The Daily Dose

You are a laborer

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

Have you ever wondered how to pray for lost family and friends?  Have you ever prayed “Lord, save them, please” over and over again with no noticeable results?  In today’s scripture reading, Jesus told His disciples exactly how to pray for unsaved loved ones.  He said to pray to the LORD of the harvest to send out laborers.  So, your prayer for the lost could sound something like this:  Jesus, Lord of the harvest, send out laborers to my lost friend __________.  Send that one person across their path that they will hear and listen to.  Send those into their life that will love them into your Kingdom and if I am the one, show me how to love them in a way that they will want to step into an eternal and personal relationship with you.

Which brings me to my second point, you are a laborer.  Maybe you are not the one that can reach your friend or family member, but you can be a laborer that someone else is praying for.  Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send you to people who others are praying for their salvation.  Pray for those you can love, encourage and lead into the Kingdom of heaven.  Ask Him to keep you aware of those in need of help and prayer.  We are all here to help each other out, so always be looking for people you can reach out to because someone somewhere is praying for their salvation.

Today I want to encourage you to remember as you go into your day that you are a laborer.  Labor together with the prayers of your brothers and sisters in the Lord.  Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborer to reach into the lives of your loved ones and pray for yourself to be a laborer to reach the loved ones of others and support other laborer.  The harvest truly is plenteous, and we are the laborers who need to go out there and bring them in.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 9:27-37

 27 When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”

28 And when He had come into 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.”

29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”

30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows it.”

31 But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country.

A Mute Man Speaks

32 As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed.

33 And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!”

34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.”

The Compassion of Jesus

35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

 

The End

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20

I remember the first time I learned that Jesus was coming back to get us.  I was only twelve years old, and I got to say, I wasn’t quite ready for the news.  Even though I was so young, I was pretty serious about my faith.  I was also very sensitive to the thought of the lost and dying world around me.  However, that still did not prepare me for the revelation of the Lord’s return.  At first I was frightened to think about it.  Mostly because it was beyond the natural order of things.  But after some time of processing the idea, I couldn’t help but think, I just wasn’t ready for it.

As I grew older, I think I pretty much put the realization out of my head.  In the back of my mind, I knew the truth, but I took the mind set that it was for some time far in the future.  Little did I know that the world can be an ugly place and that I was being consumed by its deceptions.  My mentality of wanting to delay the event of His coming because I thought there were things in life that I wanted to enjoy first, was way off track.

These days I am excited about the fact that my Lord is coming to get me and rescue me from this fallen world.  I have enjoyed some of my life but I also have a lot of regrets.  Had I known back then what I know now, I would have had a totally different view on the subject.  Now I am looking forward to the day I meet Him in the clouds and get to be with Him for all eternity.  I know the reason is because my faith has been built up in that area.  The more I study God’s Word and press into Him personally, the more I look for the day that He will call me to be with Him.  He is my best friend, and He is the desire of my heart.  Of course, I love my family and friends, but I don’t have to choose one over the other, I can be with both forever.  When I do my part in this life to love, encourage and lead the people around me to God’s love and salvation, I get to take those lives with me into His presence for ever and ever.

Today, we are finishing the book of Revelation, and the last two verses tell us our focus as we end this prophecy.  The Lord Jesus Christ told John that it is a sure thing that He is coming quickly, and even though it has been nearly 2000 years since that promise was given, you can be sure it will happen in the twinkling of an eye, fast.  There will be no time for last-minute decisions.  So, while you still have time, cultivate a deeper relationship with your heavenly Father and your Savior, Jesus.  Press into Him and learn to love His appearing for a great reward as the apostle Paul wrote about in 2 Timothy 4:8. Trust me, you don’t want to be left here as the things in this book unfold.  So, turn every area of your life over to Him and when the trumpet sounds, you will have nothing to be afraid of.

Today I want to encourage you to long for the day of Jesus return.  Think about spending eternity with Him and what a wonderful destiny it is.  Make God’s kingdom your treasure in this world and begin walking in His direction and on His planned path for your life.  Don’t let fear and inhibition keep you from stepping through every door He opens in front of you.  Complete your assignment here in this world so that when you meet Him in the air, you will be confident in His appearing.  If you have never received the gift of salvation, do it today.  We are promised in His word that when we call on Him, He will answer us.  Pray this salvation prayer today and Jesus will come into your life and into your heart and change you from the inside out.  Trust Him today and you will never have to be afraid of anything again.

