Category: Matthew

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Be the Answer to Someone’s Call

“Lord, what can I do to please you today? I know I don’t have to work to earn Your love. But I like to do things that make you happy – things that bring a smile to Your face, something that will let You know that I love you?”

“My brothers and sisters, God chose you to be free. But don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful selves. Instead, serve each other with love. 14 The whole law is made complete in this one command: “Love your neighborthe same as you love yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 ERV

The verse above was Paul’s instructions to the Christians at Galatia. He was reminding them of what Jesus taught and Jesus words were a repeat of a lesson God gave to Moses when the Israelites first came out of Egypt. God’s command from the very beginning was that we walk in a loving way towards those around us.

“Forget about the wrong things people do to you. Don’t try to get even. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:18 ERV

I’ve heard it said, you really know who your friends are when the chips are down. But I’ve never liked that saying…it seems when there is a serious problem everyone will come to help, even folks you don’t know but in the day to day routine, a true friend is there. They are there to notice the small victories that no one else sees and they also notice the small things that indicate you might just be having a bad day.

The thing I love about country folk is they are “good neighbors”. We’ve always appreciated good neighbors. Today, don’t look for something you can be thankful for – be the reason that someone else is thankful! It will make your Father smile.

I heard tell of a man who lived in AZ. He was out driving on the I-10 down Tucson way and he ran out of gas. He came to a stop on the shoulder of the road and right in front of him was this big billboard

NEED HELP? CALL JESUS

800-005-3159

So in sheer desperation the man got out his cell phone and called the number. In 10 minutes, a 1950’s Chevy pickup showed up and out stepped a Mexican man with two 5 gallon gas cans, his name was Jesus!

Now that man was a neighbor. A good neighbor! He came to help in time of need.

“Then the king will say to the godly people on his right, ‘Come, my Father has great blessings for you. The kingdom he promised is now yours. It has been prepared for you since the world was made. 35 It is yours because when I was hungry, you gave me food to eat. When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I had no place to stay, you welcomed me into your home. 36 When I was without clothes, you gave me something to wear. When I was sick, you cared for me. When I was in prison, you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the godly people will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you with no place to stay and welcome you into our home? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you?’

40 “Then the king will answer, ‘The truth is, anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me.’ Matthew 25:34-40 ERV

If the greatest two commandments according to Jesus are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength and then to love your neighbor as yourself, we need to be ready to answer when we hear a call for help.

We don’t go in our own strength and but in the love and the strength that God has placed within us. And we do it with a thankful heart. Thanking God that He has placed confidence in us that we will do the right thing and that we will respond in a timely manner – that we will be good ambassadors of Christ.

Let me ask you this, if Jesus made a billboard and it said “NEED HELP” could He put your cell number at the bottom? Let Jesus use you today to be the answer to someone’s call!

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Follow His Lead

Sitting here this morning while it’s still dark out and feeling the cool of the fall air, down to 55 this morning, enjoying the warmth of a good cup of coffee and seeking the Father for the day’s direction, I am very thankful. Thankful that my Father is still in control; He hasn’t fallen off His throne and His omniscience is superior to the knowledge of the world’s wisest men. His omnipresence penetrates to the farthest reaches of the universe. Yet, in all He has before Him this day I can hear Him speaking to me through His words – the words Jesus spoke about the Father.

“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 that 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.” Matthew 11:27-29 CEV

Jesus has taken the time to tell us about the Father and not only that, Jesus made a way for us to be adopted by the Father so that we can call Him “Abba Father” (Papa or Daddy) and we can experience firsthand His love and compassion.

I don’t have to have all the answers and I don’t have to learn by “hard knocks”. I can trust the Father and learn from Him.

“With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. 6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.” Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV

So enjoy your day and let the Father lead you and there you will find rest!

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Thankful for Invitations

Not long ago we returned from a vacation to Texas. Dave and I went last year and made plans to return again this year. We had been invited by my brother and his wife to come for a visit. So we loaded up the truck and headed to Texas.

We made a few stops along the way but our main objective was to get to their home. Several times before our trip my brother and I would talk and he would ask me what we wanted to do while we were there. My answer was the same – we just want to spend time with you and Monte. It was so enjoyable to sit on their patio and talk. We didn’t need anything any more special than that.

Spending time with people you love! What could be better?

As people we really have nothing more valuable to give than our time. It’s the only commodity we possess that we can’t gain more of. When we invite folks to our home we are honored that they give us their time. It’s a true sign of love! And when we are invited to spend time with our family and friends, we recognize it to be the same.

So, do you think the Lord is any less honored when we spend time with Him? He asks us to come – come for a visit. He has a universe to run but when we come He drops everything to spend time with us.

