Fear
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
I experienced a great moment of fear this week and was really shaken up. Those of you who know me, know my faith in God and how I turn to Him when I need Him. I was really scared during the moment this week and was yelling at the top of my lungs to get the attention of someone, but I realized after the incident that I should have been yelling for help from my father in Heaven, or maybe I really was because I was not hurt and neither was my dog. It is times of desperation like this that can throw us into a period of reflection and need. A need for God to be in every part of our lives. If we remember that God is always with us and reflect that God is necessary in our lives, then we won't have the fear that pervades this earth. The enemy wants us to feel fear and that is his ultimate glory. We can destroy the enemy's hope for us to feel fear when we call on our Lord.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, December 28, 2018
Friday, December 21, 2018
Fantastic Friday #659 - Sing
Sing
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:1-5
How many of you sing with the radio, sing in the shower or sing while you are by yourself. I would guess almost everyone at least hums a tune when they are alone. There are several things I love about these five verses from Psalm 100. One is the shouting for joy, and we should probably do more of that, it is a good release. But the other thing that sticks out to me is the coming to Him with joyful songs. I was driving to work and O Holy Night came on the radio, in this case being sung by a very famous musician. I love this song and its message, so much, that I sing along with it any chance I get. I am nowhere close to being as talented as the famous singers who perform it, but boy am I belting out the words to this fantastic picture of Christ's birth. The part that gets me the most is the phrase "fall on your knees". How many of us actually fall on our knees to praise and pray to God regularly. There is something about humbling ourselves before the Lord that makes this picture complete. When we are humble, we can truly be thankful and provide God the worship He deserves. So this week, belt out those tunes at the top of your lungs, and fall to your knees, just be careful that the neighbors don't call the police on you.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:1-5
How many of you sing with the radio, sing in the shower or sing while you are by yourself. I would guess almost everyone at least hums a tune when they are alone. There are several things I love about these five verses from Psalm 100. One is the shouting for joy, and we should probably do more of that, it is a good release. But the other thing that sticks out to me is the coming to Him with joyful songs. I was driving to work and O Holy Night came on the radio, in this case being sung by a very famous musician. I love this song and its message, so much, that I sing along with it any chance I get. I am nowhere close to being as talented as the famous singers who perform it, but boy am I belting out the words to this fantastic picture of Christ's birth. The part that gets me the most is the phrase "fall on your knees". How many of us actually fall on our knees to praise and pray to God regularly. There is something about humbling ourselves before the Lord that makes this picture complete. When we are humble, we can truly be thankful and provide God the worship He deserves. So this week, belt out those tunes at the top of your lungs, and fall to your knees, just be careful that the neighbors don't call the police on you.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, December 14, 2018
Fantastic Friday #658 - Answer
Answer
1 Hear me, Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you.
5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
6 Hear my prayer, Lord;
listen to my cry for mercy.
7 When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me. Psalm 86:1-7
We are always looking for answers. We look for answers of why, how, when and where. I bet if you look back this week you can take each one of these words and see where you used them in a sentence. Then I imagine you can take each one of those words and see where you used one to ask God something. Did He answer you this week? Probably not, or maybe He did, but most times God takes His time to answer the questions we ask of Him. He is usually waiting until we are ready to receive the answer. Many times we want that immediate gratification with a clear path and answer that we are hoping will come to us. What usually happens is that God will hear our prayer but also listen to our heart. Depending on our heart condition at the time, it can impact the answer we receive, and more often our fist answer we get is going to be no or not yet. I have two friends that are suffering terribly right now and I pray for them daily, but I don't use the words why, how, when and where. I pray for them now, here, and forever. It is a change of condition and praying for an answer with full reliance on God. I was able to share with a young man, that I care deeply for, this week that God has us in these places to learn and all we can do is rely on Him. We just need to wait for the answer He will show us down the road. So, everyone put your immediate needs to God through prayer and let Him answer you in His time.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
1 Hear me, Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you;
save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord,
for I put my trust in you.
5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
6 Hear my prayer, Lord;
listen to my cry for mercy.
7 When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me. Psalm 86:1-7
We are always looking for answers. We look for answers of why, how, when and where. I bet if you look back this week you can take each one of these words and see where you used them in a sentence. Then I imagine you can take each one of those words and see where you used one to ask God something. Did He answer you this week? Probably not, or maybe He did, but most times God takes His time to answer the questions we ask of Him. He is usually waiting until we are ready to receive the answer. Many times we want that immediate gratification with a clear path and answer that we are hoping will come to us. What usually happens is that God will hear our prayer but also listen to our heart. Depending on our heart condition at the time, it can impact the answer we receive, and more often our fist answer we get is going to be no or not yet. I have two friends that are suffering terribly right now and I pray for them daily, but I don't use the words why, how, when and where. I pray for them now, here, and forever. It is a change of condition and praying for an answer with full reliance on God. I was able to share with a young man, that I care deeply for, this week that God has us in these places to learn and all we can do is rely on Him. We just need to wait for the answer He will show us down the road. So, everyone put your immediate needs to God through prayer and let Him answer you in His time.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, December 7, 2018
Fantastic Friday #657 - Praise
Praise
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:6-8
Why does life sometimes hurt so bad? At times, it is not you that hurts but it is someone else in your life, and deep inside you know that there is nothing you can do about it. God allows us to experience disappointment at times and it is hard to understand why He allows it. I have a theory that these disappointments and pain draw us closer to the Lord. I heard a song tonight on the way home that talked about Praising God, and in our deepest time of pain and sorrow we can forget to praise God. We also need to remember how Great our God is in these times and know that He is always beside us and in us. Maybe that can ease the pain of those we love and us when needed.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:6-8
Why does life sometimes hurt so bad? At times, it is not you that hurts but it is someone else in your life, and deep inside you know that there is nothing you can do about it. God allows us to experience disappointment at times and it is hard to understand why He allows it. I have a theory that these disappointments and pain draw us closer to the Lord. I heard a song tonight on the way home that talked about Praising God, and in our deepest time of pain and sorrow we can forget to praise God. We also need to remember how Great our God is in these times and know that He is always beside us and in us. Maybe that can ease the pain of those we love and us when needed.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, November 30, 2018
Fantastic Friday #656 - Seek
Seek
4 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!”
5 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Lord, do not delay. Psalm 70:4-5
It is easy during this time of year to rejoice in what God has done for us, maybe it is because of all of the joyful music and family time. But that is not the case with everyone. Slowly, our society has focused on the supposed joy of getting the best gift or giving something that will benefit them. How often outside this period of holiday season do you seek God? I mean truly seek Him daily, looking to Him for guidance and protection, or is God just one of those conveniences that you call on Him only when you think you need Him. God doesn't want that, He wants a relationship with each and every one of His children. So, take a moment to seek out God and all that He has for us, because while He is always there for us, most times He makes us seek Him for a while before He answers. Keep seeking and being joyous for all that He gives.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
4 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!”
