# 282 – Today's Living Word comes from Mark 3:3,4 “Then He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill.”
The man with the withered hand is told by Jesus to “step forward.” Jesus wanted him to be front and center. He is to serve as a visible example for the Pharisees and for us as well. See the withered hand? See the need? You can't miss it, it is right before your very eyes.
Will you respond to that need or will you withhold mercy? What can YOU do to extend mercy to this individual? Jesus is able to heal the hand and HE will, but He challenges us here to face the age old problem of apathy, fueled by legalism. This is the parable of the Good Samaritan brought inside the church walls.
When faced with the needs of others, such as a withered hand or any other kind of malady, the question is, will we do good, or look for ways to justify our walking on the other side of the road.
To ignore the need, to withhold mercy is to do evil. The Holy Spirit speaking through James puts it this way: Jas 4:17 “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
You and I may not be called upon to heal someone, but you and I are called upon to extend mercy. You and I will likely encounter someone in need of mercy today. Will we extend it, or look for a legalistic excuse to avoid it?
Are we really looking to be legalistic? Do we really want to follow the Law? “The commandments are summed up in this word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law.” (From Romans 13:9,10)
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
God's Got His Fingers In His Ears
# 281 – Today's Living Word comes from Mark 3:1,2 “And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.”
Still another Sabbath incident! No pun intended, but don't you wish these Pharisees would give this Sabbath thing a rest? As I read this I am drawn to two words: “Closely,” and “accuse.”
Did you know that at this very minute you and I are being watched very closely, and one of the reasons we are being watched is to be accused? Yup! The devil and his demons are always on the prowl, looking for ways to separate us from Christ, and one of their methods is accusation.
They will nit-pick, as the Pharisees were doing here with Jesus, looking for some legalistic angle to get you to doubt your salvation, or they will try to stir up memories of your past sins causing you to doubt God's ability to wipe your slate clean.
If you struggle with these accusations remember this from Rev. 12:10, “for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”
Cast down from where? From heaven, where, until the death of Jesus he had God's ear. (read the first two chapters of Job and you'll see what I mean. Please note his accusations against Job.) But when Jesus died and paid for all the sins of the world, God tossed him out on his ear! With all sins paid for there is no one to accuse!
In a nutshell, that means that even though the accuser is ranting and raving against you on earth, as a believer, God's got His fingers in His ears and singing a tune. (la la la la) He's not hearing any of it. Cling to God's promises of forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.
But beware, because on the Last Day (Judgment Day) the devil will have one final opportunity to make his case against you, and only those who are found in Christ will be spared.
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mr 16:16)
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Still another Sabbath incident! No pun intended, but don't you wish these Pharisees would give this Sabbath thing a rest? As I read this I am drawn to two words: “Closely,” and “accuse.”
Did you know that at this very minute you and I are being watched very closely, and one of the reasons we are being watched is to be accused? Yup! The devil and his demons are always on the prowl, looking for ways to separate us from Christ, and one of their methods is accusation.
They will nit-pick, as the Pharisees were doing here with Jesus, looking for some legalistic angle to get you to doubt your salvation, or they will try to stir up memories of your past sins causing you to doubt God's ability to wipe your slate clean.
If you struggle with these accusations remember this from Rev. 12:10, “for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”
Cast down from where? From heaven, where, until the death of Jesus he had God's ear. (read the first two chapters of Job and you'll see what I mean. Please note his accusations against Job.) But when Jesus died and paid for all the sins of the world, God tossed him out on his ear! With all sins paid for there is no one to accuse!
In a nutshell, that means that even though the accuser is ranting and raving against you on earth, as a believer, God's got His fingers in His ears and singing a tune. (la la la la) He's not hearing any of it. Cling to God's promises of forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.
But beware, because on the Last Day (Judgment Day) the devil will have one final opportunity to make his case against you, and only those who are found in Christ will be spared.
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mr 16:16)
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
God's Got His Fingers In His Ears
# 281 – Today's Living Word comes from Mark 3:1,2 “And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him.”
Still another Sabbath incident! No pun intended, but don't you wish these Pharisees would give this Sabbath thing a rest? As I read this I am drawn to two words: “Closely,” and “accuse.”
Did you know that at this very minute you and I are being watched very closely, and one of the reasons we are being watched is to be accused? Yup! The devil and his demons are always on the prowl, looking for ways to separate us from Christ, and one of their methods is accusation.
They will nit-pick, as the Pharisees were doing here with Jesus, looking for some legalistic angle to get you to doubt your salvation, or they will try to stir up memories of your past sins causing you to doubt God's ability to wipe your slate clean.
If you struggle with these accusations remember this from Rev. 12:10, “for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”
Cast down from where? From heaven, where, until the death of Jesus he had God's ear. (read the first two chapters of Job and you'll see what I mean. Please note his accusations against Job.) But when Jesus died and paid for all the sins of the world, God tossed him out on his ear! With all sins paid for there is no one to accuse!
In a nutshell, that means that even though the accuser is ranting and raving against you on earth, as a believer, God's got His fingers in His ears and singing a tune. (la la la la) He's not hearing any of it. Cling to God's promises of forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.
But beware, because on the Last Day (Judgment Day) the devil will have one final opportunity to make his case against you, and only those who are found in Christ will be spared.
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mr 16:16)
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Still another Sabbath incident! No pun intended, but don't you wish these Pharisees would give this Sabbath thing a rest? As I read this I am drawn to two words: “Closely,” and “accuse.”
Did you know that at this very minute you and I are being watched very closely, and one of the reasons we are being watched is to be accused? Yup! The devil and his demons are always on the prowl, looking for ways to separate us from Christ, and one of their methods is accusation.
They will nit-pick, as the Pharisees were doing here with Jesus, looking for some legalistic angle to get you to doubt your salvation, or they will try to stir up memories of your past sins causing you to doubt God's ability to wipe your slate clean.
If you struggle with these accusations remember this from Rev. 12:10, “for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.”
Cast down from where? From heaven, where, until the death of Jesus he had God's ear. (read the first two chapters of Job and you'll see what I mean. Please note his accusations against Job.) But when Jesus died and paid for all the sins of the world, God tossed him out on his ear! With all sins paid for there is no one to accuse!
In a nutshell, that means that even though the accuser is ranting and raving against you on earth, as a believer, God's got His fingers in His ears and singing a tune. (la la la la) He's not hearing any of it. Cling to God's promises of forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.
But beware, because on the Last Day (Judgment Day) the devil will have one final opportunity to make his case against you, and only those who are found in Christ will be spared.
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mr 16:16)
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Jesus Is Our Sabbath
# 280 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:27 And He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28 "Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath."
It is just as Moses said in Exodus 16:29, “See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath!” The Sabbath, the day of rest was made for man by God. It was His gift to Adam! It is still His gift to us today.
