Loving the Children

 N.T.#213 "Loving the Children"

Dec. 29, 2023 

Matthew 18-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Jesus highlighted the importance of treating children and those with childlike faith well. To welcome them and serve them is to welcome Jesus.(verse 5) So if we want fellowship with Jesus, we need to be in fellowship with the humble. 

LET IT GROW

Children are trusting by nature. Because they trust adults, they are easily led to faith in Christ. God holds parents and other adults accountable for how they influence these little ones. Jesus warned that anyone who turns little children away from faith in Him will receive severe punishment.

Showing kindness to a child, among the lowest ranking members of society, is equal to showing kindness to the top-ranking member of the kingdom, King Jesus Himself. (verse 5)

If one treats a member of God's family with contempt, that one will suffer severe consequences. (verse 6) Harming an innocent child, that person would be better to drown in the sea with a millstone around their neck. 

The millstone was a huge, heavy stone used to grind grain into flour. With a millstone around one's neck meant they would not recovery.

How are we treating the spiritual child of God? We are called to love others like we love ourself. 

LET IT GO

Fill us with your love today, Jesus, so we can show love to others.

How wonderful is Your love!

Child-Like Faith

 N.T.#212 "Child-Like Faith"

Dec. 28, 2023 

Matthew 18-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Of the disciples, which one would be called the greatest? Really guys, Jesus told you about His upcoming suffering and death, and you only focus on yourselves? How did Jesus answer them?

• First, what was required of one to get to heaven? One who was converted and became as a little child.
• Second, the one who humbled themself as a little child is the same as the greatest in heaven.

Becoming as a little child means to be born again (converted) as a newborn spiritual child, characterized by faith and humility. (Falwell)

It is by the mercy and grace of Jesus that people depend upon for their admission and position in relation to Him, that will be regarded as greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Swindoll)

Friend, have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Lord and Savior? Don't miss out on heaven by remaining prideful.

LET IT GROW

Jesus went on to say if we receive one such child of God in the name of Jesus, receives Him. (verse 5)

True greatness, then, comes through humility and a childlike faith that trusts God completely. (Tony Evans)

As believers, we are to be humbly dependent on our heavenly Father. 

Did you notice that God's criteria for greatness is not the same as the world's? Here in this world humility will get one nowhere. So let's not loose sight of our kingdom purpose on earth-sharing the love and salvation of Jesus with others.

LET IT GO

Through it all, my eyes are on you, Jesus.

It is well with me.

Help me love the children of God and minister to them.

Use me to share your salvation with little children.

Keep me humbled with child-like faith.

Who is the Greatest?

N.T.#211 "Who is the Greatest?"

Dec. 27, 2023 

Matthew 18

LET IT GLOW

On their way back to Caesarea Phillipi, the disciples were disputing over who would be the greatest in the kingdom of God. Jesus knew what was going on, so He asked them. (Mark 9) The guys were silent.

The question was, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 

Arguing over their place with pride? Really guys? Sometimes we get that way. We try to separate ourself from the worldly and fleshly desires and get puffed up about us not doing this and that like unbelievers (or believers).

Jesus didn't answer that question, did He? We should be concerned with just getting to heaven when we die, not our position. Even though we have been a faithful servant, it won't matter our position in heaven, don't you think? The magnificence of heaven will be overwhelming and humbling, I think. And, our focus will be upon the Savior, the One who provided a way for us to get ther in the first place. 

LET IT GROW 

Jesus used a child to demonstrate the answer to His disciples. Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (verse 3)

In the Jewish society back then, a child was a person of no importance, subject to its elders, not taken seriously except as a responsibility, one to be looked after, not one to be looked up to. (R.T. France)

The child had no pride, no arrogance, no conceit, no expectations, no desire for promotion, no spirit of entitlement, and no phony piety. (Swindoll)

In other words, those who humble themselves like a child, depending upon mercy and grace of Jesus for their admission and position in relation to Him, will be regarded as greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (verse 4)

It's all about Jesus. He is the greatest!

LET IT GO 

You have never let me down, Jesus.

You alone are Savior, Sustainer, always with us.

You are the giver of life and Everlasting Father.

Glory to God in the Highest!

To Obey or Not to Obey

N.T.#210 

Dec. 26, 2023 "To Obey or Not to Obey"

Matthew 17-Part 13

LET IT GLOW

What two things are certain in life? Death and taxes. 

When Jesus and His disciples reached Capernaum, the tax collectors approached Peter and asked it his teacher paid the (temple tax). Probably, they were trying to catch Jesus in breaking their law. Peter answered yes. Then Jesus had a private conversation-who pays taxes, son or strangers? Their subjects, not sons, paid taxes. The son of kings were free from paying taxes. Those asking didn't realize who Jesus was-King of kings, owner of the Temple. Jesus didn't want to go into an unnecessary conflict, so Jesus intended to pay His part of the Temple tax and Peter's part, too. He sent Peter to fish out a fish that would have enough money to do so. 

