"Faith in the Storm"

March 31, 2013

“Faith in the Storm”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 8:23-27
Mark 4:35-41
Luke 8:22-25


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Little faith.
The disciples showed it, though I suspect we would do likewise.
The storm was strong.
The boat was being covered by the waves.
They sought Jesus to save them, though they accused Him of caring not.
So, they had the faith in Jesus to arouse Him for help.
What was their “little faith”?

Jesus had perfect faith.
He slept in the midst of the storm
No worry.
No anxiety.
Complete faith and trust in Father.

Jesus calmed the situation by rebuking the wind and the surging waves.
They stopped.

Jesus then asked “where is your faith”…”why are you cowardly, you people of little faith”?

The disciples faith in Jesus was increased by what He did.
They had faith in Him.
But, was there more inferred by the Lord’s inquiry?


He was challenging them to be not fearful.
He was challenging them to exercise faith.

I think there may be more here…

I think the Lord was challenging them to realize that they could have done something about the situation…in the name of the Lord.

Could they have stopped the storm in His name?
How about us?
I know of contemporary times when such has occurred?
Do you believe?
I do.
Do you have faith?
Lord, I believe.
Help my unbelief.

"Follow Me"

March 30, 2013

“Follow Me”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 8:18-22
Mark 4:35
Luke 9:57-62


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There are no excuses when following the Lord.

We see from these verses that Jesus was not distracted by the size of the crowd.
When Father told Him to go, He went.
He departed when a crowd was around Him.
Most contemporary folk believe that is the only sign of God’s Presence - a big crowd.

Jesus called people to follow Him.
Note their response.
  • some stated “I’ll follow you wherever…”. Jesus let them know that He has nowhere to lay His head...expect such.
  • another wanted to address family matters first...“bury my father”. The idea is that he would follow Jesus after His father/parents were deceased and things were settled.
  • one wanted to say farewell to those at home

Now, none of these things are evil.
Jesus was showing them the seriousness of the calling.
Nothing could interfere with following Him.

Jesus said:
  • follow Me
  • allow the dead to bury their own dead
  • go proclaim everywhere the Kingdom of God
  • no one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God

Let us do likewise.
Press on.
Do not be distracted by the cares, concerns and materials of the world.
Look not back.

"With A Word"

March 29, 2013

“With A Word”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 8:16-17
Mark 1:32-34
Luke 4:40-41

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Jesus carried about the deeds of the Kingdom night and day.
So should we.

People were bringing their sick to Jesus.
Note how they were described in these passages:
  • demon possessed
  • sick
  • infirmed
  • diseased

Jesus drove out the evil spirits with a word.
He placed His hands on all who came and healed them.

The demons would declare the truth, “You are the Son of God”, but Jesus would not allow them to speak.
He rebuked them.
They knew.

Do you?
Do you truly know Him as Messiah, Christ, Savior?
Or, are you playing the age-old religious game of the demons?
Acknowledging that Jesus is the Son of God, but having not belief unto salvation.

Jesus took our weaknesses.
Jesus carried our diseases.
(Note how the quote from Isaiah is tied to demon deliverance and physical healing.
This helps to interpret Isaiah 53 properly.)

Jesus continues the same work.
Wonder who He does it through?

"Rebuke the Fever"

March 28, 2013

“Rebuke the Fever”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 8:14-15
Mark 1:29-31
Luke 4:38-39


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Jesus had finished teaching in the synagogue.
He and others head to Simon and Andrew’s house.
There they find Peter’s mom suffering from a high fever.

Did you see what Jesus did?

At the behest of family members He went to her.
He rebuked the fever.
He touched her hand.
He raised her up gently by her hand.

Rebuking a fever?

Rebuke means to admonish...to charge sharply.

He told the fever to leave.

What was “it” that he told?

I believe it was likely an evil spirit that was causing a physical problem that was manifesting a fever.

When Jesus rebuked it, it left.
The fever was gone.
Strength was restored.
She served them.

This is the life of the Kingdom.
Are you manifesting the Kingdom?

