Psalm 42 The psalmist is in despair. He is vanquished from his home and from the holy tabernacle. He feels like he has been run over.. one thing after another. "Deep calls to deep"... the breakers and waves are pounding over him and he can't see the surface.
But, he doesn't give us hope in God. Instead he reminds himself, "O, my soul" that God is his help.
v 5 " Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence."
Don't give up! Don't give in to despair and hopelessness! Why? Because God is able!
v8 "The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime. And His song will be with me in the night. A prayer to the God of my life." God, the Creator of heaven and earth, our Heavenly Father, for whom nothing is impossible - commands His lovingkindness. Matthew Henry's commentary states, " God's conferring his favor is called his commanding of it. This intimates the freeness of it; we cannot pretend to merit it, but it is bestowed in a way of sovereignty, he gives like a king. It intimates also the efficacy of it; he speaks his lovingkindness, and makes us to hear it; speaks and it is done."
God has not forgotten us. He sees our hearts and knows our heartaches. He sees the wind and the waves that are overwhelming us. He will command His lovingkindness, His mercy, and His deliverance for us. Like the psalmist, we must say to ourselves. "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance." Matthew Henry writes, ".. if God smile upon me, that will make me look pleasant, look up, look forward, look round, with pleasure." Our God, who loves us, who has made a covenant with us - "all that He is, all that He has, is mine" - Because of who He is we can triumph over griefs and fears. We can trust Him to help us. This is what it means to "walk by faith and not by sight." To remind ourselves as often as possible that God will command his lovingkindness towards us. That He will give us joy in the morning. That He will be our help and salvation.
Hope in Him.
Wait on Him.
Praise Him for what will happen. Agree with the psalmist, "I shall again praise Him." Deliverance is coming! Believe it. Count on it. Rest on Him , the rock, the God of your life.
Father, I will trust You. I want Your Name to be honored. When others taunt us saying "Where is your God?" When I wonder sometimes myself, "Why have you forgotten me?" Help us to remember that You have not forsaken us. You are right here, commanding Your love and mercy, speaking it into our lives. You are my God, my King, and my Father. You never change and You know my need, our needs. I put my hope in You. I look to You. I will walk by faith. Help me to do this every moment of every day of my life.
Thank you Lord.
Amen
Matthew 12 Jesus makes 3 amazing statements in this chapter.
v6 "But I say to you, that something greater than the temple is here."
v41 ".. behold something greater than Jonah is here."
v42 " .. and behold something greater than Solomon is here."
Here He declares, " For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
He is greater than religion. He is greater than miraculous signs, He is greater than any king.
Jesus came as the chosen servant, the beloved of God, to bring the Kingdom of God to earth.
The Jewish leaders valued the temple and their traditions more than anything else. But even they would make exceptions to their rules.. when it suited them. They had more compassion for their animals than they did for hurting, hungry, needy men. Jesus set them straight. " Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep?"
In the Kingdom of God, people are valued.
Wow, we see in our world this same need for the Kingdom! Animal rights activists get all upset about the treatment of a pet, but turn around and endorse abortion of precious babies! Our society values "equal rights" for everyone, except for the Christian who wants to practice righteousness.
So thankful that Jesus is still Lord of the Sabbath. He is greater than any other! So thankful that the Kingdom of God has come! Expand Your Kingdom here Lord Jesus! Let Your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Psalm 43 The psalmist is praying for vindication and deliverance. He feels rejected and depressed. He wants God to plead his case and judge him innocent of the charges brought against him by the unjust. To be treated wrongly and unfairly is a struggle that we can relate to easily. The psalmist declares his trust in God.
"For Thou art the God of my strength .." v2 The only strength that we have is that which the Lord provides. It is His arm that delivers, not ours. It is His Right Hand that saves. We can turn to God and know with full confidence that He is strong enough to help us!
"O send out Thy light and Thy Truth, let them lead me;" Illumination and stability. This is the guidance that will lead us to His "holy hill" ( v3). To His Presence. Psalm 119:105 says " Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 36:9b says "In Thy light we see light."
In John 8:12 Jesus says "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life." And in John 1:4-5 the apostle writes, " In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it." The Word of God, the light and truth, reveals to us the Son of God, the true Light, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He shows us how to walk through darkness and not be overcome by it.... we must follow Him. It is His Word that provides the light for our way and the stability for us to stand in His Presence.
To come into His Presence, the psalmist tells us, we go first to the altar. To the place where we present our offerings. To the place of sacrifices. The psalmist would have a picture of the temple in his mind. He would be thinking of burnt offerings and grain offerings and thank offerings. Burnt offerings that signified a confession of sin and a need for forgiveness by a sacrifice of shed blood. Grain offerings would represent acknowledgement for the Lord's provision. He would think of bringing the first fruits from his herds and from his fields. First we come confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness. Then we come offering a portion of that which God has bountifully given to us, an acknowledgment that all we have is His. That it all is His gift to us in the first place. Then we offer our thanks.
Thanks for the salvation He has provided by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, on a cruel cross.
Thanks for His provision for all He has provided for life now and eternally.
Thanks for making us His own. For sending His light and truth, for leading us in His perfect ways.
"To God my exceeding joy;" (v4) the psalmist offers music of praise. Why despair? Hope is in God.
We can find gladness and joy in our God. He has come in the light to show us the way to Himself.
To His joy and His strength. To His deliverance from the darkness of evil. Satan wants us to doubt that God can or will help us. He is wrong. God waits for us to follow Him, to come into the Light of His Word which leads us to the Light and Joy of His Presence.
Father, I come. I come to the altar to lay it all down before You once again. To lay down my life. To lay down my pride and my selfishness. To lay down my burdens and my "stuff". I need You alone.
Thank You for saving me. Thank You for providing for all I need. Thank You for leading me in "paths of righteousness, for Your Name's sake". You are my joy, Father! You are my strength!
I shall praise You and bless Your holy Name!
Amen
"For Thou art the God of my strength .." v2 The only strength that we have is that which the Lord provides. It is His arm that delivers, not ours. It is His Right Hand that saves. We can turn to God and know with full confidence that He is strong enough to help us!
"O send out Thy light and Thy Truth, let them lead me;" Illumination and stability. This is the guidance that will lead us to His "holy hill" ( v3). To His Presence. Psalm 119:105 says " Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 36:9b says "In Thy light we see light."
In John 8:12 Jesus says "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life." And in John 1:4-5 the apostle writes, " In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it." The Word of God, the light and truth, reveals to us the Son of God, the true Light, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He shows us how to walk through darkness and not be overcome by it.... we must follow Him. It is His Word that provides the light for our way and the stability for us to stand in His Presence.
To come into His Presence, the psalmist tells us, we go first to the altar. To the place where we present our offerings. To the place of sacrifices. The psalmist would have a picture of the temple in his mind. He would be thinking of burnt offerings and grain offerings and thank offerings. Burnt offerings that signified a confession of sin and a need for forgiveness by a sacrifice of shed blood. Grain offerings would represent acknowledgement for the Lord's provision. He would think of bringing the first fruits from his herds and from his fields. First we come confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness. Then we come offering a portion of that which God has bountifully given to us, an acknowledgment that all we have is His. That it all is His gift to us in the first place. Then we offer our thanks.
Thanks for the salvation He has provided by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, on a cruel cross.
Thanks for His provision for all He has provided for life now and eternally.
Thanks for making us His own. For sending His light and truth, for leading us in His perfect ways.
"To God my exceeding joy;" (v4) the psalmist offers music of praise. Why despair? Hope is in God.
We can find gladness and joy in our God. He has come in the light to show us the way to Himself.
To His joy and His strength. To His deliverance from the darkness of evil. Satan wants us to doubt that God can or will help us. He is wrong. God waits for us to follow Him, to come into the Light of His Word which leads us to the Light and Joy of His Presence.
Father, I come. I come to the altar to lay it all down before You once again. To lay down my life. To lay down my pride and my selfishness. To lay down my burdens and my "stuff". I need You alone.
Thank You for saving me. Thank You for providing for all I need. Thank You for leading me in "paths of righteousness, for Your Name's sake". You are my joy, Father! You are my strength!
I shall praise You and bless Your holy Name!
Amen
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Psalm 44 The victories in the past, for Israel, were not accomplished by their own swords... "But Thy right hand and Thine arm, and the light of Thy presence." The King pushed back their adversaries. They did not trust in their own weapons, but "In God we have boasted all day long, and we give thanks to Thy name forever." (v8)
And yet, the psalmist goes on to say, it seems that You have forsaken us. The enemy is winning. We are being defeated, scattered, sold... we are laughingstocks. "Rise up, be our help, and redeem us for the sake of Thy lovingkindness." Come to our rescue once again!