5 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Lord, do not delay. Psalm 70:4-5
It is easy during this time of year to rejoice in what God has done for us, maybe it is because of all of the joyful music and family time. But that is not the case with everyone. Slowly, our society has focused on the supposed joy of getting the best gift or giving something that will benefit them. How often outside this period of holiday season do you seek God? I mean truly seek Him daily, looking to Him for guidance and protection, or is God just one of those conveniences that you call on Him only when you think you need Him. God doesn't want that, He wants a relationship with each and every one of His children. So, take a moment to seek out God and all that He has for us, because while He is always there for us, most times He makes us seek Him for a while before He answers. Keep seeking and being joyous for all that He gives.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Fantastic Friday #655 - Beauty
Beauty
1 The Mighty One, God, the Lord,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to where it sets.
2 From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
3 Our God comes
and will not be silent;
a fire devours before him,
and around him a tempest rages. Psalm 50:1-3
How many of us really sit and look at the world around us, how it moves and changes? How many of us actually take the time to see the beauty of the world? Beauty can be found in many things, in the trees, in the water, and the sun. Have you really looked at the beauty and acknowledge that God created all of this magnificence? If you look at the power of God to see how he makes the sun rise, the sun set, the wind blow, and the world change; you can truly see the beauty of God. We can’t be blinded by what the enemy shows us as supposed beauty. Beauty can only come from God and only God can lead us to that next step in our lives. Look at God’s beauty in a different light this week and acknowledge his beauty with prayer.
1 The Mighty One, God, the Lord,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to where it sets.
2 From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.
3 Our God comes
and will not be silent;
a fire devours before him,
and around him a tempest rages. Psalm 50:1-3
How many of us really sit and look at the world around us, how it moves and changes? How many of us actually take the time to see the beauty of the world? Beauty can be found in many things, in the trees, in the water, and the sun. Have you really looked at the beauty and acknowledge that God created all of this magnificence? If you look at the power of God to see how he makes the sun rise, the sun set, the wind blow, and the world change; you can truly see the beauty of God. We can’t be blinded by what the enemy shows us as supposed beauty. Beauty can only come from God and only God can lead us to that next step in our lives. Look at God’s beauty in a different light this week and acknowledge his beauty with prayer.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, November 16, 2018
Fantastic Friday #654 - Pure
Pure
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12
In today's world it is hard many days to keep a pure heart. The enemy is always showing us things, and telling us things that he hopes will damage us and pull us away from God. I think back to when I was young compared to now with my children and know that they have it so much more difficult than I did growing up. But the temptation was always there, just like it is today and every day because the enemy is battling for us. But we have something the enemy doesn't, and that is the power of God who can create a pure heart within each of us, we just have to want that pure heart and need to be willing to let God change us. Let God work in you and let Him be that Spirit that sustains you.
Have a great weekend.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12
In today's world it is hard many days to keep a pure heart. The enemy is always showing us things, and telling us things that he hopes will damage us and pull us away from God. I think back to when I was young compared to now with my children and know that they have it so much more difficult than I did growing up. But the temptation was always there, just like it is today and every day because the enemy is battling for us. But we have something the enemy doesn't, and that is the power of God who can create a pure heart within each of us, we just have to want that pure heart and need to be willing to let God change us. Let God work in you and let Him be that Spirit that sustains you.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Fantastic Friday #653 - Spirit
Spirit
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:13-15
Do you find yourself at random times being led by the spirit, or do you get swallowed up by the "stuff" around you and not let the Spirit feed into you? I had a friend message me out of the blue this week to tell me that he had a dream about me and was led to pray for me. These kinds of promptings from God are not things we should ignore, but are things we should let the Spirit guide us through. Whatever the prompting, God leads people to lift others up in times of challenge and distress, He also leads people to keep in mind others that He knows are questioning where they are in their life. We must not brush off the prompting of the Spirit because there is definitely a message there, it is up to us to follow through with what God wants us to do so that we may be comforted by Him. He wants us to be happy and lead a life of love and care for others. Don't ignore the prompting, but led it guide you further in your relationship with Him.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:13-15
Do you find yourself at random times being led by the spirit, or do you get swallowed up by the "stuff" around you and not let the Spirit feed into you? I had a friend message me out of the blue this week to tell me that he had a dream about me and was led to pray for me. These kinds of promptings from God are not things we should ignore, but are things we should let the Spirit guide us through. Whatever the prompting, God leads people to lift others up in times of challenge and distress, He also leads people to keep in mind others that He knows are questioning where they are in their life. We must not brush off the prompting of the Spirit because there is definitely a message there, it is up to us to follow through with what God wants us to do so that we may be comforted by Him. He wants us to be happy and lead a life of love and care for others. Don't ignore the prompting, but led it guide you further in your relationship with Him.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, November 2, 2018
Fantastic Friday #652 - Respect
Respect
16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 2 Peter 2:16-17
I had a couple of occasions this week where I saw situations where people were not giving respect and respect was not given to a group of people. This can be one of the most challenging aspects of living a life, because we are always judging others based on how we think people should live. In today's society, people hide behind their social media accounts and disrespect others regularly. It is easy to say something about someone or judge someone behind a keyboard and screen, but it is harder to do something like that in person. We cannot hide behind a veil of what we think is protection and be disrespectful to others. If we have an issue with others we need to come out from behind the drapes and pixels of the computer screen and respectfully confront the individuals you may have an issue with, and create a dialogue. This is where we have gone down a path of disrespect, we cannot have a simple conversation with people of a differing belief system because we have already pre-judged that individual. Learn to respect others and know that God is in charge and we are not.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 2 Peter 2:16-17
I had a couple of occasions this week where I saw situations where people were not giving respect and respect was not given to a group of people. This can be one of the most challenging aspects of living a life, because we are always judging others based on how we think people should live. In today's society, people hide behind their social media accounts and disrespect others regularly. It is easy to say something about someone or judge someone behind a keyboard and screen, but it is harder to do something like that in person. We cannot hide behind a veil of what we think is protection and be disrespectful to others. If we have an issue with others we need to come out from behind the drapes and pixels of the computer screen and respectfully confront the individuals you may have an issue with, and create a dialogue. This is where we have gone down a path of disrespect, we cannot have a simple conversation with people of a differing belief system because we have already pre-judged that individual. Learn to respect others and know that God is in charge and we are not.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, October 26, 2018
Fantastic Friday #651 - Guide
Guide
1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:1-3
I read a story this week about an old friend who had forgiven someone who devastated his family through a horrible series of events years ago. Even though that power of forgiveness from God took place, he still held onto that grief that burdened him. He had still felt that grief and he stated that he has found self-growth and recovery over the years, but never found that he has grieved fully. While he hasn't grieved fully, I know God is with him because of the ability to forgive. We tend to forget that we don't need to be the strong one and we can rely on our true fortress to guide us through any circumstance. I know that my Father in Heaven guides me in the path I should go, and I need to remember daily to ask Him to protect me. Take your step to ask God for help and guidance and I guarantee you the pieces will fall into place.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:1-3
I read a story this week about an old friend who had forgiven someone who devastated his family through a horrible series of events years ago. Even though that power of forgiveness from God took place, he still held onto that grief that burdened him. He had still felt that grief and he stated that he has found self-growth and recovery over the years, but never found that he has grieved fully. While he hasn't grieved fully, I know God is with him because of the ability to forgive. We tend to forget that we don't need to be the strong one and we can rely on our true fortress to guide us through any circumstance. I know that my Father in Heaven guides me in the path I should go, and I need to remember daily to ask Him to protect me. Take your step to ask God for help and guidance and I guarantee you the pieces will fall into place.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, October 19, 2018
Fantastic Friday #650 - Sing
Sing
Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples! Psalm 96:1-3
Yesterday our family lost a beautiful, caring wonderful woman. She was a woman that cared deeply for all of those around her and how just a few weeks ago over Facetime, recognized me and smiled at me after many years of battling Alzheimer's. She was a woman who had a hilarious laugh, and also a woman who loved to sing. I can imagine her singing with her sister Eileen in Heaven right now. The thing with my mother-in-law is that she was always joyful in her singing, she always cared about the songs that meant the most. Let us all sing for joy as she always did and still does in Heaven today. Don't dwell on the negative, but think of how God has always been there for you. There is something about singing, even if you do it badly like me, that is a joyful sound to God. Music moves our emotions and gives us hope when there are dark times. Its no wonder that throughout God's Word, singing is mentioned, so take a moment today and sing a song of joy.
