Matthew

June 17th – Matthew 24:27

Matthew 24:27

I love a good thunderstorm. The rumbling thunder, cooling rain, wild winds, and especially the flashing lightening. Since I was a kid, I’ve been awed by lightening. The unpredictability of never knowing when or where it will hit, and the power of one flash to light up the entire sky. Lightening is caused by a discharge of electricity that has built up in a cloud. A discharge so strong that it breaks through the ionized air. And that’s exactly how the return of the Jesus will be. Like a flash of lightening, no one will no when or where He will strike. Bursting through the heavens, His power and glory will shine so brightly, the whole world will see Him!

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June 15th – 1 Peter 4:13

1 Peter 4:13

Jesus suffered greatly during His time on earth. He was ridiculed, scorned, beaten, tortured, and made to suffer a thief’s death. And as His followers, we too will face such suffering. For as Jesus tells us, “You will be hated by everyone because of My name…” (Matt. 10:28) And though no one likes hardship, Peter tells us not only to expect suffering, but to rejoice in it. For when we suffer because of our faith, we suffer for Christ as His body on earth. We rejoice knowing the privilege it is to share the suffering of our Savior who suffered so much for us. And as Paul reminds us, our momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. (2 Cor. 4:17) Jesus will soon be returning. And on that day, we can rejoice exceedingly when His glory is revealed to all!

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It Isn’t Fair – Matthew 19-20

 

Matthew 19-20

During His time on earth, Jesus taught about the kingdom of heaven using parables. In chapter 20 we learn the story of the workers in the vineyard. At first glance it seems a tale about an unjust landowner who pays his workers unfairly. But in actuality it’s a lesson on grace and how “the last shall be first, and the first last”. …

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June 14th – Matthew 24:34

Matthew 24:34

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples asked what would be the sign of His coming and the end of the age. The Lord responded with a series of warnings of the things to look for which would signal His soon return. And like birth pains which grow in frequency and intensity before the delivery, when we see prophecy fulfilled at increasing speed, we know Jesus is on His way. Many prophecy experts agree that we are indeed living in the season of the Lord’s soon return. And the current convergence of signs means that we are the generation of which Jesus speaks. The generation that will not pass away before all these things take place. The fig tree is blooming, and Jesus is standing at the gate. Are you ready for His return?

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June 8th – Matthew 24:12

Matthew 24:12

As the days grow closer to the Lord’s return, the mood of the world grows angrier. The light of goodness grows dim and the love for God grows bitterly cold. The evidence is all around us. Division and hatred have become the standard of the day. And many have fought to eradicate God and any reference to Him from all parts of life. Yet there are those who truly love Jesus and remain faithful to Him while lawlessness abounds. They guard their hearts against false prophets, false doctrine, and the attacks from the Enemy. And because they endure until the very end, with hearts on fire for the Lord and His return, they will be saved. They will spend eternity in the presence of Christ and by His side.

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June 1st – Matthew 24:36

Matthew 24:36

Many have unsuccessfully tried to predict the time when the Lord will return. But Jesus Himself tells us that no one knows that exact day and hour but God. For as Acts 1:7 tells us, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority.” So instead of throwing around false predictions, we should instead  be living on alert, ready for His return. We are to keep working for God’s kingdom while recognizing the signs and seasons of the approaching times. And we are to keep preparing ourselves as a bride lovingly prepares for her bridegroom. Until that glorious day when Jesus calls us home.

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May 21st – Philippians 2:3

Philippians 2:3

In the greatest example of humility, Jesus left His glorious throne in heaven to be ridiculed, persecuted, tortured, and crucified. He set aside His royalty to redeem all who call Him Lord. Such selflessness, grace, and sacrifice stands as a model for all Christians. Instead of focusing on ourselves, our needs and wants, we are to put others best interests before our own. Now that doesn’t mean thinking less of ourselves, but rather thinking of ourselves less. If we truly abide in Jesus, then we should follow His golden rule. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

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Binding The Devil – Matthew 16

Matthew 16

The recent Presidential election has definitely brought to a head the many divisions our country suffers.  The climate today is filled with anger, hate, and violence.  Especially towards Christians and the core beliefs of the Church.  And such a climate is one that the devil revels in.  Everywhere you look you see the work of Satan.  And as he knows the return of Jesus is near, he is ramping up his attacks.  …

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Living Free from Anxiety – Matthew 6

Matthew 6

Do you suffer with anxiety and worry? You’re not alone. But God doesn’t want us living in a state of stress, and instead wants us to be filled with His perfect peace. In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus told the crowds, “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’….Do not worry about tomorrow.” (Matt. 6:31,34) …

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February 13th – Matthew 22:37

Matthew 22:37

When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus’ answer was simple. Love. Love for God followed by love for others. Because love is the fulfillment of the law, and the very foundation of the gospel. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Out of overflowing hearts of thankfulness, how can we not love God with our entire mind, bodies, and souls! For to Him only goes the glory and it is He who alone is worthy of our worship and devotion!

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