Did you notice that Peter didn't argue with His Master this time? Nope. He obeyed. Peter found what was needed. Jesus provided. Isn't that like our Savior? 

LET IT GROW 

Did you notice the word offend in verse 27? Jesus did not want to offend those tax collectors.

Offend in the Greek means to entrap; trip up; stumble or entice to sin; offend. It is the word skandalon (skan-dal-id'zo).

We get our English word scandal from it. Although those guys were trying to trip up, entice to sin, Jesus, He took care of the matter, didn't He?

Certainly, Christians are to obey God rather than men. (Acts 4:18-20) However, we are to be a good witness and follow our laws of the land until it opposes God's laws. We aren't to use our freedom for selfish reasons, either. What pleases and honors our God in our questionable situation?

LET IT GO

Help us make the right choices that please You. Give us strength to do what is right.

May we love You Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

To You be the glory forever and ever.

 Merry Christmas to everyone!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

How wonderful Jesus is! He gives us peace, love, and joy that the world does not know and cannot give.

In the Hebrew language, wonderful (pele-peh'leh) means a miracle-marvelous things.

Is Jesus wonderful to you? Does His light shine in your dark world? Is He your everything? Let Jesus show you great and mighty things, spiritual things. 

Not only is Jesus my Savior, but my friend. When everyone else turn away, Jesus is always there. He gave Himself so that you and I might have eternal life. No greater gift nor love is there than this.

How are we going to show/share God's love to others this day?

May Christ bless you today!

In His love,

Linda

A Fish and a Coin

 N.T.#209 "A Fish and a Coin"

Dec. 22, 2023 

Matthew 17-Part 12

LET IT GLOW 

Have you been fishing? When I was a child, my family liked to fish (and eat them, too). Most of the time it took a lot of patience to wait for a fish to come bait my wormy hook. They did not swallow the hook as soon as it hit the water. Today's Biblical event involves Peter fishing. Read on.

The disciples were greatly grieved when Jesus told them a second time that He would be betrayed, killed, and raised on the third day. That was His purpose for coming to earth, to live a perfect , sinless life, to show us the way to live and love. Then the Son of man would do the spectacular and extraordinary and rise from the dead on the third day. Did you notice that Peter did not speak up this time? (verses 22-23)

What happened next?

The disciples and Jesus returned to Capernaum where Peter lived. The tax collectors approached Peter and asked if his teacher paid the temple tax. (verse 24) That was how the temple's upkeep was paid. It may have been another attempt to catch Jesus  at being a law-breaker. 

Then Jesus asked Peter where the kings got their taxes. It was from strangers, their subjects, not their sons. The children are free and don't pay taxes. 

It was Christ's temple. He had no sin to atone for. (Exodus 30:15) He was made sin for us; sent forth in the likeness of sinful flesh. (Romans 8:3) He paid for our sins, though Christ Himself had no sin. It became Him to fulfill all righteousness. (Matt. 3:15) He fulfilled all that God required.  Although the temple had become a den of thieves, Christ paid the tax.

We should pay our tithe so God in worship, as well in order to support the upkeep of the church. Are we being faithful? Especially during the Christmas season, whenever it may be hard to do financially. We must determine in our own heart we is expected of us.

As God's children, we are freed by grace and adoption from the slavery of sin and Satan, but not from our being subject to civil matters. (We are to pay our federal, state, and city taxes so they can continue to run.)

Let every soul be subject to higher powers. Render to Ceasar the things that are Ceasar's. 

LET IT GROW 

Jesus and His disciples were not working a job. So how did Christ Jesus pay His temple tax? Also, Jesus did not waiver His privilege of being the Son of God and not required to pay taxes for the temple. He did not want to offend them.

Did you notice that Jesus did not order Judas to pay the tax out of the money bag? Every male over 21 was expected to pay the temple tax.

So Jesus sent Peter to go fish and get the money out of the fish's mouth in order to pay the tax. Did Jesus put it there? I think so. I think it was specifically for that purpose. No coincidence in my books.

Now for Peter to catch a fish with just a line and hook-that was a miracle in my books, too. Do you realize how difficult that would have been if Jesus had not brought that specific fish to the hook? Ordinary chances would have taken hours. And did the coin fall out of a fisherman's pocket and lay on the bottom of the Sea of Galilee and that fish gobbled it up? Nah. I think it was a fish Jesus put their with the coin in its mouth.

