Scripture
Jude 18-22 – They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”  It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

Observation –

Jude is writing to a group of Christians reminding them what the apostles told them it would be like in end times.  People will mock and follow their own worldly passions causing divisiveness.  Those who love self and are ungodly are not of the Spirit.  Jude tells the believers to take action and grow your faith by Spirit led prayer to draw near to God and by his grace life everlasting with Him.

Application –

Jude’s cautionary reminder of the apostles telling of life and attitudes in the latter days is clearer to see today than ever before in my lifetime.  Many are deceived and turning from God seeking their own way lacking divine knowledge and leading lives that are derisive towards God.  You are either in the word or in the world and this is causing great division.  My response has to be to seek God in word, prayer and focus on Jesus’ Heavenly Kingdom.  I must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to build me up in faith to follow God’s Word to receive then share the love of the Gospel with a lost, fearful and hurting world.

 

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word from Jude.  Thank you for your grace in sending Jesus to save and redeem me from my sins.  Let the power of the Spirit give me strength in my faith and draw me near to you to use me to share your love and Gospel here and to the nations. ​

Journal Joel 2-3 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.

 

Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your old men shall dream dreams, and

your young men shall see visions.

 

Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.” Joel 2:28-29

 

Observation: It appears that God reveals His toolbox for Believers in this passage—so much so, that He repeats it in Acts.

 

Analysis: What if I were to take the Scriptures as true as is—no matter what I want to believe; no matter what I have faith for; no matter what my personal inclination was; no matter what I find experientially distasteful; no matter if I know how to implement or not?

 

What if we were “open” to believe this?  Is being courteous to be “open”, faith?  Or do I argue that what He says here (and repeats again in Acts) is for a restricted time in history?

 

“And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.” Acts 2:17-18

 

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.”

 

Does God give instructions through the Scriptures?  You bet!!  They are referred to and followed, prayed for, meditated upon, etc. every day.  Why then, is this “pouring out of the Spirit” not prayed for, longed for, cried out because of its absence in my life?  Why did Paul clearly point out to Corinth his desire for that local church: “Pursue love, AND earnestly desire the spiritual gifts—especially that you may prophesy.” 1 Cor 14-1

 

On a practical bent: What does the exercise of the Gifts look like?  I can say what it shouldn’t look like: unrestrained stupidity.  This is where “being a fool for Christ” and maturity in Christ collide.  It is this “collision” that creates the dogma that “Gifts are not for today” and “the need for the Gifts went away when the Canon (the Bible) was ratified in 397 AD (Council of Carthage).”  The second issue is the “decently and in order” observance.  Note: The Practice of the Gifts can be messy, sort of like 3–5-year-olds playing soccer.  Not real good play and certainly needs coaching for the next 10 years or more—just like the Gifts.  It needs practice and coaching, not neglect, denial, or rejection.

 

Why write about this today?  The Gifts of the Spirit is part of the Gospel.  They are tools to strengthen the local church and to provide powerful testimony to unbelievers.  I remember Peter and John, strolling to the Temple, enjoying the walk with each other, and being interrupted by a lame man begging for a handout (alms).  Most of us know what comes next according to the Scriptures: “Silver and gold have I none, but what I do have I give to you…In the Name of Jesus, rise up and walk.”

 

There is opportunity and challenge in our locale; in the grocery store, at Walmart and Costco, even in our own church…

 

Prayer: Again, I preach to the face in the mirror, Lord.  Sometimes I am brave, many times not.  There have been times where I am not brave but attempt to be faithful anyway and lay my hands on strangers in raw faith.  I know results are only from You and that is the basis for my actions: A nudge, bravery, and hopefully I am not doing things to pat myself on the back and become famous.

 

Help me again to serve in secret and have results like the disciples did.

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton

 

Journal Hosea 13-14 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “But I AM the LORD your God from the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and besides me there is no savior.

 

It was I who knew you in the wilderness, in the land of drought; but when they grazed, they became full—they were filled, and their heart was lifted up.  THEREFORE, they forgot me…

 

The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is kept in store.  The pangs of childbirth come for him—but he is an unwise son, for at the right time he does not present himself at the opening of the womb.

