Category: Matthew

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Back Ordered

Just recently I went on-line to order a shirt for our anniversary celebration next week. I had found one in town, but it wasn’t in my size. No problem, I thought. I’ll just find the same one on-line and have it in a couple of days.

It wasn’t that simple. The first three sites I went to didn’t have it in my size either. I will tell you I got a little perturbed. The words “back ordered” were not what I was wanting to hear.

In the last couple of years we, as a collective group, have become so accustomed to instant gratification. If you live in a larger city some companies will deliver your item within hours and not days. The rest of us who live a little more rural have come to expect delivery by the next day and two at the very latest.

This instant society has fed the monster of selfishness that hides within.

This morning the Lord showed me something about Himself. His gifts and blessings are never on backorder, never out of stock.

“Ask, and what you are asking for will be given to you. Look, and what you are looking for you will find. Knock, and the door you are knocking on will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 NLV

I was asking for strength, clarity of thought and wisdom. There is no lack of any of these in the heavenly warehouse.

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The God Who lives forever is the Lord, the One Who made the ends of the earth. He will not become weak or tired. His understanding is too great for us to begin to know. 29 He gives strength to the weak. And He gives power to him who has little strength.” Isaiah 40:28-29 NLV

“For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind.” II Timothy 1:7 NLV

“ If you do not have wisdom, ask God for it. He is always ready to give it to you and will never say you are wrong for asking.” James 1:5 NLV

When the Father tells us to ask for something, He expects us to ask. Not selflessly but from a sincere heart of dependence upon Him and His word. Jesus said his purpose was to bring abundant life to us who believe.

“The robber comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I came so they might have life, a great full life.” John 10:10 NLV

There’s also never a shortage of God’s love – it endures forever, His mercy never comes to an end, His peace flows like a river and His goodness extends to a thousand generations. His word will never pass away.

“ If you love Me, you will do what I say. 16 Then I will ask My Father and He will give you another Helper. He will be with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot receive Him. It does not see Him or know Him. You know Him because He lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17 NLV

The Father’s delivery system is infinitely better than FedEx, UPS, USPS and Amazon. He delivers from His heart to us via the Holy Spirit. The Father’s love and character are never on backorder.

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Troubled Times

You may think that I am going to share some rich insight this morning on the situations and circumstances that we are facing in our nation and our world today but that isn’t my focus.

Each generation and millennia have had their own share of crises, disasters and unrest.

Jesus lived in a troubled world. The governmental rule was anti-God. The Romans, who ruled over the nation of Israel, preached Caesar as god and his word as infallible. They were living in political slavery when Jesus was born.

I find it interesting that God the Father didn’t use Jesus to rescue the Jews from the Romans in a similar way that he used Moses to rescue the Jews from the Egyptians. Jesus didn’t come to save just one nation. He came to bring reconciliation, peace and freedom to all who would believe.

“Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages. He taught in their synagogues and told people the Good News about God’s kingdom. He healed all kinds of diseases and sicknesses. 36 Jesus saw the many people and felt sorry for them because they were worried and helpless—like sheep without a shepherd to lead them. 37 Jesus said to his followers, ‘There is such a big harvest of people to bring in. But there are only a few workers to help harvest them. 38 God owns the harvest. Ask him to send more workers to help gather his harvest.’” Matthew 9:35 – 38 ERV

Jesus was about His Father’s business – a worldwide harvest.

But the corruption of the government was always on Jesus disciples’ minds. They heard Jesus preach; they saw the miracles. In fact, they did miracles themselves but still they wondered when Jesus would take control and change things. Here are Jesus’ last words to his disciples.

“While the apostles were still with Jesus, they asked him, ‘Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?’ 7Jesus said to them, ‘You don’t need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls. 8But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.'” Acts 1:6-8 ERV

Today, many are asking the same thing. When Lord are you going to do something about political unrest and corruption? Things are not good that is for certain.

Jesus’ answer to us is the same one He gave the disciples. Don’t worry about the political situation and those in power. Leave that up to the Father. Instead, take the message of my salvation to those in your world.