"Do Not Weep. Arise!"

March 27, 2013

“Do Not Weep. Arise!”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:
Luke 7:11-17

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Wow!

What can one say?

Jesus was/is/will be victorious over death.

In this passage we see the Lord moved with compassion at the sight of a grieving widow mourning the death of her only son.

The son was dead.
Nothing could be done.
But, the compassion and power of the Lord…

He told her to weep not.
He touched the coffin...something a Jew would not do.
He commanded the young man to arise.
He did.

Note the reaction of the people.
Fear.
Glorifying of God.

Let us glorify Him.
What might He do through us?

"Authority"

March 26, 2013

Authority”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 8:5-13
Mark 2:1
Luke 7:1-10
John 4:46b-54


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This is a case where differences in translations reveal some things.

The servant was paralyzed.
He was fearfully tormented.
Tormented.
Tormented connotes a tormentor.

The tormentor was causing paralysis.
The tormentor was either illness/disease or an evil one.
Likely it was an evil one.

Regardless, the centurion acknowledged by his request and his dialogue with Jesus that Authority was the issue.
He knew Jesus had authority to heal and to set free.
He trusted.
Look at how he spoke:
  • Lord
  • I am not worthy
  • Just say the Word
  • My servant will be healed

These are proclamations of repentance, trust and faith.

Jesus brings it home to the Jews.
He declares that many will come from all over the world - from east and west - and will recline with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Jesus is saying that the Gentiles have a place at the table with the Patriarchs.
He then states something which should have chilled the bones of the Jews listening.
“But, the sons of the kingdom will be cast into the outer darkness…”
The chosen ones would be rejected because they rejected.

The servant was healed.
How?
“Go, it shall be done for you as you have believed”

Do you believe?

"Caught, Cleaned, Cellophaned"

March 25, 2013

“Caught, Cleaned, Cellophaned”


Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 8:1-4
Mark 1:40-45
Luke 5:12-16



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Most believers have no concept of Kingdom life.

Especially as related to meeting needs of others.

We want “our fish” caught, cleaned and wrapped nicely in cellophane.
We do not want the mess of catching...cleaning...the feel, the smell...

It is fine with us if “others” come...as long as they don’t look bad, or smell bad, or have some contagion.

Jesus was not that way.

The leprous man was covered...covered!...with evidence of the disease.
Yet, Jesus physically touched him.

Most people would not draw anywhere near.

Jesus told the leper that He was willing to heal.
Jesus upheld the Law by telling the man - no longer The Leper...why do we keep calling him that? - to go report to the priest as per the Law.

Go.
Touch.
Speak of the Kingdom.
Do deeds of the Kingdom.
Fear not.

"House"

March 24, 2013

“House”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 7:21-27
Luke 6:46-49

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What are you building your “house” upon?
What are you building your life upon?

If must be the Word of the Lord with deeds verifying.

There are so many that cry “Lord, Lord”, yet they do not what He commands.

Oh, certainly they are very busy with religious activity.

But…
  • do they love?
  • do they seek first the Kingdom of God?
  • do they abide in the Lord?

We are entering into increasingly troubled times.

“They” will be made manifest.

Those who trust in the Lord will be evident…
  • mount up with wings as eagles
  • shine as the stars in the firmament
  • lead many to righteousness

Those whose “house” is build upon the sand will be quickly washed away.
Oh, it will look good.
In our society it will be “for the children” and “obedience”.

It will prove to be fatal.

Determine today to build upon the Word of the Lord.

"Beware"

March 23, 2013

“Beware”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 7:15-20
Luke 6:43-45

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We are repeatedly told in the Word to beware of false prophets, false teachers and the like.

For the most part we behave as if this is not a Word for today.
Generally, we assume that if someone is a “member” of “our” church then they must be a true believer.

Such is not so.

We know them by their fruit.

If someone “professes” the Lord...is a “member” of an organizational religious institution...yet, their pattern and practice of life is that of sin...then beware.
They are likely false.

An evil person will speak...will be heard...will be evident...from the evil that is in his heart.