 

I shall ransom them from the power of Sheol.  I shall redeem them from Death.  O Death, where are your plagues?  O Sheol, where is your sting?”  excerpts from Hosea 13:4-14.

 

Observation: Again, finding the quotes from the Prophetic word of the Old Testament is cool to see…it is instructional to review the content as well.  God did not give this word for the context of the time alone, but for all to study and extrapolate for the time we are living in the context of the Gospel.

 

Analysis: How can Love and Anger co-exist?  A Savior and a jealous God?  It is a constant stretch to understand the Attributes of God and how equal they are AND how these Attributes are not in conflict.  I have to work at it every live long day.

 

The prophet Hosea is prophesying to Ephraim, reminding them of how God brought them out of Egypt.  At that time Ephraim understood and saw the power of God physically in their circumstance; they enjoyed the bounty of His Goodness.  But what happened?

 

In enjoying the bounty of God (…they became filled not only physically but emotionally as well…) Ephraim forgot God.  The sentence is phrased like a mathematical equation: Filled by God and Heart freed from troubles equals forgetting God.

 

I see that in my own life.  No troubles, paycheck coming in on a regular basis, having money to spare, health in pretty good place for my age, no demands (that I pay attention to) for my time except work, and I watch TV more than I study (or even just read) the Scriptures or solid doctrinal books.  Summary: Enjoying the bounty of God and result?  Oh, yeah, I forgot…yeah, thanks God…where’s the clicker, hon?

 

Even in disappointment (ever wonder about the depth of God’s disappointment?), God does not exchange disappointment for Love.  I believe that the two (and more) can co-exist in His Attributes.  He can be disappointed in me every moment and love me just the same.

 

I would rather think of the Love He has for me.  Why?  Because it makes me feel good, satisfied, and secure.  But when I look at my own statement I notice those pesky pronouns: ME and ME, and those personal adjectives: Feel Good, Feel Satisfied, Feel Secure.  I notice as well that my statement has nothing to do with Him except for what He provides.

 

To be clear: Wickedness is found in forgetting God in everything.  Evil is defined as being rebellious and a traitor to His rule and reign.  Nevertheless, God will be the Savior.  He will shatter Death and the Grave.  He will make Hell nothing and powerless.

 

Prayer: Father, I am reminded again of the Gospel.  I am reminded that the Gospel is woven into all of your Testimony, your Word, the Bible.  Thank you for the Gospel cliff notes given and found in the New Testament.

 

You see me struggle today; seems like lately I am struggling every day.  Please be with my brothers and sisters in You as they struggle.  I pray that they do not forget you.  I pray that they do not fall victim to the Accuser.  I pray, Lord, they remember the Hope of the Gospel—remember it, if not feel it as well.  Let their minds be strong and their hearts follow and not the other way around.

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton

 

Journal Hosea 11-12 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

 

The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols.  Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them.  I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love…

 

My people are bent on turning away from me…and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all.”  Excerpts from Hosea 11:1-7

 

Observation: The Old Testament is the testimony of the Gospel as well but must be looked through the prism of the New Covenant.  So many things to be learned.

 

Analysis:  Hosea 11:1—the prophetic word that Jesus will come out of Egypt.  See Matt 2:13and 2:15…Just in case someone might be wondering.  I do from time to time.  When the Bible says “…that the Word may be fulfilled…” or something to that effect, it is good to see where that affirmation comes from.

 

I have been studying the nature of Sin for some time.  I am using the nouns “Traitor” and “Rebel” more and more to describe the offspring of Adam.  I am convinced that the Scriptures depict Adam as a willing participant of the Serpent’s whispers.  Perhaps these “whispers” weren’t a one-time thing, “Oh, hi there. Eve. Care to have a Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil?  It will increase your knowledge and clear your mind.  It will make you and God on equal terms and you can serve better (more or less).”  Maybe it was like a persistent, clever, and smooth salesman and just wore her down.  And then Adam…

 

Sin has always started with this insight from James: “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by HIS OWN DESIRE.  Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin (when it is fully grown) brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15) This is not just a New Covenant principle but is true from the very Beginning—that’s how it started.