You will be missed mother-in-law dear, and how I will miss calling you that when I talk to you on the phone. Ooooh Doggy!
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples! Psalm 96:1-3
Yesterday our family lost a beautiful, caring wonderful woman. She was a woman that cared deeply for all of those around her and how just a few weeks ago over Facetime, recognized me and smiled at me after many years of battling Alzheimer's. She was a woman who had a hilarious laugh, and also a woman who loved to sing. I can imagine her singing with her sister Eileen in Heaven right now. The thing with my mother-in-law is that she was always joyful in her singing, she always cared about the songs that meant the most. Let us all sing for joy as she always did and still does in Heaven today. Don't dwell on the negative, but think of how God has always been there for you. There is something about singing, even if you do it badly like me, that is a joyful sound to God. Music moves our emotions and gives us hope when there are dark times. Its no wonder that throughout God's Word, singing is mentioned, so take a moment today and sing a song of joy.
You will be missed mother-in-law dear, and how I will miss calling you that when I talk to you on the phone. Ooooh Doggy!
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, October 12, 2018
Fantastic Friday #649 - New Thing
New Thing
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 4:18-19
How many of us actually try a new thing, or do we find ourselves stuck in the same place? This week one of my sons got to try a new thing. It was completely new to him, and took a lot of hard work, however in the end he did well for his first time trying this new thing. I think we need to always look to try new things, so we can learn something new or improve ourselves. Maybe you should look for the new thing that God is telling you to try. You might not know what it is until He reveals it, but it is brought to us so we can improve ourselves, or grow in our faith. God is always doing a new thing in us, we just have to listen for what that thing is and follow through. Try a new thing.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 4:18-19
How many of us actually try a new thing, or do we find ourselves stuck in the same place? This week one of my sons got to try a new thing. It was completely new to him, and took a lot of hard work, however in the end he did well for his first time trying this new thing. I think we need to always look to try new things, so we can learn something new or improve ourselves. Maybe you should look for the new thing that God is telling you to try. You might not know what it is until He reveals it, but it is brought to us so we can improve ourselves, or grow in our faith. God is always doing a new thing in us, we just have to listen for what that thing is and follow through. Try a new thing.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, October 5, 2018
Fantastic Friday #648 - Joy
Joy
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:9-11
I felt joy this week. Did you feel joy this week? Joy is hard to find in our world, because there is so much negativity and the enemy doesn't want you to feel joy. So, do you really want to know how I felt joy this week? I will tell you. First, my friend who has cancer laughed at one of my stupid childish jokes. Second, that same friend blessed me with a special gift that I would never be able to afford myself. Third, my children and wife traveled safely to see my mother-in-law. Fourth, I had a friend tell me how much my posts on Facebook meant to her. Fifth, my mother-in-law recognized me and smiled at me over face-time. To many of you, that fifth one might not sound like a big deal, but it was a big deal to me and there is a lot of Joy in my heart because I know that God has laid out a path for my life and my loved ones. He is in control. Find joy in the little things and the big things, it defeats the enemy's efforts because he does not want us to feel joy. Feel joy this week and find it, it is right around every corner.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:9-11
I felt joy this week. Did you feel joy this week? Joy is hard to find in our world, because there is so much negativity and the enemy doesn't want you to feel joy. So, do you really want to know how I felt joy this week? I will tell you. First, my friend who has cancer laughed at one of my stupid childish jokes. Second, that same friend blessed me with a special gift that I would never be able to afford myself. Third, my children and wife traveled safely to see my mother-in-law. Fourth, I had a friend tell me how much my posts on Facebook meant to her. Fifth, my mother-in-law recognized me and smiled at me over face-time. To many of you, that fifth one might not sound like a big deal, but it was a big deal to me and there is a lot of Joy in my heart because I know that God has laid out a path for my life and my loved ones. He is in control. Find joy in the little things and the big things, it defeats the enemy's efforts because he does not want us to feel joy. Feel joy this week and find it, it is right around every corner.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, September 28, 2018
Fantastic Friday #647 - Roots
Roots
7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
I saw a lot of rain in the last week, and with over 6 inches of rain I expected that I would have seen a lot of damaged and washed-away trees. I am not saying there wasn't damage, but what I did see is those trees that had the stronger root system were strong and sturdy and did not fall over. I know that we don't want to get washed away by the enemy and it all starts with our roots, the ones we have in Him. If we spend time with Him and in His word, our roots will grow. If we have confidence in His power and ability to provide for us, then He will provide and protect us. We might feel swayed by wind of a storm on occasion, but if our roots are deep and strong, we don't have anything to worry about. The stronger our roots, the more we can stand against the enemy and not be swayed. Work on your root system and rely on Him for your every need.
Have a great weekend.
7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
8 They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
I saw a lot of rain in the last week, and with over 6 inches of rain I expected that I would have seen a lot of damaged and washed-away trees. I am not saying there wasn't damage, but what I did see is those trees that had the stronger root system were strong and sturdy and did not fall over. I know that we don't want to get washed away by the enemy and it all starts with our roots, the ones we have in Him. If we spend time with Him and in His word, our roots will grow. If we have confidence in His power and ability to provide for us, then He will provide and protect us. We might feel swayed by wind of a storm on occasion, but if our roots are deep and strong, we don't have anything to worry about. The stronger our roots, the more we can stand against the enemy and not be swayed. Work on your root system and rely on Him for your every need.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, September 21, 2018
Fantastic Friday #646 - Way
Way
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21
Do you find yourself running through life? When you take time to stop and look to see what is around you, is it blurry? Quite often the blurriness is related to the time you take with anything. You might be speeding through your walk and not paying attention to the important people in your life. When that happens, you begin to be disconnected from most everything. At times you could begin to head down the path of least resistance and look for the easy way. We should be looking for the way with resistance because through that our faith is tested. When our faith is tested, God is still always with us and will continue to guide us. Walk in the way the Spirit guides and don’t focus on the enemy to take the easy path.
