How to Lose or Save Your Life

 N.T.#195 "How to Lose or Save Your Life"

Nov. 30, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 11

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it. (verse 25)

LET IT GLOW

Have you crucified yourself in order for Christ to have lordship over you? Real discipleship requires real commitment-pledging our whole existence to His service. 

Looking deeper into the above verse: save means deliver or protect; preserve; lose means destroy; find means get, obtain, perceive, see.

Christ commands His followers to lose our life for His sake. We are to deliberately release our life to God and His kingdom. The things dear to us may stand between us and God's will. God may want to send us to another city while sacrificing our being near children and grandchildren. If a distressing call comes in the night, we may have to sacrifice our rest to help. He may require our possessions so we can do His purpose. 

Is there anything we need to release to God? Remember, denying self isn't easy. (previous post)

If we want to run our life, then we find we will lose the life we are looking for. On the other hand, if we totally identify with Jesus and love according to His agenda, we find the abundant life we never knew was possible. (John 10:10)

LET IT GROW

Jesus did not look at the comforts of heaven as a right He should hold onto; nor did He see leaving all that was His as a sacrifice too costly to make. (Philippians 2:5-11)

As a result, God highly exalted Him and brought salvation to a broken world. 

Are you trying to save your life? If so, you may be actually losing the life God wants you to have.

When we give our life to Christ, we discover the real purpose of living. We gain spiritual blessings and the peace that makes life worthwhile. (verse 26)

LET IT GO

Help us surrender today what You want, Lord Jesus.

How to be a Disciple

N.T.#194

Nov. 29, 2023 "How to be a Disciple"

Matthew 16-Part 10

LET IT GLOW

Jesus gave His disciples and us instructions on how to be His disciple. If we desire to be a follower of Jesus Christ, then we must trade self-centeredness for God-centeredness. A Christian spends a lifetime denying self. We struggle with giving our time and effort to the goals of this world. We can't wait until we are successful then give God the glory. God receives glory from his activity through our life. That's an eye opener, isn't it? We must deny our goals, our desires, our self, and join the activity of God as He reveals it to us. 

LET IT GROW

Neither circumstances we face nor consequences of our own actions are our cross. Our cross is God's will for you and me regardless of the cost. This may include suffering in order for God to bring salvation to those around us. Hardships, giving of our time and energy, sacrificing whatever, inconvenience, will probably be involved. However, it will be worth it after all.

Thirdly, we follow Jesus. This requires absolute obedience. It is not our choice as to which direction is suitable. God already knows what is best without ever having to consult with us. His leading may take us through a storm, like the disciples experience, or on a mountaintop. What a joy it is when we see the broken made whole, those in bondage set free, those who mourn, comforted, and a sinner saved.

Do you need to return to Jesus? Or have you ever met Jesus as your Savior? Are you willing to follow Jesus anywhere, at any time, under any condition? That is the only way we can follow Him.

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

LET IT GO

                     ... and let God.

 

Denying Self Isn't Easy

N.T.#193 "Denying Self Isn't Easy"

Nov. 28, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

Self-denial is not easy. I have previously shared our leaving family and selling our house so we could follow Jesus. Lately, we thought we had the rest of our lives together planned out-retirement and mission work. But Jesus had a better plan. He sent us to serve in a precious church filled with loving people. Our plans were not as good as Jesus' plans for us. What a joy it is to be doing the Master's will. Not everyone learns this. Peter had a hard time.

After Jesus rebuked Peter, He addressed the rest of the disciples with more teaching. What is involved in being a follower of Jesus? He reveals this in verse 24:

If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. (KJV)

If anyone of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow Me. (NLT)

Let's take a look at the Greek meanings of important words in that verse.

Deny means to deny utterly; disown; abstain; cross is a stake or post (as an instrument of capital punishment; self-denial; atonement of Christ; follow means to be in the same with; to accompany (as a disciple).

Let me put this together. If we want to be a follower of Christ, a disciple, we have to utterly deny (disown) our self (self-denial) and accompany Him. Since Linda wants to be a follower and disciple of Christ Jesus, she must utterly deny herself and accompany (follow) Him wherever Christ leads and however He leads. 

LET IT GROW

In other words, we can't fully follow Jesus unless we die to self. Discipleship is the mission of Jesus' followers. Denying self isn't fun, nor easy. Our flesh wants to dominate us, which has been used to doing. As a believer in Jesus, we must disown self and let our spirit take over, yielding to Jesus' will and way. 

In order to experience the lordship and provision of Christ on earth, we must be willing to say "no" to self. (Tony Evans)

Jesus is our example of self-denial. He asked the Father to let death on the cross (cup) pass from Him, but nevertheless, His will be done. The Son of the Living God and God-man had to make a decision. So do we-daily. 

LET IT GO 

Lord, this is hard, as You well know. 

Keep us remaining, abiding, in You, Jesus.

We owe our life and salvation to You, so Jesus You deserve our following You.

Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Rebukes

 N.T.#192 "Rebukes"

Nov. 27, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever deserved a rebuke? Makes us feel small, right? Peter experienced it. Read on to find out what it was about.

