Are You Prepared?

N.T. # 274 "Are You Prepared?"

March 29, 2024

Watch, therefor3e, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh. (verse 13) 

Matthew 25

LET IT GLOW 

Who doesn't like to go to a wedding? I think the women especially enjoy the festivity of it and love in the air. .Here is another parable, the ten virgins. the wise five virgins were prepared for the sudden, unexpected arrival of the bridegroom. They had enough oil for their lamps to keep burning, even though the groom tarried (delay; to take time; linger). They were going to a wedding and a wedding feast. I wonder if the bridegroom was expected at a certain time. The 10 were going to accompany the groom to the wedding. However, all ten of the virgins slept, since it was at midnight when the man finally came.

The problem occurred for the 5 virgins-their oil ran out and they had to run out and buy more oil for their lamps so they could have their way lit. The prepared 5 did not share their oil with the 5 unprepared, lest they not have a light for their walk. In the meantime, the 5 prepared ones went inside with the groom and the door was shut. When the unprepared gals returned, they asked for the groom to open the door so they could go inside to attend the weeding and the weeding feast. However, the groom would not let in the unprepared five. It was too late, the festivities had already begun. He said, in verse 12, I know you not.

LET IT GROW

What was Jesus trying to say to His disciples and to us?

• Half of humanity will be saved when Jesus returns.
• Those prepared for His coming know Jesus as their personal Savior. Their lamps are lit and they are wise.
• The Holy Spirit is the oil represented here, which is a personal possession. He cannot be shared but comes through individual repentance.
• Jesus is the Bridegroom that is tarrying so others can come to Him. He is waiting during the Chruch Age for the invited to come to His wedding feast in heaven.
• In contrast, the 5 foolish gals were unprepared for eternity. Works does not keep the door open, family salvation is not the way, baptism is not theway in, for only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ allows entrance into the heavenly kingdom of God.

Folks, only the Father knows when He will send Jesus to bring His children home in the rapture. Have you trusted in Jesus to be your personal Savior? Is He your Lord and Master? He took our place on the cross so we do not have to pay for our sins. He is the Perfect Lamb of God that takes away our sins. Have you confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive you?

*It's Friday, but Sunday's coming! Jesus was in the tomb, but waiting for the rising of the Son!

LET IT GO 

Glory to God in the Highest!

Oh how we love You Jesus!

Thank You isn't enough to repay You for paying our debt of sin.

Use us to share salvation, love, grace and mercy with others.

Faithful and Hypocritical Servants

N.T.#273 "Faithful and Hypocritical Servants"

March 28, 2024

Matthew 24-Part 8

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus tells us to be alert and ready for His coming at the rapture. Christians must be watching like a homeowner on the alert for a thief to break in. the timing of the rapture is unknown. (verses 42-44)

What do we learn from the parable of the two servants?

What about the faithful servant?

• Be ready, for the Lord will come when we least expect it. (verse 44)
• Be a faithful (trustworthy) and wise (discreet) servant until our Lord comes. (verse 45)
• The Master finds this servant diligently working when He returns, doing a good job-he will be rewarded.(verse 46)
• He will be made ruler over all his goods, put in charge of all that he owns.

Jesus wants us to spend the time of waiting taking care of His people and doing His work here on earth, both within the church and outside it. This is the best way to prepare for Christ's return. (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GROW

What about the contrasting servant?

• He is called an evil (worthless; depraved; bad; wicked) servant. (verse 48)
• He thinks the Master delays His coming. (verse 48)
• He smites (repeated blows with fist, pam; punish; beat; wound) his fellowservants. (verse 49)
• He eats and drinks with the drunken, partying. (verse 49) 
• This servant is not looking for his Lord. (verse 50)
• He will be cut asunder (to bisect; to flog severely). 
• This servant will be assigned a place with the hypocrites (an actor under an assumed character ; stage-player) where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth-hell.

What a contrast between the faithful and hypocritical servants. 

LET IT GO

Show us what You see in us Lord.

May we be a faithful servant.

Are You Ready for Christ's Return?

N.T.#272 "Are You Ready for Christ's Return?" 

March 26, 2024 

Matthew 24-Part 7

LET IT GLOW 

Are we watching for Jesus to come get His church and children of believers? Are we awake to the signs of the times? Are we vigilant in doing kingdom work?

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (verse 42)

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. (verse 44)

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (25:13)

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (26:41)

When we are not prayerfully watching, we will not be prepared for the tragedy that is about to happen. (Falwell)

Christ's return will be sudden. People will be going about their usual duties, work, As believers in Christ, we are to live confidently (not fearfully) and hopefully (not suspiciously) in light of His prophetic picture of end-times events. Are you ready?

