"Go Away"

July 31, 2013

“Go Away!”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Luke 13:31-33


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So, now the religious rulers tried another tactic.

They tried to instill fear in Jesus.
Religionists do the same today to us.

They came to Jesus saying “Go away, leave her, for Herod wants to kill You.”

LOL

The PHARISEES wanted to kill Jesus.

I have no doubt that Herod was becoming worried about Jesus.
Perhaps he did want to kill Him after his curiosity in Him was satisfied.

The same occurs today.
The religionists seek to create fear.
The religionists seek to kill.

“Herod” also seeks to kill.

We should respond as Jesus did.

Jesus told the Pharisees to tell that fox (Herod) that He was continuing on in the mission.

Demons were being cast out.
The sick were healed.
Jesus would reach His goal shortly...on the third day...an actual reference to the timing of the moment as well as to His impending death and resurrection.

Jesus pressed on.
So should we.

"The Gates"

July 30, 2013

“The Gates”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 7:13-14
Luke 13:22-30

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Someone asked Jesus a simple question.
“Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?”

Was it a question of number?
Was it a question of requirement?

We gain insight from Jesus’ response.

I suspect they receive more of an answer than they anticipated.
I know I have.

Jesus tells us to strive to enter through the narrow door.
Many will seek to enter and will be unable.

Note the door will be shut.
There is an allotted time.

Then, those left out will cry…
“Lord, (really? Lord?...too late for that) open up to us!”
“We ate and drank in Your presence…”
“You taught in our streets”.

Jesus’ response?
“I do not know where you are from…
“Depart from Me, all you evildoers…
“In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth…

Jesus then tells the Jews that “they will come from the east and west and north and south and recline at the table of the Kingdom of God.”

The Gentiles will be a part of the Kingdom.

The last? First.
The first? Last.

Enter by the narrow door - the Lord Jesus. He leads to life.
The broad way is easy, comfortable, religious...it is the path of destruction.




"Leaven of the Kingdom"

July 29, 2013

“Leaven of the Kingdom”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 13:33
Luke 13:20-21

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Another parable by Jesus to give us some insight into the Kingdom.

Often when we see “leaven” in the Word it is used in a negative way.

Not so here.

The “leaven” is being used as a picture of the impact of the Kingdom of Heaven in this world.

In the same manner that a small portion of leaven can cause three (there is that number again) measures of flour to rise, the Kingdom has an impact.

The Kingdom expands.
The Kingdom transforms the very nature of the person and their community, in the same way leaven transforms flour.

Are you in the Kingdom?
Is the Kingdom growing in you?

"Small Seed/Big Kingdom"

July 28, 2013

“Small Seed/Big Kingdom”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 13:31-32
Mark 4:30-32
Luke 13:18-19


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Many of the parables that Jesus communicated spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The meaning of this parable is within the parable.

Jesus was stating a way to explain the Kingdom.
What is it like?
To what can it be compared?

The Kingdom is like a mustard seed.

The mustard seed is very, very small...smaller than all the seeds upon the soil.
Jesus gives the interpretation/application.

When the mustard seed is sown, it grows very large.
Larger than all garden plants.
It forms branches strong enough for birds to inhabit.

Such is the Kingdom.
It may start small.
It will grow large.

Also, Jesus’ Jewish audience at the time of the telling of the parables would likely have been aware of Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar’s vision of a great tree...which bespoke of his kingdom.

Press on in the Kingdom.
Despise not the days of small beginnings.

"From Bent to Straight"

July 27, 2013

“From Bent to Straight”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:
Luke 13:10-17


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What a convicting account.

All too often we play the role of the indignant religious official who is offended because the move of God did not take place on his time schedule, his location, his plan.

We must repent of such.
We must cease this foolishness of man.

Note something else.

Did you see that the physical affliction of being doubled over impacted her body?
Eighteen years!

Then at the Word of Jesus she was straight.
He laid His hands on her.
She was made erect.

Apparently, she had not requested such.

The people glorified God.
The religionist were piously indignant in their defense of the Law.

Determine to manifest the glory of God.
Determine to refuse the way of the religionist.

