Today in the Word for April 14-22
Today in the Word
Thursday April 15, 2021
If we believe that Jesus was raised from the dead, what next? Welcome to The Word with Pastor David. On the morning Jesus resurrected, Mary Magdalene is distraught over the empty tomb, and confuses Jesus for the gardener. John 20:16-18 reports:
“Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”
…Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them…’
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!”…”
Mary has an encounter with the risen Lord. And his instruction is for her to tell the other disciples, and she obeys. We are called to do the same. Once we believe that Jesus is risen and alive today, we need to tell each other that he is alive.
It is a key reason to gather as believers. A church gathering is an excellent place to share with each other that Jesus is alive and living in us. Our worship together reminds us that Jesus is alive. The Word of God from the pulpit reminds us that Jesus rose from the dead and is living today. One negative effect of the pandemic was to reduce the opportunities to gather and tell each other this truth.
What do we do once we believe Jesus has been raised from the dead? We tell each other that he is alive—regularly and with joy!
And that’s The Word from Pastor David of Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.
Today in the Word
Friday April 16, 2021
We believe that Jesus rose from the dead. What next? Welcome to The Word with Pastor David. After Jesus’ resurrection, he confronts Peter on the shore of Lake Galilee in John 21:15-17:
“…Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more that these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.””
Jesus is hammering home to Peter that he wants him to nourish and care for the flock. Jesus calls him to strengthen the community of believers.
Jesus calls us to the same. Once we are believers, we need to invest in believers. Once we are part of Jesus’ flock, so we are to focus on caring for his sheep. Our love for Jesus is to be expressed in strengthening his church.
And that’s the Word. Tune in Sundays at 10:30 on the Deer Lodge Assembly Facebook page for our Livestreamed service or join us at the corner of 5th and Montana.
Today in The Word
Monday April 19, 2021
Are there ways to strengthen Jesus’ church? Welcome to The Word with Pastor David. After a resurrected Jesus challenges Peter on the shore of Lake Galilee, John 21:17-19 reads:
“Jesus said, “Feed my sheep…when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!””
How is Peter to feed Jesus’ church? Jesus tells him that he will ultimately be a martyr for the faith. He calls Peter to follow him wholeheartedly, even if it costs him everything.
Our courage and persistence and our choice to love Jesus more than we love our own comfort builds the church. Others are strengthened by our decisions to serve God completely.
Not many are called to martyrdom, but every one of us are called to follow Jesus no matter the cost. When we do, we are doing our best to strengthen Jesus’ flock. We inspire courage and persistence in our fellow sheep.
And that’s The Word from Pastor David of Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.
Today in The Word
Tuesday April 20, 2021
Are there ways to strengthen Jesus’ church? Welcome to The Word with Pastor David. After a resurrected Jesus challenges Peter on the shore of Lake Galilee, John 21:19-23 reads:
“…Then [Jesus]he said to him, “Follow me!””
Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them…When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?””
Peter has been challenged to follow Jesus, even to his death, and his response is to ask about his buddy John. Jesus tells Peter that what happens to John is none of his business.
We have a tendency to worry about the other guy. It distracts us from our primary task of following Jesus. And when we spend less time looking sideways at others and more time keeping our eyes ahead on Jesus, there is a significant benefit. Without all the comparisons and busybody-ness, we strengthen the church. We fulfill our call to feed Jesus’ sheep better when we stop worrying about the other guy.
And that’s The Word from Pastor David of Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.
Today in the Word
Wednesday April 21, 2021
Can we get help to share with the planet the gospel message? Welcome to The Word with Pastor David. The evening of Jesus ‘resurrection, Luke 24:44-47 reads:
“…” This is what I told you while I was still with you. Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached…”
Jesus emphasizes the Bible. He opens their minds so they can understand the Bible. He quotes to help them understand and preach that he is the one to forgive sins.
And Jesus still opens minds to understand the Bible and share that truth with the planet. He can illuminate his Word to us, and can guide us in helping others grasp the power and truth of God’s Word.
We are not left to spread the Gospel on our own. Jesus gives us the powerful Word of God to accomplish the task.
And that’s The Word from Pastor David of Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.
Today in the Word
Thursday April 22, 2021
Can we get help to share with the planet the gospel message? Welcome to The Word with Pastor David. The evening of Jesus ‘resurrection, Jesus tells his disciples that he will illuminate the Word of God to help them Luke 24:46-49 goes on to say:
““…the Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.””
Jesus promises to help them witness by sending the Father’s promise of the Holy Spirit. He makes the same promise for the same reason in Acts 1:8. The Holy Spirit gifts will help us communicate and deliver power to defeat the lies injuries of The Enemy.
We are not left to share the Gospel on our own. We are helped by the twin powers of the Word of God and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Both can make it possible to reach the planet.
And that’s The Word from Pastor David of Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana.