Category: Matthew

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My Defense

Years back a friend sent me this picture, She knew I could probably come up with a few thoughts to share.

I’ve seen leaves like this before, holey and destroyed. Beetles would eat the leaves of the trees. The leaves that fell to the ground were so badly eaten that only a shell of veins and stem were left. There was great danger that shade trees which had been growing for years would be destroyed.

When the beetles first came into the area, they were unnoticed or ignored, but they quickly multiplied and their ravenous appetites made them very destructive.

You know sin is like that – at first it’s hidden or even ignored. But if left to its self, it brings destruction. So how do we eradicate it? How do we stop the harmful effects?

“Great blessings belong to those who don’t listen to evil advice, who don’t live like sinners, and who don’t join those who make fun of God. 2 Instead, they love the LORD’s teachings and think about them day and night. 3 So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream— a tree that produces fruit when it should and has leaves that never fall. Everything they do is successful.” Psalm 1:1-3 ERV

We protect the tree, our heart, from evil influences and it will grow strong. Jesus referred to us as trees that bear fruit.

“If you want good fruit, you must make the tree good. If your tree is not good, it will have bad fruit. A tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. 34 You snakes! You are so evil. How can you say anything good? What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts. 35 Those who are good have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. 36 I tell you that everyone will have to answer for all the careless things they have said. This will happen on the day of judgment. 37 Your words will be used to judge you. What you have said will show whether you are right or whether you are guilty.” Matthew 12:33-37 ERV

When we have our heart filled with good things, we love the Lord’s teachings and we think on them day and night, we will be like a tree whose leaves never fall.

We’ve all been through times when leaves have dropped from our branches that are diseased and full of holes, but GOD has provided the way to health and healing from the bugs that attack us.

“I study your teachings very carefully so that I will not sin against you. 12 Lord, you are worthy of praise! Teach me your laws.” Psalm 119:11-12 ERV

As we stay firmly planted, His life-giving water (the Word) will be our defense against predatory bugs that seek to destroy us!

“Be my Rock, my place of safety. Be my fortress, and protect me! You are my Rock and my protection.” Psalm 71:3 ERV

Praise and worship the Lord who is our defense!

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Be Like Jesus

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-XXX-5555

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

Since Jesus said the two greatest commandments 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 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 this; if Jesus made a billboard and it said “NEED HELP” could He put our cell number at the bottom?

Jesus use us today to be the answer to someone’s call!

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What Has Jesus Done?

That’s the question I have for you this morning. What has Jesus done for you and who have you told?

I was reading about the demon-possessed man who had lived in graveyards, been chained at various times, lost his mind and walked around naked. He had an encounter with Jesus and Jesus set him free.

The demons went into a herd of pigs who then ran off a cliff and drown in the sea, but that’s a story for another day.

The men taking care of the pigs went into town and told the owners what had happened to the pigs and to the man. They came out to see for themselves. There they found the man sitting at Jesus’ feet. He was clothed and in his right mind. The towns people were frightened and told Jesus and his disciples to leave. The man wanted to go with Jesus but Jesus told him “No, stay here and tell everyone what has happened to you”.

” 37 All those who lived in the area around Gerasa asked Jesus to go away because they were afraid. So Jesus got into the boat to go back to Galilee. 38 The man he had healed begged to go with him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 ‘Go back home and tell people what God did for you.‘ So the man went all over town telling what Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:37-39 ERV

It was the testimony of people just like this man, telling his story, that brought the crowds to see Jesus. The leper, the blind man, the woman with the adulterous past, the woman’s whose son was raised from the dead, all gave testimony to what Jesus had done.

I love the account of the man who was born blind. The religious leaders were trying to discredit Jesus, and they spent a great deal of time questioning this man. They even questioned his parents.

