Category: Matthew

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The Changing Lane

Last night we had a “good-bye” dinner for some of our host friends who will be leaving the mountain the end of this week. Things are beginning to change.

Each day we become more visually aware that Autumn is here and our mountain life is changing. I feel blessed that we are here to see God’s design of changing seasons but the goodbyes do tug at my heart.

“And evening passed and morning came, marking the third day. 14 Then God said, ‘Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years. 15 Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.’ And that is what happened.” Genesis 1:13-15 NLT

From the beginning the change of seasons was in His plan. It was established by His word and it has not changed. The Father’s faithfulness is unchanging.

“Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9 NLT

Faithful and unfailing.

The question that came to mind the other day as I was driving up the lane to our campground was how many times have these trees’ leaves changed? Season after season, year after year, they from green to yellow and gold and then they fall to the ground, only to bud again in the Spring. They are a part of God’s plan and design. It was spoken at the beginning of time and the life of each subsequent generation of trees follows suit.

Why? Because God’s word established it. Established it in the same way that He established his love and faithfulness.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.” Hebrews 13:8-9 NLT

Jesus is always the same. Period. He does not change, season after season, year after year He remains the same. He is our example of the Father’s unfailing love, mercy and grace. His eternal purpose is to bring us into relationship with the Father. Our strength comes from God’s grace.

Our lane changes from green to gold. Some trees die and then new saplings sprout. One day it will all be gone but we have God’s promise that his word will never pass away.

“Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” Matthew 24:35 NLT

When we put our faith and trust in Him, we have the promise of eternal life; a life in heaven surrounded by beauty, in the presence of God, Himself!

If you have trouble with change, put your hope in the One who never changes and whose Word will last forever.

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Made Whole

Last night we had dinner with friends in the campground. I was speaking with a gentleman that had lost his family home and all its belongings earlier this Spring in the fires that consumed a large portion of New Mexico.

Ranchers and farmers not only lost their homes but their livelihoods. He told me that there is an effort under way to help all those who suffered loss so they would be “made whole”.

Made whole. Those two words resonated within me. Made whole carries a meaning of lacking imperfection.

Made whole . It’s a phrase used time and again when Jesus healed people. Look at these few examples:

“But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.” Matthew 9:22 KJV

“And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.” Matthew 14:36 KJV

“And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” Mark 10:52 KJV

“The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.” John 5:15 KJV

Be made whole!

In most of these cases the Biblical account goes on to say that Jesus also told them their sins had been forgiven. They weren’t just made whole physically but also spiritually. The Father is concerned with our “complete” person, spirit, soul and body.

“May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!” I Thessalonians 5:23 MSG

When the Father touches our lives He doesn’t leave us broken – He makes us whole, He makes us new.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” II Corinthians 5:17 NLT

The life we once lived, operating under our own power and intellect has been removed and we have become a new person. Sins forgiven and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” Romans 8:11 NLT

“ The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can’t receive the gifts of God’s Spirit. There’s no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God’s Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God’s Spirit is doing, and can’t be judged by unspiritual critics. Isaiah’s question, “Is there anyone around who knows God’s Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?” has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ’s Spirit.” I Corinthians 2:14-16 MSG

One phrase in one conversation filled my heart and my mind. God the Father has made us whole. We have His nature and are created in His image!

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Friends and Family

Thank you to the friends who called and text yesterday to check on me. I was blessed to know that you cared enough to make sure I was ok. You know I don’t miss the daily opportunity to share with you. Yesterday was an exception.

To be frank, I slept in. It was our first day off in many, many days and our bodies needed the rest. I had fully intended to post a blog later in the morning however my sister is here visiting, and we spent the time talking, as I was preparing pies for last night’s bbq.

Our season on the mountain is coming to an end. Tomorrow, our first camp host couple will be leaving. We wanted to give them a proper send off and what better way to do that than with a bar-b-q.

It was a day filled with love and appreciation. A day to say thank you, you’re appreciated, and we’ll see you again next season. A day filled with many little details in the kitchen. A day filled with family and friends.

“He must like to take people into his home. He must love what is good. He must be able to think well and do all things in the right way.” Titus 1:8 NLV

My mother was such a wonderful example of being hospitable. She loved having people share our home. As a little girl, I remember our living room would have several card tables spread about and friends would come for an evening of puzzle making and enjoying the cookies, cakes and pies that Mom had made.

