# 405 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:17,18 “For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her. For John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."
And now we begin to look at the events that led to the death of John the Baptist at the hands of Herod. We do not know the details of how John confronted Herod with his sin, but at some point in time, he had told him that his marriage to his brother's wife was against God's Law. It was a sin. While Herod seemed open to the correction of John, his wife was not.
We read in verse 19 that she had a grudge against John and wanted him put to death. It appears that Herod valued peace at home above peace with God. (An age old problem for men who are supposed to be the spiritual leaders. (Man up guys!)
The proper way to handle conviction of sin, is to confess it as sin, that is, agree that your action is against the Word of God, then receive His promised forgiveness. “If we confess our sins HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jn 1:9) Then, assured that we are not under condemnation for our sin, we hear and act on the words of Jesus that He spoke to the woman caught in the act of adultery “Go and sin no more.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
The Courage of John the Baptist
# 404 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:17,18 “For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her. For John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."
And now we begin to look at the details of the events that led to the death of John the Baptist at the hands of Herod. First of all note the courage of John. He had the kind of courage that God gives to His true prophets. John didn't preach repentance just for the little guy. God's Law is God's Law and it doesn't matter your station in life, your position in the congregation, the amount of money you toss into the offering plate, or the amount of weight you are able to throw around behind the scenes. God's Law applies to all. And even though Herod had the power to hand John's head to him in a basket, John confronted Herod with his sin.
This overlooking of the sins of the rich and powerful in a congregation has always been a great temptation for pastors. It is much easier to go with the flow. Pastors and elders need to pray fervently in this regard, and stand firm on the Word. The congregation must come alongside their pastor and fight this type of intimidation. As James 2:1 says, “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
And now we begin to look at the details of the events that led to the death of John the Baptist at the hands of Herod. First of all note the courage of John. He had the kind of courage that God gives to His true prophets. John didn't preach repentance just for the little guy. God's Law is God's Law and it doesn't matter your station in life, your position in the congregation, the amount of money you toss into the offering plate, or the amount of weight you are able to throw around behind the scenes. God's Law applies to all. And even though Herod had the power to hand John's head to him in a basket, John confronted Herod with his sin.
This overlooking of the sins of the rich and powerful in a congregation has always been a great temptation for pastors. It is much easier to go with the flow. Pastors and elders need to pray fervently in this regard, and stand firm on the Word. The congregation must come alongside their pastor and fight this type of intimidation. As James 2:1 says, “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Thursday, April 28, 2011
A False and Deadly Spirituality
# 403 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:14-16 “Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him." Others said, "It is Elijah." And others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets." But when Herod heard, he said, "This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!"
Their theology is all wrong, but these people are “spiritual” people. They believe in the existence of a spiritual world. They realize that there is spiritual power present in Jesus, but they can't grasp or perhaps refuse to grasp that this power emanates from the fact that He is the Son of God!
They would much rather assign this power to the spirit of someone who is deceased. It's safer that way because they don't have to deal with their sin. Is it any wonder Herod kept on insisting this was the spirit of John the Baptist? It is a convenient and wishful way of dealing with the fact that he murdered him!
Herod and these others are basically wishful thinkers and they create a spirituality that is safe and comforting for them. These wishful thinkers are still with us today, and many are being sucked into their brand of theology. Beware beloved, for it is in the church as well. Convenient spirituality. It's a personal theology that says, “I believe in the existence of God, but I'm not ready to give up my own existence,” (my own way of living)
The cure! Is 8:20 “To the law and to the testimony!” Return to the Word! Allow the Word (Jesus) to rule your existence. He is your Savior and your LORD.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Their theology is all wrong, but these people are “spiritual” people. They believe in the existence of a spiritual world. They realize that there is spiritual power present in Jesus, but they can't grasp or perhaps refuse to grasp that this power emanates from the fact that He is the Son of God!
They would much rather assign this power to the spirit of someone who is deceased. It's safer that way because they don't have to deal with their sin. Is it any wonder Herod kept on insisting this was the spirit of John the Baptist? It is a convenient and wishful way of dealing with the fact that he murdered him!
Herod and these others are basically wishful thinkers and they create a spirituality that is safe and comforting for them. These wishful thinkers are still with us today, and many are being sucked into their brand of theology. Beware beloved, for it is in the church as well. Convenient spirituality. It's a personal theology that says, “I believe in the existence of God, but I'm not ready to give up my own existence,” (my own way of living)
The cure! Is 8:20 “To the law and to the testimony!” Return to the Word! Allow the Word (Jesus) to rule your existence. He is your Savior and your LORD.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Why the Details of John's Death Now?
# 402 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:14-16 “Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him." Others said, "It is Elijah." And others said, "It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets." But when Herod heard, he said, "This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!"
We get a little interlude here as the apostle's are out on the test run for the church militant. The Holy Spirit speaking through this Gospel, uses the interlude as an opportunity to fill us in on the details of the death of John the Baptist. That may seem a little odd, but I think it is included here for a very important reason.
The apostle's went out and had great success! They had come against the gates of hell and in the name of Jesus had shaken those very gates releasing many who had been held captive by the devil. This account of the death of John, is a stark reminder to the church that the enemy has great fury and will lash back whenever and wherever he can.
Be on guard church. Gird up your loins. As you experience success in the kingdom, you have a great enemy who will seek to retaliate. And always remember when the retaliation comes: 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
We get a little interlude here as the apostle's are out on the test run for the church militant. The Holy Spirit speaking through this Gospel, uses the interlude as an opportunity to fill us in on the details of the death of John the Baptist. That may seem a little odd, but I think it is included here for a very important reason.
The apostle's went out and had great success! They had come against the gates of hell and in the name of Jesus had shaken those very gates releasing many who had been held captive by the devil. This account of the death of John, is a stark reminder to the church that the enemy has great fury and will lash back whenever and wherever he can.
Be on guard church. Gird up your loins. As you experience success in the kingdom, you have a great enemy who will seek to retaliate. And always remember when the retaliation comes: 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
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Rethink Jesus
# 401 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:12,13. “So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.
As we mentioned last time the church of Jesus Christ is sent out with the message that people need to repent, that is, think differently about Jesus and eternal life. People need to know that they are sinners, helpless when it comes to following the Law or leading a moral life that could possibly earn a ticket to heaven. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, (Rom 3:23) and the wages of sin is death. (Rom 6:23)
Jesus is the only One who lived a perfect sinless life and then paid the wage of sin for all of humanity. It is only through faith in Him that we can be saved. Jn 14:6 says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” This must remain the message of the church today!
The disciples were empowered to authenticate the deity and name of Jesus Christ by performing miraculous signs including demonstrating His power over demons. God can still use these signs today to cause people to rethink Jesus, and thereby authenticate the message of repentance, and indeed the church ought to be praying for healings and deliverance as they go out with the message.
But the greatest sign remains that of a changed life. A life governed by the Spirit of Christ rather than the flesh. We ought to be praying fervently for this change today because quite frankly there is little difference between the lives of professing Christians and those who are “of the world.”
“Oh God, help me to yield to the Holy Spirit in such a way that people must rethink Jesus.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
As we mentioned last time the church of Jesus Christ is sent out with the message that people need to repent, that is, think differently about Jesus and eternal life. People need to know that they are sinners, helpless when it comes to following the Law or leading a moral life that could possibly earn a ticket to heaven. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, (Rom 3:23) and the wages of sin is death. (Rom 6:23)
Jesus is the only One who lived a perfect sinless life and then paid the wage of sin for all of humanity. It is only through faith in Him that we can be saved. Jn 14:6 says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” This must remain the message of the church today!
The disciples were empowered to authenticate the deity and name of Jesus Christ by performing miraculous signs including demonstrating His power over demons. God can still use these signs today to cause people to rethink Jesus, and thereby authenticate the message of repentance, and indeed the church ought to be praying for healings and deliverance as they go out with the message.
But the greatest sign remains that of a changed life. A life governed by the Spirit of Christ rather than the flesh. We ought to be praying fervently for this change today because quite frankly there is little difference between the lives of professing Christians and those who are “of the world.”