The Sabbath and everything about it pointed to Jesus, and when Jesus (the Son of Man) came and fulfilled His mission, the legal requirements were no longer necessary.
The word Sabbath means to “desist from exertion,” You see in the Old Testament, it was necessary to exert one’s self to follow the ceremonial Law because it was a display of trust in God’s promise of a coming Savior. But now that Jesus has come, we no longer need to exert our self. We just need to rest in what He accomplished for us on Calvary.
This is what the command “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy is all about. Remember that Jesus has done it all! You must not add work to your salvation. Keep His rest holy, or separate from your works! It is grace alone, works are only a fruit of the joy and peace we find as we rest in Him!
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
It is just as Moses said in Exodus 16:29, “See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath!” The Sabbath, the day of rest was made for man by God. It was His gift to Adam! It is still His gift to us today.
The Sabbath and everything about it pointed to Jesus, and when Jesus (the Son of Man) came and fulfilled His mission, the legal requirements were no longer necessary.
The word Sabbath means to “desist from exertion,” You see in the Old Testament, it was necessary to exert one’s self to follow the ceremonial Law because it was a display of trust in God’s promise of a coming Savior. But now that Jesus has come, we no longer need to exert our self. We just need to rest in what He accomplished for us on Calvary.
This is what the command “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy is all about. Remember that Jesus has done it all! You must not add work to your salvation. Keep His rest holy, or separate from your works! It is grace alone, works are only a fruit of the joy and peace we find as we rest in Him!
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Jesus IS Our Sabbath
# 280 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:27 And He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28 "Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath."
It is just as Moses said in Exodus 16:29, “See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath!” The Sabbath, the day of rest was made for man by God. It was His gift to Adam! It is still His gift to us today.
The Sabbath and everything about it pointed to Jesus, and when Jesus (the Son of Man) came and fulfilled His mission, the legal requirements were no longer necessary.
The word Sabbath means to “desist from exertion,” You see in the Old Testament, it was necessary to exert one’s self to follow the ceremonial Law because it was a display of trust in God’s promise of a coming Savior. But now that Jesus has come, we no longer need to exert our self. We just need to rest in what He accomplished for us on Calvary.
This is what the command “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy is all about. Remember that Jesus has done it all! You must not add work to your salvation. Keep His rest holy, or separate from your works! It is grace alone, works are only a fruit of the joy and peace we find as we rest in Him!
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
It is just as Moses said in Exodus 16:29, “See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath!” The Sabbath, the day of rest was made for man by God. It was His gift to Adam! It is still His gift to us today.
The Sabbath and everything about it pointed to Jesus, and when Jesus (the Son of Man) came and fulfilled His mission, the legal requirements were no longer necessary.
The word Sabbath means to “desist from exertion,” You see in the Old Testament, it was necessary to exert one’s self to follow the ceremonial Law because it was a display of trust in God’s promise of a coming Savior. But now that Jesus has come, we no longer need to exert our self. We just need to rest in what He accomplished for us on Calvary.
This is what the command “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy is all about. Remember that Jesus has done it all! You must not add work to your salvation. Keep His rest holy, or separate from your works! It is grace alone, works are only a fruit of the joy and peace we find as we rest in Him!
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Be Thankful For the Thorns
1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I want to share a story with you today that came across my desk some nine years ago. It’s called the Thanksgiving Special:
Nancy walked into the florist shop feeling as cold as the November breeze. Her life had been going along just fine but then in the 4th month of her pregnancy, a minor automobile accident took the life of her unborn child. The child would’ve arrived sometime during this Thanksgiving week. But now, she felt so empty.
If that weren’t enough her husband was facing possible job transfer to another state. Then her sister, who’s holiday visits were always a highlight called to say that she wouldn’t be able to make it this year. Nancy was just not in the holiday spirit this year.
To make it worse, a close friend of hers infuriated her just a couple of days ago by suggesting that her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. Who did this high and mighty friend think she was????? Had she lost a child?? No! She had no idea what Nancy was feeling. Thanksgiving? Thankful for what? For a careless truck driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life but took that of her child?
Just then the clerk interrupted her thoughts with a “Good morning, can I help you?
Uh, .....I need an arrangement.
“For Thanksgiving”
Yes please,
Do you want beautiful but ordinary? a harvest theme? or are you looking for something that conveys gratitude? If so may I suggest the Thanksgiving Special?
Nancy couldn’t believe the next words that came out of her mouth. She found herself sharing her story of grief with this perfect stranger, and then apologizing for dumping all her troubles on the clerk, but the clerk said, “Oh, I have the perfect arrangement for you!” But before she could explain another customer came into the shop.
Hi Barbara! I’ll be out with your order shortly. She whisked into the back room and soon appeared with an arrangement of greenery, bows, and long-stemmed thorny roses............only, the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped off.....there were no flowers.
Nancy couldn’t believe it, but even more she couldn’t believe Barbara’a reaction.
“Oh these are just beautiful!” You’d think after three years of getting the special I wouldn’t be as moved , but its happening again. My family will love this arrangement.” And she walked out the door very pleased.
Nancy couldn’t remain silent.....’Uh.....that lady just paid you money and left with no flowers!
Right, the clerk said, I cut off the flowers.”
Off?
Yep, that’s the Thanksgiving Special.
But why do people pay for that?
DO you really want to know?
Yes I do.
Barbara came to my shop 3 years ago feeling pretty much the way you are feeling today. She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was into drugs, and she was facing major surgery.
That same year, I had lost my husband. I took over full responsibility for running the business, and for the first time in my life I was going to be marking the holidays alone. No family nearby and too great a debt to allow for any travel. I was very depressed.
What did you do?
I learned to be thankful for the thorns.
For the thorns?
Yes, the rough things in life. Oh I was quick to thank God for the good things in my life, but very slow to say thanks for the tough things. It took time for me to learn that the dark times are important too.
I always enjoyed the “roses” of life but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God’s comfort. . The Bible says that God comforts us when we’re afflicted and from His consolation, we learn to comfort others. (2Co 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.)
Nancy gasped audibly, “Why that’s what my friend was trying to tell me, but she just made me mad! I guess the truth is I really don’t want comfort. I’ve lost a baby and I’m angry with God!
Just then another customer came in.
Hey Phil, the clerk said are you here for the yearly special?
You bet I am. The clerk handed the thorny arrangement to him and he joyfully exclaimed, “Oh my wife will love these!”
Nancy asked, “These are for your wife?”
Oh, yea. 4 years ago my wife and I nearly divorced. After 40 years, we were in a real mess, but we slogged through, problem by rotten problem. Today our marriage is stronger than ever. Last year when I stopped in here I was a little down in the dumps and that’s when I found out about the Thanksgiving special. My wife and I decided to label each thorny stem for the different thorny situations we have encountered. It’s becoming a tradition at our house. The man left the floral shop with a little more bounce in his step.
Nancy, looked at the clerk and said, “I don’t know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life.
