LUKE 9:51 - JESUS SET HIS FACE TOWARD JERUSALEM

PSALM 119:18 - OPEN MY EYES

Open My Eyes

Lord, through your Spirit open my eyes.

   Help me to learn from God the All-wise.

  Let me gaze with wonder at your perfect plan

        Spelled out in your word, the redemption of man.

Deep in my soul, Lord, stoke the fire

To make your Word my burning desire.

    Purify me and remove all the dross

        So I can stand firm when it seems all is lost.

It is by your grace that I live and obey,

Your law is my delight, for it shows me the way.

       I will keep your statutes by your power in me,

              As you open my eyes and help me to see.

            Do you ask God to open your eyes?  Before you begin reading scripture, ask God to help you understand what you read.  Ask him to help you obey what he shows you.  Ask him to help you apply the principles you find.  Ask him to fill you with a longing to know more of him.  All of these are things God wants for you, so I feel confident that he will answer your honest prayer about them.  Satan bombards us with excuses for not spending time in the word.  It is only by the power of the risen Lord within us that we can overcome that temptation to do other things rather than spend time in God’s word.  God assures us in I Corinthians 10:13 that he will provide us a way to escape temptation.  When you feel tempted to put other things ahead of spending time with the Lord, pray and ask him to help you escape.  When you have been blessed by a great time in the Word, remember to thank the Lord and to delight in his blessing.  When he opens your eyes to see wonderful things in his word, share those with others.  Encourage them to allow God to open their eyes as well.

LUKE 9:35 - An Encounter with the Glorious Majesty

An Encounter with the Glorious Majesty

From Peter’s point of view

By Nicole Foster, Susan Slade, and Susie Hale

                 

                  Jesus took James, John, and me on a high mountain. We seemed to be Jesus’ inner circle of followers. His appearance changed right before our very eyes. His face was shining as the sun, and His clothes became white as the brightest light there is! Suddenly, Moses and Elijah were standing there talking with Jesus. How did we know who they were? I have no earthly idea; we just did.

           I blurted out, “Teacher, it’s a great thing that we’re here. We should build three shelters here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Jesus didn’t reply to my idea.

           At that point, a shining cloud surrounded us, and we were interrupted by a voice from heaven. The bold voice came from the majestic Glory saying, “This is My beloved Son, I take delight in Him!”

           We all fell face down on the ground from overwhelming fright! Jesus touched us and told us not to be afraid. We realized Moses and Elijah were no longer present.

           Then Jesus commanded us to make an unusual promise. We had just gotten back from a preaching journey, sharing about Jesus everywhere we went. But now, He asked us to keep this whole experience on the mountain a secret! I wondered why, but we obeyed Him and did not tell a single soul until after His death and resurrection.

          

           What a day! We witnessed this—we ourselves heard this voice from heaven—when we were with Jesus on that holy mountain. This is why I can confidently teach that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, the Messiah, the Lord of lords.

PSALM 119:11 TREASURED WORDS - BON APPETITE!

Treasured Words

Thy word is a treasure, riches stored there for me;

And hidden in my heart so I’ll not sin against thee.

Lord, teach me thy ways, put thy laws on my lips.

Keep my way pure, let me stand and not trip.

When I meditate on thy word, thou givest light

And leadeth down the path of my heart’s delight.

O Lord, let me never thy word neglect.

Fill me with truth till thy light I reflect.

Bon Appetite!

        I love dessert!  Whether it’s a chocolate fudge brownie and a dip of vanilla ice cream smothered with hot fudge and caramel sauces or my favorite cheesecake buried beneath fresh sweet strawberries, I look forward to a good dessert. I try to resist indulging in them because my figure already advertises the fact that I love dessert.  However, as tasty as they may be, dessert items are not the healthiest choice on the restaurant menu.

