Category: Matthew

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And the Winner Is!

I used to wish I could play on a winning team, be a gold medal winner or the world champion of something. I always wanted to be the best at whatever I did. The song “We are the Champions” played over and over in my dreams.

I was telling my husband that the only trophy I ever won was at a speech tournament. I was never very athletic, so I never played school sports and although, I was on the honor roll all through high school that never earned me a trophy. But Speech Club was my thing!

My senior year in high school I started going to speech tournaments. I had always had a gift for talking so I was a natural. My focus was extemporaneous speaking and that was when I took first place and won a trophy, I was also awarded a speech scholarship for college.  

I did not realize those desires for success and leadership were placed in my heart by my Heavenly Father. In fact, honestly, I felt I was being prideful to want to be noticed and recognized for doing something well. It was not until much later that I learned the desire to excel was placed in my heart by God.

“If you listen to these commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today, and if you carefully obey them, the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom.” Deuteronomy 28:13 NLV

When God first created man, he was created with the qualities of leadership and authority. God created Adam to have dominion over the animals and all that was in the Garden. As a result of the fall man became subservient to Satan and his powers.

Through a very intricate plan, God, the Father, was able to return all power to His creation. Jesus died, was buried and when He rose again, He came back with all the power in heaven and earth.  Before ascending into heaven, Jesus returned this power to his followers and told them to go into all the world telling what they had seen Jesus do. The disciples were to repeat those same works.

“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 28:18-20 CEV

…The disciples followed that commandment of Jesus and they saw the power of God at work in their lives just the same as it was in Jesus’ life. They then carried Jesus’ commandment to the next step – they gave Jesus’ instructions to all believers.

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 NKJV

“In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us.” Romans 8:37 CEV

These verses tell us that we are more than conquerors or that we have won more than a victory. When we are a conqueror, we are the winner!

And the winner in life’s circumstances is you and I because of Christ and God’s amazing love. Give God the glory!

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Don’t Be Intimidated

For the past number of years we have become keenly aware of bullying or intimidation. Many have been bullied as children and still others as adults. There is a spiritual intimidation that will sideline us if we aren’t aware of it and that is the feeling of unworthiness…

Down through the generations Satan has deceived us and stolen our rightful inheritance. We have been caught in a trap of feeling we have to earn God’s favor. We feel unworthy to receive what He has provided. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor and blessings; He gives them freely, that is why it’s called grace.

 If Jesus would have walked the earth feeling unworthy, He never would have had the courage to attempt any of the miracles He did. Jesus knew who He was and what was available to Him. He did what God, the Father, had sent Him to do.

As we begin to realize our position of joint heirs, we will see miracles now. Jesus is no longer walking the earth and if His power is to be seen, it must be seen through us. Jesus is waiting for us to draw upon that power and release it in the earth as He did.  We are to walk boldly and start using the unlimited power that rests upon us!

The only time Jesus could not do any mighty works was when he was with people who didn’t believe in His power as the Son of God.

      “Then Jesus said to them, “People everywhere give honor to a prophet, except in his own town, with his own people, or in his home.” 5 Jesus was not able to do any miracles there except the healing of some sick people by laying his hands on them. 6 He was surprised that the people there had no faith. Then he went to other villages in that area and taught.” Mark 6:4-6 ERV

The same applies today; if we aren’t willing to believe that we are joint heirs with Christ then the work of Jesus will not get done.

One other part of our inheritance mentioned in Romans 8 is that we share in Jesus’ sufferings…

What kind of suffering does this include? In the early years of Christianity, it meant slander, beatings, imprisonment, and death.

      “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 5:11-12 ERV

The suffering that Jesus experienced was not sickness, lack or failure. He had to endure the critical and harsh words of those He came to save. The ridicule and verbal taunting were part of his daily experience. The greatest suffering of all was the knowledge that He would be separated from His heavenly Father when he took the punishment for our sin on the cross. Jesus died to purchase our freedom from the devices that Satan would like to use to destroy us.