 

So, what Hosea declared prophetically is true today: The more God calls, the more People not only resists but actively turns away.  “My people are bent on turning away…” from His loving kindness and mercy.  They “call on the Most High” but will continue to be religious in their own way and not in the Way Everlasting.

 

Therefore, the Hope of the Gospel is found in the principle (or doctrine) called Election.  Man cannot “will” himself into the Kingdom, but he can respond to Grace with humility and surrender AS HE COMES TO GRIP with his indwelling Sin—all his days.

 

What?? Is there any thinking that rooting out (mortifying or putting to death) Sin is a one and done thing upon conversion?

 

Prayer:  Oh, goodness, Lord.  Is there something else to write about?  I continue to keep pounding on the Nail of the Gospel—over and over.  At least I have examples to follow…

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton

 

Scripture-

Matthew 24: 113-14  – But the one who endures to the end will be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Observation-
Jesus is telling his disciples including us the signs of the end of the age.  There are going to be many false prophets who deceive and lawlessness where many loose their faith. Persecution will be increased during end times.  Believers who persevere in the faith will have salvation.  The gospel will go out to all the people groups so they have a chance to know who Jesus is before his return.

Application-
I have to remain in the word and have counsel of brothers/sisters in Christ to have wisdom and discernment so as not to be deceived by the evil one.  God’s word is my guidepost as it endures forever.  My faith must continue steadfast to the end as it becomes increasingly unpopular to hold a Biblical worldview.   God’s word will go out.  It is my responsibility to help carry the gospel to unreached people groups to hear the good news of hope in Jesus.  The signs of the end of this age give a sense of urgency to reach the lost as there will be a new heaven and earth but the word of God will remain.

Prayer-
Father,
Thank you for the truth in your word that it stands forever.  Let the power of the Holy Spirit guide me remain strong in my faith amidst obstacles and proclaim your gospel with a sense of urgency.


Mt 22

Scripture:
The parable of the wedding feast. vs. 1-14

Observation:

[2]“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.
Jesus says this story is analogous to getting into heaven.

[3]He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.
God the father calls us and invites us to eternity at his side.

[4] ..‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner..
The place is prepared, time to make a move

[5] “But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business.
People were more concerned with doing their own thing. This is simply not important enough.

[6]The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them.
Some even worse than just ignoring the call, persecuting and killing the servants.

7]The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.
The king exercised necessary judgement.

[10]So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.
The good and bad were called.

[11] “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes.[12]He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless.
A man showed up but was not prepared.

[13] “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Final judgement from the king.

[14] “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
The invitation was sent, the table was set, but still some refused to come.

Application:

God choses us and invites us to eternity with Him in heaven. For those without faith, or those choosing to ignore His Truth by going about our own business because eternity with the Lord is just not important enough to think about, His grace will be lost.

He has prepared a place for us but we need to take action and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Judgement day will come for all, and God’s righteous judgement will be applied. We are blessed enough to know the end of the story. Eternal damnation far worse than the judgement of the king in the parable, will be set for those who do not follow the Lord and sadly to say, that includes those who show up for the feast but who aren’t really prepared – this could be the unsaved Christian who talks the talk but who has never really given their life to the Lord.

Prayer:

Lord thank You for choosing me. I don’t deserve it and couldn’t earn it. I pray that I glorify You in obedience as I try to do my part in sharing the Gospel. In Jesus holy name I pray. Amen.

Scripture –

Matthew 17:5-7– He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”  When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.  But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.”

Observation –

Peter is in the process of asking Jesus if he should make three tents for Moses, Elijah and Jesus when God appears as a bright cloud over them.  God speaks to Peter, James and John telling them that Jesus is the Son of God.  God then tells the disciples that He is very pleased with Jesus and to listen to Jesus.  The disciple’s response to hearing the voice of God is to fall on their faces in fear.  Jesus moves to the disciples places his hands on them and tells them to rise and don’t be afraid.

