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Thursday, April 16, 2009
Authority
When Jesus was leaving, he saw a man named Matthew. Matthew
was sitting at his place for collecting taxes. Jesus said to
him, "Follow me." Then Matthew stood up and followed Jesus.
-- Matthew 9:9 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Not only does Jesus have the authority to forgive sins, he has the
authority to command sinners to follow and they follow. They respond
with a change of heart and behavior. A classic example is Matthew the
tax collector -- tax collectors in Jesus day were renowned for using
their position for personal gain and were associated with traitors who
sold out to the Roman occupiers. He is a great witness that Jesus cares
for all and goes in search of all. He is a great reminder that
redemptive love allows no cultural or social barriers to love.
Matthew's response is the great reminder that many sinners are looking
for a Savior. All they need is someone to show them how to get him.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Holy and merciful God, thank you for coming to this world to save
sinners. I thank you for the grace you've given to me. Please help me
be more gracious to others and come closer to your grace and
forgiveness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
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http://images.ultracart.com/aff/ACU9/1414/108/185/575/0/index.html
>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/0416-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+9:9&sr=1&t=erv
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JUST LIKE JESUS: LEARNING TO HAVE A HEART LIKE HIS, by Max Lucado
In his best-selling book Just Like Jesus, Max Lucado explains that God
loves you just the way you are ... but He refuses to leave you that
way.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?260
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