Category: Matthew

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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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Stand Tall

I’m praying that you stand strong and tall today.

While reading in I Corinthians, I found the Apostle Paul’s instruction to us. He didn’t want us to be like the Israelites in the wilderness who complained about God’s provisions and who worshipped the idols of Egypt.

“Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall. 13 You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations. 14 My friends, you must keep away from idols.” I Corinthians 10:12-14 CEV

One of the biggest temptations they faced was discontentment.

We are susceptible to the same temptation. Murmuring because we think things should be better; we’re being mistreated; everyone else has it better than us. They also worshipped idols. We face that same temptation as well. No, not the gold and stone statues that they crafted but the idols of fame, success, pleasure, education, relationships.

Any of these can draw us away for serving the Lord.

However the good news is this. God knows about these temptations and He has given us the power to resist them and escape their grasp. Jesus didn’t come to make us miserable – not at all.

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV

“Don’t worry and ask yourselves, ‘Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?’ 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. 33 But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. 34 Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself.” Matthew 6:31-34 CEV

Our Father promised to provide all for the Israelites as they journeyed to their promise land. He still promises to be our provider. God is always present to provide as we journey to our promises land. He promises to never leave us or abandon us.

When we spend time on our knees in prayer our Father will reassure us of His promises. With confidence in God’s Word we can stand strong and tall just like the Apostle Paul said.

Take the Father at His word!

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Consider the Lilies

On our walk yesterday morning I saw that the forest floor was dotted with these wild flowers. I believe they are some sort of Iris. The detail on them is so intricate, I just had to take a picture.

When I got back to the RV, I looked at the picture more closely. I am always in awe of God’s handiwork.  Seriously, the first thing I thought of were the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:28-30 that say

“Consider the lilies of the field”.

Consider – think on, contemplate, mull over, study.  What does this beautiful little flower have to teach us on this Sunday morning? 

We were at this campground last summer and the summer before that. I only remember seeing a few of these flowers. So, the first thing I “considered” is they are impacting their surroundings. More are growing each year.

Question 1:  Am I impacting my surroundings? Am I adding beauty and grace to my world?

“They neither toil or spin”.

These delicate flowers aren’t worried about how they grow or where they grow. They just grow.  I found two of them that had pushed their way up through the soil right next to some elk scat. Not quite the picturesque setting you’d expect for something so delicate. All of them had to push through decaying pine needles, aspen leaves and wild grass but push they did.

That’s what flowers do they grow. They don’t stress over rainfall or worry about the climate. They grow.

Question 2:  Am I growing? Or am I spending more time toiling and spinning in circles?

“Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these”.

King Solomon was the wealthiest king of his time. His garments were the finest purple, adorned with gold but Jesus said that the lilies of the field were more gloriously clothed than he was. The lilies were totally dependent on God’s provision, by themselves they were nothing. They had but one purpose – to point to the Creator.

My purpose, and your purpose, is to point those who see us to the Father. He is the One who will provide all we need. He sends the sunshine and the rain to nourish the flowers and He provides for us as well.

“Now if God so clothes the grass of the field…will He not much more cloth you, oh you of little faith”?

Final question: Am I trusting the Father to provide for me the way the flowers do? I ask you to “consider the lilies” today. Learn from these delicate beauties.

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Make Your Word Count

We recently had a situation in our neighborhood that created a danger for anyone driving our street. It was really dangerous and had the potential to cause a serious accident or even death. The company responsible for correcting it was aloof and non responsive. Their word was hollow and void of caring. After many tries at communicating the seriousness of the problem we call the sheriff’s office.

They said they would come, they did and were here in fifteen minutes. They kept their word!

Do you remember the old saying, “My word is my bond”?

People used to give value to what they say, to the words they used. Words had importance, value and meaning and now it seems it has just become so much noise or lip service.

To God, words are important.

With them He framed the world and all that is in it. “And God said, light be and there was light”. When God promised Abraham a son Abraham believed God. The Bible says that Abraham wasn’t moved by his and Sarah’s old age, they believed God’s promise.

The longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, is written about the importance and power of God’s word. Jesus is referred to as the Word. What He says has value and power!

People were healed when he spoke a word; his words cursed a fig tree and caused it to die from the roots up; His Word turned the water into wine and raised the dead. Jesus told the religious elite that from the abundance or fullness of their hearts came the words they spoke. Their words would be used to justify or condemn them. He went on to say that they would be judged for every idle word that came from their mouths.