Application –

Jesus is the Son of God incarnate and perfect with all of scripture pointing to Jesus as God’s redemptive plan for mankind from the beginning of time. Peter provides eyewitness testimony that this is not a myth, rather they heard God tell them He is pleased with Jesus.  I can only imagine what it would have been like to be on that mountain top to hear from God and see the glorified Jesus.   I need to reverent of the Lord and listen to His Word as it is truth.  When I listen to Jesus, I must follow Him not just hear what he says.  Listen to follow not for academic knowledge.  Jesus will come towards me, lift me up and be my shelter in whatever storm I am facing.

 

 

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you the love grace and mercy in your redemptive plan to save sinners like me by sending Jesus.  Let the power of the Holy Spirit guide me to listen to Jesus to follow faithfully, trust completely and live to glorify you here and amongst the nations.​

Journal Matt 16 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “And Peter took (Jesus) aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord!  This (suffering and dying) shall never happen to you.”  But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!  You are a hindrance to me.  For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”  (Matt 16:22-23)

 

Observation: Always looking for the key phrase to focus upon…

 

Analysis: It is too easy to focus on Jesus calling Peter “Blessed” and “the Rock of the Church”, and in a few more moments calling him “Satan” and a “hinderance.”  (By the way, that is not the proper response to a rebuke, if one comes my way…)

 

I think that the sentence, “For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man”, reflects the phrase I am most familiar with: “Get your head on straight, dummy!!”  What are the scriptures that back this up?

 

• “Do not lean on your own understanding…” Proverbs 3:5
• “Renew your mind…”  Romans 12:2
• “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth…” Colossians 3:2

 

And we see the Psalmist in 119 crying all over the place: “Give me understanding that I might conform to your will…”

 

Maybe Peter thought he was showing care for Jesus by telling him, “Not you, Jesus.  Don’t think of yourself like that.”  Jesus called Peter on it, knowing his head wasn’t in the right place.  Why wasn’t Peter’s head in the right place?

 

One: we needed the lesson.  Two: I don’t know, but I know it happens to me a lot.  I start thinking like a natural man, an earthy man, a man highly influenced by indwelling sin.

 

No easy answer.  Just another reminder to study to show myself approved, correctly dividing the Word of Truth in my daily life and conduct.

Note: Setting my mind, leaning not into my own understanding are not just “spiritual” thoughts: they are everyday requirements to walk worthy of the Gospel.

 

Prayer:  Father, you see me sitting here, in turmoil with this letter in my hands—what should I do?  I am torn between two choices, both of them unsavory to me.  I am inclined to bite the bullet and execute the plan that is needed just to get the result I am required to have.

 

Help me, O God!!  Forgive me for my procrastination that was a good part of today’s facing issue.

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton

Mt 15

Scripture:

[12]Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”
[13]He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.[14]Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Observation:

Kind of funny that the disciples asked if Jesus knew he offended the Pharisees. Of course he knew. He intended to call them out and expected them to be offended.

The Pharisees were  teaching and enforcing laws not wholly of God. They were hung up on the wrong things and not believing Jesus was who He said He was. Therefore, Jesus says, at some point their teachings will be pulled up by the roots.

No need to bother with them. If they continue like this they, along with their followers, will meet their end.

Application:

We should be confident in calling out modern day Pharasees or anyone else adding to or removing from God’s Word, just as Jesus was confident in doing so. If we hear someone adding to, or removing from God’s Word, we need to call them out.

This is happening all around us with pastors modifying their messages to fit today’s culture. For instance, teaching that Jesus alone is not enough, that it needs to be Jesus plus something else.

Even churches changing doctrine teaching that God’s plan for man and woman have changed, now condoning homosexual behavior, or teaching that abortion is not baby murder, or teaching that marxist, anti-christian, nuclear family destroying beliefs like social justice theory, are necessary for humanity. These are all lies from the enemy and infiltrating churches at an alarming rate.

We need to stay well grounded in the Word, knowing when it is being twisted. It is our responsibility as Christians to call others out when we hear this nonsense adding to and removing from God’s Word. Yes, they will be offended and try to make us feel ignorant and weak. But they are leading others to an eternity in hell with their false teaching.