LET IT GROW 

Ready or not, Jesus is coming! True believers will be snatched from this earth and the rest of the world will face the great Day of the Lord-the seven-year Tribulation. (1 Thess. 4:16-5:3) concerning the days leading up to and including glorious return of Jesus Christ:

1. Christ's delay may be lengthy, so let's wait with patient anticipation. With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. (2 Peter 3:8)
2. Christ's return will be sudden and unexpected. Be faithful in waiting and fruitful in service. Don't get too comfortable in the world.
3. Christ's judgment will be irreversible. It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment. (Heb. 9:27)
4. When Christ returns, the truth will be revealed. Pretenders and hypocrites won't be able to pull one over on the all-knowing Judge.
5. Each individual will be personally accountable at the return of Christ. We won't be able to stand behind our spouse, parents, family name, church membership, or ministry involvement. God know the truth about us.
6. The future of the faithful will be joyful. A gathering of believers will enter the messianic kingdom from around the world. God will honor the life of faith and obedience, acts of faithfulness in this life.
7. The destiny of the lost will be dreadful. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (verse 51) Outer darkness and eternal punishment will be for unbelievers. (25:30; 46)

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

Salvation is through Christ alone by faith. do you believe Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God, the only way to heaven? Can we stand before Christ, our soul washed in the blood of Jesus? Or will you pay for your sins instead of accepting the free gift of salvation. We are bought with a price, so glorify God in your body.

Have you become new in Christ? Our King Jesus is coming.

LET IT GO 

All glory, honor, and praise to You, Everlasting God our Father!

Watch and Look Up

N.T.#271 "Watch and Look Up"

March 26, 2024 

Matthew 24-Part 6

LET IT GLOW 

Next month, thousands of people will be looking up at the solar eclipse next month. As followers of Jesus, we are to be looking up for His coming to get His church. What a day that will be! Are you ready?

When are all those signs going to happen, the return of Jesus and the end of the world? Throughout generation this question has been pondered.  The disciples asked Jesus while on the Mount of Olives. We are told to watch, for we know not what hour our Lord will come. (verse 42) 

The world will not be expecting Him.  Just as the people in Noah's day did not believe that a flood was coming, multitudes today do not believe that God's judgment is coming. The flood did come, though, and so will His judgment. Jesus calls us who know Him to wait in expectation. Our hands should be busy with His work-but our eyes should be looking up. May our watching for Jesus make us even more active in His service. (Wisdom for Each Day by Billy Graham)

Although the time for Christ's return is uncertain, the fact of His coming is certain. Are you ready? How about your loved ones?

LET IT GROW 

Two will be in the field working; one will be taken up while the other is left here. Two women grinding at the mill; one taken and the other left. (verses 40-41)

Events signaling Christ's return are happening all around us-wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution of Christians, lawlessness, people doing what is right in their own eyes, while love for others will grow cold. (verses 6-12) All of these things will only be the beginning, for when Christ returns, everything will be finished. Look up, our Redeemer draweth nigh.

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (verse 42)

In this verse watch means to keep awake; be vigilant.

We must continually be on guard, looking up. Are you ready for the rapture? Believers will be caught up in the air, taken by Jesus wo be with Jesus. Scripture teaches the rapture will take place prior to the events of the tribulation. Are you ready, friend? His return will be swift and sudden. no time for last-minute repentance or bargaining. Our choice has been made by then, as well as our eternal destiny. Surrender today. 

*Please pray for Maci, a 6 year old girl who is having a heart ablation this morning at 8am. Her grandmother is a member of our church.

LET IT GO

How awesome You are, Lord Jesus!

We know Your Word is Truth.

Use us to share Your love and salvation today. 

We are watching for Your return to come get Your children.

Live Now in Light of the Future

N.T.#270 "Live Now in Light of the Future"

March 25 

Matthew 24-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus warned His disciples and us to not be deceived by the false prophets and false Christs. Don't be deceived by their deceptive words and signs. (verse 24) Those false ones will trick the unsavcd and some of the elect. (verse 23-26) 

Immediately after the tribulation is completed, the sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars will fall. After the Tribulation, Christ comes back, which will not be a mistaken entrance. He will  seen by all, coming in the clouds with power and great glory. (verse 30) Angels will blow the trumpet, His elect will be gathered together. (verse 30)

  

LET IT GROW 

wow! How can we live confidently (not fearfully) and hopefully (not suspiciously) in light of these bleak pictures of the end-times?

1. Reject every temptation to live in fear. We true believers in Christ have salvation by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul told Timothy, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7)  God wil be with us, strengthen us, uphold us. (Isaiah 41:10)
2. Remember God is completely sovereign. Not almost, mostly, or partly sovereign, but completely sovereign. He controls the world's event and our personal life events. His timing and of everything present and future are in His hands. Psalm 115:3 says, But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. He is working all things for our good. (Rom. 8:28)
3. Rely on God's Word when we feel uncertain or insecure. It is for our instruction and to give us hope. (Romans 15:4)

[Resource: Swindoll's Living Insights on Matthew 15-28]

Folks, we can have encouragement, hope, and have perseverance, not dread of the future uncertainty or insecurity. Which goup do you stand with, dear one? 

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.No one come to the Father God except through Him. (John 14:6-7)

LET IT GO

Thank You for being faithful to us, Jesus.

We put all our hope in You.

Your Words are true because You are Truth.

Help us live now in light of the future.

How wonder heaven must be! 

