Category: Matthew

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I’m Hungry!

Those of you who have small children or grandchildren know those words all too well. They can be annoying sometimes because it seems all we are doing is finding another snack or making another meal. But those words come naturally to a growing child.

We just had the littles here and it seemed they were always hungry!

They ate good breakfast, lunch and dinner but in less than an hour it seemed they were hungry again. They didn’t want sugary snacks. No, they asked for cheese, crackers, oranges, yogurt (I didn’t have any) and other good foods. These are growing children and they need nutrients to make their bodies strong.

I kind of felt like a mother bird bringing in nourishment to the nest only to immediately fly away and find more. That’s the picture that comes to mind when I read this verse from the book of Matthew.

“Those who are hungry and thirsty to be right with God are happy, because they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NLV

Being hungry for God! What do those words mean to you? These words are part of the “Sermon on the Mount”. It was one of Jesus’ major teachings – the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, the Light of the World -are all teachings from that day.

We sit down several times a day to feed our physical bodies but how often do we feed our spirits? It’s vitally important that we have a hunger for God’s word.

Look what Proverbs says:

“Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. 11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom. I have led you on the right paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be stopped. If you run, you will not trip. 13 Take hold of teaching. Do not let go. Watch over her, for she is your life.” Proverbs 4:10-13 NLV

When we devour God’s word He promises to guard our step. Wisdom from His word gives us direction and we find our life, real life, in the pages of His word.

Studying God’s word is like being invited to a banquet. The Word of God is the life source for those of us who follow Christ.

“The Lord says, “If you love me and truly know who I am, I will rescue you and keep you safe.
15 When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you. 16 You will live a long life and see my saving power.” Psalm 91:14-16 CEV

To truly know who God is, we have to spend time listening to Him and He speaks to us through His word. His word is filled with the promises of all the good things He desires for us to have.

He’s a loving Father and has so many good things prepared for us. He’s just waiting for us come and say, “I’m hungry”. When we do, we have His promise that we will be filled!

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Turn on the Light

I’m not sure how many times my parents had to tell me to turn off the lights until it became a natural reaction – walk out the door, turn the lights off. But this morning I want to encourage you to turn the lights on – light up the place, make it as bright as you can!

I listen to a lot of old country songs and there’s one by Trace Adkins that came out in the mid 1990’s. The song is about a man in love who leaves the lights on for his love so she can come back home.

“Every light in the house is on
The backyard’s bright as the crack of dawn
The front walk looks like runway lights
It’s kind of like noon in the dead of night
Every light in the house is on
Just in case you ever do get tired of bein’ gone
Every light in the house is on”

We should be leaving our lights on. We need to light up the world with the love of God!

“ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:15-16 NLT

“Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong.” I John 2:10 ERV

An interesting fact about the Father. His love doesn’t grow or wane. His love is always the same.

“My dear friends, we must love each other. Love comes from God, and when we love each other, it shows that we have been given new life. We are now God’s children, and we know him. 8 God is love, and anyone who doesn’t love others has never known him. 9 God showed his love for us when he sent his only Son into the world to give us life. 10 Real love isn’t our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us this much, we must love each other.” I John 4:7-11 CEV

We are the ones who choose to let love shine toward others or we can choose to condemn and criticize which turns the light off. The Father has placed His light in us.

“The Scriptures say, ‘God commanded light to shine in the dark.’ Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ.” II Corinthians 4:6 CEV

The good thing about letting this light shine is we will never get a bill from the electric company. It’s ok to turn on every light in your house. Get out the flood lights, pull back the drapes, raise the shades and let the world be flooded with the light that God has placed within us!

Shine brightly and impact the world with the love of God today!

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Are We Satisfied?

Who was it that decided we should have new year resolutions? Why did the first week of the year become a time of evaluating our level of satisfaction with our personal status quo?

I’m not sure who it was or how it came about but I do know that this is something the Father has designed for us. When we find that we are unsatisfied it’s time for a change, no point in waiting until the first of the year.

What we’re looking at here isn’t a change in careers, lifestyle, locations or social activities. No, it’s a new focus and dependence on the Father and His word. It seems that all of my systematic reading through both the Old & New Testaments this morning brought to the source of true satisfaction.

