Category: Matthew

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Happy Friday

Most days of the week seem to have little or no variation. I guess that’s all part of being retired.

Dave and I laughed during the COVID shut-down because our lifestyle really had no signficant changes. Yes, we visited family fewer times and learned to ordered our groceries on-line with a pick up order but other than that life continued on all the same.

But today is a special day! It’s one of our granddaughters’ fourth birthday and we came from the mountains back to the valley to celebrate with her. It’s going to be such a fun Friday.

The bonus is we will also be visiting with her parents, brother and younger sister. We will also be spending time with our oldest daughter and husband. It’s a short visit and we will cram as much family love into the time we are here as we can. I’ve been looking forward to this for a couple of months.

Grandma’s hearts need cuddles and love.

Yes, our relationship with our kids and grandkids is patterned after the relationship that our heavenly Father wants to have with us. From the very beginning, when God created Adam and Eve He wanted to spend time with them.

“So God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself. He created them male and female. 28 God blessed them and said to them, ‘Have many children. Fill the earth and take control of it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the air. Rule over every living thing that moves on the earth.'” Genesis 1:27-28 ERV

God created us to be like Him. He ruled heaven and He gave earth to mankind to rule. Genesis, chapter 3, tells us that God came and walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the evening. I can only imagine that those talks were filled with Adam telling God about all the wonderful things they had experienced during the day and like any loving father, God listened and enjoyed spending time with His family.

Jesus told those who came to hear him speak that we all need to be like little children to truly enjoy the kingdom of heaven.

“Then the people brought their little children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them to bless them and pray for them. When the followers saw this, they told the people to stop bringing their children to him. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these children.” 15 After Jesus blessed the children, he left there.” Matthew 19:13-15 ERV

Children are innocent and accepting, filled with faith and trust. We should all be like that – trusting completely in our Father’s love and protection, His provision and His grace.

Today will be filled with awe and wonder as we explore the undersea world of the aquarium. I can’t wait to see her expression as we view all the different sea life. What a joy it will be to be together.

Lord, remind me to experience the wonder of living everyday with you!

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The Times Are A Changin’

Yesterday morning as I was sitting here writing my blog I heard the birds singing, as always. This time I stopped and looked at my watch; it was 4:45. I remember when I came to the campground in June, the birds started singing at 4:18.

The times, they are a changing.

Stop right now, if you will, and do a mental recap on your summer so far. What have you accomplished since June 1? Have there been any moments worth remembering? Oh, I hope there have been.

You have traveled along with me this summer. We came for a simple two week camping trip starting on June 4 and then had plans to meet up with friends for a few days but all that changed. We were offered an opportunity to be camp hosts at our favorite campground in the mountains. A place we come to every year, a place of many memories.

Then two weeks after that we were evacuated due to threat of fire. Yes, you were with me then too. During our evacuation we met and became friends with other camp hosts. It was an interesting time but we were always on alert that we could be moved from the mountain at a moments notice.

The first bird just started to sing, it’s 4:47. The times they are a changing!

Two weeks ago we were allowed to come back to the campground and resume our duties. Campers came slowly at first but last weekend we were almost full and the same holds true for this weekend.

The rains came and we are still getting rain every day. The wild flowers are blooming, the fish are biting, the elk are grazing in the meadows. It’s beautiful.

And then there were the lightning strikes…just yesterday a large ponderosa pine was felled in one of the campsites because it had been badly damaged by a lightning strike on Sunday.

This is my recap of the summer! Not what I had planned in any way but exciting just the same. I have been able to share God’s word with new friends, and I have prayed with and for others. The thing that never changes is the word of God and the power of prayer.

Each day changes just a little. Plans need to be rescheduled or laid aside completely but the Lord is ever present and those little birds that sing each morning remind me of that.

“ Aren’t two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. 30 Even the hairs on your head are counted. 31 So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 CEV

Maybe your summer hasn’t gone as planned. Maybe things have changed signifcantly. Maybe you don’t know what to do next or where to turn. Be like the birds – start your morning with a song.