Horrifying Times Ahead

 N.T.#269 "Horrifying Times Ahead"

March 22

Matthew 24-Part 4

LET IT GLOW 

Previously, we learned about the 6 signs of Jesus' return. Also, the abomination of desolation, which is mentioned by Daniel three time (chapters 9,11,12). We know Antiochus Epiphanes made a sacrifice of a pig (unclean) on the altar of the Temple. Also, the Roman burned the Temple in AD 70 and proclaimed he was the king of Jerusalem. All of that was only a partial fulfillment of the prophet. 

In verses 16-22, we see the Jews are warned about the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation:

• flee to the mountains; (verse 16)
• one on the deck of the roof of his house must run for their life, not taking time to pack; (verse 17)
• one in the field must not turn back to get their clothes; (verse 18)
• woe to the pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days; (verse 19)
• pray the flight not be in winter nor on the Sabbath; (verse 20)

Keep in mind that the Antichrist will set himself up as the so called god or object of worship so he takes his seat in the Temple of God, displaying himself as being God. (2 Thess. 2:3-4) 

So the ultimate manifestation of the abomination of desolation is the Antichrist himself. (Swindoll)

Folks, we don't want to be here, nor do we want our loved ones experiencing all of this. What a horrible time in which to live. Therefore, share Jesus with them, help them find the One True King as their Savior.

 

LET IT GROW 

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be save: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. (verses 22-23)

So horrifying will those days be that if the destruction was not to be stopped by the glorious return of Christ, not life would have been saved. Judgment and wrath will be upon this earth. 

There have been some awful times on earth-Nazis attempting to rule Europe, Viet Cong invading Saigon, hurricanes causing destruction in their paths, tornados and floods tearing down whatever is in its path, fires and volcanos, criminals pouring into our nation, etc.

Dear one, will you be one of those raptured out before the horrors take place here?

LET IT GO

May we show gracious love to others so they see Jesus in us today.

Keep us faithful servants of the Almighty God.

Honor, glory, praise be to You!

What Does God Hate?

N.T.#268 "What Does God Hate?"

March 21 

Matthew 24-Part 3

LET IT GLOW 

Despite all the tribulations to come-deception of false teachers, wars, persecutions, natural disasters, defections from Christ, and all the obstacles to the spread of the gospel-the message ultimately penetrates every part of the globe. (MacAurthur)

Those are the signs of the end times, the rapturing out of the church will result in Satan's free reign on earth. The "abomination of desolation" is referred to by Daniel 3 times. (9:27.,11:31; 12:11)

Abomination means a destration; idolatry. 

Webster defines destation as an extreme hatred or dislike.

When God detests something, He hates it. 

In 168 BC, Aniochus Epiphanes, king of Syria, offered a pig upon the altar in the Temple, which was made into a shrine to Zeus. The Roman ruler Titus destroyed the Temple in 70 AD, some 40 years after Christ. Paul said the Antichrist will set up an image in the Temple during the future Tribulation (2 Thess. 2:3-4), as well as John in Revelation 13:14-15). 

So abominations is not just a long word, but is like unto idolatry. Now that is serious. 

LET IT GROW

 What are some things that God hates, detests, or is an abomination to Him? Proverbs lists them:

• haughtiness, lying, murdering, scheming wickedness, eagerness to do wrong, a false witness, stirring up conflict. (6:16-19)
• violent people (3:31)
• sacrifice and ways of the wicked (15:8-9)
• the proud (16:5)
• judging unjustly (17:15).

We must be careful in our walk of faith, our thoughts, words and actions. We want them to please God. Leviticus 18 lists sexual sins, if you want to look them up.

LET IT GO 

We surrender our thoughts, our emotions, and our will to You, Sweet Jesus.

Clean our hearts.

Show us what is displeasing to You.

May we lift up the standards the Bible teaches us.

Where Are We Looking?

N.T.#267 "Where Are We Looking?"

March 26, 2024 

Matthew 24-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Yesterday, I was out at our farm, looking for my cats to feed. Then I looked up and into the field. There were 9 deer running and jumping the fences. Had I not been looking there, I would have missed such a wonderful sight. Where are we looking as believers in Jesus? Is our focus on the world or is it on Jesus?

Many of Jesus' words in this chapter and the next chapter refer to the future time of the 7-year Tribulation that follows the church age and precedes the Millennial kingdom when Jesus Christ reigns on earth a thousand years. The disciples asked the Messiah what will be the signs of His coming and the end of the world. (verse 3)

Jesus gave six signs of the times, the signs of the end, signaling His soon return:

1. Widespread deception by an increasing number of false Christs. (verses 4-5) Many have been led astray from the Truth into false religious cults. There is only one Truth, Word, and Way to heaven-through Jesus Christ. Let us not be deceived, for there are false prophets, false teachers, and false messiahs.
2.  International disputes will intensify among the nations. (verses 6-7) We can expect massive world wars among the kingdoms of this world. The political and economic structures will be dragged into the wars. Rumors of wars will occur, too. We have experienced those in the past and present. 
3. Famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, as well as other disasters, will take place in various places. Starvation and diseases will add to the misery. Crops and livestock starving, drying up of water sources, result in a lack of food, water, and electricity. Lately, we have had floodings and large amounts of snow, plus fires here in our country.
4. Believers will experience severe persecution from those who hate Christ. (verse 9) Those saved after the church is raptured out will be killed, hated, and martyred for their faith in Christ. The Antichrist and his wicked empire will rule under Satan with evil.