Another thing, the coin was enough, the exact amount, for both Jesus and Peter to pay their temple tax. Isn't that like our Savior? He gives enough, sufficient, what is needed. Sometimes He even throws in extra for us. At any rate, do we give Him the glory? Do we share with others what Jesus has provided?

Was God preparing Peter to become a fisher of men?

LET IT GO

What an awesome God we serve!!

What can we give to You? Our heart to God's service and love and forgiveness to others.

Glory to God in the Highest!

Betrayal

 N.T.#208 "Betrayal"

Dec. 21, 2023 

Matthew 17-Part 11

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever been betrayed? It seems the ultimate sin against you. A person you think you can trust gossips and tells others. It hurts, deeply hurts. Heart wrenching; cuts out your heart. So you learn who not to trust. Sometimes you go into a shell and do not share problems with others. Jesus was betrayed by one of His own disciples-Judas.

In verses 22-23, Jesus tells His disciples a second time what was about to happen to Him:

• He would be betrayed (yield up; to surrender; give (over, up).
• They would kill Him.
• The third day He shall be raised again.

Not only did Judas betray Jesus, but the priests betrayed Him, turning Jesus over to the Romans. There was no tenderness or pity, no honor or gratitude, but rage and hate shown toward Jesus. 

Jesus understood the direction that His life was taking. He knew His fate. It was no surprise to Him but under His sovereign control. It was in God's plan to provide salvation for believers back then and us today. His shedding of blood was the only way for atonement. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. No other way. Through it all, Jesus did not sin, so He was our perfect sacrifice for our sins. Isn't it amazing that Jesus could endure all the suffering and remain the sinless! 

LET IT GROW 

How did the disciples react? The were exceeding (in the high degree; much; greatly) sorry (distress; to be sad; grieve).

The disciples were greatly distressed and shocked, don't you know. However, His resurrection didn't register with them. Their love, loss, and grief was real for their friend. They would realize that it was their sin that caused Jesus to go through it. 

How about you, friend? Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Lord and Savior? 

LET IT GO

Joy unto the world, the Lord has come. May people receive their King.

Help us trust You with all things.

What's it Going to Take?

N.T.#207 "What's it Going to Take?"

Dec. 20, 2023 

Matthew 17-Part 10

LET IT GLOW

The disciples didn't even have faith the size of a tiny mustard seed. That is why they could not cast out the demon in the boy. One commentary said the 9 were feasting and indulging themselves with the people while Jesus and the 3 disciples were on the mountaintop. 

What they needed was true faith-the kind of faith that turns from self-confidence to confidence in the power of Jesus Christ alone. With His power, nothing is impossible. (verse 20)

We are to give God the glory whenever He answers our prayer, delivers us, or helps us. 

Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. (Jesus said this in John 14:13-14)

It is Him, not us that accomplishes things. It is divine power that changes hearts, minds, souls. Not us. It is Jesus who saves, not our works, our good attitudes, sweet words. God's Word reminds us who He is and what He can do.  

LET IT GROW 

We must never allow earthly obstacles to eclipse divine truth. Don't let the severity of the plight, the impossibility of the situation, or the size of the problem overwhelm you. When the size of the obstacle is irrelevant when it comes to the power of God. Shine the Light in the gloom of your situation, then walk through it. Don't let situations disguised as impossible intimidate you. don't back down. Recall divine truth and trust God. When we fail, we must go straight to Jesus to find out what went wrong, as the disciples did. 

Their situation required prayer and fasting. Jesus knew what went wrong and the answer that the disciples needed to hear. So, are you facing an impossible situation? Go to God in prayer, asking Him to do whatever is needed. It is His divine power, nor ours, that can do it. Seek God's will, for we may need to do something or take a stand against evil. Spend time fasting and praying for the answer.

LET IT GO

Lord, nothing is impossible with You.

We know this, believe this, and ask You to do the impossible.

For Your glory. Glory to God in the Highest! 

What Size is Your Faith?

N.T.#205 "What Size is Your Faith?"

Dec. 19, 2023 

Matthew 17-Part 8

LET IT GLOW 

What kind of faith do you have? Is it substandard-faith, not meeting the requirements established by Jesus? Is it micro-faith, getting by with as little as possible? Is it mustard-see faith or mega-faith, believing all things are possible with God?

Let's look at the faith of the 9 disciples who did not have the Mount of Transfiguration experience. They could not cast out a demon possessing a boy. His father came to them for help, but they could not help. So the father went directly to Jesus to meet his boy's need and it was fulfilled.

The disciples wanted to know what went wrong. 