After Jesus announced His coming rejection and death at Jerusalem, Peter took Him aside and rebuked the Lord. Peter told Jesus this would never happen to Him. (verse 22) Not on his watch. Really, Peter? You just confessed Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Peter went from being blessed (verse 17), downhill, to being reprimanded (verse 23). (We know this was God's will for Jesus.)

Let's take a look where Peter was coming from. Peter thought:

• The Messiah wasn't supposed to be killed by His enemies; He was supposed to conquer their enemies..
• The Messiah wasn't supposed to get arrested and be mistreated by His opponents; He was supposed to exercise judgment against them.
• Jesus needed His faulty understanding of what the Messiah was supposed to do, be corrected.
• He could be God's counselor? Peter's mind was not set on God's interests, but on man's.
• Perhaps Peter did not what his friend to suffer on a cross. He had proclaimed Jesus to be the Messiah. Should the Son of God suffer like that?

Jesus literally interrupted Peter's words and stopped him from digging himself deeper into the pit of verbal stupidity. 

LET IT GROW

Jesus physically got into Peter's face and said:

Get thee behind me. Satan: thou art an offence unto Me: for thou savourest not things that be of God, but those that be of men. (verse 23)

Offence means snare; occasion to fall (stumbling); a trap.

Savourest means to interest ones self in (with concern or obedience); regard; think; exercise the mind.

One minute Peter was soaring with the eagles, the next minute he was pecking at the ground with the chickens. Instead of Peter rebuking the Lord with good results, the coin turned and the Savior rebuked Peter. Perhaps it was a personal rebuke with the disciples not hearing it. The exchange was personal-between Peter and his Lord Jesus. Some things just need to be between me and Jesus, not made public.

We must never think the Lord should alter His plan to fit our preferences. Folks, it was in God's plan all along for Jesus to die on the cross. He loves us so much that Jesus was willing to take our punishment for our sins, because we could never measure up to God's standards-perfectionism. What a Savior!!

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights-Matthew 16-28]

LET IT GO

Loving Savior, Glorious God, we owe You everything!

Help us let go of our sinful habits, repent, and turn to You.

Show us our failures.

What is Your Mission on Earth?

N.T.#191 "What is Your Mission on Earth?"

Nov. 24, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 7

From that time forth began Jesus to show unto His disciples, how that He must go into Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 

LET IT GLOW

What was Jesus' mission and destiny on earth? It was in order to give a foundation for the gospel         (1 Cor. 15:3-5), salvation for the Gentiles, and establish His church by way of faith in Him as Savior, Messiah, and Son of God. He showed us a way to live a sinless life that pleased God. He is the sinless Lamb who died and was sacrificed for our sins.

 In verse 21, we read of the first of three times in Matthew that Jesus predicted His death and resurrection. The two other times appear in 17:22-23 and 20:18. The disciples still did not grasp Jesus' true purpose because of their preconceived notions about what the Messiah should be. (Life Application Study Bible)

What can we learn from Jesus' statement?

1. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. The sinless Son of God took the punishment of our sins so we could have our sins removed. It was God's plan all along for us to have salvation through faith. We just have to believe Christ did this for us.
2. He was buried. The fact that Christ died is revealed in His burial. He was buried in a tomb on the side of the mountain. 
3. He rose from the dead on the third day, as the Scriptures said. Jonah 1:17 quoted in Matthew 12:40. Psalm 16:8-11 and Psalm 110 foretold of the Messiah's resurrection.

We read of those things happening to Jesus, but we have to take them by faith, believing they happened. Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior, believing He died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the grave?

LET IT GROW

Jesus of Nazareth, with His ragtag band of outcasts, wasn't what most Jews had in mind for the Messiah. But the dullness that accompanied faulty expectations wasn't limited to just the crowds of rubberneckers and hangers-on who hoped to catch a few miracles or hear a scathing rebuke of the Pharisees. The disciples themselves, who fully embraced who Jesus was, "the Christ, the Son of the living God" still had a long way to go before they could accept what He had come to do: "suffer... and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. (verse 21) (Swindoll)

Are we fulfilling our mission on earth? Does your family believe in Jesus as Savior? Are you living for Him? Does our life point people to Jesus? Are we loving our neighbor as ourself? Have we done all we can to persuade them that they need Jesus Christ?

LET IT GO 

I have a plaque cross on my wall that reads: Pray. Let go and let God take over. 

What a wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord!

Thanksgiving Day 2023

Thanksgiving Day 2023

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord He is God: It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good: His mercy is everlasting: and His truth endureth to all generations.

This is a hymn for the sacrifice of thanksgiving. It is used when peace offerings for thanksgiving are offered up. (Leviticus 7:11) 

Jesus is the One who got the victory over sin, Satan, death, the grave, and every enemy of His and His people. He has made us more than conquerors through Himself. (Ps. 95:1)

We serve the Lord, not with fear or bondage, but in the newness of the Spirit, with spiritual joy and freedom of soul, readily, cheerfully, as our Lord and Master. Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. (Ps. 95:2)

Acknowledge the Lord is our God, Savior, Immanuel, God manifested in the flesh.