"Fig Fruit"

July 26, 2013

“Fig Fruit”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Luke 13:1-9

(You notice that there are readings in Matthew and Mark. Remember that in the NET Bible Synopsis of the Four Gospels that the “smaller font” readings are not direct parallels to the main reading, but related somehow. In this case, the relation is that fig trees are being talked about. This is a good example. In the main reading, Jesus is using a fig tree in a parable. In the other accounts there is an actual event. Big difference.)

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Some people reported to Jesus about a massacre.
Apparently, Pilate had killed some Galileans, Jews, while they were in the actual act of sacrificing - their blood was mixed with the blood of the sacrifice.

We can glean from Jesus’ response that the people were assuming that the ones killed were “greater sinners” than others.

Jesus cuts to the question and answer with His first question.

Do you suppose that these Galileans were (greater) sinners than all Galileans because they suffered this?”

The unsaid answer is “No”.

But, Jesus went further.

He trumpeted a call for repentance.

Unless you repent, you too will die.

He then gives another example.

A tower fell on 18 people and killed them. An actual event.

Were these 18 “worse culprits”?
Jesus answers this one. “No.”

But unless you repent, you will perish.

The first incident was the evil of man.
The second incident was an example of the accidents of life.
Both still occur today.
The evil of man.
The “accidents” of life.

Jesus then gave a parable...using a fig tree.
Often, the fig tree is used as a picture of Israel/Jews.

If the tree is unfruitful it will be cut down.
If it is fruitful it will remain.

Are you fruitful...the fruit of the Spirit?

"Agree…"

July 25, 2013

“Agree…”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 5:25-26
Luke 12:57-59

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This truth goes against what the world usually does.

Reach agreement quickly with your accuser while headed toward court.

This does not speak of admitting to something that you have not done.

It does speak to not participating in a false defense.

I think there is also a bigger picture.

The Accuser of the Brethren - Satan - continually roams to and fro seeking who he may devour.
He will often bring accusation against us...reminding us our past, tempting us to return to past practices, telling us what we us to be.

When he does such, agree with him…
Yes, I was...but, now through the Blood of Jesus I am not.
Yes, I did...but now through the mercy of Christ I am not.
Yes, I...but now through the grace of the Lord I am a new creation, a new creature.

"Interpret the Present Time"

July 24, 2013

“Interpret the Present Time”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 16:2-3
Luke 12:54-56


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Do you know how to interpret the times?

Jesus rebuked the crowds for being hypocrites.
They could determine the coming weather by looking at the current situation.
They could not/would not do so with the things of the Kingdom for the present time.

Interpretation of the times begins with knowing the Word of God.
Any other foundation will lead to wrong conclusions.

Are you interested in the “times”?
Then read the Word.
Meditate upon the Word.
Dedicate yourself to knowing the Word.

To jump in…begin with Matthew 22 and read through chapter 25.

Happy

"Peace?"

July 23, 2013

“Peace?”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 10:34-36
Mark 10:38
Luke 12:49-53

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Often people think that Jesus came with a “peace agenda”.

This is understandable. He is the “Prince of Peace”.

Yet, Jesus acknowledged that true faith and belief will bring division.

Division even to the point of fragmenting of families.

Be not surprised when folk reject you because of your faith.

Rejoice that you are counted as one in the Kingdom.

Pray for those who persecute.
Bless.
Do not retaliate.

Perhaps they too, will soon be a part of the Kingdom.

"Be Ready"

July 22, 2013

“Be Ready”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 25:1-13
Mark 13:33-37
Luke 12:35-48


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The parable in Matthew 25 is set in a greater context of Matthew 24-25.
Jesus is answering a couple of questions the disciples had asked.
To interpret the parable properly one must have a proper understanding of the entire context. Such is beyond our format. But the basic, foundational truth is evident.

Be on the alert!
Be ready!

For what?

The return of the Lord.

Mark tells us the same thing.
Take heed!
Keep alert!

We do know the day nor the hour of the return of the Lord, though we will know the season.
We will not be as those in darkness.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.

We as Believers have been given much.
Make Kingdom use of it.



"Accumulate"

July 21, 2013

“Accumulate”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 6:19-21
Luke 12:33-34

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What do you treasure?
Where is your treasure?

Where do you store/accumulate?

