Free at Last

Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

John 8:31-32

In today's postmodern society, talking about truth can be tricky. If you want to discuss a truth, feel free. However, talking about the truth is a whole other matter. Talking about the truth would imply that what you're sharing is an absolute truth, something that is true for everyone - whether everyone personally believes it to be true or not.

That's the kind of truth Jesus was talking about to his Jewish audience in the temple treasury as recorded in the Gospel of John. The term Jesus used for truth was the same one used to describe a legal standard, a fact that would stand up in court. This fact was broader than just the truth about who Jesus was. The Jews who were listening already believed. The truth Jesus spoke of is the kind revealed over the course of a lifetime, as those who believe in him choose to obey his words.

In ancient Greek, know means more than "to make a mental note of." It means that you have tested your belief exponentially. By putting Jesus's teaching into practice, you can come to know the truth about God, life and yourself. This knowledge frees you from your chains you may not even  be aware are holding you back, such chains as pride, selfishness, and the temptation to do what is contrary to Jesus's words. Let God's truth lead you to true freedom today.

God's promise of freedom is linked to putting his words to the test. Get to know his words better by reading, meditating on, and praying  about at least one verse of Scripture each day.

Source: The 100 Most Important Bible Verses

Pray to God and give him thanks for the "truth" for it liberates and breaks all chains. In God we trust. ~ MME Team

What's in a Name?

God said to Moses, "I am who I am."

Exodus 3:14

To the people of Israel, a name was more than an identification for an individual. It was a statement about who that person was. When Moses (whose name means "taken from the water") met God for the first time via the burning bush, Moses wanted to know God's name. Moses wanted to know who God was. God's reply was "I am." Derived from the Hebrew verb to be, this name let Moses know that the One he was speaking to was unlike anyone else. God not only is, but he always was and always will be. God alone was never created, and he exists totally independent from anyone or anything else. "I am" is the one unchanging, eternal God.

The Jewish people considered God's name so holy that they refused to say it aloud for fear of using it in a way that dishonored him. In the New Testament, however, Jesus not only spoke God's name, but he also used it to refer to himself. The people listening immediately tried to stone Jesus. They knew God's words in Exodus. They understood that Jesus was calling himself God.

When God told Moses his name, God revealed the essence of who he is - and confirmed in advance that the same essence was in his Son. In the same way that God introduced himself to Moses, this verse introduces you to God. It assures you that the "I am" of the universes is active and involved in life here on earth.

Understanding God's eternal nature, and that Jesus is wholly God, gives you the same assurance it did Moses. "I am" is with you, steadfast and unchangeable.

Source: The 100 Most Important Bible Verses

Pray to God and give thanks for he is unchanging and eternal in all his ways. ~ MME Team

Sharing the Load

Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Matthew 11:28-29

When Jesus spoke to people, he often used parables and word pictures that incorporated familiar everyday situations so his listeners could better identify with the spiritual principles he wanted to share. Jesus spoke about finding rest through being "yoked" to him.'

In Jesus's day, a yoke had two distinct meanings. The first was the wooden harness used to link oxen together to plow a field. The second was a slang term referring to Jewish laws and traditions. It was said that Jews were "yoked" to the Torah. In other words, they were burdened by carrying around the Old Testament commands as well as the numerous additional laws dictated by the Pharisees. Trying to follow that many rules would be exhausting for anyone. Jesus let it be known that relationship, not rule-following, is the key to obedience. Walking closely with God through prayer and allowing his Spirit and his Word to guide you take you from the burden of legalism to the freedom of a righteous life.

The rest Jesus offers isn't an escape from work and struggle. The rest Jesus offers is a quiet strength and companionship that helps you continue moving forward without burning out physically, mentally, or emotionally. All you need to do is "come," "take," and "learn." Learning how to rest in God when times are hard is a process, but walking side by side with the world's greatest Teacher sharing your load is a journey that leads to joy.

When times are difficult, picture Jesus walking alongside you as reminder that you're not alone. Speak to him honestly about the help you need and your thankfulness for the help he has already provided.

Source: The 100 Most Important Bible Verses

Pray and give thanks to the Lord who saves, restores, and leads your life. ~ MME Team

Jesus' Legacy of Peace

Jesus said, "I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don't let your hearts be troubled or afraid."

John 14:27

          In the Jewish culture, the Hebrew word shalom is a customary greeting form both "hello" and "good-bye." Shalom means "peace" and so much more. It implies a wish for health, prosperity, a wholeness, as well as a wish for an absence of both internal and external strife.

          As Jesus prepared to say good-bye to his closest friends on the night of the Last Supper, he bid them shalom. Jesus' words of farewell were far more than a traditional blessing. They were a gift only the Prince of Peace himself could offer. Jesus offered his followers peace of mind and heart, a peace unlike that of the world they knew, which depended on favorable circumstances. Jesus's offer of peace depended solely on his followers' relationship with him. 

          These words of Jesus are like his Last Will and Testament. In the same way that a will records how to divide possessions among the survivors of the one who died, John 14:27 is a record of your inheritance. Jesus bequeathed a priceless treasure to all those who follow him, including you. In fact, his gift has set you up for life - both this one and the next. That's because the wholeness found in Jesus's gift of peace is at the heart of true happiness. As you pursue peace by pursuing Jesus,  you'll find you are holding the true key to living the good life. 

         Jesus's gift of peace offers you an alternative to fear and worry, a foretaste of heaven available here and now. As with any inheritance, you have to accept it and use it to enjoy its true benefits.

         Pray a prayer of gratitude to God for the gifts and mercy he provides us. Ask for acceptance of peace in your life. ~ MME Team