# 305 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:18, “Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”
Next on our list of the apostles is Matthew. He is also referred to as Levi in other places of Scripture. His biggest claim to fame is he is the writer of the Gospel according to Matthew. We all know him as the tax collector.
He was likely familiar with Jesus before Jesus invited him to be a disciple, and yet that day in which Jesus showed up at Matthews office and invited him to follow Him, he IMMEDIATELY left his job and all it's prestige among the heathen and followed Jesus. (Lk 5:27,28)
He was so excited about the fact that Jesus chose him that he threw a party for all his friends from his old lifestyle and invited Jesus, so his friends could meet the Lamb of God, who had the power to take away their sins! ( Lk 5:29)
This is all we know of Matthew. That his life was changed by Jesus is without question. That he desired others to experience forgiveness and change was also evident by the party that he threw. How fitting that he should become a pillar of the New Testament church.
Matthew, had to tell somebody what Jesus did for him. Has Jesus forgiven and changed you? Anyone you need to tell?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Nathaniel: Check Your Motivation
# 304 - Today we read from Mr 3:18, “Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”
Next on our list of the apostles is Bartholomew, (known as Nathanael) In John 1:44-51 we read of how Phillip sought out Nathanael and told him that they had found the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, and then invited him to “come and see.”
Nathaniel was puzzled by the reference to Nazareth. He was not aware of any Messiah that was to come out of Nazareth, nonetheless, he had a sincere desire to find the one who was spoken of by Moses and the prophets. So he comes to Jesus and when Jesus saw him coming he said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.” (Jn 1:47)
What a compliment! Jesus saw the purity of Nathanael's, heart. He was a man of right motives. A great reminder for each of us to check our motives for following and imitating Christ.
If our motives are wrong, we may become victimized by life's circumstances, and when things don't match up to our expectations, our faith could become derailed.
Jesus said in Mt 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Do you want to see God? Keep your motivation pure. Simply stated, “Love Him because He first loved us.” (1 Jn 4:19)
There is no purer motivation than this kind of love. And when God puts the love of Jesus in your heart by grace through faith, you cannot help but be rightly motivated. You will no longer have to pursue purity.....it will overtake you, as you yield to the rule of the Holy Spirit in your life.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Next on our list of the apostles is Bartholomew, (known as Nathanael) In John 1:44-51 we read of how Phillip sought out Nathanael and told him that they had found the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, and then invited him to “come and see.”
Nathaniel was puzzled by the reference to Nazareth. He was not aware of any Messiah that was to come out of Nazareth, nonetheless, he had a sincere desire to find the one who was spoken of by Moses and the prophets. So he comes to Jesus and when Jesus saw him coming he said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile.” (Jn 1:47)
What a compliment! Jesus saw the purity of Nathanael's, heart. He was a man of right motives. A great reminder for each of us to check our motives for following and imitating Christ.
If our motives are wrong, we may become victimized by life's circumstances, and when things don't match up to our expectations, our faith could become derailed.
Jesus said in Mt 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Do you want to see God? Keep your motivation pure. Simply stated, “Love Him because He first loved us.” (1 Jn 4:19)
There is no purer motivation than this kind of love. And when God puts the love of Jesus in your heart by grace through faith, you cannot help but be rightly motivated. You will no longer have to pursue purity.....it will overtake you, as you yield to the rule of the Holy Spirit in your life.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Philip: Found By Jesus
# 303 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:18, “Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”
Next on our list of the pillars of the church is Philip. He is not to be confused with the Philip who was elected as a deacon in the church (Acts 6:5) and then went on to serve as an evangelist in Samaria, (Acts 8:5) and then personally led the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ. (Acts 8:35)
They are two different people.
Philip is a Greek name and may explain why he was the apostle who was approached by some Greeks who wished an audience with Jesus in Jn 12:21.
He was from the same city as the first 4 apostles, (Bethsaida (Jn 1:44) ) and unlike the others who sought out Jesus, he was sought out by Jesus. We are told that “Jesus found him,” (Jn 1:43)
Phillip then found Nathaniel and invited him to “come and see” the Messiah, (Jn 1:46)
Have you noticed that there is a lot of “finding,” “inviting,” and “seeking” going on here as we talk about the gathering of the apostles?
Remember this about faith, whether we find Him, or He finds us, it's the Holy Spirit working through the Word that brings us to faith. And once there, it seems like those who have come to faith, can't help but tell others about it! They too, want their acquaintances to become acquainted with Jesus and His amazing grace!
"Once lost, I have been found, once blind, now I see."
Ps 107:1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
Have you been touched by the mercy of God and redeemed from your sins? Then say so!
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Next on our list of the pillars of the church is Philip. He is not to be confused with the Philip who was elected as a deacon in the church (Acts 6:5) and then went on to serve as an evangelist in Samaria, (Acts 8:5) and then personally led the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ. (Acts 8:35)
They are two different people.
Philip is a Greek name and may explain why he was the apostle who was approached by some Greeks who wished an audience with Jesus in Jn 12:21.
He was from the same city as the first 4 apostles, (Bethsaida (Jn 1:44) ) and unlike the others who sought out Jesus, he was sought out by Jesus. We are told that “Jesus found him,” (Jn 1:43)
Phillip then found Nathaniel and invited him to “come and see” the Messiah, (Jn 1:46)
Have you noticed that there is a lot of “finding,” “inviting,” and “seeking” going on here as we talk about the gathering of the apostles?
Remember this about faith, whether we find Him, or He finds us, it's the Holy Spirit working through the Word that brings us to faith. And once there, it seems like those who have come to faith, can't help but tell others about it! They too, want their acquaintances to become acquainted with Jesus and His amazing grace!
"Once lost, I have been found, once blind, now I see."
Ps 107:1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
Have you been touched by the mercy of God and redeemed from your sins? Then say so!
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Andrew: A Lesson In Humility
# 302 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:18, “Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”
If we were to look at the church of Jesus Christ as an actual building, Christ would be the cornerstone, the starting point and the foundation, the first pillar, the other three corner pillars would be Peter, James, and John. The rest of the pillars would be these 9 men, with Judas being a weak pillar that eventually gave way and had to be replaced.
Let's look at the rest of these “lesser known” apostle's and see if we can learn more about them.