Pray:  “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your grace and salvation. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again, conquering death. I invite You into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. Forgive me of my sins and guide me as I follow You. Thank You for Your love and mercy. Amen.”

Embrace this journey of faith and experience the transformative power of knowing Jesus personally. It’s the best decision you’ll ever make.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 22:20-21

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Happy 4^th of July!

If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:19

Today and tomorrow, we will finish up the book of Revelation and I got to say, what a joy it has been walking through each chapter day by day.  I think I mentioned at the beginning that I was apprehensive about going through this book and writing something about it each day.  Mostly because I didn’t want to try to explain everything that this book reveals, because I don’t understand everything that it says.  But that is ok! It is the truth about any passage your read in the God’s holy Word, you don’t have to understand it all at one time, but simply focus on the message the Spirit of God is giving you from that passage for today. Going through the apostle John’s vision, verse by verse, has revealed that there are truths to be applied to everyday life in each section of the book. What a blessing it is.

In today’s key verse, there is a warning.  In fact, both verses 18 and 19 contain an exhortation to not add or take away anything from this prophetic book.  A curse is added to anyone who adds to it and a part from the Book of Life is taken away if anything is taken out of the words of revelation that was received.  Also, one of the reasons I was hesitant to write about these things.

So, to start the wrap up of the book of Revelation, I want to apply these warnings to our life today.  For sure I would strongly recommend that you do not add or leave out anything that was shown to John as you consider and even share about the book of Revelation.  I would even take this a step further and give an admonishing not to add or take away from the purpose of your life.  This of course will require a bit more attention to how your behave each day.  To be constantly aware of what your assignment is for the day and to not be distracted by the things going on around you to take you off the path of His plan for you.

Seriously, when was the last time you checked in with your heavenly Father to make sure you are walking out each day according to His plan and purpose for your life.  Do you start your days worshiping and fellowshipping with Him and getting the details for the steps?  Have you given priority to and preference to the direction of the Holy Spirit in your life and are you listening to and following wherever He leads?

These are some serious questions, and they can no longer be ignored.  As you pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers, make sure you are going out into your mission field whatever that might be.  Whether it is taking food or clothing to the homeless out on the streets or volunteering to help others in your community.  Maybe it is serving and encouraging others or giving funds and supplies to ministries around the world.  Whatever you have been called to and whatever mission you have been created to live out, be vigilant to ensure that you complete, down to the last detail, all that He has for you to be a part of.  Then when you are done in this life, you will be able to enter into His presence knowing that you completed your assignments each day here in this world.

Today I want to encourage you to take an assessment of the ways you are following God’s plan for your life.  Start with your quiet time with God each day.  Are you diligent to get in His presence and receive His plan for the day or at least the next steps you need to take?  Maybe your are meeting with Him in the evening or before bed to get details for the next day.  Are you writing these things down so that you don’t forget the direction in the morning.  Are you journaling and making notes about the interactions and encounters you have with your Father so that you can go back and remember all that He has spoken to your heart about the struggles you are facing in life and the barrage of distractions that hit you on a daily basis?  And most of all, is your heart’s desire to do the will of your Father in heaven or to make yourself problem free and comfortable while you are on this planet?  Start today to make a plan going forward.  First of all, ask Him for the desire to walk closer with Him and to go through each door He opens in front of you.  It seems like that craving should be automatic, but the truth is that it can get buried under the activities and material things that this world offers.  Determine today to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and then He will add all the things that you need in life to get your mission accomplished.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 22:18-29

18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 

19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Not by works

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.”  Revelation 22:12

It is clear in scripture that we cannot be saved by our good works even though most people generally have the idea that if they do enough good things it will outweigh the bad actions.  However, it just isn’t the case.  God’s Word plainly tells us in the book of Titus and other places that it is not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved us.  It is very clear that there is no way that we can save ourselves no matter what we do.

Yet, there is good news about doing good deeds.  Today’s scripture says that there are rewards for the things we do here in this world.  I am talking about anything that we do to help advance God’s kingdom, will go with us into eternity.  Not just the lives that we have helped to lead into the kingdom, but also the good things we have done to influence lives for heaven or support the ministries that are bringing souls in.

Jesus said in Matthew 5 that we are to let our light shine (the light of the good news of God’s love and salvation) so that others can see our good works and glorify God in heaven.  Let me be clear here.  We do not do good works for the approval of people or to be noticed or promoted, but rather for loving people.  We are working and laboring together with the Holy Spirit of God to encourage people to walk closely with our Father so that all people will complete down to the last detail every assignment on their life.