“Oh God, help me to yield to the Holy Spirit in such a way that people must rethink Jesus.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Monday, April 25, 2011
CSI God
# 400 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:11 "And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"
The message that the twelve (the church) was and is sent out with, is repentance. It was true then and it is true today. Repentance means to think differently, and in the context of the gospel, repentance means to think differently about Jesus.
There is no other way to the Father (eternal life) except through Jesus. This is the forever distinctly different message of the Christian church. The apostles went out shod with the gospel of peace, (by the way, the one pair of sandals signifies that there is only one gospel)
On the Last Day, Judgment Day, soil that had been present on the sandals of these twelve, (the church) when the gospel of peace was presented through the apostolic call to repentance in these and all cities, will be removed from the sandals and left behind as a witness against these towns. The gospel of peace was presented here, but it was rejected.
It will be like CSI God, and He will present the evidence and the whole world will know that He is just as the sentence of those who rejected His Son will be carried out.
But this judgment doesn't just apply to cities. Jesus said, “whoever!” The gospel of peace has been brought to your ears today. Will you receive it? Think differently about Jesus and eternal life! Pray that you will receive it, and Him, lest YOU end up worse than Sodom and Gomorrah.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
The message that the twelve (the church) was and is sent out with, is repentance. It was true then and it is true today. Repentance means to think differently, and in the context of the gospel, repentance means to think differently about Jesus.
There is no other way to the Father (eternal life) except through Jesus. This is the forever distinctly different message of the Christian church. The apostles went out shod with the gospel of peace, (by the way, the one pair of sandals signifies that there is only one gospel)
On the Last Day, Judgment Day, soil that had been present on the sandals of these twelve, (the church) when the gospel of peace was presented through the apostolic call to repentance in these and all cities, will be removed from the sandals and left behind as a witness against these towns. The gospel of peace was presented here, but it was rejected.
It will be like CSI God, and He will present the evidence and the whole world will know that He is just as the sentence of those who rejected His Son will be carried out.
But this judgment doesn't just apply to cities. Jesus said, “whoever!” The gospel of peace has been brought to your ears today. Will you receive it? Think differently about Jesus and eternal life! Pray that you will receive it, and Him, lest YOU end up worse than Sodom and Gomorrah.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Be Content
# 399 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:10, “Also He said to them, "In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.”
In the first part of Jesus' instructions to His militant church, He is emphasizing the necessity of trusting in Him for provisions for the task at hand. His next instruction here is aimed at teaching the apostles and His church to be content in their circumstances.
As the apostle's evangelize a city, one of the first thing a convert would naturally do is open up their home to the apostles. Jesus is telling His disciples to be content with whatever home it is. Don't go shopping around for a better deal.
The next day could bring a rich convert into the kingdom and this rich convert may have more material comforts to offer the apostle's. Jesus says, never mind that. “Stay put! I have you in this first house for a reason.” To look for better digs and a little more cushier stay is a distraction and it may send the wrong message to outsiders.
Still another lesson here is fellowship and hospitality are not to be based on one's access to material goods. They are spiritual matters. I'm sure Elijah could've found a better situation than staying with the poor widow, but there was a purpose for him being there. Perhaps he (and we) all need to learn the same lesson that the Paul learned. “Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Tim 6:6)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
In the first part of Jesus' instructions to His militant church, He is emphasizing the necessity of trusting in Him for provisions for the task at hand. His next instruction here is aimed at teaching the apostles and His church to be content in their circumstances.
As the apostle's evangelize a city, one of the first thing a convert would naturally do is open up their home to the apostles. Jesus is telling His disciples to be content with whatever home it is. Don't go shopping around for a better deal.
The next day could bring a rich convert into the kingdom and this rich convert may have more material comforts to offer the apostle's. Jesus says, never mind that. “Stay put! I have you in this first house for a reason.” To look for better digs and a little more cushier stay is a distraction and it may send the wrong message to outsiders.
Still another lesson here is fellowship and hospitality are not to be based on one's access to material goods. They are spiritual matters. I'm sure Elijah could've found a better situation than staying with the poor widow, but there was a purpose for him being there. Perhaps he (and we) all need to learn the same lesson that the Paul learned. “Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Tim 6:6)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Saturday, April 23, 2011
A Different Way To Pray the Lord's Prayer
# 398 - Today's living Word comes from Mr 6:8,9 He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts-- but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.
I want to spend one more day on this initial test run of the church as they engage the gates of hell. We engage the enemy for one purpose, to deliver souls from eternal damnation. That's the battle, that's what the church militant is called to do.
As we engage the enemy Jesus is using this test run to assure us that the supply lines to the front will always be open. The church then and today and forever needs to know that God will supply what we need for the battle. We MUST learn to trust Him completely!
I believe that this is a major reason why Jesus gave us the Lord's prayer. Just take the time to pray it through the lens of a militant prayer for the church. Start with “Our Father“
Our commander in chief, who art in the war room, mission headquarters, overlooking the entire battle scene.
“Hallowed Be Thy Name.”
Every army has a battle cry and this is ours! Holy! Holy! Holy!
“Thy kingdom come.”
Let Your kingdom of forgiveness and righteousness advance against the gates of hell!
“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
As You speak battle maneuvers in heaven for Your ultimate victory on earth, let us be assured they will be carried out..”
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Keep the supply lines of grace open. Give us what we need for the battle.
“And forgive us our trespasses,”
Make us fit soldiers unburdened by sin
“As we forgive those who trespass against us.”
This is our message. This is what we bring against the gates of hell. The unconverted can surrender to Christ and have their sins forgiven through faith in Him!
“And lead us not into temptation.”
Here we ask our Commander in Chief. To not fall for the devils diversionary tactics. These are any and all things that cause us to lose our focus on the main thing.......forgiveness through faith in Christ!)
“But deliver us from evil.”
Should we fall for the trap of diversions, send in the choppers Lord and rescue us, so that we might rejoin Your main forces.
For it's Your kingdom, not ours. It's Your power, not ours, and it's for Your glory, not ours . Amen.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
I want to spend one more day on this initial test run of the church as they engage the gates of hell. We engage the enemy for one purpose, to deliver souls from eternal damnation. That's the battle, that's what the church militant is called to do.
As we engage the enemy Jesus is using this test run to assure us that the supply lines to the front will always be open. The church then and today and forever needs to know that God will supply what we need for the battle. We MUST learn to trust Him completely!
I believe that this is a major reason why Jesus gave us the Lord's prayer. Just take the time to pray it through the lens of a militant prayer for the church. Start with “Our Father“
Our commander in chief, who art in the war room, mission headquarters, overlooking the entire battle scene.
“Hallowed Be Thy Name.”
Every army has a battle cry and this is ours! Holy! Holy! Holy!
“Thy kingdom come.”
Let Your kingdom of forgiveness and righteousness advance against the gates of hell!
“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
As You speak battle maneuvers in heaven for Your ultimate victory on earth, let us be assured they will be carried out..”
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Keep the supply lines of grace open. Give us what we need for the battle.
“And forgive us our trespasses,”
Make us fit soldiers unburdened by sin
“As we forgive those who trespass against us.”
This is our message. This is what we bring against the gates of hell. The unconverted can surrender to Christ and have their sins forgiven through faith in Him!
“And lead us not into temptation.”
Here we ask our Commander in Chief. To not fall for the devils diversionary tactics. These are any and all things that cause us to lose our focus on the main thing.......forgiveness through faith in Christ!)
“But deliver us from evil.”
Should we fall for the trap of diversions, send in the choppers Lord and rescue us, so that we might rejoin Your main forces.
For it's Your kingdom, not ours. It's Your power, not ours, and it's for Your glory, not ours . Amen.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Shakedown Cruise
# 397 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:8,9 He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts-- but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.
The church militant is about to be sent out by Jesus on its initial test run. He has given the twelve apostles (symbolic of the church) authority and power over the devil and his demons. They will go out and engage the enemy and deliver souls from hell through the preaching of the word and the demonstration of their authority to “set captives free!”