Isn't this how our lives go? We can look back and see how God worked everything out in the past. We are thankful. We give Him praise. And then all of the sudden... boom... we are once again in the middle of a disaster. The enemy is winning and we are sinking fast. We think we are still walking in the Lord's way, we haven't forgotten Him. We know that ".. he knows the secrets of the heart."
( v21). But, we are dying here. Wondering where He went.
Verse 22 "But for Thy sake we are killed all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
This is quoted in Romans 8:36, right in the middle of one of the most wonderful messages of hope that Paul ever wrote:
And yet, the psalmist goes on to say, it seems that You have forsaken us. The enemy is winning. We are being defeated, scattered, sold... we are laughingstocks. "Rise up, be our help, and redeem us for the sake of Thy lovingkindness." Come to our rescue once again!
Isn't this how our lives go? We can look back and see how God worked everything out in the past. We are thankful. We give Him praise. And then all of the sudden... boom... we are once again in the middle of a disaster. The enemy is winning and we are sinking fast. We think we are still walking in the Lord's way, we haven't forgotten Him. We know that ".. he knows the secrets of the heart."
( v21). But, we are dying here. Wondering where He went.
Verse 22 "But for Thy sake we are killed all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
This is quoted in Romans 8:36, right in the middle of one of the most wonderful messages of hope that Paul ever wrote:
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
He who did not spare his own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?
Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Just as it is written, 'For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.'
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels nor principalities , nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing SHALL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD, WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD."
When things look bleak, remember that our Redeemer lives! When we feel like sheep being led to the slaughter, remember that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God! He is our Shepherd! When it feels as if the enemy is gloating, remember that Jesus Christ, the Lord of all, "intercedes for us".
God is not in hiding. God is not dead, He is surely alive!!!!! Believe the voice of Truth! He is for us! He is with us! He is still in the business of redemption. Of rescuing His children from sin, despair, and hardship. It is still His arm, His right hand, and the light of His presence that will save us. Hear this truth and cling to Him. Be convinced like Paul was, that there is nothing that can keep God's love from reaching us.
Father in heaven, how holy and blessed is Your Name. May Your Name be praised and honored among us today. May Your kingdom be seen and expanded today as others are drawn to Your love and righteousness. May Your will be done today. Your desire is for us! You don't want anything to keep us from Your love. The struggles in this world are always present. There are tribulation; and
distress overwhelms us. There is persecution and famine and sword... but You have made us conquerors through Jesus Christ! We run to You. We cling to You. O Lord, strengthen our weak faith, that we might also say with Paul, "I am convinced" that nothing can come between us and Your love. May we boldly boast in You all day long! For You are worthy of our praise and thanksgiving.
You love us. You redeem us. You rescue us. You are our only hope.
Thank You for the Word of Truth that brings us into Your presence once again.
Amen.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
The voice of Truth - woke up with this song on my mind. There are so many voices that try to make us doubt God, to doubt His Word, or His love. The enemy of truth is the father of lies, satan himself.
But Jesus speaks the Words we need to hear.. the TRUTH Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."
John, in prison, needed to hear again the truth of Who Jesus is. If he needed it, how much more do we? Jesus reassured John and his disciples. He reassures us too.
"All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."
Matthew Henry's commentary tells us that in these words Jesus establishes His ability, His credentials to offer us the rest we need.
1st - since the Father has handed over everything to Him, Jesus has the authority, the power, and the resources to help us in our weary state.
2nd - since He knows the Father and the Father knows Him, Jesus has the intimate relationship to accomplish the Father's perfect will. It is in perfect agreement between the God Most High and the Eternal Son - for us to know Him and to enter into His rest.
3rd- It is in Christ that all revelation is given. In Him we can know God. This is eternal life. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We must come through Him to the Father.
Are you weary and heavy laden? The burden is heavy. We are burdened with our own sins and guilt, with fear and worry, with failure and hopelessness. We are weary of the burdens that others lay on us. Their expectations, their selfishness, their loads added to our own... it is too much.
Come to Jesus! He invites you. Cast your cares on Him for He cares for you. He will give you rest.
Cast on Him your own sin and fear, your guilt and doubts. He can bear it. He knows you can't.
His rest is good. His rest is perfect. As Psalm 46:10 says, "Cease striving and know that I am God."
Let go. Rest. He IS God! There is no burden too heavy, nor any too light - we must come to Him with all of our baggage.
Jesus doesn't stop there. "Take My yoke... " It means submitting to Him. Serving Him. Obeying Him.
But it is an "easy" yoke. Not the yoke of bondage to sin and self. But a gentle, gracious, sweet yoke of love with the One who loved us enough to die for us. He calls Himself gentle and humble... meek and lowly. He comes to us at our level. Stooping down to meet us eye to eye. He is the perfect Master. It is a privilege to serve Him.
Jesus, blessed Jesus, Your love knows no limits! Take my burdens and give to me the blessed assurance of Your rest. We need You every hour, Lord. Help us today. Thank You Most gracious and mighty God for Your mercies and grace. Be exalted. Let Your Name be hallowed. We give You praise. Amen.
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
The voice of Truth - woke up with this song on my mind. There are so many voices that try to make us doubt God, to doubt His Word, or His love. The enemy of truth is the father of lies, satan himself.
But Jesus speaks the Words we need to hear.. the TRUTH Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."
John, in prison, needed to hear again the truth of Who Jesus is. If he needed it, how much more do we? Jesus reassured John and his disciples. He reassures us too.
"All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."
Matthew Henry's commentary tells us that in these words Jesus establishes His ability, His credentials to offer us the rest we need.
1st - since the Father has handed over everything to Him, Jesus has the authority, the power, and the resources to help us in our weary state.
2nd - since He knows the Father and the Father knows Him, Jesus has the intimate relationship to accomplish the Father's perfect will. It is in perfect agreement between the God Most High and the Eternal Son - for us to know Him and to enter into His rest.
3rd- It is in Christ that all revelation is given. In Him we can know God. This is eternal life. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We must come through Him to the Father.
Are you weary and heavy laden? The burden is heavy. We are burdened with our own sins and guilt, with fear and worry, with failure and hopelessness. We are weary of the burdens that others lay on us. Their expectations, their selfishness, their loads added to our own... it is too much.
Come to Jesus! He invites you. Cast your cares on Him for He cares for you. He will give you rest.
Cast on Him your own sin and fear, your guilt and doubts. He can bear it. He knows you can't.
His rest is good. His rest is perfect. As Psalm 46:10 says, "Cease striving and know that I am God."
Let go. Rest. He IS God! There is no burden too heavy, nor any too light - we must come to Him with all of our baggage.
Jesus doesn't stop there. "Take My yoke... " It means submitting to Him. Serving Him. Obeying Him.
But it is an "easy" yoke. Not the yoke of bondage to sin and self. But a gentle, gracious, sweet yoke of love with the One who loved us enough to die for us. He calls Himself gentle and humble... meek and lowly. He comes to us at our level. Stooping down to meet us eye to eye. He is the perfect Master. It is a privilege to serve Him.
Jesus, blessed Jesus, Your love knows no limits! Take my burdens and give to me the blessed assurance of Your rest. We need You every hour, Lord. Help us today. Thank You Most gracious and mighty God for Your mercies and grace. Be exalted. Let Your Name be hallowed. We give You praise. Amen.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Psalm 46 God is.... our refuge, our strength , our help, our stronghold. "He is with us! He is with us! Always! Always!" Sing this song of Truth.
"The Lord of hosts is with us;" ( v7) He is with us when the mountains quake. He is with us when the water roars. He is with us when the nations are in an uproar. He is with us when kingdoms totter.
"He makes wars to cease..."
"He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two."
"He burns the chariots with fire"
So... stop striving, relax, let go! Know that He is God. He will be exalted. He is with us.. always.
Father, our Father, You are always with us. When we seek You, we will find You. You promised and You are always faithful. We must want to make contact with You. To ask and seek and knock. To abide in Your Word, to abide in Your Son. Fill our hearts with that true longing to just be with You.
amen.
Matthew 10 Jesus chooses the 12 disciples that will represent Him, and sends them out to preach the good news of the Kingdom, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Before they go, Jesus gives them some instructions.
Verses 8-10 Give freely. Don't take extra supplies. Don't worry about money.
Verses 11-15 Bless those who are worthy, those who heed the message. Remove any blessings from those who refuse.
Verses 16-23 Beware. Wolves abound. Persecution will happen. Even your own family will turn against you. You will be hated. This is not an easy life you are called to.
Verses 24-31 Don't be afraid. When you are called names; when your life is threatened; when you are in great turmoil ; don't forget Who your Father is!
Verses 32-39 Stay faithful, stay connected to Jesus. Confess that He is Lord.. He will confess that you are His before the Father. Deny Him and He will deny that you are His. Love Him more than family. Love Him more than your own life. Follow Him no matter what. When you lose your life for Him,that is when you really find it.