“God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. 19  This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls.” Hebrews 6:18-19 CEV

In troubled times we can run to the Father, we can put our hope in Him.

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One of the Blessed

Have you ever had people talk about you? I mean serious, reputation-destroying, heart-breaking, intentional slander. Me too! Several times in the last 40 years and I have to admit that I haven’t always handled it well. In fact, a couple of times I have handled it badly.

This morning I want to share with you one of my favorite stories in the Bible. It tells us how to deal with the above-mentioned people – those who like to slander.

King Balak was afraid of the Israelites and he wanted them destroyed so instead of facing them in battle he wanted to hire a man named Balaam to curse them.

“But God replied, “Don’t go with Balak’s messengers. I have blessed those people who have come from Egypt, so don’t curse them.” Numbers 22:12 CEV

But Balaam went. He saddled his donkey and set off with the messengers to see the King. Along the way Balaam’s donkey steps off the path three times. What Balaam doesn’t realize is there was an angel standing on the path with a sword and the donkey is trying to avoid the angel and the sword. Balaam’s donkey ends up talking to Balaam and then the angel talks to Balaam and reminds him to only say what God says about the Israelites. (Really you need to read Numbers 22-23.)

Balaam meets King Balak and is told to curse the Israelites.

“Balaam said: ‘But I can’t go against God! He did not curse or condemn Israel.'” Numbers 23:7-10 CEV

Balak is furious with Balaam and demands that he curse the Israelites. Balaam goes to hear from God again but the message is the same.

Now for my favorite verses in the whole Bible.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises. 20 My command from God was to bless these people, and there’s nothing I can do to change what he has done'” Numbers 23:19-20 CEV

God doesn’t lie and He always keeps his promises!

We sometimes fail to see those promises come to pass in our lives because we try to “help” God along or we think we know better and try to “defend” ourselves. God doesn’t need our help to defend our reputation. He is perfectly capable of doing it on His own.

In fact, Jesus said it this way,

“But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. 45 Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong.” Matthew 5:43-44 CEV

I have come to the conclusion that it is much better to let the Lord protect me and to confront those who are speaking against me. He fights a better battle, and I will do what He says and pray for them. This way the Father is glorified.

Thank you, Father, for being my defense and my hiding place. You have blessed me. I can trust you to always keep Your promises and to never lie or change!

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Cup of Cold Water

Today I want to talk to you a bit about little kindnesses. In the Bible we see time and again where the Scriptures say “He was moved with compassion” or “His loving kindness”.

Loving-kindness can be when the waitress brings you the wrong meal and you don’t go off on her but you are kind in your words and sincere in your appreciation for her hard work.

Loving-kindness is when you show patience at the grocery store with the young man or woman bagging your order isn’t as efficient or speedy as you would like them to be. Or when you child hasn’t cleaned up the yard or taken out the trash like you told them to do and you find out that they were wounded by a friend or embarrassed by a teacher and they were just to distracted to get it done. So you help them finish the chore.

All of these are practical examples of loving kindness. I like doing little acts of kindness. For the most part all it costs is time but it means the world to the person receiving the help.

Jesus called it giving cups of cold water!

“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me. And anyone who welcomes me also welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who welcomes a prophet, just because that person is a prophet, will be given the same reward as a prophet. Anyone who welcomes a good person, just because that person is good, will be given the same reward as a good person. 42 And anyone who gives one of my most humble followers a cup of cool water, just because that person is my follower, will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:40-42 CEV

Now I know some will look at these verses and focus on the reward but I really think what Jesus is trying to get us to see is that nothing, not matter how small, goes unnoticed to the Father. When we are reaching out in love; extending loving-kindness to those around us is an example of the Christ that lives in us.

About ten years ago I spent a few days in the hospital and when I came home I wasn’t able to do much for a week or so. Some sweet ladies brought me cups of cool water. One neighbor came over each morning to take our dog for a walk and she did my ironing. Another neighbor cook enough extra each night for Dave to enjoy a nice dinner and she did my laundry. These acts of love were priceless and the thought of them still brings a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat. Just this week Dave had outpatient surgery and friends brought lunch to us the next day.

