# 347 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:26,27 And He said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.”
Jesus begins speaking still another parable to the crowd. This parable is only found in the gospel of Mark and it continues His theme of sowing the Word of God. This time His emphasis is on the inherent power of the seed.
This seed is the Word of God, and as the earth itself is the God-created place for the life and power of a plant seed to be released, so it is for the heart of man as it relates to the Word of God.
The heart of man has been specifically designed by God as the place where the life and power of His Word is released. Don't bother trying to figure it out. The farmer doesn't. He just plants the seed in the ground and trusts that it will do its thing. A couple of verses come to mind here:
“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Heb 4:12)
Ro 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
God's Word is powerful!
Sometimes I think that we preachers spend far too much time dissecting the seed, rather than simply sowing it, trusting in its inherent power to accomplish its purpose as determined by God Himself. As the prophet Isaiah wrote in Isa 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Channeling God's Grace
# 346 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:25 "For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him."
The backdrop of this teaching of Jesus is the parable of the sower. When we humbly submit to the Word of God, trusting it, obeying it, we open the door to the operation of His grace in our lives. It is His grace channeled through us that produces the fruit. Without Jesus (grace personified, we can do nothing. Jn 15:5) With Jesus (grace operating in our life, nothing is impossible. (Lk 1:37)
In the parable of the talents found in Mt 25:14-30, each of the three servants were given varying amounts of grace. Two of the servants utilized the grace given to them, the third buried it. Not having used it, there was no room to give him more.
Grace, by it's very nature must flow, like living water, like sap in a tree, producing life. This grace must not be frittered away as the prodigal son did when he spent it on the pleasures of this world, or the barren fig tree that Jesus cursed because it spent all its sap on making it's foliage beautiful.
God's grace, His kindness and favor, will flow through you as you extend kindness and favor to others. Have you hoarded God's grace or frittered it away? Learn from the prodigal and return to the Father. He longs to restore you and use you once more as His channel of grace.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
The backdrop of this teaching of Jesus is the parable of the sower. When we humbly submit to the Word of God, trusting it, obeying it, we open the door to the operation of His grace in our lives. It is His grace channeled through us that produces the fruit. Without Jesus (grace personified, we can do nothing. Jn 15:5) With Jesus (grace operating in our life, nothing is impossible. (Lk 1:37)
In the parable of the talents found in Mt 25:14-30, each of the three servants were given varying amounts of grace. Two of the servants utilized the grace given to them, the third buried it. Not having used it, there was no room to give him more.
Grace, by it's very nature must flow, like living water, like sap in a tree, producing life. This grace must not be frittered away as the prodigal son did when he spent it on the pleasures of this world, or the barren fig tree that Jesus cursed because it spent all its sap on making it's foliage beautiful.
God's grace, His kindness and favor, will flow through you as you extend kindness and favor to others. Have you hoarded God's grace or frittered it away? Learn from the prodigal and return to the Father. He longs to restore you and use you once more as His channel of grace.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Your Hearing Is Being Measured
# 345 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:24, “Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.
Jesus continues commenting in the context of the parable of the sower. Every single Word of God, or seed is important. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching. For reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.” ( 2 Tim 3:16)
Heed what you hear! In other words, trust God's promises, obey His commands. Humbly submit to the authority of God's Words in your life. It is in this humility that God's grace or power for living, comes to your heart.
To the extent that you submit to God's Word, (the measure that you use in your daily living) it will be measured back to you by God. It's called grace for grace! Joh 1:16 says, “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.”
The classic example of this principle is found with the widow who submitted to the Word of God represented by Elijah the prophet, and gave of her last flour and oil to him. The measure she used was measured back to her. She never ran out of oil and flour!
God has an abundance of grace. (kindness and favor) for your need. But you won't tap into it, until you actively trust and obey His Word. Don't bottle up God's Word in your heart. Heed it! Allow His favor and kindness to flow through you to others. He will always keep you in fresh supply.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Jesus continues commenting in the context of the parable of the sower. Every single Word of God, or seed is important. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching. For reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.” ( 2 Tim 3:16)
Heed what you hear! In other words, trust God's promises, obey His commands. Humbly submit to the authority of God's Words in your life. It is in this humility that God's grace or power for living, comes to your heart.
To the extent that you submit to God's Word, (the measure that you use in your daily living) it will be measured back to you by God. It's called grace for grace! Joh 1:16 says, “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.”
The classic example of this principle is found with the widow who submitted to the Word of God represented by Elijah the prophet, and gave of her last flour and oil to him. The measure she used was measured back to her. She never ran out of oil and flour!
God has an abundance of grace. (kindness and favor) for your need. But you won't tap into it, until you actively trust and obey His Word. Don't bottle up God's Word in your heart. Heed it! Allow His favor and kindness to flow through you to others. He will always keep you in fresh supply.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Friday, February 25, 2011
The Last Great Revelation of Sins
# 344c - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:22-23 “"For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
Because the Light has come to the world and was placed on the lampstand of Calvary, the stage has been set for the revelation of all things which will occur on Judgment Day.
All of us have done things we don't want others to know about, but when Jesus returns all the deeds of men will be exposed! 1Co 4:5 says, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.” and in Ro 2:16, we read, “in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”
The key to remember here is this Judgment will be done on the basis of the Gospel. God knows our hearts and to those who have embraced the Light, the Gospel, those who have received Christ will be judged solely on the merits of Christ and not by their evil deeds. Your secret sins were tossed into the Sea of Forgetfuulness the moment you confessed Christ as your Lord and Savior, but woe to those who reject Christ their deeds remain and their punishment is just.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Because the Light has come to the world and was placed on the lampstand of Calvary, the stage has been set for the revelation of all things which will occur on Judgment Day.
All of us have done things we don't want others to know about, but when Jesus returns all the deeds of men will be exposed! 1Co 4:5 says, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.” and in Ro 2:16, we read, “in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”
The key to remember here is this Judgment will be done on the basis of the Gospel. God knows our hearts and to those who have embraced the Light, the Gospel, those who have received Christ will be judged solely on the merits of Christ and not by their evil deeds. Your secret sins were tossed into the Sea of Forgetfuulness the moment you confessed Christ as your Lord and Savior, but woe to those who reject Christ their deeds remain and their punishment is just.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Our Eternal Destiny Is At Stake
# 344b - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:21-23 “Also He said to them, "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? "For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
Again, as we read this parable, the key to a deeper understanding is to look for Jesus. He is the lamp brought to this world by the Father through the incarnation and placed on the candlestick of Calvary.