The clerk replied, “Well, my experience has been that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God’s providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Don’t forget.....Jesus wore a crown of thorns so that we might know His love.......I’ve learned to never resent thorns.”
Tears rolled down Nancy’s cheeks. For the first time since the accident she loosened her grip on her resentment. Between sobs she managed to say, “I’ll take 12 long-stemmed thorns please.”
I hoped you would, every time you see them appreciate the good and the bad times, for all are in God’s hands.
How much do I owe you.
Nothing, the first year is always free and I always attach this card. It is a saying from George Matheson, Read it!
“My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear. Teach me to value my thorns. Show me that I have climbed to You by the path of pain. Show me that my tears have made my rainbow.
Happy Thanksgiving Nancy!
Nancy smiled and opened the door Happy Thanksgiving she said, and took her first step toward hope and healing.
And Happy Thanksgiving to you! May this little story help all of us in our journeys of hope and healing.
Duane
I want to share a story with you today that came across my desk some nine years ago. It’s called the Thanksgiving Special:
Nancy walked into the florist shop feeling as cold as the November breeze. Her life had been going along just fine but then in the 4th month of her pregnancy, a minor automobile accident took the life of her unborn child. The child would’ve arrived sometime during this Thanksgiving week. But now, she felt so empty.
If that weren’t enough her husband was facing possible job transfer to another state. Then her sister, who’s holiday visits were always a highlight called to say that she wouldn’t be able to make it this year. Nancy was just not in the holiday spirit this year.
To make it worse, a close friend of hers infuriated her just a couple of days ago by suggesting that her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. Who did this high and mighty friend think she was????? Had she lost a child?? No! She had no idea what Nancy was feeling. Thanksgiving? Thankful for what? For a careless truck driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life but took that of her child?
Just then the clerk interrupted her thoughts with a “Good morning, can I help you?
Uh, .....I need an arrangement.
“For Thanksgiving”
Yes please,
Do you want beautiful but ordinary? a harvest theme? or are you looking for something that conveys gratitude? If so may I suggest the Thanksgiving Special?
Nancy couldn’t believe the next words that came out of her mouth. She found herself sharing her story of grief with this perfect stranger, and then apologizing for dumping all her troubles on the clerk, but the clerk said, “Oh, I have the perfect arrangement for you!” But before she could explain another customer came into the shop.
Hi Barbara! I’ll be out with your order shortly. She whisked into the back room and soon appeared with an arrangement of greenery, bows, and long-stemmed thorny roses............only, the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped off.....there were no flowers.
Nancy couldn’t believe it, but even more she couldn’t believe Barbara’a reaction.
“Oh these are just beautiful!” You’d think after three years of getting the special I wouldn’t be as moved , but its happening again. My family will love this arrangement.” And she walked out the door very pleased.
Nancy couldn’t remain silent.....’Uh.....that lady just paid you money and left with no flowers!
Right, the clerk said, I cut off the flowers.”
Off?
Yep, that’s the Thanksgiving Special.
But why do people pay for that?
DO you really want to know?
Yes I do.
Barbara came to my shop 3 years ago feeling pretty much the way you are feeling today. She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was into drugs, and she was facing major surgery.
That same year, I had lost my husband. I took over full responsibility for running the business, and for the first time in my life I was going to be marking the holidays alone. No family nearby and too great a debt to allow for any travel. I was very depressed.
What did you do?
I learned to be thankful for the thorns.
For the thorns?
Yes, the rough things in life. Oh I was quick to thank God for the good things in my life, but very slow to say thanks for the tough things. It took time for me to learn that the dark times are important too.
I always enjoyed the “roses” of life but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God’s comfort. . The Bible says that God comforts us when we’re afflicted and from His consolation, we learn to comfort others. (2Co 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.)
Nancy gasped audibly, “Why that’s what my friend was trying to tell me, but she just made me mad! I guess the truth is I really don’t want comfort. I’ve lost a baby and I’m angry with God!
Just then another customer came in.
Hey Phil, the clerk said are you here for the yearly special?
You bet I am. The clerk handed the thorny arrangement to him and he joyfully exclaimed, “Oh my wife will love these!”
Nancy asked, “These are for your wife?”
Oh, yea. 4 years ago my wife and I nearly divorced. After 40 years, we were in a real mess, but we slogged through, problem by rotten problem. Today our marriage is stronger than ever. Last year when I stopped in here I was a little down in the dumps and that’s when I found out about the Thanksgiving special. My wife and I decided to label each thorny stem for the different thorny situations we have encountered. It’s becoming a tradition at our house. The man left the floral shop with a little more bounce in his step.
Nancy, looked at the clerk and said, “I don’t know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life.
The clerk replied, “Well, my experience has been that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God’s providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Don’t forget.....Jesus wore a crown of thorns so that we might know His love.......I’ve learned to never resent thorns.”
Tears rolled down Nancy’s cheeks. For the first time since the accident she loosened her grip on her resentment. Between sobs she managed to say, “I’ll take 12 long-stemmed thorns please.”
I hoped you would, every time you see them appreciate the good and the bad times, for all are in God’s hands.
How much do I owe you.
Nothing, the first year is always free and I always attach this card. It is a saying from George Matheson, Read it!
“My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear. Teach me to value my thorns. Show me that I have climbed to You by the path of pain. Show me that my tears have made my rainbow.
Happy Thanksgiving Nancy!
Nancy smiled and opened the door Happy Thanksgiving she said, and took her first step toward hope and healing.
And Happy Thanksgiving to you! May this little story help all of us in our journeys of hope and healing.
Duane
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Mercy Trumps Judgment
# 279 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:25,26 “But He said to them, "Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry, he and those with him: "how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the showbread, which is not lawful to eat, except for the priests, and also gave some to those who were with him?"
Jesus gives the Pharisees something to chew on and it wasn't showbread. He says, “you are upset with My disciples because they have violated the ordinances associated with the Sabbath, but what about David?
There was a time when he and his men were hungry and he went into the temple and ate the showbread. The showbread was twelve loaves that were placed on a gold covered table in the Holy Place every Sabbath. When they were removed they were to be eaten only by the priests according to God’s CEREMONIAL Law.
In this instance, the bread had served it’s sacred purpose and was available so David and his men ate it. It would be like some very hungry people coming to your church on a communion Sunday and all you had to give them to eat was the communion elements. What would you do? Mercy demands that you give them what you have.
God, in His mercy was okay with that, how much more should we be okay with it? James 2:13 says, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Jesus gives the Pharisees something to chew on and it wasn't showbread. He says, “you are upset with My disciples because they have violated the ordinances associated with the Sabbath, but what about David?
There was a time when he and his men were hungry and he went into the temple and ate the showbread. The showbread was twelve loaves that were placed on a gold covered table in the Holy Place every Sabbath. When they were removed they were to be eaten only by the priests according to God’s CEREMONIAL Law.