Andrew was Peter's brother. If we would use modern church language we would say that Andrew was the one who led Peter to Christ. Jn 1:42 says this about Andrew, “He brought him (Peter) to Christ.
If you look at the other references to Andrew in Scripture, you will see that he was very close to the inner circle of Peter, James, and John, but not quite in it. He is mentioned with the inner circle just one time and that was in Mark 13:3, when the four of them asked Jesus privately about the destruction of the temple.
Imagine that! He led Peter to Christ, and Peter was given a higher place in the pecking order. Did Andrew go in a corner and pout about it? Did he ever grumble about it to others? If he did, we never read about it in Scripture.
I think Andrew is a great example of humility for all of us.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
If we were to look at the church of Jesus Christ as an actual building, Christ would be the cornerstone, the starting point and the foundation, the first pillar, the other three corner pillars would be Peter, James, and John. The rest of the pillars would be these 9 men, with Judas being a weak pillar that eventually gave way and had to be replaced.
Let's look at the rest of these “lesser known” apostle's and see if we can learn more about them.
Andrew was Peter's brother. If we would use modern church language we would say that Andrew was the one who led Peter to Christ. Jn 1:42 says this about Andrew, “He brought him (Peter) to Christ.
If you look at the other references to Andrew in Scripture, you will see that he was very close to the inner circle of Peter, James, and John, but not quite in it. He is mentioned with the inner circle just one time and that was in Mark 13:3, when the four of them asked Jesus privately about the destruction of the temple.
Imagine that! He led Peter to Christ, and Peter was given a higher place in the pecking order. Did Andrew go in a corner and pout about it? Did he ever grumble about it to others? If he did, we never read about it in Scripture.
I think Andrew is a great example of humility for all of us.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Three Amigos
# 301 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:17, “James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder.”
After naming Simon as an apostle, the next two appointed are James and John. These three would constitute the inner, inner circle of the twelve. These three amigos were (1) with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, (2) present at the healing of Peter's mother, (3) present when Jesus raised Jairus's daughter from the dead, (4) present with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane.
These two are also given a nickname by Jesus. Collectively, He called them Boanerges. We aren't told why Jesus called them Sons of Thunder. The word “Boanerges,” literally means commotion. Which could mean that these guys were a little hyper. A little excitable if you will.
Remember, John was the one who tried to stop someone who wasn't with Jesus from casting out demons. ( Mr 9:38) And James and John wanted to send down fire from heaven to destroy the Samaritans. (Luke 9:54) And who can forget their plea to Jesus in Mr 10:37, “Can we sit at Your right hand Jesus? In all three cases, Jesus reprimanded them for not thinking through their requests. Yes these guys were a little rambunctious.
When you think of it, isn't it amazing, how Jesus transformed the instability of all three of these men into pillars of His church. But then Jesus is in the business of transformation. He will transform you if you let Him.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
After naming Simon as an apostle, the next two appointed are James and John. These three would constitute the inner, inner circle of the twelve. These three amigos were (1) with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, (2) present at the healing of Peter's mother, (3) present when Jesus raised Jairus's daughter from the dead, (4) present with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane.
These two are also given a nickname by Jesus. Collectively, He called them Boanerges. We aren't told why Jesus called them Sons of Thunder. The word “Boanerges,” literally means commotion. Which could mean that these guys were a little hyper. A little excitable if you will.
Remember, John was the one who tried to stop someone who wasn't with Jesus from casting out demons. ( Mr 9:38) And James and John wanted to send down fire from heaven to destroy the Samaritans. (Luke 9:54) And who can forget their plea to Jesus in Mr 10:37, “Can we sit at Your right hand Jesus? In all three cases, Jesus reprimanded them for not thinking through their requests. Yes these guys were a little rambunctious.
When you think of it, isn't it amazing, how Jesus transformed the instability of all three of these men into pillars of His church. But then Jesus is in the business of transformation. He will transform you if you let Him.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Friday, December 24, 2010
The Significance of the Naming of Peter
# 300 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:16, “Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter;”
The time has come. Jesus is about to name the twelve who made the final cut if you will. It's interesting to note that this list of Apostles is found in Matthew, and Luke, and both of these lists also lead off with Peter. It would lead one to believe that Jesus probably called out his name first. But even if he didn't, this listing would make Peter the most prominent of the twelve.
Peter is often referred to as “the Rock.” Where did he get such a nickname and what is its significance? When Jesus asked His disciples whom they thought HE was it was Peter who blurted out, “You are the Christ the Son of the living God!.” And Jesus responded by saying, “you are blessed Peter, because this was revealed to you by My Father who is in heaven, and then He gave Him his name: “you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church,”
Peter would no longer be known as Simon, (which means “hearing,”) He will be called Peter, which means “rock.” You see, Simon “was hearing,” and he responded with faith, acknowledging Jesus as the Christ. This acknowledgment is the rock solid confession upon which Jesus will build His church, and it “comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Rom 10:17)
Have you heard? Have you allowed the Holy Spirit working in the Word of God to open your spiritual ears to this truth? Jesus is the Christ! Believe it! Acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior and be saved. Hear and believe!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
The time has come. Jesus is about to name the twelve who made the final cut if you will. It's interesting to note that this list of Apostles is found in Matthew, and Luke, and both of these lists also lead off with Peter. It would lead one to believe that Jesus probably called out his name first. But even if he didn't, this listing would make Peter the most prominent of the twelve.
Peter is often referred to as “the Rock.” Where did he get such a nickname and what is its significance? When Jesus asked His disciples whom they thought HE was it was Peter who blurted out, “You are the Christ the Son of the living God!.” And Jesus responded by saying, “you are blessed Peter, because this was revealed to you by My Father who is in heaven, and then He gave Him his name: “you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church,”
Peter would no longer be known as Simon, (which means “hearing,”) He will be called Peter, which means “rock.” You see, Simon “was hearing,” and he responded with faith, acknowledging Jesus as the Christ. This acknowledgment is the rock solid confession upon which Jesus will build His church, and it “comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Rom 10:17)
Have you heard? Have you allowed the Holy Spirit working in the Word of God to open your spiritual ears to this truth? Jesus is the Christ! Believe it! Acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior and be saved. Hear and believe!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The Apostles Have Served Their Purpose
# 299 - Today's Living Word comes from (Mark 3:14-15) Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:”
So Jesus establishes the office which is to be the pillar of His New Testament church....the Apostles. He draws them close that they may be properly trained. His ultimate goal is to send them out to proclaim His Word.