All of that being said, we can only do the part God calls us to do. If they remain blind, we are to move on and not worry about them.

Prayer:

Lord I love you. Thank You for choosing me. As I see and hear anyone teach in contradiction to Your Word, guide me with Your Spirit.  Give me discernment to know Your Truth from false teaching, knowing when to speak up against it and not being afraid to do so. I pray I speak in obedience to You and only with Your guidance, not on my own.

Journal Matt 13 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Then the disciples came and said to (Jesus), “Why do you speak to them in parables?”

 

And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance – but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

 

This is why I speak to them in parables, because “seeing”, they do not “see”, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.  Indeed, in their case, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “You will indeed hear – but never understand; and you will indeed see – but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed … lest they should SEE with their eyes, HEAR with their ears, UNDERSTAND with their heart – and turn, and I will heal them.”” Matt 13:10-15

 

Observation: What is behind “parables?” The use of parables by Jesus plainly states here that the intent is to provide some obscurity.  Doesn’t he want everyone to hear the Gospel?

 

What do I need to know and understand?

 

Analysis: This is obviously background for the disciples.  “Why do you do what you do?”  The principle of asking and searching “why” is applicable for today as well.

 

Jesus could have been all “mysterious” and deflected his answer but didn’t.  So, what did he say AND imply?  “I will choose/select to give understanding to some, but to others I will cloud understanding.”  And this is with purpose and not chance: “…but to them it HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN.”

 

Looking at the bottom of the scripture selection, there seems to be some guarded reluctance to give understanding freely from His Hand: “…lest (syn. “…for fear that…) they should see, hear, and understand (paraphrased) and turn, and I will heal them.”  Someone could read skimming over this, and pull out, “Look!! He will heal them.  Isn’t that grand?”  But, reading Isaiah’s prophetic word, that thought does not convey the reluctance, the disinclination of the Holy Spirit to offer redemption to hardened hearts – not softened hearts, not surrendered hearts, but hardened hearts.

 

Jesus told another story related to this, that men could be crashing the wedding feast, unconverted: “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment.  And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’  And he was speechless.

 

Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness.  In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’  For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matt 22:11-14

 

Does God wish for all to “come to repentance?”  Absolutely.  But, being Sovereign God, he also knows that Man inherently resists God, opting for themselves a “form of Godliness, but not the substance” as being the best choice (c. Gen 3: “You will be LIKE God, knowing Good and Evil.  Isn’t that the better choice for you?  Go ahead, take a bite and be Equal to God…”).  Therefore, God chooses what hearts to open and does not open all hearts.

 

That is the point of using parables.

 

What about me?  I have ZERO idea of whom God is inclined to choose.  That is why He wants me to know about His prerogative of Sovereignty and keep away from that line.  Preach the Gospel without cost and let the conversions belong to Him.

 

Prayer:  Father, getting a grip upon this intellectually has freed me to present the unvarnished Gospel.  Please keep me away from “Gospel salesmanship” when it comes to You and the Kingdom.

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton

11/13/21 Saturday

Journal Matt 12 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: (Jesus, making the comparison with the Pharisees who were implying that Jesus is a minion of Lucifer…)  “Either make the tree good and (subsequently) its fruit good or make the tree bad and its fruit bad—for the tree is known by its fruit.

 

You brood of vipers!  How can you speak good when you are evil?  For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

 

(Jesus clarifying) The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.  I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account of every careless word they speak—for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.”  Matt 12:33-37

 

Observation: To use the jargon of our day: Get your head on straight and drag your mouth along with it.  Either something is Good, or it is Bad.  Binary selection, black or white.

 

For confessing believers, is the heart filled with good treasure or evil?  What am I packing my heart with?

 

Analysis:  Ever pay attention to the relationship the mouth/tongue has with the heart?  The Holy Spirit doesn’t mince words about the subject.

 

“For out of the ABUNDANCE of the heart the MOUTH speaks…”  Flip it and the scripture reads: “The mouth speaks what is in the heart.”  It is as close to a word equation as you can find in the Bible; “If this, then that.”