“25 The man answered, ‘I don’t know if he is a sinner. But I do know this: I was blind, and now I can see.‘ 26 They asked, ‘What did he do to you? How did he heal your eyes?’ 27 He answered, ‘I have already told you that. But you would not listen to me. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to be his followers too?’…30 The man answered, ‘This is really strange! You don’t know where he comes from, but he healed my eyes.'” John 9:25-30 ERV

Jesus spoke to Mary in the garden after His resurrection and He told her to “go tell Peter and the disciples that I am risen”.

Before Jesus went back into heaven He said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

Let me ask you again. What has Jesus done for you? Go tell someone, they need to hear your story. Tell it as an act of gratitude and thanksgiving.

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Lift Up Your Head

Being a Christian doesn’t mean we are free from disappointment and heart ache. We are faced with the same challenges and problems as everyone else in the world. We experience relationships that fail; physical sickness and disease; death of loved ones; financial lack; political and social attack and unrest; and family crises.

What makes the difference in our lives is our faith and trust in a loving heavenly Father who is able to come to our aide in every situation. We don’t live with our heads in the sand but we do live with our hearts in HIS hand!

Let me remind you of what Jesus said.

“The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (the Messiah), Because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent Me to announce release (pardon, forgiveness) to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed (downtrodden, bruised, crushed by tragedy), 19 to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the favor of God abound greatly].’” Luke 4:17-19 AMP

This was the reason Jesus came and He didn’t just talk the talk, He walked the walk. So did His disciples.

“Jesus answered, ‘Go and tell John what you have heard and seen. 5 The blind are now able to see, and the lame can walk. People with leprosy are being healed, and the deaf can hear. The dead are raised to life, and the poor are hearing the good news. 6 God will bless everyone who doesn’t reject me because of what I do.” Matthew 11:4-6 CEV

His purpose is the same today as it was then!

When we are feeling overwhelmed we don’t have to fall into the same pit of despair as others around us. We can lift up our heads (a sign of hope) and go to the One who comforts, heals and sets right.

“Hear my cry, O God; Listen to my prayer. 2 From the end of the earth I call to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and weak; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I [a rock that is too high to reach without Your help]. 3 For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me, A strong tower against the enemy.” Psalm 61:1-3 AMP

” We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. 15 Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV

Lift your head, look up. Come find help today!

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The Father’s Gifts

When I woke up this morning, this verse was on my heart.

“If you then, being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11.

This word evil is a comparative word.

When comparing earthly fathers to God, the Father, the earthly fathers are comparatively evil. Sometimes our natural fathers will make a wrong decision or lose their tempers or display other “evil” character flaws but not God, the Father, His very nature is love.

His love is unconditional, He is never self-seeking, and He will never fail us.

I was blessed to have a very loving father and I miss him dearly. He was a living example to me of God’s love. Yes, he had his faults and shortcomings, but I always knew he loved me and that he would do all he could for me and our family. Some are not so blessed, and I understand that too – but regardless of how your natural father has treated you, God, the Father, always welcomes you with open arms and a heart full of love!

“Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.” James 1:17 CEV

He doesn’t promise one thing on one day and take it away the next. He is always the same. He is a promise keeper.

“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

He has promised to give us every blessing that comes from heaven.

“ We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.” II Peter 1:3-4 CEV

His great and precious promises are infused with His nature – love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, meekness, faith. His love never fails; it isn’t self-seeking or selfish. It isn’t vindictive or unforgiving. These are just some of the gifts He has given to us.

He’ll wipe away our tears, laugh with us in the good times and hold us close to protect us in the evil times.

He is a good, good Father!





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Under A Cloud

The other night after the rains had stopped, this was the view from our porch. The end of the day, clouds filled the sky and the sun was peaking over them one more time before setting for the night.

I love clouds.

Not everyone does. Some think that they are living under a dark cloud, a cloud of depression and worry. A cloud that blocks them from seeing the sun. Oh, that can be crushing to the spirit.

When I see the clouds I think of the Lord’s protection and guidance.