Verses 40-42 Be so identified with Jesus that when someone sees you, they see Him. When they give to you, they give to Him. The one who accepts you and takes you in, takes Him and accepts Him too.
Jesus is so identified with the Father that He says, "and he who receives Me receives Him who sent me."
Father, lead us in Your paths of righteousness, for Your Name's sake. We dare not walk alone. Again we long to be with You. May we give freely what You have given to us. May we share Your blessing and Your kingdom with those who have ears to hear. May we persevere when trouble arises. May we stay faithful to Jesus, our Lord. May we willingly lay down our lives for You. May Jesus be seen in us so that others may know You. May Your will be done.
Amen
"The Lord of hosts is with us;" ( v7) He is with us when the mountains quake. He is with us when the water roars. He is with us when the nations are in an uproar. He is with us when kingdoms totter.
"He makes wars to cease..."
"He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two."
"He burns the chariots with fire"
So... stop striving, relax, let go! Know that He is God. He will be exalted. He is with us.. always.
Father, our Father, You are always with us. When we seek You, we will find You. You promised and You are always faithful. We must want to make contact with You. To ask and seek and knock. To abide in Your Word, to abide in Your Son. Fill our hearts with that true longing to just be with You.
amen.
Matthew 10 Jesus chooses the 12 disciples that will represent Him, and sends them out to preach the good news of the Kingdom, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Before they go, Jesus gives them some instructions.
Verses 8-10 Give freely. Don't take extra supplies. Don't worry about money.
Verses 11-15 Bless those who are worthy, those who heed the message. Remove any blessings from those who refuse.
Verses 16-23 Beware. Wolves abound. Persecution will happen. Even your own family will turn against you. You will be hated. This is not an easy life you are called to.
Verses 24-31 Don't be afraid. When you are called names; when your life is threatened; when you are in great turmoil ; don't forget Who your Father is!
Verses 32-39 Stay faithful, stay connected to Jesus. Confess that He is Lord.. He will confess that you are His before the Father. Deny Him and He will deny that you are His. Love Him more than family. Love Him more than your own life. Follow Him no matter what. When you lose your life for Him,that is when you really find it.
Verses 40-42 Be so identified with Jesus that when someone sees you, they see Him. When they give to you, they give to Him. The one who accepts you and takes you in, takes Him and accepts Him too.
Jesus is so identified with the Father that He says, "and he who receives Me receives Him who sent me."
Father, lead us in Your paths of righteousness, for Your Name's sake. We dare not walk alone. Again we long to be with You. May we give freely what You have given to us. May we share Your blessing and Your kingdom with those who have ears to hear. May we persevere when trouble arises. May we stay faithful to Jesus, our Lord. May we willingly lay down our lives for You. May Jesus be seen in us so that others may know You. May Your will be done.
Amen
Monday, February 17, 2014
Matthew 9
Jesus does 4 amazing miracles that are recorded, plus many more that are not specified. He is living out His command to the Pharisees - proving that God is all about compassion.
1. He heals a suffering woman who touches the fringe on his cloak.
2. He raises the synagogue official's daughter from the dead.
3. He gives sight to 2 believing blind men.
4. He casts out a demon from a dumb man who then can speak.
Then He goes from city to city, village to village, teaching , proclaiming the good news, and healing.
It is interesting that often, but not always, Jesus connects a person's faith to their healing.
Matt. 8:13 - He tells the centurion, "let it be done to you as you have believed."
But in v14 He simply touches the woman's hand.
To the paralytic, for whom he forgives sin and heals, their is no mention of faith. Although he had to act in faith by rising up and walking away.
In 9:22 Jesus tells the woman, "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well."
But to the officials daughter, he says nothing, just taking her hand.
In 9:28 He questions the 2 blind men, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" and then, "Be it done to you according to your faith."
The dumb man with the demon was brought to Jesus and healed. His faith is not questioned or mentioned. ( v32-33)
What if the centurion didn't have real faith, would the servant have remained paralyzed?
What if the paralytic hadn't gotten up and walked, would he have remained unforgiven?
What if the blind men had not really believed? Would they have remained blind?
Yes. Probably so.
If the woman had not dared to reach out and touch the fringe on Jesus' cloak, she would not have been healed.
If the people who brought the dumb, demon-possessed man to Jesus had not done so, he would never have spoken a word.
If we do not reach out to Jesus for ourselves or bring others to Him.... then no healing will occur.
When we come to Him in faith, believing He is able to heal, and that He is willing to heal... only then will He make us well.
Jesus, You are able! You are willing! You have compassion on us as You had for the people who were "distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd". We do beseech You, Heavenly Father, Lord of the harvest, send out workers into Your harvest. Come and heal us. Bring forgiveness of sins and healing of broken hearts and lives. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done. O may our faith be real! May we dare to touch you. May we know the Your touch as You take us by the hand and raise us up. Savior, like a shepherd lead us. Much we need Thy tenderest care... Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus. Thou has bought us, Thine we are. Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Jesus does 4 amazing miracles that are recorded, plus many more that are not specified. He is living out His command to the Pharisees - proving that God is all about compassion.
1. He heals a suffering woman who touches the fringe on his cloak.
2. He raises the synagogue official's daughter from the dead.
3. He gives sight to 2 believing blind men.
4. He casts out a demon from a dumb man who then can speak.
Then He goes from city to city, village to village, teaching , proclaiming the good news, and healing.
It is interesting that often, but not always, Jesus connects a person's faith to their healing.
Matt. 8:13 - He tells the centurion, "let it be done to you as you have believed."
But in v14 He simply touches the woman's hand.
To the paralytic, for whom he forgives sin and heals, their is no mention of faith. Although he had to act in faith by rising up and walking away.
In 9:22 Jesus tells the woman, "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well."
But to the officials daughter, he says nothing, just taking her hand.
In 9:28 He questions the 2 blind men, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" and then, "Be it done to you according to your faith."
The dumb man with the demon was brought to Jesus and healed. His faith is not questioned or mentioned. ( v32-33)
What if the centurion didn't have real faith, would the servant have remained paralyzed?
What if the paralytic hadn't gotten up and walked, would he have remained unforgiven?
What if the blind men had not really believed? Would they have remained blind?
Yes. Probably so.
If the woman had not dared to reach out and touch the fringe on Jesus' cloak, she would not have been healed.
If the people who brought the dumb, demon-possessed man to Jesus had not done so, he would never have spoken a word.
If we do not reach out to Jesus for ourselves or bring others to Him.... then no healing will occur.
When we come to Him in faith, believing He is able to heal, and that He is willing to heal... only then will He make us well.
Jesus, You are able! You are willing! You have compassion on us as You had for the people who were "distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd". We do beseech You, Heavenly Father, Lord of the harvest, send out workers into Your harvest. Come and heal us. Bring forgiveness of sins and healing of broken hearts and lives. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done. O may our faith be real! May we dare to touch you. May we know the Your touch as You take us by the hand and raise us up. Savior, like a shepherd lead us. Much we need Thy tenderest care... Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus. Thou has bought us, Thine we are. Thou hast loved us, love us still.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Psalm 47 We are told to clap our hands and shout to God. The idea is to make a loud noise, clanging cymbals together, singing, blowing a trumpet! Sounds pretty charismatic, doesn't it? But, our God is worthy of exuberant praise!
v 2 He is the "Lord Most High" and is to be feared.
He is "a great King over all the earth"
He subdues people.
He subdues nations.
He chooses to give an inheritance to His people.
He loves His people.
He reigns over nations.
He sits on His holy throne.
The shields of the earth are His.
He is exalted above all things and all people and all nations.
" Sing praises to God, sing praises; Sing praises to our King, sing praises; For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with a skillful psalm;"
Our God reigns! Think what that really means. This world, with all its chaos, with wars and terrorism, with cultural battles and ethnic cleansing.... He reigns. Whom shall we fear? Only the Lord Most High. He is King and He is Judge. We can trust in His unfailing love and righteousness.
He has not left His throne. Praise Him. Sing praises to Him. Remember that He is God and King.
O Father in Heaven, thank You for reminding me of Who You are! You reign. Even when the world around us is swept us in sinfulness and shame.... You have not changed. You subdue people and nations. Subdue the voice of those who are exalting their sinfulness. Subdue the ones who are glorifying evil. Subdue the voice of the enemy and his lies. Let us rise up and make a loud and joyful noise of praise and worship to You, the Lord Most High! You are our King, the King of all the earth! We praise You!
"Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all people here below! Praise Him above ye heavenly host! Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Amen"
Matthew 9
Matthew tells his own story of meeting Jesus. Matthew was a tax man. He was at work. He was not a popular fellow. But when Jesus came by He said to Matthew "Follow Me". And Matthew did.