 

I can bring in the categories for comparison.  The easy ones?  Fruit lists:

 

Works of the flesh: Sexual immorality; impurity; sensuality; idolatry; sorcery; enmity (hate, animosity, etc.); strife; jealousy; fits of anger (not just anger, popping off in anger); rivalries; dissensions; divisions; envy; drunkenness; orgies, and things like these. (Gal 5:19b-21a)

 

Fruit of the Spirit: Love; joy; peace; patience; kindness; goodness; faithfulness; gentleness; self-control. (Gal 5:22-23a)

 

There is more definition about Good talk and Evil talk, Good heart and Evil heart in Proverbs, James, and through the Bible.  But the broad point to make for all of us that want to pay attention to a Walk in Christ is: What is on the inside comes out of the mouth eventually.  What I hear myself saying is the Heart condition I need to address – the indwelling sin.

 

The point that I am discovering is that it isn’t enough just to keep my yap shut (although that isn’t a bad start), it is breaking the speech down and identifying what is behind it – and then systematically putting sin to death. (Ro 8:13)

 

I see this in myself and it is difficult to deal with.  It is not fleshy work (like I am doing this on my own) but my Human Responsibility in Christ – working in concert and with primary dependence upon the Holy Spirit to get the Godly results He desires in me and I want to give to Him.

 

Prayer: Lord, thanks for that last little bit of thought above.  It is imperative that I put aside the lazy thinking of “growth by osmosis in Your Spirit.”

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton

Matthew 11

 

Scripture

 

Vs 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples

Vs 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

 

Vs 11 (Jesus said) … “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist.”

 

Vs 27 (Jesus said) … “All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

 

Observation

 

Matthew describes John questioning or even doubting who Jesus is.

Jesus then describes who John is to the people … no one greater than John.

 

Yet, even though John is the greatest born among women, all things are in the hands of Jesus.

 

Application

 

Expectations can be a dangerous thing.

When did John question Jesus? … “When he was in prison”

 

The messiah had come and was at work … John knew this … John was actually preparing the way!

But John was now in prison awaiting his own death sentence.

This is not the way the arrival of the Savior of the world was “supposed” to be!

 

And to the people, John looked like a crazy person … a demon even … yet to Jesus he was the greatest!

This is not the way the prophet was “supposed” to be!

 

I have to be careful in bringing my own presuppositions into Kingdom work …

And bringing my own expectations on how God is “supposed” to make something happen.

 

When things are not going the way I want them to around me …

Am I putting my expectations into God?

Am I putting myself at the center of God’s universe?

 

All things are in His hands …

He knows what He is doing and who he is …

 

I just trust Him … always!

 

It is the “exception” that Jesus chooses to reveal himself to

I can’t let my “expectations” get in the way of that!

 

Prayer

 

Thank you God that you do not work the way I think you should

Help me trust you when I doubt and question

Help me know you are true even when I don’t know it

In Jesus name

Amen

 

Scripture

Matthew 10:16 – “Behold I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Observation –

Jesus is speaking to the apostles as he is preparing to send themout to face persecution as they proclaim the Kingdom of God.  The apostles are Jesus’ sheep who follow him.  The non-believing world of both Jews and Gentiles are wolves who don’t want to hear the gospel message and want to destroy the carriers of the Word.  Jesus tells the apostles to be wise as they will face danger and remain pure in heart.

Application –

The warning that Jesus gives to the apostles as he sends them out into the world remains unchanged and is therefore applicable to disciples today.  As a follower of Jesus who is the Good Shephard, I must listen to His voice and follow Him.  My wisdom comes from being in the word and having good counsel from Christian brothers and sisters surrounding me.  I must be aware that the enemy always seeks to stop the spread of the gospel and I must be wise how I share particularly in certain settings.  The world and its leaders are going to try and do everything to discredit the gospel and ministers.  Therefore we must walk in the light and be innocent so as not to give them reason to not believe.

 

 

 

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for your love and grace you have for me and sending Jesus so I can know you and make you known here and amongst the nations.  Let the power of the Holy Spirit give me wisdom as I go out to proclaim your gospel in a hostile world.  Guide my path to follow you in innocence so no one will have reason to discredit the gospel message.