Later there were always times of dinners with friends. People knew they were loved when they came to our home. It’s always been important to Dave and I to have our home open, ready to share, a place where all are welcome.

“Continue loving each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. 2 Always remember to help people by welcoming them into your home. Some people have done that and have helped angels without knowing it. ” Hebrews 13:1-2 ERV

I don’t know that we have ever “entertained angels, unaware” but I do know it brings us great joy to share our blessings, great or small, with those around us. It reminds me of the teaching Jesus gave to His disciples.

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Matthew 25:37-40 NLT

Friends and Family. The word family, from God’s perspective, is all encompassing. Never think that having someone to dinner or sharing dessert is inconsequential. The Father sees it as a kindness shown to Him.

Take time for family and friends. Share what you have, it warms the Father’s heart!

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More About Contentment

Do you remember being little and “wishing” for everything? Another word for wishing is wanting. If those desires are not guided properly they can lead to disillusionment and discontentment, not only in children but in adults as well.

So, this morning we’re going to learn one more lesson from our wooly, four-legged friends.

There was a time when my conversation was filled with the things I wanted – a new house, a new job, to lose weight, more friends, more money, less bills. But that’s not the mindset of a sheep. They are content to follow the shepherd, they are content in the pasture.

Sheep are known for lacking in intelligence, some would call them dumb. Not to be insulting but isn’t that the way it is with us. We think we know what’s best for us but left by ourselves we will get in trouble. We will be lost and in need of rescuing.

“Then Jesus told them this story: 4 “Suppose one of you has 100 sheep, but one of them gets lost. What will you do? You will leave the other 99 sheep there in the field and go out and look for the lost sheep. You will continue to search for it until you find it. 5 And when you find it, you will be very happy. You will carry it 6 home, go to your friends and neighbors and say to them, ‘Be happy with me because I found my lost sheep!’” Luke 15:3-6 ERV

And when we are lost, our Good Shepherd will come searching for us, bringing us to a place of safety and provision.

When we are with the Shepherd, we can be safe and content.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 KJV

“You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Psalm 23:1 CEV

The Apostle Paul put it this way in his writing to the Christians in Philippi.

“… for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 NLT

How could Paul be content in every situation? The answer is clear. Contentment comes from Christ.

The Lord doesn’t want us worried or wanting. He knows what we need, He wants us living in a place of trust.

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:21-33 NLT

Lord forgive me today for my wanting. I thank you that you bless me beyond measure because of Your great love. You supply all I need and more. You’re the Good Shepherd and I will follow you!

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Wanting More

This morning I was greeted by this photo I had taken a few years back. It brought a smile to my face and a thought to my heart. This little fellow and his many friends came every morning, afternoon and evening to my feeders, always wanting more.

I have no idea how many pounds of sugar and gallons of water I would prepare each summer for the hummingbirds who visited my yard.

Come they did – 50+ at a feeding. I would take the feeders down, all eight of them, wash them and refill them. From the inside of the house I could hear their little wings whirling as they waited impatiently for me to bring them back to the yard, filled with nectar.

They were always wanting more.

Do you know that our heavenly Father does no less for us?

“Then Jesus said, ‘I am the bread that gives life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who believes in me will ever be thirsty.'” John 6:35 ERV

“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 14 But anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give people will be like a spring flowing inside them. It will bring them eternal life.’ 15 The woman said to Jesus, ‘Sir, give me this water. Then I will never be thirsty again and won’t have to come back here to get more water.’” John 4:13-15 ERV

He planned for all of life’s other necessities as well.

“‘Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.'” Matthew 6:31-33 ERV

The Father provides for our needs and Jesus said what we should want most, our number one need, is to know Him and His kingdom. The Apostle Paul said this in his teaching to young christians:

“…now I think that all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Christ, I lost all these things, and now I know that they are all worthless trash. All I want now is Christ. 9 I want to belong to him. In Christ I am right with God, but my being right does not come from following the law. It comes from God through faith. God uses my faith in Christ to make me right with him. 10 All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him from death.” Philippians 3:8-10

Just like those little hummingbirds who were always wanting more, “All I want is to know Christ”, I want more.

The Father has meticulously planned for our every need. His plan is perfect. Our responsibility is to trust Him and make relationship with Him our top priority.

We should always be wanting more!

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Salt & Light

This world needs us! It needs our influence and our perspective. It needs us to be salt and light.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 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 5:13-16 NLT

This is our calling. However, we can fail in our influence if we become more concerned about pleasing people than pleasing our Father.