In the Navy, new ships and ships with recent modifications are sent out on test runs that are called “shakedown cruises.” In a typical shakedown cruise, you put the ship and the crew through extreme circumstances. You want to see what they are made of. On this first test run, the disciples, and consequently the church of today needed to see what Jesus is made of.
Jesus is able to provide all that the disciples need as they engage the enemy. And so He sends them out with virtually nothing but a mission and the challenge to trust Him to provide. That's pretty extreme, but they needed to know of His capabilities and we need to know them too.
We aren't called to go out on the mission field today without provisions, but through this incident we are reminded that when we have a need while serving the church militant God will provide. God does not ask us to do anything that He will not enable or empower us to do.
2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
The church militant is about to be sent out by Jesus on its initial test run. He has given the twelve apostles (symbolic of the church) authority and power over the devil and his demons. They will go out and engage the enemy and deliver souls from hell through the preaching of the word and the demonstration of their authority to “set captives free!”
In the Navy, new ships and ships with recent modifications are sent out on test runs that are called “shakedown cruises.” In a typical shakedown cruise, you put the ship and the crew through extreme circumstances. You want to see what they are made of. On this first test run, the disciples, and consequently the church of today needed to see what Jesus is made of.
Jesus is able to provide all that the disciples need as they engage the enemy. And so He sends them out with virtually nothing but a mission and the challenge to trust Him to provide. That's pretty extreme, but they needed to know of His capabilities and we need to know them too.
We aren't called to go out on the mission field today without provisions, but through this incident we are reminded that when we have a need while serving the church militant God will provide. God does not ask us to do anything that He will not enable or empower us to do.
2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Let's Get On With It
# 396 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:7 “And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.”
It's interesting to see the word, “began,” here. If this sending out of the twelve were a “one time” event, there would be no reason to include that word here. “He sent them out two by two,” would be sufficient. But this “sending out,” was the beginning of something.
It was the beginning of the church militant.
It began here as a test run if you will, with the twelve Apostles, (symbolic of the church) being given full power and authority over the devil and his demons. This power would be such that the gates of hell would not be able to prevail against the church. The church began here to be militantly active against the gates of hell by going out into the world with the full authority and backing of Jesus.
It began here, and was kicked into full gear at His ascension. “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Me. 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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Mt 28:18-20)
Well, what are we waiting for? It began here and ends at the end of the age. It ends when our Lord returns. Let's get on with it!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
It's interesting to see the word, “began,” here. If this sending out of the twelve were a “one time” event, there would be no reason to include that word here. “He sent them out two by two,” would be sufficient. But this “sending out,” was the beginning of something.
It was the beginning of the church militant.
It began here as a test run if you will, with the twelve Apostles, (symbolic of the church) being given full power and authority over the devil and his demons. This power would be such that the gates of hell would not be able to prevail against the church. The church began here to be militantly active against the gates of hell by going out into the world with the full authority and backing of Jesus.
It began here, and was kicked into full gear at His ascension. “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Me. 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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Mt 28:18-20)
Well, what are we waiting for? It began here and ends at the end of the age. It ends when our Lord returns. Let's get on with it!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Don't Run Jesus Out of Town
# 395 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:5,6 “Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.”
“He could do no mighty work there.” What do you mean? He's God! What's stopping Him? In a word. Unbelief! The inability of the people of His hometown to believe that this Jesus was not just the carpenter's son, but the Son of God curtailed the miraculous aspect of His ministry in Nazareth.
I've got news for you. If we resist what the Bible says about Jesus, and what He has to say about us, we too will miss out on His miraculous power! Given the evidence of His existence through creation and the evidence of changed lives in His followers, God must look at us some times and marvel at our own unbelief!
How bad was the unbelief of these hometown folks? Luke tells us in Luke 4:29, that these people were so upset at His teaching and His claims that they rose up and drove Him out of town to the top of a cliff and they were going to toss Him off!
No wonder only a few were healed in Nazareth, Jesus had to flee for His very life! 'And passing through their midst, He went away.” Jesus was in the midst of these people but their unbelief forced Him to leave! What a chilling thought!
He is in our midst even today in the form of the Holy Spirit! Lord, and so often we too, want to “push” Him out of certain areas of our lives believing we can handle it ourselves. Lord, help our unbelief!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
“He could do no mighty work there.” What do you mean? He's God! What's stopping Him? In a word. Unbelief! The inability of the people of His hometown to believe that this Jesus was not just the carpenter's son, but the Son of God curtailed the miraculous aspect of His ministry in Nazareth.
I've got news for you. If we resist what the Bible says about Jesus, and what He has to say about us, we too will miss out on His miraculous power! Given the evidence of His existence through creation and the evidence of changed lives in His followers, God must look at us some times and marvel at our own unbelief!
How bad was the unbelief of these hometown folks? Luke tells us in Luke 4:29, that these people were so upset at His teaching and His claims that they rose up and drove Him out of town to the top of a cliff and they were going to toss Him off!
No wonder only a few were healed in Nazareth, Jesus had to flee for His very life! 'And passing through their midst, He went away.” Jesus was in the midst of these people but their unbelief forced Him to leave! What a chilling thought!
He is in our midst even today in the form of the Holy Spirit! Lord, and so often we too, want to “push” Him out of certain areas of our lives believing we can handle it ourselves. Lord, help our unbelief!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Thankfully It's Not About Me
# 394 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:4 But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house."
A prophet. A proclaimer of the Word of God. A person who has been gifted by God and called by God to relay God's Word to the people. This person has been granted the authority to say, “Thus says the Lord!” Or we might say, “This is God's take on things.”
Jesus had grown up in Nazareth as an ordinary young man, albeit a sinless young man. This sinlessness would certainly cause people to view Him as an unusually nice person, but it wouldn't necessarily cause them to think he was God. A modern day prophet faces the same dilemma, only worse.
They have the sins of their youth still implanted in the minds of those who knew them growing up! For the most part, my family and early childhood friends view me as a lot of things, but “prophet” is not one of them. Thankfully, it's not about me, or others opinions of me. It is the Word of God that is living and powerful!
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
When this Word is received by faith, it unleashes all life giving power that God intended. 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.
Believe it beloved and receive power for living!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
A prophet. A proclaimer of the Word of God. A person who has been gifted by God and called by God to relay God's Word to the people. This person has been granted the authority to say, “Thus says the Lord!” Or we might say, “This is God's take on things.”
Jesus had grown up in Nazareth as an ordinary young man, albeit a sinless young man. This sinlessness would certainly cause people to view Him as an unusually nice person, but it wouldn't necessarily cause them to think he was God. A modern day prophet faces the same dilemma, only worse.
They have the sins of their youth still implanted in the minds of those who knew them growing up! For the most part, my family and early childhood friends view me as a lot of things, but “prophet” is not one of them. Thankfully, it's not about me, or others opinions of me. It is the Word of God that is living and powerful!
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
When this Word is received by faith, it unleashes all life giving power that God intended. 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.
Believe it beloved and receive power for living!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Deadly Trap
# 393 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:2b,3 “And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! "Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?" And they were offended at Him.”
Jesus has come back to His home town of Nazareth. Some try to paint Jesus as a miracle working adolescent growing up in Nazareth, but these comments by His fellow townspeople should put an end to such speculation. All the Bible says about His formative years in Nazareth is found in Luke 2:52, “He “increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”
The townspeople view Jesus as an ordinary native son, who has been given some sort of mysterious power and wisdom. They choose to regard Him only as the carpenter, who's extended family grew up in Nazareth and some of whom still resided there, and “they were offended at Him.”
This is a telling statement. The word “offended,” means “deadly trap,” They were “deadly trapped,” at Him. Let that sink in for a while. Because what is being said here is vital for all!
