Ephesians 3:8 (TLB) "I was the one chosen for this special joy of telling the Gentiles the Glad News of the endless treasures available to them in Christ."
There is such an emphasis in our day and age upon getting money. People are told how to prosper, how to get out of debt, and how to become rich. This is not what people need. They need more of God!
You see, the Lord Jesus Christ is the one you really need. Real riches are not coming from this earth. Jesus is the treasure. His love, His Presence, His friendship is greater than all. Why waste your life on things that don't really matter? Go after Jesus. There is no one like Him. He is so gentle, so kind, so majestic, so powerful, so lovely, so beautiful. Jesus is looking for someone who will truly love Him. Someone who will love Him more than anything or anyone else. Jesus responds to love by pouring out His love. You can have these riches of His Presence if you are willing to give up your fleeting treasures.
Who Will Go?
Isaiah 6:8 (TLB) Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom shall I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go?" And I said, "Lord, I'll go! Send me." And he said, "Yes, go. But tell my people this,..
The Lord needs people who will go and speak His words. Of course, we understand that missionaries must cover the globe and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is vitally important. It is a high and noble calling to be a speaker for Jesus.
However, in this passage God is needing someone to send to His people. Someone to go and tell religious people to repent, to turn from their sins, and to serve Him with all their hearts. These speakers would have to tell church people, who were pretending to serve God, that their hearts were far away from Him! It was not a pleasant message and many people did not want to hear it. Since it is such a hard job and one that causes the speaker to be rejected or persecuted, God is still asking, Who can I send, and who will go for me? This is the Lords heart to call His people back to Him. Who will be a missionary to Gods people today?
"Honor the King"
Daniel 4:37 (NLT) Now I,... praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven.
A spirit of dullness, lethargy, and oppression sits upon many of the churches of America. Darkness has invaded the pulpits and the pews. Through worldliness, pride, and abundance of idols a false Christianity has been manufactured. It pretends to be spiritual but dishonors God. Jesus, the King, has been given less than the best. For many, even though they "go to church" their lives are consumed with themselves. Their jobs, families, homes, and entertainment take first place. God is trying to change this. He wants to bring life to the deadness, passion to coldness, and sensitivity back to hard hearts. We are in desperate need of a revival that will put Jesus back in His rightful place! Jesus is the true and living God who came to earth, lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and lives again as King forever.
He deserves the best we could ever give. We should live to praise and honor the King!
"Experience His Love"
Ephesians 3:19- " May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God."
There is nothing like being in love with Jesus. It's not enough to know about His love you must experience it! It is higher, deeper, and wider than you ever imagined. Many people are turned off by religion. They are just experiencing forms and rituals.
Even those who say they are Christians will find the Christian life a drudgery if they are not "in love" with Him. This means to be fascinated with Jesus, enthralled with His personality, and adoring His Presence. It means excitement to be with Him, hunger for more of Him, and thinking about Him continually.
This is the way Christianity should be. Experiencing His love and Jesus experiencing our love, we should always be growing deeper and more in love with Christ.
"It's Time to Seek The Lord"
Hosea 10:12 (NLT)- "Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of My love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that He may come and shower righteousness upon you."
Let's face it, we live in a time where people don't want to be committed. They like to take it easy, relax, and consume on themselves. People enjoy 'comfortable Christianity' where they go to church if we feel like it, try not to stay too long, and then hurry back to our own busy lifestyles. Talk of giving energy, time, or money makes people nervous. Bible ideas like sacrifice, denying ourselves, and giving up all to follow Jesus are ignored, while on the other hand our blessings are emphasized. Why don't we emphasize what Jesus should get? It's time to wake up! It's time to really seek the Lord.
Let's shake off the lethargy and with determination set our focus to seek the Lord now.
Time is running out!
Manna from Heaven Matthew
Part 1
Matthew 1:21 "She shall bring forth a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is He who shall save his people from their sins."
Jesus is the mighty Savior. He came to save us from our sins. The word "from" means to separate, depart, stop, and reverse. Why don't you let Him separate you from your sins, take you away from a sinful lifestyle, stop the power of sin, and reverse it's effects in your life today!