In this instance, the bread had served it’s sacred purpose and was available so David and his men ate it. It would be like some very hungry people coming to your church on a communion Sunday and all you had to give them to eat was the communion elements. What would you do? Mercy demands that you give them what you have.
God, in His mercy was okay with that, how much more should we be okay with it? James 2:13 says, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Gift of the Sabbath
# 278 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:23-24 “Now it happened that He went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; and as they went His disciples began to pluck the heads of grain. And the Pharisees said to Him, "Look, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?"
What? A mere picking of a few heads of grain is a violation of the Sabbath Day? That's work?????? Where did the Pharisees get this crazy idea?
They got it from Exodus 20:10 which says that no work should be done on the Sabbath, and from Exodus 16:22 in which the people were commanded to gather enough manna on the day before the Sabbath so that they would have food to eat on the Sabbath.
God took a break from the kitchen on the Sabbath to emphasize the importance of a day of rest. Exodus 16:25 says, “Then Moses said, "Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field.”
Was God being mean? Not at all, because in making the children eat that leftover manna, He wrapped up a gift that we would do well to open up in our hectic paced world today. The gift of rest. Moses said in Exodus 16:29, “See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath!”
The Lord has what? The Lord has GIVEN! The Sabbath is a gift! It has been given to you by God as a graceful opportunity to rest, and it should also serve as a reminder that we can find our eternal rest in Jesus, for as He said in Mr 2:28, “He is the Lord of the Sabbath. (The Lord of rest)
I am old enough to remember simpler days in this country when the unwritten rule of Sunday reserved that day for church and family gatherings............you know, looking back, I can see why God calls it a gift!
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
What? A mere picking of a few heads of grain is a violation of the Sabbath Day? That's work?????? Where did the Pharisees get this crazy idea?
They got it from Exodus 20:10 which says that no work should be done on the Sabbath, and from Exodus 16:22 in which the people were commanded to gather enough manna on the day before the Sabbath so that they would have food to eat on the Sabbath.
God took a break from the kitchen on the Sabbath to emphasize the importance of a day of rest. Exodus 16:25 says, “Then Moses said, "Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field.”
Was God being mean? Not at all, because in making the children eat that leftover manna, He wrapped up a gift that we would do well to open up in our hectic paced world today. The gift of rest. Moses said in Exodus 16:29, “See! For the Lord has given you the Sabbath!”
The Lord has what? The Lord has GIVEN! The Sabbath is a gift! It has been given to you by God as a graceful opportunity to rest, and it should also serve as a reminder that we can find our eternal rest in Jesus, for as He said in Mr 2:28, “He is the Lord of the Sabbath. (The Lord of rest)
I am old enough to remember simpler days in this country when the unwritten rule of Sunday reserved that day for church and family gatherings............you know, looking back, I can see why God calls it a gift!
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Providing For the Needy
# 277 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:23,24, “Now it happened that He went through the grain fields on the Sabbath; and as they went His disciples began to pluck the heads of grain. And the Pharisees said to Him, "Look, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?"
Make no mistake about it...the disciples were hungry. This was no afternoon snack of granola. There was a merciful provision in Mosaic law that allowed for the hungry to pick grain from a farmers field. This privilege was not to be abused, it was just a stop-gap measure for relief of hunger. Deuteronomy 23:25 reads:
"When you come into your neighbor's standing grain, you may pluck the heads with your hand, but you shall not use a sickle on your neighbor's standing grain.”
This was the equivalent of our modern day food pantries and churches would do well to make similar provisions for the poor today. The poor need a place where they can meet their immediate need to satisfy their hunger. Furthermore, giving to the poor is one of the three spiritual disciplines mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said, “WHEN (not if) you give to the needy.” (Mt 6:2)
At the same time we must gently warn the poor....don't bring your sickle, (don’t abuse the system.) Take just what you need and if you able bodied, continue to earnestly seek legitimate employment.
And if you are an able-bodied follower of Jesus Christ, you ought to be connected and involved with a local congregation who will not only provide for your emergency needs, but will seek to provide opportunities for you to “work for your food.” As Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. “
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Make no mistake about it...the disciples were hungry. This was no afternoon snack of granola. There was a merciful provision in Mosaic law that allowed for the hungry to pick grain from a farmers field. This privilege was not to be abused, it was just a stop-gap measure for relief of hunger. Deuteronomy 23:25 reads:
"When you come into your neighbor's standing grain, you may pluck the heads with your hand, but you shall not use a sickle on your neighbor's standing grain.”
This was the equivalent of our modern day food pantries and churches would do well to make similar provisions for the poor today. The poor need a place where they can meet their immediate need to satisfy their hunger. Furthermore, giving to the poor is one of the three spiritual disciplines mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said, “WHEN (not if) you give to the needy.” (Mt 6:2)
At the same time we must gently warn the poor....don't bring your sickle, (don’t abuse the system.) Take just what you need and if you able bodied, continue to earnestly seek legitimate employment.
And if you are an able-bodied follower of Jesus Christ, you ought to be connected and involved with a local congregation who will not only provide for your emergency needs, but will seek to provide opportunities for you to “work for your food.” As Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. “
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Don't Be Left Holding the Bag
# 276 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:22 "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins."
Jesus uses still another example to show the necessity of breaking free from the traditional ceremonial law and works of the Pharisees and relying on His grace alone for salvation.
Putting new wine into an old container will cause the old container to burst because the old container no longer has any give in it, and the fermenting activity of the new wine will cause the container to burst resulting loss of wine and the container.
That’s the trouble with salvation by tradition, ceremony, and works...it has no give in it, and those who rely on it will be left holding an empty bag. Ceremonial traditions can be a beautiful way to express worship, but beware of the trap of rigidity. Never allow ceremony, tradition, or works to become a substitute for a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Are we saved by the overflowing grace of God............. or by unbending rules, ceremonies, and traditions of men?
Ephesians 2:8, 9 says, “ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Jesus uses still another example to show the necessity of breaking free from the traditional ceremonial law and works of the Pharisees and relying on His grace alone for salvation.
Putting new wine into an old container will cause the old container to burst because the old container no longer has any give in it, and the fermenting activity of the new wine will cause the container to burst resulting loss of wine and the container.
That’s the trouble with salvation by tradition, ceremony, and works...it has no give in it, and those who rely on it will be left holding an empty bag. Ceremonial traditions can be a beautiful way to express worship, but beware of the trap of rigidity. Never allow ceremony, tradition, or works to become a substitute for a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Are we saved by the overflowing grace of God............. or by unbending rules, ceremonies, and traditions of men?
Ephesians 2:8, 9 says, “ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Old and New Garment
# 275 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:21 "No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse.
From the matter of fasting Jesus gently reminds His audience that things are going to have to be different now that He has arrived with the Gospel. The old garment that He speaks of is the religious practices of the day. The formalism and outward observances that had become a substitute for a personal relationship with God and thus had to be discarded completely.