And His plan was to endow them with the same kind of power that He had exhibited when he walked this earth. They would be specially gifted to be able to heal people of their afflictions and cast out demons.
Jesus bestowed this power on His disciples on the Day of Pentecost, and we read about it's first application in the 3rd chapter of Acts when Peter is accosted by a lame man begging for money. “Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6)
What was it that Peter had? He had the power to heal, given to him and all the Apostles on the Day of Pentecost by Christ. This power added clout and verification to their message and the Apostles used it wisely as they went into the world to build the Lord's church.
The office of Apostle in it's strictest sense no longer exists. They have served the purposes of our Lord. They have verified their message with signs and wonders and preserved their message in the words of the New Testament. Remember, their message is His message, and we are to heed their words.
You may not be an apostle, but the Lord has gifted you, use your gifts wisely in service to Him and His church, so that the verified message of the Apostles continues to go forth.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
So Jesus establishes the office which is to be the pillar of His New Testament church....the Apostles. He draws them close that they may be properly trained. His ultimate goal is to send them out to proclaim His Word.
And His plan was to endow them with the same kind of power that He had exhibited when he walked this earth. They would be specially gifted to be able to heal people of their afflictions and cast out demons.
Jesus bestowed this power on His disciples on the Day of Pentecost, and we read about it's first application in the 3rd chapter of Acts when Peter is accosted by a lame man begging for money. “Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6)
What was it that Peter had? He had the power to heal, given to him and all the Apostles on the Day of Pentecost by Christ. This power added clout and verification to their message and the Apostles used it wisely as they went into the world to build the Lord's church.
The office of Apostle in it's strictest sense no longer exists. They have served the purposes of our Lord. They have verified their message with signs and wonders and preserved their message in the words of the New Testament. Remember, their message is His message, and we are to heed their words.
You may not be an apostle, but the Lord has gifted you, use your gifts wisely in service to Him and His church, so that the verified message of the Apostles continues to go forth.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The Importance of the Apostles
# 298 - Today's Living Word comes from (Mark 3:14-15) Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:'
The Strong's concordance defines apostle as a delegate. So Jesus appoints or “delegates” these twelve men. Strong's continues the definition with, “specifically an ambassador of the Gospel, officially a commissioner of Christ with miraculous powers.”
The word “apostle comes from another Greek Word that means to set apart, to send out on a mission.” Pretty much sums up what's taking place here.
These twelve (with the exception of Judas, hence the use of the phrase, that He might send them out) would be the pillars of the New Testament church, with Jesus of course, the foundation.
To be a commissioner of Christ is to be so linked with Him, that all that is done by the commissioned is the act of Jesus through the commissioned. Jesus gave them a temporary taste of being such conduits, when he sent them out to preach and heal with the seventy in Luke 10.
The permanent power to preach and heal was given to them on Pentecost. All of this is vital for us to understand so that we may hold a high view of the apostolic teachings found in the New Testament.
Their “New Testament” teachings came directly from Jesus. The New Testament church then “continued steadfastly in these apostle's doctrine, and so should we. Receive their teachings as if they come directly from Jesus, because they do.
Maybe if we would heed ALL of the New Testament teachings, the church wouldn't be in the mess it's in today.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
The Strong's concordance defines apostle as a delegate. So Jesus appoints or “delegates” these twelve men. Strong's continues the definition with, “specifically an ambassador of the Gospel, officially a commissioner of Christ with miraculous powers.”
The word “apostle comes from another Greek Word that means to set apart, to send out on a mission.” Pretty much sums up what's taking place here.
These twelve (with the exception of Judas, hence the use of the phrase, that He might send them out) would be the pillars of the New Testament church, with Jesus of course, the foundation.
To be a commissioner of Christ is to be so linked with Him, that all that is done by the commissioned is the act of Jesus through the commissioned. Jesus gave them a temporary taste of being such conduits, when he sent them out to preach and heal with the seventy in Luke 10.
The permanent power to preach and heal was given to them on Pentecost. All of this is vital for us to understand so that we may hold a high view of the apostolic teachings found in the New Testament.
Their “New Testament” teachings came directly from Jesus. The New Testament church then “continued steadfastly in these apostle's doctrine, and so should we. Receive their teachings as if they come directly from Jesus, because they do.
Maybe if we would heed ALL of the New Testament teachings, the church wouldn't be in the mess it's in today.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Be Prepared and Be Ready
# 297 - Today's Living Word comes from (Mark 3:14) Then He appointed twelve, that they should be with Him.”
The twelve apostles. What sets them apart from the rest of the followers of Jesus? How are they foundational to the church? First of all, apostles are appointed by Jesus. Secondly, they were to men who forsook all in order to spend their time with Jesus.
Even as the disciples who were gathered in the upper room after the ascension of Jesus sought to replace Judas, they used this connection with Jesus as a criteria: (Acts 1:21-22) "Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, "beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."
It's interesting that of the 120 persons present in the upper room, there were only two who met that qualification, and the lot fell to Matthias. He didn't make the original starting 12, but his perseverance in following Jesus paid off, and when his name was called off the bench, he was ready.
Sometimes in ministry and in life, we feel like we have been passed over, don't become bitter. Rather be patient, ever learning and ever ready. For you don't know when your name might be called to get into the game.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
The twelve apostles. What sets them apart from the rest of the followers of Jesus? How are they foundational to the church? First of all, apostles are appointed by Jesus. Secondly, they were to men who forsook all in order to spend their time with Jesus.
Even as the disciples who were gathered in the upper room after the ascension of Jesus sought to replace Judas, they used this connection with Jesus as a criteria: (Acts 1:21-22) "Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, "beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."
It's interesting that of the 120 persons present in the upper room, there were only two who met that qualification, and the lot fell to Matthias. He didn't make the original starting 12, but his perseverance in following Jesus paid off, and when his name was called off the bench, he was ready.
Sometimes in ministry and in life, we feel like we have been passed over, don't become bitter. Rather be patient, ever learning and ever ready. For you don't know when your name might be called to get into the game.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Apostles: Appointed By Jesus
# 296 - Today's Living Word comes from (Mark 3:14) Then He appointed twelve, that they should be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:”
Although the word “apostle” isn't used here, all the elements of what it means to be an apostle are present. First of all an apostle was to be appointed by Jesus. Some may argue that Matthias (the man selected to replace Judas after the ascension of Jesus) did not meet that criteria, however, he did meet the other criteria and his selection was ultimately in the hands of Jesus. You can read about this incident in the first chapter of the Book of Acts.