To view Jesus only as a mere man or wise teacher or the “good friend” you grew up with is an eternally deadly trap. He is God! And no one can come to the Father except through Him. (Jn 14:6) Beware the deadly trap! Bow your knee the the King of kings and Lord of Lords today!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Jesus has come back to His home town of Nazareth. Some try to paint Jesus as a miracle working adolescent growing up in Nazareth, but these comments by His fellow townspeople should put an end to such speculation. All the Bible says about His formative years in Nazareth is found in Luke 2:52, “He “increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”
The townspeople view Jesus as an ordinary native son, who has been given some sort of mysterious power and wisdom. They choose to regard Him only as the carpenter, who's extended family grew up in Nazareth and some of whom still resided there, and “they were offended at Him.”
This is a telling statement. The word “offended,” means “deadly trap,” They were “deadly trapped,” at Him. Let that sink in for a while. Because what is being said here is vital for all!
To view Jesus only as a mere man or wise teacher or the “good friend” you grew up with is an eternally deadly trap. He is God! And no one can come to the Father except through Him. (Jn 14:6) Beware the deadly trap! Bow your knee the the King of kings and Lord of Lords today!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Remaining Steadfast In Your Calling
# 392 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 6:1,2A “Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue.
I love going home. I love seeing the old houses that I lived in. I love to see how the neighborhoods have changed and how they have stayed the same. I love the memories of the fields and the places where we played. Life seemed so much simpler then.
Perhaps Jesus, in His humanity was having those same kind of feelings as He heads back to His home town of Nazareth. Maybe He pointed out some of the old swimming holes to His disciples or showed them the carpenter shop where He learned His trade. Maybe He even had thoughts of simpler days.
Things have sure changed for Him since he left. Life is not as simple as it was. There are sermons to preach, kingdom things to teach, healings and other miracles that must be performed. And of course there is the cross that is beginning to loom on the horizon.
Yes, things have changed, but Jesus remains steadfast in what He was called to do. He doesn't dwell on the past, He lives in His present calling. And so He goes to the synagogue on the Sabbath and teaches. The lesson for you and I is it's okay to revisit our past, but we must live now in our present calling, always seeking to bring glory to God.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
I love going home. I love seeing the old houses that I lived in. I love to see how the neighborhoods have changed and how they have stayed the same. I love the memories of the fields and the places where we played. Life seemed so much simpler then.
Perhaps Jesus, in His humanity was having those same kind of feelings as He heads back to His home town of Nazareth. Maybe He pointed out some of the old swimming holes to His disciples or showed them the carpenter shop where He learned His trade. Maybe He even had thoughts of simpler days.
Things have sure changed for Him since he left. Life is not as simple as it was. There are sermons to preach, kingdom things to teach, healings and other miracles that must be performed. And of course there is the cross that is beginning to loom on the horizon.
Yes, things have changed, but Jesus remains steadfast in what He was called to do. He doesn't dwell on the past, He lives in His present calling. And so He goes to the synagogue on the Sabbath and teaches. The lesson for you and I is it's okay to revisit our past, but we must live now in our present calling, always seeking to bring glory to God.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Feeding Tubes
# 391 - Today we read from Mr 5:43. “But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.”
Jesus often warned witnesses to His miraculous deeds to keep quiet about it. Why? Most biblical commentators suggest that the reason He sought to keep a lid on these things was to keep things down to a dull roar. By that I mean that He didn't want to stir up excessive commotion and bring things to a head before their proper time. There would be other miracles that would stir the masses into action, but the timing of the stirring and His crucifixion belonged in His hands, not theirs.
Still another curious statement in this passage concerns His command to give the child something to eat. Whenever we would ask my late father-in-law how he was doing, he would always say, “Still able to sit up and take nourishment.” A simple yet profound statement.
Being able to process food in Scripture is proof that one is among the living. It's why Jesus asked for something to eat on the night of His resurrection, and why He broke bread with the disciples in the 40 days before his ascension. (Acts 10:41)
This damsel was indeed risen from the dead, and in eating food she would prove that she was once more among the living. Being able to process food is a barometer of life, and in this day and age of feeding tubes, the issue of when to feed and when not feed has become clouded.
I would strongly urge you to take a look at the Lutherans For Life website and see what they have to say about this and other end of life issues. In an article by y Linda Bartlett, and Karen Rehder, M.D. Dated: June 28, 2010, they write, “When the human body is compromised by disease, it naturally begins to shut down. Removing nutrition and hydration at this point is not harmful. Indeed, since the body is no longer able to process these effectively, they may do more harm than good.”
The key is to have sound medical advice from doctors who understand the natural shutting down process, and the time to sort these things out is now, before you are pressured into making the choice. When a body is no longer able to process nutrition and hydration effectively, then it is permissible, even advisable to withhold nutrition. Let this be your guide and remember that the ability to process food was used by Jesus to prove the presence of mortal life.
Please remember too that some of the decisions we have made concerning care of others at the end of their life may have been less than perfect. Don't let the devil beat you up over the matter. Put it in God's hands. He understands, He forgives. Receive His forgiveness and learn from the experience. Keep seeking the wise counsel of groups like Lutherans For Life to help you sort it out.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Jesus often warned witnesses to His miraculous deeds to keep quiet about it. Why? Most biblical commentators suggest that the reason He sought to keep a lid on these things was to keep things down to a dull roar. By that I mean that He didn't want to stir up excessive commotion and bring things to a head before their proper time. There would be other miracles that would stir the masses into action, but the timing of the stirring and His crucifixion belonged in His hands, not theirs.
Still another curious statement in this passage concerns His command to give the child something to eat. Whenever we would ask my late father-in-law how he was doing, he would always say, “Still able to sit up and take nourishment.” A simple yet profound statement.
Being able to process food in Scripture is proof that one is among the living. It's why Jesus asked for something to eat on the night of His resurrection, and why He broke bread with the disciples in the 40 days before his ascension. (Acts 10:41)
This damsel was indeed risen from the dead, and in eating food she would prove that she was once more among the living. Being able to process food is a barometer of life, and in this day and age of feeding tubes, the issue of when to feed and when not feed has become clouded.
I would strongly urge you to take a look at the Lutherans For Life website and see what they have to say about this and other end of life issues. In an article by y Linda Bartlett, and Karen Rehder, M.D. Dated: June 28, 2010, they write, “When the human body is compromised by disease, it naturally begins to shut down. Removing nutrition and hydration at this point is not harmful. Indeed, since the body is no longer able to process these effectively, they may do more harm than good.”
The key is to have sound medical advice from doctors who understand the natural shutting down process, and the time to sort these things out is now, before you are pressured into making the choice. When a body is no longer able to process nutrition and hydration effectively, then it is permissible, even advisable to withhold nutrition. Let this be your guide and remember that the ability to process food was used by Jesus to prove the presence of mortal life.
Please remember too that some of the decisions we have made concerning care of others at the end of their life may have been less than perfect. Don't let the devil beat you up over the matter. Put it in God's hands. He understands, He forgives. Receive His forgiveness and learn from the experience. Keep seeking the wise counsel of groups like Lutherans For Life to help you sort it out.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Friday, April 15, 2011
His Power Over Death
# 390 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:40-42. “And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, "Talitha, cumi," which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.”
Jesus dismisses the professional mourners, friends and family, and tenderly invites the parents to witness the pending miracle. Then, He gently grasps the girl by the hand and commands her to arise. Look how death must respond to the will of Christ. “Immediately!”
Then, she not only got up, but began to walk around showing no ill effects of her illness. It's reminiscent of the time He healed Peter's mother-in-law of the fever and she immediately began serving them with no lingering effects!
The parents were overcome with amazement. The word in the Greek carries the idea that they were overcome with ecstasy. Who wouldn't be? Their daughter who was dead, now is alive!
Oh the ecstasy that awaits all followers of Christ, when the trumpet sounds on the Last Day and he calls our wasted bodies from the graves to join our souls in heaven! Not only raised to eternal life, but no lingering effects of what put us in the grave in the first place! And we will all be immediately engaged in the perfectly blissful activities of heaven.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Jesus dismisses the professional mourners, friends and family, and tenderly invites the parents to witness the pending miracle. Then, He gently grasps the girl by the hand and commands her to arise. Look how death must respond to the will of Christ. “Immediately!”