Adherence to religious duties had created a system of self-righteousness that had to be replaced by a brand new garment. It won’t do to take a little part of Jesus’ teachings and try to patch the old system. You cannot co-mingle Law and Gospel! Since we are saved by grace through faith, we must continue to live by grace and faith.
Jesus has fulfilled the ceremonial Law perfectly, and so when we don Him in baptism, ( Ga 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.) we are clothed in His seamless garment of righteousness. Nothing of the old is lost, it is just swallowed up in the new. The new that no longer looks to superficial ceremonies and duties for it’s righteousness, but to Him alone.
I'm Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
From the matter of fasting Jesus gently reminds His audience that things are going to have to be different now that He has arrived with the Gospel. The old garment that He speaks of is the religious practices of the day. The formalism and outward observances that had become a substitute for a personal relationship with God and thus had to be discarded completely.
Adherence to religious duties had created a system of self-righteousness that had to be replaced by a brand new garment. It won’t do to take a little part of Jesus’ teachings and try to patch the old system. You cannot co-mingle Law and Gospel! Since we are saved by grace through faith, we must continue to live by grace and faith.
Jesus has fulfilled the ceremonial Law perfectly, and so when we don Him in baptism, ( Ga 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.) we are clothed in His seamless garment of righteousness. Nothing of the old is lost, it is just swallowed up in the new. The new that no longer looks to superficial ceremonies and duties for it’s righteousness, but to Him alone.
I'm Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Fasting Before Commissioning
# 274 Today's Living Word comes from Mark 2:18 “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting.”
One final benefit of fasting that we will talk about is fasting for commissioning. We read of it in the Book of Acts. It was the practice of Paul and Barnabas to appoint elders in their newly planted churches. Acts 14:23 says, “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” Look what the church at Antioch did before they sent them off on their mission trip, “”Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:3)
Most churches today still practice praying and laying on of hands at commissioning services, but I honestly have never heard of any church engaging in a FAST before such ceremonies. This should not be so! If this practice was good enough for our church fathers, it should be good enough for us.
The next time your church is engaged in a commissioning, why not call on the congregation to purposefully fast that morning thereby giving the newly commissioned a spiritual jump start in their new area of ministry.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
One final benefit of fasting that we will talk about is fasting for commissioning. We read of it in the Book of Acts. It was the practice of Paul and Barnabas to appoint elders in their newly planted churches. Acts 14:23 says, “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” Look what the church at Antioch did before they sent them off on their mission trip, “”Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” (Acts 13:3)
Most churches today still practice praying and laying on of hands at commissioning services, but I honestly have never heard of any church engaging in a FAST before such ceremonies. This should not be so! If this practice was good enough for our church fathers, it should be good enough for us.
The next time your church is engaged in a commissioning, why not call on the congregation to purposefully fast that morning thereby giving the newly commissioned a spiritual jump start in their new area of ministry.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Fasting For Assurance of Salvation
# 273 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:18 “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting.” Mark 2:18
You never know what might happen as you practice the spiritual discipline of fasting. In Acts 10, we read of a Gentile named Cornelius. In Acts 10:2, we read that he was “a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.”
Here was a religious man. He does all the right things, but something is missing. Has he been devout enough? Has he given enough alms? Has he prayed enough? This is the lot of the Christ-less existence. Namely the lack of ASSURANCE OF SALVATION. Such a person is always wondering, “did I do enough to please God to be saved?” Or even worse, they arrive at the conclusion that they are basically a good person who God in no wise would send to hell.
But the Bible is clear. Jesus said in Jn 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
During a time of prayer and fasting, Cornelius received a vision of an angel coming to him and was instructed to send some men to Joppa to fetch Peter and Peter would then tell Cornelius what he must do.
His prayer and fasting opened up the ears of God to His plea and Peter was sent to him to “tell him words by which he and all his household would be saved” (Acts 11:14) namely the Gospel.
Cornelius and his household heard the Word, responded to it, and all were baptized and brought into God’s family. For Cornelius and his family, it was no longer a matter of what they had done for God, but what God had done for them through Christ.
Are you wrestling with assurance of your salvation? Do you find yourself wondering if you've done enough to please God? Or do you think you deserve to go to heaven because you are basically a good person?
This is a pained existence in the first case and a false hope in the second. Would you sincerely desire to know the way to heaven? Have you tried seeking the assurance of God through prayer and fasting?
Cornelius did and God granted he and his family “repentance that leads to life.”
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
You never know what might happen as you practice the spiritual discipline of fasting. In Acts 10, we read of a Gentile named Cornelius. In Acts 10:2, we read that he was “a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.”
Here was a religious man. He does all the right things, but something is missing. Has he been devout enough? Has he given enough alms? Has he prayed enough? This is the lot of the Christ-less existence. Namely the lack of ASSURANCE OF SALVATION. Such a person is always wondering, “did I do enough to please God to be saved?” Or even worse, they arrive at the conclusion that they are basically a good person who God in no wise would send to hell.
But the Bible is clear. Jesus said in Jn 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
During a time of prayer and fasting, Cornelius received a vision of an angel coming to him and was instructed to send some men to Joppa to fetch Peter and Peter would then tell Cornelius what he must do.
His prayer and fasting opened up the ears of God to His plea and Peter was sent to him to “tell him words by which he and all his household would be saved” (Acts 11:14) namely the Gospel.
Cornelius and his household heard the Word, responded to it, and all were baptized and brought into God’s family. For Cornelius and his family, it was no longer a matter of what they had done for God, but what God had done for them through Christ.
Are you wrestling with assurance of your salvation? Do you find yourself wondering if you've done enough to please God? Or do you think you deserve to go to heaven because you are basically a good person?
This is a pained existence in the first case and a false hope in the second. Would you sincerely desire to know the way to heaven? Have you tried seeking the assurance of God through prayer and fasting?
Cornelius did and God granted he and his family “repentance that leads to life.”
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sexual Fasting
# 272 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:18 “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting.”
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. We read of an unusual kind of fasting in 1 Corinthians 7:5, “Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
Here Paul is suggesting a consensual withholding of sexual activity so husband and wife may devote themselves more fully to fasting and prayer. As Daniel gave up pleasurable food, here we have a call to give up pleasurable activity for the purpose of seeking God’s face.
Marriage brings with it the potential for much spiritual and emotional strain. God loves marriage, but the devil hates it and he will do everything in his power to separate man and wife.
Why not prepare yourself for any and all such attacks of the enemy against your marriage by practicing this spiritual discipline BEFORE they occur. Consensual sexual fasting invites the greatest Counselor of all, (the Holy Spirit) into your particular situation. As you each practice self-denial in the physical realm, you give Him more room to operate in the spiritual realm.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. We read of an unusual kind of fasting in 1 Corinthians 7:5, “Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
Here Paul is suggesting a consensual withholding of sexual activity so husband and wife may devote themselves more fully to fasting and prayer. As Daniel gave up pleasurable food, here we have a call to give up pleasurable activity for the purpose of seeking God’s face.