Read these verses and let them speak for themselves.

“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”” Psalm 91:15-16 NKJV

“Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. 15 Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. 16 Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory.” Psalm 90:14-16 NLT

“The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. 14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. 15 The eyes of all look to you in hope;
you give them their food as they need it. 16 When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.” Psalm 145:13-17 NLT

God’s desire is that we be satisfied with Him and in Him. When we place our trust in the Father, letting Him lead and direct the course of our lives we will be satisfied because His will and purpose is for our good.

He is gracious, kind, ready to restore and give hope.

“God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.” Matthew 5: 6 NLT

“I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. ” Luke 6:47-48 NLT

It seems that our world is in the midst of a pandemic – no, not COVID but an outbreak of discontentment and dissatisfaction. It can be as destructive as a tidal wave. But when we have our lives built securely on God’s word we rest on a secure foundation.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT

We all need to identify those issues that rob our satisfaction, search God’s word for the solutions and trust Him to bring us to a place of a long and satisfying life.

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A Son Is Born!

Merry Christmas!

Those of you with little children have probably been up for hours, putting together those Christmas toys or answering the middle-of-the-night questions, “has Santa come yet?”. Maybe your home is filled with family, and you are just as excited for the events of Christmas morning as they are and that excitement stole your sleep. I’m excited too!!

Merry Christmas, a Son is born!

Because of Jesus homes and hearts are filled with peace and joy. Because of Jesus forgiveness and unconditional love is ours. Because of Jesus we have hope for all our tomorrows.

“The angel said, ‘Joseph, the baby that Mary will have is from the Holy Spirit. Go ahead and marry her. 21  Then after her baby is born, name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ 22 So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 23  ‘A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means ‘God is with us.'” Matthew 1:20-23 CEV

A Son is born, and his name is called Immanuel, which means God is with us!

As you are reading the words of this blog, God is with you. When you go to the kitchen and start breakfast, as you open the presents under the tree, when you gather round the dinner table God is with you. He has placed Himself at the ready – some of you have invited Him into your hearts but He is still patiently waiting for others of you to extend that invitation.

Tonight, when all is quiet, and the dishes are done, and children are in bed Immanuel will still be there. Tomorrow morning, He will be a constant companion who has promised to never leave or abandon you. I pray that the abiding presence of Immanuel will be more than just a pleasant thought on Christmas. I pray that it will be a life-changing experience.

Because a Son is born, God is with us! Merry Christmas.

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Doing Right

Years ago I read a book, Winners Never Cheat, by Jon Hunstman, Sr. It’s a short read but very powerful for people in business. A very successful businessman, Jon Huntsman, always led with integrity, even when it was detrimental to his bottom line.

He is a man of his word and would not allow circumstances to dictate otherwise.

Thank you Father for godly men and the example they set for the rest of us.

One such man was Joseph. Joseph discovered his fiancé was pregnant. She told him that she hadn’t been with anyone, after all, she was engaged to him. According to the laws of their day he could have her stoned to death or put her away in complete humiliation. Her tainted reputation would reflect on him as well. But, He did the RIGHT thing. He listened to God and raised a child that wasn’t his own as if he was.

“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:19-21

Godly men who are willing to do the right thing just because it’s the right thing are of outstanding character. They can impact their families, their cities and even the world. Joseph is overlooked many times in sermons but his godliness is an example to us all. We are so thankful for the Joseph-like men we have in our lives. They are a true gift from God!

“But now God has made another way to make men right with Himself. It is not by the Law. The Law and the early preachers tell about it. 22 Men become right with God by putting their trust in Jesus Christ. God will accept men if they come this way. All men are the same to God. 23 For all men have sinned and have missed the shining-greatness of God. 24 Anyone can be made right with God by the free gift of His loving-favor. It is Jesus Christ Who bought them with His blood and made them free from their sins.” Romans 3:21-24 NLV

We are all called to do the right thing, the Bible calls it righteousness. Being made right with God is what Christmas is all about. God sent His Son to be the way of reconciliation between God and mankind. We have all missed the mark of right living but through our trust in Christ we receive the free gift of God’s love and a relationship with Him.

Thank you Father for the gift of Your love!

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Just Because

What kinds of things do you do, just because? Because you like them, because they are necessary, because they bring you joy?