Then, she not only got up, but began to walk around showing no ill effects of her illness. It's reminiscent of the time He healed Peter's mother-in-law of the fever and she immediately began serving them with no lingering effects!
The parents were overcome with amazement. The word in the Greek carries the idea that they were overcome with ecstasy. Who wouldn't be? Their daughter who was dead, now is alive!
Oh the ecstasy that awaits all followers of Christ, when the trumpet sounds on the Last Day and he calls our wasted bodies from the graves to join our souls in heaven! Not only raised to eternal life, but no lingering effects of what put us in the grave in the first place! And we will all be immediately engaged in the perfectly blissful activities of heaven.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Last Laugh
# 389 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:38-40a. Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. When He came in, He said to them, "Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him.”
When someone died in this culture, the people went all out for the funeral. In Matthew's account of this event, he mentions that there were hired flute players at the event! Could you imagine this happening in our culture today? I can see the funeral director going over the itemized planning of the event.: Coffin.... obituary........ band........ professional mourners........
Imagine hiring out as a “professional mourner!” Ring! Ring! “Hello, For Crying Out Loud Mourning Service. We wail till we're pale!”
This professional mourning was fairly big business. The higher one's station in life, the more mournful ambiance could be created. These professionals had definitely seen there fair share of funerals. They knew the difference between someone sleeping and dying. This girl was dead, and being professionals with no blood ties to the family, they were free to laugh at Jesus, and they did.
But, stay tuned! As we shall see, in the matter of death, it is Jesus who has the last laugh. “O death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:55)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
When someone died in this culture, the people went all out for the funeral. In Matthew's account of this event, he mentions that there were hired flute players at the event! Could you imagine this happening in our culture today? I can see the funeral director going over the itemized planning of the event.: Coffin.... obituary........ band........ professional mourners........
Imagine hiring out as a “professional mourner!” Ring! Ring! “Hello, For Crying Out Loud Mourning Service. We wail till we're pale!”
This professional mourning was fairly big business. The higher one's station in life, the more mournful ambiance could be created. These professionals had definitely seen there fair share of funerals. They knew the difference between someone sleeping and dying. This girl was dead, and being professionals with no blood ties to the family, they were free to laugh at Jesus, and they did.
But, stay tuned! As we shall see, in the matter of death, it is Jesus who has the last laugh. “O death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:55)
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Importance of the Three Witnesses
# 388 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.
So here we go again with the three amigos. The inner circle of disciples that were called upon by Jesus to be witnesses to what He is about to do. De 19:15b says, "by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.” This is a biblical principle that cannot be repeated enough.
It comes into play in the church today especially in the matter of church discipline. In fact the verse is quoted by Jesus in Mt 18:16 as He addresses the matter of how to handle an erring brother. One witness is not enough to establish something as fact, you need at least two or three. You don't need the entire congregation, just two or three.
And so Jesus dismisses everyone else except, Peter, James, and John. These three men were also privileged to witness Jesus in His full glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, and in His full humanity as He struggled in the garden of Gethsemane.
Their witness was faithfully recorded in Scripture and it is all that should be needed for you and I to establish these matters as factual. What did these three events establish as factual? They are found in the Apostles Creed and include the (1) full humanity of Jesus, (The struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane) (2) the full deity of Jesus, (The Mount of transfiguration) and (3) the full power of Jesus over death. (The raising of Jairus' daughter)
Believe this and you will do well.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
So here we go again with the three amigos. The inner circle of disciples that were called upon by Jesus to be witnesses to what He is about to do. De 19:15b says, "by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.” This is a biblical principle that cannot be repeated enough.
It comes into play in the church today especially in the matter of church discipline. In fact the verse is quoted by Jesus in Mt 18:16 as He addresses the matter of how to handle an erring brother. One witness is not enough to establish something as fact, you need at least two or three. You don't need the entire congregation, just two or three.
And so Jesus dismisses everyone else except, Peter, James, and John. These three men were also privileged to witness Jesus in His full glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, and in His full humanity as He struggled in the garden of Gethsemane.
Their witness was faithfully recorded in Scripture and it is all that should be needed for you and I to establish these matters as factual. What did these three events establish as factual? They are found in the Apostles Creed and include the (1) full humanity of Jesus, (The struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane) (2) the full deity of Jesus, (The Mount of transfiguration) and (3) the full power of Jesus over death. (The raising of Jairus' daughter)
Believe this and you will do well.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Don't Bolt
# 387 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:36, “As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe."
“Do not be afraid.” Someone has said that there are 365 phrases in the Bible connected with the admonition from the Lord to cease from fear. That's one for every day of the year. I tried counting them using my concordance, but I couldn't find that many. Nonetheless it is a constant theme found in Scripture.
Fear is a big time enemy of the human heart and one of the devil's most potent tools. When a lion hunts it's prey, one of the things it seeks to do is strike fear in it's victims. If a wildebeest can become so fearful that it bolts from the safety of the herd, it's supper time for the lion. This is what the devil tries to do with you and I as well. Create fear! If we get fearful enough we might panic and leave the safety of the herd.
Beloved. I don't know your own fearful situation. All I can say is Jesus says, “don't give in to your fears.” Rather choose to live in faith. Choose to remain in the safety of the herd, (stay connected with the people in your church) Choose to trust that God will not forsake you, He will pull you through this time of fearful trial.
Joh 10:29 says, "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.”
It's important to note that God doesn't hold us in a clenched fist. He holds us in His open hand. And while the devil and his demons can buzz all around us, trying to get us to bolt, as long as we remain in God's hand, we are safe.
Don't bolt. Remain in the hand of the Father. Remain in the faith. It is the only safe place to be.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
“Do not be afraid.” Someone has said that there are 365 phrases in the Bible connected with the admonition from the Lord to cease from fear. That's one for every day of the year. I tried counting them using my concordance, but I couldn't find that many. Nonetheless it is a constant theme found in Scripture.
Fear is a big time enemy of the human heart and one of the devil's most potent tools. When a lion hunts it's prey, one of the things it seeks to do is strike fear in it's victims. If a wildebeest can become so fearful that it bolts from the safety of the herd, it's supper time for the lion. This is what the devil tries to do with you and I as well. Create fear! If we get fearful enough we might panic and leave the safety of the herd.
Beloved. I don't know your own fearful situation. All I can say is Jesus says, “don't give in to your fears.” Rather choose to live in faith. Choose to remain in the safety of the herd, (stay connected with the people in your church) Choose to trust that God will not forsake you, He will pull you through this time of fearful trial.
Joh 10:29 says, "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.”
It's important to note that God doesn't hold us in a clenched fist. He holds us in His open hand. And while the devil and his demons can buzz all around us, trying to get us to bolt, as long as we remain in God's hand, we are safe.
Don't bolt. Remain in the hand of the Father. Remain in the faith. It is the only safe place to be.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Why Beat A Dead Horse
# 386 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:35,36, “While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe."
“Why trouble the Teacher any further?” Trouble. An interesting word. In the Greek it means to flay. To flay is to whip in such a way as to remove skin. The question stated today might sound something like, “Why beat a dead horse? It's not going anywhere. Your daughter is dead. It's over. It's hopeless.”
“Why flay the teacher any further?” Why not? Have you never heard of Isa 53:5 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.”
The flaying of Jesus before He went to the cross is a picture of incessant persevering prayer. Jesus withstood the physical flaying on the night of His passion, so that we might learn to trouble Him in our times of hopelessness.
How many stripes were enough for Jesus? How many prayers are enough for you and I. Keep praying brother. Keep praying sister. Healing is on the way. It may be the temporary healing of restored health, or the ultimate healing of being with Jesus in Paradise.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
“Why trouble the Teacher any further?” Trouble. An interesting word. In the Greek it means to flay. To flay is to whip in such a way as to remove skin. The question stated today might sound something like, “Why beat a dead horse? It's not going anywhere. Your daughter is dead. It's over. It's hopeless.”