This lamp, this light will be the great Revealer. Darkness will be totally exposed. Jesus came “To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace." (Lu 1:79)
He came to, “to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.' (Acts 26:18)
You and I have a choice we can run to this Light and embrace Him or we can reject Him and suffer eternal condemnation. Joh 3:19 says, "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Is it any wonder then that Jesus ends this portion of Scripture, begging us to hear what He has to say. "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
Our eternal destiny is at stake!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Again, as we read this parable, the key to a deeper understanding is to look for Jesus. He is the lamp brought to this world by the Father through the incarnation and placed on the candlestick of Calvary.
This lamp, this light will be the great Revealer. Darkness will be totally exposed. Jesus came “To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace." (Lu 1:79)
He came to, “to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.' (Acts 26:18)
You and I have a choice we can run to this Light and embrace Him or we can reject Him and suffer eternal condemnation. Joh 3:19 says, "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Is it any wonder then that Jesus ends this portion of Scripture, begging us to hear what He has to say. "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."
Our eternal destiny is at stake!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Basking Under the Candlestick
# 344a - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:21 “Also He said to them, "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?
I like the way the Lutheran commentator Lenski translates this verse. He says, “And He went on to say to them; Certainly the lamp does not come in order to be placed under the peck measure or under the bed. Is it not in order to be placed on the lampstand?”
When I hear the phrase, “the lamp does not come,” I can't help but think of the incarnation of Jesus. Remember, one of the ways we gain a richer understanding of parables is to look for Jesus in them. He is easy to find in this parable, for He is the Lamp brought to this world.
Joh 8:12 ¶ Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
This Precious Lamp, the Son of God, was “incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the virgin Mary and was made man.” He would ultimately be placed on the candlestick of Calvary for all the world to see. And what were we to see? We were to see the depth of the love of God!
Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. And this light would attract sinful men in need of God's love.
Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
Why not spend a little time, right now, basking under the light of that candlestick, taking in the love of God for you! It's the only way to start a day!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
I like the way the Lutheran commentator Lenski translates this verse. He says, “And He went on to say to them; Certainly the lamp does not come in order to be placed under the peck measure or under the bed. Is it not in order to be placed on the lampstand?”
When I hear the phrase, “the lamp does not come,” I can't help but think of the incarnation of Jesus. Remember, one of the ways we gain a richer understanding of parables is to look for Jesus in them. He is easy to find in this parable, for He is the Lamp brought to this world.
Joh 8:12 ¶ Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
This Precious Lamp, the Son of God, was “incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the virgin Mary and was made man.” He would ultimately be placed on the candlestick of Calvary for all the world to see. And what were we to see? We were to see the depth of the love of God!
Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. And this light would attract sinful men in need of God's love.
Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
Why not spend a little time, right now, basking under the light of that candlestick, taking in the love of God for you! It's the only way to start a day!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Seeds and Lamps
# 344 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:21 “Also He said to them, "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?
The words, “also He said to them,” is the equivalent of saying, “Along those same lines,” or, “in the same context,” We need to continue thinking here in terms of the parable of the sower.
One of the points that Jesus is making is, as it is with seeds so it is with light. Seeds are worthless if they remain in the packet, and light is useless if it is hid under a bushel basket.
Have you ever received a seed catalog? Were the pictures of seeds the outstanding feature of the catalog? Of course not, it was the pictures of the bountiful harvest! It was the fruit that was on display. Likewise, we who have by grace received the Word must be showcases of the fruit produced by the Word (Jesus) in our lives.
And those who are without seed, should be like the hopeful February gardener, observing our lives as followers of Christ and desiring that same kind of fruit in the garden of their heart, and we should always be prepared to sow the seed of the Word of life into the ears of others, because that's what makes it possible.
1Pe 3:15 says, “ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
The words, “also He said to them,” is the equivalent of saying, “Along those same lines,” or, “in the same context,” We need to continue thinking here in terms of the parable of the sower.
One of the points that Jesus is making is, as it is with seeds so it is with light. Seeds are worthless if they remain in the packet, and light is useless if it is hid under a bushel basket.
Have you ever received a seed catalog? Were the pictures of seeds the outstanding feature of the catalog? Of course not, it was the pictures of the bountiful harvest! It was the fruit that was on display. Likewise, we who have by grace received the Word must be showcases of the fruit produced by the Word (Jesus) in our lives.
And those who are without seed, should be like the hopeful February gardener, observing our lives as followers of Christ and desiring that same kind of fruit in the garden of their heart, and we should always be prepared to sow the seed of the Word of life into the ears of others, because that's what makes it possible.
1Pe 3:15 says, “ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Embrace His Words
# 343 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:20 "But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred."
Good ground bears good fruit. The amount of fruit born by a plant is a major concern of the Master Gardener. “Every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes that it may bear more fruit,” (Jn 15:2) Some thirtyfold, some sixty, some one hundred.
The key word in this passage is “accept.” Those who “accept,” the Word of God will bear fruit. You cannot bear fruit unless you “accept,” or as the King James puts it, “receive” God's Word.
But what does it mean to “accept” God's Word? It means to hold it near and dear to your heart. Delight in it! All of it! You can't pick and choose what you accept. This must be the starting point for all fruitbearers in the kingdom of God. If you aren't bearing fruit, the first place to check is your attitude toward God's Word.
In ideal growing conditions, every seed that is warmly embraced by the soil of a garden will produce fruit.
Don't think that your lack of fruit is acceptable to God. It's not. Jesus told His disciples in Jn 15:2, “Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit He takes away,”
What does He do with these fruitless branches? Jn 15:6, If anyone does not abide in Me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned.”
Jesus is the Word personified. Accept Him. Receive Him. Embrace His Words. Live in Him and His words (the fruitbearing seeds of the kingdom) will live in you and bring forth fruit.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Good ground bears good fruit. The amount of fruit born by a plant is a major concern of the Master Gardener. “Every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes that it may bear more fruit,” (Jn 15:2) Some thirtyfold, some sixty, some one hundred.