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21
Do you find yourself running through life? When you take time to stop and look to see what is around you, is it blurry? Quite often the blurriness is related to the time you take with anything. You might be speeding through your walk and not paying attention to the important people in your life. When that happens, you begin to be disconnected from most everything. At times you could begin to head down the path of least resistance and look for the easy way. We should be looking for the way with resistance because through that our faith is tested. When our faith is tested, God is still always with us and will continue to guide us. Walk in the way the Spirit guides and don’t focus on the enemy to take the easy path.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, September 14, 2018
Fantastic Friday #645 - Mystery
Mystery
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Ephesians 1:7-10
I like a good mystery. My favorite mystery writer is Agatha Christie, and one of my favorite books by her was "And Then There Were None." The book includes a group of people who were killed but suffered a great deal of guilt before the killer had completed his revenge. It was a mystery of why all the people felt the guilt, until the very end when it all was revealed. The great thing about God's grace is that He gives us every reason not to feel guilty but to realize through the redemption of Christ we may have the mysteries of God revealed. It is His will to remove the guilt and make us whole, and it is His will that we be a part of God's heavenly family. So remember, this plan is no longer a mystery to us but very clear.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Ephesians 1:7-10
I like a good mystery. My favorite mystery writer is Agatha Christie, and one of my favorite books by her was "And Then There Were None." The book includes a group of people who were killed but suffered a great deal of guilt before the killer had completed his revenge. It was a mystery of why all the people felt the guilt, until the very end when it all was revealed. The great thing about God's grace is that He gives us every reason not to feel guilty but to realize through the redemption of Christ we may have the mysteries of God revealed. It is His will to remove the guilt and make us whole, and it is His will that we be a part of God's heavenly family. So remember, this plan is no longer a mystery to us but very clear.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, September 7, 2018
Fantastic Friday #644 - Redeem
Redeem
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:4-6
Pay off, exchange, make up for, convert are all terms of definition used to explain the word Redeem. What do you think of when you hear people say "I need to redeem myself," "I need to go make up for my wrong," or "I need to be forgiven." I typically think that they must have done something pretty bad at first, and then if I think, who am I to judge. Doesn't scripture in 1 John 5:17 discuss that all wrongdoing is sin. The important thing about sin is that all can be Redeemed for their sin, if they accept Christ as their savior. They can be forgiven of sin, because Jesus was Redeemed for us. He exchanged His life for us, think about that. He died for us. If you think about the sacrifice that was made, it becomes more clear about the redemption we can experience. I know that my Redeemer Lives.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:4-6
Pay off, exchange, make up for, convert are all terms of definition used to explain the word Redeem. What do you think of when you hear people say "I need to redeem myself," "I need to go make up for my wrong," or "I need to be forgiven." I typically think that they must have done something pretty bad at first, and then if I think, who am I to judge. Doesn't scripture in 1 John 5:17 discuss that all wrongdoing is sin. The important thing about sin is that all can be Redeemed for their sin, if they accept Christ as their savior. They can be forgiven of sin, because Jesus was Redeemed for us. He exchanged His life for us, think about that. He died for us. If you think about the sacrifice that was made, it becomes more clear about the redemption we can experience. I know that my Redeemer Lives.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 31, 2018
Fantastic Friday #643 - Explore
Explore
12 I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! 14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 1:12-14
How often do you take time to explore outside of your surroundings? Exploring can take many forms, it can be a hike, a walk, a ride or a drive. Depending on how fast you go will determine how much you take in while exploring. I would say hiking or walking can allow you more reflection than riding or driving, and the same can be said for studying the scriptures. How many of us stop and truly reflect while we are reading God's Word. I honestly can say that sometimes I ride through the scriptures rather than walk through the scriptures and listen to what God is telling me. With exploration comes wisdom, as long as you explore at the right pace. See what God has done and listen.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
12 I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! 14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 1:12-14
How often do you take time to explore outside of your surroundings? Exploring can take many forms, it can be a hike, a walk, a ride or a drive. Depending on how fast you go will determine how much you take in while exploring. I would say hiking or walking can allow you more reflection than riding or driving, and the same can be said for studying the scriptures. How many of us stop and truly reflect while we are reading God's Word. I honestly can say that sometimes I ride through the scriptures rather than walk through the scriptures and listen to what God is telling me. With exploration comes wisdom, as long as you explore at the right pace. See what God has done and listen.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 24, 2018
Fantastic Friday #642 - Curse
Curse
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:9-12
When you start the morning with prayer or praise of our Father, do you think about how you will go about treating other people throughout your day. I observed something this week where two people of opposite beliefs were debating something, however one of the individuals would keep interrupting the other person and also came forward with a degrading comment towards that person. When I was speaking to my kids this week, I talked about one of the biggest problems with our society today is the fact that people spend too much time yelling(cursing) at each other and less than enough time listening. When you look a this scripture and think about people or yourself, I am sure many people praise God, but then out of the same mouth they curse others. How can that be good? How can that be refreshing? How can that strengthen others? The next time you think about talking about, cursing, yelling or berating other people, think about that moment you should treat them like you treat God. Maybe if more people focused on this, there would be less saltiness and more harmony.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:9-12
When you start the morning with prayer or praise of our Father, do you think about how you will go about treating other people throughout your day. I observed something this week where two people of opposite beliefs were debating something, however one of the individuals would keep interrupting the other person and also came forward with a degrading comment towards that person. When I was speaking to my kids this week, I talked about one of the biggest problems with our society today is the fact that people spend too much time yelling(cursing) at each other and less than enough time listening. When you look a this scripture and think about people or yourself, I am sure many people praise God, but then out of the same mouth they curse others. How can that be good? How can that be refreshing? How can that strengthen others? The next time you think about talking about, cursing, yelling or berating other people, think about that moment you should treat them like you treat God. Maybe if more people focused on this, there would be less saltiness and more harmony.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 17, 2018
Fantastic Friday #641 - Worthy
Worthy
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
I was on the news this week. It was on a less popular channel of news, but I still asked myself what did I do to deserve this. Do you find yourself asking the question of whether you are worthy? What does living a worthy life look like to you? Some people look at specific rules and procedures when they think of the term worthy. God is very clear in this scripture of what the worthy person looks like, being humble and gentle is a good place to start. I probably wasn't as humble as I should have been by posting the news clip online, but I know that God knows my heart. We should all look at the key words of being worthy and practice these in our life. Humble, gentle, patient, and bearing with one another in love. These are good guides.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
I was on the news this week. It was on a less popular channel of news, but I still asked myself what did I do to deserve this. Do you find yourself asking the question of whether you are worthy? What does living a worthy life look like to you? Some people look at specific rules and procedures when they think of the term worthy. God is very clear in this scripture of what the worthy person looks like, being humble and gentle is a good place to start. I probably wasn't as humble as I should have been by posting the news clip online, but I know that God knows my heart. We should all look at the key words of being worthy and practice these in our life. Humble, gentle, patient, and bearing with one another in love. These are good guides.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 10, 2018