“ I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ERV

Trust the Lord. He has a plan and a purpose for you.

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What Does It Take?

At the campground, we get asked lots of questions. What kind of clouds are those, what’s kind of fern is that? What’s that bird or mushroom? What…what…what.

For the last few days I have been asking myself a “what” question. What does it take to be a good Christian?

There are so many Christians who seem to have it all together. There are better teachers, more educated Bible scholars, those who have been blessed with the finances to go and do great things for the Lord. Some are younger, stronger, more articulate.

So, what does it take to be used by the Lord?

  • Adam was disobedient
  • Noah drank too much wine
  • Abraham was old
  • Moses killed a man and he stuttered
  • Miriam was a woman
  • David was young
  • Daniel was a slave
  • Peter was impetuous and crude
  • Zacchaeus was a cheating tax collector
  • Mary was a bossy, work-a-holic
  • Nicodemus was a closet Christian
  • Rahab was a harlot
  • The woman at the well was a social outcast
  • Paul was a religious zealot who persecuted Christians

So, what does it take to be a good Christian and to be used by God?

There two things that all these people have in common. They accepted God’s forgiveness for their failings and they made themselves available. The Lord isn’t looking for people who will “wow” the world, He wants people who are willing to be used.

“Brothers and sisters, God chose you to be his. Think about that! Not many of you were wise in the way the world judges wisdom. Not many of you had great influence, and not many of you came from important families. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 And God chose what the world thinks is not important—what the world hates and thinks is nothing. He chose these to destroy what the world thinks is important. 29 God did this so that no one can stand before him and boast about anything.” I Corinthians 1:26-29 ERV

He provides us with the strength, the talent, the wherewithal that’s necessary to reach the world but He won’t force anyone to serve Him. The ability that He is looking for in all of us is availability.

“They saw him and worshiped him, but some of them doubted.

18 Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! 19 Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.” Matthew 28:17-20 CEV

Jesus spoke to those who doubted and those who worshiped and gave them the same instruction. Go. You all go and tell the world everything you have learned from me. You won’t be going alone, I will be with you always. Be available and go.

So, here’s the question we all have to answer. Am I willing to be available?

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A Special Gift

Every morning I thank the Lord for the opportunity He has given me to share words of encouragement with you. It’s what I love to do!

This is the 4th anniversary of Kristi’s Morning Devotional and it has been such a joy to lay my fingers on the keyboard and write what the Father has put on my heart. Who knew there was a lesson to be learned from mushrooms?

I appreciate the comments you share through email and on Facebook. Knowing that the Holy Spirit is encouraging you touches my heart. If these brief morning thoughts strengthen you throughout your day, if they remind you that you are never alone and if they help direct you in the decisions you are facing then I am thrilled.

Each day the Lord gives us is a special gift. Each morning is a page waiting to be filled with His goodness and grace. Each evening is an opportunity to reflect on the His love and mercy. Each hour is an opportunity to draw on His strength and direction.

“This day belongs to the Lord! Let’s celebrate and be glad today.” Psalm 118:24 CEV

I am committed to continue writing as long as the Lord gives me the words to pen. I want the Father to be glorified through each posting. He, alone, is worthy of all praise and adoration.

Last night I had a dream that I was teaching at a church gathering. The theme of the message was “A Deeper Relationship”. Never do I want to present religious ideas or manmade doctrines. My goal and desire is for all who read my writings or hear my words to know that our heavenly Father is a father who desires relationship.

One of our children once told Dave and I “I see now how much you guys gave up, how much you sacrificed for us as we were growing up. I want you to know how much I appreciate it all. I love you”.

As I grow in relationship with the Father each day I appreciate His love so much more. I want that for each and everyone of you. And I hope that you desire that as well; for yourselves, your friends and family.

When Jesus sent His disciples out to preach the message of the life changing power of God, He told them this:

“Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: …7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” Matthew 10:5-8 NLT

We have been given the same instruction. Freely give. The life giving message of God’s love is a gift to be freely given. It is my hope that as you receive from this daily blog that you will share it with others.