“Why flay the teacher any further?” Why not? Have you never heard of Isa 53:5 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.”
The flaying of Jesus before He went to the cross is a picture of incessant persevering prayer. Jesus withstood the physical flaying on the night of His passion, so that we might learn to trouble Him in our times of hopelessness.
How many stripes were enough for Jesus? How many prayers are enough for you and I. Keep praying brother. Keep praying sister. Healing is on the way. It may be the temporary healing of restored health, or the ultimate healing of being with Jesus in Paradise.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
C'mon God I've Got An Urgent Situation Here
# 385 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:35 “While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?"
Remember, this whole incident began with the ruler of the synagogue coming to Jesus with great urgency. His twelve year old daughter was gravely ill and near death. Put yourself in his shoes. What would you be thinking? What would you be feeling at this time? I know what I would be thinking.
“For crying out loud, my daughter is dying! Can't we get back to this woman's problem later? She's had it for twelve years, what is one more hour going to matter?”
Then he has to wait for the woman to give her entire testimony! We've been stuck in similar situations in traffic jams, and in grocery lines, and maybe even in emergency rooms. “C'mon! C'mon! I have an urgent situation here!” We get impatient, angry, even fearful the longer we have to wait. when we are in a hurry.
We forget that time does not matter to the Lord. Everything serves an eternal purpose for Him. He is doing something large or something small in the framework of your delay. He wastes nothing. Remember that the next time you are frustrated with impatience, and instead of stewing and grumbling about it. Offer up a prayer of thanksgiving believing that God is at work in the situation.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Remember, this whole incident began with the ruler of the synagogue coming to Jesus with great urgency. His twelve year old daughter was gravely ill and near death. Put yourself in his shoes. What would you be thinking? What would you be feeling at this time? I know what I would be thinking.
“For crying out loud, my daughter is dying! Can't we get back to this woman's problem later? She's had it for twelve years, what is one more hour going to matter?”
Then he has to wait for the woman to give her entire testimony! We've been stuck in similar situations in traffic jams, and in grocery lines, and maybe even in emergency rooms. “C'mon! C'mon! I have an urgent situation here!” We get impatient, angry, even fearful the longer we have to wait. when we are in a hurry.
We forget that time does not matter to the Lord. Everything serves an eternal purpose for Him. He is doing something large or something small in the framework of your delay. He wastes nothing. Remember that the next time you are frustrated with impatience, and instead of stewing and grumbling about it. Offer up a prayer of thanksgiving believing that God is at work in the situation.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Panic Attacks
# 384 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:33,34. “But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."
It's not that this woman was afraid of Jesus and what He might do to her. Somehow she knew that she was going to have to tell her story in front of all these people. How many of us have physically trembled as we have perhaps been called upon to share our own story of deliverance by Jesus.
There are four words I want to key in on here. “Fear and trembling, truth, and peace.”
It is my conviction that fear and trembling are very prevalent among Christians today. I have personally experienced fear and trembling in the form of panic attacks recently. But lo and behold, as I have shared my experiences with others I have found many many more Christians who are experiencing or have experienced the same thing!
Stop holding these experiences in. Find someone and “tell them the truth.” Tell them about your fears. It's what Jesus led the woman to do. He is leading you to do the same. You are not alone! As the woman came forth and told the truth Jesus told her to depart in what the victim of a panic attack is looking for. He told her to go in peace.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
It's not that this woman was afraid of Jesus and what He might do to her. Somehow she knew that she was going to have to tell her story in front of all these people. How many of us have physically trembled as we have perhaps been called upon to share our own story of deliverance by Jesus.
There are four words I want to key in on here. “Fear and trembling, truth, and peace.”
It is my conviction that fear and trembling are very prevalent among Christians today. I have personally experienced fear and trembling in the form of panic attacks recently. But lo and behold, as I have shared my experiences with others I have found many many more Christians who are experiencing or have experienced the same thing!
Stop holding these experiences in. Find someone and “tell them the truth.” Tell them about your fears. It's what Jesus led the woman to do. He is leading you to do the same. You are not alone! As the woman came forth and told the truth Jesus told her to depart in what the victim of a panic attack is looking for. He told her to go in peace.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Bringing Pleasure To the Lord
# 383 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:32, “And He looked around to see her who had done this thing.
In His omniscience, (Big word! It means “all-knowing”) Jesus knew who had touched Him. His act of making eye contact with the woman was for her benefit. In looking at her, He singled her out. It wasn't a “How dare you touch My garment in your unclean state and help yourself to my healing grace and power without My permission,” kind of look.
No! Rather it was a, “Who is this person who has given the Lord God Almighty such great pleasure,” look. That's right, God derives pleasure from every act of faith of His children. Heb 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”
This woman diligently sought the Lord in faith, thereby bringing pleasure to the Lord, and she was singled out and rewarded. There are many things that bring pleasure to the Lord. Faith is high on the list, and every time you or I trust and believe the words of God to the point of acting on them, we exercise faith and we please Him, and we invite His power into our situation.
In 2Ch 16:9, we read, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
In His omniscience, (Big word! It means “all-knowing”) Jesus knew who had touched Him. His act of making eye contact with the woman was for her benefit. In looking at her, He singled her out. It wasn't a “How dare you touch My garment in your unclean state and help yourself to my healing grace and power without My permission,” kind of look.
No! Rather it was a, “Who is this person who has given the Lord God Almighty such great pleasure,” look. That's right, God derives pleasure from every act of faith of His children. Heb 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”
This woman diligently sought the Lord in faith, thereby bringing pleasure to the Lord, and she was singled out and rewarded. There are many things that bring pleasure to the Lord. Faith is high on the list, and every time you or I trust and believe the words of God to the point of acting on them, we exercise faith and we please Him, and we invite His power into our situation.
In 2Ch 16:9, we read, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Behind Every Set Of Eyes Is A Soul That Matters To God
# 382 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:30-31 "And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?" 31 But His disciples said to Him, "You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?'"
This is another one of those loaded questions that God so often asks. (Gen 2:9) “Where are you Adam?” They aren't for His benefit, but ours. God knew fully well where Adam was, but Adam needed to know where he was and so Jesus asks here, “Who touched My clothes?” Jesus knew fully well who touched His clothes, but the woman, the disciples, and the crowd, and yes, we too need to know of this woman and her faith!
Why? Well, first of all listen to the disciples response to Jesus' question. “Look at the mob around you Jesus! Who knows how many people touched your robe?”
Lesson number one. Jesus cares for and loves each one of us individually. Though we may seem like we are being lost in the mob, when we come to Jesus in faith He is very much aware of who we are and He is very much aware of our faith.
Sometimes we get caught up with a mob like mentality and we forget the individual.
Followers of Christ need to be aware of this. As someone has wisely said, “Behind every set of eyes is a soul that matters to God! Think of that as you minister to others and think of that as you face your daily struggles and fears. YOU matter to God!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
This is another one of those loaded questions that God so often asks. (Gen 2:9) “Where are you Adam?” They aren't for His benefit, but ours. God knew fully well where Adam was, but Adam needed to know where he was and so Jesus asks here, “Who touched My clothes?” Jesus knew fully well who touched His clothes, but the woman, the disciples, and the crowd, and yes, we too need to know of this woman and her faith!
Why? Well, first of all listen to the disciples response to Jesus' question. “Look at the mob around you Jesus! Who knows how many people touched your robe?”
Lesson number one. Jesus cares for and loves each one of us individually. Though we may seem like we are being lost in the mob, when we come to Jesus in faith He is very much aware of who we are and He is very much aware of our faith.
Sometimes we get caught up with a mob like mentality and we forget the individual.
Followers of Christ need to be aware of this. As someone has wisely said, “Behind every set of eyes is a soul that matters to God! Think of that as you minister to others and think of that as you face your daily struggles and fears. YOU matter to God!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Means of Grace
# 381 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:29,30 “Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?"
Have you ever had a bloody nose? Recently, I've had several nasty ones that required trips to the emergency room. I'll tell you what, when they were finally able to stop the blood flow, it....I knew it.