Doesn't this inspire us to share the Gospel so other will join us in the rapture, not having to experience this horrible time?

LET IT GROW 

          5. Many supposed Christians will defect. (verses 10-13) False followers of Jesus will show their true colors by following the deception and denying Christ under the threat of bodily harm. They will turn away from the truth, betray their fellow believers, and show hate instead of love toward the brethren. Phony followers of Jesus will be weeded out. Those truly saved will endure to the end by the power of the Holy Spirit.

            6. A worldwide declaration of the Gospel will be spread and salvation in Jesus Christ will be proclaimed everywhere. God may send and use angels as messengers of the Good News. Revelation 14:6-7) God can work through the 144,000 converts from the 12 tribes of Israel. (Rev. 7:1-8)

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

I know this has been a downer, but we need to be informed of what is to come. Otherwise, Jesus would not have explained it to His disciples and us. May we not be deceived. 

The only sure way to keep from being deceived is to focus on Christ and His Words. Look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Those events will happen, but be sure you are one of those raptured out of here before the Tribulation.

LET IT GO

Father, our life is in Your hands.

Use us for Your glory to tell Your love story.

May we serve a Risen Savior that is alive in the world today.

To You be the glory forever and ever! 

Deception is Coming!

N.T.#266 "Deception is Coming!"

March 19, 2024 

Matthew 24

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus wrapped up His heated conversations and warnings with the scribes and Pharisees. He and His disciples left the Temple area, heading for a 2-mile hike to Bethany. They went through the Kidron Valley and up the steep hill up to the Mount of Olives, where they stopped, paused, for a few moments. This event is often referred to as the Olivet Discourse because it includes a lengthy instruction for Jesus' disciples while standing there, looking down upon the Temple. 

The men saw the great handiwork of Herod the Great who funded the construction. He built a huge, massive retaining wall around the Temple in the city of Jerusalem. A portion of the western wall still stands today. It is made of gigantic rocks stacked upon each other, reaching 62 feet in height. The wall is only 1,601 feet long that remains. Today, Jews come into the area to place prayers within the crevices. They wail there because their Temple of worshiping God has been mostly destroyed. While visiting there, women would sit in lawn chairs and pray and cry out to God. Children sang Jewish songs of lament. It was a solemn courtyard. (We were inspected before entering the sacred place) You can google information and history of this area.

During Jesus' day, the Temple was made of white marble and its eastern front was covered with plates of gold which reflected the rays of the rising sun. It was a man-made splendor.( During the Ottoman Empire, the ruined city walls were built (1535), taking 4 years to complete.)

Jesus told His disciples the great buildings would be completely demolished. The Romans conquered Jerusalem in 70 AD, fulfilling Jesus' prediction.

There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. (verse 2)

While there on the Mt. of Olives, high above the city of Jerusalem,, the disciples asked Jesus three questions: 

1. When will this happen?
2. What will be the sign of these things about to be fulfilled, the sign of Your coming?
3. What will be the sign of the end of the world?

Jesus' Second Coming will not take place until after the church age.  Down through the ages folks have made their predictions. Yet, we are still awaiting the coming Messiah and King's entrance to finish things here on earth and set up His Millenium reign.

Are we ready?

LET IT GROW 

(I am no theologian, only reading what our great preachers have written on this topic.) My resources include: Swindoll's Living Insights on Matthew 16-28, Liberty Bible Commentary, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary)

The signs of the end times will include:

1. A widespread deception by a growing number of false Christs. (verse 4-5) The arrival of the Antichrist figure and his False Prophet will entail worldwide satanic deception. (Rev. 13) the Holy Spirit will withdraw His restraining power during the time of the Tribulation. (2 Thess. 2:6-7) It will be an era of spiritual, moral, and political turmoil. When the church is raptured out prior to the 7-year Tribulation, the children of light will be removed from the world of darkness. (1 Thess. 5:1-8) Truth will be twisted; lawlessness will be here. Right now, spiritual wickedness is restrained while the church is here.

I sure don't want my loved ones to experience this. Doesn't it seem as though our nation is heading in that direction today? God's Word is ignored, people pervert their intended sex and lifestyle. People are focused on power and their way. Christians are shamed, persecuted, and even killed if they stand up for the Truth.

LET IT GO

Jesus, we know You are in control. 

Protect Your children form evil.

Holy Spirit, keep us in Your will.

Phony Verses Sincere

N.T.#265 "Phony Verses Sincere"

March 18, 2024 

Matthew 223-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

We have finished the 8 rebukes of Jesus for the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees. Jesus rightly accused them of:

• deceit (verses 41-42)
• pride (verse 43)
• inconsistency (verses 44-46)
• condoning murder and conspiracy (verses 47-51)
• hindering people from being saved. (verse 53). (Luke 11)

 [Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

Soul check--Are any of those qualities found in us? We are to look, walk, and act differently. Our actions should be due to love within us-the love of the Father and Son, Jesus Christ. Can others tell a difference in us and the unsaved worldly?

