Hearts

 N.T.#176 "Hearts"

Oct. 2023

Matthew 15-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

The Pharisees knew a lot about God, but they didn't know God. They claimed to honor God, yet their hearts were far from Him. Therefore, their worship meant nothing. It isn't enough to study the Word and not do it. Our actions and attitudes must line up with the Bible.

If they do not, then Isaiah had it right in 29:13: This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. 

It is our heart that God wants. Without faith it is impossible to please God. We don't want to worship God in vain.

LET IT GROW

But in vain they do worship Me, reaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (verse 9)

Vain means to no purpose; folly; manipulation.

We don't want to be like those Pharisees, right? We should desire our worship to be from the heart and in spirit and in truth. Keeping rules and man-made traditions is not what impresses God. Jesus wants us to make Him first in our life. Are we?

LET IT GO

Keep our heart right with You, Lord Jesus.

Direct our thoughts so we honor You with our words and actions.

Are We Honoring Our Parents?

 N.T.#175 "Are We Honoring Our Parents?"

Oct. 28, 2023 

Matthew 15-Part 1

LET IT GLOW

My husband's father is 92. He and his brother take care of him. They taken him to the doctor, buy him clothes, and provide him with a place to live (with my brother in law). To me, that is obeying the commandment, Honor your father and mother. (Their mother passed.) If we honor our parents, we will be blessed with a long life.

Was washing hands before eating a ritual, an oral law, a religious duty showing spiritual purity? The Pharisees were at it again, criticizing Jesus' disciples. Did you notice that Jesus did not answer their question. Instead, He asked another question. It dawned on me as I was riding in the car, pondering this question. Jesus went to the heart of the matter.

But He answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? (verse 3)

Well, how in the world were these religious Jewish leaders transgressing the Law? (I wonder if they were thinking this. Surely not them.) Israelites were commanded to honor their parents. (Exodus 20:12; 21:17) 

The Pharisees had a tradition that allowed them to bypass caring for their elderly parents by instead giving a gift committed to the temple. (verse 5) The practice allowed them to say, "Sorry Mom and Dad, I can't offer you financial assistance. I'm giving to God instead." By means of their tradition, they had invalidated God's Word. (verse 6) (Tony Evans)

What hypocrites! Jesus called it like it was, huh? What pretenders! Preaching one thing and doing another. 

Certainly Isaiah was right as God sees it: This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. (29:13)

Jesus knew their heart conditions. Why would the Pharisees not repent of their sins? Pride must have gotten in the way. Besides, they did not believe Jesus to be the Messiah.

Dear ones, are we guilty of this? Do we talk a good talk but not walk the talk?

LET IT GROW

In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (verse 9)

In the Greek language, vain means random talk; babble.

The Pharisees were just babbling on with their words. Their lives did not back it up. Where was their love for their parents? Why would they not take care of them? Perhaps it so they would appear religious, giving lots of money in the Temple.

LET IT GO

Fill us with Your love, Lord Jesus.

Help us honor our parents.

Make us into giving people, meeting needs.

Traditions

 N.T.#174 "Traditions"

Oct. 27, 2023 

Matthew 15

LET IT GLOW

Traditions. when I hear that word, it reminds me of a movie about Jewish tradition. In it we see how outsiders persuaded the Jewish children to stray away. Maybe that movie was a modern application of this chapter. 

Here we go again. The Scribes and Pharisees, Jewish leaders, are causing a conflict with Jesus over a ritual. Their purpose was to scrutinize Jesus' activities. Hundreds of religious traditions had been added to God's laws, ever since the Jews returned from the Babylonian captivity. Those leaders considered the traditions equally as important as the Ten Commandments. Many traditions were not bad in that they added richness and meaning to life. However, they were not sacred. God's laws do not need changing nor additions. Traditions should help us better understand God's laws, not become laws themselves. 

Those Scribes and Pharisees considered failure to observe their traditions as disobedience to the law of God. They thought they were of moral superiority and lusted for power, but it put them at odds with God. So they came to find fault with Jesus' disciples, accusing them of breaking God's law. That is what's taking place here.

Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. (verse 2)

These Jews were not concerned with cleanliness but with ritual. Having proper hygiene does not make one holy. It was not a sign of spiritual purity. Keep in mind that these are the fault finders. they felt competition with Jesus and the disciples.

LET IT GROW

Traditions are not necessarily bad. Families pass down to generations some custom, practice, or belief to enjoy. Traditions were established by the Jews as they obeyed God's sacrificial system. 

The problem comes when traditions invalidate, cover up, camouflage, or negate the Word of God. the Pharisees taught and practiced traditions that they elevated to the level of Scripture, and that actually allowed them to ignore Scripture. (Tony Evans)

Do we have any traditions which we have made more important than God's Word? Is the fun of halloween and our participation actually causing others to stumble into evil? It isn't the sharing of candy, but dressing like evil ones that take our mind off of Jesus. We give the devil a place he should not have in our thoughts. I think churches should avoid any substitute for this evil holiday. I wish my parents had taught me it was wrong to celebrate a devil's holiday.