“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

The Lord issues the invitation freely and He isn’t going to withdraw it because of other commitments or obligations.

“Everything and everyone that the Father has given me will come to me, and I won’t turn any of them away.

38 I didn’t come from heaven to do what I want! I came to do what the Father wants me to do. He sent me, 39 and he wants to make certain that none of the ones he has given me will be lost.” John 6:37-39 CEV

The invitation isn’t for a select few but the invitation from the Lord is for everyone – everyone!

“All you people who are thirsty, come! Here is water for you to drink.
Don’t worry if you have no money. Come, eat and drink until you are full!
You don’t need money. The milk and wine are free.
2 Why waste your money on something that is not real food? Why should you work for something that does not really satisfy you? Listen closely to me and you will eat what is good.
You will enjoy the food that satisfies your soul.
3 Listen closely to what I say. Listen to me so that you will live. I will make an agreement with you that will last forever. It will be an agreement you can trust, like the one I made with David—
a promise to love him and be loyal to him forever.” Isaiah 55:1-3 ERV

The invitation the Lord sends out to us is for everyone and it’s a promise that His love will last forever! Here the Lord is saying, Come to Me, return to Me and I will forgive all. My ways are differ than your ways. I don’t hold grudges. My love is unconditional. My word has power; it is precise. It is like a seed planted My word brings forth fruit.

Yes, I’m truly grateful for heaven sent invitations!

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Through the Eyes of a Child

Of course you know that most of my morning devotional thoughts come from real life experience. This morning while I’m writing this there is a small child in the other room trying to decide to go back to sleep. He’s singing softly and I hope that is enough of a lullaby to put him back into a place of slumber for a couple more hours. Only Besta is supposed to be up this early – doesn’t he know it’s my quiet time?

It’s been many years since Dave and I had a little one, unattended by their parents, to care for. What a joy! Yesterday, we picked Sam up at his home and made the two hour trip to ours. We had a fun time as he giggled and talked from the back seat. It was different than the old days because we couldn’t turn around and see his face, you know, rear facing car seats weren’t a deal when our other grandchildren were little.

Once we were here there was much to explore – doors that needed closing, new toys, different foods, different objects, and the big outdoors. We took feeders to the hummingbirds, filled the bird baths, watched the bees and just lived in general marvel of all there was to see.

There was a walk down the dirt road and a gust of wind. “Wind, blow. Wind, blow. Oooo blow again.” Sometimes we held hands as we walked and others I would hear, “I walk self” and he would drop my hand and then take it back in a moment or two.

What a wonderful afternoon of joyful play and discovery. No wonder Jesus told his disciples that we needed to come as a little child if we wanted to inherit the kingdom of heaven.

“About this time the disciples came to Jesus and asked him who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 2 Jesus called a child over and had the child stand near him. 3 Then he said:

I promise you this. If you don’t change and become like a child, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. 4 But if you are as humble as this child, you are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And when you welcome one of these children because of me, you welcome me.” Matthew 18:1-5 CEV

The awe, the innocence, the need to rely on Someone, the ability to follow and the hunger to learn more are all the childlike qualities we need to keep in our relationship with the heavenly Father.

One of my best moments yesterday was as we were getting ready to come in from the front courtyard. Sam had walked down the sidewalk to the gate and he stood there knocking. I was behind him and he knew I was watching. He turned around, smiled at me and I told him we needed to go in and see Pappy. He came running with a big smile across his face, got to my legs, stopped looked at me and lifted his hands. When I picked him up I got the biggest squeeze!

I knew that’s how God, the Father, wants us to be – come running, big smiles, and find a hug waiting!

Yep! One of the best days ever!

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Overcoming Doubt – Living in Faith

Seeing is Believing – isn’t that how the old expression goes? So many people will misconstrue what they see and even more so what they hear.

In John 4 a father came to Jesus and told Him his son was dying. The father begged Jesus to come and Jesus reply was “Go home, your son will live.”

Now some would have reported that Jesus did nothing. That he turned the man away with no help for his son. But the opposite was true.

“Jesus went to visit Cana in Galilee again. Cana is where he had changed the water into wine. One of the king’s important officials lived in the city of Capernaum. This man’s son was sick. The man heard that Jesus had come from Judea and was now in Galilee. So he went to Jesus and begged him to come to Capernaum and heal his son, who was almost dead. Jesus said to him, “You people must see miraculous signs and wonders before you will believe in me.”

49 The king’s official said, “Sir, come before my little son dies.”

50 Jesus answered, “Go. Your son will live.”

The man believed what Jesus told him and went home. 51 On the way home, the man’s servants came and met him. They said, “Your son is well.”

52 The man asked, “What time did my son begin to get well?”

They answered, “It was about one o’clock yesterday when the fever left him.”