        Sometimes I find myself treating God’s word like dessert.  It’s that extra, added benefit at the end of an otherwise average day like dessert is the sweet treat at the end of a meal.  After all, doesn’t Psalm 34:8 tell us to “Taste and see that the Lord is good?”  I love to taste God’s word.  I can taste God’s word by reading the scripture verse at the end of an entertaining, one page devotional.  That’s like eating dessert.  Dessert is often thought of as “comfort food” used to soothe the rough edges off a bad day.  I can draw comfort from familiar verses and passages of God’s word.

        However, just as I cannot live a healthy life physically by eating only sweets, I cannot live a healthy life spiritually by just occasionally reading the parts of God’s word that give me a warm feeling.  Sometimes, like eating an appetizer, I’ll read an excerpt from the Word that should whet my appetite for more; but I have a tendency to stop after the mozzarella sticks and not go on to the main course. God’s word is compared to bread (Matt. 4:4) which was a staple food of the Jewish culture.  The Word should be my mainstay and not just an afterthought or a starter. 

        God’s word cannot be merely dessert added as an afterthought or an occasional pleasant flavor.  Yes, I enjoy tasting God’s word, but a dessert portion of it will not sustain my spiritual energy during times of temptation and trial.  I must move to the place where I can say as Job did, “I have esteemed and treasured up the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12 Amplified Version, italics mine).  I must eat a balanced diet of all the food groups in order to be physically healthy, and I must eat a balanced diet of God’s word in order to be spiritually healthy.  I challenge you to do the same.  Dine on the meat of God’s word while still enjoying an interesting appetizer or a delicious dessert.  I’m hoping this will be your appetizer to a scrumptious Scripture meal. Bon appetite!

LUKE 9:23-24 FOLLOW JESUS: The Way is Narrow and Hard, but the Burden is Light

FOLLOW JESUS

The Way is Narrow and Hard

But the Burden is Light

By Susie Hale

When I was a child, I remember singing “Jesus Loves Me” and “Jesus Loves the Little Children”, but I also grew up with songs like “Follow Me” by Ira Stanphill. You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN8UW_C_sgA. The following is the second verse:

“I work so hard for Jesus” I often boast and say,

“I’ve sacrificed a lot of things to walk the narrow way,

I gave up fame and fortune; I’m worth a lot to thee,”

And then I heard Him gently say to me,

“I left the throne of glory and counted it but loss,

My hands were nailed in anger upon a cruel cross,

But now we’ll make the journey

with your hand safe in mine,

So lift your cross and follow close to me.”

Today, I hear mostly music about all Jesus can do for us and preaching about the prosperity and health He wants us to have. Yes, following Jesus brings tremendous blessings; but it is not the easy road. In fact, the path we are to travel with Jesus is narrow, difficult, and sometimes exhausting:

Matthew 7:13-14 (CJB) Go in through the narrow gate; for the gate that leads to destruction is wide and the road broad, and many travel it; but it is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Jesus calls us to a life of “a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding” (Philippians 4:7 Voice). However, it is also a life of completely submitting my will to that of God the Father. Blessing is found in obedience. True fulfillment is found in knowing and applying the word of God found in the Bible:

Psalm 119:14 (CJB) I rejoice in the way of your instruction more than in any kind of wealth.

Surrender your life afresh and anew to the Lord’s will today. Take up your cross and follow Him with confidence in His promise found at Matthew 11:30, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” How can the way be hard and light at the same time? Jesus is on the other side of the yoke carrying the bulk of the burden. 

PSALM 119:1-3 WALK THIS WAY

Walking According to the Law of the Lord

Lord, teach me what it means to walk according to your law

That my way may be found blameless and my life be blessed.

Help me to seek you daily with all of my heart

Remaining steadfast and passing every test.

The things that I learn from your word may I obey;

May I praise you from an obedient heart and in your presence rest.

“Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,

who walk according to the law of the Lord.

Blessed are they who keep his statutes

and seek him with all their heart.

They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.

You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.

Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!

Then I would not be put to shame

when I consider all your commands.

