Read: Matthew 24:30-35

In connection with our current message series “Jesus: Fully Known” this weeks reflection comes from Pastor David Jeremiah….

“J. Oswald Sanders pointed out that the teachings of Jesus were simple, vital, ethical, practical, original, psychologically correct, and, of course, theologically true – in every way.  The teachings of Jesus were true because He is the truth, so we can know Him.  He fulfills the truth, so we can trust Him.  He tells the truth, so we can obey Him.  He models the truth, so we can emulate Him.  He predicts the truth, so we can expect Him.  And He comforts us with the truth, so we can love Him.

Reading through the Gospels in one sitting would take some time, but if you have a Bible with the words of Jesus printed in red, try sitting down to read those words.  Go from passage to passage, simply reading the red-letter words of Jesus.  It’s a wonderful exercise.  As an alternative, spend extra time this week reading the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-7.  It’s the greatest speech, sermon, or discourse ever given.”

Make it Personal:  When the red letters of Jesus become the read letter of Jesus, our soul is enriched. The world will one day end but His words will never pass away.

“Ignorance of the scriptures is ignorance of Christ.”  – Jerome

Read: Psalm 46

It’s no whispering secret.  We live in a noisy world.  Even in our own homes we can have televisions, radios, cell phones, and many other noise-makers competing for the same air space.  If you have young children at home there are probably times when you just want to settle them down and bring calmness to the room.  

I read an article once in which a mother was in this kind of a situation.  She said that instead of trying to talk to her children in a loud yelling voice she opted to stand there and whisper her wishes to them.  She said, “It was amazing, it did not take long before the toys hit the ground and their faces turned to try to figure out what I was saying.”  Suddenly, her children wanted to hear her voice and what she was saying.  In order to do that they need to be quiet.

How true that concept can be for us and our relationship with God.  In Psalm 46:10 the Bible says, “Be still and know that I am God.”  In order to hear what God is speaking into our lives we must first be still and quiet.  We must give God our attention.  God loves us and cares deeply about what we are going through in life.  God whispers our name and instructs us on how to get through those difficult times.  Are we listening?

Make it Personal:  Turn down the volume in your life this week.  Take time to calm down, breathe deeply, and listen to God.  The Lord has solutions and help for the problems we face in life, we just need to slow down and listen.  By turning down the volume you will be amazed at what you hear the Lord saying to you.

Read: Ephesians 4:17-32

How is your dose of encouragement today or this week?  Have you been encouraged by a friend or family member recently?  Also, have you been an encouragement to someone else?  Often times we come in contact with people who have a negative outlook or just don’t have many good things to say.  That is when we have the opportunity to be a good example and give a good heavy dose of encouragement instead. 

Often times in person or online we can add a positive twist to the conversation instead of joining in on the negativity.  Many times the response that we make can be a deciding factor in steering the conversation north (building others up) or south (tearing others down) from where it is headed.  In Ephesians 4:29 it says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Through much of the New Testament Paul encourages people to love, care, build up, and encourage each other on the journey of life.  This is God’s way and we have the opportunity to make it happen.  It all depends on how we will respond when faced with the choice to encourage or discourage.   The next time your are at work, school, or with friends and the conversations heads south, be the one to turn it around.  Take it from negative to positive.  Take it from tearing down to building up.  Not only will the conversation be much more uplifting but the remainder of your day will be as well.  Come on Christians, let’s give out heavy doses of encouragement!

Make it Personal:  Let’s try to catch ourselves when we are adding to the negativity instead of the positivity.  Many times we follow along without realizing where we are heading or where the conversation is taking us.  Step back, then step up and be the one to “help build others up according to their needs.”

Read: Matthew 4:1-11

Buffets are harder to find these days due to the ongoing worldwide pandemic.  In most recent days we have just been fortunate to be able to enter a restaurant to enjoy a meal out.  This past Sunday I mentioned the importance of reading and feasting on God’s Word as a daily practice in our lives. Scripture shows us what God desires in us and how Jesus showed us to live.  It also proclaims the promises of God to those who believe.  It is the ultimate buffet for Christians.

In Matthew 4 when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness the Word of God is what Jesus used to refute the lies and temptations of the evil one. Over and over he said, “It is written….” as a way to disprove the temptations that were being presented to him.  The same can hold true for us as well.  If we feast on the Word of God daily (over and over) it can help to lead us away from the tempter and remind us of what God promises and how Jesus showed us to live.

Jon Bloom once said, “When our body needs energy, we eat food.  But when our soul needs hope, what do we feed it?  Promises… Our souls are designed to be nourished by God’s precious and very great promises (2 Peter 1:4).”  When we sit down or take the time to read the Bible Psalm 19 says that we are feasting on something that is more desired than gold and sweeter than honey.  It’s time for us to take the time in our busy lives and learn from the one who can help us find direction, find purpose, find peace, and help us to handle the things the world throws at us.  God’s ultimate buffet is always open.

Make it Personal:  How has your time in God’s Word been recently?  Have you taken the time to be in God’s Word recently?  We must not let our Bibles collect dust and become nice pieces of decor around the house. It must be a vital, important, and daily part of our Christian lives.