The next thing that he knew, they were at his house having dinner, in the middle of a culture war!
Tax-gatherers and sinners flocked to Matthew's house to meet the One Who dared to call a taxman into discipleship! But also the Pharisees gathered to look down and condemn Jesus for eating with such men. Jesus has the perfect answer! "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means, 'I desire compassion and not sacrifice for I did
not come to call the righteous but sinners.'" ( v12-13)
Jesus, who is it that You would call today? A tax gatherer was the least likely man that they thought you would choose. You surprised and disturbed the religious leaders. You surprise us all the time by choosing us, the sinners, the sick, the unpopular, to come and follow You. Thank you for Your great compassion! May we also have hearts of compassion for those who are lost and need You. Use us to share Your Words with them today, that they too will follow You.
Amen.
v 2 He is the "Lord Most High" and is to be feared.
He is "a great King over all the earth"
He subdues people.
He subdues nations.
He chooses to give an inheritance to His people.
He loves His people.
He reigns over nations.
He sits on His holy throne.
The shields of the earth are His.
He is exalted above all things and all people and all nations.
" Sing praises to God, sing praises; Sing praises to our King, sing praises; For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with a skillful psalm;"
Our God reigns! Think what that really means. This world, with all its chaos, with wars and terrorism, with cultural battles and ethnic cleansing.... He reigns. Whom shall we fear? Only the Lord Most High. He is King and He is Judge. We can trust in His unfailing love and righteousness.
He has not left His throne. Praise Him. Sing praises to Him. Remember that He is God and King.
O Father in Heaven, thank You for reminding me of Who You are! You reign. Even when the world around us is swept us in sinfulness and shame.... You have not changed. You subdue people and nations. Subdue the voice of those who are exalting their sinfulness. Subdue the ones who are glorifying evil. Subdue the voice of the enemy and his lies. Let us rise up and make a loud and joyful noise of praise and worship to You, the Lord Most High! You are our King, the King of all the earth! We praise You!
"Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all people here below! Praise Him above ye heavenly host! Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Amen"
Matthew 9
Matthew tells his own story of meeting Jesus. Matthew was a tax man. He was at work. He was not a popular fellow. But when Jesus came by He said to Matthew "Follow Me". And Matthew did.
The next thing that he knew, they were at his house having dinner, in the middle of a culture war!
Tax-gatherers and sinners flocked to Matthew's house to meet the One Who dared to call a taxman into discipleship! But also the Pharisees gathered to look down and condemn Jesus for eating with such men. Jesus has the perfect answer! "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means, 'I desire compassion and not sacrifice for I did
not come to call the righteous but sinners.'" ( v12-13)
Jesus, who is it that You would call today? A tax gatherer was the least likely man that they thought you would choose. You surprised and disturbed the religious leaders. You surprise us all the time by choosing us, the sinners, the sick, the unpopular, to come and follow You. Thank you for Your great compassion! May we also have hearts of compassion for those who are lost and need You. Use us to share Your Words with them today, that they too will follow You.
Amen.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Psalm 48 Zion - the city of our God. The "joy of the whole earth". The "perfection of beauty" (Psalm 50:2). A place that awed and terrified the kings. A place God established "forever". A place of gladness and rejoicing. Of judgements and righteousness. The "footstool of His feet" ( Matt. 5:35.
Yet because of Israel's sin, Jeremiah writes, "All who pass along the way clap their hands in derision at you; they hiss and shake their heads at the daughter of Jerusalem, 'Is this the city of which they said, The perfection of beauty, A joy to all the earth'" ( Lamentations 2:15).
But one day Jesus will again stand on Mount Zion. This place will once again be a place of joy. They will sing a new song there, we are told. For the Messiah will return.
Like us, Zion is in need of restoration. Restoration which can only be accomplished by our Mighty God. "Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised."
You alone O God can bring us into Your Holy Presence. Into the beautiful city of God. What wonders we will see! What joy will we know! Thank You for salvation and restoration that You have provided so that we too will be able to enter the City of God.
" We're marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion. We're marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God."
"For such is God, Our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death." ( v14)
Matthew 8:11-12 "And I say to you, that many shall come from the east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven; but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
I want to be seated at the table, not crying in the darkness! What makes the difference? True faith.
The "sons" were the Jewish leaders who thought that Heaven was their birthright. But they had no real faith. They were pretenders with sinful hearts. They will not see Zion in her beauty. They will be cast into outer darkness. Those who come from the east and west are those who come to faith in Jesus Christ as both Savior and Lord. They receive salvation and are born again into new life, born into the family of God. And, they serve Jesus, their Master... who "will guide us until death."
Jesus, lead us to Zion, the beautiful city of God. Help us to have real faith and real obedience.
Thank you for saving us and for never forsaking us. We need You every hour. Draw us close today, I ask in Your Mighty Name. Amen
Yet because of Israel's sin, Jeremiah writes, "All who pass along the way clap their hands in derision at you; they hiss and shake their heads at the daughter of Jerusalem, 'Is this the city of which they said, The perfection of beauty, A joy to all the earth'" ( Lamentations 2:15).
But one day Jesus will again stand on Mount Zion. This place will once again be a place of joy. They will sing a new song there, we are told. For the Messiah will return.
Like us, Zion is in need of restoration. Restoration which can only be accomplished by our Mighty God. "Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised."
You alone O God can bring us into Your Holy Presence. Into the beautiful city of God. What wonders we will see! What joy will we know! Thank You for salvation and restoration that You have provided so that we too will be able to enter the City of God.
" We're marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion. We're marching upward to Zion, the beautiful city of God."
"For such is God, Our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death." ( v14)
Matthew 8:11-12 "And I say to you, that many shall come from the east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven; but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast out into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
I want to be seated at the table, not crying in the darkness! What makes the difference? True faith.
The "sons" were the Jewish leaders who thought that Heaven was their birthright. But they had no real faith. They were pretenders with sinful hearts. They will not see Zion in her beauty. They will be cast into outer darkness. Those who come from the east and west are those who come to faith in Jesus Christ as both Savior and Lord. They receive salvation and are born again into new life, born into the family of God. And, they serve Jesus, their Master... who "will guide us until death."
Jesus, lead us to Zion, the beautiful city of God. Help us to have real faith and real obedience.
Thank you for saving us and for never forsaking us. We need You every hour. Draw us close today, I ask in Your Mighty Name. Amen
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Psalm 49 Only You can redeem us, O Lord. Only You can pay the price for our redemption. Men boast in their accomplishments, in their wealth, in their power. But they perish. They die and take nothing with them. It doesn't matter how much wealth we have. It doesn't matter how great we think we are. None of the world's standards of greatness or goodness matter. All that does matter is You.
Only You can redeem us. Only You can save us. Thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. O what a marvelous truth! Jesus came to redeem lost souls! Praise God!
Matthew 9
Jesus taught with authority. He proved His authority over disease, demons, and nature. Now Jesus proves that He has the authority to forgive sins. Authority - ability, privilege, capacity, freedom, right, strength, control. Jesus is revealing to us that He is God. He has the jurisdiction and right to forgive the offenses against Himself and His Father in Heaven.
He commands the paralytic to rise and walk. The man does exactly that, but he goes home with so much more! For his sins are forgiven and he has been made whole both inside and out.
"But when the multitudes saw this they were filled with awe, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men."
Do we praise and glorify You, Father, even as these people did? Do we understand the greatness of this Truth? Jesus came to redeem us from our sins! Hallelujah! Thank You Lord.
Wash over us anew with the reality of Your grace and mercy. Only You could rescue us and You did.
Marvelous Grace of our loving Lord... Grace that is greater than all my sin.
I am in awe of You too.
Amen!
Only You can redeem us. Only You can save us. Thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. O what a marvelous truth! Jesus came to redeem lost souls! Praise God!
Matthew 9
Jesus taught with authority. He proved His authority over disease, demons, and nature. Now Jesus proves that He has the authority to forgive sins. Authority - ability, privilege, capacity, freedom, right, strength, control. Jesus is revealing to us that He is God. He has the jurisdiction and right to forgive the offenses against Himself and His Father in Heaven.
He commands the paralytic to rise and walk. The man does exactly that, but he goes home with so much more! For his sins are forgiven and he has been made whole both inside and out.
"But when the multitudes saw this they were filled with awe, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men."
Do we praise and glorify You, Father, even as these people did? Do we understand the greatness of this Truth? Jesus came to redeem us from our sins! Hallelujah! Thank You Lord.
Wash over us anew with the reality of Your grace and mercy. Only You could rescue us and You did.
Marvelous Grace of our loving Lord... Grace that is greater than all my sin.
I am in awe of You too.
Amen!
