Jesus to You?

 N. T. #135

August 23, 2023

Matthew 12-Part 9

LET IT GLOW 

Are you having a hard time accepting Jesus as the Messiah? Or is there someone in your life struggling with who Jesus is? The Pharisees surely did. Join me as we look on another confrontation. 

What happened is this: a man demon possessed, blind and unable to speak was healed by Jesus. The people watching were amazed at what Jesus did. 

They asked, “Is  not this the son of David ?” (v. 23)

The Pharisees were there, of course, and tried to convince the people otherwise. They claimed Jesus caste out devils by the power of Beelzebub, or Satan.

Isn’t that ridiculous? Why would Satan want to remove a demon from controlling the man? Were the Pharisees  grabbing at straws? 

LET IT GROW

Jesus knew the thoughts of the Pharisees  Remember they wanted to kill Him, get rid of this guy who was stirring up questions and followers  

Every kingdom, city, or house that is divided against itself shall not stand.

If Satan’s power restored the man, then his kingdom would fall  If Jesus did it with the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Those Pharisees were too blind to see that Jesus was the expected Savior/Messiah, weren’t they? They were too deaf to hear the Truth. Satan had them so prideful and bound to the Law that they couldn’t accept who this Deliverer and All-powerful Jesus was and is.

What about you? Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior and asked Him to be your Lord and forgive your sins? Are there loved ones who need to hear about this wonderful, compassionate, and miracle working Jesus?

LET IT GO

Help the non-believers to have Your saving faith today, Jesus.

Oh, what a Savior! Isn’t He wonderful! Sing hallelujah, Christ is risen!

Bow down before Him. Love and adore Him. Christ is risen!

 N.T.#134

August 22,2023

Matthew 12-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

I like what Matthew Henry said about this passage (Ps.41:1-4):

1. Jesus submitted to the Father’s will as His Servant with grace.(Heb.10:7) 
2. Jesus was chosen of God for our Redeemer.  None other was able to do His work nor fit to wear the Redeemer’s crown,
3. Jesus is God’s Beloved Son and daily His delight.(Prov. 8:30)
4. As Mediator,the Father loves Jesus, and it pleased God to bruise Him. (John 10:17) So we are accepted in the beloved. (Eph. 1:6)
5. God put His Spirit on Jesus a Spirit of wisdom and counsel. (Is. 11:2-3)
6. Jesus preached to the nations (Mark 3:6-8) the Gospel called aHis judgement 
7. His name the Gentiles trust. We wait for our King Jesus to return and rule  
8. The kingdom of God is in power, not word  Jesus didn’t use force or violence.He could have broken the Pharisees as a reed, quenched them as a smoking flax.It will come on Judgment Day  
9. Truth and victory are coming and will prevail.

LET IT GROW 

How does this Scripture apply to us?

• We are chosen by God to be His child and servant.
• Is God delighting is our service to Him?
• Do we seek Jesus for wisdom and counsel?
• Is Jesus your King?
• Are we trusting in His Truth and victory in our life?
• Jesus is our Mediator in prayer to the Father.

Things to consider for us as believers in Jesus.

LET IT GO

We seek Your will Father.

Give us wisdom for our decisions in life.

To You be glory, honor, and praise forever.

All hail King Jesus!

Hope For Us

 N. T. #133

August 21, 2023

Matthew 12-Part 7

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus fulfilled Isaiah 42:1-4 in the verses found here in Matthew 12:18-21  

God is speaking of Jesus:

• His servant
• Chosen
• Beloved
• Well pleasing to God
• Has Holy Spirit
• Shows judgment to Gentiles.

Doesn’t that sound like our Savior! This verse in Isaiah written about 700 years earlier, describes Jesus. It is the longest quote from the Old Testament in Matthew’s Gospel  Indeed, Jesus was a chosen Servant, endowed with the Holy Spirit, and well-pleasing to the Father.

Are you a believer in Jesus?