Because of your unbelief: for Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall asy unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (verse 20)

Have you seen the size of a mustard seed? It is tiny. However, they can grow into a large plant, up to 20 feet tall and wide. Jesus used this tiny seed to symbolize our faith. If our request is God's will, and our faith is that small, then it will be so. Faith is important in the Christian life. We put our trust in God, His care for us, providing our needs and salvation. 

Apparently, the disciples did not even have enough faith the tiny size of a mustard seed. Ugh, that is bad. so they could not help the boy. Don't you know they felt badly for this. Perhaps that is why they wanted the answer as to why they could not cast him out.

LET IT GROW 

Simply put, it was the disciples' microscopic-faith. They were acting on their own. It is Jesus who does, not us. It is in His name that supersedes all. It is faith in the One who can do all things. However, that kind of problem required prayer and fasting. (verse 21)

When we have mega-faith, nothing shall be impossible unto us. Because we serve a Mega-God! We must be sure to glorify Jesus, too.

Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:13-14)

The disciples did not have the power of the Holy spirit like us. We depend on Jesus' omnipotence to do it. Mustard-seed faith could move Mt. Hermon. True faith turns from self-confidence to confidence in Jesus and His power.  With His power, nothing is impossible.

Just look at the birth of Jesus. That was impossible with man, but possible with the Holy Spirit.

What are you trusting God to do? Is your faith larger than a microscopic-faith, a mustard-seed-faith? Is it a mega-faith yet? No problem. It only take a tiny mustard seed size of faith.

LET IT GO

Praise You Jesus, for all things are possible with You.

Grow our faith today.

Thank you Father for meeting our needs.

Glory to God in the Highest!

Where is Our Focus This Week?

 N.T.#204 "Where is Our Focus This Week?"

Dec. 18, 2023 

Matthew 17-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Especially this time of year, we must watch out that we don't get distracted by our busyness that we don't see the needs of others. This is what happened to the remaining 9 disciples while the others and Jesus were up on the Mount of Transfiguration. The remainder were supposed to be on mission bringing others to salvation through faith in Jesus. However, they were so concerned with position and status (Mark 9:32-35) that they lost their focus on what God wanted to do through them. Jesus called them a faithless and perverse generation when they could not cast out the devil in the son of a needy faither. The disciples had lost their power to do the work of God. This epileptic son needed healing and they failed miserably. 

Perverse means to distort; turn away.

Those men were spiritually powerless, lacking the faith to bring physical and spiritual comfort to those God had sent to them. Shouldn't God be able to send hurting people to us His children and expect us to help them? 

We must guart our heart against our own ambitions. We must remain effective in ministering to those whom God sends to us. Be sure that our religious activity does not prevent us from helping others. It is good to take inventory of our life to see if we are being a faithful steward of every life God sends to us.  Who around us is in need? 

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

LET IT GROW

The three accounts of this situation indicate the boy's condition resulted from demonic attacks. (Mark 9 and Luke 9) What do we find is his condition?

• He was mute but able to scream.
• He was being slammed to the ground and would become stiff.
• He would foam at the mouth and grid his teeth.
• He would convulse and roll on the ground.
• He was being thrown into fire and water.
• He was being physically injured after each attack.

Can you imagine how much that boy's family suffered? The father learned that Jesus of Nazareth was in town and He had prevously performed miracles. While waiting for Jesus' return, the 9 attempted to deliver the boy from his demonic attacks, but failed. 

Then a large crowd gathered, and even the scribes argued with the disciples. (Mark 9:14) Were the disciples deceivers and a fraud? In spite of all of that, the faither fell to his knees before Jesus, pleading for mercy from Jesus, describing his son's condition. 

Jesus was directing His words to all of humanity-the father, the disciples, the watching crowd, all people throughout history. We remain helpless before sin, sickness, and spiritual wickedness without the power of God intervening for us. 

Bring him hither to Me. (Jesus said in verse 17)

Jesus rebuked the devil. (verse 18 and Mark 9:25) The demon left the boy and he was immediately cured. Don't you know the crowd was amazed, while the father cried tears of joy, embracing his son? Were the disciples bewildered and the scribes skeptical?

The truth is, Jesus had authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons, which He also gave to His disciples.

Our God is all-powerful (omnipotent). The One who spoke this world into being can do whatever He wishes! How thankful I am to be living because He is willing.

LET IT GO

Help us remain on the Vine, in Your love, Jesus.

Open our eyes to see the needs of others around us.

Show us how we can meet those needs with Your help.

Glory to God in the Highest!

Jesus, be our focus this week.

Slow Down and Listen

 N. T  #203 “Slow Down and Listen”

Dec. 15, 2023 

Matthew 17-Part 6

In verses 10-13, Jesus is speaking of John the Baptist. John prepared the way for the Lord Jesus. Repentance was John’s message for Israel, but they refused. (V. 13) Jesus would suffer the same kind of rejection and treatment by Israel, too. (V. 12). 