In the early days of the church, believers were called “Christians”. This was meant to be a defamatory word, it meant they were acting like little Christ ones. Their lives reflected all the qualities seen in Jesus; they were just like Him! Today we too need to be Christians both in word and in action – little Christ ones. Is there enough evidence in our lives to bring that charge?

Satan had no power over Jesus and he no longer has any power over us when we realize what we have inherited.

When we learn who we are and what we have inherited we can walk free from intimidation. We will keep our heads held high and display the brilliance of character and power that we have received from our Father!

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My Brother

      …There is a very graphic story in the Old Testament which reveals the provisions of joint inheritance.

Joseph was an example of Christ in so many areas of his life and it is in his story that we find an example of Jesus’ making provision for us.

 Very briefly let me recap Joseph’s life. In Genesis 37-46 Joseph is betrayed by his brothers, Jesus was also betrayed by his Jewish brethren. Joseph became a servant and Jesus came from heaven to serve. Even in a hostile land Joseph rose to a place of leadership just as Jesus did.

 In Genesis 45 Joseph confronts his brothers and tells them God has sent him ahead of them into Egypt so that he could provide for them in their time of need.

      “I will take care of you during the next five years of hunger. So you and your family will not lose everything you own.” Genesis 45:11 ERV

Jesus came into a hostile land and gained great power which enabled Him to provide for all our needs. In the land where Joseph’s brothers were considered strangers, they were given the best in the land. They shared in what Joseph had been given by the pharaoh.

      “Tell them to bring your father and their families back here to me. I will give you the best land in Egypt to live on. And your family can eat the best food we have here.” Genesis 45:18 ERV

Joseph’s brothers did not do anything to earn or deserve the best land in Egypt. The pharaoh gave it to them because of who Joseph was. Our heavenly Father has promised to provide for us because of who our brother, Jesus, is.

      “Christ has made us a holy nation of religious leaders who can go to His God and Father. He is the One to receive honor and power forever! Let it be so.” Revelation 1:6 NLV

If everything has been provided for us in Christ, then why aren’t we experiencing the life he has made available to us? The answer is clear. Jesus gave this command to the disciples when he left this earth.

      “So he came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me. 19 So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach them to obey everything that I have told you to do. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time.” Matthew 28:18-20 ERV

Jesus was telling his disciples “you go in the power and authority that I have; I’m giving it to you, and I will always be with you”. The early Christians had no problem in following these instructions. They saw people healed, the dead raised, demons cast out and their needs met. They realized there was power in the words that Jesus spoke.

….Down through the ages we have forgotten the power of Jesus’ words and many live as if they never moved out of a land rittled by famine. We need to recognize the inheritance the Father has given us to share with our brother, Jesus. He promised “I will be with you always” and that includes the year of 2021!

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When Birds Sing

Have you ever experienced one of those life lessons that no matter how old you are or how much time has past it is still as fresh in your mind as it was the day you first learned it? If you have then you know where I was last night.

Dave and I are enjoying our time away so much. It’s very relaxing and we keep telling each other how blessed we are to be here. Yesterday we moved our fifth wheel trailer to a new camp site right above the lake.

After we were set up we sat for most of the morning in the sunshine just taking in the beauty. However, not too long after lunch the clouds rolled in and with them came a light wind. By four o’clock it was a strong wind so we came inside to observe the beauty through our picture window. Normally, desert wind dies down after sunset but not last night. It got stronger and stronger.

Now to the memory.

During our summers working in Iowa we had a number of occasions when the winds were fierce and were accompanied by tornado warnings. Tornados were not something this Arizona/Montana girl had ever experienced. The first few times I was almost overcome with fear.

I would lay awake in bed praying for them to pass. Every nerve in my body seemed to be on high alert. I could not and would not allow myself to give in to the fear.

“The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 ERV

Eventually I came to the point where I could sleep through those stormy nights, resting confidently in the peace that God gave. The lesson I learned during that time was to listen to the birds. As long as the birds were singing in the trees and gathering bugs in the grass things were ok. Birds will seek shelter in a storm and they will begin singing as soon as it is over.