In Him we live, move, and have our being. We did not make ourselves. We are His offspring, people, chosen by God, (1 Peter 2:9), and the sheep of His pasture, by His purchase. He leads us and feeds us. (Ps. 74:1)

Will we enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise? (Ps. 96:8, 65:4, 72:19) Be thankful unto Him and bless His name-Jehovah.

He binds up our wounds made by sin. The Lord is good, His mercy and grace are sufficient, His lovingkindness continues, and loves us to the end. (John 13:1) His truth, faithfulness, promises, endure to generations of believers.

[John Gill online]

Isn't that reason enough for us to worship our God?

Have a wonderful day everyone! Share God's goodness with others today.

  

Peter's Faith

N.T.#190 "Peter's Faith"

Nov. 22, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Friend, have you confessed faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? Look what happened to Peter when he did so/

Let's take a look at Peter's confession of faith. It included:

• A blessing. (verse 17) The Heavenly Father had revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. What a gift from the Father. Anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him can know God and Jesus. (11:27) No one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 12:3. 
• A naming. (verse 18) Jesus uses Peter's family name, Simon Bar-Jonah, which means Simon, son of Jonah, referring to his earthly father. Jesus was in reference to the fact that Peter's earthly father had not revealed to him whom Jesus is. Jesus changed Simon's name to call him Peter, which means rock in the Greek. 
• Two promises. It is upon Peter's confession of faith in Jesus that He would build His church (Belief in Jesus Christ). Then Jesus would give Peter the keys (gospel) to the kingdom of heaven. (verse 19) On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached repentance of sin, belief in Jesus, (Acts 2) Peter would share the Gospel with the Samaritans and Gentiles, thus unlocking the doors of the church to them (us). 
• A strong warning. (verse 20) The disciples were to tell no one who Jesus was at that time. Jesus had spiritual lessons to teach the disciples before He was crucified. The timing was not then, but later. 

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights-Matthew 16-28]

LET IT GROW

Had the Jews said Jesus was the Messiah in the first century, they would have thought of Him as a political revolutionary and military leader to conquer rome. He was not that. No one expected a suffering Messiah who would die and rise again, ascend to heave to serve as a heavenly High Priest, and return as Judge and King centuries later. It is because Jesus came, lived a sinless life, became our substitute for our sins, miraculously rose from the dead, that He can be our personal Savior. 

Is Jesus Christ your Savior, dear one?

LET IT GO

What a wonderful name is the name of Jesus!

Yours is the kingdom and glory forever! 

Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven

N.T.#189 "Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven"

Nov. 21, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 5

LET IT FLOW

We have various kinds of keys. Some open doors to our home, our car, a safe, etc. but Jesus has given us keys to the kingdom of heaven. Read on to find out what they are.

Who had revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Son of the Living God?  The Father God in heaven had revealed who Jesus is, not flesh and blood. (verse 17) It is upon this concept, belief, faith, that Jesus builds His church. this is the foundation for a church of Christian believers. Any other foundation is a cult. Adding to the Scriptures is not part of the Bible. The gates of hell (hades) will not prevail against the church.

Prevail means overcome in the Greek. 

The gates of hell are the powers and policies of the devil's kingdom. These fight against the church by opposing gospel truths, corrupting gospel ordinances, persecuting good ministers and good Christians. (Matthew Henry)

Believers and the church are kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation. (1 Peter 1:5) Christ's kingdom is not of this world. (Acts 1:3) The church is meant to be a hospital for sin-sick people.

Dear one, are you an active member of a Bible-believing and Bible-preaching church? We all need to hear the truth so we stay close to Jesus. We need encouragement and comfort now and then. We need the love of other believers to help us carry on in this sin-sick world. If you are a Christian without a church, please seek one. Though none of us are perfect in this world, we worship the One who is perfect-Jesus Christ the Savior.

LET IT GROW

What are the keys of the kingdom of heaven?

They are divinely authorized resources that grant us authority and access. (Isaiah 22:22) We are supposed to be regularly utilizing heaven to help us live on earth. We are to be living out God's kingdom rule here. (Tony Evans)

Matthew Henry says they are the key of doctrine, discipline, and repentance. Doctrine shows us what is good and what the Lord requires of us. Baptism shows others what has happened in our soul and heart through salvation in Jesus. The old person has died and we are raised a new person in the Lord. The Lord's Supper shows we believe Jesus shed His blood for our sins to be forgiven, that He gave His life in order for us to live in heaven.

The keys of discipline teach us to strive to live beyond the Ten Commandments, to love God and others. Mercy forgives others, because we need it too; grace teaches us to be kind and helpful to those in need.

The keys of repentance shows us we are sinners in need of a Savior. When we compare ourself to others, we come out on top, better, but when we compare ourself to Jesus, we fall short of God's glory. We all sin and need His forgiveness. His supply never ends. What good news!

Some say the keys to the kingdom of heaven is legislation and administration of the church; others say the keys give the authority to announce forgiveness of nis; other say it is the opportunity to bring people into the kingdom of heaven by the message of salvation being accepted. God uses us to help others find their way inside to heaven, by faith in Jesus, and obeying His Words. The doors are flung open. Have you entered in?