The second coming of Elijah and Moses would be the 2 witnesses in Rev. 11:3-14. 

Are we ready for what is to come?

Let It Grow

Swindoll claims we have 3 bad habits common in our time:

1. If we move too fast, we will stay too shallow. We are to slow down and walk with God. We can’t hurry through our quiet time or skim the Scriptures, nor hurry through our prayer list. 
2. If we talk too much, we listen too little. Walk a little slower, talk a little less, think a little deeper, write a little more, and let wonder in. 
3. If we react too quickly, we will miss the rewards of waiting patiently. We may blurt out something and regret it later. 

Be prudent; stop, talk a deep breath, take it in, ponder it, respond carefully and wisely. 

Let It Go

Help us slow dow and listen for Your voice, Lord. 

Give us patience for answers from You. 

Show us our circumstances from Your perspective. 

Then help us obey. 

What is Our Focus This Christmas?

N.T.#202 "What is Our Focus This Christmas?"

Dec. 14, 2023

Matthew 17-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

What a needy people we live among. They need Light in a world of darkness. They need the love of God in their hearts. They need joy found in freedom from burdens, addictions, and the stronghold of sin. We all need Jesus as our personal Savior. We come to Him by faith only. do you believe in Jesus, the Son of God? 

When God the Father interrupted Peter to give a verbal and visual validation of His one and only so, how did the disciples respond? They fell face down and were terrified. The took the holy and omnipotent God of heaven and earth seriously. Then Jesus came and reassured them, telling the three to not be afraid. Jesus isn't only one among many faithful servants of God, He is superior to them all. The ministries of Moses and Elijah ultimately pointed toward Christ. All Scripture has Him as its focus. (Luke 24:27) (Tony Evans)

On what is our focus? Is it on getting our Christmas shopping done, getting the decorations all up, finding time to bake and prepare for the big meal? Or is it Jesus Christ, the reason we celebrate? Are we spreading the Good News, the Light of the world, the message of the King of kings, to a sinful people?Is His great love and peace shared around us as the Prince of Peace lives in us? 

LET IT GROW

What did Jesus charge Peter, James, and John to do as the descended the mountain? Tell no one about the vision (something gazed at) until He was raised from the dead. boy, did they have a story to tell the rest of the guys! Why such an instruction? It would probably be confusing and cause them to forcibly make Jesus king. This was not His purpose. The disciples would soon be calling sinners to place their faith in the Risen King.

Another thought, the disciples didn't understand completely about Jesus' dying and resurrecting from the dead as of yet. They could have mixed up the events and such. 

Did you notice Jesus came down from the mountain with them. When we have a mountaintop experience, He comes down with us to the people in the valley below so they can go to the mountain of the Lord. He wants us to bring joy, peace, and love to them. 

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for giving Your life just for me.

Keep my focus on You, Jesus, this season.

Glory to God in the Highest!

 

Who Are We Pleasing?

 N.T.#201 "Who Are We Pleasing?"

Dec. 13, 2023

Matthew 17-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

The inner circle, Peter, James, and John, joined Jesus as they climbed Mount Hermon. There Jesus was transformed in a personal manifestation of God's glory. Matthew described the Messiah as His face shining so brightly as the sun and His clothing as white as the light. What a sight for the trio. Not only that, but they saw Elijah and Moses conversing with Jesus. (The prophets and the Law, along with salvation by faith were represented then.) Peter jumped in and suggested making 3 tabernacles for worship. (verse 4) That was the wrong thing to say. Ever put your foot in your mouth as Peter?

While he yet spake, behold, a cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear Him. (verse 5)

No doubt, God got the three men's attention. He spoke to them from a bright cloud. (The disciples fell on their face and were afraid.) When God speaks, we better stop and listen. 

James told us to Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (4:10)

Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

The believer must take deliberate steps each day to baring his mind, body, and life under control so that he can spend time waiting and listening for God to speak. If we quiet ourselves before Him, God can interject His thoughts into our thinking. We need stillness, silence, and seclusion so we can focus our attention on God. Though God may not speak to us audibly, He will move in our spirits and impress our minds. We will know God has spoken to us. God saved us to glorify Him, and He developed a relationship with us so that we can love and understand who He is. Whatever God brings to mind, the best thing is to admit it, confess it, repent of it, and deal with it. (How to Listen to God by Charles Stanley)

When Peter confronted the Sadducees, he and John were bold, but uneducated and untrained me. The Sadducees marveled and realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13) 

Do people recognize us as having been with Jesus? Are we obedient to what the Lord tells us? Do we commit ourselves to listening to the Word, by faith follow Him and apply God's truths in our heart? When we do, then we grow into productive fruit-bearing believers.