The Lord tells us directly to not store up/accumulate treasures for ourselves here on earth. There is nothing wrong with stuff. It is the mindset. If stuff is being accumulated for yourself, then that is wrong. Our abundance is provided to meet the need of others.

Earthly treasures will deceive our hearts.

What is the antidote?

Sell your possessions and give to the poor.
Doing so provides “purses that do not wear out - a treasure in heaven that never decreases, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.”

Where is your treasure?
Where is your heart?

"Worry Not"

July 20, 2013

“Worry Not”

Blessings Folk:

Today’s reading:

Matthew 6:25-34
Luke 12:22-32


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In these verses Jesus gives us very precise commandments on how Believers are to live.

Sadly, many Believers reject the commandments. Far too many seek “peace” in things other than the Lord. Rather than casting their cares upon the Lord, they seek to salve them via material things...relationships, possessions, food, drink, drugs of all sorts. Such should not be.

We are commanded to not worry.
We are commanded to be not anxious.

Examples are given - birds, lilies.
God has promised to meet our needs...food, shelter, clothing.

Do not confuse “need” with “greed.”

Do not worry about tomorrow.
Do not be anxious.

Rather, seek first His Kingdom.
Seek first His righteousness.

All these things will be added to you.

"Treasures"

July 19, 2013

“Treasures”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Luke 12:16-21

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Where are your treasures being stored?
What are your treasures?

Jesus tell a parable.
A rich man’s land was very productive.
The man decided to tear down old barns and build new larger ones.
He then determined in his heart...said to his soul...that he would…
  • take ease
  • eat
  • drink
  • be merry
...because he has provision laid up for many years.

He had “arrived”.
He had no provisional, earthly concerns.

Yet, did you note what the Lord called him.

A fool.

Why?

Because he had stored up treasures for himself.
Apparently he did not share to meet needs.

He was not rich toward God.

God required his soul that night - he died.

What do you consider to be treasure?
Where are you storing treasure?

"Life Consists Of…"

July 18, 2013

“Life Consist Of…”

Blessing Folk!

Today’s reading:

Luke 12:13-15


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Here is a Word that most of the western church rejects.

If one views from outside the confines of religious thought, then it is obvious that abundance is a “god” of many who profess to be Believers.

Abundance of material possessions.
Abundance of power.
Abundance of numerical participation.
Abundance of...well, you get the idea.

Jesus warns us.
Beware!
Be on guard!

Beware and be on guard against every form of greed.
Note that greed comes in various forms.

In this particular situation it was a family squabble related to inheritance.

Heed the warning of the Lord.
Heed the Word of the Lord.

Life does not consist of possessions.

What should we do?

The Word tells us that if we are blessed with abundance, it is for the purpose of meeting the needs of others...beginning with the household of faith.

Covet not.
Share much.

"Spirit Speaking"

July 17, 2013

“Spirit Speaking”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 10:19-20
Mark 13:11
Luke 12:11-12


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Here is a truth that most Believers do not want to hear.
We will be handed over.
Yes, Jesus was talking to the “disciples”, but in other portions of the Word we are told that we will have trials and tribulations.

Jesus tells us to fret not over what we will say at such times.
It will be given to us what to say.
The Spirit of the Lord will speak through us, if we fear not and trust in Him.

Realize that when you are hauled before the religious and/or political rulers it will be an opportunity to allow the Spirit to speak.

Fear not.

"Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit"

July 16, 2013

“Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit”

Blessing Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 12:31-32
Mark 3:28-30
Luke 12:10
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Jesus’ teaching in this passage is clear.

If someone speaks a word agains the Son of Man, they will be forgiven.
If someone blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him.

A hard teaching, yes.

Does this mean that if one blasphemes the Spirit that repentance is impossible?
I think what is being said is that the one who blasphemes the Spirit, the one who associates the Spirit with the works of the evil one, the one who rejects the Spirit’s calling, will not be forgiven.

True salvation is responding affirmatively to the drawing of the Spirit.
Those who blaspheme the Spirit reject the Spirit.

If one continues to believe that the works of the Spirit are the works of the evil one...then there is no forgiveness.