In the past four years, the blog has been read nearly 50,000 times. That humbles me. But my hope is that many more will read it and come to know the unconditional, amazing love and joy that come from being in relationship with the Father.

Will you help me spread this good news? Please share my blog with your friends and let’s see God’s word reach thousands more. There is no greater gift than the gift of God’s love.

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In The Dark

One of our fellow campground staff brought me these mushrooms yesterday. They are really big and he said they are best when sliced and sauted in butter.

Yum!

I don’t know much about mushrooms but I do know they grow best in moist places without much light. Not an ideal situation for human growth but I guess it’s ok for fungus.

Do you remember years back when scientist and medical professionals started talking about light deprivation and lack of vitamin D? This produced a condition known as SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. One of the main symptoms was depression.

I love the sunshine. Most of my life has been in the desert with plenty of sunshine. Even though our winter days in Montana were bitterly cold we still had lots of sunshine.

If we aren’t careful we can experience SAD in our spiritual lives. The Lord doesn’t want us living in the dark. In fact, one Old Testament prophet proclaimed that “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge”. They were living in spiritual darkness. They had forgotten, or had not been taught, all that the Lord told Moses about God’s blessings being poured out on each generation of the Jewish people.

John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, instructed us to “walk in the light as He was in the light”. Jesus said of himself that He came to be the Light of the World. When we walk in the light of God’s word we grow. We develop strength, joy, goodness, peace and love. That’s the fruit that God’s light produces in us. These traits are completely opposite of SAD.

When we are walking in the SONshine our lives reflect His light. Jesus said that we are to be lights in the world. Just like the moon reflects the light of the sun and shines when the sun is absent, we can and will reflect the light of God’s Son and shine in the world when the Son isn’t in the earth.

“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

May I encourage you today to open God’s word and let the Son shine on you. Don’t be a mushroom!

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Get the Right Focus

Several months ago I was able to purchase a new camera. It isn’t anywhere near top-of-the-line but it’s the best camera I have ever owned. I so appreciate a friend, Scott, who knows more about these things than I and he gave me some excellent recommendations.

I was determined to learn to use this camera to the best of my ability. I even sat down several afternoons and watched YouTube tutorials, with camera in hand. And then life happened.

Things got busy and we headed to the mountains for the summer. What I didn’t realize when we left is that our internet service would be as limited as it is and I wouldn’t be able to rely on that on-line instruction and training that I wanted to learn more about aperture, shutter speed, manual focus, etc.

I know having an understanding of these things will aid me immensely in creating better shots. However, I am lacking in knowledge and experience. I have found that the best camera setting for me at this time is “IA” mode, which means intelligent auto mode. Basically, with that setting the camera takes over for me and gets me the best shots available because of my limited knowledge. I am content with that.

It keeps me focused. Obviously the image I used this morning is one I took trying to use my own settings. It’s blurry!

Isn’t that the way it is with life?

There is so much that can distract us, lead us off course and blur our vision. More education, a newer house, a different job, retirement, more fulfilling relationships. Our mind’s eye dashes here and there trying to focus on what is most important and how to achieve it.  There is really no matter greater to trust with the  “intelligent auto” setting for our lives than the Lord.

“Your eyes are like a window for your body. When they are good, you have all the light you need. 23 But when your eyes are bad, everything is dark. If the light inside you is dark, you surely are in the dark.” Matthew 6:22 CEV

The Apostle Paul was very aware of this. He had so many things happening in his life he had to be reminded to stay focused.  He was responsible for the teaching and care of thousands of new Christians, he was being persecuted in nearly every town he preached in and finally he was imprisoned in Rome for the teachings of Christ. He was focused on the finish line.

“I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven.” Philippians 3:14 ERV

When we walk with the Lord and learn to depend upon His word our skills will improve and we will be able to utiltize more of what the Lord has available for us. However, we never want to lose focus of what should be at the center of our lives.

“But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33 CEV

Stay focused on what’s most important, everything else will fall into place.