The key word in this passage is “accept.” Those who “accept,” the Word of God will bear fruit. You cannot bear fruit unless you “accept,” or as the King James puts it, “receive” God's Word.
But what does it mean to “accept” God's Word? It means to hold it near and dear to your heart. Delight in it! All of it! You can't pick and choose what you accept. This must be the starting point for all fruitbearers in the kingdom of God. If you aren't bearing fruit, the first place to check is your attitude toward God's Word.
In ideal growing conditions, every seed that is warmly embraced by the soil of a garden will produce fruit.
Don't think that your lack of fruit is acceptable to God. It's not. Jesus told His disciples in Jn 15:2, “Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit He takes away,”
What does He do with these fruitless branches? Jn 15:6, If anyone does not abide in Me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned.”
Jesus is the Word personified. Accept Him. Receive Him. Embrace His Words. Live in Him and His words (the fruitbearing seeds of the kingdom) will live in you and bring forth fruit.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Tend Your Garden
# 342 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:18.19 "Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 "and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
Entering in to what? Entering into the same soil that the Word is entering into, ….your heart! Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, (the energy, the nutrients must be directed toward one) You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Mt 6:24)
The bad seeds of the distractions of this world, infatuation with wealth, and fascination of forbidden fruit, must not be allowed to flourish in the soil of our heart, and if they do manage to sprout, they must immediately be recognized and removed. Confessed as sin, repented of and sprinkled with the greatest weed killer of all time....the blood of Jesus!
Look at your day planner. Is it so filled with activities that there is no time for personal devotions, corporate worship, or pulling your own weight in the local congregation? Fix it!
Look at your checkbook? Are you so bent on making money that you don't seek to help the poor or support kingdom work? Fix it!
Observe your secret life. Are you entertaining thoughts or engaging in the sampling of forbidden fruit? Stop it!
Adam had his garden. Your heart is yours. Tend it. And with the help of the Holy Spirit, remove those things that would keep you from being fruitful in God's kingdom.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Entering in to what? Entering into the same soil that the Word is entering into, ….your heart! Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, (the energy, the nutrients must be directed toward one) You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Mt 6:24)
The bad seeds of the distractions of this world, infatuation with wealth, and fascination of forbidden fruit, must not be allowed to flourish in the soil of our heart, and if they do manage to sprout, they must immediately be recognized and removed. Confessed as sin, repented of and sprinkled with the greatest weed killer of all time....the blood of Jesus!
Look at your day planner. Is it so filled with activities that there is no time for personal devotions, corporate worship, or pulling your own weight in the local congregation? Fix it!
Look at your checkbook? Are you so bent on making money that you don't seek to help the poor or support kingdom work? Fix it!
Observe your secret life. Are you entertaining thoughts or engaging in the sampling of forbidden fruit? Stop it!
Adam had his garden. Your heart is yours. Tend it. And with the help of the Holy Spirit, remove those things that would keep you from being fruitful in God's kingdom.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Friday, February 18, 2011
The Deadly Distraction of Sexual Immorality
# 341 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:18 "Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 "and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
We've talked about the importance of not allowing the distractions of this world and the mirage of riches and material goods to rob our souls of the nutrients of the life-giving Word of God. Today, let's look at the problem of the “desires for other things.”
At first glance, this appears to be a catch all phrase. We could lump in any and all distractions that don't fall into the first two categories and be done with it. However, the word used for “desires,” changes all that.
The word in the Greek means “concupiscence) Con cupi what? Concupiscence. It means, to lust after that which is forbidden, and is USUALLY used to describe the forbidden fruit of illicit sexual activity.
The desire for ANY and ALL forbidden fruit will choke out the fruitfulness of the Word simply because one becomes preoccupied with how to obtain the forbidden fruit, BUT sexual immorality usually finds itself near the top of God's list of forbidden fruit.
Don't believe me? Take the time to do a word search in the New King James Bible for the phrase “sexual immorality” Notice how often it either heads the list of forbidden activity or is very near the top!
I don't think we stress sexual purity enough in the church today, and quite frankly we have a mess of sexual confusion on our hands because of it. Why do you think there has always been such a pull from the world to draw us into illicit sexual activity? The devil knows the power of sexual lusting and uses it to draw us away from the life giving nutrients of God's Word.
I like the way God's Word puts it in 1 Thess 4:13, “It is God's will that you keep away from sexual sin as a mark of your devotion to Him.” If this is the case, wouldn't it behoove us to view sexual activity from God's perspective, rather than the world's?
Learning to control our sexual impulses and keeping them in the parameters of God's Word, marks us as a people who desire to be devoted to Him, rather than our flesh.
What's wagging your tail these days? Who or what are you devoted too? Is it any manner of impure sexual release, or is it a sincere desire for the pure milk of God's Word? Friend, illicit sexual activity hampers your spiritual growth.
Repent of your sexual sins! Receive the forgiveness of Christ and listen to the Holy Spirit speaking through Peter in 1Pe 2:2b, “desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
We've talked about the importance of not allowing the distractions of this world and the mirage of riches and material goods to rob our souls of the nutrients of the life-giving Word of God. Today, let's look at the problem of the “desires for other things.”
At first glance, this appears to be a catch all phrase. We could lump in any and all distractions that don't fall into the first two categories and be done with it. However, the word used for “desires,” changes all that.
The word in the Greek means “concupiscence) Con cupi what? Concupiscence. It means, to lust after that which is forbidden, and is USUALLY used to describe the forbidden fruit of illicit sexual activity.
The desire for ANY and ALL forbidden fruit will choke out the fruitfulness of the Word simply because one becomes preoccupied with how to obtain the forbidden fruit, BUT sexual immorality usually finds itself near the top of God's list of forbidden fruit.
Don't believe me? Take the time to do a word search in the New King James Bible for the phrase “sexual immorality” Notice how often it either heads the list of forbidden activity or is very near the top!
I don't think we stress sexual purity enough in the church today, and quite frankly we have a mess of sexual confusion on our hands because of it. Why do you think there has always been such a pull from the world to draw us into illicit sexual activity? The devil knows the power of sexual lusting and uses it to draw us away from the life giving nutrients of God's Word.