“A good man will speak good things because of the good in him. A bad man will speak bad things because of the sin in him. 36 I say to you, on the day men stand before God, they will have to give an answer for every word they have spoken that was not important. 37 For it is by your words that you will not be guilty and it is by your words that you will be guilty.” Matthew 12:35-37 NLV

The Pharisees had been plotting against Jesus and even went so far as to say that the works Jesus was doing were of the devil. They were trying to stir up the people against Jesus using their words and Jesus wanted them to know that their words would come back to judge them.

King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, wrote these words: “Your words can be as satisfying as fruit, as pleasing as the food that fills your stomach. 21 The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.” Proverbs 18:20-21 ERV

We should be determined to have our words bring life. Life to us and our situations, life to our mate & children, life to our collegues, words of life, peace, health, prosperity and salvation.

“May my words and thoughts please you. LORD, you are my Rock—the one who rescues me.” Psalm 19:12-14 ERV

I desire to speak words that are helpful and good!

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Trust is Progressive

As with most things, trust is not a one time experience, it’s progressive.

Any adult who has tried to coax a child or grandchild into jumping into their arms in the swimming pool knows what I’m talking about. The child stands timidly on the side, while you are tell them repeatedly, “It’s ok, I’ll catch you”, knows it takes time for them to trust.

Each time it gets easier for them…trust has been built. There’s a track record that they can count on.

Do you have a track record with the Lord? Have you trusted Him in the small things of life and found Him always faithful? If so, your trust has grown and matured and you have a confidence that He will never let you down.

Perhaps you are standing on the edge for the first time and hearing the Lord say, “Trust me, I’ll catch you”.

This morning I would like to share a few of my favorite trust verses. Write them down, screen shot them, keep them handy. You’ll rely on them again and again. I know I have.

“God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in him.” II Samuel 22:31 ERV

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in people.” Psalm 118:8 ERV

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge.” Proverbs 3:5 ERV

Early in our marriage we were really struggling financially. Two small children to care for, Dave was working long hours but there was barely enough to cover household expenses and even less for groceries. I remember the first time I prayed over my grocery list.

My prayer went something like this. “Lord, you know I need to feed my family. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I only have $25 . I need a miracle. I trust You.” And off I went.

I was learning to trust.

I did not deviate from my list. The first item, bread, had a 2 for 1 special. Next was eggs, this week’s price 79 cents a dozen, milk, cheese, potatoes, flour, sugar…90% of the items were on special and if I remember correctly, I spent $23.74.

“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

I wish I could tell you that from that day forward I always trusted the Lord but that wouldn’t be true. There have been times, more than I’d like to admit, that I have done my own thing, trusted in my own knowledge and resources and have neglected to trust the Lord. The outcome was far from stellar.

But when I returned to trusting in my Father’s provision, He was always there waiting to help.

“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 4:16 CEV

Trust the Lord with the small things and soon you will be trusting Him with everything! It’s progressive.

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Living to the Full

Last night Dave and I watched the most current episode of a series we got hooked on. It has 23 seasons…yes, 23 seasons. It’s a British CSI type show.

One statement in this episode stood out among the rest. “I have spent enough time among the dead, it’s time I focus on the living”. This was spoken by one of the lead characters.

When I went to bed my head was filled with verses on life and death. I knew what I was supposed to share with you this morning. The Bible has so much to say about life:

“If anyone wants to keep his life safe, he will lose it. If anyone gives up his life because of Me, he will save it. 26 For what does a man have if he gets all the world and loses his own soul? What can a man give to buy back his soul?” Matthew 16:25-26 NLV

Jesus said the Father loves us so much that He, Jesus, was sent to bring us everlasting life. Life here on earth is temporal but life with the Father is eternal. Jesus wasn’t just concerned about our eternal life. Everyone who placed their trust in Him as their Savoir saw a dramatic change in their lives here.

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 CEV

Full and good!

Listen to the words of Moses. He is addressing the children of those who were deliverred from Egypt, they were on the verge of entering the promised land.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT

We have a God-given choice between life and death and just in case there is any doubt to which one is correct Moses says choose life. “This is the key to your life…love and obey the Lord and you will live long”. Sounds like the right choice to me.

When Mary and the women went to the tomb of Jesus on the resurrection morning. The tomb was empty, then the angels asked a question: “…they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus, 4 and they did not know what to think. Suddenly two men in shining white clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were afraid and bowed to the ground. But the men said, “Why are you looking in the place of the dead for someone who is alive? 6 Jesus isn’t here! He has been raised from death. Remember that while he was still in Galilee, he told you” Luke 24:3-6 CEV

Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life”. I choose Jesus, I choose life!

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