What is binding us and loosing us? Are we bound to the law or to love?  Are we in restraint and set free? We must be in God's will and our prayers will be answered, in His Word. Our prayers are to not only benefit us, but others, too. We are called to be a blessing to others, to show the world what God can do through a life surrendered to Him. 

LET IT GO 

I'm just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about Somebody who saved my soul.

Ever since You rescued me, You gave my heart a song to sing, living for the world to see nobody but Jesus. 

That song sums it up for me. 

Everyone spend time being thankful for Jesus, His blessings, our life and breath, family and food. Stay safe if you are traveling. Go with Jesus today.

Who is Christ?

N.T.#188 "Who is Christ?"

Nov. 20, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Hey ya'll, who to folks say I am? If Jesus had been in Arkansas, that is how He would have put the question. However, in the original Greek, Jesus said, "But YOU, who do YOU say that I am?"  Jesus wanted to make sure His disciples had a clear idea of His identity. 

Then Peter spoke up, the only one to make the confession.. Was he representing the group? Were others reluctant to give their answer, afraid they were wrong? Were some of them still unsure of who Jesus was?

What was Simon Peter's answer? Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God. 

The Greek word for Christ is Christos, which means annointed; the Messiah; Jesus Christ; rock is petra; a foundation boulder; church is ekklesia (ek-klay-see'ah), which refers to a calling out; assembly;

Peter was proclaiming Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, not some dead idol, but living. This Living God had opened Peter's eyes and heart to this fact, flesh and blood had not revealed it to him. Peter's faith was a personal faith and confession made possible by a divinely-regenerated heart. (MacArthur)

Answering this question, Who do you say Jesus Christ is?" That is the most important question you ever answer. Your eternity will depend upon the right answer. Is Christ your Savior? Is He the son of the Living God to you?

If not, then believe in Him today and ask Jesus to become your Savior. If He already is, I wonder if Jesus is your Lord and Master? 

LET IT GROW

Peter answered correctly. Peter was going to be used to bActs 4:11) and the head (Eph. 5:23) of the church. The church is built of living stones (1 Peter 2:5). Christ is the chief cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6-7). Matthew is the only Gospel where this term is found. (18:17)  Christ alone is the Builder, Owner, and Lord of the church. As His church, we are the called out ones, believers. 

Friend, are you a believer in Jesus, yet not a church member? Please find a Bible believing church of which you can be a part in fellowship with other believers. Jesus is coming back for His church. 

LET IT GO

Keep us faithful to You and Your church, Christ Jesus.

Help us let go of the worldly things and grow stronger in grace and love.

One Important Question All Must Answer

N.T.#187 "One Important Question All Must Answer"

Nov. 17, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Throughout our educational life, we had final exams. Probably, it was a few questions inquiring what we had learned in the course. Some tests were essay to reveal this, while others had specific questions. The time had come for the disciples to take their final exam. Read on to find out how they did.

Jesus and His disciples were on the move again. They went north to Caesare Philippi, which was at the mouth of the Jordan River. (verse 13) An underground stream bubbled up from a cave. The place was a center of idol worship. 

Jesus knew the end of His earthly ministry was coming to an end soon. He had spiritual things left to teach His disciples. These men had heard His teaching, observed His actions, witnessed His miracles, and got to know Him up close and personal. They observed Jesus' methods of ministry and learn His ways, hopefully. The day for the final exam came. How they answered this question had everything to do with their eternal destiny. (also ours)

Here is the question: Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am? (verse 13b)

What was the word on the street? What was the murmuring among the crowds?

How did the disciples answer?

• Some say You are John the Baptist. Had he returned from the dead? John announced the coming of the Savior, challenged people to turn from their sins, and baptized them as a symbol of their repentance. He spoke the truth, which cost him his life.
• Some say You are Elijah. Had he returned from his ascent to heaven? (2 Kings 2:11) He was used by God to perform miracles., confront priests of Baal and Asherah. 
• Others say You are Jeremiah. He spoke for God to Judah for 40 years, was rejected, stood alone, predicted the fall of Israel and Judah, as well as other nations.
• Others say You are one of the prophets.

There was a lot of speculation as whom Jesus was. One thing for sure, Jesus was not a dead, dumb idol, as people in that city worshiped.

LET IT GROW

If Jesus asked you that question, how would you answer Him? Is He Messiah, Savior, Redeemer, Son of God to you? 

Or is Jesus just another good man, a good teacher, one of the prophets?

Folks, it take faith to believe Jesus is God's Son, sent to save us from the penalty of our sins. The Bible is truth. Jesus is the only way to heaven and to God. He is the Expected One the prophets foretold about to come.

 LET IT GO 

Help us let go of false teachings, sayings of others, and have faith in You, Jesus.

To know You love us more than anyone.

Draw the lost to You.

Where is Your Focus?

N.T.#186  "Where is Your Focus?"

Nov. 16, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

I have a tendency to focus on the physical rather than the spiritual. Right now, my house is a mess from moving. And that messes me up. However, I am continuing to study the Word and praying God will show me His will for the day. How about you, friend? Where is your focus today?

The Pharisees and Sadducees were so concerned with heavenly signs that they cannot interpret the signs of the times all around them. Jesus referred them to the same sign He gave before, the sign of the prophet Jonah. (12:39) the Ninevites had committed spiritual adultery by being unfaithful to God through idols.  (MacArthur)

When Jesus told them they had the sign of Jonah, who was in the great fish 3 days and 3 nights, He was predicting His death and resurrection. That would be their sign that Jesus is the Messiah. Yet, Jesus knew those men would not believe in Him after His sign.

Jesus said in John 20:29, Those who believe without seeing are blessed. 

Folks, we have the old and New Testaments, over 2,000 years of church history, and witnesses of thousands. Do we need more evidence? Are you waiting for a sign before you believe in Jesus as your Savior? It takes faith, not works, believing that He is who He says He is-Son of the Living God, Messiah, Savior.

LET IT GROW

Jesus left those religious leaders, for they only wanted to argue and nitpick over what was actually a sign from heaven and a sign from earth. So Jesus left them. He and His disciples left Magadan in a boat for Bethsaida. Only the disciples forgot to load enough bread for the trip. Somewhere along the way they unloaded the 7 baskets of bread after feeding the 4,000. while the disciples fretted over bread, Jesus was still thinking about those critics who had a stubborn heart. Jesus warned His disciples to beware of the leaven (sin) of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees, not the leaven of bread. (verses 11-12)

Those men were so concerned with their stomachs that their little faith showed. Jesus was concerned with spiritual things. After all, guys, Jesus could have said the word, and the boat would have been filled with bread until it sunk. Empty stomachs vs. empty souls. Jesus wasn't speaking literally about bread and yeast, but the poisonous corruption of the teachings of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. 

don't you know the disciples felt low with their worrying about physical bread instead of those who rejected the Bread of Life. Are you dealing with people who won't accept the Truth? You may need to walk away like Jesus dis, then leave them in God's hands. Pray for them, but don't waste your time arguing. 

Let's not become so preoccupied with physical things that our ears become stopped up and we miss God speaking to us. 

LET IT GO

Help us let go and let You lead us, Jesus.

May we not become dull disciples, but deep disciples. 

Grow our faith, for You are faithful. 

Does Your Faith Require a Sign?

N.T.#185 "Does Your Faith Require a Sign?"

Nov. 15, 2023

Matthew 16 

LET IT GLOW

It is good to review what we have learned thus far in our study. What a challenge of our Christian beliefs and teaching us about the life of our Savior.

So far, this tax collector/disciple called Matthew has made the announcement and arrival of the King of the Jews-Jesus Christ. In chapters 1-4, we read of His unusual birth, baptism, perfect man/God passing Satan's tests. Then, Matthew witnesses the proclamation and reception of the King in chapters 5-15. Jesus' extraordinary teaching through the Sermon on the Mount, and parables reveals the Savior's insights and mysteries of the kingdom. We read how He was challenged by the religious leaders of the time,yet continued to perform miracles and show compassion to the sick and disabled. 

Now in chapters 16-25, we will see the opposition and rejection of King Jesus by the Pharisees and Sadducees, as well as the Roman government and Israel's long-awaited Messiah. The passion and triumph of King Jesus will indicate His power over death and commissioning His disciples to a new mission of sharing salvation by faith in Jesus.

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights-Matthew 16-28]

Can we put down the years of our life in a few paragraphs for our funeral? Have we endured testings and challenges which have have an impact upon us? Have we shared with our children and grandchildren the faithfulness of Jesus and His goodness in our life?

LET IT GROW

Before we left church Sunday night, the western sky was lite up with red. What a gorgeous sight. Jesus reassures us He is in control. we just need to trust Him is our situation that we are facing. Yet, does our faith require a sign? Then it wouldn't be faith, right? Jesus was confronted by two groups of people asking for a sign from Him. 

The Pharisees had previously confronted Jesus, but now the Sadducees joined them. These two Jewish religious groups had little in common, but their disdain for Jesus brought them together to test Him and ask for a sign from heaven by Jesus. The miracles Jesus had performed wasn't enough for these religious leaders to believe Jesus is the Messiah, they desired Jesus to prove Himself with a supernatural sign.

The Pharisees had a strong belief in the sovereignty of God, predestination, angelic beings, and afterlife. The held to the rewards or punishments after death and the resurrection of the body. Oral traditions were strong and so was holding to the five books of Moses' writings. However, the Sadducees rejected the doctrine of predestination and emphasized human free will. They denied the existence of angels, continuation of the soul after death, and the resurrection of the body. 

Jesus wasn't going to succumb to their demands for miraculous signs. He knew these guys' hearts. His critics were weather-wise, but spiritually foolish. What a meteorological lesson. We know a saying about the red sky at night being the sailor's delight and the red sky in the morning being the sailor's warning. 

If the miracles Jesus had performed wasn't enough to convince these fellows of the truth that Jesus is the Messiah, nothing else would. This pursuit of a sign was evil because they rejected what God had done through Jesus, yet they commanded a custom-tailored performance. 