Salt makes us thirsty. Thirsty for the living water that only God can supply. Light keeps us from stumbling in the darkness.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT

This world we live in needs both now more than ever.

Have you ever been in the trap of pleasing people? You know, when we try to impress folks with our efforts and our actions. It can be a vicious cycle of doing something nice, waiting for approval, doing something nice again to gain acceptance and kind words.

This type of action can be emotionally, physically and financially exhausting.

Jesus knew this very thing and walked away from those situations choosing rather to please God than man.

” In Jerusalem during Passover many people put their faith in Jesus, because they saw him work miracles. 24 But Jesus knew what was in their hearts, and he would not let them have power over him. 25 No one had to tell him what people were like. He already knew.” John 2:23-25 CEV

This account takes place early in Jesus ministry. He had just chosen his disciples and not many people knew Him. You would think that he would want to cater to these people who had just put their faith in Him but instead the Scripture says He didn’t allow them to have power over Him or to control Him and His actions by their opinions.

Sadly, today many Christians are giving others power over them and are making their belief in Jesus and His word take second place to public opinion.

Lord, we desire to stand strong today. Representing You without apology. We desire to please You and not cater to the dictates of men.

“Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. 4 Then God will be pleased and think well of you and so will everyone else.

5 Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil.” Proverbs 3:3-7 ERV

We all have a calling to fulfill – shine brightly and add flavor wherever we go!

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Child’s Play

I’ve been telling you for weeks how much rain we’ve been getting here in the mountains. Everything is very green and lush. It’s beautiful and now we are starting to see ponds where there have been none, not for a very long time.

A few of those are appearing in the campground, in the campsites. The ground has become so saturated with the rainwater that it’s not soaking in as quickly as it used too. One such pond is at the entrance, across from our check-in station.

We camp hosts were joking that the pond was big enough to stock with fish – or at least crawdads and tadpoles. So…Friday, when Dave and I went to town I bought 3 rubber ducks and 5 bathtub fish. When we came home, I put them in the pond. Saturday morning two of my favorite little campers came down to say good morning and spotted our newest “floating” camper residents. Since they were in their rain boots their mom and dad let them play and splash in the puddle.

New idea!

I drove to the marina and bought a small fishing pole, affixed a magnet to the end of the line, and secured something metallic to the back of each fish and duck. Now, we had a fishing hole for the littles. That evening my two friends came back on their evening walk, with their parents and grandparents, and they got to be the first to catch a big one.

They were so patient.

Believe it or not, it took some skill to get one of those rubber toys to the bank. They were so happy, and content. For about the next 20-30 minutes they took turns fishing and landing their catch.

Now you fisherman know that patience is as much an essential requirement as a good pole and the proper bait.

The same holds true spiritually.

“As Jesus walked alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, because they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.” 20 Right away, they left their nets and followed him. 21 Continuing on, he saw another set of brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father repairing their nets. Jesus called them and 22 immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

23 Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues. He announced the good news of the kingdom and healed every disease and sickness among the people.” Matthew 4:18-23 CEB

Jesus was patient and loving as He ministered to people. He didn’t demand to be followed, He invited people to join him. He built relationship by attending to their needs; He healed those who were sick and brought them good news! He showed them compassion and understanding.

We have also been called to be fishers of men. We do that by building relationship, showing love, being genuine. We shouldn’t get discouraged or give up.

There’s much to be learn from what some would call child’s play. The message of Jesus is good news and we should share it with joyful hearts and patience.

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Learning New Things

Yesterday a friend posed a question, if you only had a short amount of time to teach someone the ways of Christ what would you focus on?

The list could be endless, however, he prefaced it with “a short amount of time”. This morning I believe I found how Jesus would answer that question.

“‘My Father has given me everything, and he is the only one who knows the Son. The only one who truly knows the Father is the Son. But the Son wants to tell others about the Father, so they can know him too.

28  If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29  Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. 30 This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.'” Matthew 11:27-30 CEV

Jesus wants us to know the Father!

He wants us to know the Father’s heart – his love, mercy, grace, power, strength, protection, rest. The Father gave Jesus everything he needed for his life on this earth. Jesus was content to know that the Father was willingly supplying all, nothing was excluded. And He wanted to tell others, us, about the Father so we could know Him too.

