Scripture

“Teacher, we know that you are an honest man of integrity, and you teach us the truth of God’s ways. We can clearly see that you are not one who speaks only to win peoples favor, because you speak the truth without regard to the consequences.

~Matthew 22:16, Passion

Quote

Any man who insist on having his own way–no matter what that way is– will become an enemy to Christ.

~William Barclay

In the conspiracy of the Jewish religious leaders against Christ, they tried every possible means of discrediting Jesus in public and nothing worked. Finally, in desperation, they resorted to flattery–“We know that you are an honest man of integrity, and you teach us the truth of God’s ways”…They words of flattery were right on the money, but they were insincere, they didn’t mean what they said. Proverbs 29:5 in the Passion reads…“Flattery can often be used as a trap, to hide ulterior motives.”

Jesus knew what was in their wicked hearts and He knows our mind and heart. He knows what we think and what we are. There are a lot of dark places to hid in religious observances, but Jesus is the light, and the Jewish Religious hypocrites had no place to hid. Jesus lit up their world of darkness and exposed their evil. The Jews had their own agenda and there was no room for Jesus in their scheme. I pray almost daily for their blind eyes to be opened and for them to turn to Christ. We need them: they could help us get the gospel to the world.

Extra

Another LORD’s day to be thankful for. Doug did an outstanding job in leading our praise and worship: heaven came down and glory filled my soul. I was soaring high on the grace and goodness of God. The LORD allowed me to share the same message last night. I needed the Revelation song to get me fired up. God is good; no doubt about it. Congratulation to my friend Billy Parker who celebrated his 80th birthday yesterday. Pray for Billy and his family. His baby daughter Courtney is suffering from ALS. Courtney stays on my heart twenty-four-seven. Join me in prayer for Courtney.

Monday’s are tough for the working folks so bless you. It is not bad when you retired or semi-retired. I will be going to meeting and making visits LORD willing. I hope you have a good day and a good week.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• At least one person loves you enough to die for you.
• The only reason anyone would hate you is jealously.
• A smile from you can bring happiness to someone.
• You personally, mean the world to someone.
• Every night, someone thinks about you before they go to bed.