Beware of such.
Do not put them in “church leadership.”
Avoid them.
Pray for them.

If you be one..repent, confess...today is the day of salvation.

"Judge - Beginning with Yourself"

March 22, 2013

“Judge - Beginning with Yourself”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 7:1-5
Mark 4:24-25
Luke 6:37-42
John 13:16, 15:20

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We looked at a portion of this Scripture a few days back.
We do well to be reminded.

The “judging” thing is always “difficult” in understanding - though not really. Happy

It really is a matter of the heart.

The Word tells us not to judge as hypocrites - judging something in someone else which be the same thing we do.

The Word tells us that we are to judge the fruit of life. Again, begin with self.

I found the Mark passage interesting.
Take care what you listen to.

It takes two to gossip.
A speaker.
A listener.

Be not a hypocritical judge.
Rather, judge according to the grace and mercy of God with a thankful, loving heart.

"Like Father"

March 21, 2013

“Like Father”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 5:38-48
Luke 6:27-36



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To be like Father in heaven.

We think that is impossible.
We think that it is not something to be considered.
But the Lord says otherwise.

We see in these verses “so that you may be like your Father in heaven”...interesting.

What about Father is being considered here?
The fact that He causes the sun to rise on the evil and good.
He send rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

We are to do likewise.

We are to love.
Love those who love us.
Love those who hate us.

How is this manifested?
Several commands are stated.
  • do not resist the evildoer
  • turn the other cheek
  • if sued, give
  • if forced to go, go further
  • give to the one who ask
  • do not turn away the one who needs to borrow
  • love your enemies
  • do good to those who hate you
  • pray for those who mistreat you
  • treat others in the way you would want them to treat you

It is in this way that we are perfect as Father is perfect.
He is merciful.
Show mercy.
He is kind to the ungrateful.
Be kind.
Your reward will be great.
You will be sons of the Most High.

Hummmm….

"Woe"

March 20, 2013

“Woe”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Luke 6:24-26

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If your comfort is in money and resources you have…
If your satisfaction is in food…
If you laugh at the state of the world and mourn not…
If you are spoken well of by all people…

Then woe to you.

There is nothing wrong with “being rich”
Most of us are richer than the vast majority of mankind...current and past.
The problem arises when the riches are your comfort.
Riches in the Body are given to meet the need of the Body.

2 Corinthians 8
13 For I do not say this so there would be relief for others and suffering for you, but as a matter of equality.
14 At the present time, your abundance will meet their need, so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality,
15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”


Food is good.
We must eat to live.
But, if you live to eat...woe to you.
If the motivation and satisfaction of life is found in food...then the day will come when you will be hungry.

You will mourn.
You will weep.

Seek the Lord as to your status with such.
He will reveal to you what He desires for you to do.

"Blessed, Rejoice, Jump"

March 19, 2013

“Blessed, Rejoice, Jump”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 5:3-12
Luke 6:20b-23


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What the world considers to be foolishness and weakness:
  • poor in spirit
  • mourning
  • meek
  • hunger and thirst for righteousness
  • mercy
  • pure in heart
  • peacemaker
  • persecuted for the sake of righteousness
  • bearing under insult and persecution

What the Lord states will be the reward for those who endure such:
  • kingdom of heaven
  • comfort
  • inherit the earth
  • satisfaction
  • mercy
  • see God
  • called children of God
  • kingdom of heaven (repeated!

Our response?
  • Rejoice!
  • Be glad!
  • Jump for joy!

Are you?
Rejoicing…
Leaping…
Living in the Kingdom as we await the Kingdom...

"Vexed"

March 18, 2013

“Vexed”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 4:24-5:2
Mark 3:7-13a
Luke 6:17-20a

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Jesus voiced the Kingdom of God everywhere.
He preached.
He taught.
He shared.
He discussed.
He debated.
He listened.

Upon the mountain.
By the sea.
On the plain.
On the way.
In the wood.
In homes.
In the Temple court.

We should do likewise.

To what purpose?