Marriage brings with it the potential for much spiritual and emotional strain. God loves marriage, but the devil hates it and he will do everything in his power to separate man and wife.
Why not prepare yourself for any and all such attacks of the enemy against your marriage by practicing this spiritual discipline BEFORE they occur. Consensual sexual fasting invites the greatest Counselor of all, (the Holy Spirit) into your particular situation. As you each practice self-denial in the physical realm, you give Him more room to operate in the spiritual realm.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Fasting For Understanding
# 271 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:18 “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting.” Mark 2:18
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. It can be used as an inaudible expression of sorrow before the throne of God. Rather than the sobbing and moaning associated with grieving, it is the growl of the stomach, and the unmet yearnings of the flesh that only God can hear.
We read of such a fast in Daniel 10. In verses 2 and 3 we read, “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
Something was grieving Daniel. We get a clue in Dan 10:12, 'Then he said to me, “fear not Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard.”
Daniel found himself in a situation where he just didn't understand. “Why God? Why must we be in captivity? Why is this happening to Your people? But instead of moping around the king's court in Babylon, he decided to bring his grief and his questions to God in the form of a fast.
A notable feature of his fast was giving up those things he found pleasurable. He ate food, but abstained from that which gave him pleasure. It's sort of like giving up a favorite food for Lent. He even denied himself the pleasure of pampering himself with body oils!
Have you ever considered giving up some things you enjoy for a season just so you might express your sorrows to the Lord over the “why God” questions in your life?
I don't know how the Lord will react to such a fast for you or I, but His response to Daniel's fast is mind-blowing!
God sent a special angel to Daniel and he was given one great and final vision that revealed not only the near future for Israel, but the distant future of all of God’s children all the way up to great day of God’s final judgment! (Dan 11,12) And Daniel's “why God” questions melted away before this great plan of God!
When all was said and done Daniel was left with strength, (“And as he spoke to me I was strengthened,” (Dan 10:19) and personal assurance. (“And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” (Dan 12:12)
Strength and assurance. Sounds like something you and I could use when the “why God's?” of our lives bring sorrow to our hearts.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. It can be used as an inaudible expression of sorrow before the throne of God. Rather than the sobbing and moaning associated with grieving, it is the growl of the stomach, and the unmet yearnings of the flesh that only God can hear.
We read of such a fast in Daniel 10. In verses 2 and 3 we read, “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”
Something was grieving Daniel. We get a clue in Dan 10:12, 'Then he said to me, “fear not Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard.”
Daniel found himself in a situation where he just didn't understand. “Why God? Why must we be in captivity? Why is this happening to Your people? But instead of moping around the king's court in Babylon, he decided to bring his grief and his questions to God in the form of a fast.
A notable feature of his fast was giving up those things he found pleasurable. He ate food, but abstained from that which gave him pleasure. It's sort of like giving up a favorite food for Lent. He even denied himself the pleasure of pampering himself with body oils!
Have you ever considered giving up some things you enjoy for a season just so you might express your sorrows to the Lord over the “why God” questions in your life?
I don't know how the Lord will react to such a fast for you or I, but His response to Daniel's fast is mind-blowing!
God sent a special angel to Daniel and he was given one great and final vision that revealed not only the near future for Israel, but the distant future of all of God’s children all the way up to great day of God’s final judgment! (Dan 11,12) And Daniel's “why God” questions melted away before this great plan of God!
When all was said and done Daniel was left with strength, (“And as he spoke to me I was strengthened,” (Dan 10:19) and personal assurance. (“And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.” (Dan 12:12)
Strength and assurance. Sounds like something you and I could use when the “why God's?” of our lives bring sorrow to our hearts.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Fasting For Those Who Are In Peril
# 270 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:18 “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting.” Mark 2:18
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. Did you know that you can use a fast to stand in the gap for those who are being ill-treated?
There was a time in the Old Testament, when King Saul sought to kill David. Saul’s son, Jonathon was David’s best friend and when he became aware of his father’s desire to do David in, Jonathon fasted. The Bible says that “Jonathon arose from the table in fierce anger, and ate no food the second day of the month for he was grieved for David, because his father had treated him shamefully.” (1 Samuel 20:34)
We don’t know how God responded to this fast, we do know that David survived all of Saul’s attempts to kill him. Perhaps you know of someone who is being unfairly singled out for harsh treatment, maybe even to the point where their life is in danger.
I think about those times when missionaries or others find themselves in hostage situations. There is often a sense of helplessness on our part as we are so far removed from the situation, but here we have Jonathon’s example to follow, we can fast. We can use our time of fasting to call on our heavenly Father who is not far removed from any situation, and trust Him for the results.
Many churches will be observing a day of prayer this Sunday on behalf of the persecuted church. Brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are suffering greatly for their faith. Can we not be like Jonathon for them and arise from the table, and spend some time grieving over their shameful treatment?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. Did you know that you can use a fast to stand in the gap for those who are being ill-treated?
There was a time in the Old Testament, when King Saul sought to kill David. Saul’s son, Jonathon was David’s best friend and when he became aware of his father’s desire to do David in, Jonathon fasted. The Bible says that “Jonathon arose from the table in fierce anger, and ate no food the second day of the month for he was grieved for David, because his father had treated him shamefully.” (1 Samuel 20:34)
We don’t know how God responded to this fast, we do know that David survived all of Saul’s attempts to kill him. Perhaps you know of someone who is being unfairly singled out for harsh treatment, maybe even to the point where their life is in danger.
I think about those times when missionaries or others find themselves in hostage situations. There is often a sense of helplessness on our part as we are so far removed from the situation, but here we have Jonathon’s example to follow, we can fast. We can use our time of fasting to call on our heavenly Father who is not far removed from any situation, and trust Him for the results.
Many churches will be observing a day of prayer this Sunday on behalf of the persecuted church. Brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are suffering greatly for their faith. Can we not be like Jonathon for them and arise from the table, and spend some time grieving over their shameful treatment?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Fasting For Direction
# 269 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:18 “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting.”
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. There are times and situations that arise in our lives when we just don’t know what to do. We need guidance and we don’t know where to turn. Such was the case for Ezra.
He was looking for a safe route to return to Jerusalem for he and his family. What did he do? “Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.” (Ezra 8:21) In verse 23 he said, “and God answered our prayer.”
Maybe you’re faced with a decision regarding the welfare of your family. Perhaps it’s a move or a job change. You’ve looked at the pluses and the minuses of the situation, but you’re still not sure what to do. Have you tried fasting? Have you tried what Ezra tried? Have you humbled yourself before the Lord and waited for His peace in the matter?