Let’s be honest as we assess our lives and current circumstances. When we are tired of carrying heavy loads, all the day-to-day responsibilities, the financial pressures, the need to make a good living, where do we turn? Do we take some sort of sleep aide, maybe another glass of wine, or just work until we are exhausted and are forced to sleep?

Jesus’ words are clear. “Come to me and I will give you rest. Learn from me.” In context, He is telling us to come and learn about the Father, come to know the Father as He does. It’s in learning about the Father and all He is and has provided that we will find true peace and rest.

The word picture that Jesus is giving us here is a farm scene. Take my yoke.

In Jesus day the fields were plowed with a team of oxen. A younger ox would need to be trained to accept the yoke and the proper way to plow. It would be paired with an older, more experienced ox. A yoke would be placed across the neck of both, linking them together. Then the farmer would drive them through the field.

The weight of the yoke would rest solely on the neck and shoulders of the older ox since he was stool taller. The younger ox just needed to learn to walk alongside without straining to go his own way.

The yoke is easy and the burden is light.

When we walk alongside of Jesus, watching His life and learning from Him about the Father and His love, our burdens get lighter. We learn to let the Lord carry the load.

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7 CEV

Now, going back to the question my friend asked yesterday. If I only had a short amount of time, what would I teach? I would teach the goodness of God and the unconditional love of the Father.

“Come learn of me and find rest”!

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Needing Support

Last night a memory came to mind. It’s coming on the end of summer and when we lived in Montana that meant it was time to harvest the apple tree.

The branches of this tree were heavy laden with fruit. I would have to place wood posts under the branches to hold them up and keep them from breaking. But that’s not the only support this tree needed.

The wind in Montana seems to never stop. So, the folks who planted the tree tied it to a very sturdy post to keep if from blowing over when its trunk was young and easily bent . Those ropes were still providing it with support when we bought the home some years later. We left them in place.

Maybe you’ve felt like that apple tree, in need of support. I know I have.

As children we are nurtured and supported by our parents, grandparents, teachers at school, coaches and loving friends. They are there to give us instruction, correction and guidance. They pick us up when we fall down. They help us develop and begin our journey in living fruitful lives.

As we grow older, we still need a support system. Loving family and caring friends are a priceless treasure but even then, we have dark days when we feel alone. That’s when we need the support that only the Father can provide.

“You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. 8 I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.” Psalm 63:7-9 CEV

I’m sure each of us can remember a time when we were without hope, feeling wind-blown and insecure. But then we experienced a strength and grounding that only the Lord could give. We might not have recognized it as such, but it was the Father’s help just the same. It could have come as the kind words and prayers of a friend or perhaps, just an inner strength and determination that kept us tethered. God has a way of providing us with what we need in those times.

“Since childhood, you have known the Holy Scriptures that are able to make you wise enough to have faith in Christ Jesus and be saved. 16 Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. 17 The Scriptures train God’s servants to do all kinds of good deeds.” II Timothy 3:15-17 CEV

His word gives us support and instruction, instruction that will keep us strong.

“Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it was built on solid rock, and so it did not fall.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

There is no more reliable and sure counsel, no other place of unfailing support than what we will find in God’s presence and in His written word!

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Thirsting For More

Last night after dinner, Dave and I took Kim and Austin to look for wildlife. We drove several miles down the highway searching the meadows.

When we started out there was a light rain falling and the further we traveled down this mountain highway the heavier it got. It seemed we wouldn’t be spotting any animals this night so we turned back to and were going to head to home.

Then there they were. A small herd of cow elk and their calves. Right off the road’s edge, in the meadow. I’m sorry the image is a bit blurry but I only had my phone and when I zoomed in, it distorted the image.

Anyway, back to the elk. We know there are hundreds that live in that wooded area but they stay hidden in the day, coming down to the meadow in the early morning and just about dusk. They eat their fill of the green grasses, covered with the rain’s moisture. They are content.

“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God. 2 In my heart, I am thirsty for you, the living God.” Psalm 42:1-2 CEV

Thirsty for the living God.

What brought these elk out into the meadow, out from the protection of the trees, was their hunger and thirst. They came to this place to feed, to a place to find nourishment.

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

God promises that when we have a hunger for Him and His ways we will be filled. Satisfied. Content.

“You should praise the Lord for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. 9 To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat.” Psalm 107:8-10 CEV

I am determined to thirst for the more of God and His love. I know I will be filled.

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