Fantastic Friday #640 - Consume
Consume
1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me. Psalm 13
Do you sometimes think that God has forgotten you? Do you feel like God is hiding from you? A lot of people can wrestle with thoughts that consume them, and a lot of times these thoughts are from the enemy. The enemy tries to destroy our confidence in God in all of our circumstances. Whether we have a bad day at work, a problem at home, or a significant health issue, the enemy tries to blame God and tries to make you believe that God is the issue. The thing we need to remember is perfectly spelled out in this set of verses. To trust in God's unfailing love brings about joy and peace. It also defeats the enemy because God has already won the battle. When we go through things that consume us, remember to let God consume us more and push the enemy away. God is gracious and as this scripture says, he has been good to me.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me. Psalm 13
Do you sometimes think that God has forgotten you? Do you feel like God is hiding from you? A lot of people can wrestle with thoughts that consume them, and a lot of times these thoughts are from the enemy. The enemy tries to destroy our confidence in God in all of our circumstances. Whether we have a bad day at work, a problem at home, or a significant health issue, the enemy tries to blame God and tries to make you believe that God is the issue. The thing we need to remember is perfectly spelled out in this set of verses. To trust in God's unfailing love brings about joy and peace. It also defeats the enemy because God has already won the battle. When we go through things that consume us, remember to let God consume us more and push the enemy away. God is gracious and as this scripture says, he has been good to me.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 3, 2018
Fantastic Friday #639 - Devote
Devote
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
Devote is an interesting word, because it really has a couple of different meanings. It can mean to set apart by a solemn or formal act, but strangely enough it can also mean to commit to evil or destruction. I am pretty sure that God meant the first definition for devote when writing these words. So, the question is, what do you devote yourself to? Do you focus on the evil that is around us, or do you spend time in prayer when the world comes crashing down around you. I know that when I spend time in thoughtful prayer, my mind calms and my spirit is lifted. I think I would rather have these feelings than focus on what the enemy makes us think is right but is really destructive to our soul. Prayer lifts us so why not devote yourself to it.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
Devote is an interesting word, because it really has a couple of different meanings. It can mean to set apart by a solemn or formal act, but strangely enough it can also mean to commit to evil or destruction. I am pretty sure that God meant the first definition for devote when writing these words. So, the question is, what do you devote yourself to? Do you focus on the evil that is around us, or do you spend time in prayer when the world comes crashing down around you. I know that when I spend time in thoughtful prayer, my mind calms and my spirit is lifted. I think I would rather have these feelings than focus on what the enemy makes us think is right but is really destructive to our soul. Prayer lifts us so why not devote yourself to it.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, July 27, 2018
Fantastic Friday #638 - Mock
Mock
11 For through wisdom your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:11-12
Do you find that you mock people at times during the week? I am not talking about openly ridiculing someone, but do you privately mock someone or their actions? Being filled with contempt is not a good thing, and it is horrible to publicly ridicule someone, but it almost is even worse to privately ridicule someone or do it in a small group. God regularly tells us to love others, and we need to find that place the pushes us far away from mocking others. This scripture is pretty clear that we will suffer if we mock others, and I think I want the years of my life to be fruitful instead of suffering. So, the next time you think of mocking someone for something really silly, you aren't making yourself feel better, you are really causing suffering in more ways than one.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
11 For through wisdom your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:11-12
Do you find that you mock people at times during the week? I am not talking about openly ridiculing someone, but do you privately mock someone or their actions? Being filled with contempt is not a good thing, and it is horrible to publicly ridicule someone, but it almost is even worse to privately ridicule someone or do it in a small group. God regularly tells us to love others, and we need to find that place the pushes us far away from mocking others. This scripture is pretty clear that we will suffer if we mock others, and I think I want the years of my life to be fruitful instead of suffering. So, the next time you think of mocking someone for something really silly, you aren't making yourself feel better, you are really causing suffering in more ways than one.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, July 20, 2018
Fantastic Friday #637 - Finish
Finish
2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? 4 Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? Galatians 3:2-4
How do you finish? Do you listen to the spirit or listen to someone around you? This last week was most likely my last Little League season of coaching my youngest son. We made an amazing run with his team by making it to the State Tournament, something no other Little League team had done from our league in its entire history. A pretty amazing feat since there were so many who didn't think we would make it out of our own District, and then two levels higher to state. My motto for the boys was to Finish Strong, so now back to my question, how do you finish? I believe in our spiritual life we can be thrown off kilter by those detractors who make us think we don't need to finish things in a way that God would be pleased. Maybe we are not listening to the Spirit enough, and our finish comes up way short. Take the time to take some advice to experience life and finish strong, because you certainly don't want to be left behind and not finish the race.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? 4 Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? Galatians 3:2-4
How do you finish? Do you listen to the spirit or listen to someone around you? This last week was most likely my last Little League season of coaching my youngest son. We made an amazing run with his team by making it to the State Tournament, something no other Little League team had done from our league in its entire history. A pretty amazing feat since there were so many who didn't think we would make it out of our own District, and then two levels higher to state. My motto for the boys was to Finish Strong, so now back to my question, how do you finish? I believe in our spiritual life we can be thrown off kilter by those detractors who make us think we don't need to finish things in a way that God would be pleased. Maybe we are not listening to the Spirit enough, and our finish comes up way short. Take the time to take some advice to experience life and finish strong, because you certainly don't want to be left behind and not finish the race.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, July 13, 2018
Fantastic Friday #636 - Hardship
Hardship
34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:34-35
We all face hardship in life, it is just a part of being in this world with the enemy who is around every corner. How do you deal with hardship? Do you take it on all by yourself, or do you take a different path knowing that God can intercede for us? I find those people very interesting who take every hardship as a way to play the blame game of who else is responsible for the trouble they are going through. Maybe it is the lens that people look through that is skewed and if more people looked through the lens of Christ, they would see that this hardship is only a moment in time and it will pass. Also, if you look at the hardship as a part of life that is able to be conquered by the strength of the One who died for us, then maybe our hardship wouldn't look so hard.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:34-35
We all face hardship in life, it is just a part of being in this world with the enemy who is around every corner. How do you deal with hardship? Do you take it on all by yourself, or do you take a different path knowing that God can intercede for us? I find those people very interesting who take every hardship as a way to play the blame game of who else is responsible for the trouble they are going through. Maybe it is the lens that people look through that is skewed and if more people looked through the lens of Christ, they would see that this hardship is only a moment in time and it will pass. Also, if you look at the hardship as a part of life that is able to be conquered by the strength of the One who died for us, then maybe our hardship wouldn't look so hard.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, July 6, 2018
Fantastic Friday #635 - Calm
Calm
1Lord, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Psalm 131:1-2
Do you ever find yourself getting all worked up over something, to find in the end it wasn't worth all the heartache that you put yourself through? Sometimes we can find it hard to calm ourselves because we think of the impact of this could possibly have on us. If you allow yourself the opportunity to lean into the Lord, He can quiet your soul for you and can calm your spirit. With the constant attack of the enemy, that is not always so easy, but with prayer and petition we can overcome all things.
Have a great weekend.