The disciples were gathered in the upper room, praying, and waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Peter had obviously been reflecting in the Psalms, (by the way, it's a good idea to bring your Bible with you when you pray because prayer is supposed to be a two-way conversation) and realized that Judas needed to be replaced. Acts 1:20 says,
"For it is written in the book of Psalms: 'Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it'; and, 'Let another take his office.'
Notice too, that they didn't dilly dally. God's Word told them to replace Judas and they set about to do it immediately. Oh that we would learn to be so prompt in our response to God's Word!
Well, they narrowed their selection down to two candidates and then, “they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen "to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell,” And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (v24,25,26)
With this prayer, and all the preliminary work of screening for the proper candidates, and the disciples trust in the Word of God which states, “The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. (Prov 16:33) there can be no doubt that Matthias was indeed appointed by Jesus.
There is a great lesson here for you and I. Search the Scriptures for guidance in all our decisions, then come to the Lord in prayer because “He knows!” He will guide you into the right decision. And if we are presented with several equally good choices, it's okay to prayerfully and carefully cast lots for the final decision.
Just remember....it's not, “two out of three?” and this method is never to be abused or taken lightly. When lots are used this way, they have passed through the holy hands of Jesus.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Although the word “apostle” isn't used here, all the elements of what it means to be an apostle are present. First of all an apostle was to be appointed by Jesus. Some may argue that Matthias (the man selected to replace Judas after the ascension of Jesus) did not meet that criteria, however, he did meet the other criteria and his selection was ultimately in the hands of Jesus. You can read about this incident in the first chapter of the Book of Acts.
The disciples were gathered in the upper room, praying, and waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Peter had obviously been reflecting in the Psalms, (by the way, it's a good idea to bring your Bible with you when you pray because prayer is supposed to be a two-way conversation) and realized that Judas needed to be replaced. Acts 1:20 says,
"For it is written in the book of Psalms: 'Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it'; and, 'Let another take his office.'
Notice too, that they didn't dilly dally. God's Word told them to replace Judas and they set about to do it immediately. Oh that we would learn to be so prompt in our response to God's Word!
Well, they narrowed their selection down to two candidates and then, “they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen "to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell,” And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (v24,25,26)
With this prayer, and all the preliminary work of screening for the proper candidates, and the disciples trust in the Word of God which states, “The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. (Prov 16:33) there can be no doubt that Matthias was indeed appointed by Jesus.
There is a great lesson here for you and I. Search the Scriptures for guidance in all our decisions, then come to the Lord in prayer because “He knows!” He will guide you into the right decision. And if we are presented with several equally good choices, it's okay to prayerfully and carefully cast lots for the final decision.
Just remember....it's not, “two out of three?” and this method is never to be abused or taken lightly. When lots are used this way, they have passed through the holy hands of Jesus.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Who Are the 144,000?
# 295 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:13,14, And he went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted, And they came to Him. Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,
Have you ever wondered, “Why twelve?” Where have we heard that number before in Scripture? The first thing that comes to mind are the twelve tribes of Israel. Simply put these tribes represent the Old Testament church The twelve Apostles then, would represent the New Testament Church.
In Revelation 14:3 we read of the 144,000 who are redeemed from the earth. Much has been written and speculated about concerning the identity of these 144,000. But if you multiply the 12 tribes by the 12 apostles you get 144, and if you multiply 144 times one thousand (which is a symbolic number for the greatest completeness) you get 144,000. This number then symbolizes every last redeemed soul that will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus. This number is the sum total of all believers of all time.
The song says, “Lord, I want to be in that number, when the saints go marching in.” Are you in that number? Have you bowed your knee to Jesus and in faith received Him as your Lord and Savior?
(See the September Archive and the blog entitled (“What Does It Mean To Believe?”)
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Have you ever wondered, “Why twelve?” Where have we heard that number before in Scripture? The first thing that comes to mind are the twelve tribes of Israel. Simply put these tribes represent the Old Testament church The twelve Apostles then, would represent the New Testament Church.
In Revelation 14:3 we read of the 144,000 who are redeemed from the earth. Much has been written and speculated about concerning the identity of these 144,000. But if you multiply the 12 tribes by the 12 apostles you get 144, and if you multiply 144 times one thousand (which is a symbolic number for the greatest completeness) you get 144,000. This number then symbolizes every last redeemed soul that will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus. This number is the sum total of all believers of all time.
The song says, “Lord, I want to be in that number, when the saints go marching in.” Are you in that number? Have you bowed your knee to Jesus and in faith received Him as your Lord and Savior?
(See the September Archive and the blog entitled (“What Does It Mean To Believe?”)
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The Greatest Hindrance To Saving Faith
# 294 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:13,14, “And he went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted, And they came to Him. Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,”
This is church business. Jesus and His disciples go into the mountain, away from the world. Once there, and in the presence of the witness of His church, (the disciples) He chooses twelve apostles from their midst.
Don't overlook the little phrase, “And they came to Him.” Jesus calls, but we must respond.
In answering His call, these men became models for all who would follow Christ. They became forsakers. They would forsake all just to be with Him. And as He would say later on in Luke 14:33, “So likewise whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”
(This lack of a willingness to forsake all is perhaps the greatest hindrance to saving faith in Jesus. Most people are quick to acknowledge the existence of God, but few are willing to give up their own existence. They mistakenly believe they can have the best of both worlds.)
Now Jesus had a very special task in mind for the twelve, and he has a special task or tasks in mind for you and I as well. But we will never know what those tasks are until we first (1) respond to His call and come to Him, then (2) forsake all, that is, be willing to prioritize our lives in such a way that being with Him is the most important thing in our lives.
Remember this, especially at those times when the cares of the world and the desires of our flesh would attempt to pull us away. Come to Him...fully!
A couple of Keith Green lyrics come to mind here: First of all from To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice, “ To obey is better than sacrifice I want more than Sundays and Wednesday nights. Cause if you can't come to me everyday, then don't bother coming at all”
And from Make My Life A Prayer To You I want to die, and let you give,Your life to me, so I might live,And share the hope you gave to me, The love that set me free,
Make it your song today.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
This is church business. Jesus and His disciples go into the mountain, away from the world. Once there, and in the presence of the witness of His church, (the disciples) He chooses twelve apostles from their midst.
