Matthew____24

Scripture

Matthew‬ ‭24:42‬ ‭‬‬

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.” 

 

Observation-What does it say?

Jesus is sitting on the Mount of Olives, telling His disciples about the things to come in the future, the “birthing pains” that this earth will have before His second coming, and the end of the world. He urges His disciples to always be prepared and to be ready. In this particular verse I chose today, Jesus uses the example of a homeowner being prepared as if he knew a burglar was coming. The homeowner would keep watch and not allow his house to be broken into. The same goes for us. We must all be prepared because Jesus can come back at anytime.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Be prepared. Don’t procrastinate.

 

We have all done it before. Whether it’s studying for a test or interview, paying a bill, or doing a household chore. We put it off until the last minute. Why do we do it?! Because WHEN we do it, we always seem to overload our plates, cramming to get the task done, and most of the time what needs to get done is a poorly executed result. Even if we’re lucky enough to get the job done, the stress leading up to it can be overwhelming, all because we choose to take time for granted and wait for another day.

 

That is why Jesus is pleading with His disciples, (that includes us), to be prepared, and be ready. Each day is a gift from God. Nothing is guaranteed. This passage reminds us that not even the angels in Heaven know when Jesus will return. Only God knows (verse 36). So don’t procrastinate on living godly lives or sharing with others the Gospel message and importance of living lives for Christ. This passage tells us what happens to those who are not prepared.

 

“The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew‬ ‭24:50-51‬ ‭

 

And I think we all know the place that these unprepared people will be going. And if you truly understand what this place is, we wouldn’t wish for anyone to go there. So let’s get our “house in order”. Let’s help others to do the same. Let’s not get “caught with our pants down” doing something we shouldn’t be doing when Jesus arrives. Let’s be prepared for our Master’s return so He can welcome us by saying “Well done my good and faithful servant.” 😊

 

 

Life Application

 

What would you do differently if you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow?

 

I once heard a well known pastor, (although I don’t remember who at the moment..LOL), ask this question. His response was...

“nothing.” Now that was a man who was prepared, who lived each day as if it was his last. A man who lived each day for God, seeking and doing His will. I can’t help but admire and respect that. I pray that I can be that prepared. I want to know without a shadow of a doubt, that I lived each day for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I want to live each day knowing that I did all that I can do for Him. I want to please Him as a player wants to please his coach, or a son wants to please his father. And I know He is “cheering me on in the stands” each and every step of the way. 😊

 

-Moses Gaddi

Psalm 150

Scripture  Psalm 150:1-2   

Praise the Lord.  Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.  Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Observation-What does it say?  The fifth book of psalms includes Psalm 107-150, many of which are attributed to David.  The last five psalms, 146-150, are attributed to other authors.  This particular psalm may have been specifically written to close out the book.  It is like the climactic closing of a story.  It encourages all of creation to praise God, not only in the sanctuary, but also in all of the earth.  He is worthy of praise because of His great works.   Understanding-What does it mean?  A few years ago our middle son was having some serious issues with his digestion.  At one point, he was only eating a few bites of food at any meal, he wasn’t gaining weight, and he had very little energy.  It didn’t take an advanced medical degree to tell something was majorly wrong.  So, we began seeking expert help.  As we began going to gastroenterology specialists, the answers we were getting neither made sense nor seemed to be working.  They all stated he had Colitis and would need to put him on medication, which would eventually adversely affect his digestive system.  So we began looking into “alternative” medicines and more holistic remedies, like alternative diets.  During our research, we found several people who had a similar diagnosis who were having good results with chiropractic care.  As it turns out, there are nerves in your spine that connect to your stomach and can cause inflammation when the spine is out of alignment.  But when the spine is in alignment, the body can heal itself of many ailments. Similarly, when our spiritual life is out of alignment, it can have negative impacts on our life.  All throughout the old testament, Israel walked away from God and worshiped other gods.  They would turn to man made things, and walk away from God’s blessing.  Despite all God’s great acts, like clearing the Red Sea, bringing down manna from heaven, knocking down the walls of Jericho, etc., Israel would turn to other things.  But, when they repented and assumed a posture of worship, God would gracefully bring them back into His blessing.  When we offer praise and worship to God, we work on our own posture, gaining the humility to hope in Him and accept his greatness and control in our lives. “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31 Life Application  Holy Spirit, when my life gets out of alignment, help me to assume a posture of worship.  Help me to remember your faithfulness in my life, the evidence of Your great works.  For when I am low, You will carry me and lift me up.  You are glorious and worthy to be praised.

-Tyler Galloway

Hosea_8

Scripture - What stood out?Hosea 8:11“Though Ephraim built many altars for sin offerings,

    these have become altars for sinning. Observation - What does it say?Hosea chapter eight continues to deliver God’s message to the nation of Israel. The message contains elements of what God has in store for Israel’s future as well as the current spiritual condition of Israel. As an example of what is going on within the nation God singles out one of Israel’s tribes, Ephraim. Understanding - What does it mean?When I read verse 11 of this chapter I was able to envision the opening day for these altars. They were intended for so much good. And I believe there must have been this great sense of not only celebration but also of relief - because this was how they were going to get into a right relationship with the Lord. Upon asking an acquaintance why he chose not to believe in Jesus, my aunt’s newfound friend explained, “I just don’t trust the people in church.” With the recent spotlight on several mega church pastors and their indiscretions, it is not difficult to see why a person may think this way.  And much like the tribe of Ephraim, I am sure, that it all started off right for these pastors. The altars they built were being used for what they were intended for. Until somewhere along the way they were used for the exact opposite intention. Where did Ephraim go wrong? Where and when did these pastors, who had labored so long for God allow evil and sin to enter their souls. (Assuming the allegations are true.) With so much at stake, I am reminded of an old belief I have held onto since my 20’s - that the human spirit is so fragile. And yet we build upon it so heavily. Relationships, businesses, communities, countries, are all built on something that consistently falters, people.  Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today? If I had the opportunity to talk to my aunt’s acquaintance I would have asked that he put his trust not in people but in Jesus. And while I am sad to see pastors fall, whether they are mega or not, I am still hope filled that the mission I chose to carry out is worth the labor and worth the risk. While God uses us flawed people to carry out his mission, Our responsibility still remains the same - to spread the gospel of Jesus and make disciples of all nations. Lord I put my trust, my faith, and my hope in you today. Help me to remain on mission. Whatever you help me to build in Your Name help me to be faithful in using it for the purpose and plan you intended it to be. Always. In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen. 

-kenneth lee