Could it also mean that if one blasphemes the Spirit then there is no forgiveness?
Yes.
This would mean that such a person was not chosen/elect.

Examine yourself.
See if you be of the faith.

"Fearless Confession"

July 15, 2013

“Fearless Confession”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 10:26-33
Mark 8:38
Luke 12:2-9

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Repeatedly Jesus tells His disciples to “fear not”.

Fear is a major tool of the enemy to distract and dissuade the Body of Christ.

In the context of these passages the Lord is speaking of confessing Him.

We are not to fear proclaiming the Kingdom.
We are to speak what the Lord reveals to us.
We are to declare Truth.

Jesus reveals the serious nature of the matter.
If we confess Jesus before man, then He will confess us before Father.
If we deny Jesus before man, then He will deny us before Father in heaven.

Fearless confession is evidence of true salvation, a real conversion experience.
Be not ashamed.
(Note the Mark passage…”when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” This gives some insight into elements of the Lord’s return!)

Confess Him!
Be not ashamed!
Be not fearful!
Fear the Lord.

"Beware the Leaven…"

July 14, 2013

“Beware the Leaven…”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 16:5-6
Mark 8:14-15
Luke 12:1

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Jesus tells His disciples to beware the leaven of the Pharisees.
He states what the leaven is - hypocrisy.

Jesus used the concern of the moment with the disciples.
They had forgotten to bring bread.
Actually is humorous when one examines the situation.

They were fearful and fretting.

When Jesus makes the statement they thought they “were in trouble.”

Jesus had another purpose.

Do not be a hypocrite.
Do not be like the religious rulers.

"Woe"

July 13, 2013

“Woe”

Blessings folk!

Todays reading is long!
Take your time.

Matthew 15:1-9; 23:25-36; 23:13
Mark 7:1-9
Luke 11:37-54

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Religious arguments.
They have existed since the Garden of Eden.
Adam and Eve had one commandment.
They rebelled against it.

Here, we see Jesus confronting the religious rulers and “their” laws, rules and regulations.
Think not that the same does not occur today.
It does, to a greater degree.

The Pharisees and scribes inquired of Jesus as to why His disciples broke the traditions of the elders. They were not washing their hands correctly.

Jesus confronted them forthrightly.
“Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?”

In Matthew we see how they abusing their parents in the “name of the Lord.”
We see the great “woe” passage. Look at what they did/who they were.
  • cut off the Kingdom of Heaven from people
  • did not enter the Kingdom of Heaven
  • cleaned outside of cup/full of robbery and self-indulgence
  • blind
  • like whitewashed tombs...outside beautiful, inside full of dead bones
  • build tombs of prophets/killed prophets
  • brood of vipers
  • they neglected the commandment of God to hold to the traditions of men
  • they were experts at setting aside the commandment of God to keep their traditions
  • paid tithe of the smallest things
  • love the chief seats/respectful greetings
  • weigh men down with burdens

They were hypocrites.
They still exist in the professing church.
So many self-proclaimed leaders are nothing but modern-day Pharisees who abuse the people in the name of the Lord.
Be not one.
Repent.
Confess.
Press on.

"Light"

July 12, 2013

“Light”

Blessings folk:

Today’s reading:

Matthew 6:22-23
Luke 11:34-36

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Reading different translations is helpful with this passage.

The KJV states “the light of the body is the eye.”

I believe this goes a couple of ways.

What we take in by our eyes will either feed the Light in us or quench the Light and bring darkness.

Then, the world sees the Light of the Kingdom through our eyes.

Therefore take heed that your body is full of Light.
Reject darkness.

Shine!

"Shine"

July 11, 2013

“Shine”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 5:15
Mark 4:21
Luke 11:33

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What is Jesus saying here?

Obviously He is pointing out the truth that a lamp is lit to provide light.
No one lights a lamp and then covers it.

Jesus was telling us that if we have Him, if we are Bearers of the Light of the World, then we are to shine.

We are not to cover the light.
We are not to hide the light.

Of course, if one in not truly saved, then they have no light.
One cannot shine a light that does not exist.

How about you?
Do you have The Light? Then shine.