LET IT GROW 

In the other 3 verses, we read of the mission of the chosen Servant:

• well-pleasing to God (v  18)
• accomplished through proclamation (v  18)
• free from quarreling or crying out (v  19)
• without Rufus or rioting (v  19)
• considerate of the weak and vulnerable (v 20)
• focused on the goal of justice (v  20)

Israel rejected Jesus as their Messiah  So He would proclaim justice or righteousness to us Gentiles and those before us (and to follow us). We have hope in Jesus  Hope of eternal heaven with Jesus and the saints. Many Gentiles trusted in Jesus as their Savior. 

By trying to destroy Jesus’ mission, the Pharisees were in fact promoting it! 

Matthew wrote this in AD 60’s. How many people have gone to heaven since then by trusting in Jesus, I wonder  

Friend, will you be joining me there one day as we fall on our knees, bowing in worship of the Savior/Messiah? You can by believing in Jesus as you Savior and the only way to heaven provided by God  Ask Him and Jesus will come into your heart  Ask His forgiveness of your sins and He will.

LET IT GO

My hope is in You Lord Jesus.

Thank You for enduring the criticisms and temptations to zap those Pharisees..

What a loving Savior!

*I hope you will endure with me the next few weeks  I fell and fractured slightly my ankle. So I am writing this in my phone, not computer  Hopefully there will be relief of pain coming after seeing an orthopedic doctor on Friday  

So I may not feel like posting every day, but will try  

Please pray for a speedy recovery. Thanks.

Hoping in Jesus,

Linda

Law or Love

N.T.#132 "Law or Love"

August 17, 2023

Matthew 12-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

If it is out of necessity (disciples picked corn to eat on the Sabbath) or a case of life (heal on the Sabbath) as Jesus did, then it is not sinning. Jesus fulfilled the Law which He had established. Love and self-denial are the keys. Serving God and others should be our goal each day. 

In verse 12, Jesus said, Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. 

In the Greek language, well means good; honestly; recover; (full) well.

Healing people is more important than keeping the laws of the Pharisees. It is better to provide food by working for it than go hungry on the Sabbath, as well. Doing an action for the sake of a life and not for profit is the purpose here or the priority. Mercy is better than sacrifice. 

After all of that, loosing arguments to Jesus, the Pharisees went out and held their council meet against Jesus, in order to destroy Him. (verse 14) 

Destroy means perish; die.

New Living Translation says, Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.

Wow! Do you see the pride in those hearts of the Pharisees? All along they denied that Jesus to be the Messiah, Savior, Son of God. Now they want to get rid of Him. How sad. He went about doing good and they could not stand it. Jesus had followers, too.

What the Pharisees should have done was to surrender then and there. Jesus had proved His divine authority by healing the man. If He can heal instantly, then He has divine authority; if He has divine authority, then His teaching carries divine authority.; if His teaching carries divine authority, then He knows better than the Pharisees do as how to interpret the Sabbath laws. That is what the Pharisees should have thought. (Swindoll) 

LET IT GROW

But you know what? Jesus knew it what they were planning. So He left that area, and many people followed Him. He healed all the sick among them, but He warned them not to reveal who He was. (verses 15-16)

Friend, who do you say Jesus is? Is He just a character in a story book or is He God in the flesh, Savior, perfect sacrifice for yours and my sins? 

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. With the heart people believe and with the tongue they confess He is Lord. Have you asked Jesus to come into your heart and be your Savior? Have you asked His forgiveness of your sins?  I pray all who read this will believe today. 

  LET IT GO

O what a Savior! How glorious He is, so merciful and kind and forgiving!

 

Are We Doing Well?

 N.T.#131 "Are We Doing Well?" 

August 16, 2023

Matthew 12-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Jesus and His disciples left the cornfield and went into the synagogue after the confrontation of the Pharisees concerning working on the Sabbath. (picking corn and eating it) Their action was a case of necessity. Well, here we go again, a set up to accuse Jesus by catching Him living contrary to the Jewish laws and breaking the Sabbath laws. It seems as though they had a man with a withered hand there at the Synagogue, which would have been an odd place for him to be otherwise. 

The Pharisees' question was, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath days?" (verse 10)

Jesus did not step into their trap. Instead, He sprung it. Instead of answering a yes-no question, He responded with a real-life scenario:

If your sheep fell into a pit on the Sabbath, what man wouldn't pull it out? Probably no hands went up. No man would let a poor sheep bleat all night and all day waiting to be rescued. Showing compassion toward the sheep and rescuing it from danger, perhaps drowning in a pit, would not have been considered a labor for the sake of profit but action for the sake of life. Surely that wouldn't be a violation of the Sabbath, would it?