Note why the people came.
To hear Him.
To be healed of Him.

The same is true today.

People desire to hear from Him...not from man, not from an organizational agenda...from Him.

People desire to be healed of Him...in the same way we see in the Word.
Healing from physical afflictions.
Healing from demonic indwelling.

In Luke we see that those who are vexed with unclean spirits were being healed.
Vexed.
Healed.

I know many, many that are vexed and who are trying to “control” their vexation (is that a word?) through chemical alteration of their Body.

They need the healing of the Lord.

We are the vessels of the very Presence of God.
We are the vessels whereby the Power of God for healing is released.
We, as true believers, are indwelled by the Most High.

What does He desire to do through you today?
Do it.

"Authority"

March 17, 2013

“Authority”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 7:28-29
Mark 1:21-22
Luke 7:1

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What was the response of the people to the teaching of Jesus?
Amazed!
Astonished!

Why?

Jesus taught with authority.

The law “experts” did not.

Think on that for a moment…

The scribes had authority.
They relished in their positional authority.

Something about Jesus’ authority was different.

Jesus spoke the truth - so did the scribes...they taught the Word.
Jesus believed the truth of the Word...the scribes would say they believed...
Jesus lived the truth of the Word...they scribes should have lived the truth they knew.
They did not.
This is a power and authority the scribes did not have.

Do you believe?
Do you live the truth?
Live in the power and authority of the Most High.

"Build"

March 16, 2013

“Build”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 7:24-27
Luke 6:47-49

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We are all building.
Everything we do is toward a purpose - whether we are aware or acknowledge or not.

Jesus tells us how to build.

He says to hear His Words.
He says to do His Words.

If we do so, then we will not collapse when the time of external trouble comes.
Why?
Because we are founded upon the Rock - the Lord.

But note.

If we hear the Words of the Lord and do not, then we will not be able to withstand the tempest.
We will utterly collapse.
We will be utterly destroyed.

I believe this speaks to corporeal life.
I believe it speaks to the judgment to come.

Build in the manner of the Lord.
Hear His Word. You must know His Word.
Do His Word. Put His Word into practice.

"Deeds? Depart!"

March 15, 2013

“Deeds? Depart!”

Blessings Folk,

Today’s reading…
Matthew 7:21-23
Luke 6:46
Luke 13:25-27

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This is probably the most chilling and sobering portion of Scripture to me.

The truth is simple.

You cannot call Jesus “Lord” and not do what He tells you to do.

The “deeds” are not what we usually point to.

The Lord was clear.

Many will say “Lord, Lord”. In other words, they will profess that Jesus is Lord.
They will point to their deeds...their work.
They prophesied in the name of the Lord.
They cast out demons in the name of the Lord.
They did many miracles/powerful deeds in the name of the Lord.

Yet, Jesus will look at them and say, “I never knew you.”

Then how were “they” able to do all these things?

The Lord chose honor His name.

They did so “in the name of the Lord”, though they are not truly saved.
Jesus calls their deeds “practicing lawlessness”.
They are not in correct relationship with the Lord.

The Lord will judge such.
He did so in the days of Noah.
He will do so in the future.

Where do you stand?

What deed is the Lord expecting?

Knowing Him.

Do you know Him or are you eating/drinking/dancing in His Presence while tripping the light fantastic on the path to the lake of fire?

"Fruit"

March 14, 2013

“Fruit”

Blessings Folk!

Todays reading:
Matthew 7:15-20
Luke 6:43-45

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Fruit.
We all produce it.
We all have a product of the life we are living.
What is yours?

Jesus gives a directed warning as a commandment.
Watch out!

Beware of false prophets.

He tells us what they are - voracious wolves clothed in sheep’s clothing.

Jesus then tells us how to recognize them - by their fruit.
He thens give agrarian examples that all will understand...grapes, good/bad trees.

Jesus did not hold back.
“Offspring of vipers!”
He called them what they were...those who bore bad fruit.

Jesus then cuts to the point.
Those bearing bad fruit are manifesting what is in their heart…”for the mouth speaks from what fills the heart.”