LET IT GROW

What did our Heavenly Father say? This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him. (verse 5b)

Well pleased refers to good; well (done); to think will of; approve (an act).

Christ's authority superseded the Law and the Prophets. Do you recall when God said that before? It was in Matthew 3 after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. 

Is our life well pleasing to God? That should be our goal.

Before we get to work for God, we must first listen to Him and clearly hear what is on God's heart. (Blackaby)

Does the Father need to remove from our life those things that are distractions for us? 

Do we need to refocus on Jesus? 

Are there folks around us who need to hear why we celebrate Christmas? 

LET IT GO

Speak to our hearts, Lord Jesus, so we can do Your will Your way.

Finding Love, Comfort, and Peace

 N.T. #200 "Finding Love, Comfort, and Peace"

Dec. 12, 2023

Matthew 17-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

When I was little, I remember dad taking a nap in his recliner. I crawled up in his lap and fell asleep there, secure, comforted, and loved. So it can be for us with our Heavenly Father.

Poor Peter, he stuck his foot in his mouth again. After Jesus' transfiguration in front of him, he still didn't get it. God's plan was for Jesus Christ to provide redemption and salvation for sinful mankind by dying on the cross, then rising again.

Peter acknowledged it was good for them to be there on the mountain. Isn't it always good to be with Jesus? Problems and doubts seem to melt away when we focus upon Him. Through prayer, we can crawl up in the Father's lap and feel His love no matter our situation. Isn't it a delight for us to be where Christ is?

The soul that loves Christ, and loves to be with Him, loves to go and tell Him so. (Matthew Henry)

LET IT GROW

In verse 4, Peter wanted to build 3 tabernacles. Peter wanted to act, but this was a time for worship and adoration of Christ. The Law and Prophets had been a part of this plan, but now Christ fulfilled them. 

Christ was both God and man. Previously, Christ took on the form of a servant. (Phil. 2:7) At this time, He gave His disciples a glimpse of His glory. 

What completely superseded the Law and the Prophets? It was Christ's authority. Jesus is more than a great Prophet, a great leader, a great Prince and lawgiver. Also, He is the Son of God, our Savior, our Redeemer, our substitute. We walk by faith in Him, not by sight. Peter would get to that point. 

LET IT GO

Father, help us let go and let You take over.

Please restore our peace, love, and comfort found in You.

How good it is to be with You!

Glory to our Savior!

Do We Expect the Spectacular?

N.T.#199 "Do We Expect the Spectacular?"

Dec. 11, 2023

Matthew 17-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

I recall going to see Sandi Patti and other great singers as they gave a concert in Memphis. One of the songs was from Handel's Messiah. I can't describe the feeling of God's presence and His glory. The lyrics came directly out of Isaiah 40: 1-2-ev'ry valley shall be exalted, and ev'ry mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight and rough places plain. 

"And the glory, the glory of the Lord shall be revealed!" as the choir sang. In the Greek language, glory (doxa) refers to dignity; honor; raise; worship.

In The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, glory means renown, honor and praise rendered in worship, resplendence, magnificence. 

Such a powerful word in itself can only introduce us to the depth and height, width and breath of God's resplendence, of His magnificence, of His praiseworthiness... of His glory. (Swindoll)

Previously, Jesus discussed His identity, His mission, and the cost of discipleship. (16:13-28) The inner circle of Jesus' disciples, Peter, James, and John, were on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus when He changed His appearance into the personal manifestation of God's glory. This was a supernatural occurrence in which 3 Jewish fishermen caught a glimpse of the glorious deity of Christ Jesus-His face as bright as the sun and His clothing as white as the light. What an incredible experience!

As if that were not enough, two eminent Old Testament figures, Moses and Elijah, appeared and talked with Jesus. Those two men represented those who will be raptured and not see death (like Elijah) and those who will die and go to be with the Lord (like Moses). Also, Moses represented the Law, and Elijah represented the Prophets. Together, along with the disciples, all represented both the Old and New Testaments centered on Jesus. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GROW

Luke's Gospel tells us that prior to the Transfiguration, Jesus had been praying on the high mountain, and the 3 disciples had dozed off. (9:28. 32) Mount Herman is over 10,000 feet high, so it was probably exhausting for the trio to climb. (My thinking) When they work up, they witnessed a brilliant light and heavenly visitors, resulting in the disciples being clearly dumbfounded. Wow! What a surprise! They could have missed it.

Do we miss out on God's working in our life and around us? Has our faith lulled us asleep, not expecting hope and spectacular working of the Holy Spirit?

LET IT GO 

                               ...and let God do His think in our life and our loved ones for His glory.

What a Sight!