Don't overlook the little phrase, “And they came to Him.” Jesus calls, but we must respond.
In answering His call, these men became models for all who would follow Christ. They became forsakers. They would forsake all just to be with Him. And as He would say later on in Luke 14:33, “So likewise whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”
(This lack of a willingness to forsake all is perhaps the greatest hindrance to saving faith in Jesus. Most people are quick to acknowledge the existence of God, but few are willing to give up their own existence. They mistakenly believe they can have the best of both worlds.)
Now Jesus had a very special task in mind for the twelve, and he has a special task or tasks in mind for you and I as well. But we will never know what those tasks are until we first (1) respond to His call and come to Him, then (2) forsake all, that is, be willing to prioritize our lives in such a way that being with Him is the most important thing in our lives.
Remember this, especially at those times when the cares of the world and the desires of our flesh would attempt to pull us away. Come to Him...fully!
A couple of Keith Green lyrics come to mind here: First of all from To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice, “ To obey is better than sacrifice I want more than Sundays and Wednesday nights. Cause if you can't come to me everyday, then don't bother coming at all”
And from Make My Life A Prayer To You I want to die, and let you give,Your life to me, so I might live,And share the hope you gave to me, The love that set me free,
Make it your song today.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
When's the Last Time You Pulled An All Nighter?
# 293 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:13, And he went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted, And they came to Him.”
This is a very important time for Jesus and His church. He is about to appoint the 12 apostles. These apostles would ultimately be responsible for passing along the teachings of Jesus to His church and for seeing that the Gospel would continue to go forth after the ascension of Jesus. Some would be more successful than others, one would fail completely and even betray Jesus, but all would fulfill His purposes.
By this time, Jesus had acquired quite a following. He had quite a few “students,” or disciples. But only 12 would be selected for the more personal intensive training that He had in mind. 12 would become the pillars of the New Testament church.
So how did He make the choices? Did He pour over reports from the personnel department? Did he say “eenie meenie minee mo?” Scissors, paper, rock? No! We read in Luke 6:12 that “He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”
When's the last time you or your church pulled an “all nighter” with God? Or have we run out of important decisions to be made?
Prayer meetings, prayer vigils, seem to fading from the American church scene, and so too, it would seem, is the power and anointing of God.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
This is a very important time for Jesus and His church. He is about to appoint the 12 apostles. These apostles would ultimately be responsible for passing along the teachings of Jesus to His church and for seeing that the Gospel would continue to go forth after the ascension of Jesus. Some would be more successful than others, one would fail completely and even betray Jesus, but all would fulfill His purposes.
By this time, Jesus had acquired quite a following. He had quite a few “students,” or disciples. But only 12 would be selected for the more personal intensive training that He had in mind. 12 would become the pillars of the New Testament church.
So how did He make the choices? Did He pour over reports from the personnel department? Did he say “eenie meenie minee mo?” Scissors, paper, rock? No! We read in Luke 6:12 that “He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”
When's the last time you or your church pulled an “all nighter” with God? Or have we run out of important decisions to be made?
Prayer meetings, prayer vigils, seem to fading from the American church scene, and so too, it would seem, is the power and anointing of God.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Demons and Frogs
# 292 - Today we read from Mr 3:11,12. “And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But He sternly warned them that they should not make Him known.”
I wonder what it sounded like when demons spoke through their victims, acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God? There is a big difference between speaking in a normal tone and “crying” out.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the crowds “cried” out, they raised their voices in praise. That is one of the uses of the word “cried.” But it also means to croak as a raven or to shriek. This would seem more fitting here for demons and is in line with the description of reports we hear from missionaries and their dealings with the demon possessed in foreign lands.
Not only that but, when we hear the word “croak,” we think of frogs, and frogs are used to typify demons in Scripture. In Re 16:13, we read, “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.”
No wonder Jesus sternly warned them not to speak. If there is to be any proclamation of Jesus as the Son of God, let it be done by the Holy Spirit, not by screeching frogs.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
I wonder what it sounded like when demons spoke through their victims, acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God? There is a big difference between speaking in a normal tone and “crying” out.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the crowds “cried” out, they raised their voices in praise. That is one of the uses of the word “cried.” But it also means to croak as a raven or to shriek. This would seem more fitting here for demons and is in line with the description of reports we hear from missionaries and their dealings with the demon possessed in foreign lands.
Not only that but, when we hear the word “croak,” we think of frogs, and frogs are used to typify demons in Scripture. In Re 16:13, we read, “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.”
No wonder Jesus sternly warned them not to speak. If there is to be any proclamation of Jesus as the Son of God, let it be done by the Holy Spirit, not by screeching frogs.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Monday, December 13, 2010
No Room In the Baptized Soul For Demons
# 291 - Today we read from Mr 3:11,12. “And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” But He sternly warned them that they should not make Him known.”
Demonic possession. A fallen angel, a slave of Satan, residing in the soul of a human being and tormenting that person, placing them in a living hell on earth. They manifest themselves in all manner of painful maladies and behaviors embodied in sin. They are capable of controlling the actions of the body that they occupy.
One thing they are not able to do and that is to deny God or His authority over them. Mark states it well here, “WHENEVER” they saw Jesus, they were compelled to fall down at His feet. Why? Because Jesus is God!
This same Jesus now lives in the souls of all baptized believers. There is no room in the soul for the Holy Spirit and a demon. They cannot co-exist in the same soul. That's the good news we read of in Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
O you may be oppressed externally by demonic influences, but you cannot be possessed, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Demonic possession. A fallen angel, a slave of Satan, residing in the soul of a human being and tormenting that person, placing them in a living hell on earth. They manifest themselves in all manner of painful maladies and behaviors embodied in sin. They are capable of controlling the actions of the body that they occupy.
One thing they are not able to do and that is to deny God or His authority over them. Mark states it well here, “WHENEVER” they saw Jesus, they were compelled to fall down at His feet. Why? Because Jesus is God!