“Let all who run to you for protection always sing joyful songs. Provide shelter for those
who truly love you and let them rejoice. 12 Our Lord, you bless thosewho live right, and you shield them with your kindness.” Psalm 5:11-12 CEV

Dave didn’t know how badly this all bothered me until I told him last night. Those physical storms taught me to trust God’s protection, they taught me that I could always depend on His word.

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” Matthew 7:24-25 NLT

God’s word will be our firm foundation in life’s storms. His teachings will keep us from collaspe. The Lord provides us with His covering and we will be able to sing with joy, just like the birds, when the storm has past.

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The Heart of the Matter

Many years ago my writings often came in the form of poetry. Some of those poems were published in a monthly newsletter but most of them were tucked away in a manilla folder in the filing cabinet drawer.

About ten years back I came across that folder and for the first time in a very long while I shared this poem on Christmas. I’d like to share it with you this morning.

Christmas Warms the Heart

Long ago and far away, a child was brought
to earth.

For many years, men had sought, the coming of
His birth.

On quiet hills in pastures green, the flocks
they did sleep.

When shepherds woke from peaceful rest,
heavens glory they did see.

When I hear this story, and remember all
that’s told,

I’d like to have been a shepherd and lived
those years ago.

The angels in their chorus, proclaiming
Peace on Earth

Brings excitement to my soul and my heart is
stirred.

To see the heavens shining bright, a glory
uncompared,

Then walk the road to Bethlehem and find the
Christ child fair.

To kneel before His presence and know that
He was King

What more could I expect from life, His
praises I will sing.

Today I see the tinsel, the glitter and the
toys

The stores are filled with shoppers,
laughing girls and boys,

While streets are lined with trees and
Santas’ ringing bells,

Ovens fill with cookies – oh,those wonderful
smells.

Now it is time to stop from all the things I
do,

To remember Christmas, and it’s meaning that
is true.

It is God’s Son, brought to earth to give
eternal life,

His glory to shine within my heart, not in
the sky of night.

In each of us, Christ wants to live, in
power and in love

Let us proclaim, to men the same, as angels
from above.

Peace on earth can only come, when before
the Son we bow.

We must kneel and honor Him, our lives to
Him we vow.

This year a special gift we give, not like
the kings of old

For it’s not gold or frankincense but a
heart that He can mold.

Many a gift we have received and have given
with joyful heart

But Jesus now this gift we bring, from You
we’ll never part.

O Lord, this is our honest prayer, our gift
we’ll not forget

But that it is a lasting one to which we
will commit.

My heart is warmed by Your love and the gift
You gave to me,

It is in Christ and Christ alone, I find
what Christmas means.

 

Let’s take this time to recommit our heart’s devotion to our loving heavenly Father, the one who gives us life. 

“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.'” Matthew 22:36-38 ERV

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Follow the Star

According to what I’ve read and heard recently we are supposed to be able to see the Christmas Star this evening. I’m looking forward to it.

I think it’s so interesting that its called the Christmas Star.

The star that the wisemen followed from the East was in the sky more than just a few nights. Their travels took many months and the star was there to guide them all along the way. One of God’s early navigational tools.

We watched a movie a couple months back where a yacht was lost at sea. All the electronics and navigational devices had been damaged and rendered useless. This movie was based on true events and it showed how the woman on the boat used a sextant to chart her course by the placement of the stars.

God has given us so many evidences in nature to remind us of His faithfulness. Tonight we get to see another one. Amazing!

Following that star was an act of faith for those on this divine expedition. What would they have done if three months into their search the star disappeared? Would they have gone home? Would they have camped where they were waiting for it to reappeared? They even assumed that the star was leading them to Jerusalem because that was the capital city and surely the new king would be born there.

“They asked people, ‘Where is the child who has been born to be the king of the Jews? We saw the star that shows he was born. We saw it rise in the sky in the east and have come to worship him’…8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem. He said, “Go and look carefully for the child. When you find him, come tell me. Then I can go worship him too.”

9 After the wise men heard the king, they left. They saw the same star they had seen in the east, and they followed it. The star went before them until it stopped above the place where the child was. 10 They were very happy and excited to see the star.