1Lord, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Psalm 131:1-2
Do you ever find yourself getting all worked up over something, to find in the end it wasn't worth all the heartache that you put yourself through? Sometimes we can find it hard to calm ourselves because we think of the impact of this could possibly have on us. If you allow yourself the opportunity to lean into the Lord, He can quiet your soul for you and can calm your spirit. With the constant attack of the enemy, that is not always so easy, but with prayer and petition we can overcome all things.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, June 29, 2018
Fantastic Friday #634 - Comfort
Comfort
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
I have seen many things this week that helped remind me of what my place is as a follower of Christ. Paul talks about becoming complete, but what does that actually mean. The above verse gives a pretty good road map and it is interesting that he starts with being of good "comfort". When you think of comfort, do you think what you can do for others or your own comfort? I have been in several uncomfortable situations this week, but I realized I didn't need to participate in those situations, but need to focus on my comfort in Christ. When God allows us to be put in those uncomfortable situations, He really wants you to look at the comfort of others and not ourselves. With comfort comes peace, and isn't that a better way to live? Focus on the comfort that God provides.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
I have seen many things this week that helped remind me of what my place is as a follower of Christ. Paul talks about becoming complete, but what does that actually mean. The above verse gives a pretty good road map and it is interesting that he starts with being of good "comfort". When you think of comfort, do you think what you can do for others or your own comfort? I have been in several uncomfortable situations this week, but I realized I didn't need to participate in those situations, but need to focus on my comfort in Christ. When God allows us to be put in those uncomfortable situations, He really wants you to look at the comfort of others and not ourselves. With comfort comes peace, and isn't that a better way to live? Focus on the comfort that God provides.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, June 22, 2018
Fantastic Friday #633- Freedom
Freedom
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Something about America is very different than a lot of places in this world, and that is the freedom we all experience as citizens of the United States. Now some people might say the freedoms we have are not really freedoms, but I beg to differ. I met with a man this week who reminded me that the Bill of Rights were written not so many years ago and they were written with the guidance of a divine hand. Some might say what are you talking about, but look at the fact that we have freedom of religion along with many other things. If God is who He says he is, and this scripture points to the fact that with the Spirit of the Lord is freedom, then of course His hand was involved. These freedoms from sin, freedom from the enemy and freedom to worship God are all tied together. And as we grow with the Spirit of the Lord in us, we are being transformed as the scripture states and with that comes the ultimate glory. So remember, the true freedom we have is just not in the Bill of Rights, but it lives in us.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Something about America is very different than a lot of places in this world, and that is the freedom we all experience as citizens of the United States. Now some people might say the freedoms we have are not really freedoms, but I beg to differ. I met with a man this week who reminded me that the Bill of Rights were written not so many years ago and they were written with the guidance of a divine hand. Some might say what are you talking about, but look at the fact that we have freedom of religion along with many other things. If God is who He says he is, and this scripture points to the fact that with the Spirit of the Lord is freedom, then of course His hand was involved. These freedoms from sin, freedom from the enemy and freedom to worship God are all tied together. And as we grow with the Spirit of the Lord in us, we are being transformed as the scripture states and with that comes the ultimate glory. So remember, the true freedom we have is just not in the Bill of Rights, but it lives in us.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, June 15, 2018
Fantastic Friday #632 - Home
Home
5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:5-7
Do you feel more comfortable when you are home? When we were away on vacation, while we stayed in some nice places, we did not always feel at home because we did not have all of our stuff. We didn't have our space which at times can be very disconcerting. The same can be said of our time here on earth. Do you sometimes feel not at home here? Maybe it is because you feel like you don't deserve the beauty around us, or you don't feel worthy to be allowed to be here in your own body. God created us for each other and we definitely deserve to be here in His mind. While this is only our temporary home, we do need to make the most of our time here. Don't forget to be kind to others, love others and treat others with respect. These things while here on earth can make us feel as though we are home because we can have faith that God will take care of us. Don't forget to thank God for our home here, and in Heaven and for providing us a way back to Him.
Have a great weekend.
5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
6 Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:5-7
Do you feel more comfortable when you are home? When we were away on vacation, while we stayed in some nice places, we did not always feel at home because we did not have all of our stuff. We didn't have our space which at times can be very disconcerting. The same can be said of our time here on earth. Do you sometimes feel not at home here? Maybe it is because you feel like you don't deserve the beauty around us, or you don't feel worthy to be allowed to be here in your own body. God created us for each other and we definitely deserve to be here in His mind. While this is only our temporary home, we do need to make the most of our time here. Don't forget to be kind to others, love others and treat others with respect. These things while here on earth can make us feel as though we are home because we can have faith that God will take care of us. Don't forget to thank God for our home here, and in Heaven and for providing us a way back to Him.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, June 8, 2018
Fantastic Friday #631 - Known
Known
9 But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2: 9-11
Do you know people who think they know it all, that they are the experts? So much sometimes, that even if you get word in edgewise, it is quickly shot down as not being accurate or false altogether. It is amazing how God reveals to those who follow him with their whole heart. He makes known what is unknown, and reveals the answers through His Spirit. We just have to listen to the Spirit, and not act like we know everything, but be calm and relaxed to hear what is being said. By doing this we can make the unknown known. Also, with patience and understanding we can more easily handle those who think they know everything.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
9 But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2: 9-11
Do you know people who think they know it all, that they are the experts? So much sometimes, that even if you get word in edgewise, it is quickly shot down as not being accurate or false altogether. It is amazing how God reveals to those who follow him with their whole heart. He makes known what is unknown, and reveals the answers through His Spirit. We just have to listen to the Spirit, and not act like we know everything, but be calm and relaxed to hear what is being said. By doing this we can make the unknown known. Also, with patience and understanding we can more easily handle those who think they know everything.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, June 1, 2018
Fantastic Friday #630 - Share
Share
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
I know that as people, we tend to keep things to ourselves and work those things out with God on our own. The problem with this is that we are never strong enough to carry or burdens on our own because the enemy regularly beats down on us. While leaning into Christ is the main answer, we also should seek out help from others to help guide us through whatever difficulty we might be going through. When you have help carrying the burden, it becomes lighter and we can see the power of Christ work through each other.
Have a great weekend.
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
I know that as people, we tend to keep things to ourselves and work those things out with God on our own. The problem with this is that we are never strong enough to carry or burdens on our own because the enemy regularly beats down on us. While leaning into Christ is the main answer, we also should seek out help from others to help guide us through whatever difficulty we might be going through. When you have help carrying the burden, it becomes lighter and we can see the power of Christ work through each other.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, May 25, 2018
Fantastic Friday #629 - Honor
Honor
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10
I heard a lot of news reports this week where people were discussing honoring the flag, honoring the anthem, and in general honoring those in authority. One of our biggest problems in society today, is we tend to think about how we can be honored over honoring someone else. Paul talked about being devoted to one another in love, but what is devotion? A good word is dedication and you can see that dedication takes some work, the problem is not everyone is dedicated to work. I believe if we can dedicate ourselves to others, honoring them will come easy. With honor comes respect and we can see how far that can go. I know I need to work on this aspect of my life every single day and through honor and devotion, those are two good ways to start.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10