This same Jesus now lives in the souls of all baptized believers. There is no room in the soul for the Holy Spirit and a demon. They cannot co-exist in the same soul. That's the good news we read of in Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
O you may be oppressed externally by demonic influences, but you cannot be possessed, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Friday, December 10, 2010
They Weren't Coming To Jesus With Hangnails
# 290 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:9,10 “And He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him. For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him.”
I don't think we can fully appreciate this scene. These people were so desperate for relief from their maladies that they actually put Jesus in jeopardy of being crushed. He was like a door in a crowded movie theater during a fire. And so He had a boat at the ready in case he needed it to get some space.
Why the crush? Why the desperation? We get a clue from the Greek word used here for affliction. It literally means the contact of a whip. These people weren't coming to Jesus with hangnails.
Most likely, you have never felt the pain of a leather whip slicing open your skin. The closest we ever get to having our skin flayed is through an annoying paper cut or a shaving mishap. Well try multiplying the sharpness and duration of that pain by a thousand!
Now, these people weren't there because they had literally been whipped, but they were there because of the intense pain they were feeling. Whether it was brought on by physical, mental, or emotional problems. The pain and the scarring were real, and they clamored for the only one who could give them relief.
How's your pain these days? How's your emotional scarring? All pain and all emotional scarring is a result of sin. Either our own sin or the sin of others. Come to Jesus for your relief. Isa 53:5 says, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”
May you experience His healing today.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
I don't think we can fully appreciate this scene. These people were so desperate for relief from their maladies that they actually put Jesus in jeopardy of being crushed. He was like a door in a crowded movie theater during a fire. And so He had a boat at the ready in case he needed it to get some space.
Why the crush? Why the desperation? We get a clue from the Greek word used here for affliction. It literally means the contact of a whip. These people weren't coming to Jesus with hangnails.
Most likely, you have never felt the pain of a leather whip slicing open your skin. The closest we ever get to having our skin flayed is through an annoying paper cut or a shaving mishap. Well try multiplying the sharpness and duration of that pain by a thousand!
Now, these people weren't there because they had literally been whipped, but they were there because of the intense pain they were feeling. Whether it was brought on by physical, mental, or emotional problems. The pain and the scarring were real, and they clamored for the only one who could give them relief.
How's your pain these days? How's your emotional scarring? All pain and all emotional scarring is a result of sin. Either our own sin or the sin of others. Come to Jesus for your relief. Isa 53:5 says, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”
May you experience His healing today.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Hunger For His Touch
# 289 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:7-9 “ But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and beyond the Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him. And HE told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him.”
While the Pharisees and Herodians are off plotting to destroy Jesus, He and His disciples hop into a boat on the Sea of Galilee so that they would be out of harms way.
The Pharisees have HAD enough of Him, but the people can't GET enough of Him, and they follow Him from shore. The word was out and the Holy Spirit's mere mention of all these different places tells us that people came from all over to experience the touch of Jesus.
Can you blame them? The lame were walking, the deaf were hearing, the blind were seeing, people imprisoned in their own bodies by demons were being set free!
These people were focused, determined. They were willing to stumble around a very large lake just for His touch. How far are you willing to go for a spiritual touch from Jesus?
Knowing His love, knowing His power, knowing His wisdom, that comes to us through the digesting of His Word, I am amazed at how easily our flesh wins the battle of skipping daily quiet time in His Word.
Keith Green sang a very convicting song about the apathetic church many years ago called “Asleep In the Light,” and one of the lines of the song was this: “How can you be so dead, when you've been so well fed? Jesus rose from the grave and you, you can't even get out of bed.”
May I encourage you today to set your alarm just fifteen minutes earlier every day, then get up and find a quiet spot in your house where you can curl up with a cup of coffee, a Bible, a notebook, and Jesus.
It takes just 40 days to establish a habit, and you'll be amazed at the difference this habit will make in your life. He's not asking us to stumble around a lake to meet with Him.......just stumble out of bed.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
While the Pharisees and Herodians are off plotting to destroy Jesus, He and His disciples hop into a boat on the Sea of Galilee so that they would be out of harms way.
The Pharisees have HAD enough of Him, but the people can't GET enough of Him, and they follow Him from shore. The word was out and the Holy Spirit's mere mention of all these different places tells us that people came from all over to experience the touch of Jesus.
Can you blame them? The lame were walking, the deaf were hearing, the blind were seeing, people imprisoned in their own bodies by demons were being set free!
These people were focused, determined. They were willing to stumble around a very large lake just for His touch. How far are you willing to go for a spiritual touch from Jesus?
Knowing His love, knowing His power, knowing His wisdom, that comes to us through the digesting of His Word, I am amazed at how easily our flesh wins the battle of skipping daily quiet time in His Word.
Keith Green sang a very convicting song about the apathetic church many years ago called “Asleep In the Light,” and one of the lines of the song was this: “How can you be so dead, when you've been so well fed? Jesus rose from the grave and you, you can't even get out of bed.”
May I encourage you today to set your alarm just fifteen minutes earlier every day, then get up and find a quiet spot in your house where you can curl up with a cup of coffee, a Bible, a notebook, and Jesus.
It takes just 40 days to establish a habit, and you'll be amazed at the difference this habit will make in your life. He's not asking us to stumble around a lake to meet with Him.......just stumble out of bed.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
But Jesus Withdrew
# 288 - Today's Living Word comes from Mark 3:7 “But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea.
But Jesus withdrew,” The Pharisees were furious with Jesus, and in there anger they wanted to destroy Him, but Jesus did not give them opportunity to vent their fury. He slips away and it reminds me of another time that another Herod had sought to kill Jesus, but Joseph being warned in a dream fled to Egypt.
God is always at least one step ahead of the evil one. He will determine when His Son will go to the cross and no one else. But why flee? Why not just supernaturally confound the enemy?
I don't know, but maybe, the Lord was trying to teach us the usefulness of being prudent. Prov 22:3 says, “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself,” In Is 26:20,21 we read, “Come, My people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were for a little moment, until the indignation (the fury) is past. For behold the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity.”
It's okay to take safety measures to protect yourself from the fury of others. It's not only prudent for yourself, but you may even prevent those who are bent on doing you harm from rash behavior that will prompt God to “come out of His place” and “punish” them “for their iniquity.”
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
But Jesus withdrew,” The Pharisees were furious with Jesus, and in there anger they wanted to destroy Him, but Jesus did not give them opportunity to vent their fury. He slips away and it reminds me of another time that another Herod had sought to kill Jesus, but Joseph being warned in a dream fled to Egypt.