Good people speak from the good in their heart.
Evil people speak from the evil in their heart.

Often it is asked what the “fruit” is that we are to recognize.

The “fruit” is not what man so often points to.

Many will point to the “success” that one has in the name of the Kingdom...buildings, programs, numbers of people, action, activity, etc.

Such is error.

Many an evil person today heads up “successful” enterprises in the name of the Lord.

The Word tells us what we are to recognize.

The fruit of the Spirit vs. the deeds of the flesh.

Here are the deeds of the flesh...


Galatians 5
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Here is the fruit of the Spirit…

Galatians 5
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self- control; against such things there is no law

The Word tells us what to do…

Galatians 5
16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do


You will know them by their fruit.

If someone professes to be something, yet you see jealousy/anger/rivalries/dissensions/ divisions/envy (so prevalent within the “professing church” leadership) then you can know they are false.

Those that are real?

You will see the fruit of the Spirit...and…

Galatians 5
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires


Therefore,
Live by the Spirit.
Keep in step with the Spirit
Be not conceited.
Provoke not.
Envy not.
While you “watch out”…

Galatians 5
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another

"Which Way?"

March 13, 2013

“Which Way?”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading…
Matthew 7:13-14
Luke 13:23-24



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Which way are you going?

Sobering question.

Someone asked Jesus an even more sobering question - “...are there a few who are being saved?”

Note what he taught…
We must enter through the narrow gate...a small, narrow way that leads to life.
Few find it.

Many will enter into the wide, broad gate that leads to destruction.

Jesus tells us to strive to enter through the narrow door...exert…

Many will seek to enter and will not be able.

Why?

Because they will be seeking to enter in their own way, by their own power - the way of Cain.

Do not do so.
Enter the narrow gate by the way of the Lord.

"Treat"

March 12, 2013

“Treat”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 7:12
Luke 6:31


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Simple.
To the point.

How do you desired to be treated?
Then treat others the same way.

Note the detail.
In everything.
Not just some things.
In everything treat others…
Why?

This fulfills the law and the prophets.

But, doesn’t Jesus fulfill the law and prophets?

Yes…

We are to treat one another as the Lord treats them/us.

"Ask, Seek, Find"

March 11, 2013

“Ask, Seek, Find”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 7:7-11
Luke 11:9-13
John 16:24


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Do you ask?
Do you seek?
Do you find?

What is Jesus speaking about here?

He is speaking of the good gifts that Father desires to release upon those who ask, seek and find.

But, careful now.

Immediately our minds usually rush toward material things.

That is not necessarily wrong.

We see bread and fish mentioned.
We are to ask and seek related to daily provision.

If we, being evil, give good things to our children, how much more will Father give to us!

But remember a couple of things…

Do not seek from a fleshly perspective…

James 4:2-4
New English Translation (NET)
2 You desire and you do not have; you murder and envy and you cannot obtain; you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask;
3 you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, so you can spend it on your passions.

Do not ask to spend on your passions.

Then, look again at Luke 11:13…”how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Do you have the Holy Spirit?
Ask.
Seek.
Find.

"Giving of the Holy…"

March 10, 2013

“Giving of the Holy…”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading…
Matthew 7:6

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This passage is often misused by Believers.
We use it as an excuse to not proclaim the Truth of the Gospel.
A cursory over view of the Word reveals that such is not the case.

But, we are to live in discernment, knowing that there are times when all one will be doing is “casting pearls before swine”…”giving the holy to dogs.”

How do we discern?

If we abide in the Lord, we will know.
The Spirit will guide, direct, speak, reveal.

Trust Him.
Be obedient.

"Judging"

March 9, 2013

“Judging”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading…
Matthew 7:1-5
Mark 4:24-25
Luke 6:37-42
John 7:53-8:11


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This is one of the teachings of Jesus that the world knows well.

They always throw it in the face of Believers.
Believers also misuse the teaching.

To understand “judging” one must have the complete counsel of the Word.
This is a portion thereof.
Let us focus on it.