I would like to point out that there is also a sense of urgency in today’s passage.  Jesus said, “I am coming quickly.”  It is a promise, but it is also a warning not to waste our time here in this world because we don’t know when He will come and He gives us the opportunity to maximize our effectiveness as an ambassador of heaven by following the Master’s plan for our lives, everyday of our life.  Yes, I know this passage was written close to two thousand years ago, but all that tells us is that we are closer now than ever before in time to His return. Don’t waste another day.

So today I want to encourage you to do goods works for others.  Not so that God will love you more and not for the praise of other people, but for the purpose you were given breath.  Come along side friends that are struggling in life, pray for those who need salvation and have other needs.  Give to those who are lacking or to missions around the world and invite others to your small groups and church services.  Ask the Holy Spirit today to lead you to those who need your love and compassion and when you see them, don’t look the other way and ignore the chance to impact a life for eternity.  Instead, run to that person with open arm and let them know there is a Father and Savior Who loves them and wants to rescue them no matter what their circumstances are.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 22:12-17

12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 

13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 

15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

It’s not over yet

Then the angel said to me, “These words are true and can be trusted. And the Lord God, who gives his Spirit to the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must happen very soon.” Revelation 22:6

These words are true and can be trusted!  We would say this about the entire Word of God that has been written out and preserved for us to hold on to until our Lord comes back to get us.  Certainly, the historical events recorded in God’s Word can be verified and trusted to be true.  This promise here in Revelation chapter 22 is specific for the book of Revelation or the revealing of our future with our Savior.  We can absolutely believe everything John wrote in this book and everything that he was shown from heaven will come to pass.  We can trust that John wrote the details out that our heavenly Father wanted us to know and understand for the time we are in this world.  We can also believe that one day we will be with Him in all His glory and see the beauty of heaven and all its splendor.

However, today we are still here in this world, and we do have a purpose for being here right now at this time.  God has a plan to wrap things up in this world and He has included each one of His people in that plan.  He has a role for us to play.  Not because He needs us so much, it is because He loves us so much.  His plan included giving His people the authority to share His message of love for all people. What a great honor it is to walk along side God’s Holy Spirit as He leads you and points to your purpose each day!

Here’s the really good news, you are in the right place right now.  You can follow Him today into the purpose He has for you.  His plan is that you walk day by day with Him on assignment and mission to love and reach the people you are with.  Whether a word of encouragement, an act of kindness or sharing the good news of God’s salvation provision through the blood of Jesus, there is always work to be done.

Here’s the thing: We have not been deployed in this world for the allotted time we are given to go out and do whatever we feel like doing or not doing.  We are here for a reason and that is to be a force for our Father on this planet.  If you believe you have become a Christian simply to get yourself and maybe you family into heaven, then you are missing out on the joy of living out your purpose.  Maybe you think, I served for years in the church in my younger years, not it is time for the next generation to do the work.  The truth is, even if you are not in an active position in your local church, you need to be on mission in your neighborhoods, your employment and your social activities.  Serving in the kingdom of heaven is not done in the local church alone. Ministry is done where ever you are in life. We are here until we leave to serve others and pour resources into saving souls from eternal separation from the One who created us.

So today I want to encourage you as you read through this passage in Revelation 22, consider what are you doing right here and now to advance the kingdom of heaven.  Please be praying each day for laborers to go out into the field because the harvest is plentiful.  We live in some of the darkest times in history and the world is looking for a Savior like no other time in history.  Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborer and also ask whose life you can impact today with God’s goodness and love because it is the goodness of God that brings people to repentance and to the saving knowledge of Jesus.  Turn your life completely over to Him today and enjoy the greatest adventure ever as you walk out your mission with Him in the remaining days you are here in this world. It is a wonderful thing to learn and read about the days to come in eternity with our heavenly Father, but this life is not over yet, so keep pressing on, intentionally adding to your treasure in heaven by winning souls. The only thing you can take with you when you leave here is other people.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 22:6-11

6 Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.

7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.

9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” 

10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 

11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”

No more Curse

And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.  Revelation 22:3

 It’s been a hard week.  There was a tragic loss in the family and many questions unanswered.  It is so very painful to watch people we love suffer through traumatic circumstances.  I know that as much as I want to and no matter how hard I try, I cannot fix things or have words to make it all better.  There is one thing I know helps and it is to pray for God’s peace and comfort on all those who are hurting and His grace to empower them to get through this sad time.