Matthew 1:23 "They shall call his name Immanuel;" which is, being interpreted is "God with us."
Jesus Christ is God. He came to be with us. If we will accept Him and make Him Lord of our lives we will be with Him forever!
Matthew 2:2 "Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him." The Lord Jesus is the King of the universe. May all creation worship Him!
Matthew 3:2
"Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" The first requirement for getting into the Kingdom of Heaven is to repent. Repent means to change our minds and turn away from our sins. Many people will not be in Heaven because they are not willing to give up their sins!
Matthew 3:8 “Therefore bring forth fruit worthy of repentance.” Repentance is not just being sorry, it is changing and living differently. There must be results to prove we have repented!
Matthew 3:10 "Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn't bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.”
How important is it to truly repent and live for God? It is vital for without repentance there is only judgment and destruction. It’s either turn or burn!
Matthew 3:11
"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that is coming after me is mightier than I, ,... He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."
The Lord Jesus desires to baptize us into the Spirit of God. This is a wonderful experience but notice that the Holy Spirit is like a fire. He will try to burn the evil out of our lives!
Matthew 3:16 “Jesus, when He was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to Him,... the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him.”
The Holy Spirit filled Jesus Christ and gave Him power. It must be the same for us. Come Holy Spirit!
Matthew 3:17 "Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." Jesus Christ made His Father happy. He lived to please Him. May we live to please God also!
Matthew 4:4 "It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."
People are very concerned with their physical needs but the physical realm can never give us spiritual life. We must feed upon the Word of God. Read the Bible!
Matthew 4:10 “Then Jesus said to him, "Get behind me, satan! For it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve Him only.' "
The devil wants to take worship away from God and he succeeds when people worship money, or things, or people. Worship God alone!
Matthew 4:19 He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers for men." As we follow Jesus Christ He will make us "fishermen". We will influence people and turn them towards God. Let's win souls!
Matthew 4:23 “Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.” The ministry of Christ includes preaching and healing. They go together. Jesus is the healer!
Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Pride will keep the Kingdom of God away from you. Humble me, Lord!
Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” People hunger for the world and what it offers. It is a blessing to hunger for God and His righteousness. Be hungry for God!
Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
To see the things of God clearly we must clean up our hearts. Have a pure heart!
Matthew 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men." We must influence the world for Christ not the other way around. Be salty!
Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden." Don't hide your Christianity. Be confident. You are a light in a dark world!
Matthew 5:16 “Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” We shine by doing good. This brings glory to God. Let your light shine!
Matthew 5:28 “I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.” To the Lord entertaining thoughts of evil is like doing it. Watch those thoughts!
Matthew 6:1 "Be careful that you don't do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
We must have the right motives as we serve God. It cannot be to exalt ourselves. Don't show off!
Matthew 6:10 “Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Our prayers should first and foremost be about God and His Kingdom. Then secondly pray about your needs. His Kingdom come!
Matthew 6:19 "Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal.” People are so concerned with getting tresures down here on earth. Don't worry about that. Get treasure in Heaven!
Matthew 6:22 "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light.” We can't see clearly if we have the wrong motives. If our eyes are blurred by selfishness we will see things incorrectly. We need clear eyes with the single purpose of serving God. See clearly!
Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and Mammon. It is impossible to have two masters for there is a conflict of interests. Make Jesus your one and only Lord!
Matthew 6:33 But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.” Many people have this backwards. They seek things. We should go after God and His Kingdom first then everything else will be given to us. Make His Kingdom your priority!
Matthew 6:34 “Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient.” The Bible says we should not be anxious. So, don't worry about the future, live one day at a time!
Matthew 7:1"Don't judge, so that you won't be judged." Being critical is not good. The Lord says it will come back to you. Don't criticize others!
Matthew 7:5 "You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye." If we want to help others we must look at our faults first. When we are transformed and set free, then we can truly help others. Get that log out!
Matthew 7:12 "Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets." This is called the golden rule. It fits in with loving our neighbor as ourselves. How would you like to be treated? Then treat others the same way!
