Bible Chapter: Matthew 17

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The Mount of Transfiguration.  Jesus took Peter, James and John on a mountain for an amazing experience.  It was there that Jesus was changed, transformed, changed to another form.  Think of metamorphosis.  The glory and power of God filled Him and His face shined like the sun.  This was an amazing experience for the three disciples.  They were overwhelmed and wanted to stay there.  The strong presence of the Lord does that.  Time means nothing.  There is no experience in the world like being in God’s presence.  When we experience God’s presence we really want to stay there.  We need to seek HIM more and spend more time in God’s presence.
    We also see a lesson in faith.  The promises of God for our faith is that it can move mountains.  It is faith that overcomes evil power.  Miracles come from faith, faith in God.  Faith grows as we exercise it and we trust God for more and more.  Real faith will bring glory to God, not us.  It’s not like the woman I knew many years ago.  She would hear about something great that God did, then pray for the situation so she could tell people that she had prayed for it.  Faith is not to make our lives easier or anything like that.  Faith will give God the honor and praise.

2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Put faith in the forefront of life.  Ask God to help me look to Him FIRST.  The prayer of faith is powerful and a foundational principle of the Christian life.  God’s provision is amazing and often unique.  In His conversation with Peter about a tax, Jesus showed God’s provision.  The command was to go fishing and you will find the money for the tax.  I’m sure many have wished God would help them pay their taxes that way.  This expression of genuine faith will bring praise to God as I and other believers pray and pray and pray.

3.  How can I help someone?
    So many people are hurting and confused.  I can help people by praying for them, by praying a prayer of faith for their needs to show them that God is real and cares for them.  There are a multitude of testimonies of God’s provision for unbelievers in answer to prayer.  Some people will only respond to the call of God for their salvation as they see God’s supernatural intervention in their lives.  Don’t be afraid to pray for people. Don’t be afraid to tell people in times of distress that I am praying for them, and then watch God intervene.