Cups of cool water.

I ask the Father to make me more aware of those that are in need. I want the world to see my Father’s love in me.

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No Broken Promises

The last few days I have been reading in the Old Testament. King David has aged, and the Lord told him to set his son Solomon on the throne. Solomon had been given the task of building the Temple of the Lord.

King David had amassed a great treasury of gold, silver, bronze, jewels and cedar which he left for Solomon to use.

When the Temple was finished and the people were gathered for the dedication, Solomon prayed a prayer of thanksgiving honoring the Lord for His faithfulness and for His promise to “dwell” with His people. And then Solomon prayed over the people of Israel.

“When Solomon prayed this prayer to the LORD, he was on his knees in front of the LORD’s altar and his arms were raised toward heaven. When he finished praying, he stood up. 55 Then, in a loud voice, he asked God to bless all the people of Israel. Solomon said,

56 ‘Praise the LORD! He promised to give rest to his people, Israel. And he has given us rest! He used his servant Moses and made many good promises to the people of Israel. And he has kept every one of them! 57 I pray that the LORD our God will be with us, as he was with our ancestors. I pray that he will never leave us. 58 I pray that we will turn to him and follow him. Then we will obey all the laws, decisions, and commands that he gave our ancestors. 59 I pray that the LORD our God will always remember this prayer and what I have asked. I pray that he will do these things for his servant, the king, and for his people, Israel. I pray that he will do this every day. 60 If he will do these things, all the people of the world will know that the LORD is the only true God. 61 You people must be loyal and true to the LORD our God. You must always follow and obey all of his laws and commands. You must continue to obey in the future as you do now.’” I Kings 8: 54-61 CEV

This is Solomon’s reminder to the people. “He used his servant Moses and made many good promises to the people of Israel. And he has kept every one of them!” God keeps His word. He kept it to Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon and the Israelites and He keeps His word to us today.

And here is the key – it isn’t so we can walk around bragging and arrogant.

“If he will do these things, all the people of the world will know that the LORD is the only true God.”

God gives and keeps His word so that all the world will know that the Lord is the only true God!

Plain and simple, so much in this world changes – you’ve heard it said “everything is relative” but that doesn’t apply to God’s promises and plans.

He is the same – yesterday, today and forever!

The word of the Lord stands forever. In our Father there is no variableness or shadow of turning. God’s love, his truth, his mercy and his grace will endure – His promises never fail.

Thank you, Father! Heaven and earth may pass away but Your word, your promises, will remain forever. They will never be broken.

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My Light

Have you ever awakened and been disoriented? I have. I have been in a deep sleep and my dream has been very vivid and for a few seconds I’ve not realize where I was. This normally happens when we’ve been staying in a hotel or the home of family and friends. That’s why we always travel with a night light in our overnight bag.

This morning when I woke and I saw the soft glow of the night light I said, “thank you Lord for being my light and my salvation”.

“Lord, you are my Light and my Savior, so why should I be afraid of anyone? The Lord is where my life is safe, so I will be afraid of no one!” Psalm 27:1 ERV

In the natural, a light in the darkness keeps us from stumbling or stubbing our toes. Been there – done that.

The same holds true in spiritual things.

“I gain understanding from your instructions, so I hate anything that leads people the wrong way. 105 Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:104-105 ERV

God uses His word to light our path and keep us from going the wrong way. When we have the light of God’s word guiding our lives Jesus said that we can be used to light the path for others.

“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. 15 People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15 ERV

The Apostle Paul said this:

“For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
 to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’ 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message…” Acts 13:47-48

“But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. 9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.” I Thessalonians 5:8-9 NLV

Our lives, in Christ, should illuminate the world around us. We should be beacons of hope, peace, love and forgiveness. The light we possess is not of ourselves, it’s His light within us.