LET IT GROW

Jerusalem contained the beloved, chosen Jews. They were to make a difference in their world, showing the love of God. Yet, their religious leaders became self-centered, greedy, and power-hungry. They killed the prophets sent to warn the sinners to repent before calamity came upon them. They stoned those sent with the Truth and Word from God-Stephen and Jesus.

Since God is sovereign, He is fully capable of bringing to pass whatever He desires. (Isaiah 46:10) This includes the salvation of whomever He chooses. (Eph. 1:4,5) Yet He sometimes expresses a wish for that which He does not sovereignly bring to pass. He is full of compassion, sincerely good to all, desirous of good, not evil, and no delighted with the destruction of the wicked. (Ezek.18:32) He pleas for the repentance of the reprobate, shows goodness toward the wicked, has genuine mercy. (Rom. 2:4) (MacArthur) 

Jesus would have gathered Jerusalem like children, like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings in a storm. Chicks in danger run to mamma hen. But the Jews would not! What a deep, sincere passion. All of Jesus' feelings must be in perfect harmony with the divine will. (John 8:29) Jesus desired to gather the people of Israel and restore their blessings as their Messiah, but they would not repent of their sins and believe He is the Messiah.

In verse 38, Jesus foretells about the destruction coming in 70 AD. The Roman army swept through Judea, laid siege to Jerusalem, and destroyed the city and the temple then. They were not going to see Jesus again until He said: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. (verse 39).

Is Jesus reaching out His hands to you to gather you into His embrace? 

Paul told us "A partial hardening has happened to Israel unto the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved. "(Romans 11:25-26) 

When the complete number of Gentiles has entered the kingdom of God, the spiritual blindness of the nation Israel shall be removed. (Falwell)

Are you one who has trusted Jesus as your Savior and repented of your sins? If not, do it today.

LET IT GO

Use us today to share Your love, salvation, mercy.

Help us surrender our all to You.

May we not be a phony spiritual person, but sincere.

Compassionate and Longsuffering

 N.T.#264  "Compassionate and Longsuffering"

March 15, 2024 

Matthew 23-Part 6

LET IT GLOW 

In verse 34, Jesus is wrapping up His rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees after the 8 woes to those hypocrites. Verse 34 is reference to the disciples, prophets, evangelists, and pastors who followed them. He gave gifts to men and the gifted men to the church-apostles and Paul. (Eph. 4:11)

Verse 35 is a little puzzling, yet it refers to Zechariah the prophet was martyred between the temple and the altar in a way similar to how the previous Zechariah was killed. 

That generation experienced the utter destruction of Jerusalem and the burning of the temple in A.D. 70. It came as judgment which Jesus was speaking about, and the removal of the blessing of God from the temple. (verses 37-38) (MacArthur)

LET IT GROW

We read of the compassion of Jesus in verse 37. He delights in good, not evil, and was not delighted in the destruction of the Temple. Ezekiel 18L30-32 challenged the house of Israel to repent and turn from all their transgressions, so they would not be a stumbling block that caused their punishment. They needed a new heart and a new spirit. the Lord takes no pleasure in anyone's death, so should they die? Repent and live. 

If we renounce our life's direction of sin and rebellion and turn to God, He will give us a new direction, a new love, and a new power to change. Determine to trust in God's power by faith to change you heart and mind. Then determine to live each day with Him in control. (Eph. 4:22-24) (Life Application Study Bible)

Dear one, have you had a change of heart, mind, and will? Jesus can give it to you when you come to Him by faith, repenting of your sins.

LET IT GO

What a loving and compassionate Savior You are, Sweet Jesus!

How longsuffering You are, waiting on us to repent and turn to You.

Help us be loving, compassionate, and longsuffering, too.

Clean Inside and Out

 N.T.#263 "Clean Inside and Out"

March 14, 2024

Matthew 23-Part 5

LET IT GLOW 

Don't we like to wear clean clothes and have taken a shower or bath to remove dirt from our body? Yet more important is our heart and soul. Are we concerned with keeping sin out of our mind and soul? Do we daily confess our sins to Jesus? Some men had this problem. Check it out.

We are finishing the 8 woes Jesus gave to the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees. Jesus saw their hearts and they were unclean. 

7. They were like whitewashed tombs-beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity. Those guys looked like righteous people outwardly, but inwardly their hearts were filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness. (NLT) Oh, they appeared clean, pure, holy, and spotless, yet their heart had a stench of death and corruption. (verses 27-28)

Tombs were regularly whitewashed to make them stand out. Accidentally touching or stepping on a grave caused ceremonial uncleanness. (Numbers 19:16) (MacArthur)

No matter how much you decorate the exterior of a grave, the interior still contains death. The Pharisees seemed righteous to People on the outside, but on the inside they had wicked motives and desires. (Evans)

Are we clean from the inside out? Does our heart match our appearance?