I heard a lot of news reports this week where people were discussing honoring the flag, honoring the anthem, and in general honoring those in authority. One of our biggest problems in society today, is we tend to think about how we can be honored over honoring someone else. Paul talked about being devoted to one another in love, but what is devotion? A good word is dedication and you can see that dedication takes some work, the problem is not everyone is dedicated to work. I believe if we can dedicate ourselves to others, honoring them will come easy. With honor comes respect and we can see how far that can go. I know I need to work on this aspect of my life every single day and through honor and devotion, those are two good ways to start.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, May 18, 2018
Fantastic Friday #628 - Disturb
Disturb
11 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11
A couple of weeks ago I talked about silence and the fact that there is really no complete silence. There are things that disturb us daily, and sometimes people are the most common disturbance we have, or is it. I know there are times when I am sitting, looking for the next task to accomplish, and the enemy disturbs me with something that will distract me. God is ever present and the only thing He is going to distract us from is our sin. He does this by getting the Holy Spirit to interrupt or disturb our thoughts of sinning. Maybe we should keep God on the forefront of our mind while we are looking for that next thing to do, so we do not have the enemy continually disturbing us. Don't have a downcast soul, do not get disturbed, as the scripture says put your hope in Him.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
11 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11
A couple of weeks ago I talked about silence and the fact that there is really no complete silence. There are things that disturb us daily, and sometimes people are the most common disturbance we have, or is it. I know there are times when I am sitting, looking for the next task to accomplish, and the enemy disturbs me with something that will distract me. God is ever present and the only thing He is going to distract us from is our sin. He does this by getting the Holy Spirit to interrupt or disturb our thoughts of sinning. Maybe we should keep God on the forefront of our mind while we are looking for that next thing to do, so we do not have the enemy continually disturbing us. Don't have a downcast soul, do not get disturbed, as the scripture says put your hope in Him.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, May 11, 2018
Fantastic Friday #627 - Active
Active
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Do you find yourself to be an active individual or a passive individual? I know some people that are passive-aggressive and that is not a good thing. They wait in hiding, or plain sight, and then pounce on people or situations without thinking how their words or actions impact that other person. I know when I find myself heading down this path of being a little passive-aggressive, I try to stop and think what God's word says. The thing about God's word is that it is active in every sense of the word. It moves people, it guides people and it gives direction for the wayward. Why then do we ignore it so much? I think that when I am more active with life, I tend to focus more on God's word than when I am passive. When we are active, the enemy is less likely to pounce on us with his passive-aggressive efforts. Be active this weekend not passive, and focus on the Word.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Do you find yourself to be an active individual or a passive individual? I know some people that are passive-aggressive and that is not a good thing. They wait in hiding, or plain sight, and then pounce on people or situations without thinking how their words or actions impact that other person. I know when I find myself heading down this path of being a little passive-aggressive, I try to stop and think what God's word says. The thing about God's word is that it is active in every sense of the word. It moves people, it guides people and it gives direction for the wayward. Why then do we ignore it so much? I think that when I am more active with life, I tend to focus more on God's word than when I am passive. When we are active, the enemy is less likely to pounce on us with his passive-aggressive efforts. Be active this weekend not passive, and focus on the Word.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, May 4, 2018
Fantastic Friday #626 - Silence
Silence
16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
17 Unless the Lord had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
18 When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. Psalm 94:16-18
When you have opportunities to get away from the craziness we sometimes face, do you find yourself sitting in silence? When you are sitting in silence, you can usually hear things that you normally do not pay attention to. I think we all know the enemy can sometimes be sneaky and silent, and can take advantage of your thoughts when you surrounded by the noise of the world. When we listen in silence, there is no true silence. There is always a sound, a breeze, drop of rain, a bird, something that is making you know that God is there. Have you ever noticed when you think you are sitting in silence, that you actually hear more than you do when you sit in loudness. Take a moment this weekend to try and sit in silence and then begin to identify all the things you hear, and push away from the enemy and what he wants you to hear.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
17 Unless the Lord had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
18 When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. Psalm 94:16-18
When you have opportunities to get away from the craziness we sometimes face, do you find yourself sitting in silence? When you are sitting in silence, you can usually hear things that you normally do not pay attention to. I think we all know the enemy can sometimes be sneaky and silent, and can take advantage of your thoughts when you surrounded by the noise of the world. When we listen in silence, there is no true silence. There is always a sound, a breeze, drop of rain, a bird, something that is making you know that God is there. Have you ever noticed when you think you are sitting in silence, that you actually hear more than you do when you sit in loudness. Take a moment this weekend to try and sit in silence and then begin to identify all the things you hear, and push away from the enemy and what he wants you to hear.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, April 27, 2018
Fantastic Friday #625 - Care
Care
3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
Then You knew my path.
In the way in which I walk
They have secretly set a snare for me.
4 Look on my right hand and see,
For there is no one who acknowledges me;
Refuge has failed me;
No one cares for my soul.
5 I cried out to You, O Lord:
I said, “You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living. Psalm 142:3-5
Do you find yourself wondering why you care or don't care about certain people or if God actually has the time to care about you? There are times in our life that can be difficult and we can begin to question how God has the time or concern to really care about me. All you have to do is look throughout scripture and see the people that God actually cared about to see how He cares. Then you must realize you only need to look as far as what He did to send His one and only son to die for us to see how much He cares. Daily we should start to look internally at how we care for others and then we can truly see how much our Father in Heaven cares about us. We have to give up our cares in this world to Him, and Cry out for Him to let Him know our gratitude and that we need His help. When we do this He will show His mercy in many ways, you just have to care enough to ask for help.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
Then You knew my path.
In the way in which I walk
They have secretly set a snare for me.
4 Look on my right hand and see,
For there is no one who acknowledges me;
Refuge has failed me;
No one cares for my soul.
5 I cried out to You, O Lord:
I said, “You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living. Psalm 142:3-5
Do you find yourself wondering why you care or don't care about certain people or if God actually has the time to care about you? There are times in our life that can be difficult and we can begin to question how God has the time or concern to really care about me. All you have to do is look throughout scripture and see the people that God actually cared about to see how He cares. Then you must realize you only need to look as far as what He did to send His one and only son to die for us to see how much He cares. Daily we should start to look internally at how we care for others and then we can truly see how much our Father in Heaven cares about us. We have to give up our cares in this world to Him, and Cry out for Him to let Him know our gratitude and that we need His help. When we do this He will show His mercy in many ways, you just have to care enough to ask for help.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, April 20, 2018
Fantastic Friday #624 - Anxiety
Anxiety
18 For I confess my iniquity;I am full of anxiety because of my sin.
19 But my enemies are vigorous and strong,And many are those who hate me wrongfully.
20 And those who repay evil for good,They oppose me, because I follow what is good.
21 Do not forsake me, O Lord;O my God, do not be far from me!
22 Make haste to help me,O Lord, my salvation! Psalm 38:18-22
Do you feel anxious? This can be common to many of us for many reasons, but the enemy wants you to feel this way. The enemy wants you to feel hopeless. That is one of the challenges with each one of our lives, we just have a difficulty in overcoming that anxiety. That is why I like this passage along with many other verses in Psalms. David is crying out to the Lord and wants Him to help. The great thing about this is that God is always there to help. He is always there to help walk us away from sin or the anxiety that tries to defeat us. We just need to remember the answer is in prayer to our Father, who loves us and wants to help us.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