They wanted a sign? Jesus was going to give them a whopper-His resurrection from the dead. God provided the greatest sign ever done. Easter morning is our proof that Jesus is who He says He is and can do what He says He will do.

Sometimes the greatest act of faith is not to ask for a miracle. The three Hebrews didn't, for they simply obeyed God by not bowing down and worshiping an idol. Their faith knew God had the ability to rescue them from the fiery furnace. Yet it didn't require such a thing in order for them to continue to believe in God. 

Does our faith require miracles to sustain it? Or do we trust God totally? 

Personally, my faith does not require a sign. When I almost died, not breathing after surgery, I did not have an out of body experience. I was simply asleep. Jesus didn't come to me, like many say happened to them. I believe He wasn't finished with me yet and showed His power to those around me. Glory to God in the Highest!

LET IT GO 

Lord God, You are still God of us, no matter what happens to us.

We will continue to trust You know best.

Jesus, You are alive, so live in us today.

Are We Meeting Needs?

N.T.#184 "Are We Meeting Needs?"

Nov. 14, 2023 

Matthew 15-Part 10

LET IT GLOW

Here is some background concerning the last part of this chapter, which I didn't know: Jesus spent about 6 months in Gentile country. There is no record of His ministering to others during this time other than the desperate woman and feeding of 4,000 men. So the disciples must have had uninterrupted and intense training at the feet of Jesus. The Decapolis area was surrounded by a federation of ten Greek cities. It was located on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. Jews considered those people as lost, outcast, and needy. With the cross coming for Him, Jesus could have been showing his followers the need to minister to all in need. 

While there, Jesus healed the sick and suffering. (verse 31) He had compassion (feel sympathy; to pity) on them. (verse 32) Jesus treated no one as outcast. As a result, the people glorified the God of Israel. Those Gentile gods could not do what Jesus did. the Gentiles were proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah, that salvation was of the Jews. (John 4:22)

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

As followers of Jesus, do we treat no one as an outcast? People have souls and need His salvation, physical needs to be met, and need to know they are loved. Are we like Jesus? 

LET IT GROW

If we are to minister to the needs of others, are we willing to meet the need with what we have? Being willing is not enough, so we must give. Do we use the opportunity to meet physical needs as a time to share salvation in the One who meets all needs-spiritually? When we meet needs, others witness the Lord's power and provision in action. It strengthens our faith. 

LET IT GO 

Open our eyes, Lord, to see the needs of others.

Use us to meet those needs, physically and spiritually (bringing them to Jesus).

Showing Compassion

N.T.#183 "Showing Compassion"

Nov. 13, 2023

Matthew 15-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

Has the Lord met your needs lately? Has He provided for you in unexpected ways? What about His boundless grace and love? Continue as we read about it in the end this chapter.

In the latter part of this chapter, we have a feeding of 4,000 men, not including woman and children. Before we get into those details, what was Jesus doing near Decapolis, located on the southeast shore of Galilee? 

• Jesus made the lame to walk.
• He caused those blind to see clearly.
• Those who had been disabled now danced with joy.
• Those that had been speechless were now singing praises.
• And many other illnesses and disabilities were brought to Jesus for healing. Scripture doesn't elaborate what problems they had, but Jesus took care of them with healings.
• The crowd glorified God. (verse 31)

Do we consider helping those who are disabled, sick? Whenever our loved one gets well, do we glorify God for the healing?

LET IT GROW

Now the crowd had been on the mountainside with Jesus for 3 days. He didn't have the disciples take on the role as bouncers or bodyguards. He was not like an unreachable superstar. 

Instead, in verse 32, Jesus said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with Me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest, they faint in the way.

Where were the disciples to get food for such a crowd. guys, did you not learn about the power of Jesus earlier whenever He fed the 5,000 men (about 20,000 total)?

With 7 loaves of bread and a few fish, Jesus gave thanks, brake it into pieces, and gave to the disciples to distribute. (Seven large baskets were left over.) This isn't a flashback nor a retelling of the same story.

What can we learn from this? Don't ever think there's a need too big for God.  (Phil. 4:19; Eph. 3:20) Don't forget the times He answers your prayers. (Ps. 103:2)

LET IT GO 

Thank You for providing for our needs, Jesus.

How compassionate You are, Savior!

Help us show compassion to those in need and hurt.

Developing Great Faith

N.T.#182 "Developing Great Faith"

Nov. 9, 2023

Matthew 15-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

We are still looking at the event of the Canaanite woman who sought deliverance from a demon for her daughter. Jesus' silence in response to her could have been to draw out the woman's words of faith, as well as point out the hasty prejudice of the disciples. Here was a Gentile speaking to a Jew and a woman speaking to a man. But it did not discourage her to bow down in worship and total surrender, simply asking the Messiah for help. The woman didn't need Jesus to follow her home in order to heal her girl, for she believed He was able to do it long distance. she found out Jesus was willing, too. She did not she need a sign, either. That hour the girl was healed.

What can we learn for this?

