Faithfully Yours Forever

12/12/2014

Matthew 13 includes several parables about the kingdom of heaven. Jesus often taught through parables. These parables used everyday things… such as the type of soil, wheat or weeds or seeds, or hidden treasure or fine pearls. These things were used to drive home an important point. With the parable of the sower, we learn that not everyone is open to really hear and respond to the gospel message. Other parables teach us that both good and bad people are living in the world. However, we are also taught that, in the end, the good people will be separated out from the bad people in the same way that the good fish were separated out and kept, but the bad fish were separated out and discarded. Many have learned that there is great value in the Truth contained within the gospel message. This Truth, both then and now, may be purposely sought after or simply stumbled upon by a person. Either way, once found, the person discovers they are willing to give up all to possess such a great treasurer. May we desire, and be willing, to do the same thing. Take heart and remember the kingdom of God may have started out small, but nothing is going to stop it from growing… just as bread dough will rise when yeast is added.

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Matt.13

12/11/2014

Anybody feeling stressed? Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and everyday living… who wouldn’t be? Matthew 12 reports numerous examples of Jesus getting bombarded with problems, challenges, accusations, or demands. He is the King of king and Lord of lords; there was no rest for Him, but yet He is known as the Prince of Peace. He desires to share His peace with us. Let us claim that hope – that promise! In His name the nations will put their hope (Matthew 12:21). We should do nothing less.

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Matt.12

12/10/2014

Have you ever felt like you were paving the way for another person to travel? John the Baptist knew he was preparing the way for others to hear and receive the message that Jesus, the Christ, was born to deliver. Sometimes as leaders, when we are charting a new path in unknown or unfamiliar territory, we may have doubts about the final destination – even wondering if the chosen path will actually get us to where we want to go. Finding himself in prison, John the Baptist began to have doubts. Jesus, learning of John’s doubts, sought to reassure him. He suggested John consider the evidence and accomplishments of Jesus’ earthly ministry. As we consider the path that God has placed us on, let us consider all of the times when God has been faithful. May the Holy Spirit remove any doubts we have about fully committing to and following Jesus.

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Matt.11

12/9/2014

Just as Jesus sent out the original twelve disciples, so also He sends us out. He generally told the disciples where to go, who to target with His message, and what to say. He empowered them for their mission and told them what to take, who to stay with, and who and what to watch out for. He warned them of the dangers they would face, reassured them that He would be with them on their journeys, and explained the risks, costs, and benefits of obediently following Him. He will do those things for us today too. Are we listening? Are we willing to pay the price for following Him? If we are obedient, God’s blessings will flow and the ultimate reward will be great. May we desire to be obedient to His call upon our lives. May we be His “sent” people. May we never wonder if He has a place for us in His mission to the lost people of this world.

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Matt.10

12/8/2014

What is the key to forgiveness? Our faith! But, our faith in what or whom? Our faith should be in the one true God… Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the all-in-one. We can have a personal relationship with Him, through Jesus Christ. Our faith in God grows as we continually seek to be healed from our broken relationship with Him. He is anxious to forgive and longs for an intimate relationship with us, as our creator. As with any relationship, there are responsibilities – things need to be done to maintain the relationship. May we seek Him, follow His ways, obey His commands, and work to reach others for Him. May our relationship with Him be strengthened as we are faithful to Him.

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Matt.9

12/7/2014

Jesus desires for us all to be healed. While many seek physical, emotional, or psychological healing, spiritual healing, including the restoration of a personal relationship with God, through Christ, is the key. Full healing may not occur until Jesus returns and all of God’s creation is restored. If you seek to be fully healed, “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Have faith! Believe in the promises written of in the Holy Scriptures. However, be patient and remember that full healing may not occur until His kingdom comes and the doors to eternal life are fully opened to those who believe.

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Matt.8

12/6/2014

Many words of wisdom are expressed in Matthew 7.
• We will be judged by the same standard that we judge others, so maybe we better clean up our own act before thinking about criticizing others.
• God desires to do only good things for us. He wants to give to those who ask wisely, to give to those who are searching for truth, and open the doors to His kingdom to those who truly desire to enter in.
• Let us not be deceived by those who “talk the talk” but do not “walk the walk.”
• Build a life upon a solid foundation, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, not on the shifting sand of an uncertain world.

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Matt.7