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Matthew 8 Jesus finishes His teaching from the mount and the people are amazed. He has taught "as one having authority", they say. Now, He reveals that authority again by doing miraculous works.
First, Jesus is approached by a leper. "Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean." Not a question, not a request, but a statement of faith. Jesus' response is especially precious to us: "He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying 'I am willing; be cleansed'".
Next, Jesus is approached by a soldier, a centurion, who also addresses Jesus as Lord. His need is stated, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering great pain." When Jesus offers to come and heal the servant, the centurion humbly confesses his unworthiness to have Jesus enter his house. Jesus commends the man's faith and heals the servant.
Thirdly, Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law. He enters the home, sees the need, touches her and she is healed. The whole evening is then spent healing all who are brought to Him and casting out spirits of those who were demon-possessed.
After this, Jesus leaves to cross the sea of Galilee. As He falls asleep a storm comes. The disciples panic and awake Him. Jesus "rebuked the winds and the sea; and it became perfectly calm."
The final miracle recorded in this chapter is the casting out of demons from the men in Gadarenes. Before He speaks the demons are cowering. All Jesus said to them was "begone!"
Jesus reveals His authority over uncleanness, over pain, over disease, over nature, and over evil.
He shows compassion to a man considered untouchable, by touching him.
He shows compassion to a Roman soldier's servant.
He shows compassion to His friend's family.
He shows His power over heaven and earth.
He shows His power and authority over all evil.
This is the Jesus we worship and obey. This is Jesus, Whom we can trust with every problem. This is our Lord, our Master, Whom we serve with all of our heart and strength, for He is worthy.
In verses 19-23 there are several who said they wanted to follow Jesus, but they were unwilling to go all the way. One wanted to follow Jesus to a place. "wherever You go". But Jesus, wants us to follow without knowing where we are going. One wanted to bury his father. But Jesus, wants us to follow Him even if it means leaving our family behind. When Jesus got in the boat, His disciples followed Him. They followed Him into a storm and found out that He was greater than the storm. It is worth it to follow Jesus no matter what we must leave behind.
Jesus, Son of God , You are greater than sin, pain, death, disease, evil, and all things in this creation.
You are Mighty to save. As we follow You we know that we will encounter many of these same problems and we are thankful to know that You are the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
Sometimes I forget that You are as near to us as You were to the leper. We can come and state our faith in You and You are willing to heal us. You are as near to us as You were to the centurion and we can also tell you of our friends in need and You will heal them. You are as near to us as You were to Peter's mother-in-law, and You can touch our family too. You still have all authority over storms. You still have all authority over the evil spirits. You are King and ruler over all the heaven and earth.
You are worthy of all our praise and worship. We give You thanks for making Your greatness known to us personally. We are in Your kingdom, we acknowledge Your power and glory!
Amen!
First, Jesus is approached by a leper. "Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean." Not a question, not a request, but a statement of faith. Jesus' response is especially precious to us: "He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying 'I am willing; be cleansed'".
Next, Jesus is approached by a soldier, a centurion, who also addresses Jesus as Lord. His need is stated, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering great pain." When Jesus offers to come and heal the servant, the centurion humbly confesses his unworthiness to have Jesus enter his house. Jesus commends the man's faith and heals the servant.
Thirdly, Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law. He enters the home, sees the need, touches her and she is healed. The whole evening is then spent healing all who are brought to Him and casting out spirits of those who were demon-possessed.
After this, Jesus leaves to cross the sea of Galilee. As He falls asleep a storm comes. The disciples panic and awake Him. Jesus "rebuked the winds and the sea; and it became perfectly calm."
The final miracle recorded in this chapter is the casting out of demons from the men in Gadarenes. Before He speaks the demons are cowering. All Jesus said to them was "begone!"
Jesus reveals His authority over uncleanness, over pain, over disease, over nature, and over evil.
He shows compassion to a man considered untouchable, by touching him.
He shows compassion to a Roman soldier's servant.
He shows compassion to His friend's family.
He shows His power over heaven and earth.
He shows His power and authority over all evil.
This is the Jesus we worship and obey. This is Jesus, Whom we can trust with every problem. This is our Lord, our Master, Whom we serve with all of our heart and strength, for He is worthy.
In verses 19-23 there are several who said they wanted to follow Jesus, but they were unwilling to go all the way. One wanted to follow Jesus to a place. "wherever You go". But Jesus, wants us to follow without knowing where we are going. One wanted to bury his father. But Jesus, wants us to follow Him even if it means leaving our family behind. When Jesus got in the boat, His disciples followed Him. They followed Him into a storm and found out that He was greater than the storm. It is worth it to follow Jesus no matter what we must leave behind.
Jesus, Son of God , You are greater than sin, pain, death, disease, evil, and all things in this creation.
You are Mighty to save. As we follow You we know that we will encounter many of these same problems and we are thankful to know that You are the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
Sometimes I forget that You are as near to us as You were to the leper. We can come and state our faith in You and You are willing to heal us. You are as near to us as You were to the centurion and we can also tell you of our friends in need and You will heal them. You are as near to us as You were to Peter's mother-in-law, and You can touch our family too. You still have all authority over storms. You still have all authority over the evil spirits. You are King and ruler over all the heaven and earth.
You are worthy of all our praise and worship. We give You thanks for making Your greatness known to us personally. We are in Your kingdom, we acknowledge Your power and glory!
Amen!
Monday, February 10, 2014
Psalm 50 "The Mighty One, God the Lord, has spoken, " ( v1)
"May our God come and not keep silence..." (v3)
"Hear, O My people, and I will speak..." ( v7)
God summons: the earth ( v1) and the heavens ( v4). He summons all creation " to judge his people."
"God Himself is judge." and "the heavens declare his righteousness". God, the righteous judge is not impressed with the sacrifices and burnt offerings of His people. He doesn't need goats or bulls.
In fact, "every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills, and everything that moves in the field is Mine.... the word is Mine and all it contains." His judgements are not based on how many sacrifices we have offered. His standards are much higher!
Those who will be saved, rescued, redeemed, and reckoned righteous are those who:
"Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving."
Who pay their vows "to the Most High"
Who call on Him in times of trouble.
Who honor Him with sacrifices of thanksgiving.
Who set their "way aright".
Those who doe not do these things, the wicked, who will be reproved:
Misuse God's Word.
Hate discipline.
Ignore His Word.
Honor thieves and adulterers .
Speak evil.
Lie.
Slander their own brothers.
God reveals to us here what really matters... what His WILL is for us:
He wants us to know that He doesn't want our stuff.... He has given it all to us in the first place, and He wants us to thank Him!
He wants us to do what we have promised Him that we would do... whatever vows we have made.. do it!
He wants us to trust Him, turn to Him for every need. He is faithful. He is able. He can do anything.
He wants us to honor Him. Honor His Word. Heed His Word.
He wants us to walk in obedience to His Word.
Heavenly Father, Your will be done. In me, in my family, in our church. In this nation. We thank You for all that You have provided. You have given us life and light . You have provided salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord. Thank you for daily bread and for Your Holy Word. Thank You for the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort. Lord, I want to fulfill all my promises to You. I made a vow before You to love and honor my husband. I want to keep that vow always. I put my trust in You. I call on Your Name when I need help. Every day. I will honor Your Name and Your Word. I will speak well of You. I will obey Your Word and walk in the Truth, by the help of Your Spirit. Every day. Thank you for showing me Your will. Let it be done in me. Amen.
"May our God come and not keep silence..." (v3)
"Hear, O My people, and I will speak..." ( v7)
God summons: the earth ( v1) and the heavens ( v4). He summons all creation " to judge his people."
"God Himself is judge." and "the heavens declare his righteousness". God, the righteous judge is not impressed with the sacrifices and burnt offerings of His people. He doesn't need goats or bulls.
In fact, "every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills, and everything that moves in the field is Mine.... the word is Mine and all it contains." His judgements are not based on how many sacrifices we have offered. His standards are much higher!
Those who will be saved, rescued, redeemed, and reckoned righteous are those who:
"Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving."
Who pay their vows "to the Most High"
Who call on Him in times of trouble.
Who honor Him with sacrifices of thanksgiving.
Who set their "way aright".
Those who doe not do these things, the wicked, who will be reproved:
Misuse God's Word.
Hate discipline.
Ignore His Word.
Honor thieves and adulterers .
Speak evil.
Lie.
Slander their own brothers.
God reveals to us here what really matters... what His WILL is for us:
He wants us to know that He doesn't want our stuff.... He has given it all to us in the first place, and He wants us to thank Him!
He wants us to do what we have promised Him that we would do... whatever vows we have made.. do it!
He wants us to trust Him, turn to Him for every need. He is faithful. He is able. He can do anything.
He wants us to honor Him. Honor His Word. Heed His Word.