LET IT GROW

8. The last woe to the scribes and Pharisees who built tombs of the prophets and decorated the graves of the righteous. (verse 29) They claimed that THEY would not have joined with their forefathers who killed the Old Testament-era prophets. Yet at the same time, they were rejecting the Messiah and planning to murder Him. They were just like those who had gone before them and murdered the prophets. (verse 31) (Tony Evans)

What a ridiculous claim to self-righteousness. How sad the influence those guys had on the people. Folks wee bullied all their lives by the man-made rules enforced by guilt and shame. They learned to hate rather than love the things of God. These were the strongest words Jesus ever delivered during His 33 year ministry. He confronted those whose influence reached well beyond His number.

Are we wearing a mask, pretending to be a Christian, with a clean heart?

LET IT GO

Cleanse my heart O God, make it ever pure. Cleanse my heart O God, may I be like you.

Thank You Jesus for providing a way to heaven, a way to live pleasing the Father, a way to show others love You have for them.

Show us our sins and help us admit them. 

Is Your Heart Sparkling Clean?

N.T.#262 "Is Your Heart Sparkling Clean?"

March 13, 2024 

Matthew 23-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

When we moved, I wanted clean dishes in my cabinet, so I spent a lot of time washing them. The crystal in my display cabinet was dirty, for I had not washed them for quite some time. I wanted them to sparkle from the inside out. Jesus want us to sparkle for Him, too, with clean hearts and clean hands. 

We are continuing the rebukes Jesus gave to the scribes and Pharisees. They were stumbling blocks in the way of sinners coming to repentance of their sins and conversion, shutting up heaven against men. These religious teachers were hypocrites. They devour widows' houses and make long pretending prayers.

3.They become missionaries of evil, spreading legalism like a disease. Using deception to capture converts, their ways were zealous without knowledge. (verse 15) Help us not block the way of salvation for people, Jesus.

4. This group taught that taking an oath, swearing by the Temple, altar, or heaven, a person was not bound to keep the oath. However, taking an oath in the name of the gold of the Temple, the gift on the altar, or the throne of God, the oath was binding. See how the Pharisees and scribes twisted the Word to make it their own? (verses 16-22)

Any oath made before God should be kept. Are we being the kind of example that honors our God? Do we keep our oaths with people and with God? What do folks know us as keeping our word or breaking promises? Are we honoring the Lord with our way of life?

LET IT GROW

5. They were careful to tithe even the tiniest income from their herb gardens, but ignore the more important aspects of the law-justice, mercy, and faith. Counting the tiny seeds and tiny leaves for offerings with precision, was not what counted. In little matters the Pharisees kept the law, but  completely overlooked its more important precepts. Certainly tithing is important, just don't overlook justice, mercy, and faith. Are we neglecting compassion for others while trying to remain faithful to God? (verse 23)

6. Sorrow awaited these religious leaders who were so careful to clean the outside of a cup and dish, but the inside was filthy. First clean the inside and then the outside will become clean too. Exhorting from others is wrong. These guys had hearts full of greed, self-indulgence, and wickedness. (verse 25-26)

External purity was pointless if hearts were filled with robbery and selfishness. Who wants to drink from a cup that is clean on the outside, yet filthy on the inside? The Pharisees considered the external appearance more important than the internal reality. Their behavior was hypocritical. Jesus rebuked them often. Are we desiring to have a dirty heart and clean actions or a clean heart and clean actions?

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, I don't want to live like a hypocrite.

Cleans my mind, heart, will, emotions, soul, and body for sins.

Make me a clean vessel for the Holy spirit to occupy.

To You be the glory forever. 

What is Our Motive for Serving?

N.T. #261 "What is Our Motive for Serving?"

March 12, 2024 

Matthew 23-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Are you being a self-servant, exalting yourself, or a servant of Jesus, exalting Him? (verses 11-12) Love people to Jesus should be our motive for serving. God will give us opportunities if we are looking for them. For example, yesterday, a family member had surgery. My husband with to be with them in the hospital while I took their child to and from school. In between times, I fixed food for them whenever they got home, exhausted. We didn't do it for show or thanks, but out of love for them.

Today, we begin reading about the 7 woes with which Jesus confronted the scribes and Pharisees. (verses 13-36) 

In the Greek language, woe means exclamation of grief; hypocrites is an actor under an assumed character (stage-player).

Why should this group of acting-religious guys be sorrowful?

1. They were condemning others, while rejecting the kingdom of heaven through Jesus Christ, being a stumbling block to prevent others receiving salvation. (verse 13) 

Rather than drawing others into God's kingdom life with the glorious message of forgiveness and hope, they intentionally resisted the truth themselves and stood in the way of others. The scribes and Pharisees were only performing outward observances, wearing elaborate garb, keeping tedious rules and regulations when people were watching. Behind the religious mask, they harbored bitterness, envy, hatred, pride, arrogance, even murder.  (Swindoll)

Did Jesus hold back? It was time He put them in their place. Remember, Jesus saw their hearts. He sees ours as well. Are we being a noisy cymbal or loud gong, pointing to our servanthood, like this group? Or are we genuinely serving with love, doing unto others like we want them to do unto us? 

LET IT GROW

2. They exhorted money from the helpless and put them into debt and bondage, while making an outward show of religion. Theirs was the greater sentence. (verse 14) These guys were greedy for money, so they administered the estates of widows.