God is always at least one step ahead of the evil one. He will determine when His Son will go to the cross and no one else. But why flee? Why not just supernaturally confound the enemy?
I don't know, but maybe, the Lord was trying to teach us the usefulness of being prudent. Prov 22:3 says, “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself,” In Is 26:20,21 we read, “Come, My people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were for a little moment, until the indignation (the fury) is past. For behold the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity.”
It's okay to take safety measures to protect yourself from the fury of others. It's not only prudent for yourself, but you may even prevent those who are bent on doing you harm from rash behavior that will prompt God to “come out of His place” and “punish” them “for their iniquity.”
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Gossip and Thou Shalt Not Kill
# 287 - Today's Living Word comes from Mark 3:6, “Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.”
Do you have to physically kill someone to destroy them? The Greek word used here definitely speaks of physical destruction, and of course that's why the Pharisees decide to buddy up with the Herodians. They had the pull to get it done.
If you doubt that, think of what Herod was able to do to John the Baptist. But the word destroy here can also mean to mar. And this was still another tactic the Pharisees used in their attempts to destroy Jesus. They tried name calling, accusing Him of being a winebibber. They tried to alienate Him from others by forcing Him to take sides. “Is it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar or not?” It was their life's mission to seek to ruin His reputation with the people and thus “destroy” Him.
When all that failed, they resorted to killing Him.
Do you see now, why Jesus equates character assassination with murder? “Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment, but I say to you whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” (Mt 5:21,22)
Think about that before your tongue begins to wag with others around the electronic water cooler of Facebook, Twitter, or Myspace, or over the back fence, or in your church. Think about that before you let loose with words designed to destroy someone's character.
Luther's explanation of the 8th Commandment says it best, “ We should fear and love God so that we do not deceitfully lie about, betray. Backbite, nor slander our neighbor BUT DEFEND HIM, SPEAK WELL OF HIM, AND PUT THE MOST CHARITABLE CONSTRUCTION ON ALL THAT HE DOES.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Do you have to physically kill someone to destroy them? The Greek word used here definitely speaks of physical destruction, and of course that's why the Pharisees decide to buddy up with the Herodians. They had the pull to get it done.
If you doubt that, think of what Herod was able to do to John the Baptist. But the word destroy here can also mean to mar. And this was still another tactic the Pharisees used in their attempts to destroy Jesus. They tried name calling, accusing Him of being a winebibber. They tried to alienate Him from others by forcing Him to take sides. “Is it lawful to pay tribute to Caesar or not?” It was their life's mission to seek to ruin His reputation with the people and thus “destroy” Him.
When all that failed, they resorted to killing Him.
Do you see now, why Jesus equates character assassination with murder? “Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment, but I say to you whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.” (Mt 5:21,22)
Think about that before your tongue begins to wag with others around the electronic water cooler of Facebook, Twitter, or Myspace, or over the back fence, or in your church. Think about that before you let loose with words designed to destroy someone's character.
Luther's explanation of the 8th Commandment says it best, “ We should fear and love God so that we do not deceitfully lie about, betray. Backbite, nor slander our neighbor BUT DEFEND HIM, SPEAK WELL OF HIM, AND PUT THE MOST CHARITABLE CONSTRUCTION ON ALL THAT HE DOES.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Isn't It Amazing How Sin Blinds?
# 286 - Today's Living Word comes from Mark 3:6, “Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.”
With the words of Jesus, “is it lawful on the Sabbath to save life or kill,” still ringing in their ears, the Pharisees immediately plot with the Herodians to destroy Jesus!
Isn't it amazing how sin blinds? How do you react when sin is pointed out in your life? Do you allow the Word of God to penetrate your heart to the point where you desire to change your thinking, (repent) or do you seek to remove those convicting words from your ears?
Just listen to these Pharisees! Using the pretense of Jesus violating the Sabbath, they IMMEDIATELY plot ways to destroy Him. Who does this Guy think He is, to come in here and telling us to change the ways we have come to accept as biblical?
And because these people have come to accept the unbiblical as biblical, they don't even flinch at the thought of destroying someone who gets in their way. Doesn't thou shalt not kill hold any water with these people?
Not anymore, because they have accepted unbiblical practices for years. This should be a huge warning for the church today, for we too have come to accept that which is unbiblical, setting us up for the same spiritual blindness and hardening of the heart that these Pharisees were experiencing.
Oh God, give us hearts that are eager to receive Your correction from our wayward ways and let the blessings of Your forgiveness restore our souls.
Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
I'm Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
With the words of Jesus, “is it lawful on the Sabbath to save life or kill,” still ringing in their ears, the Pharisees immediately plot with the Herodians to destroy Jesus!
Isn't it amazing how sin blinds? How do you react when sin is pointed out in your life? Do you allow the Word of God to penetrate your heart to the point where you desire to change your thinking, (repent) or do you seek to remove those convicting words from your ears?
Just listen to these Pharisees! Using the pretense of Jesus violating the Sabbath, they IMMEDIATELY plot ways to destroy Him. Who does this Guy think He is, to come in here and telling us to change the ways we have come to accept as biblical?
And because these people have come to accept the unbiblical as biblical, they don't even flinch at the thought of destroying someone who gets in their way. Doesn't thou shalt not kill hold any water with these people?
Not anymore, because they have accepted unbiblical practices for years. This should be a huge warning for the church today, for we too have come to accept that which is unbiblical, setting us up for the same spiritual blindness and hardening of the heart that these Pharisees were experiencing.
Oh God, give us hearts that are eager to receive Your correction from our wayward ways and let the blessings of Your forgiveness restore our souls.
Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
I'm Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Friday, December 3, 2010
The Withered Soul
# 285 - Today's Living Word comes from Mark 3:5, “He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand,” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.”
Jesus had just reached out (stretched out) to the Pharisees, one by one, giving them an opportunity to see things His way. But instead of responding to Him with hearts eager to receive Him, they pulled back.
Now, Jesus turns to the man with the withered hand and asks him to “stretch” out his crippled hand. The man responded to the invitation of Jesus, stretched out his hand and it was restored.
The Greek word used here for restored is beyond my pronunciation skills, but it is a very interesting word. It means to “reconstitute.” In one sense the man's withered hand was “reconstituted,” restored to wholeness, but the word “reconstitute,” is also used to describe the ministry of John the Baptist!
