Matt 27 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

On my trip to the Holy Land, our tour spent time at the sight of the Garden Tomb. Golgotha, the place of the skull, is not far from it. It was a memorable day. I remember sensing such peace there.

In our daily Christian lives, we endure our own tombs and places of execution where we die to self and the pain our trials befall. Death to self brings God’s peace, not the taste of defeat and sorrow as we would suppose. When we die to self, we rise to walk in newness of life. We leave behind our graveclothes and stench of death. Like Christ, we are free to proceed to the next task God has for us.

Matt. 26 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Jesus tried three times to get His Disciples to watch and pray with Him just before His crucifixion. Sometimes we just need to keep ourselves awake to pray.

Years ago when I went to the church every morning at 6 a.m. to cultivate a morning prayer life, I would quickly go to sleep if I knelt down at a pew to pray. I concluded, “This isn’t working.” So, I began walking and praying. I would sing through 5 Psalms every day, loudly. iI developed iron lungs and a strong voice.

David had to speak to himself and stir up his inner man. Awake up, my glory (tongue); awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. [Ps. 57:8]

I remember one morning when I had to make a strong effort to stay awake. Eventually, I experienced one of the greatest times of worship and spiritual breakthrough in my life. My effort to stay awake and pray was GREATLY REWARDED.

Matt. 26 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

In the hours leading up to His crucifixion, Christ and His Disciples were in the Garden of Gethsemane praying. He didn’t rebuke, prophesy, or read a book … He prayed.

When we encounter temptation, the best thing to do is begin praying. In the words Christ taught us, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” Obviously, there’s no sin or impurity in Heaven. If Jesus did it, it’s the pattern for Holy Living.

Matt. 25 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Christ said, “(Some are)hungry and you didn’t feed (them),”

Helping those in need is a rewarding gesture. Sometimes its difficult to discern between true needs and the requests of panhandlers. What are we to do?

The proverb says, “The liberal (giving) soul shall be made fat (have what he needs).

Matt. 25 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Christ will return in His Glory WITH ALL His holy angels. How many will that be?

Rev. 5 tells us that there are 10,000 times 10,000. That’s a hundred million right there. We know of no earthly army to compare with that. It will be a spectacle to behold.

God loves us so much that He assigns angels to minister to us and help us. They do whatever He says. Yes, there were many (one third) who chose NOT to be obedient to God. They were cast out of Heaven and are probably trying to discourage us from serving the Lord. God has the upper hand. Don’t worry. They fear because they will be cast into the Lake of Fire with Satan when he is judged.

Meanwhile, we need to keep our focus on doing the Lord’s will. His angels are pulling for us.

Matt. 24 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

In this chapter, Christ lays out the events leading to the end of the age. It’s frightening to consider this timetable and try to determine where we are presently. He makes it clear that the key is “Enduring to the end.”

What qualities enhance enduring?

• Faithfulness … to daily read His Word and be in fellowship with other Christians.
• Humility … because Jesus said the first will be last and the last (servant’s heart) will be first.
• Perseverance … it’s not a sprint. It’s an endurance run.
• Being mercy-givers … those who show mercy will receive it.
• Knowledge of the times… we ought to read this passage more often.
• Generosity … laying up for ourselves treasures in Heaven.

Matt. 21-23 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Jesus said, “If you want to be great in My Kingdom, be the servant of all.” It seems that we do whatever we can to advantage ourselves. Being a servant is continually looking to give the advantage to others.

If you only look to take care of yourself, you have only one on your side. If everybody serves everyone else, you have everyone on your side.

Matt. 17-20 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Children seemed to have a special place in Christ’s heart. He declared severe penalties for those who prevented or deterred chidden from relationship with Him. In the same sense, can we deduce that those who bring, teach, and encourage children to come to Him receive special favor in His Kingdom. As for me, I THINK SO!

To the special personnel at Trinity and all Christian ministries who have devoted their lives to children, I SALUTE YOU!!!

Matt. 14 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

How would 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes be enough to feed a large gathering of people listening to the Lord’s teaching? Christ said, “Bring the food to me.” He then blessed it, broke it, and fed the multitude.

Whatever you have that seems to be not enough, begin by blessing it. As you begin using it BY FAITH, it will begin multiplying. God will either produce enough, or He will reduce the need.

David said, “I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging bread.”