You may not get your answer as quickly as Ezra, but it will come. God knew the right way for Ezra and He knows the right way for you, and He is far more concerned about the welfare of you and your family than you are.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. There are times and situations that arise in our lives when we just don’t know what to do. We need guidance and we don’t know where to turn. Such was the case for Ezra.
He was looking for a safe route to return to Jerusalem for he and his family. What did he do? “Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.” (Ezra 8:21) In verse 23 he said, “and God answered our prayer.”
Maybe you’re faced with a decision regarding the welfare of your family. Perhaps it’s a move or a job change. You’ve looked at the pluses and the minuses of the situation, but you’re still not sure what to do. Have you tried fasting? Have you tried what Ezra tried? Have you humbled yourself before the Lord and waited for His peace in the matter?
You may not get your answer as quickly as Ezra, but it will come. God knew the right way for Ezra and He knows the right way for you, and He is far more concerned about the welfare of you and your family than you are.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Fasting To Avert God's Judgment
# 268 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:18 “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting.”
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. Often in the Old Testament, fasts were called to avert God’s judgment. Perhaps the most unusual fast in that regard was the fast proclaimed in Ninevah.
Remember Ninevah? God sent Jonah to “Ninevah, that great city,” to “call out against it, for their evil has come up before Me.” (There comes a time when God gets fed up with evil)
Jonah's message was simple to the Ninevites. Repent or you will be destroyed in 40 days. “And the people of Ninevah believed God,” . They called for a fast and put on sackcloth.” Even the animals were put on a mandatory fast by proclamation of the king! The king urged all the citizens to cry out to God that He might turn away from His judgment, and God saw their works and He relented. (Jonah 3:10)
When one considers the current state of affairs in our own land, one has to wonder why we aren’t engaged in fasting. How long will it be before our own national evil comes up before Him?
Unborn children continue to be slaughtered at the rate of 3000 per day. Blasphemy fills our movie screens and television sets. Divorce and fornication (sex before marriage) are rampant. Idolatry in the form of materialism and hedonism abounds. Evolution is accepted as fact and required teaching in our public schools. Many mainline denominations have even called the Bible into question.
How long do you think God will withhold judgment from such a land? Don’t you think it might be time for the remnant (the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ) to consider fasting and crying out to God once again?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. Often in the Old Testament, fasts were called to avert God’s judgment. Perhaps the most unusual fast in that regard was the fast proclaimed in Ninevah.
Remember Ninevah? God sent Jonah to “Ninevah, that great city,” to “call out against it, for their evil has come up before Me.” (There comes a time when God gets fed up with evil)
Jonah's message was simple to the Ninevites. Repent or you will be destroyed in 40 days. “And the people of Ninevah believed God,” . They called for a fast and put on sackcloth.” Even the animals were put on a mandatory fast by proclamation of the king! The king urged all the citizens to cry out to God that He might turn away from His judgment, and God saw their works and He relented. (Jonah 3:10)
When one considers the current state of affairs in our own land, one has to wonder why we aren’t engaged in fasting. How long will it be before our own national evil comes up before Him?
Unborn children continue to be slaughtered at the rate of 3000 per day. Blasphemy fills our movie screens and television sets. Divorce and fornication (sex before marriage) are rampant. Idolatry in the form of materialism and hedonism abounds. Evolution is accepted as fact and required teaching in our public schools. Many mainline denominations have even called the Bible into question.
How long do you think God will withhold judgment from such a land? Don’t you think it might be time for the remnant (the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ) to consider fasting and crying out to God once again?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Fasting For Favor
# 267 - Hello friend. Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:18 “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting.”
The spiritual discipline of fasting is often overlooked and misunderstood in the church today. Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people.
In the days ahead, we will look at some of the uses of this “tool” and pray that you will be moved to use it in your life on a regular basis.
Have you ever been in a situation where you could use some favor? Maybe its for a job you are applying for. Maybe in asking for a raise, or maybe a favorable attitude by a seller toward your offer to purchase a home. Is there a situation in your life where you need to hear an unexpected “yes,”?
Have you tried fasting?
Esther did. Do you remember the incident found in the Book of Esther? A decree had been put out by the king to annihilate all the Jews. Mordecai told Queen Esther about it and she told Mordecai to declare a three day fast among the Jews. After the three days were up Esther went before the king to win his favor.
She could’ve been killed for such a brash act, but we read in Esther 5:2,3 “She found favor in his sight.”....”And the king said to her, “What do you wish?” This granting of favor in the king’s eyes led to the deliverance of the Jews!
It’s always a matter of God’s will of course, but are you in need of favor? “What do you wish?” Have you tried the God-given tool of fasting?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
The spiritual discipline of fasting is often overlooked and misunderstood in the church today. Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people.
In the days ahead, we will look at some of the uses of this “tool” and pray that you will be moved to use it in your life on a regular basis.
Have you ever been in a situation where you could use some favor? Maybe its for a job you are applying for. Maybe in asking for a raise, or maybe a favorable attitude by a seller toward your offer to purchase a home. Is there a situation in your life where you need to hear an unexpected “yes,”?
Have you tried fasting?
Esther did. Do you remember the incident found in the Book of Esther? A decree had been put out by the king to annihilate all the Jews. Mordecai told Queen Esther about it and she told Mordecai to declare a three day fast among the Jews. After the three days were up Esther went before the king to win his favor.
She could’ve been killed for such a brash act, but we read in Esther 5:2,3 “She found favor in his sight.”....”And the king said to her, “What do you wish?” This granting of favor in the king’s eyes led to the deliverance of the Jews!
It’s always a matter of God’s will of course, but are you in need of favor? “What do you wish?” Have you tried the God-given tool of fasting?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Fasting Prompted By Fear
# 266 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:18 “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting.”
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. Unfortunately, it seems to be one of the those tools that finds it’s way to the bottom of the toolbox and is forgotten about. In the days ahead, we'll continue to look at some of the uses of this “tool” and pray that you will be moved to use it in your life and in the life of your church on a regular basis.
Fasting was often used by God’s people during times of a national threat. In Second Chronicles 20 we read of a time when the Israelites were about to be attacked by the Moabites and the Ammonites. King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a national fast and the people gathered together for prayer and worship. The Lord heard their prayers, responded to their worship, and utterly defeated their enemies.
When is the last time that you heard of a call for a national fast in the churches of our land? The Moabites and the Ammonites are not arrayed against us, but an even greater enemy of apathy and secular humanism have amassed outside the gates of the church in America.
Biblical morality and standards are mocked. All manner of sin abounds in the land, and in many cases has become accepted by the church. Doesn't this frighten you? Aren't you concerned for your friends, loved ones, and neighbors who are being swept up and overtaken by the enemy? Jehoshaphat was.
“Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” ( 2 Chr 20:3)
Try reading Second Chronicles 20 this weekend. Be encouraged as you read of the results of this fast. May this Word of the Lord send you and I scurrying to the toolbox seeking victory over these enemies through prayer and fasting and praise and worship.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual tool that God has given to His people. Unfortunately, it seems to be one of the those tools that finds it’s way to the bottom of the toolbox and is forgotten about. In the days ahead, we'll continue to look at some of the uses of this “tool” and pray that you will be moved to use it in your life and in the life of your church on a regular basis.
Fasting was often used by God’s people during times of a national threat. In Second Chronicles 20 we read of a time when the Israelites were about to be attacked by the Moabites and the Ammonites. King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a national fast and the people gathered together for prayer and worship. The Lord heard their prayers, responded to their worship, and utterly defeated their enemies.
When is the last time that you heard of a call for a national fast in the churches of our land? The Moabites and the Ammonites are not arrayed against us, but an even greater enemy of apathy and secular humanism have amassed outside the gates of the church in America.
Biblical morality and standards are mocked. All manner of sin abounds in the land, and in many cases has become accepted by the church. Doesn't this frighten you? Aren't you concerned for your friends, loved ones, and neighbors who are being swept up and overtaken by the enemy? Jehoshaphat was.
“Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” ( 2 Chr 20:3)
Try reading Second Chronicles 20 this weekend. Be encouraged as you read of the results of this fast. May this Word of the Lord send you and I scurrying to the toolbox seeking victory over these enemies through prayer and fasting and praise and worship.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Fasting For Healing
# 265 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:18 “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting.”
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual discipline that seems to have been forgotten by the church today. In the days ahead, let us take some time to see what the Bible has to say about fasting and it’s benefits.
Do you know someone who is ill? Have you thought of fasting on their behalf? In the 35th Psalm, David speaks of such activity on behalf of his enemies! “But as for me, when they were sick, My clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting;... I paced about as though he were my friend or brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother.”
Imagine that! Instead of a “serves him right,” kind of attitude, David fasts on behalf of his enemy hoping and praying that God will make him well. Fasting for healing was the normal practice in Scripture.
When David’s child born out of his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba became ill, he fasted. Though the child did not live, David did all that he could do in the spiritual realm, the rest was left up to God and His perfect will.
Is someone among you sick? Have you thought of fasting on their behalf?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Fasting is a beneficial spiritual discipline that seems to have been forgotten by the church today. In the days ahead, let us take some time to see what the Bible has to say about fasting and it’s benefits.
Do you know someone who is ill? Have you thought of fasting on their behalf? In the 35th Psalm, David speaks of such activity on behalf of his enemies! “But as for me, when they were sick, My clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting;... I paced about as though he were my friend or brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother.”
Imagine that! Instead of a “serves him right,” kind of attitude, David fasts on behalf of his enemy hoping and praying that God will make him well. Fasting for healing was the normal practice in Scripture.
When David’s child born out of his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba became ill, he fasted. Though the child did not live, David did all that he could do in the spiritual realm, the rest was left up to God and His perfect will.
Is someone among you sick? Have you thought of fasting on their behalf?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Keep It Between You and Your Heavenly Father
# 264 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:18 “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting.”
Let’s spend some time on this matter of fasting. Fasting was practiced by the Old Testament church and the New Testament church. The only required fast in Mosaic law was on the Day of Atonement. Four other annual fasts were instituted during the Babylonian captivity. Other fasts were called as needed during times of national calamity, repentance, and seeking the Lord’s favor. Personal fasting was also practiced as individuals faced crisis situations.
In the New Testament, fasting was a spiritual discipline that marked Christians and was practiced by the church on a personal and congregational level. On the personal level, Jesus placed one stipulation on fasting. It’s found in Matthew 6:16 "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
He said, “go ahead, fast, but when you do keep it between you and your heavenly Father. Don’t use it as a method of parading your “supposed superior spirituality in front of others” It is His applause we seek, not the applause of men.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Let’s spend some time on this matter of fasting. Fasting was practiced by the Old Testament church and the New Testament church. The only required fast in Mosaic law was on the Day of Atonement. Four other annual fasts were instituted during the Babylonian captivity. Other fasts were called as needed during times of national calamity, repentance, and seeking the Lord’s favor. Personal fasting was also practiced as individuals faced crisis situations.
In the New Testament, fasting was a spiritual discipline that marked Christians and was practiced by the church on a personal and congregational level. On the personal level, Jesus placed one stipulation on fasting. It’s found in Matthew 6:16 "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
He said, “go ahead, fast, but when you do keep it between you and your heavenly Father. Don’t use it as a method of parading your “supposed superior spirituality in front of others” It is His applause we seek, not the applause of men.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
WHEN You Fast
# 263 Today’s Living Word comes from Mark 2:18-20 “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, "Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?" And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. "But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.”
In commenting on this passage, the Lutheran commentator Lenski says, “ To fast or not to fast is determined by the conditions in which we find ourselves.” Well said, for this is the crux of New Testament fasting. It begs us to ask the question, “In what condition do we find ourselves today?”
While Jesus was walking with His disciples things were going great! But His passion, resurrection, and ascension were still coming, and the devil would be cast down and begin his roaring lion assault on God's children in earnest. “But woe to you , O earth and sea for the devil has come down to you in great wrath because he knows his time is short!” ( Rev 12:12)
This raging about of the devil should be cause for every Christian to be quick to go into their spiritual tool bag and use this supernatural tool of fasting given to them by God.
It saddens me to see how few Christians avail themselves of this spiritual weapon today. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus specifically mentioned fasting as one of the three disciplines that would mark His followers. He said in Mt 6:2, “WHEN you give to the needy,” and in Mt 6:5, “and WHEN you pray,” and in Mt 6:16, “and WHEN you fast.”
It's not IF, it's WHEN for all three! Sounds like expected behavior to me. What are conditions like in your world today, have you tried fasting?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
In commenting on this passage, the Lutheran commentator Lenski says, “ To fast or not to fast is determined by the conditions in which we find ourselves.” Well said, for this is the crux of New Testament fasting. It begs us to ask the question, “In what condition do we find ourselves today?”
While Jesus was walking with His disciples things were going great! But His passion, resurrection, and ascension were still coming, and the devil would be cast down and begin his roaring lion assault on God's children in earnest. “But woe to you , O earth and sea for the devil has come down to you in great wrath because he knows his time is short!” ( Rev 12:12)
This raging about of the devil should be cause for every Christian to be quick to go into their spiritual tool bag and use this supernatural tool of fasting given to them by God.
It saddens me to see how few Christians avail themselves of this spiritual weapon today. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus specifically mentioned fasting as one of the three disciplines that would mark His followers. He said in Mt 6:2, “WHEN you give to the needy,” and in Mt 6:5, “and WHEN you pray,” and in Mt 6:16, “and WHEN you fast.”
It's not IF, it's WHEN for all three! Sounds like expected behavior to me. What are conditions like in your world today, have you tried fasting?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
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