How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days. (verse 12)

If it was permissible to save a lamb from a bad situation on the Sabbath, then surely it would be permissible (if possible) to save a man from a bad situation. Here were the Pharisees claiming to be higher authority as trained experts in the Law. Jesus claimed to be Lord of the Sabbath. they couldn't both be right.

LET IT GROW

Jesus proved His divine authority by healing the man's withered hand. 

The rabbis could reason their way into condemning anybody who disagreed with them and could claim to be enforcing God's laws, but when the Author of Scripture Himself stepped into history and corrected their flawed interpretation, all arguments were over. (Swindoll)

Should we do good on the Lord's Day? Jesus taught us to do well, even on the Lord's Day. 

There are more ways of doing well upon Sabbath Days, than by the duties of God's immediate worship; attending the sick, relieving the poor, helping those who are fallen into sudden distress, and call for speedy relief; this is doing good: ant this must be done from the principle of love and charity, with humility and self-denial, and a heavenly frame of spirit, and this id doing well, and it shall be accepted. (Gen. 4:7) (Matthew Henry)

Can Jesus say we are "doing well," even on the Lord's Day?

LET IT GO

You are Lord of all the days, which You created, Jesus.

May we honor You, no matter what day it is.

How do We Treat The Lord's Day?

N.T.#130 "How Do We Treat The Lord's Day?"

August 15, 2023

Matthew 12-Part 4

For the son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath Day. (verse 8)

LET IT GLOW

Previously, we noted Jesus' justifying the disciple for picking corn on the sabbath because of their hunger:

1. In this place is One greater than the temple. (verse 6)
2. God will have mercy and not sacrifice. (verse 7)
3. The Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. (verse 8)

It was by Jesus that God made the world. It was by Him that the sabbath and the Ten Commandments were instituted. Since Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, it is fit that the day and all the work done on that day, should be dedicated unto Him. Therefore, one can conclude that works of necessity are lawful on the Sabbath Day.

Is it necessary for me to do this on the Lord's Day, Sunday? That should be our question. If we can go shop for groceries on another day, then we should do it then. If we can fill the gas tank the day before, then we should. If we can mow the lawn on Saturday, then we should do it then, or wait and do it on Monday. That is how I sees it. Sunday should be a day of worshiping our Savior and Bible study. Right?

LET IT GROW

When the Pharisees left, then Jesus went into the synagogue, according to verse 9. 

Folks, there should not be anything more important than going to church and worshiping our Savior. (However, if the ox is in the ditch, He understands.) We shouldn't stay home to cook lunch for family instead of going to worship. Our company has had the option to go with us to worship or not. Then I fix lunch.

LET IT GO

I love You Lord Jesus. Your mercies never end.

Thank You for Your mercies and love toward us. 

Mercy

N.T.#129 "Mercy"

August 14, 2023

Matthew 12-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Jesus consistently, repeatedly, and intentionally failed at one thing-living up to the legalistic expectations of the scribes and Pharisees. What is legalism? Charles Ryrie defines it as "a fleshly attitude which conforms to a code for the purpose of exalting self." The code is man-made, often part of a system of traditional practices going back several generations. Jesus broke the mold of what it looked like to be a righteous Jew. 

So Jesus was different from the Pharisees. He wouldn't conform to their ways. The Pharisees seemed to be all about keeping their laws, instead of loving God and loving neighbor. The disciples had been with Jesus long enough and heard His teachings to know the difference between the Mosaic Law and man-made traditions. 

What is ironic to me is that the priests prepared the sacrifices on the Sabbath in spite of the general prohibition of work. If they didn't profane the sabbath, then neither did the disciples. Besides, it was a case of necessity-the men were hungry.

 "If the ministry of the temple superseded Sabbath rules, how much more does the work of the Messiah overrule the Sabbath." (Stan Toussaint)

Look what Jesus replied to the Pharisee's accusations: But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. (verse 6)

Christ in the cornfield was greater than the temple. In him dwelt not all the presence of God symbolically, but all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (Matthew Henry)

Whatever we do is to be done in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, not as pleasing men. 