Jesus said in Mt 17:11, Elijah (John the Baptist) is truly coming first, and will restore, (reconstitute) all things.”
How did John do this? Well, he preached repentance. As he preached the Law, the thoughts of many were “reordered, or reconstituted if you will. People were convinced of their sin and they saw their need for forgiveness.
Jesus desires to “reconstitute” to restore you to spiritual wholeness. He desires to forgive you of your sins. He invites you today to stretch out your withered soul to Him, a soul that has been paralyzed by sin. Will you respond in faith as the man with the withered hand did and be restored to the beauty that God intended for you or will you pull back as the Pharisees did and just wither away?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Jesus had just reached out (stretched out) to the Pharisees, one by one, giving them an opportunity to see things His way. But instead of responding to Him with hearts eager to receive Him, they pulled back.
Now, Jesus turns to the man with the withered hand and asks him to “stretch” out his crippled hand. The man responded to the invitation of Jesus, stretched out his hand and it was restored.
The Greek word used here for restored is beyond my pronunciation skills, but it is a very interesting word. It means to “reconstitute.” In one sense the man's withered hand was “reconstituted,” restored to wholeness, but the word “reconstitute,” is also used to describe the ministry of John the Baptist!
Jesus said in Mt 17:11, Elijah (John the Baptist) is truly coming first, and will restore, (reconstitute) all things.”
How did John do this? Well, he preached repentance. As he preached the Law, the thoughts of many were “reordered, or reconstituted if you will. People were convinced of their sin and they saw their need for forgiveness.
Jesus desires to “reconstitute” to restore you to spiritual wholeness. He desires to forgive you of your sins. He invites you today to stretch out your withered soul to Him, a soul that has been paralyzed by sin. Will you respond in faith as the man with the withered hand did and be restored to the beauty that God intended for you or will you pull back as the Pharisees did and just wither away?
I’m Duane Matz and that’s today’s Living Word.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Hardening of the Spiritual Arteries
# 284 - Today's Living Word comes from Mark 3:5, “So when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts,”
In the physical realm, hardening of the arteries is very serious and if not corrected can lead to death. In the spiritual realm, hardening of the heart is also very serious and the end is spiritual death. It is vital that we learn to keep our hearts pliable and moldable in accordance with the Word of God.
The psalmist says in Ps 96:8-11, “Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, and as in the day of trial in the wilderness. When your fathers tested Me. They proved Me though they saw My work. For forty years I was grieved with that generation and said, “it is a people who go astray in their hearts, and they do not know My ways,” So I swore in My wrath, they shall not enter My rest.”
There are serious consequences when our hearts begin to set up as concrete. Hardening of the heart occurs when we become so set in our ways that we refuse to allow the Word of God to change our actions and opinions. Do you feel like you pretty much know it all when it comes to living according to God's Word? Be careful! Statistics on abortion, fornication, divorce, remarriage, giving to the poor, among professing Christians tell a different story. Keep your heart open to change. Always be willing to receive God's gift of repentance.
The whole idea of repentance is to “think differently.” Think differently about what? Think differently about who Jesus is and think differently about the veracity of His Word.
Mt 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
In the physical realm, hardening of the arteries is very serious and if not corrected can lead to death. In the spiritual realm, hardening of the heart is also very serious and the end is spiritual death. It is vital that we learn to keep our hearts pliable and moldable in accordance with the Word of God.
The psalmist says in Ps 96:8-11, “Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, and as in the day of trial in the wilderness. When your fathers tested Me. They proved Me though they saw My work. For forty years I was grieved with that generation and said, “it is a people who go astray in their hearts, and they do not know My ways,” So I swore in My wrath, they shall not enter My rest.”
There are serious consequences when our hearts begin to set up as concrete. Hardening of the heart occurs when we become so set in our ways that we refuse to allow the Word of God to change our actions and opinions. Do you feel like you pretty much know it all when it comes to living according to God's Word? Be careful! Statistics on abortion, fornication, divorce, remarriage, giving to the poor, among professing Christians tell a different story. Keep your heart open to change. Always be willing to receive God's gift of repentance.
The whole idea of repentance is to “think differently.” Think differently about what? Think differently about who Jesus is and think differently about the veracity of His Word.
Mt 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Squirming In Church?
# 283 Today's Living Word comes from Mark 3:5, “So when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts,”
How would've you liked to have been one of the Pharisees in that room at this moment? Jesus had just asked them what is more important to them, extending mercy or leaving this man in his need? He was greeted with silence. And so He takes the time to “look around at them” and He meets the eyes of every single person in that room.
Perhaps this has happened to you in church, the pastor comes to a point in the sermon and his eyes meet your eyes and you feel like he is talking to you alone, and you want him to look away because you have just been convicted of some sin in your life.
Well, Praise the Lord! There is still some spiritual life in your heart!
Not so with the Pharisees! The Good Shepherd is giving every single Pharisee an opportunity to see the light, to see the wrongness in their attitude, and HE is greeted by silence. And know this: Jesus would've loved someone, anyone to answer Him audibly, “Heal the man Jesus! Show him mercy!” But He was looking even deeper than the lips, He was looking at the heart, and this is what grieved Him. It was the lack of response in the individual heart to His Word.
Oh God, make our hearts tender to Your Word!
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
How would've you liked to have been one of the Pharisees in that room at this moment? Jesus had just asked them what is more important to them, extending mercy or leaving this man in his need? He was greeted with silence. And so He takes the time to “look around at them” and He meets the eyes of every single person in that room.
Perhaps this has happened to you in church, the pastor comes to a point in the sermon and his eyes meet your eyes and you feel like he is talking to you alone, and you want him to look away because you have just been convicted of some sin in your life.
Well, Praise the Lord! There is still some spiritual life in your heart!
Not so with the Pharisees! The Good Shepherd is giving every single Pharisee an opportunity to see the light, to see the wrongness in their attitude, and HE is greeted by silence. And know this: Jesus would've loved someone, anyone to answer Him audibly, “Heal the man Jesus! Show him mercy!” But He was looking even deeper than the lips, He was looking at the heart, and this is what grieved Him. It was the lack of response in the individual heart to His Word.
Oh God, make our hearts tender to Your Word!
I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.
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