“It was God Who said, ‘The light will shine in darkness.’ He is the One Who made His light shine in our hearts. This brings us the light of knowing God’s shining-greatness which is seen in Christ’s face. 7 We have this light from God in our human bodies. This shows that the power is from God. It is not from ourselves.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 NLV

We all have so many opportunities each day to be a light. Let’s share the greatness of God and His Word to brighten the paths of those around us.

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What’s Important?

In yesterday’s blog we met Hannah who had experienced great sorrow because of the natural circumstances of infertility. Today we will see the sorrow of a man who has everything.

The rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked what he needed to do to be saved. Jesus replied that he should sell all that he had and give it to the poor. Now don’t take this as a condemnation of wealth, it’s not. Jesus just knew that the man’s riches meant more to him than a relationship with Christ. Scripture says this man left Jesus and he was filled with sorrow.

“Then Jesus told him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go now and sell your property and give the money away to the poor—you will have riches in Heaven. Then come and follow me!’

22 When the young man heard that he turned away crestfallen, for he was very wealthy.

23-24 Then Jesus remarked to his disciples, ‘Believe me, a rich man will find it very difficult to enter the kingdom of Heaven. Yes, I repeat, a camel could more easily squeeze through the eye of a needle than a rich man get into the kingdom of God!’

25 The disciples were simply amazed to hear this, and said, ‘Then who can possibly be saved?’

26 Jesus looked steadily at them and replied, ‘Humanly speaking it is impossible; but with God anything is possible!’

27 At this Peter exclaimed, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you. What is that going to be worth to us?’

28-30 ‘Believe me,’ said Jesus, ‘when I tell you that in the next world, when the Son of Man shall sit down on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones and become judges of the twelve tribes of Israel. Every man who has left houses or brothers or sisters or fathers or mother or children or land for my sake will receive it all back many times over, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first now will be last then—and the last first!’” Matthew 19:21-30 Phillips

Peter and the other disciples had given up everything to follow Jesus; they had left their businesses to follow Christ, so this comment concerned them. Jesus reassured them that since they had left all to follow Him, they had a proper perspective of their possessions. Their commitment to Christ was their top priority. If the rich young ruler had trusted Jesus’ call to leave all and follow Him, he too would have had a place among the disciples.

Hannah brought her sorrow to the Lord and left with a sense of purpose and joy. The young ruler came to Jesus with his accomplishments and success and went away in sorrow. The difference between these two was trust. One trusted personal accomplishments and one trusted God.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 NLT

God isn’t out to ruin our lives, He wants to complete it!

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Draw Me Close

Did you know that a mother hen has a built-in protective instinct when she feels her chicks are in danger? It’s quite interesting to watch. She clucks and fluffs her feathers as she calls her young ones to her side, then she spreads her wings over them and settles down, blocking them from harm with her body.

This morning I came across Jesus’ comments over Jerusalem. He used this analogy. For three years He had been preaching and teaching all throughout Judah. He had done miracles, loved the outcasts and done all that the Father had sent him to do. Now it was time for his final visit to Jerusalem. He knew this time He would encounter the wrath of the religious hierarchy – He knew His death was imminent.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. 38 And now, look, your house is abandoned and desolate.” Matthew 23:37-38 NLT

Facing His impending death, His heart was for those who had not yet believed that He was the Son of God. He wanted to protect them, provide for them and be their path to reconciliation with the Father but His words are clear, “you wouldn’t let me”.

In Psalm 91, we have the same example of the Father’s love and protection for us.

“This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;  he is my God, and I trust him. 3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. 4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalm 91:2-4 NLT

God never intended for us to face danger without His protection. He is here to shelter us; His promises are our armor and our protection.

There’s a chorus we used to sing years ago – it reminds me of these verses. “Draw Me Close to You” by Michael W. Smith.