N.T.#198

Dec. 7, 2023 "What a Sight!"

Matthew 17

LET IT GLOW

Familiarity can lead to ho hums, been-there-done-that, desensitizing, fallen, frail, and fickle. So it can be when we spend centuries living the Christian life. We have to guard our heart from this. The disciples had seen and heard it all as they followed in the footsteps of Jesus. Maybe it was time for the trio to be shaken up with a sense of awesome and love as they came face-to-face with the greatness and glory of the Lord Jesus. They needed to snap out of it and face reality.

For whatever reason, Jesus chose Peter, James, and John, the selected few, was given a chance of a lifetime. This inner circle saw Christ as He undergoes a dramatic change in appearance so they could behold Him in all His glory-have a confirmation in their heart that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Messiah, the Savior. After all, Peter was going to preach on the day of Pentecost when 3,000 get save, and John was going to write Revelation, the unique vision of the future. James was the first to be called by Jesus to follow Him, and would be the first martyred in Jerusalem, shedding his blood for Christ.

Now the four of them took a 6 day trip, climbing Mt. Tabor, the high mountain. It would be about a 60-mile walk from Caesarea Philippi to Mount Tabor. Don't you know the four had a lot to discuss?

What do we discuss when we take trips? do we share with our family all the wonderful things Jesus has done in our life? Or do they watch videos, listen to music instead?

LET IT GROW

Verse 2 tells us what happened to Jesus before the eyes of the 3 disciples:

And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light.

In the Greek, transfigured means to transform (metamorphose); change; transformed.

Jesus, the God-man, had been living, in terms of His appearance, as an ordinary human for over thirty year, veiling His divine glory. (Swindoll)

Jesus looked like an ordinary man in appearance. Jesus emptied Himself of that manifestation of heavenly glory to take on the form of a bond-servant and likeness of men. Previously, Jesus had displayed His authority and power through teaching and miracles. His glory was hidden and not visible unto that day on the mountain. Jesus revealed His fullness of divinity. 

Thus, the backbone of doctrine of Christ became evident. Peter and John declared it in 2 Peter 1:16-18 and John 1:1-5, 14. Jesus changed in a manner visible to others. His face shone like the sun and His clothing was white as light. Jesus wasn't just glowing, He was shining! Jesus sin't just a reflector of God's glory, He is the source of divine glory as the second person of the Trinity. 

Don't you know the disciples would never forget this confirmation of Jesus' deity revealed on earth? However, this was a foretaste of Jesus' coming kingdom. It will be heaven on earth to live and experience this selected time of 1,000 years of Christ's reign as king on earth. I wonder what will take place during that time. Worshiping the Savior by all, undoubtedly.

The grace and mercy of God that follows us all the days of our life will be evident, don't you think. What an extraordinary event for the three, to see Jesus in all His glory! One day we will, dear one. Will you experience Jesus as your Judge or Savior? Will you spend eternity with Him or forever separated from Him and His love?

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

LET IT GO

Glory to God in the highest!

Thank You Jesus for providing everlasting life for us.

A Cross and a Crown

 N.T.#197 "A Cross and a Crown"

Dec. 5, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 13

LET IT GLOW

The last two verses clear up some questions people have. The Messiah will rule as Judge and reign as King in His new kingdom. There will be a reward for the righteous. There will be a glorious, eternal kingdom. This suffering Messiah would one day wear a crown after the cross. Without the cross there would be no crown. Without death, there would be no resurrection for Jesus. 

Without repentance, admitting sins, there can be no remission for sin. Have you done so, friend?

LET IT GROW

In all three Gospels, the promise in verse 28 occurs immediately prior to the transfiguration of Jesus. (chapter 17) Peter, James, and John would witness only 6 days later. They were the "some."

Kingdom means royalty; rule; a realm.

This would be a foretaste of the advent of Jesus' glorious kingdom on earth which He will set up.

What are 3 things we should never forget?

1. Never think that just because something is unexpected, it is unacceptable. 
2. Never think that the Lord should alter His plan to fit your preferences. God's plans aren't to be questioned, renegotiated, or tweaked to fit our own preferences. We do what He places before us-when He wants and how He wants. 
3. Never think that being a close follower of Jesus can happen without self-denial. It's not about me, but Jesus. (Swindoll)

We are to have the mind of Christ. (1 Cor. 2:16) The three disciples experienced Jesus' humanity peeled back and got a glimpse of His glorious deity.

Keep your head up-Jesus is coming back.

If we totally identify with Jesus and live according to His agenda, we will find the abundant life we never knew was possible. (John 10:10) What good is it to gain worldly stuff while losing spiritual blessings and the peace that makes life worthwhile? (Evans)

LET IT GO

Where would we be without You, Jesus?