Well this woman had an unstoppable flow of blood for twelve years! And when it finally stopped she knew it too. And she knew who was responsible for stopping it! Jesus knew it too, for He knew that power had gone out from Him to effect the healing.
Now don't make the mistake of thinking that Jesus is some kind of battery that dispenses a healing charge when His terminals are touched. Batteries must be recharged. Jesus NEVER diminishes in power.
All that's being said here is that He KNEW that power had gone out from Him. In other words, He was fully aware of this woman's act of faith and He willfully responded to it. Her faith, and the willingness of Jesus made her whole.
His garment was just a means of delivering His healing power. This is a great illustration of what we Lutherans call “the means of grace.” As this garment was a means of delivering healing from heaven, so it is with baptism, and the Lord's Supper in delivering forgiveness of sins from heaven. Their efficacy comes from still another means of grace....the Word of God.
It's the promises of the unfailing Word of God that give them their punch. In the case of baptism we read:
Ac 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.
And in the case of the Lord's Supper we read:
Mt 26:28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Having said this, it is important to note that we should never worship the MEANS of grace. (The Word and the Sacraments) that would be idolatry. But we should AVAIL ourselves of them. The bottom line is to keep your faith in Jesus alone and see what He is willing to do for you through His means of grace.
And every time someone is brought to the waters of baptism or comes to the Lord's Table, the faith of those involved triggers the release of this power. Jesus knows it. And He feels His power of forgiveness released to still another soul.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Have you ever had a bloody nose? Recently, I've had several nasty ones that required trips to the emergency room. I'll tell you what, when they were finally able to stop the blood flow, it....I knew it.
Well this woman had an unstoppable flow of blood for twelve years! And when it finally stopped she knew it too. And she knew who was responsible for stopping it! Jesus knew it too, for He knew that power had gone out from Him to effect the healing.
Now don't make the mistake of thinking that Jesus is some kind of battery that dispenses a healing charge when His terminals are touched. Batteries must be recharged. Jesus NEVER diminishes in power.
All that's being said here is that He KNEW that power had gone out from Him. In other words, He was fully aware of this woman's act of faith and He willfully responded to it. Her faith, and the willingness of Jesus made her whole.
His garment was just a means of delivering His healing power. This is a great illustration of what we Lutherans call “the means of grace.” As this garment was a means of delivering healing from heaven, so it is with baptism, and the Lord's Supper in delivering forgiveness of sins from heaven. Their efficacy comes from still another means of grace....the Word of God.
It's the promises of the unfailing Word of God that give them their punch. In the case of baptism we read:
Ac 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.
And in the case of the Lord's Supper we read:
Mt 26:28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Having said this, it is important to note that we should never worship the MEANS of grace. (The Word and the Sacraments) that would be idolatry. But we should AVAIL ourselves of them. The bottom line is to keep your faith in Jesus alone and see what He is willing to do for you through His means of grace.
And every time someone is brought to the waters of baptism or comes to the Lord's Table, the faith of those involved triggers the release of this power. Jesus knows it. And He feels His power of forgiveness released to still another soul.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Beware of Charlatans
# 380 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:27,28 “When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well."
This woman was so convinced of Jesus' connection with God that she sincerely believed just touching His robe would bring healing to her body. She is not alone in the Bible in this regard. Remember the Apostle Paul and how God used him for healing others?
People believed that he was so connected to God that they brought handkerchiefs and aprons to him, so that he would just touch them. When they brought them back to their loved ones who were afflicted, they were not only healed but delivered of evil spirits!
Ac 19:11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,
12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.
People believed that Peter was so connected to God that just coming into contact with his shadow brought healing.
Ac 5:15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
God used these miracles to prove to people that His apostles were indeed connected to Jesus. This was vital at this point in the history of the church, but is it all that necessary today?
Can God still heal in this manner? Of course. Will He? Well, that's His prerogative. But beware of anyone who would use such healings for their financial gain.
Jesus, Peter, and Paul, never sent a piece of cloth in the mail claiming it would heal. They never attached a financial appeal to their robes or handkerchiefs. Peter didn't sell seats for his shadow. (Noontime seats would've been rather pricey due to the short length of the shadow)
No! Peter and Paul were simply connected and yielded to Jesus by faith. The clothing and the shadow were just a means of delivering the grace of God to others. It was not faith in the shadow or the kerchief, not faith in these men, but faith in God that wrought these miracles.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
This woman was so convinced of Jesus' connection with God that she sincerely believed just touching His robe would bring healing to her body. She is not alone in the Bible in this regard. Remember the Apostle Paul and how God used him for healing others?
People believed that he was so connected to God that they brought handkerchiefs and aprons to him, so that he would just touch them. When they brought them back to their loved ones who were afflicted, they were not only healed but delivered of evil spirits!
Ac 19:11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul,
12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.
People believed that Peter was so connected to God that just coming into contact with his shadow brought healing.
Ac 5:15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them.
God used these miracles to prove to people that His apostles were indeed connected to Jesus. This was vital at this point in the history of the church, but is it all that necessary today?
Can God still heal in this manner? Of course. Will He? Well, that's His prerogative. But beware of anyone who would use such healings for their financial gain.
Jesus, Peter, and Paul, never sent a piece of cloth in the mail claiming it would heal. They never attached a financial appeal to their robes or handkerchiefs. Peter didn't sell seats for his shadow. (Noontime seats would've been rather pricey due to the short length of the shadow)
No! Peter and Paul were simply connected and yielded to Jesus by faith. The clothing and the shadow were just a means of delivering the grace of God to others. It was not faith in the shadow or the kerchief, not faith in these men, but faith in God that wrought these miracles.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Monday, April 4, 2011
You Won't Be Able To Contain Your Joy
# 379 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:27,28 “When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well."
Why the secrecy? Why did this woman sneak up behind Jesus for a back door healing? Remember, her physical problem was a continual flow of blood and this “spotting” made her unclean according to Levitical Law. (Lev 15:25-27)
Le 15:25 'If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, other than at the time of her customary impurity, or if it runs beyond her usual time of impurity, all the days of her unclean discharge shall be as the days of her customary impurity. She shall be unclean. 26 'Every bed on which she lies all the days of her discharge shall be to her as the bed of her impurity; and whatever she sits on shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her impurity. 27 'Whoever touches those things shall be unclean; he shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening.
Just coming into contact with any bed that this woman slept on or any chair she sat in, or even touching any part of her body made that person unclean. That's quite a stigma to be carrying around isn't it?
I wonder how many “Don't touch the bed and don't touch the chair” signs she had in her house. I wonder how many times she refused to take a seat on the bus. I wonder how many people were made unclean in this throng of people around Jesus as she bumped into them on her way to His garment? These people really didn't need to know about her problem. It was a private matter for her.
She really believed that if she could just quietly touch the garment of Jesus she would be healed and no one would have to know. But you know what? That's just not the way it works folks. When Jesus heals, you gotta tell somebody! When a person comes to the realization that they are no longer unclean, that their sins have been forgiven....they simply have to tell somebody.
What? You mean if I give my life to Jesus I'm going to have to tell others? Yes, but don't let that scare you away! Believe me when Jesus removes your uncleanness, when He takes away your sins, your joy will be uncontainable!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Why the secrecy? Why did this woman sneak up behind Jesus for a back door healing? Remember, her physical problem was a continual flow of blood and this “spotting” made her unclean according to Levitical Law. (Lev 15:25-27)
Le 15:25 'If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, other than at the time of her customary impurity, or if it runs beyond her usual time of impurity, all the days of her unclean discharge shall be as the days of her customary impurity. She shall be unclean. 26 'Every bed on which she lies all the days of her discharge shall be to her as the bed of her impurity; and whatever she sits on shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her impurity. 27 'Whoever touches those things shall be unclean; he shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening.
Just coming into contact with any bed that this woman slept on or any chair she sat in, or even touching any part of her body made that person unclean. That's quite a stigma to be carrying around isn't it?