I like the way God's Word puts it in 1 Thess 4:13, “It is God's will that you keep away from sexual sin as a mark of your devotion to Him.” If this is the case, wouldn't it behoove us to view sexual activity from God's perspective, rather than the world's?
Learning to control our sexual impulses and keeping them in the parameters of God's Word, marks us as a people who desire to be devoted to Him, rather than our flesh.
What's wagging your tail these days? Who or what are you devoted too? Is it any manner of impure sexual release, or is it a sincere desire for the pure milk of God's Word? Friend, illicit sexual activity hampers your spiritual growth.
Repent of your sexual sins! Receive the forgiveness of Christ and listen to the Holy Spirit speaking through Peter in 1Pe 2:2b, “desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Delusion of Riches
# 340 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:18,19 "Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, 19 "and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
Again, this is important stuff, to choke out the Word is to choke out the nutrients we need for fruitful spiritual life.
Today we will look at the danger of riches. The word “deceitfulness” here means delusion. To delude is to mislead the mind. And so we see still another tactic of the devil, the world, and our flesh, that causes our mind to drift away from the Word of God and chase after the delusion of money and possessions.
This is not only a tactic, but a successful reality. The delusion of money and possessions will cause the Word of God to become unfruitful for the one who is misled. Mammon, as the Bible calls it, must not be the driving force of our life's decisions. It is the eternal Word of God that we must learn to look to. Jesus put it bluntly when He said that “You cannot serve God and mammon.” ( Mk 13:13) When you think about it, why would anyone want to serve something that is as temporary as mammon? You see, that's the delusion! Mammon or riches are temporary! God's Word is not! It's eternal!
Seek that which is everlasting. Seek Jesus and His Word, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” (Mt 24:35)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Again, this is important stuff, to choke out the Word is to choke out the nutrients we need for fruitful spiritual life.
Today we will look at the danger of riches. The word “deceitfulness” here means delusion. To delude is to mislead the mind. And so we see still another tactic of the devil, the world, and our flesh, that causes our mind to drift away from the Word of God and chase after the delusion of money and possessions.
This is not only a tactic, but a successful reality. The delusion of money and possessions will cause the Word of God to become unfruitful for the one who is misled. Mammon, as the Bible calls it, must not be the driving force of our life's decisions. It is the eternal Word of God that we must learn to look to. Jesus put it bluntly when He said that “You cannot serve God and mammon.” ( Mk 13:13) When you think about it, why would anyone want to serve something that is as temporary as mammon? You see, that's the delusion! Mammon or riches are temporary! God's Word is not! It's eternal!
Seek that which is everlasting. Seek Jesus and His Word, “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” (Mt 24:35)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Choking Out Spiritual Life
# 339 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:18,19 "Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
This is very important stuff my friend. We need to understand what these things are that can literally choke the spiritual life right out of us! Peter had this to say about the Words of Christ, “ You have the words of eternal life.(Jn 6:68b) and the Psalmist said in Ps 119:50b “Your word has given me life.”
For this reason, let's not rush through these enemies of the Word, let's examine each and every one! Let's start with the “cares of this world.”
The cares of this world are those things that distract us. They divert our attention from the Word of God, and in so doing they choke the source of our spiritual life right out of us. They can even be good things, noble things, even the work of the kingdom!
Don't underestimate the power you receive from spending quality time in the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God “is living and powerful,” believe it! You need that life that power to produce life and power and spiritual fruit in the kingdom.
One of the reasons you cultivate a garden or a field is to remove the weeds and work up the soil so it is able to receive more nutrients. This is what quality time in God's Word will do for you.
Jer 23:29 says, "Is not My word like a fire?" says the LORD, "And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
Just living in this world brings cares, brings diversions. Many times these diversions require our attention. But never let them supplant time spent with Mary (of Mary and Martha fame) at the Lord's feet, in His Word
It is a sad truth that many today have come to regard daily devotion and prayer as a diversion. Oh, let it not be so in your life! You need the power of His Word to bear fruit!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
This is very important stuff my friend. We need to understand what these things are that can literally choke the spiritual life right out of us! Peter had this to say about the Words of Christ, “ You have the words of eternal life.(Jn 6:68b) and the Psalmist said in Ps 119:50b “Your word has given me life.”
For this reason, let's not rush through these enemies of the Word, let's examine each and every one! Let's start with the “cares of this world.”
The cares of this world are those things that distract us. They divert our attention from the Word of God, and in so doing they choke the source of our spiritual life right out of us. They can even be good things, noble things, even the work of the kingdom!
Don't underestimate the power you receive from spending quality time in the Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God “is living and powerful,” believe it! You need that life that power to produce life and power and spiritual fruit in the kingdom.
One of the reasons you cultivate a garden or a field is to remove the weeds and work up the soil so it is able to receive more nutrients. This is what quality time in God's Word will do for you.
Jer 23:29 says, "Is not My word like a fire?" says the LORD, "And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
Just living in this world brings cares, brings diversions. Many times these diversions require our attention. But never let them supplant time spent with Mary (of Mary and Martha fame) at the Lord's feet, in His Word
It is a sad truth that many today have come to regard daily devotion and prayer as a diversion. Oh, let it not be so in your life! You need the power of His Word to bear fruit!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Devil's Telemarketers
# 338- Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:18,19 "Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”
Let's talk first about the cares of this world. The Greek word used here for cares means “distractions.” A synonym for this word is “solicitude.” Don't let the sound of that word scare you, it comes from the root word of solicit.
The “cares of this world” are the telemarketers of the devil. They are his “door to door” salesmen. They always seem to call on you when you are right in the middle of something else. They waste your precious time. They are distractions.
Here's the thing about distractions, they are sneaky. For example, how many times have you found yourself doing a devotional or praying and suddenly become aware that you are thinking about fixing the lawn mower, or how you are going to attack your spring cleaning chores.
Here's a hint on how to handle such moments. Your distraction wasn't apparent to you until you became aware of it. You thought, “What am I doing? I'm suppose to be praying!” Now think about it. Who would take the time to make you aware of the distraction? Who would take the time to make you aware of any distractions connected with following Christ? The answer is the Holy Spirit.