So I we are mopping the floor, doing dishes or laundry, do our best so as to honor God. While at our job, honor the Savior.

LET IT GROW

What was the second response of Jesus to the Pharisees? He quoted Hosea 6:6:

but if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. (verses 7-8)

Ceremonial duties must give way to moral, and the natural, royal law of love and self-preservation must take place of ritual observances. In other words, if the Pharisees had known how to be merciful, then the disciples would have been fed, not having to pick corn in the field. 

Are we showing mercy instead of pointing out sins of others?

LET IT GO 

Merciful Jesus, help us be merciful, too.

Rituals or Compassion

N.T.#128 "Rituals or Compassion"

August 11, 2023

Matthew 12-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

The Pharisees were known for their knowledge of Scripture and their love of rules. When they saw Jesus' disciples picking and eating grain on the Sabbath, they accused the disciples of breaking the law, but those nitpickers added regulations onto it that they considered the disciples working on the Sabbath. Didn't they know God's Word? (Tony Evans)

Jesus was referring to the time David, a Jewish hero, and his men were running for their lives from king Saul. David took bread from the Tabernacle, which only the priests were allowed to eat. God's laws were never meant to get in the way of taking care of the necessities of life. The Sabbith was for the benefit of man, not for his destruction. (Mark 2:27)

Was it better for the followers of Jesus to starve than to break the laws of the Pharisees? Apparently. How unkind and compassionate those guys were.

LET IT GROW

Jesus reminded them that the priests violated the Sabbath all the time! (verse 5) They had to do God's work on the Sabbath. Legalists is what those nitpicking Pharisees were. 

In Hosea 6:6, God tells us, For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Whenever the commands of God prevent us from loving and serving God, then we are using His commands inappropriately. He wants faithful love more than sacrifice or tithing. Also, God is not impressed if we know His Word, yet have a heart of stone.

How is our heart?

LET IT GO 

Help us love You and others above rituals, God.

Nitpickers

N.T.#127 "Nitpickers"

August 10, 2023

Matthew 12

LET IT GLOW

Jesus' disciples were hungry on the Sabbath and picked some ears of corn and ate it-corn pickers. Now what in the world could be wrong with that? There was a need and they met it. Well, those religious nitpickers called Pharisees thought such an action was sinful. Do you know why? 

The Pharisees had established 39 categories of actions forbidden on the Sabbath, based on interpretations of God's law and on Jewish custom. Harvesting was one of those forbidden actions. By picking wheat (corn), rubbing it in their hands, the disciples were technically harvesting according to the Pharisees. Jesus and the disciples were picking rain because they were hungry, not because they wanted to harvest the grain for a profit. They were not working on the Sabbath. However, the Pharisees could not nor did they want to see beyond their law's technicalities. They had no room for compassion, and they were determined to accuse Jesus of wrongdoing. (Life Application Study Bible)

The Pharisees had a long list of 39 prohibited actions on the Sabbath for the Jews:

• No sowing, reaping, gathering into sheaves,
• no baking, 
• no shearing wool, making two chords, weaving or separating two threads, making or untying a knot, tearing to sew into two stitches,
• catching a deer, killing it, skinning it, salting it, preparing its hide, scraping off its hair, cutting it up
• writing two letters or blotting them out,
• building, pulling down, extinguishing or lighting a fire,
• beating a hammer, carrying one to another property.

There were several hundreds of things a conscientious, law-abiding Jew could not do on the Sabbath, according to Stephen Barabas, "Sabbath", in New International Dictionary of the Bible.

LET IT GROW

All those man-made rules were added to God's inspired Word. The problem wasn't plucking and eating the grain. In the minds of the Pharisees, the problem was doing it on the Sabbath. Grabbing a snack because a person is hungry was breaking the Jewish law? Really guys? Bizarre! But how typical of legalists!

What I find crazy is that the Pharisees were spying on Jesus. They must have been watching in the corn field, and close enough in order to see the disciples pop those tiny kernels into their mouths. 