Brushing your teeth, getting dressed, making meals. Watching sports, going camping, that “every year” Christmas movie. Gardening, playing with the grandkids, going for a walk, spending time with friends.

Most all of these are done just because. No special reason or demand dictates it.

That’s how I feel about my morning quiet time – just because!

When I woke up this morning, my heart was filled with so much love and thanksgiving to the Lord.

Just because…because He’s God, because He loves me, because He knows me and loves me still.

When Jesus was born, wise men from the East saw His star and came to worship Him just because. History tells us they had read of this phenomenon and at its appearing, set out to find the King of the Jews.

For the heavens to provide such a brilliant light truly was a significant thing. Something they could not ignore. Something they must research and discover. This wasn’t a “just because” event. It had required preparation. It was an expensive venture to fund, supplies to purchase, the right camels needed to be selected for the journey, and the right team of associates to aid them in their quest. It was a time-consuming journey.

” Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in the country of Judea. It was the time when Herod was king of that part of the country. Soon after Jesus was born, some wise men who learned things from stars came to Jerusalem from the East. 2 They asked, ‘Where is the King of the Jews Who has been born? We have seen His star in the East. We have come to worship Him.’…After the king had spoken, they went on their way. The star they had seen in the East went before them. It came and stopped over the place where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with much joy. 11 They went into the house and found the young Child with Mary, His mother. Then they got down before Him and worshiped Him. They opened their bags of riches and gave Him gifts of gold and perfume and spices.” Matthew 2:1-11 NLV

Their journey ended in worship.

I hope you find time to worship Him today – just because!

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The Gift of God

“but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NLT

Have you ever stopped to wonder why Jesus was given the name Emmanuel? The translation of that word is “God with Us”. The way the heavenly Father brought His purpose and plan to earth was through His Son, Jesus.

Jesus literally became God with us. The Father wanted us to know we would never be alone, He would always be with us.

“The virgin will be pregnant and will give birth to a son. They will name him Immanuel.”(Immanuel means “God with us.”) Matthew 1:23

God with us – in the car going to work; in the kitchen baking cookies; helping our kids with their homework; Christmas shopping; sitting beside the bed of a sick friend; sitting alone looking at the checkbook and the bills that need to be paid.

God with us – His purpose in coming was to be “with us”. In fact, Hebrews 13:5 tells us that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us.

We are also told that He promises to provide all our needs, heals all our diseases and forgives all our sins. Psalm 103

He always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus. II Corinthians 2:14

Can’t say that’s the way it’s always been in my life but I can say that when I realized that “God was with us” it has certainly changed the outcome for the better – the best.

When we focus on all “we” have to do and how it’s “All” up to us, we become self absorbed. We make a very small package. But when we realize, truly realize, that God’s purpose is to “Be with us”, when we unwrap the present of His presence in our daily lives our world changes dramatically.

” What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? 32 God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else?” Romans 8:31-32 CEV

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:11

Spend time acknowledging God’s presence today and you’ll find joy!

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Christmas Lights

Christmas is a time for remembering and for sharing the joy of times spent together. This morning I will tell you another grandchild story.

Our youngest grandson was just over a year old when his mom and dad came to visit us in Rio Rico. Dave and our son-in-law went out to the desert for an afternoon of shooting while our daughter, grandson and I went to Tubac, an artisan community, to shop.

Every shop we went in was fascinating to Sam. He is so taken with Christmas lights, and he wasn’t disappointed as we went from store to store. He would stare at the pierced metal stars that hung from the ceilings and he loved the “balls” so big and brightly colored. Most of the time I carried him, so his mom was free to look through each shop. We laughed and giggled, and the love and excitement Sam felt. It worked its way into the hearts of the shop keepers and shoppers.

Christmas through the eyes of children. The wonderful, the excitement, the joy!

When I was in high school choir we sang a song, “Christmas Was Meant for Children”, made popular by Sandi Patty

“Christmas was meant for children
Children like you and me
With mistletoe and holly
And toys upon the tree
The stockings by the chimney
And hearts so full of joy
Old Santa’s riding through the snow
For every gift and boy

So ring out the bells from the steeple
For the world in its mantle of white
Let the star in the East that lead us
Shine on your tree tonight
Always remember the infant
Away in a manger to see
For Christmas was made in heaven
For children like you and me

Those stars that captured Sam’s attention were a representation of the bright and shining star that led the wisemen to the Christ child. We place lights on our trees and outside our homes to give the warm glow of joy and love to all who pass by.