The children of Israel were led out of Egypt by Moses, not really knowing which way to go but they were headed to a “promised” land. God had promised a good, fertile land to Abraham hundreds of years before. That’s where the Lord was taking them.

The Egyptians pursued them with chariots and horses and the first thing the Lord did was cover the Israelites with a cloud.

“ The Lord led the way. During the day, he used a tall cloud to lead the people. And during the night, he used a tall column of fire to lead the way. This fire gave them light so that they could also travel at night. 22 The cloud was always with them during the day, and the column of fire was always with them at night.” Exodus 13:21-23 ERV

When the Temple was built by Solomon it is recorded that a cloud filled the Temple. The cloud was a sign of God’s presence with His people.

“When the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the Lord’s Temple. 11 The priests could not continue their work because the Temple was filled with the Glory of the Lord. 12 Then Solomon said, ‘The Lord caused the sun to shine in the sky, but he chose to live in a dark cloud.'” I Kings 8:9-12 ERV

And finally, there is one more reference to clouds that I want to share this morning.

“…Tell us, are you the Messiah, the Son of God?’ Jesus answered, “Yes, that’s right. But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right side of God. And you will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven.” Matthew 26:64 ERV

Oh, how I am looking for that day! The day of the Lord’s return!

I wait for it with excitement, anticipation and joy. The Lord’s return to earth. What a glorious day that will be!

Oh dear one, don’t dread the clouds. Live under the cloud of the Lord’s protection, enjoy His presence, live in His glory and await His return!

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Always With You

I have some words of encouragement, hope, comfort and strength. Not my words, but the words of Jesus.

I had been reading the last chapter of Mark where the women went to the tomb on resurrection morning. They were distraught, confused and grieving. When they reached the tomb Jesus wasn’t there. Excitedly they left and found the disciples; they relayed what the angel had said but they doubted the women. Only Peter and John went to the tomb to see for themselves.

They felt abandoned.

Have you ever felt alone, heartsick with no guidance, deserted?

The first thing you need to understand is this: God never lies. What He promises comes to pass. If He ever broke a promise He has made, He would no longer be God because God cannot sin and lying is a sin.

So, let’s look at His promises of never leaving us.

“The Lord says, ‘As for me, this is the agreement that I will make with these people. I promise my Spirit that I put on you and my words that I put in your mouth will never leave you. They will be with you and your children and your children’s children, for now and forever.’” Isaiah 59:21 ERV

“But I am always with you. You hold my hand. 24 You lead me and give me good advice, and later you will lead me to glory” Psalm 73:23-24 ERV

“Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23:6 CEV

“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 28:19-20 CEV

” for He has said, ‘I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!’ 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, ‘The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:5b-6 AMP

Sitting in the living room, in a doctor’s office or hospital, in a jail cell, or on the streets we are not alone!

The end of the world has not come, God has not lied – He is with us now and forever!

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Carrying Kindness

In my morning reading, I was in the book of Mark, chapter 15. Jesus had been betrayed by Judas, deserted by His disciples, denied by Peter and was now standing before Pilate to be questioned.

“The chief priests brought many charges against Jesus. 4 Then Pilate questioned him again, “Don’t you have anything to say? Don’t you hear what crimes they say you have done?” 5 But Jesus did not answer, and Pilate was amazed…10 Pilate knew that the chief priests had brought Jesus to him because they were jealous.” Mark 15:3-10 CEV

Before I started reading the Lord had been dealing with my heart about godly character, carrying kindness instead of carrying a grudge.

Jesus knew what it was like to be lied about, misunderstood by family, betrayed by friends, persecuted. He knew hardship, he knew anger, he knew heartbreak, he knew loneliness.

He was the Son of God but His life was not void of hardship.

“Great blessings belong to those who suffer persecution for doing what is right.
    God’s kingdom belongs to them.