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Talking to the Kids

How many of us love talking to our kids?

Everything else in our day comes to a stand still when we see their number on caller id or their faces pop up on Facetime. A friend and I were exchanging emails the last week or so and I told her that the only thing I was having a hard time with in our summer RV adventure was the inconsistency of conversation with the kids. She agreed. There are so many suggestions on how to successfully full-time RV but none of them really deal with the separation from family.

Before we left home for the summer, I would have Facetime conversations nearly everyday with our youngest daughter and get to see our littlest grandchildren. They might not say much but there would be lots of smiles, “I love you’s”, waving and throwing kisses. They grow up so fast. She and I would get to talk – talk about everything.

And it was nothing for our oldest daughter just call to say hi and tell me about her busy schedule or send me a picture of her granddaughter, our great grand. We talk about camping trips, what they had done for the weekend, just a lot of staying in touch.

Our son always finds time to call when he is headed home after a forty-eight hour shift at the firehouse. He and his dad can talk on and on about boats and fishing and refurbishing. There isn’t a subject they don’t enjoy exchanging ideas on.

It means so much that they like to call – we love it!

Yesterday, all three of them called. A perfect day! One that fills a parents’ heart with love and joy!

This morning, I sat here still enjoying hearing their voices and then I thought I’m sure our heavenly Father feels the same way when we call. He’s always ready to share His heart.

“Ask me and I will tell you some remarkable secrets about what is going to happen here.” Jeremiah 33:3 TLB

Talking to the Father shouldn’t always be a 9-1-1 call. We don’t need to be in a crisis situation to pray. No, if we follow the example of Jesus we will be talking to the Father morning, noon and night. It’s a conversation of loving exchange.

“And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.” Matthew 14:23 NKJV

The Father loves to talk with us and when He sees that we are reaching out to Him, He drops everything to take our call because we are His kids and He loves us. Maybe some are resistant to prayer because they think they might get scolded for one mistake or another. Our Father will correct us when needed but always with a heart of love. He loves to give!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in heaven.” Ephesians 1:3 ERV

Take time to talk with the Father today – He loves talking to His kids.

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Lending a Helping Hand

It seems everywhere we turn folks are trying to get us to support a cause. We don’t have to watch TV too long to see several commercials that are asking for $19 a month to help with this that and the other.

Just lend a helping hand.

There are social issues, political issues, humanitarian causes, educational, religious, medical, environmental, recreational, cultural and even artistic areas that are asking for our time and support. Each of us have our own areas of special interest but these things should never be our primary focus.

Jesus was faced with all the same issues when he walked the earth that we face today and he gave this admonition to his disciples.

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26 NKJV

To achieve recognition as one of our communities greatest philanthrophist is futile if it causes us to loose sight of the most important calling we have, our relationship with Jesus Christ!

There is no Nobel prize, humanitarian award, national acclaim or public recognition that can compare with knowing God and having Him speak your name.

“Then Jesus said to his followers, “If any of you want to be my follower, you must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you for following me. 25 Any of you who try to save the life you have will lose it. But you who give up your life for me will find true life. 26 It is worth nothing for you to have the whole world if you yourself are lost. You could never pay enough to buy back your life. 27 The Son of Man will come again with his Father’s glory and with his angels. And he will reward everyone for what they have done.” Matthew 16:24-27 ERV

We can become weary and exhausted from “trying” to fix all the worlds woes. Our own efforts will fall short every time. But there is a place of rest and that is found in Jesus.

“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 11:28-30 CEV

We should all look for opportunities to do good. Trying to accomplish them on our own is exhausting but when Jesus leads us to lend a helping hand the results are much greater than we could dream of.

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Letters From Home

Just a couple days ago I was reading the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy. Timothy was a young man whom Paul considered a son. Timothy was now preaching the Good News of Jesus to many new converts and it seems he was running into some resistance because of his youthfulness. Paul sent him a letter to encourage him to keep going and not be bothered by what people were saying about him.