I will praise you with an upright heart

as I learn your righteous laws.

I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.”

Psalm 119:1-8

Walk This Way

        How many times have you seen it…the guide (hotel clerk, detective, etc.) says, “Walk this way,” and the unsuspecting second character proceeds to imitate some idiotic walk.  We always laugh because, of course, we knew the guide meant “walk in this direction.”

        When the Bible tells us to walk in the way of the Lord or to walk in the Spirit, it means not only in the same direction but also in imitation of.  You may well ask, “How do we walk this way?”  Scripture tells us and the life of Christ demonstrates how to walk.

        Psalm 119 is the chapter I call “God’s Word on God’s Word” because almost every verse contains a synonym for Scripture.  It begins by saying that when we walk according to what we read in God’s word, we are blessed, happy.  Obedience to God’s decrees brings happiness; disobedience brings separation from the Lord. Thus, learning what God has instructed us to do and then doing it, is walking according to the law of the Lord. 

        The New Testament confirms this truth: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:22-25).  Studying the life of Christ in the Gospels and the lives of the disciples in Acts gives us a picture of how to walk.

        As you study God’s word be careful to do the things you learn.  Follow the instructions God gives you for living an upright life.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will empower you to obey and imitate the Lord. Remember to praise the Lord for the strength he gives and to thank him for the presence of his Holy Spirit in your life. Continually strive to “walk this way.”

LUKE 9:17 LEFTOVERS

LEFTOVERS

Everyone eats. Everyone is satisfied. Nobody goes away hungry. In fact,

when the disciples recover the leftovers, they have 12 baskets full of broken pieces.

Luke 9:17 (VOICE)

Those of us who attend Baptist churches are veterans of many potluck dinners. Sometimes the meat is furnished, but many times it is a true potluck where everyone brings something and hopes others bring something else. I’ve been at potlucks that would have been enjoyed by vegetarians because there were absolutely no meat dishes. Other times, we might as well have called it dessert deluxe because everyone likes to show off their baking skills. On this particular day, the crowd did not even come prepared for a potluck dinner. Apparently the only one who had anything to share was a boy with five loaves of bread and two fish. I’ve been to a few skimpy potlucks over the years, but most of the time there is plenty. What these people and even Jesus’s closest twelve followers did not realize is that the provisions are never scant when Jesus is in charge of the potluck. He blessed those loaves and fish, and his disciples proceeded to distribute supper to 5,000 men and their families! Not only did the boy’s meager contribution stretch to feed the entire crowd, but there were twelve basketfuls left over. It is probably no coincidence that each doubting disciple would be left holding an entire basketful of food! The Bible does not tell us what was done with the leftovers, but in the Jewish culture it was not acceptable to toss out good food. Therefore, I am sure they ate the bread the next day or gave it away to local people in need. Are you in need of miraculous provision physically, spiritually, or emotionally? Jesus will never barely meet your need. He will always exceed your expectations and entrust you with the responsibility of using the leftovers wisely. Trust the Lord with the little you have and watch Him multiply it to completely satisfy you with enough left over to share!

PSALM 119 - GOD'S WORD ON GOD'S WORD

God’s Word on God’s Word

Psalm 119

I am to walk according to the law of the Lord,

Living in obedience to God’s holy word.

By following His commands, I keep my way pure.

As I treasure His word, my faith will endure.

I meditate on God’s decrees. He opens my eyes.

His statutes will counsel me and be my delight.

When weary with sorrow, in His word I am strong:

I run in the path of His commands all day long.

I focus on Scripture instead of worthless pursuits,

His precepts produce righteousness as fruit.

As I meditate on our Lord’s decrees,

I find that His precepts are the truth that frees.

God’s decrees will be the theme of my song,

His promises preserve me all my life long.

The Lord is my portion, nothing more do I need.

I live in His love and desire to know His decrees.

God’s law is more precious than silver or gold.

I will obey with all my heart, to Him I will hold.

God made my mind, enabled me to learn.