Listen to Him and thank Him for making you aware of any and all distractions and then get back to the more important kingdom business at hand.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Let's talk first about the cares of this world. The Greek word used here for cares means “distractions.” A synonym for this word is “solicitude.” Don't let the sound of that word scare you, it comes from the root word of solicit.
The “cares of this world” are the telemarketers of the devil. They are his “door to door” salesmen. They always seem to call on you when you are right in the middle of something else. They waste your precious time. They are distractions.
Here's the thing about distractions, they are sneaky. For example, how many times have you found yourself doing a devotional or praying and suddenly become aware that you are thinking about fixing the lawn mower, or how you are going to attack your spring cleaning chores.
Here's a hint on how to handle such moments. Your distraction wasn't apparent to you until you became aware of it. You thought, “What am I doing? I'm suppose to be praying!” Now think about it. Who would take the time to make you aware of the distraction? Who would take the time to make you aware of any distractions connected with following Christ? The answer is the Holy Spirit.
Listen to Him and thank Him for making you aware of any and all distractions and then get back to the more important kingdom business at hand.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Problem of Weeds
# 337- Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:18,19 "Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”
The first two enemies of the newly planted seed of the Word of God (doubt and tribulation) come relatively soon, in the life of the new Christian. However, we always need to be on guard against these enemies as they can resurface in a Christians life at any time.
The third enemy, (thorns) takes a little more time to develop. If you've ever planted a garden, you know what I mean. The little seedlings make their appearance in the nice neat rows that you have planted, and visions of a bountiful harvest appear in your head. However after several weeks, the weeds will also begin to pop up, and it's amazing to me how often they seem to have the same characteristics of the good plants, and how near they can take root to the good seed.
If these weeds are left unchecked they will grow and crowd out the good seed, robbing it of the sunlight and nutrients that were intended for the good seed to grow and produce fruit.
Don't allow the cares of this world, temporary riches, and material goods to rob you of the sunlight and nutrients that God intended for His seed, that He planted in you.
One of the first signs to look for in this matter of spiritual priority is to look at your checkbook. Is the first check written on payday going to the tithe or something else?
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
The first two enemies of the newly planted seed of the Word of God (doubt and tribulation) come relatively soon, in the life of the new Christian. However, we always need to be on guard against these enemies as they can resurface in a Christians life at any time.
The third enemy, (thorns) takes a little more time to develop. If you've ever planted a garden, you know what I mean. The little seedlings make their appearance in the nice neat rows that you have planted, and visions of a bountiful harvest appear in your head. However after several weeks, the weeds will also begin to pop up, and it's amazing to me how often they seem to have the same characteristics of the good plants, and how near they can take root to the good seed.
If these weeds are left unchecked they will grow and crowd out the good seed, robbing it of the sunlight and nutrients that were intended for the good seed to grow and produce fruit.
Don't allow the cares of this world, temporary riches, and material goods to rob you of the sunlight and nutrients that God intended for His seed, that He planted in you.
One of the first signs to look for in this matter of spiritual priority is to look at your checkbook. Is the first check written on payday going to the tithe or something else?
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Why Do You Think They Called It the Way?
# 336- Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:16,17 "These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; "and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble. (Mr 4:16,17)
Have you ever been persecuted for the word's sake? Do you know what that looks like? It doesn't come from simply practicing your Christian faith. Real persecution comes when you keep insisting that Jesus is the Lord and He is the ONLY WAY to the Father.
In his classic film series, “How Should We Then Live?” Francis Schaefer makes the point that the Christians that were thrown to the lions in Rome, weren't persecuted because of their faith. Rome could care less about what people believed, as long as people gave some homage to the emperor, but the Christians refused to acknowledge the emperor as Lord and kept insisting that Jesus is the only Lord and the only way to the Father. Read Acts 9:2, and ask yourself, “Why were the early Christians called the Way?”
This is becoming a major problem in our nation today as more and more people, even in the church, are claiming that everyone's faith is valid and there are many ways to God.
Why would professing Christians do that in light of the penalty that Christ paid for our sins? I would suggest that it's because their roots haven't dug deep enough into the love of God. And they have not allowed the truth of Jn 14:6 to work up the soil of their heart. “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Have you ever been persecuted for the word's sake? Do you know what that looks like? It doesn't come from simply practicing your Christian faith. Real persecution comes when you keep insisting that Jesus is the Lord and He is the ONLY WAY to the Father.
In his classic film series, “How Should We Then Live?” Francis Schaefer makes the point that the Christians that were thrown to the lions in Rome, weren't persecuted because of their faith. Rome could care less about what people believed, as long as people gave some homage to the emperor, but the Christians refused to acknowledge the emperor as Lord and kept insisting that Jesus is the only Lord and the only way to the Father. Read Acts 9:2, and ask yourself, “Why were the early Christians called the Way?”
This is becoming a major problem in our nation today as more and more people, even in the church, are claiming that everyone's faith is valid and there are many ways to God.
Why would professing Christians do that in light of the penalty that Christ paid for our sins? I would suggest that it's because their roots haven't dug deep enough into the love of God. And they have not allowed the truth of Jn 14:6 to work up the soil of their heart. “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Friday, February 11, 2011
When You Feel Like You're In A Trash Compactor
# 335- Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:16,17 "These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; "and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble.
New Christians really need to understand this aspect of the newly planted seed. Tribulation and persecution will come. The devil doesn't give up easily. Before you became a Christian, he didn't have to bother with you. He owned you. But now things begin to happen, tribulation, or what we could call, “soul squeezings” start coming your way.
Suddenly, circumstances in your life make you feel like your very soul is in a trash compactor, and it's closing in on all sides. It wasn't like this before you gave your life to Christ, and so the devil now tries to convince you to leave the faith. This is a deadly, effective, and oft repeated tactic of Satan.
Hang in there no matter what! God's promise is that He will not allow you to be “trialed” or squeezed beyond your God-given ability to withstand it. Listen to a paraphrase of 1 Cor 10:13, “God is faithful, He will not allow you to be “trialed” beyond your ability, but with the trial, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Did you catch that? God doesn't promise to necessarily remove the trial, but He does promise to give you the strength to endure it. The way out is to endure, God will shut the compactor off when the trial has accomplished His purpose. Wait it out. Cling to Him!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
New Christians really need to understand this aspect of the newly planted seed. Tribulation and persecution will come. The devil doesn't give up easily. Before you became a Christian, he didn't have to bother with you. He owned you. But now things begin to happen, tribulation, or what we could call, “soul squeezings” start coming your way.
