Matt. 55-7 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Being a Christian does not insure smooth sailing. In fact, challenges can be counted upon. Christ drew attention to His teachings by saying, “The WISE man builds his life (house) upon my Words.” We don’t really know what a life is built upon UNTIL the storms come.

Can we assume that the storms of life in 2024 are more severe than the storms of 30 a.d.? What kind of tragedies could possibly befall those simple Judean inhabitants who were gathered on that hillside near Capernaum? Were they all torn up that their oxcart overturned on the way to market? Did one of their children have an affliction that wouldn’t be remedied? Were the Roman tax collectors calling them to court over some inconsistencies in their tax return? Did their fishing boat capsize and they couldn’t afford a new one?

Life happens. Cling close to Jesus and His Teachings.

Matt. 4:23, 24 [NIV Dramatized audio]

When I was in my second year of music school, we were given a composition project in which we were to tale a scripture text and put it to music for choir and instruments. I chose the above passage and distinctly remember the dramatic inspiration I had. The verse implied that there were miraculous healings EVERYWHERE Jesus went. Not only that, He cast out demons and healed conditions that WON’T BE FOUND IN HEAVEN!

We pray, “Thy Kingdom come here on earth even as it is in Heaven.” This is a good way to pray for the sick … the removal of all afflictions that will not be in Heaven. Obviously, we use THE NAME of Jesus in our prayer.

Pardon me as I reminisce about my ministry journey.

Matt. 2-4 [NIV Dramatized – audio]

I will never forget my visit to the Holy Land. When I hear the narration of Matt. in the NIV Dramatized, I am taken back again to the shores of Galilee and the town Capernaum. It was there Jesus began preaching and called His Disciples. Picturing these locations in my mind is a joy. I’m so glad I went. It has made my Bible reading come alive.

Our group was having breakfast in the cafeteria of our hotel in Tiberias, a prominent town on the SW edge of Galilee. I happened to be reading Matt. 2 where it says, “The people who walked in darkness saw a great light.” Jesus, of course, was that great light. I looked out the window and saw the sun, rising in the east. It’s brilliance reflected upon the water of this key lake. In that moment, it occurred to me that I was in the very right spot to put it all together in my mind. I shall NEVER forget that moment from my Holy Land visit.

Matthew 1 [NIV Dramatized]

Matthew begins his gospel with the genealogy of Jesus. Each name listed gives significance to each person whose family reputation contributed to Christ’s earthly beginning. Realize that His actual Father was God and Joseph’s blood was not Christ’s. The blood Jesus shed at His execution was derived from the Holy Spirit of God Who gave Christ’s mother conception.

His name was given to Joseph by one of God’s angels who said, “His name shall be Jesus.” It meant Emmanuel, God with us.

Loving parents generally give their children a name that has significance, either from the family or to positively influence the destiny of that child. When Patty delivered our third child, he seemed so peaceful so we gave him the name Jeffrey which means peaceful. My name was my father’s middle name. Little did we know that our son Mark would marry a Julie, and our firstborn daughter Julie would marry a Mark.

Johnny Cash sang a song about a boy named “Sue.” He developed a toughness because of the harassment he received having a girl’s name. When he finally met his father, He asked, “Dad, why did you name me Sue?” His dad responded, “This is a rough world, and I knew that name would prepare you to handle adversity.” Here’s a recording of that song. (Please pardon some of the crude language.)

Mal. 4 [The Message]

A fire will consume God’s enemies, but those who trust in Him will romp like calves set free from the stall. The Sun of Righteousness (JESUS) shall rise (and be born) and His presence will heal you like the warming rays of the sun.

You can’t tell me that salvation is without miraculous feelings. Can you feel the warming rays of the sun … Yes you can, and so do we receive a boost when Christ comes into our lives and saves and heals us. Hallelujah!

Get ready for a boost tomorrow when we return to listening to the NIV Dramatized. It’s my favorite. We have completed the entire Bible in The Message. Thank you Kelly Ryan Dolan ( voice) and Eugene Peterson (paraphraser).

Mal. 3 [The Message]

The prophet declared that God Himself would look after us IF we were faithful in our tithing. He will, “forbid the locusts to destroy the produce of your soil, and the vines in your fields will not be barren”, says the Lord of hosts. [v.11]

In now-a-day language, God will protect you from suffering loss in your business and personal finance. When the fiscal health of the dollar is in doubt, the Christian can find comfort in knowing that the Lord is his Heavenly Financial Advisor.

Mal.2 [TheMessage]

Because God looks so earnestly on the marriage vows, He is especially saddened by those who cheat on their mate. One of the damages incurred by cheating is what it does to the children of the offending party. It gives the children an inaccurate example of what marriage should be. It robs them of the family security God intended them to have.

Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted. His grace is great enough to fill up the gap left by a broken marriage. He loves and embraces the hurting children who have truly been wounded by cheating. He brings them in close to His heart and puts their lives back together. He said, “My grace IS SUFFICIENT!”

Zech.14; Malachi 1 [The Message]

Through the prophet Malachi, God challenged the priesthood about their greatly relaxed standards of worship. They offered what was convenient. They offered animals that were subpar. Obviously, they had lost sight of how much God had done for them and gave their best somewhere else.

How about us? Are we trying to fit God into our schedule where it’s easy and convenient? Do we give Him the leftovers? Hw much effort do we give to pleasing Him above ourselves?

I hope to sing in a special Easter choir at our church. The dress attire is to be “your best.” I will wear a suit. It hasn’t been that long ago that men wore suits to church because it was “our best.” Have we lost something here?

Zech. 11-13. [The Message]

Christ Jesus and His cleansing blood is The Fount(ain). This metaphor is one of scripture’s most frequent song themes.

It speaks of a never-ending supply. It speaks of free access for all. The fountain was generally at the heart of every village. Its source was not man generated, but surely man brnefitting. We could go on and on. Praise God for the Fount.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3Dax_NMWLEb6U&ved=2ahUKEwiSk6Tf5fCEAxWRRjABHdwvA3IQ78AJegQIGBAB&usg=AOvVaw2wRHg-rGRc-1SN0zfrCKQW

Zech. 9, 10 [The Message]

It seems that the world is starving for humble leaders. Most are pompous self-promoters who think we are very privileged to experience them. It’s not only in politics. It’s in the church.

Christ gave us the perfect example of a humble leader. He said, “Become my servants and learn from me. I am gentle and free of pride. You will find rest for your souls.” [Matt. 11:29 NIRV]

You can generally tell when men have been with Jesus.