Our lives should be lights of love, joy and peace that will attract others to finding Christ. Jesus is our example of a life filled with light.

“Later, Jesus talked to the people again. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never live in darkness. They will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12 ERV

And then He gave us a command to be light.

“People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16 ERV

Let’s wipe the dust off our bulbs, trim the wick in our lamp, and shine. Shine with Jesus for all the world to see!

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Thankful for Abundance

Years ago, I had a Thanksgiving experience that has reminded me to be thankful for leftovers. Putting away leftovers became a reminder to me of the Lord’s abundance.

This particular Thanksgiving occurred during our farming days. We had a hired hand named Max who irrigated for us. We invited him to come for dinner but he felt uncomfortable with that, so, Dave took a platter of food down to him. I had put some of everything on that plate.

Dave came back and he was almost speechless. Max said he had never seen so much food at a single setting. In fact, he wanted to know if we were going to come down and eat with him because this was just “too much food”. Dave told him it was all for him. Max was overwhelmed to say the least.

That year as I cleared the table and put away the leftovers my heart swelled with gratitude. We certainly had more than we needed, we had more than enough. We had an abundance that we took for granted.

Leftovers.

I wonder how the mother of the boy in the Bible who had a lunch of five loaves and two small fish felt when her son came home with leftovers.

“ Jesus said, “Bring the bread and the fish to me.” 19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish. He looked into the sky and thanked God for the food. Then he broke the bread into pieces, which he gave to the followers, and they gave the food to the people. 20 Everyone ate until they were full. When they finished eating, the followers filled twelve baskets with the pieces of food that were not eaten.” Matthew 14:18-20 ERV

Here was a boy with a sack lunch, just enough to satisfy his appetite. Jesus took what he willingly offered and created a miracle that fed a multitude. I’m sure that some of what had been gathered was sent home with the boy. That’s what God does.

When we give, God gives. In fact, God gives before we do.

“ Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ERV

As we head into the Christmas season I want to be mindful of all that the Father gives us on a daily basis. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him.

May something as small as a bowl of leftovers be a reminder of God’s abundant blessings.

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Hold Fast

It’s been blowing, hard, for the last few hours. In fact, a couple of times I have gotten up to look out the window and make sure the patio furniture is still there. Yep, that hard.

I’m using my awake time productively – I’ve prayed, played a few hands of solitaire, but haven’t been able to sleep. Not yet, so, it’s time to write what the Lord has put on my heart.

Growing up in a traditional church, complete with pews, organ, choir and hymns books, we did a lot of singing. I am amazed how often the lyrics of those old songs come to mind. Tonight, I found myself singing…(On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand)

“On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.”

I’m very thankful for the anchor that God gives my life. When the wind blows hard and tries to topple my dreams, my anchor holds.

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us.” Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT

Hope is our anchor. Not hope in ourselves, but hope in God. Our dreams and ambitions, our goals and our plans, are prompted by God. He has designed us to succeed.

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see…6  And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews 11:1,6 NLt

The Father wants us to put our hope in Him, that’s why He gave us all of the instruction that we have in His word.

Sometimes storms blow through our lives, just like the wind that’s howling outside my window, but when we have our hope anchored in God and His word, we will be held secure.

“Whoever hears these words of Mine and does them, will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain came down. The water came up. The wind blew and hit the house. The house did not fall because it was built on rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 NLV

It may seem like your life is being hit by gale force winds or that you’re about to be deluged by a hurricane but hold on, hold on to your hope, hold on to the anchor of your soul!

I feel it’s necessary to give you two more verses before I close. Two more cords to bind you securely to your anchor, your hope.

“Why are you sad, O my soul? Why have you become troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will praise Him again for His help of being near me.” Psalm 42:5 NLV

“Our hope comes from God. May He fill you with joy and peace because of your trust in Him. May your hope grow stronger by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLV

Thank God for filling us with hope when the winds of life blow through!

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