11 “People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do that, know that great blessings belong to you. 12 Be happy about it. Be very glad because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did these same bad things to the prophets who lived before you.” Matthew 5:10-12 ERV

“ 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. 46 If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for this? Even tax collectors[a] love their friends. 47 If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about this? Don’t even unbelievers do that? 48  But you must always act like your Father in heaven.” Mark 5:44-48 CEV

This truth of godliness was so engrained in the life of Christ that on the cross when He had been beaten, whipped beyond recognition and nailed to a cross He was able to cry out, “Father, forgive them. They don’t realize what they are doing”.

In His most agonizing moment, He carried kindness and not revenge.

Most of us will not experience this type of persecution but we will have what the Bible calls tribulation. We will have moments of great sorrow that are unjust – we will be lied about and lied to. We will have heartache, we will be betrayed.

“ Listen to me. A time is coming when you will be scattered, each to his own home. In fact, that time is already here. You will leave me, and I will be alone. But I am never really alone, because the Father is with me.

33 “I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:32-33 ERV

We will never experience this peace on our own. Grudges, resentment, and hatred will fester and grow if left unresolved but in Christ we can have peace. In God, we find help.

“Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

Through God’s strength and mercy we stop carrying a grudge and we carry kindness and forgiveness.

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Don’t Compromise

Don’t ever, ever, ever compromise on the Word of God!

It is the only thing that is infallible, faithful and true – it will never change and the only time it seems to be void of power is when we fail to believe it but even then, it does not change. God’s word is a firm foundation for all who will stand on it.

When I was thinking about this topic I did a search of “don’t compromise your faith”. The following list came up first thing.

To avoid compromising your faith:

  1. Be solidly committed to God’s ways.
  2. Actively grow in your relationship with Him.
  3. Learn His truths.
  4. Rely on His power to help you walk without compromise.
  5. Trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all your ways.

Good advice for any time or generation. These line up perfectly with Scripture.

“My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. 21 Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them. 22 These words are the secret of life and health to all who discover them. 23 Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life.

24 Don’t bend the truth or say things that you know are not right. 25 Keep your eyes on the path, and look straight ahead. 26 Make sure you are going the right way, and nothing will make you fall. 27 Don’t go to the right or to the left, and you will stay away from evil.” Proverbs 4:20-27 ERV

“God is not a man;  he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change.
If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19 ERV

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 KJV

and one final word of encouragement

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

God’s word is trustworthy – all the time. No matter the circumstances or situations God and His word do not change. Trust Him and don’t compromise!

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In the Father’s Arms

As parents, we all know how good it is to see our kids after a long separation – what a joy to hug their necks and be able to give them a kiss and just see them face to face. I can only imagine how our heavenly Father must feel when we choose to be separated from Him.

The joy He must feel when we come back to His presence must be unspeakable. And how it must brighten His day when we take time to stop throughout the day to check in and say hi. I so appreciate knowing that my Heavenly Father is always wanting me to come to presence and spend time with Him.

He welcomes up to come boldly into His presence in our time of need. He promises to provide us with His help.

“ Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

We come to His arms, to His embrace, to His comfort and for His strength. We respond to His love as He welcomes us.

“While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming and felt sorry for him. So he ran to him and hugged and kissed him. 21 The son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, …‘24 My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to have a party.” Luke 15:20-24 ERV

Take time today to make your Father smile – give Him a hug and tell Him you love Him.

“We are telling you about what we have seen and heard because we want you to have fellowship with us. The fellowship we share together is with God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We write these things to you so that you can be full of joy with us.” I John 1:3-4 ERV

“The true children of God are those who let God’s Spirit lead them. 15 The Spirit that we received is not a spirit that makes us slaves again and causes us to fear. The Spirit that we have makes us God’s chosen children. And with that Spirit we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ 16 And the Spirit himself speaks to our spirits and makes us sure that we are God’s children.” Romans 8:14-16 ERV

“Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. 29 Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest.” Matthew 11:28-29 ERV

Come. Come to Father to His embrace and find rest!

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