The disciples had been with Jesus long enough, knew the difference between the Mosaic Law and man-made traditions. However, those Legalists did consider the disciples breaking it. 

We will see how Jesus responded to those accusations next time.

Are we willing to help others, meet their needs, show compassion? Or are we nitpickers like the Pharisees?

LET IT GO

Fill us with Your love, Jesus.

Open our eyes to the needs of others. 

Are You a Weary Traveler?

 N.T.#126 "Are You a Weary Traveler?"

August 9, 2023

Matthew 11-Part 9

Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. ((verses 28-30)

LET IT GLOW

When we went to visit our daughter and her family, I made sure by backpack had wheels. (I have to carry a lot of medicines and other things with me.) Even that got heavy for me to pull through the long walk in the airport from one gate to another. My wonderful daughter in law saw my struggle and pulled it for me. (Another time my husband pulled it, too.) What a relief it was to only have to walk fast and not pulling that weight. Are you a weary traveler carrying about a heavy weight, friend? There is hope. Read on.

Are you broken, bruised, downtrodden, oppressed, failed, fallen, ashamed, rejected, brutalized, or bullied? Are you weary and heavy burdened? Are you fatigued by emotional exhaustion that comes from experiencing draining crises or heavy burdens? 

Here are some in-depth answers for us by Swindoll's Living Insights in Matthew:

• Two invitations from Jesus involves coming, taking, and learning as His arms are open wide. We come by believing, trusting, and receiving Him by grace alone through faith alone. Take Jesus' yoke upon us and in that way to learn from Him. The yoke enters into submission to Him.
• A benefit from learning from Jesus is facing the truth about ourselves. With legalism in Jesus' day, the people were overloaded by striving to keep the laws of the Pharisees and scribes. They were under obligations, guilt, shame, and requirements which left them exhausted.
• Notice that Jesus He is gentle and humble in heart. (verse 29) He is tender and loving, patient and kind, not harsh or touchy. He put the needs of others before His own needs.
•  Jesus wants to give us rest for our souls. (verses 28-29)  It means to cause someone to gain relief from toil; refreshment and renewal; ceasing from wearisome activity.

 Jesus' invitation comes to us like a gasp of air to a drowning person. He is what we need in this time of life. He listens to our troubles, sees our needs, and helps us carry our load. When we have done all we can, give it up to our Savior. That is how we find rest and peace, friend. Lay it at the feet of Jesus and surrender it to Him to take care of for us.

LET IT GROW

Jeremiah 6:16 says, Thus says the LORD, Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. 

Here is an image of travelers who are lost, stopping to inquire about the right way they once knew before they wandered so far away from it. (John MacArthur)

The only way for us to make it through this situation is to sit at the feet of the Savior and hear His Word. Take time to pray and study His word is good advice we can give to those afflicted. Rest in the love of God and Jesus Christ and He will satisfy your longing and need for peace. Then we can find the answers we seek.

I don't know about you, dear one, but I needed these words this week. I get weary carrying around the afflictions of my body and meeting the needs of others. However, our problems won't disappear, but Jesus wants to help carry them for us. Life with Jesus is so much easier than doing life on our own. I need to be reminded of that.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus that You carry our burdens when we turn them over to You.

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord!

You give us peace like a river flowing from Your throne.

How to Get Rid of Burdens

N.T.#125 "How to Get Rid of Burdens"

August 8, 2023

Matthew 11-Part 8

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 in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and My burden is light. (verses 28-30)

LET IT GLOW

Are you trying to cope without hope? Do you feel stressed to the max? Does there seem no relief in sight? When your mind is so full of things to do, problems to solve, and burdens too heavy without sleep, this is for you and me. Listen, my friend, there is a way-Jesus Christ. Let's take a look at what He said and wants to give us:

• First, come with me and sit at the feet of Jesus. Come means to go; come hither.
• If you are included in the group of those who labor and are heavy laden, come on and join me. 
• Labor means to pile up; accumulated; laden refers to load up (as a vessel or animal); to overburden with ceremony or spiritual anxiety.
• If things have piled up in your mind and you are loaded up to the max with anxiety, and you don't know what to do next, come on with me.
• Jesus says He will give us rest, which means intermission; recreation. Who doesn't need a break?