Their long prayers was only a pretense of a loving heart. Being a religious leader in Jerusalem was different back them. The religious leaders were the best known, most powerful, and most respected of all leaders. Jesus' stinging accusations were revealing their hunger for more power, money, and status. However, they lost sight of God and and their blindness was spreading to the whole nation. (Life Application Study Bible)

Are our prayers for show or from a humble heart? Are we speaking to God or to people listening?

To Jesus, greatness came from serving. Are we aware of the needs of others? It stops us from focusing only on ourself. What kind of greatness are we seeking? Are we serving God's way or our way? Things to think about.

 LET IT GO

 Help us let go of money, power, status, Jesus.

May we serve someone today out of a heart of love for You and them.

To God be the glory forever and ever.

Serving and Humility

N.T.#260 "Serving and Humility"

March 11, 2024 

Matthew 23-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

It is one thing to love being honored and another thing to seek it for yourself, like the scribes and Pharisees. they thought too highly for themselves. Here we read of more teachings of Jesus:

• There is one Master, Christ. (Master is a guide, a teacher.) (verses 8 and 10)
• All are brethren, brothers in Christ. (No pulling rank here.)
• Call no man your father on earth. (verse 9)
• One is our Father in heaven, whom we worship and exult. Thus, our Heavenly Father. (verse 9)

The Rabbi were placing themselves above others and on a pedestal. Thee are no spiritual titles for us. Believers in Christ are brothers and sisters of the faith.

Philippians 2:3-4 says, Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Do we pray for our pastor, teachers, and leaders? They are equipping the saints for the work of service. (Ephesians 4:11-12)

LET IT GLOW 

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. (verse 11)

A servant is a minister or attendant. When was the last time you served someone who could not do anything for you in return? That is what Jesus did.

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (verse 12)

Humility is an ornament which is a great price in the sight of God. Are we being humble?

LET IT GO

Jesus, You are our Master, Teacher.

god, You alone are our Heavenly Father/

May we serve You today as we serve others.

Thank You for choosing us to be Your child.

Grow our faith so we honor You above all.

Doing What We Say

N.T.#259 "Doing What We Say"

March 9, 2024 

Matthew 23 

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus warns the crowds and His disciples about the religious leaders in this chapter. 

The scribes and Pharisees were:

•  good at telling others what to do but not good at carrying those instructions out themselves. they say and do not; (verse 3)
• weighing down the Jews with burdens (a task or service, something carried) that were grievous (hard, with difficulty) not lifting a finger to help; (verse 4)
• works done to be seen, for show, extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture inside and extra long tassels on their robes; (verse 5)
• sitting at the head of the table at banquets and seats of honor in the synagogues; (verse 6)
• loving to be called Rabbi, as an respectful greeting in the marketplaces. (verse 7)

Those religious leaders were not a living example of what they were teaching. 

LET IT GROW

We are to be doing what we say, an example of our teachings. 

What can we learn from them?

• Practice what we preach/teach , .Be doers of the Word, not just hearers. Live integrity and not as a hypocrite.
• Live by standards that are reachable for common people. Show sympathy and love.
• Don't do things for show, but with humility model life like Jesus did.
• Watch what we say, where we sit, every word we utter, act we perform, and title we have for the glory of God, not ourselves.

 Are we helping others come to Jesus or are we complaining about people in the church? Are we drawing attention to how "holy we are?" Do we sit in places of honor instead of dwelling among servants? How does our family, friends, the lost, and church people perceive us? Are we loving others as ourself?

LET IT GO

Love and serve others, letting go of pride.

Love and serve Jesus, not ourself.

Live what we say.

 

Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

N.T.#258 "Who Do You Say Jesus Is?"

March 7, 2024 

Matthew 22-Part 9

LET IT GLOW

Are we blessing and praising the Lord, as in Psalm 103:1? What about honoring and esteeming others? Are you calling those who are sick to ask how you can help them? Do any elderly around you have a need? Are youngsters needing a listening ear by you?

Jesus asked the Pharisees four questions in verses 42-45:

1. What think ye of Christ?  (Christ, in Greek , refers to Messiah.)
2. Whose son is He?
3. How then doth David in spirit call Him Lord? (Ps. 103:1)
4. If David then call Him Lord, how is He (the Messiah) his son?

Look how the Pharisees answered Jesus:

• He is the son of David, in referring to the Messiah Jesus Christ. That was their view of the Messiah. They accepted the Davidic lineage of the Messiah. (Mark 12:35)
• The Pharisees did not believe the Messiah is divine, but only human. Jesus is God, but they would not believe and be saved.

No one could answer Jesus any more, not did they ask Him any more questions. 

LET IT GROW

No one could answer Jesus any more, nor did they ask Him any more questions. In one day, Jesus humiliated the religious ones. They heard the voice of God  and caught a glimpse of God's very face. the divine Lord rendered the crowd speechless. (William Barclay)

It was Jesus' claim of deity that would lead to His rejection and crucifixion. (26:57-68)

David and Mery called Jesus Lord.

Who do you say Jesus is? Do you believe Jesus is who He says He is? Are we loving the Lord with everything we are, do, and have?

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31) 

The Lord is the way of salvation for each person.

Believe means to have faith, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ).

Are you trusting Jesus to be your Lord and Savior? Are you living for Him?