​

Journal Matt 9 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”

 

When (Jesus) entered the house, the blind men came to him.  And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”  They said to him, “Yes, Lord.”  Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened.

 

And Jesus sternly warned them: “See that no one knows about it.”

 

But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.”  (Matt 9:27-31)

 

Observation:  I wonder what happened when Jesus’ stern warning was ignored?  Were there consequences?

 

Analysis:  I think about statements like this.  Why would Jesus say: “Don’t tell anyone.  Yes, I know it is a miracle, a wonder, and all that…but I don’t want any talk about it.”  He does that a few times in the Gospels, and it is still puzzling.  The only close reason He gives is to his disciples. Jesus’s disciples said to Jesus, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing.  For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly.  If you do these things, show yourself to the world.”  (for not even (Jesus’) brothers believed in him.)  “Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come…” (John 7:2-6a)

 

What would I do?  Would I seek to “be known?”  Expand my “ministry”?  Gather thousands of followers?  You bet I would – I would certainly think and consider it.

 

I remember the debriefing after one of the Disciples training missions: “How did you do, guys?”  “You wouldn’t believe it”, they gushed.  “Healing, casting out demons, and all that.  Everything obeyed our word and preaching.  Repentance all around!!  We are STOKED!!”  Jesus said, “All good, but don’t take yourself seriously.  Be glad that your names are written in the Book of Life.”

 

So, I see where Jesus told a couple of formerly blind guys, “Shush”, and on top of that did it sternly (syn. harshly, firmly, severely, strictly – not kindly or persuasively, but with command).  Furthermore, there are other examples in the Scriptures – this wasn’t a “one off” situation.

 

What did these guys think?  “This is too cool.  I was blind, now I see…”  “But he said to keep it to ourselves….”  “I can’t keep my mouth shut, even for him.  He’ll get over it when the crowds start to surround him.” – which is maybe exactly what Jesus didn’t want at this time.

 

What would I want and do?  Would I be like my Master and lay my hands on someone for healing in secret and ask the person “keep this to yourself, go show your spouse and your pastor only.”  Or would I burnish my nails on my shirt, thinking “Yeah, I’m the man appointed by God for this.”  What if I am preaching and one hundred folks repent and ask to be baptized – tongues of fire and the whole nine yards?  How would I respond?

 

I have to ask myself these things because there will be a test…

 

PS.: Notice in the scripture quote about the two blind guys?  They followed Jesus in the house.  How did they do that?

 

Prayer: Lord, straighten this out for me, please.  I think this has to do with serving in secret and not being anywhere close to being a Pharisee.

 

I want to remember that it is Your Glory, not mine, to be shouted to the world.  Your kingdom alone!!

 

David said: “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.  I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Ps 84:10)  No fame, just a servant.

 

AMEN

Rick Sutton

Mat 8

Scripture:

[2]A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
[3]Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,”he said. “Be clean!”Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.

Observation:

A man with leprosy in those days was incurable and so unclean that he was effectively dead to the church. The priests would actually read burial rites over those with leprosy making them dead to the church.

The man was broken.

The man had faith.

The man bowed down before Jesus and worshiped Him as Lord.

By grace through faith Jesus immediately cured him of leprosy, an incurable disease.

Application:

Be like the man with leprosy – Be broken. Have faith. Worship the Lord.

I’m sure many of us can apply this to our lives. Looking back at our lives we would find that prior to knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we were controlled by sin and were either blind to it, or felt incurable. Then, at some point, we were saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Satan is real and our sin nature did not disappear but now, as we grow closer and closer to Jesus Christ, we can control it better and repent when we slip up to sin.

What made us worth saving? We were no more worth saving than the man with leprosy. We were sinners in need of a savior. We didn’t deserve it and we didn’t earn it, but through faith in Jesus Christ, He saved us.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for my salvation. I was even more unclean than the man with leprosy and I know I that my salvation was a gift that I didn’t earn. I love You and have peace from knowing that, even in my darkest places, You love me. I pray that I glorify you in all I do. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, amen.