He wants us to walk in obedience to His Word.
Heavenly Father, Your will be done. In me, in my family, in our church. In this nation. We thank You for all that You have provided. You have given us life and light . You have provided salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord. Thank you for daily bread and for Your Holy Word. Thank You for the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort. Lord, I want to fulfill all my promises to You. I made a vow before You to love and honor my husband. I want to keep that vow always. I put my trust in You. I call on Your Name when I need help. Every day. I will honor Your Name and Your Word. I will speak well of You. I will obey Your Word and walk in the Truth, by the help of Your Spirit. Every day. Thank you for showing me Your will. Let it be done in me. Amen.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Matthew 7
Jesus gives us a standard for judgement. The standard is this: How you judge others = how you are judged. If you judge harshly, you will be harshly judged. If you show mercy, then you will receive mercy. However you treat others, be sure that it is how you want to be treated.
So, how should we act?
We must always check our own hearts and motives and attitudes first. We must take care of our own "eye" beams.
Psalm 51 gives a great prayer model for doing just that.
"Be gracious to me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Thy compassion blot out my transgressions." Eye beams / sins that keep us from seeing correctly must be removed by our loving and kind Father in Heaven. We must humble ourselves and come to Him seeking His mercy and grace.
"Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned, and done what is evil in Thy sight, so that Thou art justified when Thou dost speak, and blameless when Thou dost judge." ( v2-4)
We must not only notice the beam in our own eye. We must agree with God that we are sinners, confess those sins, confess our need for His forgiveness and cleansing. We must admit that God is Right and we are not, that He is Judge and we are not.
"Behold, Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part Thou will make me know wisdom."
Jesus tells us in Matthew 7, that the wise man builds his house on the rock. That is the man who not only hears what Jesus says, but acts on them. He requires genuine repentance. It is a small gate and a narrow way "that leads to life". Not many go that way. In fact there are so many that are wolves in sheep's clothing that Jesus gives us a way of judging correctly. Even judging ourselves correctly!
We will "know them by their fruits" ( Matthew 7:20). Only if the fruit is good do we know that the tree is good. Only those who are doing the will of the Father will enter the kingdom. Only those who hear His Words and act on them will survive. That is the narrow way.
The psalmist prays "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
( v10)
He prays for the Holy Spirit. For the joy of salvation. For a willing spirit. He prays for good fruit.
The fruit of the Spirit, Paul tells us, " is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;" The psalmist tells us that these do not come by burnt offerings and sacrifices, but by a "broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart".
There were some who said "Lord, Lord". Who had great credentials - They prophesied, they cast out demons, they performed miracles. But they didn't know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. They never entered the narrow gate. Never confessed their sins, never removed their eye beams, never did the will of the Father. Never had any "good" fruit.
How then, can we know this narrow way, how can we bear good fruit?
Pray, Jesus tells us.
Ask. Seek. Knock. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking.
Our Father in Heaven is the giver of what is "Good". He gives us the Holy Spirit, Who leads us into all righteousness. It is daily asking. Daily seeking. Daily knocking... and daily receiving life from Him.
Jesus tells His disciples, "I am the true Vine and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit..... Abide in Me and I in you, As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me." ( John 15:1-2,4)
Precious Savior, thank You for the Truth of Your Word that cleanses us as we walk in it. Break our hearts before the Father, that we might confess all sin and find the joy of Your salvation. Create in us clean hearts and steadfast spirits. May all beams be removed from our eyes. May our lives be filled with good fruit. To the glory of Our Father in Heaven. Amen.
Jesus gives us a standard for judgement. The standard is this: How you judge others = how you are judged. If you judge harshly, you will be harshly judged. If you show mercy, then you will receive mercy. However you treat others, be sure that it is how you want to be treated.
So, how should we act?
We must always check our own hearts and motives and attitudes first. We must take care of our own "eye" beams.
Psalm 51 gives a great prayer model for doing just that.
"Be gracious to me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Thy compassion blot out my transgressions." Eye beams / sins that keep us from seeing correctly must be removed by our loving and kind Father in Heaven. We must humble ourselves and come to Him seeking His mercy and grace.
"Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned, and done what is evil in Thy sight, so that Thou art justified when Thou dost speak, and blameless when Thou dost judge." ( v2-4)
We must not only notice the beam in our own eye. We must agree with God that we are sinners, confess those sins, confess our need for His forgiveness and cleansing. We must admit that God is Right and we are not, that He is Judge and we are not.
"Behold, Thou dost desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part Thou will make me know wisdom."
Jesus tells us in Matthew 7, that the wise man builds his house on the rock. That is the man who not only hears what Jesus says, but acts on them. He requires genuine repentance. It is a small gate and a narrow way "that leads to life". Not many go that way. In fact there are so many that are wolves in sheep's clothing that Jesus gives us a way of judging correctly. Even judging ourselves correctly!
We will "know them by their fruits" ( Matthew 7:20). Only if the fruit is good do we know that the tree is good. Only those who are doing the will of the Father will enter the kingdom. Only those who hear His Words and act on them will survive. That is the narrow way.
The psalmist prays "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."
( v10)
He prays for the Holy Spirit. For the joy of salvation. For a willing spirit. He prays for good fruit.
The fruit of the Spirit, Paul tells us, " is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;" The psalmist tells us that these do not come by burnt offerings and sacrifices, but by a "broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart".
There were some who said "Lord, Lord". Who had great credentials - They prophesied, they cast out demons, they performed miracles. But they didn't know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. They never entered the narrow gate. Never confessed their sins, never removed their eye beams, never did the will of the Father. Never had any "good" fruit.
How then, can we know this narrow way, how can we bear good fruit?
Pray, Jesus tells us.
Ask. Seek. Knock. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking.
Our Father in Heaven is the giver of what is "Good". He gives us the Holy Spirit, Who leads us into all righteousness. It is daily asking. Daily seeking. Daily knocking... and daily receiving life from Him.
Jesus tells His disciples, "I am the true Vine and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit..... Abide in Me and I in you, As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me." ( John 15:1-2,4)
Precious Savior, thank You for the Truth of Your Word that cleanses us as we walk in it. Break our hearts before the Father, that we might confess all sin and find the joy of Your salvation. Create in us clean hearts and steadfast spirits. May all beams be removed from our eyes. May our lives be filled with good fruit. To the glory of Our Father in Heaven. Amen.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Psalm 52; Matthew 6: 25-34
".. do not be anxious for your life" Jesus says. "The lovingkindness of God endures all day long" the psalmist sings.
The evil man boasts in evil.
His tongue "devises destruction, like a sharp razor."
He loves "evil more than good"
He loves falsehood more than truth.
He loves words that devour.
He trusts in his riches.
He refuses to make "God his refuge".
Because of that attitude, the psalmist tells us, God will cause him to be:
broken down forever, torn down, overthrown, beaten
snatched up
torn away
uprooted.
He will be anxious about everything - "what shall we eat?" "what shall we wear?"
But the righteous man trusts in "the lovingkindness of God"
He gives thanks continually .
He waits on God's provision.
He is "like a green olive tree in the house of God" - alive, thriving, fruitful, useful!
He lives in faith.
He knows that our "heavenly Father knows that (we) need all these things".
He knows he is worth more than the birds that do not lack for food.
He knows that his provisions for life come from the Hand the One Who arrays the lilies in their beauty.
He "seeks first His Kingdom and His righteousness"
He is "anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving" he lets his "requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension" guards his heart and mind, "in Christ Jesus." ( Philippians 4:6-7)
"Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Father all Glorious, Ancient of Days, Over all Victorious, Thy Name we praise! Let Your Name be honored. Let Your kingdom come. Let Your will be done. Give to us our daily bread. You know what we have need of today. You are our Shepherd and we shall not want. We run to You, our refuge and we wait, with our eyes looking to You, for You "open Your hand and does satisfy the desire of every living thing." We bless Your holy Name. We extol You and praise You forever and ever.
Amen.
".. do not be anxious for your life" Jesus says. "The lovingkindness of God endures all day long" the psalmist sings.
The evil man boasts in evil.
His tongue "devises destruction, like a sharp razor."
He loves "evil more than good"
He loves falsehood more than truth.
He loves words that devour.
He trusts in his riches.
He refuses to make "God his refuge".
Because of that attitude, the psalmist tells us, God will cause him to be:
broken down forever, torn down, overthrown, beaten
snatched up
torn away
uprooted.
He will be anxious about everything - "what shall we eat?" "what shall we wear?"
But the righteous man trusts in "the lovingkindness of God"
He gives thanks continually .
He waits on God's provision.
He is "like a green olive tree in the house of God" - alive, thriving, fruitful, useful!
He lives in faith.
He knows that our "heavenly Father knows that (we) need all these things".