When I am in need of comfort, to His word I turn.

Through persecution and trials, I hope in His word.

God’s promises are the most trustworthy heard.

His faithfulness continues through all generations.

God established the earth and all of its nations.

I savor the scriptures; like honey they are sweet.

They provide understand for each new path I meet.

Knowledge of God’s word, changed my direction,

I continue to be guided by daily reflection.

The wicked, the Lord will discard like dross;

But my hope is in His word and I will not be lost.

I love God’s commands more than purest gold.

I hate every wrong path, the sin that’s so bold.

Streams of tears flow, for God’s law is not obeyed.

Redeem me from oppression of men, Lord, I pray.

I meditate on Your promises in the middle of the night,

And my hope is in You, Lord, before the dawn’s light.

I am confident God preserves my life in His love

Until the time that He calls me to join Him above.

I have great peace and by Your grace, will not stumble.

You know all about me. Therefore, I am humble.

I will sing of God’s words which are my delight.

I will praise the Lord forever, my Life and my Light.

LUKE 8:43-44 HEALING IN HIS WINGS

HEALING IN HIS WINGS

By the Roving Reporter

Galilee: You may have read the headlines about the daughter of Jairus being raised from the dead. Many witnesses testified that the twelve-year-old girl had died while her dad was out finding Jesus to come and heal her. However, after Jesus and three of His faithful followers entered the house, the little girl miraculously came back to life. This was an exciting turn of events—Jesus raised someone from the dead! However, another miracle occurred while the Rabbi was on His way to Jairus’s house, and I have the exclusive interview with the recipient of His healing power.

Roving Reporter: Tell me a little bit about the affliction that drove you to seek out Jesus of Nazareth.

Woman: This is a little bit embarrassing, but if it brings glory to the Rabbi and helps others to see the truth about Him, I will gladly share my story.

RR: Why embarrassing?

W: My infirmity made me unclean because I had an issue of blood. I had exhausted my financial resources and suffered every kind of treatment at the hands of many physicians. I was worn to a frazzle.

RR: How long had this been going on?

W: I had been bleeding for twelve long years.

RR: Amazing! Describe your encounter with the Healer.

W: I had heard many accounts of the healing power of Jesus of Nazareth. Therefore, when I heard He was on the way to the house of Jairus, I seized the opportunity to see Him. There was a sizable crowd preventing me from approaching Him. Besides, if anyone recognized me, they would have told Him to stay away because I was unclean.

RR: How did you overcome that obstacle?

W: I remembered that one of the Prophets foretold that the Messiah would have “healing in his wings.”

RR: His wings?

W: That is a euphemism for the fringe at the hem of a man’s garment that reminds him of the law. We Jews call it the “tzitzit.”

RR: So, what did you do next?

Woman: I crept up behind Jesus trying not to be observed. I believed Him to be the Messiah, and I thought to myself, “If I can only touch His wings, I will be healed.” I held my breath and reached up to touch the fringe.

RR: Describe what happened next.

W: I felt power surge through my body and knew in my heart that I was completely healed! However, I had not escaped the Rabbi’s notice. He asked, “Who touched me?”  Even though His disciples pointed out that everyone was touching Him, I knew I had to confess. He said He had felt the power go out from Him.

RR: Was Jesus angry that you had touched His clothing while you were unclean?

W: Not at all! He turned to me and said, “Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.” The Master called me “daughter!” Rather than my affliction contaminating Him, His power decontaminated me! Jesus definitely does have healing in His wings!

RR: Thank you for granting this interview and sharing your story.

W: I plan to share the story of Jesus’s graciousness to me with everyone I meet for the rest of my life!

RR: There you have it, readers. Jesus performed a miracle on His way to perform a miracle! The stories surrounding this man just get more and more incredible!

But unto you that fear my name

shall the Sun of righteousness arise

with healing in his wings;

and ye shall go forth and grow up

as calves of the stall.

Malachi 4:2 (KJV)