Jesus is saying to be not hypocritical.
Do not judge someone for the very same thing you do.

Begin with yourself.
Judge yourself.
Take care of yourself.
Then you can help your brother.

Be careful of the measure by which you measure.
What is your standard?

Give heed to the concise instructions and related fruit…
  • do not judge, and you will not be judged
  • do not condemn, and you will not be condemned
  • forgive, and you will be forgiven
  • give, and it will be given to you
    • good measure
    • pressed down
    • running over
    • poured into your lap
    • the measure you use will be the measure you receive

Interesting that the “NET Bible Synopsis of the Four Gospels” chose to include the John 8 passage - the woman “caught” in adultery.
This is an example of forgiveness.
This is an example of mercy.
This is an example from the Lord of how to give someone a “place to begin again.”
Certainly, she was guilty...so was the man...wherever he is (I suspect a religious ruler)…

Mercy forgives the guilty.

How dare we do anything less…

Forgive.

"Worry"

March 8, 2013

“Worry”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading…
Matthew 6:25-34
Luke 12:22-32

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Jesus directly addresses a serious situation that greatly impacts the contemporary church - worry, anxiety.

Jesus simply instructs - commands - us to not worry.

There is no leeway here.

We are not to worry about life.
We are not to fret.
Jesus gives some examples.

We are not to worry about food.
We are not to worry about clothing.

Father knows we need these things.

We are told what to do.
Pursue first the Kingdom and righteousness of God.
Seek after the Kingdom.

Do not seek after the things of the world.
Trust in the Lord to provide.

Many will say, “I just worry, I’m anxious.”
Many professing believers worry to the point that they choose a life of medication rather than trusting in the Lord.
This should not be.
Too many professing believers give greater faith and reliance to pharmakia than to the Lord.

Worry is the fruit of not trusting God.
Worry is evidence of “little faith.”
When we are worrying, we are placing ourselves “upon the Throne” rather than allowing God to reign.

What then shall we do?
Repent.
Confess.
Seek first the Kingdom of God.
Trust the Lord.
Know the Word.
Live the Word.

Do not be afraid.
Remember, Father has chosen you for the Kingdom… wow...

"Which Master?"

March 7, 2013

“Which Master?”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 6:24
Luke 16:13

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A very familiar passage.
Even the world knows some elements of this truth.
But, do we truly live by it?

Here is the truth.
One cannot serve two masters.
By definition a master is one who is “over” us.
There cannot be two.

Of what is Jesus speaking.
God vs. money.

If money is your primary pursuit and that which you think of much, then it is your god.

Money is not evil.
The love of money is.

1 Timothy 6:10
New English Translation (NET)
10 For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.

Do not stray from the path of the Most High.
Allow God to be your Master.




"Illumined"

March 6, 2013

“Illumined”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 6:22-23
Luke 11:34-36


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Are you wholly illumined?
Is your whole body full of light?

If you are a true Believer you are indwelled with the Light of the Holy Spirit.

In these verses we see that Jesus is instructing us to protect that Light.

The eye is the lamp of the body.

If our eye is clear, then the fullness of Light is in the Body.
If not clear...if focused upon things other than the Kingdom...then the Body is full of darkness.

Upon what do you focus with the eye?
Are you filled with darkness?
Guard your eyes.
Let not darkness in.

"Treasures"

March 5, 2013

“Treasures”

Blessings Saints!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 6:19-21
Luke 12:33-34



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What are you storing?
Where are you storing?
What do you treasure?

The Lord reveals two possibilities.

We are either storing things here on earth...accumulating the treasures of earth…
Or…
We are storing things in heaven.

Note that we are “storing up for yourselves” in both cases.

Jesus reveals the True issue.

It is a matter of the heart.

Where our treasure is, there will be our heart also.

The treasures of the earth will pass away...thieves, moths, second law of thermodynamics, etc.

The treasures of heaven fail not.

What does your heart pursue?
What do you treasure?
Lie not.
God knows.
Be certain that your treasures are His.
Make changes.