11 The wise men came to the house where the child was with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened the boxes of gifts they had brought for him. They gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 But God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they went home to their own country a different way.” Matthew 2:2-12 ERV

How many times have those around us tried to convince us not to follow our hearts, not to go and do what we felt that God was leading us to do? Or perhaps you have had someone try to misdirect and alter what you knew to be right? Have you ever questioned God’s leading? Have you ever gotten started and then stopped, wondering if you had really been following God’s direction? I have had all these questions and hesitations.

We have been given a wonderful example in this account of the wisemen. Stay the course, don’t be detoured by others’ opinions.

Follow the star – it will lead us to the King!

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So Much Fun

I don’t know of a better way to usher in the Christmas season than with hearts filled with thanksgiving. It just seems like the logical thing to do – giving thanks prepares our hearts for the best that God had to give.

So, we decorated our trees (I’ll explain more in a minute), started reading our new Christmas story books and talked about Jesus’ birth with Sam and Kristine. One of the things I enjoy doing most at Christmas time is reading beautifully illustrated books that will capture the childrens’ attention and help them understand the real meaning of Christmas.

Dave and I will be spending Christmas at a campground this year. This was not our original plan but it’s not a bad Plan B. Last week I bought a small evergreen tree to take with us and it will sit on the breakfast bar until we leave. Yesterday the kids decorated it with some brightly painted tin ornaments. They both chose five ornaments and could place them whereever they wanted on the tree. Sam had an angel ornament that also had a star attached to it. He wanted that one to be at the top because the star was for Jesus.

Later in the day we headed out to the front courtyard where Dave helped us place big plastic ornaments in the mesquite tree. We laughed and giggled, oohed and ahhed, as he lifted each glittery ball at least fifteen feet in the air.

We were having so much fun!

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord was shining around them. The shepherds were very afraid. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid. I have some very good news for you—news that will make everyone happy. 11 Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:9-11 ERV

Joy is the message of Christmas. God, the Father, was so excited about His Son’s birth that He lit up the heavens and had an angels’ chorus announce the good news! After thousands of years, the day was here, that day when God came to earth and became Immanuel, which means God with us!

“So the Lord’s promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 23 ‘A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.’”Matthew 1:22-23 CEV

Now that’s the reason for the joy and laughter!

May I admonish you to take a strong stand against stress and grumbling this Christmas season. What if we decorated our lives they way we decorate our homes and our trees? Look for and share the lasting joy that has been heaven sent! Look at Christmas through the eyes of the angels – the wonder of heaven coming to earth.

“My soul will be happy in the Lord. It will be full of joy because He saves. 10 All my bones will say, “Lord, who is like You? Who saves the weak from those too strong for them? Who saves the poor from those who would rob them?” Psalm 35:9-10 NLV

Prepare now to be happy and full of joy!

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Let It Shine

Last night we had friends drop in. They’re our neighbors.

We sat talking about how we are going to be spending Thanksgiving. Dave and I are headed to the Phoenix area today and will have dinner tomorrow with the girls and their families plus Dave’s brother and wife. Our son and his girlfriend will be in California. Keep them both in your prayers – he’s a fire captain and she’s a nurse, both are on the frontlines. Our older grandchildren will be staying in their respective homes in Washington state and California. They aren’t able to travel this year and we will miss them dearly.

Our neighbors will head up the road to Tucson. A short drive and they will be spending time with their family also. It will be a short stay, just for the day but they are thankful to get to see the married grandchildren who live further away.

We were talking about this past year – it seems to be a real topic of conversation! Each one of us bemoaned some of the changed plans and extra precautions we have had to take in 2020 but we each also expressed that there are so many things we have to be thankful for. For the four of us it was good health, healthy family and our good neighbors. I was once again reminded of how blessed we were and I am grateful.

I always want to be grateful and kind. I am thankful for those who have been to me. I remember a kindness, a word of encouragement, someone who stopped to pray when I was in need. Their actions were like a “light” that shone brightly and gave me a reason to be thankful that I wasn’t in this life alone.