LET IT GO

Jesus, have first place in my heart and life.

Keep us in You Word.

How faithful You are, Savior.

Skill or Will?

 N.T.#173 "Skill or Will?

Oct. 26, 2023

Matthew 14-Part 16

LET IT GLOW

When the people recognized Jesus, the news of His arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged Him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of His robe, and all who touched Him were healed. (verses 35-36)

Jesus came through when the sick needed His healing touch. Isn't that like our Jesus? One day the power of Jesus will rid this world of its pain and death and strife. (Rev. 21:4)

What can we learn from those folks?

• They besought Jesus.
• They begged Jesus to heal their sick loved ones.
• With humility they asked for help from Jesus.
• Their faith believed Jesus didn't need to speak to their need nor touch them for a cure, but just allowing the sick to touch the hem of Jesus' robe would do.
• There was no doubting the all-sufficiency of Jesus' power.
• No formalities was required of the Healing Savior.
• They sought an overflowing healing virtue of the Messiah.
• They heard of the faith of the woman with 12 years of bleeding that was healed by her faith.(chapter 9)

Friend, do we ask? Do we believe? Is it our desire for the Living Water to flow in and through us? Jesus does not faint nor grow weary. He is the everlasting God. He comforts those in need and strengthens the weak. Strength arises when we wait upon the Lord our God. Reign forever in our hearts, Jesus. 

LET IT GROW

He that has begun the good work will perform it. (Phil. 1:6)

Let Jesus' Spirit overflow with grace to us. Christ is in heaven interceding for us to the Father. His Word is with us; Christ is The Word. 

When we mix faith with the Word, apply it to ourselves, depend upon it, and submit to its influences and commands, then we touch the hem of Christ's garment. It is but thus touching, and we are made whole. (Matthew Henry)

If a person is not healed, it is not due to the lack of Jesus' skill, but His will. We may depend upon Jesus more when we live with a disease. We may honor and glorify God more by His not healing us on earth. Ultimately, we will be healed in heaven. This is certainly true for me with Crohn's disease.

... and as many as touched were made perfectly whole. (verse 36b)

Will we touch the heart of Jesus Christ with our faith and be made perfectly whole? He is in the whole-soul business. Just touch Him.

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, we trust in You, believe in You, and hope in You.

"Yes, Lord," is our response to Your will.

Jesu, we love You!

Help us let go of what keeps us from fully serving You.

Sink in the Arms of Jesus, Not in Sin

N.T.#172 "Sink in the Arms of Jesus, Not in Sin"

Oct. 25, 2023

Matthew 14-Part 15 

Folks, I can say that I failed my test terribly when I fractured my bone near the ankle. The pain kept me awake in the hours of dark nights. The crutches made my hands and underarms so sore. I even taped potholders on them and it didn't help. (No walking on my foot for a month was the doctor's orders.) I wish I could say I was fine through it all, but it was not the truth. Not only was I tired, tired of hurting, sleepy, and grumbly, but was I ever a grouch! My husband was so wonderful to bring me food and help me.

Finally, a church let me borrow a wheelchair. That enabled me to get back into church services, go to the store, and just get out of the house. After a while, I was able to sit on my step stool in the kitchen and load the dishwasher, fold clothes on the couch, and feel useful again. 

But through it all, Jesus never turned His back on me and gave up on me. I finally was able to study the Word, worship God, and walk with Jesus (spiritually) again. If you have ever broken a bone, you understand this. It was my first time. Now I think breaking a bone is worse than having surgery. At least you can walk around. 

I have a deeper understanding now what "walking by faith" means. The disciples found out, too. Jesus revealed His power through miracles to them and others. It is going with Jesus where He leads, trusting Him to provide for needs, waiting patiently on Him, praising Him in the valleys.

I was reading how Swindoll applied verses 22-26. I turned his statements into questions for us to consider: Is Jesus calling you to walk with Him amidst your storm of life? Do you need Jesus to calm your storm right now? Maybe He needs to calm us, instead.

1. We sometimes feel all alone when we experience dark nights, but we aren't. If we are saved, Jesus takes up permanent residence in our life. His Spirit can reassure us, strengthen us, grow our faith, and help us know we are not alone. Keep hope, for Jesus can help us get through this storm.
2. The storms of life seem to last forever, but they will cease. Whatever we are going through, Jesus knows about it, permits it, or directs it. It won't last forever.
3. We sometimes experience dreadful moments when we think we will drown, but we don't. Jesus can renew our faith and confidence in Him. It is when we take our eyes off Jesus that we begin to sink in sin, so sink into the arms of Jesus instead. 
4. Reach out to Jesus, for He is reaching out to you. Take His hand. Let Jesus encourage you today.
5. Tests are not designed to finish us off, not even dark nights, nor raging storms. Let them drive us to our knees in prayer and lift our eyes to worship[ the Lord Jesus.