“Don’t let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity. 13 Until I arrive, be sure to keep on reading the Scriptures in worship, and don’t stop preaching and teaching. 14 Use the gift you were given when the prophets spoke and the group of church leaders blessed you by placing their hands on you.” I Timothy 4:12-14 CEV

When I read those words I remembered what it was like to get letters at Summer Camp. After lunch, we would all gather round and the head counselor would do mail call. Everyone stood waiting for their names to be called.

Letter from home were such an encouragement!

While I was in college, the letters kept coming. And there were the care packages too. Boxes sent for nearly every holiday, stickers covering the outside, and inside were her cinnamon rolls, kringla (a Norwegian cookie), chocolate chip cookies and more. I would take the box to the Student Union and after dinner my friends and I would open the box, and everyone got to enjoy a treat from home.

Letters from home were comforting.

Some of you know that my Mom passed away about five weeks ago. She finally got to go to heaven. She was 97 years and 9 months old. She loved us but she loved Jesus more.

Yesterday I went to our Post Office here in the mountains and there were three envelopes in it. A letter from my brother, one from a friend and one from my sister. In my sister’s envelope was a letter from Mom…

Mom knew she wouldn’t be here for my sister and my birthdays this year, so she wrote our cards early and she asked my sister to make sure she mailed mine.

Letters from home were filled with love.

I can’t help but see the correlation between the letters I have received all my life with the one the heavenly Father wrote to us over two thousand years ago.

“Wonderful!” his master replied. “You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!” Matthew 25:21 CEV

Jesus was talking to his disciples about their faithfulness and obedience in doing what the Father had asked them to do. He called them good and faithful servants. And that will be His welcome to all of us when we enter heaven.

“Well done”.   His instruction is that we feed the hungry, clothed the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned. Encourage those who are depressed. Telling all that Jesus has paid our debt of sin and the Father loves us unconditionally. We are to bring His letter from home to the world.

Letters from home bring salvation.

Share heaven’s letter with those around you. There’s nothing better than a letter from home!

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It’s Beginning to Rain

Oh, the wonderful sound of rain upon our roof!

Yesterday morning the humidity was high, and fog had rolled in. It created that hazy mist that you can cut with a knife. The wildlife were comfortable with the cover it provided them and stayed longer in the meadows. First, we saw the elk cows with their calves and then we drove past another meadow with a herd of deer.  Even the wild horses came out of the forest to graze.

What a morning!

About 10 or so the clouds rolled in, big, dark clouds – clouds filled with the moisture we have been praying for. At first, it was just a few rain drops and then the sprinkle turned into a gentle, soaking shower. We hoped it would last all day but after several hours the clouds moved on and the rain was over.

The earth was refreshed.  The area needs more, much more, but this shower was a welcomed start. I could almost hear the trees, flowers and meadow grasses release a big sigh of contentment.

Have you ever felt parched? The first sips of water at a time like that are so refreshing. There’s nothing like it.

The last year was a time that parched our souls. Personal interaction was in a draught. We didn’t meet up with friends and family. Hugs and kisses on the cheek were as scarce as rain on the Sahara. We were told not to visit loved ones who were older and compromised. Yes, it was a dry time.

Spiritually we go through times like that as well. It seems like heaven is so far away and our prayers just don’t get through. Is it possible that our heavenly Father isn’t listening? We feel lost and alone.

A phrase that is sometimes used is “they are under a dark cloud”. Well, yesterday we were under a dark cloud, and it brought the refreshing we so desperately needed. When those dark clouds come, we should look up and watch for the rain.

It’s a rain of God’s unconditional love!

“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.” Matthew 11:28-29 CEV

If you have felt dry let the Lord refresh you. He promises to give us rest.

After the rain comes the rainbow, a sign of God’s unbreakable promise. A promise of blessing!

Let the clouds roll in, look up, it’s beginning to rain!

P.S. Keep praying for rain.

“You take care of the earth and send rain to help the soil grow all kinds of crops. Your rivers never run dry, and you prepare the earth to produce much grain.” Psalm 65:9 CEV

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