He knows he is worth more than the birds that do not lack for food.
He knows that his provisions for life come from the Hand the One Who arrays the lilies in their beauty.
He "seeks first His Kingdom and His righteousness"
He is "anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving" he lets his "requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension" guards his heart and mind, "in Christ Jesus." ( Philippians 4:6-7)
"Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Father all Glorious, Ancient of Days, Over all Victorious, Thy Name we praise! Let Your Name be honored. Let Your kingdom come. Let Your will be done. Give to us our daily bread. You know what we have need of today. You are our Shepherd and we shall not want. We run to You, our refuge and we wait, with our eyes looking to You, for You "open Your hand and does satisfy the desire of every living thing." We bless Your holy Name. We extol You and praise You forever and ever.
Amen.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Psalm 53 The fool says that there is no God. The fool is corrupt and unjust. He does not seek God. He does no good. He has no knowledge. He is in great fear. He is scattered. He is put to shame.
Father, let me never be a fool. You are God Most High. I seek Your face, I fear only You. You are the One I call upon and You hear me and answer. Thank You!
Matthew 6: 9-13 The Lord's Prayer. The model that Jesus gives us, to teach us how to pray correctly.
Our Father who is in heaven. We pray to Almighty God, the Creator and Sustainer of life. He is our Father. Our Abba. We come as children to our Daddy. To draw near to Him. To rest in Him and know Him. Like a child waking in the morning and snuggling up close to their daddy, we come to Him and delight to be near. To breathe in His spirit.
Hallowed be Thy Name. Jesus shares his prayer requests, Dennis Fuque teaches. His first request is that we ask that God's Name be honored. Father, let Your Name be honored today. May Your Name not be used in vain. May it not be used as a curse word. May it be praised and lifted up in true worship. May we speak Your Name with sanctified lips and purified hearts. May Your Name be honored by my life. May You be honored in my family and my church. May our nation honor You once again.
Thy Kingdom come. Dennis teaches that this is the second prayer request that Jesus shares with us.
Ask God our Father to send His Kingdom. Come and rule and reign. "Let your Kingdom come down. Let your kingdom come now." The kingdom of God is a rule of peace and righteousness. A rule of justice and mercy. A rule of truth and love. Yes, let your kingdom come, Lord!
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. The third request. Ask God for His will, His perfect, holy, amazing, wonderful will to be accomplished here on earth. In heaven His will is always done and there is always rejoicing! There is always peace. There is always love. There are no tears. There is no pain. There is no sin or death. Yes, let Your will be done here, today, in me and in this world.
Give us today our "daily bread", our provisions, that You know we need. Jesus tells us to simply ask and trust that our Father "knows what you need before you ask Him". Just ask. It is in His hands.
"And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors." Jesus knows this is a tough one for us, so He gives a little more information in verses 14 and 15. "For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." In Matthew 18 Jesus illustrates this further in the parable of the king who forgave his servant of a huge, impossibly large debt, but that same man refused to forgive a small debt from his fellow slave. When the king found out what had happened he called the man back in and handed him over to the torturers. "So shall My heavenly Father also do to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart." Forgiveness is a big deal to the Father. It is a big deal to Jesus too. It is why He came to die for us.
However, forgiveness does not mean forgetfulness. It does not mean that we automatically trust the other person again. It means only that we let go of the debt or the offense that was made. We consider that person to not owe us anything. Just as God lays aside our offenses and trespasses and considers us free.
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." We pray for our Shepherd to "lead us in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake." ( psalm 23) To keep us from the places where we are tempted to forget or to doubt Him. To keep us from the temptation of worry or unforgiveness. Or from going our own way instead of His. We pray that He will keep us from the lure of the evil one who desires to kill, steal, and destroy us.
These requests cover the most vital areas of our lives. The first 3 cover the area of our relationship with our Father. Honoring His Name, seeking His Kingdom, and submitting to His will. The next 3 have to do with our everyday, ordinary lives. We need food to live. We need forgiveness. We need His guidance and deliverance. We need to pray this way!
"For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen"
Father, let me never be a fool. You are God Most High. I seek Your face, I fear only You. You are the One I call upon and You hear me and answer. Thank You!
Matthew 6: 9-13 The Lord's Prayer. The model that Jesus gives us, to teach us how to pray correctly.
Our Father who is in heaven. We pray to Almighty God, the Creator and Sustainer of life. He is our Father. Our Abba. We come as children to our Daddy. To draw near to Him. To rest in Him and know Him. Like a child waking in the morning and snuggling up close to their daddy, we come to Him and delight to be near. To breathe in His spirit.
Hallowed be Thy Name. Jesus shares his prayer requests, Dennis Fuque teaches. His first request is that we ask that God's Name be honored. Father, let Your Name be honored today. May Your Name not be used in vain. May it not be used as a curse word. May it be praised and lifted up in true worship. May we speak Your Name with sanctified lips and purified hearts. May Your Name be honored by my life. May You be honored in my family and my church. May our nation honor You once again.
Thy Kingdom come. Dennis teaches that this is the second prayer request that Jesus shares with us.
Ask God our Father to send His Kingdom. Come and rule and reign. "Let your Kingdom come down. Let your kingdom come now." The kingdom of God is a rule of peace and righteousness. A rule of justice and mercy. A rule of truth and love. Yes, let your kingdom come, Lord!
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. The third request. Ask God for His will, His perfect, holy, amazing, wonderful will to be accomplished here on earth. In heaven His will is always done and there is always rejoicing! There is always peace. There is always love. There are no tears. There is no pain. There is no sin or death. Yes, let Your will be done here, today, in me and in this world.
Give us today our "daily bread", our provisions, that You know we need. Jesus tells us to simply ask and trust that our Father "knows what you need before you ask Him". Just ask. It is in His hands.
"And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors." Jesus knows this is a tough one for us, so He gives a little more information in verses 14 and 15. "For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." In Matthew 18 Jesus illustrates this further in the parable of the king who forgave his servant of a huge, impossibly large debt, but that same man refused to forgive a small debt from his fellow slave. When the king found out what had happened he called the man back in and handed him over to the torturers. "So shall My heavenly Father also do to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart." Forgiveness is a big deal to the Father. It is a big deal to Jesus too. It is why He came to die for us.
However, forgiveness does not mean forgetfulness. It does not mean that we automatically trust the other person again. It means only that we let go of the debt or the offense that was made. We consider that person to not owe us anything. Just as God lays aside our offenses and trespasses and considers us free.
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." We pray for our Shepherd to "lead us in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake." ( psalm 23) To keep us from the places where we are tempted to forget or to doubt Him. To keep us from the temptation of worry or unforgiveness. Or from going our own way instead of His. We pray that He will keep us from the lure of the evil one who desires to kill, steal, and destroy us.
These requests cover the most vital areas of our lives. The first 3 cover the area of our relationship with our Father. Honoring His Name, seeking His Kingdom, and submitting to His will. The next 3 have to do with our everyday, ordinary lives. We need food to live. We need forgiveness. We need His guidance and deliverance. We need to pray this way!
"For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen"
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Psalm 54 God, You are my helper. You are the sustainer of my soul. You deliver me from all trouble. I will give thanks to Your Name, for it is good. Father, thank You for hearing our prayers. For loving us and saving us from the punishment we deserve for our sinfulness. Thank You for changing us by the power of Your Might, delivering us from the dominion of darkness and transferring us to the Kingdom of Your beloved Son, Christ Jesus. May Your will be done, may Your kingdom come, and may Your Name be honored this day. Amen.
Matthew 6
Jesus has just taught the truth about righteousness...
True righteousness lets anger go. It lets fleshly desires go. It lets unfaithfulness go. It lets dishonesty go. It lets pride go. It lets vengeance go. It relies totally on being a son of the Father who is in heaven. Imitating Him Who is perfect. Perfect in holiness. Perfect in love.
This righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, for they know nothing about it.
They "practiced" their "righteousness" to be noticed.
They sounded a trumpet when they were giving alms, so that they would be noticed. ( v2)
They stood on the street corner or in the synagogue to pray loudly, so they would be seen. (v5)
They put on gloomy faces and neglected their appearance when fasting, so everyone would know that they were fasting. (v16)
They gathered wealth and prided themselves over their treasures, thinking this proved God's favor. (v19)
True righteousness, that which we receive from God, doesn't act in these ways.
Giving to those in need is done privately, without fanfare. The Father sees that and is pleased.
Prayer is personal and private, between you and the Father. Not just words repeated over and over, but real conversation, focused on what is vital to a life in Christ, to true righteousness in relationship with the Father in heaven.
Fasting is a private, personal commitment between you and the Father as you seek Him for a particular need or request.
Seeking spiritual treasure is much more important than earthly treasure, for it is eternal. This is what God really favors.
