Matthew 4:23-5:1

Did you have a favorite teacher in school; or perhaps a favorite subject?  I was not particularly fond of school, but I did like my Sophomore English teacher. Of course the fact that he was young and very good looking had nothing to do with it.  I looked forward to attending his class every day.  I loved English, so that helped with the attraction.

"When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions." (Matthew 5:1)

I can imagine the disciples and followers of Jesus anticipating the next mountainside teaching session, can't you?  What must that have been like; to learn from the Master, to hear the Words of the One who is the Author of Life!  We know His closest followers loved Him dearly and they hung on His every word.  I try to imagine his eyes as He taught those around Him.  Attempt to envision His hand gestures as the Teacher pounds home a prophetic point.

Oh, to be lost in that moment in time with the Master.  When I think in terms of Jesus' teaching me now I try to imagine those eyes - lovingly and patiently looking into my eyes - repeating until I finally get it.  His gestures are all loving and I do not for a minute feel intimidated, only loved.  The next time we sit down with our Bibles, visualize Jesus sitting on a hillside...teaching.

Read Matthew 4:23-5:1 here.  Listen to Matthew 4:23-5:1 here.

John 14:15-27

As a writer I have a love for words.  Some words I find to be challenging, some are puzzling while others may be comforting or thought provoking.  In the scripture text for today I discovered a number of words that caught my attention.  These were words Jesus was using to explain The Holy Spirit to them.

Jesus was teaching his disciples what was going to happen to them, once he was gone.  He was encouraging them with, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. ( John 14:16)  The men were probably fearful and afraid, wondering what would happen when he left them, who would teach them.

Jesus reassured them, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live." (John 14:18-19) Jesus then went on to tell them about The Holy Spirit,  “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:25-26)

Back to the topic of words; in these few verses some of the words I am wrapping my heart around are: truth, advocate, forever. Lastly: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

That's where I am today, where are you?

To read all the scripture text for today click here.