53 The father knew that one o’clock was the same time that Jesus had said, “Your son will live.” So the man and everyone in his house believed in Jesus.” John 4:46-53 ERV

How many times have I wanted to see a miracle? Wanted to see the “power of God” moving and yet sat with the Bible on the coffee table and not opened it to find God’s miraculous, powerful Word for myself?

Thank God He knows our limitations and the fraility of our faith and is moved with compassion because He loves us so. Do you remember what Jesus said to the centurion who came to him asking that his servant be healed? To him, Jesus said I will come and the centurion said no, just speak the word and my servant will be healed because you have authority and your word is enough. (paraphrased by me)

“Jesus said to the officer, “I will go and heal him.”

8 The officer answered, “Lord, I am not good enough for you to come into my house. You need only to give the order, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this, because I understand authority. There are people who have authority over me, and I have soldiers under my authority. I tell one soldier, ‘Go,’ and he goes. I tell another soldier, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and my servant obeys me.”

10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. He said to those who were with him, “The truth is, this man has more faith than anyone I have found, even in Israel…
13 Then Jesus said to the officer, “Go home. Your servant will be healed the way you believed he would.” Right then his servant was healed.” Matthew 8:7-13 ERV

I want centurion faith! If God’s word says it – that’s enough!

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A Good Reflection

And the greatest of these is love! God’s love for us is beyond amazing but Jesus gave us the instruction that the greatest commandment was to love the Father and then to love our neighbors.

“34 The Pharisees learned that Jesus had made the Sadducees look so foolish that they stopped trying to argue with him. So the Pharisees had a meeting. 35 Then one of them, an expert in the Law of Moses, asked Jesus a question to test him. 36 He said, “Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?”
37 Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and most important command. 39 And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ 40 All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands… None of the Pharisees could answer Jesus’ question. And after that day, no one was brave enough to ask him any more questions.” Matthew 22:34-46 CEV

The Pharisees were trying to test and even trick Jesus into a wrong answer; something that would discredit him to his followers and better yet, something that would give them place to prosecute him and silence him in public.

What Jesus did with his answer was discredit the Pharisees. By giving the answer that He did, Jesus proved that their heart’s motive was anything but love. And if they weren’t walking in love toward Him, their neighbor, they weren’t keeping what they called the greatest commandments. He went on to correct them in their thinking about the Messiah as well. No wonder they decided not to ask Him anymore questions.

The Pharisees had all the outward trappings of religion and righteousness but their hearts were wrong. It was a self-righteousness and it was religion instead of relationship. Jesus was talking about a living relationship with the Father.

As we spent time loving the Father we will reflect His love to others. The moon has no light source in itself but it reflects the light of the sun. In the same way, as we spend time absorbing the Father’s love we will reflect that love to others. We can’t give what we don’t have – so as we receive more and more love from the Father we are able to love others more.

Father, I desire to love You with all that I am and then to reflect Your love to those around me today.

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A Place of Protection

In the last few weeks we have been overwhelmed with pictures on the news: pictures of floods, fire and the devastation of hurricanes. This morning I heard of a large earthquake in Mexico and I’m sure there will be pictures from that as well. Seems there are disasters everywhere.

I hear people around us expressing their thanks and gratitude for living in an area that isn’t subject to such conditions. I agree completely. But there really is no place that is assured of safety, no place but one. Let me ask you, where do you live? Over the next few days I want to take you through the verses of Psalm 91. It’s there we find what God says about dwelling in safety.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].” AMP Psalm 91:1

If we live in the “secret place” we will remain stable and fixed but where is the secret place? Where is that place that God’s shadow falls on us and covers us with protection? Let’s see what the Bible tells us about a secret place.

Our time in prayer is called secret. Our time of communicating with the Father one on one, is a secret time of sweet fellowship. The time we spend meditating on the Word of God can also be a “secret” place. When we are in this place of close communion, His shadow covers us. It’s refreshing, like being in the shadow of a tall tree on a warm day or being covered by the shadow of a tent or canopy when the hot sun is beating down.

“But when you pray, go into your [most] private room, and, closing the door, pray to your Father, Who is in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open.” Matthew 6:6 AMP

When we are spending time in the Father’s presence in prayer and “hiding” His word in our hearts we dwell in the secret place of the Most High.

“I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!” AMP Psalm 91:2

All through the Psalms, David talks about the Lord being a strong tower, a hiding place, a refuge, a fortress, a place of protection. And here he is emphasizing that again. David definitely knew something about the Lord being a refuge and fortress of protection – after all, he faced a lion, a bear and a giant – he was the underdog more than once but God miraculously intervened. David relied on Him completely.