Suddenly, circumstances in your life make you feel like your very soul is in a trash compactor, and it's closing in on all sides. It wasn't like this before you gave your life to Christ, and so the devil now tries to convince you to leave the faith. This is a deadly, effective, and oft repeated tactic of Satan.
Hang in there no matter what! God's promise is that He will not allow you to be “trialed” or squeezed beyond your God-given ability to withstand it. Listen to a paraphrase of 1 Cor 10:13, “God is faithful, He will not allow you to be “trialed” beyond your ability, but with the trial, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Did you catch that? God doesn't promise to necessarily remove the trial, but He does promise to give you the strength to endure it. The way out is to endure, God will shut the compactor off when the trial has accomplished His purpose. Wait it out. Cling to Him!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
How To Produce Surfacy Christians
# 334- Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:16,17 "These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; "and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble.”
No farmer plants seed without first working up the ground. In the springtime in Wisconsin you can see the fields that have been prepared for the farmer' seed. Deep furrows of soil worked up by a plow, then the soil is broken down even further by the use of a disc. Rocks that have worked their way to the surface are painstakingly removed to give the seed every opportunity to grow. This working up of the soil is necessary to produce a good crop.
In the spiritual realm, the soil of our heart must be prepared properly in order for the gospel seed to take lasting root and produce a bountiful harvest for the Lord. This working up of our heart is done by the preaching of the Law. It's what John the Baptist did as he prepared the way for Jesus.
It is only when we see the depth of our sin, that we can truly appreciate the Good News of the Gospel and appreciate the love and mercy of God. This appreciation drives our roots deeper and deeper into the love of God, which in turn is able to sustain us during tribulation and persecution.
Oh that we would hear more Law from the pulpits of our land. It seems more and more preachers are reluctant to preach it for fear of losing parishioners, but surfacy preaching will result in nothing but surfacy Christians. Christians that will leave the kitchen at the first sign of heat brought on by trials and tribulations.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word. .
No farmer plants seed without first working up the ground. In the springtime in Wisconsin you can see the fields that have been prepared for the farmer' seed. Deep furrows of soil worked up by a plow, then the soil is broken down even further by the use of a disc. Rocks that have worked their way to the surface are painstakingly removed to give the seed every opportunity to grow. This working up of the soil is necessary to produce a good crop.
In the spiritual realm, the soil of our heart must be prepared properly in order for the gospel seed to take lasting root and produce a bountiful harvest for the Lord. This working up of our heart is done by the preaching of the Law. It's what John the Baptist did as he prepared the way for Jesus.
It is only when we see the depth of our sin, that we can truly appreciate the Good News of the Gospel and appreciate the love and mercy of God. This appreciation drives our roots deeper and deeper into the love of God, which in turn is able to sustain us during tribulation and persecution.
Oh that we would hear more Law from the pulpits of our land. It seems more and more preachers are reluctant to preach it for fear of losing parishioners, but surfacy preaching will result in nothing but surfacy Christians. Christians that will leave the kitchen at the first sign of heat brought on by trials and tribulations.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word. .
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Shallow Ground
# 333- Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:16,17 "These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; "and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble.
This next class of ground is the shallow soil. Everything looks good on the surface, but just under the surface are rocks. These rocks limit the depth of the root, and because the root is so close to the surface, it cannot find the necessary supply of moisture to thrive when the surface soil dries up due to the hot sun.
Who are these people who hear the Word, come to faith, and then depart from the faith when things get a little tough? What is wrong with the soil of their heart?
These are the people who grasp the concept of Jesus dying for their sins, and therefore immediately rejoice, but they stop there and do not count the cost of following Him. They like the idea of Jesus as Savior but stop short of the idea of Jesus as Lord. When the pressure mounts because Jesus, as Lord calls them to obedience and faithfulness, they opt out.
What to do? A good farmer removes the rocks from the soil before planting. Jesus is the Good Sower, ask Him to do the necessary work on your heart to properly receive the seed of His Word. Ask Him to remove any and all obstacles that would keep you from surrendering totally to Him.
Most people believe in the existence of God, but few are willing to give up their own existence to follow Him. Jesus said in Joh 12:25 "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
This next class of ground is the shallow soil. Everything looks good on the surface, but just under the surface are rocks. These rocks limit the depth of the root, and because the root is so close to the surface, it cannot find the necessary supply of moisture to thrive when the surface soil dries up due to the hot sun.
Who are these people who hear the Word, come to faith, and then depart from the faith when things get a little tough? What is wrong with the soil of their heart?
These are the people who grasp the concept of Jesus dying for their sins, and therefore immediately rejoice, but they stop there and do not count the cost of following Him. They like the idea of Jesus as Savior but stop short of the idea of Jesus as Lord. When the pressure mounts because Jesus, as Lord calls them to obedience and faithfulness, they opt out.
What to do? A good farmer removes the rocks from the soil before planting. Jesus is the Good Sower, ask Him to do the necessary work on your heart to properly receive the seed of His Word. Ask Him to remove any and all obstacles that would keep you from surrendering totally to Him.
Most people believe in the existence of God, but few are willing to give up their own existence to follow Him. Jesus said in Joh 12:25 "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
DId God Actually Say?
# 332 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:15 "And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.
The devices of Satan are many as he “immediately” seeks to remove the Word of God from our minds. Please remember that this Word is not just the saving power of the Gospel, but it is all that is contained in God's Word.
Oh how quickly he moves in to snatch away God's truth. He'll whisper such things as, “don't be so old fashioned,” or he'll discredit the messenger if he can, “the pastor's only in this to make a living off of gullible people,” or “why listen to a bunch of hypocrites,” or “you won't be able to have fun if you do things God's way,” or “there's no such thing as absolute truth, “ or don't listen to that pastor, he's in the minority,”
The tactics that he uses to get you and I to discount the truths found in God's word are endless. Bottom line on all his tactics is this, “Did God actually say?” (Gen 3:1)
Yes He did!