Jesus said: “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 MSG

I love the wording in those verses. “Bring out the God-colors in the world”. Have you noticed the colors in the flame of a candle? They are reds, golds, blues – warm colors. Colors of comfort. When we shine, we light the world with the warmth of God’s love and Jesus said that will cause people to open up to God. How great is that!

There may or may not be candles on our Thanksgiving table but we can be the light.

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

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Horn of Plenty

When I was little I was impressed with the pictures of a “cornucopia” . The first time I really remember hearing about them was in my second grade class as we learned about the first Thanksgiving. More fascinating than the pictures of these big baskets with fruit and vegetables spilling out of them was the word itself.

Cornucopia.

With practice I learn to say it well. It was such a grown-up sounding word. Cornucopia, the word, originated in the early 16th Century: ‘from Latin cornu copiae ‘horn of plenty’ (a mythical horn able to provide whatever is desired)’.

Early in our marriage I purchased a horn-of-plenty and each year it either sits on our table or on the breakfast bar. I filled it with small ears of Indian corn, a couple of gourds, a miniature squash and a few acorns. They spill out ever so gently.

Plenty. To provide whatever is desired…sounds just like Jesus to me.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT

We aren’t blessed so that we can be selfish and keep all we have just for us and our little few. No. God’s blessings are meant to be shared. We are to be an example of our heavenly Father who has given us all our blessings.

If Jesus had been selfish he would have instructed the servants at the wedding to fill a couple bottles of the good wine and bring it to Him and his disciples. Forget about everyone else. If He had been selfish He would have multiplied the loaves and fishes, had a picnic with his closest followers and let everyone else fend for themselves. If He had been selfish He would have never come to earth in the first place. He would have stayed in heaven.

But…”God so loved the world He gave”.

I’m going to encourage you to do something tangible over the next few days. Give.

Give to a food bank (most grocery stores have boxes where you can donate food stuffs), give to a charity that cares for the homeless. Give to Samaritan’s Purse, you can go on-line and build a Christmas Shoe Box for a child in need. Give to the Angel Tree organization, they provide for children whose parents are incarcerated. Give to the Salvation Army. Give to your local church. Just give, no gift is ever too small.

“‘For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

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

40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Matthew 25:35-40 NLV

When we take from what we have and give to someone who has less we are acting like our Father.

I’m so thankful that others have given to us during a time of need. But I am more grateful that we are able to give.

May your horn always be filled with plenty!

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Where There’s Peace

We’ve had the opportunity to live in a lot of beautiful country; wide open spaces with pastures of grazing cattle, majestic mountains in the background and the sky filled with clouds ready to blanket the earth with snow.

And there, I can sense the granduer and glory of God!

“For every animal among the trees is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know every bird of the mountains. And all things that move in the field are Mine.” Psalm 50:10-11 NLV

If God knows all of this, and He does, how much more does He know about us and care for us? He knows every time we get up and when we lay down. He sees us on our restless nights and when we sleep peacefully. Our Father knows when we work at a frenzied pace and when we rest, trusting Him to handle it all.

“I look at the heavens you made with your hands.
    I see the moon and the stars you created.
4 And I wonder, “Why are people so important to you?
    Why do you even think about them?
Why do you care so much about humans?
    Why do you even notice them?” Psalm 8:3-4 ERV

King David expresses what I have felt. “God, you have done so many great and wonderful things. Why do you care about me’? There is a real peace that comes from enjoying the beauty in nature. How many “meditation” videos have been made with soft music and scenes of nature’s beauty from around the world? All of creation tell of God’s glory and remind us we are not alone.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.” Psalm 19:1-4 NLV

Do you hear their message?

“I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth more than birds?” Matthew 6:25-26 CEV

Take a drive to the country; get out in nature. If you can’t do that, watch a YouTube video. Take time to view God’s handiwork and listen to the message it’s preaching. Every mountain, every flower, every cow, every bird, every sunset/sunrise, every wave on the shore are telling us to trust the Father and be at peace.

I’m so thankful for nature. It’s a reminder that He’s got the whole world in His hands!

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