Help us let go and let you take over.

Rescue us from evil. Fight our battles for us. We lay these at Your feet.

You never give up on us. 

How Important is Your Soul?

N.T.#196 "How Important is Your Soul?"

Dec. 4, 2023

Matthew 16-Part 12

LET IT GLOW

Actions speak louder than words. What we do is who we are. Words mean nothing if we don't do what we say we will do. It's easy to say we love, but showing it proves it. Jesus was teaching His disciples, and us, how to live.

A Christian is a person who has accepted a challenge of Jesus' calling to deny self-own selfish ambitions, our own selfish sinful pleasures-and take up our cross. (Billy Graham)

If we are willing to lose pleasures and comforts of life, even lay down our own life for Christ, then we will find, obtain, get it. We will be willing to obey the Master of Life. Is Jesus asking us to give or sacrifice our time, energy, possessions, pride, and whatever stands in our way of serving Him with all our heart, in order for someone to walk closer to Jesus or find Him as Savior? 

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (verse 26)

In the Greek language, profited means to benefit; be useful; exchange refers to an equivalent or ransom; instead. 

So we can have the highest social or civic honors, or salary, and it not be useful to us if we don't have heaven for our eternal home with Jesus. We have nothing to give instead of our soul. Jesus doesn't want our things, He wants our soul. He loves us so much that He was willing to give Himself in our place of punishment for our sins so we would not go to hell. That is a sacrifice! What love! Nothing compares to it. There is nothing of any earthly value to compare to a person's soul. 

LET IT GROW

Here is our challenge, friend. Is Jesus requiring we give of ourself in order to love the unlovely one? How can Jesus show them love through us? What about the one that has hurt us, can we turn the other cheek and show them love?

With Christmas season upon us, let's pray for God to use us in an unexpected way, giving Him an extravagant gift of love by giving to others.

LET IT GO

Help us let go of ourself, pride, selfishness, and give to others.

Thank You Jesus for giving us love when were were unlovely.

How Big is Your Faith?

Dec. 5, 2023

"How Big is Your Faith?"

LET IT GLOW

Our God is an Awesome God. I will share how He came through for me again. Thursday I had a colonoscopy because of my Crohn's. I was concerned about going through the ordeal this year. Already, I was anemic and doubling up on iron pills, but had to stop taking it a week before the test. Another thing, I had the runs ahead of the test, which made we weak. Plus, walking a lot on my left foot after fracturing it in August makes it hurt. And then there was the issue of having problems getting my nausea meds before starting the prep. So you can see my apprehension. 

I kept praying that I would get the meds needed because previously I had dehydrated and spent the night in the hospital. I made 3 calls to the doctor's office and nurse. Then I got a call from the pharmacy 10 minutes before I was to start drinking the prep. Was God testing my faith? He came through in the nick of time for me. Although, I had to drive to the pharmacy by that time since my husband had already left for Bible study. Ugh!

So survived the prep drink. My pharmacist called it my party box. Nothing about it was a party. Sure, a 1 person party-get out of my way.

The gastroenterologist removed 6 polyps and 5 other biopsies. (They could develop into cancer if not removed.) To my surprise, an upper GI was ordered, too. That resulted in a sore throat for a few days. My problem happened after returning home. After a short while it began-bleeding. The doctor warned me if bleeding continued into the night, then I was to go to the ER and surgery would have to be done in order to remove the one bleeding spot. (He had to put a clip on it during the process.) During this long afternoon and evening, I kept praying for the bleeding to stop, but it didn't. By the time I went to bed, I was weak and worn out. I needed a good night sleep before surgery. (We know the hospital is not a place to sleep.).

Finally, in my desperation, I reached up to touch the robe of the royal robe of Jesus sitting on His throne. I recalled the woman with the 12-year issue of blood which Jesus healed. I was begging for healing and crumbs from the Master's table. He heard my cry and the bleeding stopped. How merciful is our God!

LET IT GROW

I am not saying God heals every sickness. It is His decision and His timing. I was willing to have surgery if that was how God wanted to heal me. I believed He had the power to heal. Jesus told the woman was her great faith that made her whole. (Matthew 9:20)

It may take a while for the pain to subside, but that is a little thing compared to what I went through.

Dear one, how big is your faith? Is it the size of a tiny mustard seed? That is all you need to encounter Jesus. I want to have great faith. How about you?

Is there a need you need met? Ask Jesus. Trust His decision and timing.

LET IT GO 

Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness, my God-that is who You are!

Christ is the Lord! Praise His name forever!

I worship You.

God, You are still the same God forever-loving and merciful, forgiving, kind.

Ain't nobody love us like Jesus!

To You be the glory forever!