That's why this is the mother of all parables! Jesus said this about His Word: Joh 12:48 "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.”
Don't allow the devil to snatch that word away! Never forget what is written in 2 Tim. 3:16. “All Scripture is breathed out by God,” Pray that God will bring you to repentance and faith, for only those who have been brought to true faith will believe what is written in Scripture. “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God for they are folly to him. (1 Cor 2:!4)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
The devices of Satan are many as he “immediately” seeks to remove the Word of God from our minds. Please remember that this Word is not just the saving power of the Gospel, but it is all that is contained in God's Word.
Oh how quickly he moves in to snatch away God's truth. He'll whisper such things as, “don't be so old fashioned,” or he'll discredit the messenger if he can, “the pastor's only in this to make a living off of gullible people,” or “why listen to a bunch of hypocrites,” or “you won't be able to have fun if you do things God's way,” or “there's no such thing as absolute truth, “ or don't listen to that pastor, he's in the minority,”
The tactics that he uses to get you and I to discount the truths found in God's word are endless. Bottom line on all his tactics is this, “Did God actually say?” (Gen 3:1)
Yes He did!
That's why this is the mother of all parables! Jesus said this about His Word: Joh 12:48 "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.”
Don't allow the devil to snatch that word away! Never forget what is written in 2 Tim. 3:16. “All Scripture is breathed out by God,” Pray that God will bring you to repentance and faith, for only those who have been brought to true faith will believe what is written in Scripture. “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God for they are folly to him. (1 Cor 2:!4)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Worn and Old?
# 331 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:15 "And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.
The devices of Satan are many as he “immediately” seeks to remove the Word of God from our minds. Please remember that this Word is not just the saving power of the Gospel, but it is all that is contained in God's Word. Many times Satan will use well meaning people to pluck away the seeds of God's truth.
In 2009, President Obama was speaking to a group of pro-homosexual activists and he said that there were people in the United States who, “still hold fast to worn arguments and old attitudes.” He of course was referring to those who hold to God's teaching that homosexuality is an abomination. In effect, he was saying that God's Word is worn and old.
What do you do with things that are worn and old? You toss them out, you disregard them. This is one of the most employed weapons in Satan's arsenal as he seeks to discredit the veracity of God's Word.
Entire denominations have been swallowed up in this lie. Remember, Jesus is both sower and seed in this parable and to discredit any of the seed is to discredit the Sower. Lord have mercy on those who regard your Word as worn and old.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
The devices of Satan are many as he “immediately” seeks to remove the Word of God from our minds. Please remember that this Word is not just the saving power of the Gospel, but it is all that is contained in God's Word. Many times Satan will use well meaning people to pluck away the seeds of God's truth.
In 2009, President Obama was speaking to a group of pro-homosexual activists and he said that there were people in the United States who, “still hold fast to worn arguments and old attitudes.” He of course was referring to those who hold to God's teaching that homosexuality is an abomination. In effect, he was saying that God's Word is worn and old.
What do you do with things that are worn and old? You toss them out, you disregard them. This is one of the most employed weapons in Satan's arsenal as he seeks to discredit the veracity of God's Word.
Entire denominations have been swallowed up in this lie. Remember, Jesus is both sower and seed in this parable and to discredit any of the seed is to discredit the Sower. Lord have mercy on those who regard your Word as worn and old.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Friday, February 4, 2011
General Quarters In Hell
# 330 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:15 "And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.”
Remember the key to understanding parables is to look for Jesus and His kingdom in them. Jesus is the Word, He is the Seed, and so this parable is about what people do when presented with Jesus.
What happens, when the Word of God comes in contact with the human heart? The first thing that we notice is that Satan “comes immediately!” If Satan were a naval vessel, general quarters would be sounded! “All hands on deck!” Something has happened! Someone has brought the Gospel to the ears of an unsaved person! The Word of God has pressed against Satan's defenses and is seeking to redeem a soul!
This is very serious business for Satan, and he IMMEDIATELY seeks to turn back the intrusion. This is vital information for you and I. Know that the one who is a liar will do all he can to keep you in his grasp. He will do all he can to come against the new believer.
Until this WORD came along, the devil could be at ease, there were no threats, but now the alarm has been sounded. Fasten your seat belt my friend and hold on! Don't let go of your new found faith! Ask God to keep you during the onslaught and let THIS truth help you during your battles: “He that is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 Jn 4:4)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Remember the key to understanding parables is to look for Jesus and His kingdom in them. Jesus is the Word, He is the Seed, and so this parable is about what people do when presented with Jesus.
What happens, when the Word of God comes in contact with the human heart? The first thing that we notice is that Satan “comes immediately!” If Satan were a naval vessel, general quarters would be sounded! “All hands on deck!” Something has happened! Someone has brought the Gospel to the ears of an unsaved person! The Word of God has pressed against Satan's defenses and is seeking to redeem a soul!
This is very serious business for Satan, and he IMMEDIATELY seeks to turn back the intrusion. This is vital information for you and I. Know that the one who is a liar will do all he can to keep you in his grasp. He will do all he can to come against the new believer.
Until this WORD came along, the devil could be at ease, there were no threats, but now the alarm has been sounded. Fasten your seat belt my friend and hold on! Don't let go of your new found faith! Ask God to keep you during the onslaught and let THIS truth help you during your battles: “He that is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 Jn 4:4)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Longing of the Barren Field
# 329 - Today we read from Mr 4:14, "The sower sows the word. " (Mk 4:14)
Remember, the key to understanding parables is to look for Jesus. Here, Jesus shows up as both sower and word. He is the source of the Word, and He is the Word and He uses His church to bring the word to the world.
As His agent, we must always remember this chief task of sowing the Word. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mt 28:19,20) This is the mission of the sower and the purpose of the seed..
It is to conquer souls and bring them to faith in the Christ, the Son of the Living God. As Paul wrote to the church at Rome: “But how are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News! (Rom 10:14,15)
Imagine a barren field. Longing to fulfill its created purpose. If that barren field had eyes, how beautiful the sight of the feet of a missionary bearing the bag of seed. It is the fields only hope for realizing its eternal purpose.
