Such a thought provoking book today, Matthew 24!! So much could be talked about here!
The End of the Age and when Jesus returns. The disciples clearly want to understand. There are various ways to interpret these scriptures as well. They definitely make you think! Scripture says we can’t know the day and hour, but we can discern the season, which is why he talks about the fig tree.
Matthew 24:36–39 (ESV): But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
Matthew 24:44 (ESV): 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Note to self - stay ready and watchful, and rest my salvation COMPLETELY on Jesus. I do trust these events will take place, so cultivating that relationship with the Lord is my primary focus and essential! I can feel the birth pains!
The End of the Age and when Jesus returns. The disciples clearly want to understand. There are various ways to interpret these scriptures as well. They definitely make you think! Scripture says we can’t know the day and hour, but we can discern the season, which is why he talks about the fig tree.
Matthew 24:36–39 (ESV): But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
Matthew 24:44 (ESV): 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Note to self - stay ready and watchful, and rest my salvation COMPLETELY on Jesus. I do trust these events will take place, so cultivating that relationship with the Lord is my primary focus and essential! I can feel the birth pains!
Today was so good in the word! It really makes me think about who I say Jesus is! Judas was about to betray Jesus. What’s interesting is, the disciples all call Jesus “Lord” because they recognize his power and authority.
Matthew 26:22 (ESV): 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?”
Judas on the other hand calls Jesus “Rabbi “, which means teacher. Judas just didn’t get who it was before him!
Matthew 26:25 (ESV): 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
Despite Judas was about to betray Jesus, Jesus still called him “Friend”! Jesus loves us all, but it is our free will to accept him and recognize his authority! Study the OT to really grasp who he is and discern his character.
Matthew 26:49–50 (ESV): 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.”
Note to self - Recognize who Jesus is. He is Lord over all creation. He has been given ALL authority, so remember that!
Matthew 26:22 (ESV): 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?”
Judas on the other hand calls Jesus “Rabbi “, which means teacher. Judas just didn’t get who it was before him!
Matthew 26:25 (ESV): 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.”
Despite Judas was about to betray Jesus, Jesus still called him “Friend”! Jesus loves us all, but it is our free will to accept him and recognize his authority! Study the OT to really grasp who he is and discern his character.
Matthew 26:49–50 (ESV): 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.”
Note to self - Recognize who Jesus is. He is Lord over all creation. He has been given ALL authority, so remember that!
Oh my goodness reading through Matthew 27-28 was so good this morning! So many significant things happening! The death and resurrection of Jesus, supernatural things occurred!
Matthew 27:51–53 (ESV): 51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
This transaction is all about an authority shift! Scripture says ALL authority was given to Christ! It is a REVERSAL of what happened in Deuteronomy 32:8-9 (The Tower of Babel) event! This is where having a biblical worldview is important.
Matthew 28:18 (ESV): 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
I truly get excited thinking about what really transpired that day in the earthly realm as well as heavenly realm!
Note to self - Understand the authority Christ possesses. Remember, Jesus is with us even till the end of the age (Matt 28:20). Walk in boldness sharing the gospel!
Matthew 27:51–53 (ESV): 51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
This transaction is all about an authority shift! Scripture says ALL authority was given to Christ! It is a REVERSAL of what happened in Deuteronomy 32:8-9 (The Tower of Babel) event! This is where having a biblical worldview is important.
Matthew 28:18 (ESV): 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
I truly get excited thinking about what really transpired that day in the earthly realm as well as heavenly realm!
Note to self - Understand the authority Christ possesses. Remember, Jesus is with us even till the end of the age (Matt 28:20). Walk in boldness sharing the gospel!
I loved todays reading in Luke! The milestone of baptism comes to light. Repentance is when we
we express regret and remorse from our sinful nature and turning to the Lord. This milestone is not merely a symbolic step, it is an act of spiritual warfare to declare to the seen and unseen realm who we align with.
Luke 3:3 (ESV): 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus makes it possible for us to receive the Holy Spirit, which is a game changer and enables us to walk out a life pleasing to the Lord. He purifies us and empowers us! Receive this gift he offers!!
Luke 3:16 (ESV): 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Note to self - View baptism as more than just a routine step in the process. See it for what it is, spiritual warfare and I have staked my allegiance to my Lord!
we express regret and remorse from our sinful nature and turning to the Lord. This milestone is not merely a symbolic step, it is an act of spiritual warfare to declare to the seen and unseen realm who we align with.
Luke 3:3 (ESV): 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus makes it possible for us to receive the Holy Spirit, which is a game changer and enables us to walk out a life pleasing to the Lord. He purifies us and empowers us! Receive this gift he offers!!
Luke 3:16 (ESV): 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Note to self - View baptism as more than just a routine step in the process. See it for what it is, spiritual warfare and I have staked my allegiance to my Lord!