I think peace of mind, that Jesus has got this, so we must turn it over to Him to hand in His way and His timing. We must trust the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin when the problem is with people. Love them enough to keep praying for them. We have to stop worrying about it and let our God handle it, work it out for our good and His glory.

Then we can find that peace that passeth all understanding.

LET IT GROW

First of all, come to Jesus for salvation. If you never asked Him to be your Savior and forgive your sins, do it now, dear one. 

Next, if you are spending your life under the heavy burden of sin and its consequences, as a follower of Jesus, ask Jesus to forgive you. Then turn from your sinful ways.

A yoke referred to a beam of the balance; servitude; coupling. 

A yoke was a bar of wood so constructed as to unite two animals, usually oxen, enabling them to work in the fields. So Jesus wants to be bound with us and help carry our heavy load. Let's trade burdens for belief, guilt for peace and joy, rebellion for submission. (Swindoll)

LET IT GO

Your will be done in each of our lives, Jesus.

Help me know You've got this. work out our problems for our good and Your glory.

Thank You Jesus for what You are going to do. 

Having Wisdom

N.T. #124 "Having Wisdom"

August 7, 2023

Matthew 11-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

The crowd that stood before Jesus (from Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida) must have been shocked to hear such stron woes pronounced against them and their neighboring cities. They saw what Jesus did firsthand, and yetg they stubbornly refused to repent of their sins and believe in him. Therefore, punishment was coming for them. (verses 21-24)

In verses 25-27, we read of the prayer which Jesus prayed loudly to the Father enough for everybody to hear:

• He praised the Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because He had hidden things from the wise and learned (arrogant) and revealed them to infants who are humbly open to receive the truth of God's Word.
• Such a plan was done because this was His good pleasure, pleasing to God.
• Jesus is the only way to God the Father.
• Jesus has an intimate relationship with God.
• Jesus chooses to whom He reveals Himself and God.(verse 24) 

Are we wise in our own eyes, or do we seek the truth in childlike faith, realizing that only God holds all the answers? Are we trying to figure out life without God? It does not work that way. God keeps secrets from those who think they are smart enough to figure out life independent of God. 

The answer to life's burdens isn't found via human wisdom, but through accepting the divine viewpoint.

We must become like infants that trust their daddy. The only way to know and have access to our Father who hides things from self-sufficient people is through knowing and trusting His Son Jesus Christ. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GROW

Do we desire to be wise and discerning? Then our heart must remain near to God through faith in Jesus. Spiritual understanding isn't dependent on human equipment or status. It is the gift of God, and so is given to those in whom He is well pleased. It is the choice of a Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth with a sovereign purpose. 

Paul explained it like this: Consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.     (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)

Do we want to be wise, then ask Jesus for wisdom. James tells us to ask in faith from God, nothing wavering. (James 1:6)

Jesus knew He was the Messiah, the Son of David and Son of God. He knew He had a special, eternal, divine relationship with God the Father. Yet, He did not flaunt it. Are you open to the Spirit's work so you can see who Jesus really is? Do you know Him personally as your Savior? Simply ask Jesus to be your Savior and forgive your sins. He will. (1 John 1:9)

LET IT GO

We want to be wise, knowing Spiritual truths from Your Word so we can apply them in our life and honor You, Father God.

May we do Your will, Your way, today.

Who Are You Pleasing?

N.T.#123 "Who Are You Pleasing?"

Aug. 4, 2023

Matthew 11-Part 6

Wisdom is justified of her children. (verse 19)

LET IT GLOW

Have you noticed that some people can't be pleased? No matter how hard you try, they always criticize. John and Jesus encountered them, too.

John the Baptist ate locus and wild honey. His critics said he had a devil. Jesus ate and drank and they called him a glutton, a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors. There is no pleasing some people, yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds. (verse 19)

But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it. (verse 19, NLT)

Our ability to apply spiritual truth will be revealed by what we do. Those who scorned John and Jesus showed their spiritual tanks were on empty.

Are our spiritual tanks on full or empty? Are we doing God's will His way or are we working out our plans our way? Are we showing the love of Jesus to others? Are we following wisdom of the Word?