The sower and the seed. The seed is the Word of God and Jesus is the Word. He is the only hope for the barren souls in our world. He is their only hope for realizing their eternal purpose. We all have a role to play in this endeavor of His church. . Let's get on with it!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Remember, the key to understanding parables is to look for Jesus. Here, Jesus shows up as both sower and word. He is the source of the Word, and He is the Word and He uses His church to bring the word to the world.
As His agent, we must always remember this chief task of sowing the Word. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mt 28:19,20) This is the mission of the sower and the purpose of the seed..
It is to conquer souls and bring them to faith in the Christ, the Son of the Living God. As Paul wrote to the church at Rome: “But how are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News! (Rom 10:14,15)
Imagine a barren field. Longing to fulfill its created purpose. If that barren field had eyes, how beautiful the sight of the feet of a missionary bearing the bag of seed. It is the fields only hope for realizing its eternal purpose.
The sower and the seed. The seed is the Word of God and Jesus is the Word. He is the only hope for the barren souls in our world. He is their only hope for realizing their eternal purpose. We all have a role to play in this endeavor of His church. . Let's get on with it!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Mother of All Parables
# 328 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:13 And He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?
All the parables? How many parables are there? That in itself is a difficult question. One site that I checked on the internet listed 57 parables, some list more, some less. I think the safest route to determining whether something is considered a parable or not is to simply see if Jesus calls it a parable.
One thing that we can garner from this verse in Mark is that this is the mother of all parables. Jesus point blank says to His followers, that they must understand this parable if they have any hope of understanding the others.
If you're like me, I am often befuddled by the parables of Jesus. The reason I become befuddled is I forget the key to understanding them. What is the key to understanding this parable, so that I may have the key to understanding the other parables?
The key is Jesus. He is what you and I must look for when we read the parables. He is in all of them. He is the presence of God's kingdom among men, and if parables are viewed in that light , then He, His Gospel, His kingdom and it's principles must come to light as we earnestly look for Him. So, when you're stuck on the meaning of a parable. Look for Jesus, His Gospel, His kingdom.
He is in them. He is the key, that unlocks the meaning. The reason unbelievers miss the meaning of parables is simple....they don't have the key....they don't have Jesus.
Got Jesus? It's your only hope for “getting” the parables.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
All the parables? How many parables are there? That in itself is a difficult question. One site that I checked on the internet listed 57 parables, some list more, some less. I think the safest route to determining whether something is considered a parable or not is to simply see if Jesus calls it a parable.
One thing that we can garner from this verse in Mark is that this is the mother of all parables. Jesus point blank says to His followers, that they must understand this parable if they have any hope of understanding the others.
If you're like me, I am often befuddled by the parables of Jesus. The reason I become befuddled is I forget the key to understanding them. What is the key to understanding this parable, so that I may have the key to understanding the other parables?
The key is Jesus. He is what you and I must look for when we read the parables. He is in all of them. He is the presence of God's kingdom among men, and if parables are viewed in that light , then He, His Gospel, His kingdom and it's principles must come to light as we earnestly look for Him. So, when you're stuck on the meaning of a parable. Look for Jesus, His Gospel, His kingdom.
He is in them. He is the key, that unlocks the meaning. The reason unbelievers miss the meaning of parables is simple....they don't have the key....they don't have Jesus.
Got Jesus? It's your only hope for “getting” the parables.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Playing With Eternal Fire
# 327 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 4:11,12 And He said to them, "To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, "so that 'Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them.'"
This is a difficult passage. Why would God clothe His message of light and salvation in the secrecy of parables? Why does He want them to remain in their sin? Doesn't he want all men to come to repentance? (2 Pet 3:9) To understand this passage, remember, that Jesus didn't start using parables until He had exhausted all other means to reach these people.
His teachings and His miracles all plainly pointed to Him as the Christ the Son of God. The parables were not used until after the time that He was accused of having a demon. These people had chosen to resist repentance, and blaspheme the Holy Spirit and commit the unpardonable sin, the gospel of grace would now be hidden from their spiritual eyes.
Never forget that repentance and salvation are gifts from God. 2 Tim 2:25 says, “God may perhaps grant them repentance.” This knowledge of the source of repentance should make all of us think twice before willfully sinning. How do you know that godly sorrow over your sin will ever enter your heart again? How do you know if your heart won't become as closed as the minds of these blasphemers of the Holy Spirit? Oh the mercy of God, and oh yes....the judgment of God!
Not one of these people were the least bit worried about their blasphemy because they did not believe that Jesus is the Christ, and they were judged. God withheld His gift of repentance, and thereby prevented them from realizing forgiveness.
How about you? Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ or not? Are you dabbling in sin, presuming on the mercy of God and asking for a similar judgment? Are you living your life as if God owed you mercy? Friend, that is playing with eternal fire.
But take heart, if you are worried about having committed this sin, you haven't. Repentance and salvation are still available to you! Avail yourself of this gift today.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
This is a difficult passage. Why would God clothe His message of light and salvation in the secrecy of parables? Why does He want them to remain in their sin? Doesn't he want all men to come to repentance? (2 Pet 3:9) To understand this passage, remember, that Jesus didn't start using parables until He had exhausted all other means to reach these people.
His teachings and His miracles all plainly pointed to Him as the Christ the Son of God. The parables were not used until after the time that He was accused of having a demon. These people had chosen to resist repentance, and blaspheme the Holy Spirit and commit the unpardonable sin, the gospel of grace would now be hidden from their spiritual eyes.
Never forget that repentance and salvation are gifts from God. 2 Tim 2:25 says, “God may perhaps grant them repentance.” This knowledge of the source of repentance should make all of us think twice before willfully sinning. How do you know that godly sorrow over your sin will ever enter your heart again? How do you know if your heart won't become as closed as the minds of these blasphemers of the Holy Spirit? Oh the mercy of God, and oh yes....the judgment of God!
Not one of these people were the least bit worried about their blasphemy because they did not believe that Jesus is the Christ, and they were judged. God withheld His gift of repentance, and thereby prevented them from realizing forgiveness.
How about you? Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ or not? Are you dabbling in sin, presuming on the mercy of God and asking for a similar judgment? Are you living your life as if God owed you mercy? Friend, that is playing with eternal fire.
But take heart, if you are worried about having committed this sin, you haven't. Repentance and salvation are still available to you! Avail yourself of this gift today.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
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