I find this scripture interesting , because just soon after Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, his ministry begins. On that sabbath day he stood up to read in the synagogue. Luke shares what he said:
Luke 4:17–20 (ESV): 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him
It’s interesting, because he reads from Isiah 61:1-2, but he does NOT read all of verse 2 concerning the day of vengeance! Jesus wanted them to know that scripture WAS being fulfilled before their eyes, but there was more to come!
Note to self - remember that the kingdom is here. We have been given his favor of the good news, so receive it! Think of the kingdom as an already, but not yet completed state. Scripture will be fulfilled and the day of the Lord is coming. Wait upon the Lord.
Luke 4:17–20 (ESV): 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him
It’s interesting, because he reads from Isiah 61:1-2, but he does NOT read all of verse 2 concerning the day of vengeance! Jesus wanted them to know that scripture WAS being fulfilled before their eyes, but there was more to come!
Note to self - remember that the kingdom is here. We have been given his favor of the good news, so receive it! Think of the kingdom as an already, but not yet completed state. Scripture will be fulfilled and the day of the Lord is coming. Wait upon the Lord.
Reading in Luke 11 and just really pondering all I read.
Jesus just cast out a demon and was accused of doing so by the power of Beelzebul, which is a Canaanite diety associated with Satan and demons.
Jesus clarifies that if it were by the power of Satan, he would be working against himself. Rather, Jesus confirms that it was by the power of God he did it and the kingdom of God was upon them.
Luke 11:20 (ESV): 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Then he goes into the story of the strong man armored up, his goods are safe, BUT when one stronger comes and overcomes him, the spoil is divided.
I’ve read this many times, but it just hit different this time.
Luke 11:21–22 (ESV): 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil
Satan before Jesus came had dominion over the earth, which is why when tempting Jesus in the wilderness he could offer all he saw to him if Jesus would bow to him.
The strong man in this story is Satan. His spoils of humanity were safe UNTIL Jesus showed up!!
The stronger man is Jesus, which overcame Satan and he divided the spoil. So either you are with him or not!
Luke 11:23 (ESV): 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
Note to self - Always remember, Jesus is STRONGER! He has OVERCOME the power of darkness! Trust Jesus!
Jesus just cast out a demon and was accused of doing so by the power of Beelzebul, which is a Canaanite diety associated with Satan and demons.
Jesus clarifies that if it were by the power of Satan, he would be working against himself. Rather, Jesus confirms that it was by the power of God he did it and the kingdom of God was upon them.
Luke 11:20 (ESV): 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Then he goes into the story of the strong man armored up, his goods are safe, BUT when one stronger comes and overcomes him, the spoil is divided.
I’ve read this many times, but it just hit different this time.
Luke 11:21–22 (ESV): 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil
Satan before Jesus came had dominion over the earth, which is why when tempting Jesus in the wilderness he could offer all he saw to him if Jesus would bow to him.
The strong man in this story is Satan. His spoils of humanity were safe UNTIL Jesus showed up!!
The stronger man is Jesus, which overcame Satan and he divided the spoil. So either you are with him or not!
Luke 11:23 (ESV): 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
Note to self - Always remember, Jesus is STRONGER! He has OVERCOME the power of darkness! Trust Jesus!
Reading in Luke 14 today which talks about how salt can become worthless when it loses its taste. Scripture tells us that we’re to be salt and light to the world.
As we go about our mission to share the gospel in hopes that people will taste and see that God is good. Salt can bring flavor, it is used to preserve and heal. But IF it becomes tasteless, it is worthless!
Luke 14:34–35 (ESV): Salt Without Taste Is Worthless 34 “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
It takes the right amount of salt to make a dish wonderful. Too much can spoil the meal. We want to have balance so that when we bring the gospel to others, it will be well received!
Note to self - Don’t loss my saltiness, but with right balance, share the gospel with others so they can taste and see God is GOOD!
As we go about our mission to share the gospel in hopes that people will taste and see that God is good. Salt can bring flavor, it is used to preserve and heal. But IF it becomes tasteless, it is worthless!
Luke 14:34–35 (ESV): Salt Without Taste Is Worthless 34 “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
It takes the right amount of salt to make a dish wonderful. Too much can spoil the meal. We want to have balance so that when we bring the gospel to others, it will be well received!
Note to self - Don’t loss my saltiness, but with right balance, share the gospel with others so they can taste and see God is GOOD!
Reading in Luke 18 today where Jesus was explaining for a third time about his upcoming death and resurrection. The disciples just didn’t grasp what was said! Sometimes things are just hidden until the right time.
Luke 18:34 (ESV): 34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
Sometimes when may not fully understand the times in which we life. I believe there are things we won’t fully grasp just yet, but in Gods timing, we will.
Look to verses like Luke 18:1, as we wait for justice and the Lords return, we need to always pray and not lose heart.
Note to self - Even though I don’t fully grasp all that is taking place in my life time, trust the Lord and his timing! Don’t lose heart and keep praying!
Luke 18:34 (ESV): 34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
Sometimes when may not fully understand the times in which we life. I believe there are things we won’t fully grasp just yet, but in Gods timing, we will.