Matthew 7:14 "How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it." Following and obeying Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. Some think this is too narrow-minded but Jesus said few would find it. Follow the narrow way!
Part 2
Matthew 7:20 "Therefore, by their fruits you will know them." How do you tell a false prophet? Are they preaching whole-hearted devotion to Christ or a man-pleasing message? Does their lifestyle reflect a true servant-heart? Finally, is anyone changed by their message and drawn closer to Jesus? By their fruit you will know!
Matthew 7:24
"Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock."
Wise people obey Jesus. It's not enough just to hear the message we must do what He says. Build on the Rock!
Matthew 8:3
"Jesus stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, "I want to. Be made clean." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed."
Some may wonder if Jesus Christ wants to heal and do miracles. To the dying, diseased man He said, "I want to." It's easy for us to get discouraged and doubt but always remember- Jesus wants to heal!
Matthew 8:7
Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."
The Lord Jesus is the Healer. He responds to the needs of mankind with compassion and power. He will come and heal!
Matthew 8:13
"Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed." His servant was healed in that hour."
The Lord Jesus can do anything but do we believe it? As you believe it will be done!
Matthew 9:2
Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, "Son, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you."
Christ can forgive sins. So, come to Him today and confess your sins. Then be of good cheer for your sins are forgiven!
Matthew 9:22
But Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, "Daughter, cheer up! Your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that hour.
Have faith in Jesus Christ and His mighty power. Your faith will make you whole!
Matthew 9:29
Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you."
Faith is so important in healing. Believe that Jesus can and will heal you. According to your faith be it unto you!
Matthew 9:35
Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
Christ can solve any problem. He can heal no matter what the cause or extent of the illness. Jesus heals every disease!
(Matthew 9:38 ) "Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest." Many people want the blessing but they don's want to work for the Lord. Pray for laborers!
(Matthew 10:38 ) He who doesn't take his cross and follow after me, isn't worthy of me. We must love Jesus more than anything else and be willing to surrender and follow Him. Pick up your cross!
Matthew 12:15 Jesus, perceiving that, withdrew from there. Great multitudes followed him; and he healed them all. Christ is so loving. He doesn' forget anyone. He healed them all!
(Matthew 12:25 ) Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. Division destroys. Don't let the devil divide your home, marriage, or church. A house divided will not stand!
(Matthew 12:36) I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. God will judge us on our words. In fact, every idle word. So watch your mouth!
(Matthew 12:50 ) For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother." Surrendering to Christ will bring us into God's family. Do His will!
(Matthew 13:58 ) "He didn't do many mighty works there because of their unbelief."
Unbelif will hinder the power of God because the Lord Jesus won't be able to do the mighty miracles He wants to do!
(Matthew 15:8 ) 'These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me."
It's wrong to be religious with just your head. The Lord is not pleased with mere forms and rituals. Jesus deserves worship with all our hearts!
(Matthew 16:18 "I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it."
It's a great comfort to know that Christ is the Rock. He is at work to build His church. The devil can't stop it. Hell loses, Jesus wins!
(Matthew 17:21 ) "But this kind doesn't go out except by prayer and fasting."
Some demonic strongholds can only be destroyed through prayer and fasting. Praying while fasting is a powerful spiritual weapon able to acheive the impossible!
(Matthew 18:19 ) "Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven."
There is great power when Christians pray together. As we join their voices in one accord, we can ask anything and God promises to do it!
(Matthew 18:35 ) So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don't each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds."
We must always forgive others, everyone who has done us wrong. If we do not forgivre others, then the Lord will not forgive us!
(Matthew 19:6 ) So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don't let man tear apart."
In marriage, someihing wonderful happens. God makes two people merge into one. Therefore, since God has put them together, let no man put them apart!
(Matthew 20:26 ) It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.
To be a great person you must learn to serve others. Christ is the greatest of all and He became a servant and gave His life!
(Matthew 21:22 ) All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
We must mix faith with our prayers. The Lord has promised if we ask anything and if we truly believe we shall receive!
(Matthew 22:9 ) "Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the marriage feast."
We must go out into this world and invite others to come to Christ. We should invite them to church and tell them to get ready for the Lord is coming back!