"Something Greater"

July 10, 2013

“Something Greater”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 12:38-42
Mark 8:11-12
Luke 11:29-32

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The scribes and Pharisees wanted Jesus to perform a sign for them.
The request carried an inferred thought that they would “believe” if Jesus did the sign.
They were testing Him.

Signs are never enough for an evil and adulterous generation. Such is still the same.
Jesus knew this.

But then He told them of a sign that was yet to come.

He gave them the “sign of Jonah.”
He explained in detail.

As Jonah was 3 days/3 nights in the belly of the earth, so would the Son of Man (Jesus) be 3 days/3 nights in the heart of the earth. (This reveals the incorrect timing of what we call “holy week”.)

Jesus told them that the evil men of Nineveh would stand up with this evil generation at the judgment and condemn it.
They repented at Jonah’s preaching.

The scribes/Pharisees had yet to repent.

The Queen of the South will rise up at the judgment and condemn the generation.
She came to hear the wisdom of Solomon.

Earlier Jesus stated that something greater than the temple was before them.
Something greater than Jonah.
Something greater than the Queen of the South.

Jesus is the “Something Greater.”

Do you believe?
Have you repented?
Are you still seeking signs?

"Blessed"

July 9, 2013

“Blessed”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Luke 11:27-28

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We often speak of blessings.
We seek being blessed.
We associate “blessed/blessings” with certain things...often earthly, material.

As Jesus was teaching, a woman cried out a blessing to Jesus’ mother.
Just a way of saying how precious it must be to have a child like Him.

Jesus would have none of it.

He revealed what true blessing is.

Hear the Word of God.
Observe the Word of God.

Instead of pursuing all the things that are considered a “blessing” do what Jesus says.

Those who hear the Word of God...
Those who obey the Word of God…
These are Blessed.

Simple.

"Unclean Spirits"

July 8, 2013

“Unclean spirits…”

Blessings folk:

Today’s reading:
Matthew 12:43-45
Luke 11:24-26


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Unclean spirits are real.
They are demons.
They are angels that rebelled against God and sided with Lucifer.
They desire to kill, steal and destroy.

I know many do not believe that demons exist.
They would be wrong.
The scripture is clear.

In these verses we see what happens when an unclean spirit leaves a person.

The unclean spirit leaves...not of its own volition. It is either sent out by the power of God or by the power of the evil one.

The unclean spirit passes through waterless...desert, barren...places.
It is seeking rest.
It is seeking a place to reside.

The unclean spirit then thinks…”I will return to my house from which I came”.
It returns.
The “house” is unoccupied, swept, in order.

So, the unclean spirit brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself.
They live there.

The last state of the man becomes worse than the first.

We see that the “house” is a man.
He had been delivered from an unclean spirit, yet, he was still “unoccupied”.
There was not another unclean spirit in him.
There was not the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, his evil was multiplied.
This is how it is with the evil generation.

When we are swept clean by the Most High God He fills us with Himself, the Holy Spirit.

Be delivered of unclean spirits.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Walk in the fullness thereof.
Seek the empowerment of the Spirit.

"Associate..."

July 7, 2013

“Associate…”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 12:22-30
Mark 3:22-27
Luke 11:14-23

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Hear we see a strategy of the evil one.

Jesus healed a blind/mute man.
The man now saw and spoke.

The only response that the Religionists (Pharisees) had was to accuse Jesus of functioning in the power of the evil one.

The Religionist does the same today.
The associate a move of God with the enemy.

Such is extremely dangerous.

Jesus spoke with simple logic to the Pharisees...He knew their thoughts.

How will a divided kingdom stand?

Rather than Beelzebul, the Kingdom of God has come near to them.

Be careful.
Do not associate the things of the Kingdom of God with the things of the evil one.

Be careful.
Do not associate the things of the evil one with the Kingdom of God.

The Spirit will give discernment to those who ask.

"Good Things"

July 6, 2013

“Good Things”

Blessings Folk!

Matthew 7:7-11
Luke 11:9-13


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Father, being good, will give the good to those who ask.

We are instructed from the Lord Himself to:
  • ask, and it will be given to you
  • seek, and you will find
  • knock, and it will be opened to you.

The Lord loves more than any earthly father.
He desires on good for us.

Luke gives a really interesting insight.
“If you the, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

The Holy Spirit.
The Lord was speaking of the Holy Spirit!