 

LET IT GO 

Hallelujah what a Savior!

How patient and loving You are, Jesus!

Be our Lord and Master today.

*Please pray for me, friends. I have a unique bacteria in my urinary tract. Waiting on a culture to see if it is clear or not. By Monday, I should know. If it is still with me, then I will have an IV of antibiotics that it is not resistant to. Trusting Jesus in the meantime to not allow any serious disease to develop in my wait. Thanks.

Who is Our Neighbor?

N.T.#257 "Who is Our Neighbor?"

March 5, 2024 

Matthew 22-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

Having you been living God with all your heart, soul, and mind? That is the first and great commandment. (verses 37-38) In other words, are our will, thoughts, feelings, soul, spirit surrendered to God?

What is the second and great commandment that Jesus gave? 

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (verse 39)

Neighbor refers to close by; fellow (man, countryman, or friend)

It does not mandate self-love. It contains in different words the very same idea as the Golden Rule. (7:12) It prompts believers to measure their love for others by what they wish for themselves. (MacArthur)

The two command are inseparable. You can't obey one without the other. To love your neighbor is the decision to compassionately and righteously pursue his or her will-being. Do you want to draw closer to God? Help someone else draw closer to God. When you love others, God will boomerang it back to you and provide you with a deeper experience of Him. (Tony Evans)

There is our assignment. Love whomever we come in contact with.

LET IT GROW 

Jesus didn't have to deliberate, ponder, or wrack His brain. He evaluated each of the 613 commandments in the Law. He placed the vertical love of God and the horizontal love of people as the foundation and structure of the entire Law. (verse 40) (Swindoll)

No Pharisee could fault such an answer. 

LET IT GO

Help us let go of ourself-interest and love God and others.

Open our eyes to the needs of others.

 

How Do We Love God?

 N.T.#256  "How Do We Love God?"

March 4, 2024

Matthew 22-Part 7

LET IT GLOW 

The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians got no where debating Jesus. So the top dog (lawyer) started in asking Jesus questions. (verse 35)

Lawyer is an expert in the Mosaic Law. 

A Greek speaking lawyer was equivalent to a Doctorate of Theology today. By this time, there were over 600 Jewish laws the Pharisees had. A lawyer was usually a scribe, who spent their life meticulously copying the Hebrew Scriptures in order to preserve it or prevent corruption. They were the best trained, most brilliant scholar they could be. This ivory-tower scholar was no match for the Son of God, the Creator of all things. Yet, this lawyer's question was asked to tempt Him.

Tempting refers to entice; examine; prove; try.

Question: Which is the great commandment in the law? (verse 36)

Great means beloved; solitary.

Which single one was the most important of the laws? God's entire law can be reduced to this one of two found in verse 37.

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.(verse 37)

LET IT GROW

Let's take a closer look at these key words:

• Love means deliberate assessment of the will.
• Heart refers to the thoughts or feelings.
• Soul is that which is the rational and immortal soul; life; breath; spirit.
• Mind is the deep thought; understanding.

How are we to love the Lord our God? With all our thoughts, feelings, soul, and understanding mind. God is the source of all we need, so we believers are to allow Him to work in us according to His will and His good pleasure. Have you turned over your will to God?

What about our thoughts or feelings? Does God control them? How is our understanding and mind? Is our focus loving and praising Jesus, or has the world moved in and occupied our mind most of the times?

God wants a relationship with you. He wants you to love Him, to passionately and righteously pursue His glory. Loving God with some of our heart, soul, and mind isn't all. However, don't we want all of God? Love for God is consistently expressed when we obey His commands. (John 14:5, 1 John 5:3)

LET IT GO

Father, we owe You our all in all

Worthy of praise, love, and glory are You.

Help us love you with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind.

Please forgive us when we do not.

Where Will You Spend Eternity?

 N.T.#255 "Where Will You Spend Eternity?"

March 1, 2024 

Matthew 22-Part 7

Jesus asked if the Sadducees had not read: I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. (verse 32)

LET IT GLOW 

The topic was still about the resurrection. The Sadducees did not believe in it. Even though the patriarchs were dead physically, they were very much alive spiritually. God is still their God. 

Jesus used the present tense to point to the resurrection and the eternal life that all believers enjoy in Him. (Life Application Study Bible)

Our Christian loved ones, which are departed from us, are not dead in spirit, but with Jesus. They exist in an afterlife, like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. One day we will sit down at the table with those men. (8:11)

As a result of Jesus' words, the Sadducees were silenced, the multitude was astonished, and the Pharisees continued to question Jesus.  (verse 33) 

Silence means to muzzle; hold peace. It is like shutting the mouth of an animal with a muzzle.

As believers, may nothing silence our sharing the Gospel with the lost.

Where is your afterlife going to be spent-Heaven or Hell?

LET IT GROW

The questioning wasn't over. The first attack had come from the Pharisees in cahoots with the Herodians. (verses 15-16) The second attack came from the Sadducees. (verse 23) The third and final attack came from the Pharisees with their star experts in the Law. (Swindoll)

LET IT GO

Give us a hunger for Your Word, Father.

Help us apply it in our life.