“Draw me close to you
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear you say that I’m your friend

You are my desire
And no one else will do
‘Cause nothing else can take your place
To feel the warmth of your embrace

Help me find a way
Bring me back to you

You’re all I want
You’re all I’ve ever needed
You’re all I want
Help me know you are near”

I think one of the biggest lies that the enemy tells is “You are on your own. You have no one to trust. It’s all up to you – sink or swim. God doesn’t want to be bothered with you”.

There is nothing further from the truth!

Our Father is here, drawing us close, scooting us under His wings. He is our safety and our protection.

Thank you, Father, for drawing me close to you!

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Make A Difference

Yesterday afternoon Dave and I went to the movies. The second time in a month and it’s not something we do very often but I’m so glad we did.

Earlier in the month we saw a movie with Kim and Austin which was fun, spending time with our kids always is. It was then we saw the preview for “Jesus Revolution”. That’s what we saw yesterday.

It really hit home with me. In the fall of 1971, I attended Biola College. Coming from Yuma I had never heard of Calvary Chapel or Pastor Chuck Smith and I had only heard of the “Jesus People” on the news. Friends invited me to go with them to some of Pastor Chuck’s Sunday evening services and a couple of times to the baptisms at the beach.

What an experience!

Hippies and regular church people praising and worshipping the Lord together. No judgement or criticism, just heartfelt worship. It was a small glimpse of heaven.

“Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39 NLT

Why am I sharing this with you? One, I think you would really enjoy the movie – it will stir your heart and two, it challenged me.

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 NLT

At the start of the movie there were older people attending Pastor Chuck’s church who were offended by the hippies who began coming. Sad to say, we have that with every generation. In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees and religious leaders were offended by Jesus and His group of rough fishermen, tax collectors and women of dubious reputation.

“When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. ‘Zacchaeus!’ he said. ‘Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.’ 6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. ‘He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,’ they grumbled.” Luke 19:5-7 NLT

I think we can all agree that our world needs more of the love of Jesus. The only way this will happen is for His love to flow through you and I. We are called to a purpose.

“Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.” Matthew 4:19-20 NLT

I pray that we will all start a Jesus Revolution, first in our hearts and then reach out to those around us.

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The Heart of Serving

Each morning it is my duty, a labor of love really, to remind myself to act like Jesus. The first conscious thought is to say, “Father, I love you. Jesus, I love you. Holy Spirit, I love you. Good morning!” and then next is to remind myself to think like Jesus and honor Him with my thoughts, my words and my actions.

“But Jesus called the disciples together and said: You know that foreign rulers like to order their people around. And their great leaders have full power over everyone they rule. 26 But don’t act like them. If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. 27 And if you want to be first, you must be the slave of the rest. 28 The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people…

30 Two blind men were sitting beside the road. And when they heard that Jesus was coming their way, they shouted, “Lord and Son of David, have pity on us!” 31 The crowd told them to be quiet, but they shouted even louder, “Lord and Son of David, have pity on us!”

32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33 They answered, “Lord, we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Right away they could see, and they became his followers.” Matthew 20: 25-34

This is the verse that struck my heart. “The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people.”

I remember the first time that verse had an impact on me – I had a house full of people, was preparing for some special meetings at a hotel conference room, had my family responsibilities and my “help” had been called away. I did what any self-respecting woman would do, I started to complain. Not outwardly but from my heart; I grumbled, I murmured and I wanted to kick the dog but that wasn’t acceptable. So, I just kept going and when I finally had a few minutes to myself, I picked up my Bible and this is what I read. WOW!!

If Jesus, the Son of God, creator of the universe, said that His role in life was to serve others and not be served, how selfish and self-centered was it of me to be grumbling over my lack of help. As quickly as I could, I said “Lord forgive me, let people see Jesus through me.”

Jesus touched the blind men, restoring their sight. He was moved with the compassion of the Father and served those men with love. I want that in my life.

Today, we will all have opportunity to be served and to serve others. In both cases we should think and act like Jesus. Being grateful and appreciative when we are served, not expecting it and then serving from a loving heart, not out of guilt or an act of responsibility. We know we’re doing it with the right motive when it brings us joy and not complaint.

Thank you Lord for a servant’s heart!

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