"Fasting"

March 4, 2013

“Fasting”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 6:16-18

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Jesus is addressing the “showiness” of religious practices.

Such consumes the church today.

Think about it.
Watch.
Observe.
Seek the Lord.
He will reveal what is of man and what is of Him.

So much of what we currently do in the name of “worship” and “ministry”, often done in ignorance and innocence of intent, is nothing more than what we are seeing here.

Earlier we saw the warning about trumpeting prayers to be seen.
Now we see the same about fasting.

The Fasters were allowing their external appearance and maintenance to go by the wayside… a sign in their eyes that they were “suffering” for the sake of the fast.

Jesus cuts to the point.

They were desiring the adulation and attention of man.
They are hypocrites...that is what Jesus calls them.

Jesus says to not do such.

Again, do we seek the reward of man or the reward of God?

"Model Prayer"

March 3, 2013

“Model Prayer”

Blessings Folk!

Matthew 6:7-15
Mark 11:25
Luke 11:1-4

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This reading is often referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer” though that is a misnomer.
It is The Model for Prayer that the Lord provides. We will see the true prayer of the Lord later.

This teaching came about because the disciples requested to learn how to pray.

We are told some forthright, blunt things.

Pray.
We are to pray.
Often people will ask why we need to pray when Father already knows what you need before we ask Him.
This reveals an incomplete understanding of what prayer is.
Prayer is communion with God.
Prayer is conversation with God.
Prayer goes both ways.
Prayer is not “us trying to get God to do something.”
Prayer is listening.
Prayer is aligning our thoughts with His thoughts and desires.

Do not pray as the Gentiles.
Do not use meaningless repetition.
The Gentiles thought that the ability to produce sheer volume of words would move “their gods.”

Pray acknowledgement of the Holiness of God.
Pray for the Kingdom to come.
Pray for God’s will to be done.

Pray for daily provision.

Pray for forgiveness.
Pray that we will forgive.
Forgive others? God will forgive you.
Do not forgive others? God will not forgive you.

Pray for protection from temptation.
Pray for deliverance from evil.

We are told in the Word to pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
(KJV)

17 Pray without ceasing.


Let us do so.

"Hypocritcal Praying"

March 2, 2013

“Hypocritical Praying”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 6:5-6

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Jesus moved from “you have heard/but I say” to a “do not be like the hypocrites”.

Yesterday we saw that we are not to be hypocritical in trumpeting almsgiving.

Do not pray like the hypocrites.
They like...no, they love...to pray while standing in they synagogues and on the street corners.
They love to be seen by people.
They use that which we are to do - pray - as an exercise in narcissistic “religious holiness”.
They use their “religious activity” for the own supposed benefit.

James 4:2-4
New English Translation (NET)
2 You desire and you do not have; you murder and envy and you cannot obtain; you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask;
you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, so you can spend it on your passions.
4 Adulterers, do you not know that friendship with the world means hostility toward God? So whoever decides to be the world’s friend makes himself God’s enemy.

How are we to pray?
Privately.
In own room.
Behind closed door.
To Father.

Again, we see that Father sees all.
There are no secrets.

Does this mean that public/corporate prayer is wrong?
No.
It is an issue of the heart.
We are to pray together.
We are not to pray to receive adulation, glory, etc.

Pray.

"Secret Giving"

March 1, 2013

“Secret Giving”

Blessings Folk!

Today’s reading:
Matthew 6:1-4

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Believers are rewarded.
Believers will be rewarded.

In this corporeal existence our reward will be either the self-created accolades of man or the reward of Father.

Jesus was warning the people.

Do not seek to display your righteousness (“giving of alms” KJV), particularly via charitable endeavors, for the sake of being seen by people.

Give in humility.
Be not be as the hypocrites who trumpet their work, their giving, their labor.
In doing this, they receive their reward...from man.

Rather, give “in secret”, without trumpeting your giving, your work, your labor.
Allow Father, Who sees in secret, to reward you.

Which are you pursuing?
The reward of man?
The reward of Father?