Do you have the “good thing” of the Father?
Are you filled with the Holy Spirit?

"Persistence"

July 5, 2013

“Persistence”

Blessings Folk:

Today’s reading:
Luke 11:5-8


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Jesus gives an example that He will explain tomorrow.

For today?

Be persistent.

Even when the answer is no.

Be persistent.

Even when things seem to be going against you.

Be persistent.

"Model"

July 4, 2013

“Model”

Blessings folk:

Today’s reading:

Matthew 6:9-13
Luke 11:1-4

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You ever notice that when someone says “it goes without saying”, they then say it?

I’ll shall do likewise. Happy Happy

It goes without saying that this is not the “Lord’s Prayer”. We find the Lord praying in several places...especially John 17.

This is the prayer the Lord gave His disciples as a model.
The Model Prayer.

Many books, sermons and teachings have been done on this passage.

For our format and time, give heed to the basic truths.

  • we pray to our Father in Heaven
  • we hallow...bless as holy, treat as holy...His name
  • we pray that His Kingdom come...on earth as in heaven
  • we pray His will be done...on earth as in heaven
  • we pray for daily provision
  • we pray for forgiveness
  • we forgive those who are in debt to us
  • we request the Lord to lead us not into temptation
  • we request that He deliver us from the evil one
  • we acknowledge that in God is the Kingdom, Power and Glory forever.

Pray in this manner.

"Only One Thing"

July 3, 2013

“Only One Thing”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Luke 10:38-42
John 12:1-3


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A great Word for all of us.
Are we sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His Word, as Mary?
Or, are we hurriedly hustling about working as Martha?

Now, we are not to interpret this that we not to work.

We are to work.

But far too many work in the name of the Lord and do great things in the name of the Lord, yet they do not know the Lord.

They do not sit at His feet.
They do not listen to Jesus.

Jesus tells Martha/us the foundational truth.
Be not worried and troubled about many things.
Only one thing is needed.
Mary chose the best part.
It would not be taken away.

What are we choosing?

"Who?"

July 2, 2013

“Who?”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Luke 10:29-37

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Most folk, even non-believers, know the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Few know the context.

A lawyer, a Pharisee sent by the Pharisees to test Jesus, questioned Jesus.
“What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus answered.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
Love your neighbor as yourself.

The lawyer now sought to “justify himself.”
Curious wording.
“Justify himself.”
To explain his life.
To explain his actions.
To explain his thoughts.
To explain his motivation.

The lawyer sought to justify himself by asking “And who is my neighbor?”
One can nearly hear the condescending nature of the question dripping from his lips.

Jesus then tells the parable.
You know the story.
You just refreshed your memory by reading it.

A man was robbed, beaten, left half dead by the side of a road.
By chance, a priest passes by...on the other side of the road...he would not help.
Then a Levite passed by...on the other side of the road...refusing to help.
Then a Samaritan - despised by the Jews - came upon him.
The Samaritan felt compassion.
He came to the injured.
He bandaged his wounds.
He took him to an inn to recover.
He covered the costs.
He showed mercy.

The religious rulers - the priest and Levite - felt no compassion.
They showed no mercy.

Today, nothing has changed.

Do as Jesus said.
Go and do the same.
Show mercy.
Bandage the hurting.
Feed the hungry.
Cover the costs.

"Which?"

July 1, 2013

“Which?”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 22:34-40
Mark 12:28-34
Luke 10:25-28

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The Pharisees were pleased that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees.

The Pharisees gathered and decided to send one of their own, an expert in the Law, to test Jesus with a question.

“Teacher, which commandment in the Law is the greatest?”

Jesus quotes the Hebrew Shema from Deuteronomy 6. “Hear O Israel! The Lord our God is One Lord!”

Jesus then affirms the Word that we are to love the Lord our God with all our mind, heart, soul and strength.

Jesus then gives a second commandment.
You are to love your neighbor as yourself.

First, love God.
Second, love man.

These are superior to religious sacrifice.

If we do such, we are not far from the Kingdom.

Love the Lord Your God
http://www.reverbnation.com/dalemoore/song/5121013-love-the-lord-your-god