Have faith. It is Jesus, the One whom we are to please. May we continue to work for Jesus as long as we have breath. Be sure to be a God-pleaser instead of a people-pleaser.

LET IT GROW

Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where He had done so many of His miracles, because they had not repented of their sins and turned to God. Some towns sorrow awaited. There was no honor for them, for wickedness and rejection prevailed.

LET IT GO

Help us not fail spreading the Gospel in our cities today, Lord.

Set our souls afire with the Good News. 

Great in Heaven

N.T.#122 "Great in Heaven"

August 3, 2023

Matthew 11-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

John the Baptist had a purpose. It was revealed as Malachi wrote his book: 

Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, who ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 3:1)

John was not the Messiah, but pointed the way to Jesus, the Messiah. That verse corresponds with verse 10. He role was to decrease in prominence while Jesus' ministry increased. (John 3:30) John allowed his disciples to leave him in order to follow Jesus. His ministry only lasted about 6 months. Jesus said of John that no one was greater in the kingdom of heaven. That included Moses, Elijah, and Isaiah. John matched their greatness. (verse 11a)

Yet, this preacher needed reassurance as he faced death. We know they cut off John's head. It was due to his telling the truth. We read the details in chapter 14.

Are we prepared for anything as a result in our serving Jesus faithfully?

LET IT GROW

Yet, Jesus said that John the Baptist was the least in the kingdom of heaven. Will we allow Jesus to carry out His work through our lives? Then greater things will be done through us than were ever accomplished through John the Baptist.

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

Our kingdom work is just as important as that of John's. It all works together to accomplish God's purpose. so let's continue with courage, unwavering faith, determination, and endurance as we point others to Jesus, the Savior and Messiah.

LET IT GO 

Help us continue with self-denial and love.

Bless Your children throughout the world.

Protect us from evil.

Who do You Say Jesus is?

N.T.#121 "Who do You Say Jesus Is?"

August 2, 2023 

Matthew 11-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

The disciples departed on their mission and Jesus spoke with the multitudes concerning John. He asked them questions:

• What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see?
• Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind?
• Or were you expecting a man dressed in expensive clothes?
• Were you looking for a prophet?

What do we look for in a Savior? Is it one who never leaves us nor forsakes us? Is it one who loves us unconditionally? Is it one who is forgiving, strengthening, providing?

Who do you say Jesus is?

Jesus is the Messiah, Son of the Living God, Redeemer and Savior, our only way to heaven, The Truth.

LET IT GROW

Who did Jesus say John the Baptist was?

• Certainly, he was no reed swaying in the wind, tossed around in every wind of doctrine. 
• He stood firm in his beliefs. John was a kingdom man, urging sinners to repent. (chapter 3)
• He was a prophet unintimidated by religious leaders or a king. ((3:7-10)
• He was God's chosen messenger to prepare the way for Christ. (verse 3)
• He boldly proclaimed God's Word and faced violent opposition. (verses 12-14)

I wonder how Jesus describes you and me to the Heavenly Father. 

LET IT GO

Help our faith to not waver, Jesus.

Use us for kingdom work.

To You be glory, honor, and praise.

Endurance and Doubt

 N.T.#120 "Endurance and Doubt"

August 1, 2023

Matthew 11-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

John the Baptist was a signpost pointing to the Way-Jesus, paving the way for the Messiah. Yet, doubts came as he was in prison facing death.

What is evident about John?

•  He showed self-denial and his commitment to the Messiah.
•  He stayed true to his calling. 
• John had noble character. 
• He had strong convictions, knowing what he believed and shared them.

When our doubts come, turn to the Word of God for reassurance and strength to continue living by faith, trusting Jesus. I know that is easier said than done. What is the result when we do?

LET IT GROW

The result in our being faithful is being blessed. 

God blesses those who do not turn away because of Me. (verse 6, NLT)

Jesus used the word "offended," which means scandalized or speak falsely; tripped up; stumbled.

Can we accept unfair suffering for doing good? Even when our questions and prayers remain unanswered? Can we wait patiently and endure for God's time-table to turn things around?

LET IT GO

Lord, we need strength through trying times. 

Please give us peace as we endure things.

Help our faith to grow so we can be more like you.

Blessed be the name of Jesus.