Look to verses like Luke 18:1, as we wait for justice and the Lords return, we need to always pray and not lose heart.
Note to self - Even though I don’t fully grasp all that is taking place in my life time, trust the Lord and his timing! Don’t lose heart and keep praying!
Reading in Luke 21 I just get fascinated at the times in which it refers! There are many views on the end times, but just reading these words, you began to really think.
Scripture indicates they will be great signs taking place in the heavenly realm and earthly. Great distress occurs and perplexity. It said it is because of the roaring sea and waves. This motif is characteristic of the evil chaotic forces of this world. They are roaring because they know their days are numbered
Luke 21:25–26 (ESV): 25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Luke 21:27 (ESV): 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Another motif that is interesting is how it describes the messiah coming in the clouds. This i think is a polemic against Baal because he is described in this manner. It is Jesus who is coming!
Luke 21:28 (ESV): 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
When we start selling these perplexing things, be excited because our redemption is drawing near!! Exciting!
Note to self - in this day and age, there are many things that deceive populations of people! I think that is becoming clearer and clearer each passing day. Know that when perplexing times arise, I must pray and ask the Lord to help me discern the times and not be deceived!
Scripture indicates they will be great signs taking place in the heavenly realm and earthly. Great distress occurs and perplexity. It said it is because of the roaring sea and waves. This motif is characteristic of the evil chaotic forces of this world. They are roaring because they know their days are numbered
Luke 21:25–26 (ESV): 25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Luke 21:27 (ESV): 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Another motif that is interesting is how it describes the messiah coming in the clouds. This i think is a polemic against Baal because he is described in this manner. It is Jesus who is coming!
Luke 21:28 (ESV): 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
When we start selling these perplexing things, be excited because our redemption is drawing near!! Exciting!
Note to self - in this day and age, there are many things that deceive populations of people! I think that is becoming clearer and clearer each passing day. Know that when perplexing times arise, I must pray and ask the Lord to help me discern the times and not be deceived!
Continuing to read through the word, I am now in Mark. This morning Jesus had healed a man of demonic possession. This poor man was at the point that he lived in the tombs because nobody could detain him. The demon head that much power over him.
Jesus uses his authority to make the demon (actually there were many) leave, restoring the mans mental health. The guy was so joyful, he wanted to go with Jesus, but he didn’t permit him to.
Mark 5:18 (ESV): 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him.
Jesus knew the importance of sharing a testimony. Sometimes, Jesus would tell people not to say anything because it wasn’t time to bring such attention to himself. But Jesus tells him to go tell how much mercy the Lord had given him.
Mark 5:19 (ESV): 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
Mark 5:20 (ESV): 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
Note to self - remember a testimony can be a great tool to sharing the mercy Jesus provides! I know the Lord has extended me great mercy and leads me daily! Don’t be ashamed to share what the Lord has done for me!
Jesus uses his authority to make the demon (actually there were many) leave, restoring the mans mental health. The guy was so joyful, he wanted to go with Jesus, but he didn’t permit him to.
Mark 5:18 (ESV): 18 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him.
Jesus knew the importance of sharing a testimony. Sometimes, Jesus would tell people not to say anything because it wasn’t time to bring such attention to himself. But Jesus tells him to go tell how much mercy the Lord had given him.
Mark 5:19 (ESV): 19 And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
Mark 5:20 (ESV): 20 And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.
Note to self - remember a testimony can be a great tool to sharing the mercy Jesus provides! I know the Lord has extended me great mercy and leads me daily! Don’t be ashamed to share what the Lord has done for me!
Enjoyed Mark 6 this morning. A story I’ve read many times, but really pondered it this morning. Rejection is a hard thing, but Jesus sets the example of how to let it roll right off your back and continue forward!
Mark 6:1 (ESV):
6 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.
What’s sad, is sometimes rejection can come from those closest to you. Where one would hope you would have the most support. They just couldn’t see what God was doing. However, it is good at times to have others keep you from going on a wrong path, but don’t let it derail you when they just can’t understand your journey.
Mark 6:2 (ESV): 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?
Clearly they could see his wisdom and work was divine and the power of God was in him. But they still just looked at him as just some average guy and still baffled.
Mark 6:3 (ESV): 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
Note to self - As I walk my journey with the Lord, there may be times that those closes to me cannot fully see what God is doing in me. Don’t let it bring me down, but rather just remain focused on the Lord.
Mark 6:1 (ESV):
6 He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.
What’s sad, is sometimes rejection can come from those closest to you. Where one would hope you would have the most support. They just couldn’t see what God was doing. However, it is good at times to have others keep you from going on a wrong path, but don’t let it derail you when they just can’t understand your journey.
Mark 6:2 (ESV): 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?
Clearly they could see his wisdom and work was divine and the power of God was in him. But they still just looked at him as just some average guy and still baffled.
Mark 6:3 (ESV): 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
Note to self - As I walk my journey with the Lord, there may be times that those closes to me cannot fully see what God is doing in me. Don’t let it bring me down, but rather just remain focused on the Lord.