One life seeks the attention of men and receives their reward from men.
One life seeks the Lord and will be rewarded eternally.
One serves "mammon" - riches. One serves God.
Jesus calls the first group - hypocrites- play actors. He calls us to be real. He calls us to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness;" and let Him provide all that we need.
For "your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him" ( v8)
Prayer is not a grocery list of what we think we need. It is entering into communion with the Father.
Using what we call the Lord's Prayer will help us learn how to do that His way.
More on that tomorrow.
Matthew 6
Jesus has just taught the truth about righteousness...
True righteousness lets anger go. It lets fleshly desires go. It lets unfaithfulness go. It lets dishonesty go. It lets pride go. It lets vengeance go. It relies totally on being a son of the Father who is in heaven. Imitating Him Who is perfect. Perfect in holiness. Perfect in love.
This righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, for they know nothing about it.
They "practiced" their "righteousness" to be noticed.
They sounded a trumpet when they were giving alms, so that they would be noticed. ( v2)
They stood on the street corner or in the synagogue to pray loudly, so they would be seen. (v5)
They put on gloomy faces and neglected their appearance when fasting, so everyone would know that they were fasting. (v16)
They gathered wealth and prided themselves over their treasures, thinking this proved God's favor. (v19)
True righteousness, that which we receive from God, doesn't act in these ways.
Giving to those in need is done privately, without fanfare. The Father sees that and is pleased.
Prayer is personal and private, between you and the Father. Not just words repeated over and over, but real conversation, focused on what is vital to a life in Christ, to true righteousness in relationship with the Father in heaven.
Fasting is a private, personal commitment between you and the Father as you seek Him for a particular need or request.
Seeking spiritual treasure is much more important than earthly treasure, for it is eternal. This is what God really favors.
One life seeks the attention of men and receives their reward from men.
One life seeks the Lord and will be rewarded eternally.
One serves "mammon" - riches. One serves God.
Jesus calls the first group - hypocrites- play actors. He calls us to be real. He calls us to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness;" and let Him provide all that we need.
For "your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him" ( v8)
Prayer is not a grocery list of what we think we need. It is entering into communion with the Father.
Using what we call the Lord's Prayer will help us learn how to do that His way.
More on that tomorrow.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Psalm 55 Do you relate to David's prayers? I do. "I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted." We prayed, but we feel like God has hidden Himself. David says that he feels "the pressure of the wicked" and his "heart is in anguish". He wishes that he could fly away and "be at rest". The worst part for David in this situation is that the one who is oppressing him was a friend,
"my companion and my familiar friend. We who had sweet fellowship together, walked in the house of God in the throng." Someone so close that they worshipped God together... to be betrayed by one so close is the hardest thing to handle. Makes me think of the kiss of Judas in the garden. He had been a friend of Jesus. They had eaten together and worshipped together. But then, a betrayal of the worst kind.
David says, "His speech was smoother than butter, but his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords." Can you relate? Yes, we all can. The world is full of smooth talkers....
So how does David handle this?
"As for me, I shall call upon God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, and He will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me... God will hear and answer them- Even the one who sits enthroned from of old." ( verses 16-19)
What does the sweet Shepherd whisper to him?
" Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." ( v22)
Yes, we can "murmur and complain". I'm relieved! I have a tendency to do that. But the point really is what God does when we call on Him: He saves, He hears, He redeems, and He answers. Like David, we must learn to trust. Trust and obey. Trust Him in the small things and the large. Trust Him enough to let Him hear your murmurs and complaints. Believe that He will answer, that He will sustain you, that He who makes you righteous will "never allow" you "to be shaken".
Matthew 5: 21-48 Jesus has just made a shocking statement, " unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." ( v20)
A surpassing righteousness? Those men were masters at keeping the Law, weren't they? How can anyone do better than that? Jesus teaches the meaning of true righteousness in contrast to the self-righteousness of the religious leaders of His time.
The Law stated "You shall not commit murder". ( The Pharisees justified themselves by convincing others to do their murdering for them.)
"But I say to you" Jesus stated, guilt begins with being angry with your brother, with calling him "Raca" or fool - good for nothing, foolish, empty-headed, stupid.
True righteousness includes reconciliation, friendship , restoration of relationships.
The Law stated "You shall not commit adultery"
Jesus stated, "But I say to you..." looking at a woman with lust in your heart IS committing adultery.
The sin is in the heart attitude, not just the outward act.
True righteousness is sacrificing your eye or your hand.. or your own lustful desires so that you might avoid even the thought of sinfulness.
The Law allowed a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce.
But Jesus said there was so much more that needed to be dealt with there. The only real reason for divorce that Jesus allowed was "unchastity" - adultery. ( a heart attitude or a physical action)
True righteousness is in a pure and chaste marriage relationship.
The Law called for men to fulfill the vows that they made.
Jesus says we shouldn't swear by anything, for we don't really have control over anything... it is all God's. He is sovereign in all things.
True righteousness is honesty in all things.. our yes is yes and our no is no..
The Law allowed for vengeance .
Jesus taught us not to resist. Turn the cheek, give the coat, go the extra mile, give to those who ask.
True righteousness is displayed in humility.
The Law said to love your neighbor.
Jesus said, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
True righteousness is displayed in love.
True righteousness is only found in Jesus Christ. It is not in the keeping of the Law, but in the transformation of the heart. Only He can do that.
Thank you Jesus for taking my sin and giving me Your righteousness. It is only through Your power, Your resurrection power at work in my heart that gives me new life, Your life. Have Your own way in me Lord. Display Your true righteousness in my life by transforming me, renewing my mind and conforming me to Your will. I surrender all to You.
amen
"my companion and my familiar friend. We who had sweet fellowship together, walked in the house of God in the throng." Someone so close that they worshipped God together... to be betrayed by one so close is the hardest thing to handle. Makes me think of the kiss of Judas in the garden. He had been a friend of Jesus. They had eaten together and worshipped together. But then, a betrayal of the worst kind.
David says, "His speech was smoother than butter, but his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords." Can you relate? Yes, we all can. The world is full of smooth talkers....
So how does David handle this?
"As for me, I shall call upon God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, and He will hear my voice. He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me... God will hear and answer them- Even the one who sits enthroned from of old." ( verses 16-19)
What does the sweet Shepherd whisper to him?
" Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." ( v22)
Yes, we can "murmur and complain". I'm relieved! I have a tendency to do that. But the point really is what God does when we call on Him: He saves, He hears, He redeems, and He answers. Like David, we must learn to trust. Trust and obey. Trust Him in the small things and the large. Trust Him enough to let Him hear your murmurs and complaints. Believe that He will answer, that He will sustain you, that He who makes you righteous will "never allow" you "to be shaken".
Matthew 5: 21-48 Jesus has just made a shocking statement, " unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." ( v20)
A surpassing righteousness? Those men were masters at keeping the Law, weren't they? How can anyone do better than that? Jesus teaches the meaning of true righteousness in contrast to the self-righteousness of the religious leaders of His time.
The Law stated "You shall not commit murder". ( The Pharisees justified themselves by convincing others to do their murdering for them.)
"But I say to you" Jesus stated, guilt begins with being angry with your brother, with calling him "Raca" or fool - good for nothing, foolish, empty-headed, stupid.
True righteousness includes reconciliation, friendship , restoration of relationships.
The Law stated "You shall not commit adultery"
Jesus stated, "But I say to you..." looking at a woman with lust in your heart IS committing adultery.
The sin is in the heart attitude, not just the outward act.
True righteousness is sacrificing your eye or your hand.. or your own lustful desires so that you might avoid even the thought of sinfulness.
The Law allowed a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce.
But Jesus said there was so much more that needed to be dealt with there. The only real reason for divorce that Jesus allowed was "unchastity" - adultery. ( a heart attitude or a physical action)
True righteousness is in a pure and chaste marriage relationship.
The Law called for men to fulfill the vows that they made.
Jesus says we shouldn't swear by anything, for we don't really have control over anything... it is all God's. He is sovereign in all things.
True righteousness is honesty in all things.. our yes is yes and our no is no..
The Law allowed for vengeance .
Jesus taught us not to resist. Turn the cheek, give the coat, go the extra mile, give to those who ask.
True righteousness is displayed in humility.
The Law said to love your neighbor.
Jesus said, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
True righteousness is displayed in love.
True righteousness is only found in Jesus Christ. It is not in the keeping of the Law, but in the transformation of the heart. Only He can do that.
Thank you Jesus for taking my sin and giving me Your righteousness. It is only through Your power, Your resurrection power at work in my heart that gives me new life, Your life. Have Your own way in me Lord. Display Your true righteousness in my life by transforming me, renewing my mind and conforming me to Your will. I surrender all to You.
amen
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