So answer this question, am I dwelling where the Lord is my deliverer, my refuge, my fortress? If not, go to the secret place of your prayer closet, renew your relationship and put God’s word in your heart. There is the place to live, under the shadow of the Almighty!

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God Is Faithful

God is faithful. That’s His nature, His character! When we stop to wonder “if” God will come through this time – remember His faithfulness. “Will” he be there for me?

Not sure who woke up this morning questioning and wondering if God was still there, if He could still be trusted, but whoever you are let me tell you that He is – He is the great I AM.

““So remember that the LORD your God is the only God, and you can trust him! He keeps his agreement. He shows his love and kindness to all people who love him and obey his commands. He continues to show his love and kindness through a thousand generations, ” Deuteronomy 7:9

So many changes in our modern lives, it’s hard to imagine that God is ALWAYS faithful, He is ALWAYS the same.

” Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8


God is not a liar – His word is always true, you can count on Him! You can depend on His promises.
” God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

Since the beginning of time the sun has come up every morning and set each evening, the tides ebb and flow, the seasons change but as constant as those things are they won’t last forever but God’s word will always remain the same.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

You can depend on God’s faithfulness. He has always been there and will always continue to be!

“The Lord God says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega.[b] I am the one who is, who always was, and who is coming. I am the All-Powerful.” Revelation 1:8 ERV

Trust in Him today!

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My words

This morning I was listening to my own prayer. I found myself complaining about some circumstances and asking the Lord to change them. That’s when it hit me – my words!

Years ago I received teaching on the words we speak and how they should honor the Lord. I’m not just talking about profanity…that one is obvious but the daily words of life.

All words are containers and Solomon said that death and life are in the power of the tongue. We either speak productive, life giving words or we speak words of destruction and idleness.

It’s not just an isolated teaching in Scripture. King David spoke of it, Isaiah, Solomon, Jesus, Paul, Peter – they all had teaching on words.

So as a refresher course this morning I will share a few of my favorites. I know I need this and hopefully you will benefit from the instruction I am receiving.

“Help me to guard my words whenever I say something” Psalm 141:3 CEV

“May my words and thoughts please you. Lord, you are my Rock—the one who rescues me.” Psalm 19:14 ERV

“The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.” Proverbs 18:21 ERV

“I promise you that on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. 37 On that day they will be told that they are either innocent or guilty because of the things they have said.” Matthew 12:36-37 ERV

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Philippians 2:14 ERV

Yes Lord, I get the point!

Father, put a watch on my mouth. I desire to honor you with every word I speak today. Let my words build up and not tear down. Let my words be true spoken in love and that way I will be a reflection of Your heart. Forgive me when I fail. Thank you for teaching me and reminding me of Your word. In Jesus name I say amen and amen.

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Bottom line

So did you figure the bottom line yesterday? Did you find that you owe a huge debt of love; first to Christ and then to those He has placed in your life? I did too!

We need to go looking for ways to love each and every day. It could be a kind word, an invitation to dinner, a listening ear or financial assistance and it doesn’t have to be a “huge” gesture to be effective and selfless. Just make it heart felt and sincere.

Again this morning I was reading in Romans, among other places, and I usually start at the first of a book and read through but the last couple of days I have been drawn to the end of the book. It’s there we find Paul’s instructions for living with one another.

“If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord’s followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves. 2 We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them. 3 Even Christ did not try to please himself. But as the Scriptures say, “The people who insulted you also insulted me.” 4 And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope. 5 God is the one who makes us patient and cheerful. I pray that he will help you live at peace with each other, as you follow Christ. 6 Then all of you together will praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Honor God by accepting each other, as Christ has accepted you.” Romans 15:1-7 ERV

Jesus knew what it was like to help and encourage the outcasts, the hurting, the misfits. He also knew what it was like to be criticized and judged wrongfully for doing what was right. He was never out to promote Himself or to receive accolades or praise from men; He had one simple mission – to do what the Father had asked Him to do; to reconcile the world to the Father. He became a servant instead of a king.

“Whoever wants to be first must serve the rest of you like a slave. 28 Do as I did: The Son of Man did not come for people to serve him. He came to serve others and to give his life to save many people.” Matthew 20:27-28 ERV

I remember the first time those verses became real to me. I had been complaining to the Lord about all I was doing to take care of people; going on and on about how no one was helping me and how all the responsibility for a particular meeting was on my shoulders. Poor me! My bottom line of love was in a severe deficit.

That’s when I just “happened” to be reading in Matthew and these words jumped off the page and into my heart. I quickly repented and changed my attitude about serving. I can truly say that today I thank the Lord for opportunities to serve.

Seek out situations to serve today. Do it with an attitude of love and not obligation. It’s what the Father is asking you to do.

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