Today’s passage is a great promise and reminder that there is a time coming when the curse will pass away.  All sickness, disease, death, and sorrow will no longer exist.  There will be no more pain and there will be no more tears.  Not just for a short time, but for all eternity. Glory to God!

I love to consider the details that are listed in Revelation 22.  A pure river of life water, crystal clear, flowing directly from the throne of God and His Lamb.  On both sides of the river are streets with trees of life planted right down the middle of them.  These trees grow different fruit each month and the leaves of the trees give renewed strength and refreshing to all people.  There is no more curse because we live there with our Father and our Savior.  We can see His face and we will be marked with His name.  No more night and no need of lamps or the sun because the Lord God is light.  Best of all, these things will never end.

This text is a great comfort for those who have loved ones that have gone on, but it is also a great hope for us who are still here.  We do not have to fear death and we do not have to worry about what is next when we leave this world.  We have God’s Word and promise that He has a place for us and will readily receive us to Himself when the time comes.  We will not be sad when we pass, but we will have perfect peace and joy as we join those who have gone before us and celebrate the victories that we had in this world.

Today I want to encourage you if you have had someone close to you go on ahead into eternity.  Rejoice and be glad for them.  They are thrilled to be there and to no longer be struggling in this life.  Let your heart be truly happy for them as they are enjoying the presence of their Savior and Lord.  Then turn your attention to those who are suffering with life right here and now and share with them the hope of His glory to come.  Let others know that they can rest in His promises to keep them in all their ways here in this world and the next.  Hold on to the hope that is waiting for you to be with your heavenly Father in the time to come.  Chances are you will be leaving this earth the same way people have been going since creation.  Start trusting Him today for the grace to leave here in joy and peace.

If you have never received God’s great gift of salvation, invite the Savior into your life today and know this hope of spending your eternity in His kingdom home.  Pray this salvation prayer today and let Him change your life from the inside out.

Pray: “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your saving grace. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again, conquering death. I invite You into my heart and into my life to be my Lord and Savior. Forgive me of my sins, and guide me as I follow You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that goes with me in this world and Your love and mercy. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Today’s scripture reading Revelation 22:1-5

1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 

2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 

3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 

4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 

5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

No more Curse

And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.  Revelation 22:3

 It’s been a hard week.  There was a tragic loss in the family and many questions unanswered.  It is so very painful to watch people we love suffer through traumatic circumstances.  I know that as much as I want to and no matter how hard I try, I cannot fix things or have words to make it all better.  There is one thing I know helps and it is to pray for God’s peace and comfort on all those who are hurting and His grace to empower them to get through this sad time.

Today’s passage is a great promise and reminder that there is a time coming when the curse will pass away.  All sickness, disease, death, and sorrow will no longer exist.  There will be no more pain and there will be no more tears.  Not just for a short time, but for all eternity. Glory to God!

I love to consider the details that are listed in Revelation 22.  A pure river of life water, crystal clear, flowing directly from the throne of God and His Lamb.  On both sides of the river are streets with trees of life planted right down the middle of them.  These trees grow different fruit each month and the leaves of the trees give renewed strength and refreshing to all people.  There is no more curse because we live there with our Father and our Savior.  We can see His face and we will be marked with His name.  No more night and no need of lamps or the sun because the Lord God is light.  Best of all, these things will never end.

This text is a great comfort for those who have loved ones that have gone on, but it is also a great hope for us who are still here.  We do not have to fear death and we do not have to worry about what is next when we leave this world.  We have God’s Word and promise that He has a place for us and will readily receive us to Himself when the time comes.  We will not be sad when we pass, but we will have perfect peace and joy as we join those who have gone before us and celebrate the victories that we had in this world.

Today I want to encourage you if you have had someone close to you go on ahead into eternity.  Rejoice and be glad for them.  They are thrilled to be there and to no longer be struggling in this life.  Let your heart be truly happy for them as they are enjoying the presence of their Savior and Lord.  Then turn your attention to those who are suffering with life right here and now and share with them the hope of His glory to come.  Let others know that they can rest in His promises to keep them in all their ways here in this world and the next.  Hold on to the hope that is waiting for you to be with your heavenly Father in the time to come.  Chances are you will be leaving this earth the same way people have been going since creation.  Start trusting Him today for the grace to leave here in joy and peace.

If you have never received God’s great gift of salvation, invite the Savior into your life today and know this hope of spending your eternity in His kingdom home.  Pray this salvation prayer today and let Him change your life from the inside out.