• Christ loves to be cried after. Do we seek Him for healing, direction, wisdom, and love?
• His answer to the disciples desiring to send her away dashed her expectations. 
• She only desired crumbs like a dog at the Master's mercy table. The woman received grace from a gracious Lord. We Gentiles find it, too, through faith in Jesus as Savior.
• Christ delights in great faith with great trials. The mother didn't consider it to have been better to stay home than be called a dog. She worshiped Jesus as the Savior and Messiah anyway.
• Pray more earnestly. A broken heart is not despised. (Jeremiah 31:18)

How sincerely do we seek Jesus? Do we desperately pray for our loved ones to be delivered from evil?So many people are addicted to drugs, alcohol, porn. They live in the flesh and fulfill the desires of the flesh, not considering the sinful state of their soul. Do we show compassion for the person? 

LET IT GROW

This woman's great faith is included in the Bible. Jesus described it as such. Her faith resulted in humility, patience, and perseverance in prayer. Does ours? 

Great faith:

• may vary in size with Christians.
• continues to love and trust the All-Sufficient Savior as a friend, not an enemy.
• Great faith pleases Christ Jesus.
• Great believers my have what they will for the asking.
• Though Satan sifted Peter, buffeted Paul, through Christ's prayer and sufficiency of His grace, we shall be more than conquerors. (Luke 22:31-32)
• This mother's faith prevailed for a daughter's cure.
• Jesus spoke and it was done. (Matthew Henry)

Does our faith not let go until Jesus has answered our request? Is our faith developing into great faith? What is in our heart? Are we seeking to honor the Savior?

LET IT GO 

Develop within us great faith.

To God be the glory forever and ever.

*Sorry for the delay of posts. We have moved and I am still searching for items in my office.

Great Faith

N.T.#181 "Great Faith"

Nov. 7, 2023

Matthew 15-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Friend, I have had prayers answered and prayers still unanswered after years of my asking. That doesn't mean I have giving up and stopped praying. God is so very faithful. It must be according His will, not ours, in order for God to bring it to pass.

Jesus moved on to the northeast, Tyre and Sidon, which is Gentile country. (verse 21) He went into a house, not wanting anyone to know He was there. Yet, news spread. A Gentile woman who lived there approached Jesus, fell down at His feet. She was there to beg Jesus to deliver her daughter from a demon. 

What did the Gentile woman cry out to Jesus? Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. (verse 22)

In the Greek language, grievously means miserably, hurt, sick, make evil affected; vexed means to beg (as binding oneself), petition , make request, pray to; devil refers to be exercised by a demon (be possessed with).

What was this Canaanite woman's problem?

1. Her daughter was suffering severely and needed delivered, which Jesus could do.
2. She acknowledged Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, the Son of David, but Jesus did not say a word to her. (verse 23)
3. Jesus did not answer her right away. (verse 23)
4. The disciples urged Jesus to send her away because she was making a spectacle, a bunch of racket. Jesus' followers were trying to shut up the woman.
5. Jesus was sent on mission to the Jews, not the Gentiles. (verse 24) Yet, Jesus brought grace to all people-Jew and Gentile.

Here was a desperate mother. making a request of healing for her little girl. Her faith knew He could deliver the sweet girl from the demon that possessed her. Yet Jesus was silent.

What do we do when Jesus is silent? When He does not answer our prayers? When we pray the same thing over and over again for years?

LET IT GROW 

Jesus said He was sent unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. (verse 24)

Then came she and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, help me. (verse 25)

First, He should feed the children- His own family (Jews). It isn't right to take food from the children to and throw it to the dogs (Gentiles). How did she answer? Even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children's plate. (verse 28), NLT)

She knew what Jesus was talking about. She only wanted a crumb, scraps, leftover. Just a word from Jesus and the girl would be made whole. She wasn't going to let go until Jesus blessed her. Such desperate humility. The woman was willing to settle for Jesus' leftovers.

O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. (verse 28)

Jesus commends her Gentile belief. What an illustration of us Gentiles being blessed by the Messiah of Israel! Grace and mercy is for us who ask for it.

When God doesn't answer our prayers about a specific need, it's likely He's trying to deepen our faith. so persist in prayer. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GO

We received a plaque in the shape of a cross for pastor appreciation. It has inscribed upon it, "Pray. Let go and let God take over." This came at the right time. Is there something you need to let go of and let God handle it in His timing? He will, dear one.

Grow our faith, Jesus, as we wait for You to answer our prayers.

Help us have great faith.

Need to Get Away?

N.T.#180 "Need to Get Away?"

Nov. 6, 2023 

Matthew 15-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Ministering to needs of others can result in us growing weary. We can use a get away from the presures and stress in our life. Jesus did just that. Read on to find out about it.

Jesus taught plain and simple Words so His disciples, us, and even the Pharisees could understand. 

But the words you speak come from the heart-that's what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. (verses 18-19)

Defile means pollute, unclean.

Even the filth of the sewer is not so great a defilement as that of a human heart not yet cleansed by the blood of Christ. (Swindoll)

Are we with Jesus and the disciples, willing to take a stand against legalistic action taken for the sake of man-made rules? There will be a price to pay for taking a stand against legalism, but the reward will ultimately be worth it. If we are on the difficult, narrow path of discipleship, continue to follow Jesus. Don't be frightened or intimidated. (If you are part of the problem of unhealthy traditionalism, repent. Turn to trust the only One who can clean you from the inside out.