I wonder how many “Don't touch the bed and don't touch the chair” signs she had in her house. I wonder how many times she refused to take a seat on the bus. I wonder how many people were made unclean in this throng of people around Jesus as she bumped into them on her way to His garment? These people really didn't need to know about her problem. It was a private matter for her.
She really believed that if she could just quietly touch the garment of Jesus she would be healed and no one would have to know. But you know what? That's just not the way it works folks. When Jesus heals, you gotta tell somebody! When a person comes to the realization that they are no longer unclean, that their sins have been forgiven....they simply have to tell somebody.
What? You mean if I give my life to Jesus I'm going to have to tell others? Yes, but don't let that scare you away! Believe me when Jesus removes your uncleanness, when He takes away your sins, your joy will be uncontainable!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Like An Ambulance Stuck at A Train Crossing
# 378 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:25,26 “Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.”
Remember, Jesus is on His way to heal a twelve year old girl who is gravely ill. Hang in there Jairus, the ambulance is on the way! But what's this? This is an ambulance that becomes stuck at a train crossing, it's a flat tire. It's a delay when time is of the essence! Who does this certain woman think she is, that she should lay down in front of an ambulance on it's way to a medical emergency? Is she selfish or desperate?
Put yourself in her shoes for a moment. First of all this flow of blood made her unclean according to Levitical Law
Le 15:25 'If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, other than at the time of her customary impurity, or if it runs beyond her usual time of impurity, all the days of her unclean discharge shall be as the days of her customary impurity. She shall be unclean.
This alone was inconvenient and embarrassing. Then we are told that she had endured many painful treatments at the hands of the doctors, and she was worse off than when she began.
Selfish? I don't think so. Desperate? Oh yes. She did not want to miss this opportunity for healing. Don't miss yours. If you are you without Christ, then your spiritual condition is far worse than her physical condition, because without Christ, you are still in your sins, wasting away in your own blood and spiritually unclean, unable to enter heaven.
Understand the desperation of your hour. Admit your uncleanness, then receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, your Healer. Allow Him to wash away your sins. Draw near to the only one who can make you whole. The ambulance may not pass your way again!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Remember, Jesus is on His way to heal a twelve year old girl who is gravely ill. Hang in there Jairus, the ambulance is on the way! But what's this? This is an ambulance that becomes stuck at a train crossing, it's a flat tire. It's a delay when time is of the essence! Who does this certain woman think she is, that she should lay down in front of an ambulance on it's way to a medical emergency? Is she selfish or desperate?
Put yourself in her shoes for a moment. First of all this flow of blood made her unclean according to Levitical Law
Le 15:25 'If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, other than at the time of her customary impurity, or if it runs beyond her usual time of impurity, all the days of her unclean discharge shall be as the days of her customary impurity. She shall be unclean.
This alone was inconvenient and embarrassing. Then we are told that she had endured many painful treatments at the hands of the doctors, and she was worse off than when she began.
Selfish? I don't think so. Desperate? Oh yes. She did not want to miss this opportunity for healing. Don't miss yours. If you are you without Christ, then your spiritual condition is far worse than her physical condition, because without Christ, you are still in your sins, wasting away in your own blood and spiritually unclean, unable to enter heaven.
Understand the desperation of your hour. Admit your uncleanness, then receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, your Healer. Allow Him to wash away your sins. Draw near to the only one who can make you whole. The ambulance may not pass your way again!
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Saturday, April 2, 2011
The Desperation of Jairus
# 377- Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:21-24 “Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live." So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.”
As Mark relates the account of the encounter with Jairus and the subsequent raising of his daughter from the dead, one thing stands out and that is the urgency of the moment.
Put yourself in Jairus' place and feel his utter helplessness as his young daughter lies at the point of death. Jairus is desperate, as any parent would be in this situation. He was so desperate that even though he was an elder in the synagogue, a leader in a church that was mostly opposed to Jesus and anything about Him, he still came humbly to Jesus begging Him to intervene and bring His healing powers to bear on his daughter.
He was putting a lot on the line here, but it doesn't matter. This is urgent, this is desperate. And Jesus went with him. Jesus will go with you. He will come with you in your hour of desperation and urgency. Ask Him.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
As Mark relates the account of the encounter with Jairus and the subsequent raising of his daughter from the dead, one thing stands out and that is the urgency of the moment.
Put yourself in Jairus' place and feel his utter helplessness as his young daughter lies at the point of death. Jairus is desperate, as any parent would be in this situation. He was so desperate that even though he was an elder in the synagogue, a leader in a church that was mostly opposed to Jesus and anything about Him, he still came humbly to Jesus begging Him to intervene and bring His healing powers to bear on his daughter.
He was putting a lot on the line here, but it doesn't matter. This is urgent, this is desperate. And Jesus went with him. Jesus will go with you. He will come with you in your hour of desperation and urgency. Ask Him.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word.
Friday, April 1, 2011
I Am With You Always
# 376- Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:18 -20 “And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.”
Can you blame the man who had been delivered from such a tormented life? Wouldn't you want to remain with the person who gave you such peace? There may have been even a little fear involved here. How would this man resist the demons if they should come back to him?
Though Jesus didn't say it, the man must've understood that Jesus would be with him and he need not fear. When Jesus gave His disciples the great commission to “go” with the Good News, His last words were, “ Behold, I am with you always,” (Mt 28:20) I think this man understood this spiritual principle.
The Lord will be with you as you engage in the Father's business. Don't get so caught up and concerned about the things of this world. Don't even worry about the results of your evangelizing. Simply tell others your story of God's merciful deliverance in your life and let the Lord take care of the outcome.
And remember, as long as you remain in the hand of God, you are safe. Joh 10:29 "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Can you blame the man who had been delivered from such a tormented life? Wouldn't you want to remain with the person who gave you such peace? There may have been even a little fear involved here. How would this man resist the demons if they should come back to him?
Though Jesus didn't say it, the man must've understood that Jesus would be with him and he need not fear. When Jesus gave His disciples the great commission to “go” with the Good News, His last words were, “ Behold, I am with you always,” (Mt 28:20) I think this man understood this spiritual principle.
The Lord will be with you as you engage in the Father's business. Don't get so caught up and concerned about the things of this world. Don't even worry about the results of your evangelizing. Simply tell others your story of God's merciful deliverance in your life and let the Lord take care of the outcome.
And remember, as long as you remain in the hand of God, you are safe. Joh 10:29 "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
I Am With You Always
# 376- Today's Living Word comes from Mr 5:18 -20 “And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.”
Can you blame the man who had been delivered from such a tormented life? Wouldn't you want to remain with the person who gave you such peace? There may have been even a little fear involved here. How would this man resist the demons if they should come back to him?
Though Jesus didn't say it, the man must've understood that Jesus would be with him and he need not fear. When Jesus gave His disciples the great commission to “go” with the Good News, His last words were, “ Behold, I am with you always,” (Mt 28:20) I think this man understood this spiritual principle.
The Lord will be with you as you engage in the Father's business. Don't get so caught up and concerned about the things of this world. Don't even worry about the results of your evangelizing. Simply tell others your story of God's merciful deliverance in your life and let the Lord take care of the outcome.
And remember, as long as you remain in the hand of God, you are safe. Joh 10:29 "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
Can you blame the man who had been delivered from such a tormented life? Wouldn't you want to remain with the person who gave you such peace? There may have been even a little fear involved here. How would this man resist the demons if they should come back to him?
Though Jesus didn't say it, the man must've understood that Jesus would be with him and he need not fear. When Jesus gave His disciples the great commission to “go” with the Good News, His last words were, “ Behold, I am with you always,” (Mt 28:20) I think this man understood this spiritual principle.
The Lord will be with you as you engage in the Father's business. Don't get so caught up and concerned about the things of this world. Don't even worry about the results of your evangelizing. Simply tell others your story of God's merciful deliverance in your life and let the Lord take care of the outcome.
And remember, as long as you remain in the hand of God, you are safe. Joh 10:29 "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
I'm Duane Matz and that's Today's Living Word
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