Pray: “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your saving grace. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again, conquering death. I invite You into my heart and into my life to be my Lord and Savior. Forgive me of my sins, and guide me as I follow You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that goes with me in this world and Your love and mercy. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Today’s scripture reading Revelation 22:1-5

1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 

2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 

3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 

4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 

5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.

He wants to help

While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” So, Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.  Matthew 9:18-19

There seems to be a recurring theme throughout the gospels.  Every place where someone came to Jesus and asked Him to help their situation, He did.  Today’s text is no different.  The passage says a ruler, but we know from other accounts, he was a ruler of the synagogue.   This was one of the religious leaders, who did not follow Jesus’ teachings and did not support His ministry.  Yet, when Jairus needed help, he ran to Jesus and worshipped Him and asked Him to come and raise his daughter up.  Jesus stopped going in the direction He was headed and began to follow Jairus to his home.  He didn’t say: “Why don’t you take her to the synagogue to be healed or to the high priest?”  He didn’t say: “Oh sure, now you want something and suddenly my miracles are ok.”  Jesus was always and still is today full of compassion. 

No matter how messed up life gets, Jesus will never turn us away when we call on Him.  He will never tell us “No, I want you to be sick or no, I’m not going to bail you out this time.”  In fact, He said “Whoever comes to me, I will in no way turn them away.” (John 6:37) You can be sure that when you ask Him for help, He will get you through whatever you are facing.

Somewhere along the line many Christians have gotten the idea that when something bad happens that God is trying to teach us something or punish us for some sin.  It just isn’t true!  Jesus told us: you are in the world, you are going to go through things, but cheer up because I have gotten the victory for you. (John 16:33)

Our loving Heavenly Father does not want His people to suffer, and He does not want us to be put to shame.  It is the reason He had Jesus pay for all that shame and suffering, so we wouldn’t have to.  God wants His children to be a witness and testimony of the pits and problems He has rescued us from.  Even though difficulties may happen in life, when we call on Him, He will save us from it all.

Today I want to encourage you to call on Him for whatever you need rescued from.  Whether it’s sickness, financial trouble, family problems or emotional struggles, take it to Him.  He will help you and He will get you through to victory.  He wants to help you with your troubles, but you have to come to Him with them and worship Him.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 9:18-26

18 While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.”

19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.

20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.

21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.”

22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.

23 When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing,

24 He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him.

25 But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose.

26 And the report of this went out into all that land.

 

The book of Matthew

New Wine

_{Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” Matthew 9:17}

Sadly, in many church buildings today, congregations have become old and dying off.  It is getting more common these days to see empty church buildings that were once filled with families coming together three times each week to praise and worship God. Many from the previous generation have become stuck in their way of doing service instead of intentionally pouring out the wisdom and revelation gained over the years to the next generation. Now, the up-and-coming are forced to keep to the old way of doing things instead of growing to let the next level to begin learning and leading from where the older left off.  If the previous generation would pour out the wisdom of their old wine into the new skin of the next generation instead of trying to make the new wine grow in their old wine skin of the past, then the next generation would be able to begin where the previous had grown to.  Instead, each generation has to start at ground zero, being forced to figure out the way to reach the younger crowd because the older leadership does not like the changes that are more effective in the current times.

This is exactly what Jesus was talking about in today’s reading.  He told the disciples that if they tried to put the new wine of wisdom and revelation that Jesus was teaching them into the old skin of the synagogue leaders of the day, it would be wasted because the old skin would break.  Because the old skin has become dry and brittle, it will not be able to hold on to and distribute the new wine to others, but it would burst and pour out onto the ground.  However, as the new revelation or wisdom is poured into the new skin, those ready to hear and accept His new ways, the wine and skin can exist together and be shared with others to reach the next generation.

Jesus was teaching them radically new ideas and the biggest was to love one another. The Hebrew culture had lived by the command an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. There was no talk about love until Jesus came into the world. When He talked about the new tearing or breaking the old, He was telling them that something new was coming. Jesus brought us the new covenant and in that He fulfilled the requirement of the old one. His sacrifice for our salvation was the new wine that the old wine skin would not be able to pass on to reach the world.  His disciples would become the new skin that would fulfill the commandment to go in to all the world and preach the gospel along with a new method of getting the message out.  The message of God’s love for all people and the provision He made to save them would be passed on for the next two thousand plus years.  A message that would not have been preserved through the leaders of that day in the synagogue.