Jesus is faithful. There maybe more going on behind the scenes than we can see in this trial. He is in the waiting. Ain't nobody loved me like Jesus. Ain't nobody that could. He saved me, raised me from the ashes of sin, set my feet on a Solid Rock. 

How to be Made Perfectly Whole

N.T.#171 "How to be Made Perfectly Whole"

Oct. 24, 2023

Matthew 14-Part 14

LET IT GLOW

The disciples believed Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, especially after He calmed the wind a second time. You will recall back in Matthew 8:27 whenever Jesus calmed the wind and the waves. They were in the boat on the same Sea and the storm was filling the boat with water while Jesus slept. Shouldn't they have believed in Him back then and when it happened a second time? Where was their faith? Was Peter the only disciple at that time with enough faith in Jesus that he could walk on a troubled sea? What about us? How many times have we trusted Jesus to see us through a storm and then the next time we falter in our faith? Oh my, guilty here. 

After Jesus had healed the woman with the issue of blood for 12 years, whenever she touched the hem of His garment, fame of Jesus' ability spread abroad into all the land. (Matthew 9:26) She learned that healing came from faith in Jesus, not from His clothing. Word spread like the internet and television broadcasts news quickly after it happens.

And besought Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole. (verse 36)

In the Greek language, perfectly means to save thoroughly; to cure, preserve, rescue; heal; save.

Only Jesus can save us inside and out. The healing and salvation comes from faith, believing who Jesus is-Savior. do you want to be made perfectly whole?

Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if a man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come unto him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. (Rev. 3:20)

Friend, have you heard Jesus calling your name to come to Him like Peter heard Jesus and walked on the water. It may not be an audible voice, but a voice speaking to your soul.

Is your need for a physical or spiritual healing?

LET IT GROW

The Scripture doesn't say how many believed in Jesus that day, touching the hem of His garment and were made perfectly, thoroughly whole. It was as many as believed Jesus had the power to save them.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)

From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Ps. 61:2)

Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon His name while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6)

And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Except a man be born again, He cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3)

Dear one, have you been born again, spiritually? If so, heaven is waiting for you whenever you die. What about our family, neighbors, or church people?

LET IT GO

Through it all, I have learned to trust in Jesus. Have you trusted in Jesus in your situation?

God is in my story. How about you?

Father, You have been so, so good to me!

Oh the overwhelming love of God! 

Reaching Out

N.T.#170 "Reaching Out"

Oct. 23, 2023

Matthew 14-Part 13

LET IT GLOW

Reaching out when there is deep pain takes humility. Admitting we can't do it on our own and need help is difficult. But we have a Savior who knows our sufferings and needs. His love surpasses all. Let Him loosen our burdens.

The boat in which Jesus and His disciples were in, landed at Gennesaret. This was a plain fertile and well-watered northwest of the Sea of Galilee, which was also called Lake Gennesaret. It was about 3 miles long and a mile wide. It was called paradise and was the garden of princes. It could only offer physical pleasure and relaxation. However, it did not offer a permanent peace for the soul nor an eternal body. (John 14:27; John 5:24-29) Sounds like a good place to be. However, the whole vicinity flooded Jesus with sick people who begged Him to make them well.

What did the people in the land of Gennesaret show us?

• Christ was there in the area. (verse 34)
• knowing and having knowledge of Christ (verse 35)
• coming to Christ and bringing the diseased to be healed (verse 35)
• begging Christ to touch the diseased (verse 36)
• touching Christ (verse 36)
• experiencing the power of Christ and being made whole .(verse 36)

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

How blessed we are to have a Savior present, at hand, reachable, and available to make us whole. He is also able and willing to make us whole. Christ Jesus is the true Messiah, the Son of the Living God, the Savior sent into the world by God to save our soul. Such love has come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10) He is not willing that any should perish. (2 Peter 3:9)

Do we know people who have closed their minds and hardened their hearts to Christ? Continue to pray for them. 

LET IT GROW

The people came to Jesus for physical healing, but did they come for spiritual healing? They came to prolong their lives on earth, but did they come seeking eternal life? Do we seek Jesus to only heal our body diseases and not our sin sick soul? Do we seek His eternal plan for our life and His will in this world? He can change our life inside and out.

Jewish men wore tassels on the lower edges of their robes according to God's command. (Deut. 22:12)  Tassels were signs of holiness. (23:5) It was natural for those seeking healing to reach out and touch the tassels of his robe. One sick woman learned healing came from faith and not from Jesus' clothing. (9:19-22)

Do we seek Jesus throughout the day? Are we touching His heart in prayer and obedience? Will we love others enough to bring them to The Healer?

Keep in mind that it may not be God's will for someone to be healed. Although He healed my fractured bone, He has not healed my Crohn's disease.

LET IT GO 

Help us let go of pride and seek You, Jesus.

Help us reach out and touch You.

Give us faith that You have all power to do what Your will is.

Please save the lost reading this today.

Glory to God in the Highest.