I think this bears repeating; so I shall.
The scripture most blurted out is two words – “Judge not.” Matt 7:1
It seems to me there is much more to it than that.
The New Living Translation says it this way Continue reading
Matthew
Get the story right!
Finally, two men came forward who declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.'” Matt 26:60-61
An ambulance drives by and everyone is curious as to what has happened and to whom. The telephone rings and a story is told.
Then another and another but they’re all different stories. Continue reading
Fasting explained (part 2)
Isa 58:6
“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
- Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
- Lighten the burden of those who work for you.
- Let the oppressed go free
- Remove the chains that bind people.
- Share your food with the hungry
- Give shelter to the homeless.
- Give clothes to those who need them
- Do not hide from relatives who need your help. Continue reading
Fasting explained (part 1)
Isa 58:6
“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
- Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
- Lighten the burden of those who work for you.
- Let the oppressed go free
- Remove the chains that bind people.
- Share your food with the hungry
- Give shelter to the homeless.
- Give clothes to those who need them
- Do not hide from relatives who need your help.
Is there a realistic way to accomplish God’s word for fasting? There is in a spiritual way. Now I do not think that God is doing away with a traditional fast but He is expounding upon it.
- Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
Sin is the great imprisonment in our lives. Christian’s hold the key to opening and releasing the prisoners so we can free those that are wrongly imprisoned.
Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah when He said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor;” Luke 4:18
In the midst of this Isaiah says, “To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” Isa 61:1
You can allow the Spirit of the Lord to anoint you to also proclaim the Gospel and set free those held captive by sins grasp.
- Lighten the burden of those who work for you.
If you have a business and employees this one is easily possible for you; but does it have an application for those that do not have a business or employees?
There are people always working for you, not necessarily in the monetary or employee sense.
Some are earnestly praying for you, while others are trying to help you behind the scenes.
You can lighten their burden for you by doing them and yourself a favor – live for God!
I know a young lady that is a burden to my heart. She is constantly saying and doing things that are not morally good. She could lighten my burden by getting her heart right with God and living for Him.
Matt 11:28-30 –Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
- Let the oppressed go free.
I know you’re not the governor of the state or a warden, so how can you accomplish this?
I think more people are oppressed by their own attitude. They are held from going forward by something in the past.
Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32
The truth of God’s word tells each of us how to be free from anger, hatred, and malice, which are attitude related.
Share God’s word and pray for someone to be released from these things.
- Remove the chains that bind people
A chain is something that is used to connect or hold something down. These chains take may different forms. Many are chained by fear. Fear of the water will keep you chained to the land.
2 Tim 1:7 – God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Fear does not come from God; fear comes from inside each of us.
Fear keeps us from stepping out by faith. Again, it is God’s word that banishes fear!
More next time.
Boundary around your body.
Another boundary that needs to be set is around your body. This boundary is to keep others out.
It is written be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. 1 Cor 16:13
You need to set your principles and stand firm in them. Continue reading
A boundary around your mind and spirit
A boundary has two purposes; keep something out and to keep something in.
You need to have boundaries in your life starting with your mind and spirit to keep some things out. Continue reading
Remorse vs Repentance
After yesterday’s Greater Sin topic, the question arises about the outcome of Judas Iscariot, the one that betrayed Jesus.
The comment was made that Judas repented. Continue reading
Quoting Scripture – Living Scripture
Who said, “’He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Luke 4:10-11
Since it’s a quote from Psalm 91 the correct answer is David but Continue reading
The Message (Bible) of the Beatitudes
The other evening I was discussing the Beatitudes with someone. This has to be one of the most beloved nine sayings of Jesus; yet they can be someone difficult to follow.
I have many translations of the Bible in my library. Continue reading
Hate, Love, and Bigotry
Hate evil, love good; Amos 5:15
What would you think of me if I saw a house burning and I knew there were people inside and I did nothing? I didn’t try to wake them up and warn them or call 911.
You would think very bad of me; Continue reading
Morning Thought with Pastor Tim 