Today, we face a similar issue, but it is not to late to make the shift. With our culture changing into the digital age, it can be hard for people who are not so ready to accept the new “skin” of the next generation and technology. In church buildings today, there are big screens and loud music. Most services are recorded and broadcasted online to share with the world. There is not limit when it comes to accessing the salvation message because of the technology. Still there are congregations that still insist that the old way is the only way that worship should be given. These new “wineskins” have made it possible to carry the gospel to the nations and increase the effectiveness of His calling and mission. There is no reason to think less of or try to stop other ministries that use various “skins” to send God’s message out. Our job is to pray for the others and use the resources we have available to do our part in getting the message to the next generation.  In that way God’s message will continue to go on long after we are gone from this life.

Today I want to encourage you to thank God for the wisdom of the gospel message He has given you to pour out into the next generation.  Begin to talk to your Heavenly Father about the “wineskin” you have to distribute His good news of salvation to the world around you. What mission does He have in mind for you and what is He leading you to in the future? Pour out the message of God’s love and salvation in the next generation no matter what age you are today and don’t judge the “skin” they are receiving that message in to distribute to others. Use whatever “wineskins” you have available to you and when you see others wearing a different “skin,” do not be quick to condemn.  Instead, pray for them to be just as effective as the “skin” you once received the message through. 

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 9:14-17

 14 Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?”

15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse.

17 Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

In the beginning

_{But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.  Revelation 21:22}

For as long as I can remember, I have always gone to church.  I know I started going from the time I was born because my parents took me every single time the church doors were open.  As I began to understand a little while growing up, I knew that the church was the place we came together regularly to praise God and hear from His Word.  I was never taught that church was the only place you could be with Him or be in His presence.  I realized very early in life that once I received Jesus as my Savior, He was always with me. 

When I became an adult, I still didn’t fully understand the importance of coming together with other believers as often as possible and as a result, I slowly slipped away.  My perception was that church was there if I needed something, but if not, I could just be with God wherever I was.

Now I have come to understand just how important it is to regularly come together with other believers.  The first and most important thing that I recognized through not going to church was that I didn’t place myself around other Christians to be accountable.  As a result, I began to make some very bad decisions that lead me down a road very far from God’s goodness in my life.  Oh, I did call out to Him often.  Pretty much every time I got in over my head I would yell “Help! I’m in a mess again.”  Of course, He rescued me time and time again, but for some reason, I thought I had to figure things out on my own.  I never even considered that He wanted to lead me on His perfect path of blessing and righteousness, leaving behind the sorrows and consequences of one foolish choice after another.

Now Sunday is my favorite day of the week and I love going to worship and meeting with Him each week as we gather together in corporate praise.  The power of God shows up mightily and it is clear to me now why He said to keep coming together with other believers and even more often as the day of His return is approaching. (See Hebrews 10:25)  We need each other to encourage one another and be there for one another when life hits hard.

In the time we have lived in the world, this is all we have known.  However, there was a time, at the beginning when God first created man and woman that people did not have to go to a building to be with God and they didn’t have to become the temple of God’s Spirit to have Him with them.  God just came and walked with them through the garden each day and showed them His ways and wisdom so that they could live a successful life.  That would have continued too if they had followed His direction instead of listening to the voice of a stranger in the garden.

As we come to the end of Revelation Chapter 21, verse 22 tells us that once again, there will be no temple for God to live in.  The reason is because God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are the temple.  We will always be right there with the trinity for all of eternity and lift our praise and worship to His holiness wherever we are in that holy City.

This reality is very exciting to think about.  As much as I love having the Holy Spirit living on the inside of me and showing me something new or leading me in the direction of God’s goodness, it still takes a very concentrated effort to position myself to know where He is leading.  But when we are with Him in the holy Jerusalem, He will be right there, and we will have no question about knowing His will or where He is pointing us.  He will be the light that illuminates the city, and He will keep it spotless from any stain or blemish.

So today I want to encourage you to read this passage and be filled with hope and anticipation.  The new Jerusalem is not just a distant dream, it is the reality that waits for all who trust in the Lord Jesus.  The picture of our eternal home encourages us to live with purpose and passion, sharing the light of Jesus with the world around us in need of His salvation.  Embrace the promise of God’s eternal presence and live each day in the light of His glory and grace by being filled with awe and inspiration at the thought of living with the three in one with open gates in the pure city in God’s eternal Kingdom.  Remember that our destiny is to live in the glorious presence of our Lord Jesus forever and let this promise be the inspiration that keeps the light of God’s love shining in your daily life by bringing hope and encouragement to everyone you meet.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 21:22-27

22But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 

23The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. 

24And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. 

25Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 

26And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. 

27But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.