LET IT GROW

Jesus left the area and headed northwest. Maybe He was retiring to that region for a time of seclusion. Mark 7:24 tells us Jesus entered a house and would have no one know it, but He could not be hid. He deserved a rest after the encounters Jesus experienced in Jerusalem.

He encountered a Canaanite woman begging for mercy for her daughter which was grievously vexed with a devil. (verse 22) A Gentile and a woman approached a Jew, which was not to be done. (according to the Pharisees)

Sometimes we need to get away from the daily pressures on us. Yet, we can continue to meet needs of others while refreshing our soul.

LET IT GO 

Refresh us, Jesus. Life can cause us to grow weary.

Renew our heart and mind.

Words Reveal the Heart

N.T.#179 "Words Reveal the Heart"

Nov. 3,2023

Matthew 15-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

What defiles(pollutes, unclean) a person? Jesus taught the disciples it was:

• a traditional religion (verses 1-9)
• a foul mouth (verses 10-11)
• a blind spirit (verses 12-14)
• a corrupt heart (verses 15-20).

Religious people are often disturbed when their traditions, rituals, ceremonies, worship, rules, schedules, and habits are broken. Some get fighting mad, in fact. Know anyone like that? That is why the Pharisees criticized the disciples, who broke their traditions. Their prayers be repetition. Their worship is empty and doesn't go higher than the ceiling.

There are so many kinds of words which defile a person-cursing filthy talk, criticism, deceptive words, harsh and unkind words, uncaring words. 

Know a person like that?  

LET IT GROW

It is the heart that determines what we say and do. Garbage in, garbage out. What can we do? We have some Scriptures concerning this:

Put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him. (Colossian 3:9-10)

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible seed, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (1 Peter 1:23)

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:23-24)

Confessing our sins, turning from sinful lusts, trusting Jesus, reading the Word, praying, renewing our mind, that is our answer. A heart like the Father's will produce only pure and loving words.

LET IT GO

and let God take over.

Word of God speak. Pour down like rain. Wash my eyes to see Your Majesty.

Please let me rest in Your holiness.

Holy is the Lord.

Sweet Words

 N. T. #178 "Sweet Words"

Nov. 2, 2023

Matthew 15-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Do we often spew out hurtful words? Are we criticizing others, grumbling and complaining? Do we often regret our words? These behaviors come from a heart that is unlike God's heart. We need a heart of compassion. 

Peter was acting on behalf of the other disciples when he asks Jesus to explain what He had said in verses 8-11. What is its meaning? Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. But the words you speak come from the heart-that's what defiles you. 

Defile means pollute, unclean.

For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. (verse 19)

This list includes all manner of sin, coming from what is in the heart. Do you know others who continuously do those sins? They need a clean heart that only Jesus can give. 

LET IT GROW

An abusive tongue is not under the control of the Spirit. (James 3:3-10) A heart like the Father's heart will produce only pure and loving words. If our words are no encouraging and lifting up Jesus, we need to ask God to forgive us for any words that have brought harm. Then ask Him to discipline our mouth so that every word we speak is used by God to encourage and edify others. (Blackaby)

We need more control like a ship and a horse. Are our words like sweet water or bitter water? 

LET IT GO

Jesus, teach us to hold our tongue when it spits out harmful words.

Fill us with love and compassion for others today.

User us to speak sweet words so You are honored.

Time for a Heart Check

N.T.#177 " Time for a Heart Check"

Nov. 1, 2023

Matthew 15-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Have you had someone blame you for their problems or sinful ways? They accuse you of causing them to be hot-headed, unhappy, unloved, or immoral? Folks, if this is not truely your fault, then it is their problem, an unclean heart that loves to continue in sin. They may put on a good act for outsiders, but you know the truth. Look how Jesus dealt with this.

Where does true defilement come from? Defileth means pollute; unclean.

The Pharisees considered being defiled by not washing hands before eating. In other words, their ritual of washing hands before a meal is what they consider making them pure and undefiled. This is what they accused the disciples of being.

To be "defiled" religiously is to become dirty or polluted by sin. Moral pollution comes from the inside, not the outside. A dirty heart is the problem. We tend to justify our sinful words and actions by pointing what others did that caused our responses, but our circumstances don't cause our sin. Defilement is an internal matter, and external activity can't change a heart. (The Tony Evans Bible Commentary)

Do you know someone living in sin? Pray for deliverance. It may be that God wants you to confront them, so pray for wisdom and strength. Jesus is in the business of changing hearts.

LET IT GROW

How did Jesus deal with the Pharisees' accusation? 

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. (verse 11)

The idea in Judaism was that to eat the wrong sort of food deprived a man of holiness and ultimately, therefore, of acceptance with God. 

Well, the disciples asked Jesus if He knew that He had offended the Pharisees. (Of course He did guys.) How did He respond? 

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (verse 14)

I certainly don't want to fall into a ditch of sin morally or spiritually. How about you, friend?

LET IT GO

Show us our ways that do not please You, Jesus.

Help us let go of those sinful habits.

Control our words today so they honor You.