18 For I confess my iniquity;I am full of anxiety because of my sin.
19 But my enemies are vigorous and strong,And many are those who hate me wrongfully.
20 And those who repay evil for good,They oppose me, because I follow what is good.
21 Do not forsake me, O Lord;O my God, do not be far from me!
22 Make haste to help me,O Lord, my salvation! Psalm 38:18-22
Do you feel anxious? This can be common to many of us for many reasons, but the enemy wants you to feel this way. The enemy wants you to feel hopeless. That is one of the challenges with each one of our lives, we just have a difficulty in overcoming that anxiety. That is why I like this passage along with many other verses in Psalms. David is crying out to the Lord and wants Him to help. The great thing about this is that God is always there to help. He is always there to help walk us away from sin or the anxiety that tries to defeat us. We just need to remember the answer is in prayer to our Father, who loves us and wants to help us.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, April 13, 2018
Fantastic Friday #623 - Choose
Choose
12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17 This I command you, that you love one another. John 15:12-17
We all have choices we make every day on how we are going respond to other people. Maybe you have that really irritating person that just won't stop talking and continues to draw the conversation to what is going with them. Or you have those people that are attacking other people on social media even though they do not have an inkling of the truth, but just want to take a side against someone, kind of like the mob mentality. Maybe you have that person who constantly asks the same question over and over again, or you have those people who are supposed to know what they are doing, but they have zero clue on how to handle things. We have a choice on how we will respond to people. A lot of times our first thought might be to lash out, or comment to those people that are hurting others. Then again, you might think, it is better not to say anything so things don't cause a big uproar. Maybe we ought to see what God's command was in this verse. If we love others like he loves us, think of the change we could make. Remember God chooses us. Let that sink in a minute. If God loves us enough to choose us, sinners, then shouldn't we choose to love those around us and not berate them, beat them down, and treat them horribly? Choose the right kind of love, the forgiving love that is given to us by our Father in Heaven.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17 This I command you, that you love one another. John 15:12-17
We all have choices we make every day on how we are going respond to other people. Maybe you have that really irritating person that just won't stop talking and continues to draw the conversation to what is going with them. Or you have those people that are attacking other people on social media even though they do not have an inkling of the truth, but just want to take a side against someone, kind of like the mob mentality. Maybe you have that person who constantly asks the same question over and over again, or you have those people who are supposed to know what they are doing, but they have zero clue on how to handle things. We have a choice on how we will respond to people. A lot of times our first thought might be to lash out, or comment to those people that are hurting others. Then again, you might think, it is better not to say anything so things don't cause a big uproar. Maybe we ought to see what God's command was in this verse. If we love others like he loves us, think of the change we could make. Remember God chooses us. Let that sink in a minute. If God loves us enough to choose us, sinners, then shouldn't we choose to love those around us and not berate them, beat them down, and treat them horribly? Choose the right kind of love, the forgiving love that is given to us by our Father in Heaven.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, April 6, 2018
Fantastic Friday #622 - Flee
Good Morning,
Flee
11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12
While the lead-in verse to this passage in verse 10 is discussing money, I think you can apply this to most anything that is not of God and what he wants from our life. When we start the day, do we begin with the thought that I am going to flee the unrighteous life, or do we not even think about it during this part of our day? I know that one of the things that I begin prayer with each day is to ask God to guide me down the path of righteousness and not deviate from it. Sometimes people draw you into negativity which can pull you towards that unrighteous walk because you aren't leading in faith and love. God is very clear with how we should pursue righteousness, all we need to do is stop and remember these words. Faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Remember that the next time you wake up, today I am going to pursue righteousness in these four ways.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Flee
11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12
While the lead-in verse to this passage in verse 10 is discussing money, I think you can apply this to most anything that is not of God and what he wants from our life. When we start the day, do we begin with the thought that I am going to flee the unrighteous life, or do we not even think about it during this part of our day? I know that one of the things that I begin prayer with each day is to ask God to guide me down the path of righteousness and not deviate from it. Sometimes people draw you into negativity which can pull you towards that unrighteous walk because you aren't leading in faith and love. God is very clear with how we should pursue righteousness, all we need to do is stop and remember these words. Faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Remember that the next time you wake up, today I am going to pursue righteousness in these four ways.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, March 30, 2018
Fantastic Friday #621 - Mock
Mock
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. 28 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 They spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. 31 After they had mocked Him, they took the scarlet robe off Him and put His own garments back on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. Matthew 27:27-31
The first question I have is how did you feel after reading this passage? If you are a very visual person and need to see something to feel, then you might not have felt anything or felt very little. However, if words can paint a picture for you, then you might be able to feel the pain and suffering that He felt during this period. I know that as we walk throughout our day, we see and hear things all day long whether it be on the news, the internet or in person. The question is, how do we feel when we see or hear these things. Our society has become very numb to the world around us, and many times if we encounter a situation where someone is being mocked, it just doesn't impact us like it did in the past because it really isn't happening to us. I challenge you to look at things differently, to view mocking in a different manner and see how you can make a difference. I know that we can easily fall into the mocking of someone else, if another person is doing that. It is just human nature to follow along, or really it is the enemy telling us we should. I wonder if some Roman guards felt differently then what they were directed to do, and they just piled on with the insults and beatings because they didn't want to show weakness or had something to prove. We need to remember that God commanded us to love one another, he didn't command us to mock one another. I hope we all can make a difference in someone else's life like Jesus has made in so many.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. 28 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 They spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. 31 After they had mocked Him, they took the scarlet robe off Him and put His own garments back on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. Matthew 27:27-31
The first question I have is how did you feel after reading this passage? If you are a very visual person and need to see something to feel, then you might not have felt anything or felt very little. However, if words can paint a picture for you, then you might be able to feel the pain and suffering that He felt during this period. I know that as we walk throughout our day, we see and hear things all day long whether it be on the news, the internet or in person. The question is, how do we feel when we see or hear these things. Our society has become very numb to the world around us, and many times if we encounter a situation where someone is being mocked, it just doesn't impact us like it did in the past because it really isn't happening to us. I challenge you to look at things differently, to view mocking in a different manner and see how you can make a difference. I know that we can easily fall into the mocking of someone else, if another person is doing that. It is just human nature to follow along, or really it is the enemy telling us we should. I wonder if some Roman guards felt differently then what they were directed to do, and they just piled on with the insults and beatings because they didn't want to show weakness or had something to prove. We need to remember that God commanded us to love one another, he didn't command us to mock one another. I hope we all can make a difference in someone else's life like Jesus has made in so many.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, March 23, 2018
Fantastic Friday #620 - Blessed
Blessed
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9
I learned an interesting lesson this week and it came from two of my friends. When dealing with people, you wonder what good customer service looks like, and boy did I have some interesting customer service moments that I would like to forget. How these circumstances were handled ended up being very different, while one was very apologetic and concerned about my business the other was full of silence, and if I can refer to one of my friend's famous words, crickets. We can tend to walk through our lives not so concerned about how our personal actions can have a wave of effect on a number of people. For example, one person's negative comment can impact numerous people and have ongoing impact for days to come. My friends have a term they use when dealing with something and that is drip a little honey on it. Honey is full of natural sweetness and can go a long way in solving issues. We need more honey in this world and be able to bless people rather than spewing vinegar everywhere. Make a difference, be blessed and bless others with the kindness of honey.
Have a great weekend.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9
I learned an interesting lesson this week and it came from two of my friends. When dealing with people, you wonder what good customer service looks like, and boy did I have some interesting customer service moments that I would like to forget. How these circumstances were handled ended up being very different, while one was very apologetic and concerned about my business the other was full of silence, and if I can refer to one of my friend's famous words, crickets. We can tend to walk through our lives not so concerned about how our personal actions can have a wave of effect on a number of people. For example, one person's negative comment can impact numerous people and have ongoing impact for days to come. My friends have a term they use when dealing with something and that is drip a little honey on it. Honey is full of natural sweetness and can go a long way in solving issues. We need more honey in this world and be able to bless people rather than spewing vinegar everywhere. Make a difference, be blessed and bless others with the kindness of honey.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 16, 2018
Fantastic Friday #619 - Beauty
Beauty
5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Psalm 96: 5-7
What do you find to be beautiful? Maybe it is a sunrise or sunset, maybe it is the snow peaked mountains, or the splashing waves along a pristine beach. People place a lot of emphasis on beauty in our culture, and they can spend hours upon hours getting themselves dolled up for their daily tasks and chores. But is the exterior individual truly a view of what beauty is all about? I tend to think that since God created the world that has beauty that we should honor Him daily for His creation. In addition, he also created us in the manner that which we are presented daily as well. He also created what is in our heart and what travels from the outflow of our heart is where we can find true beauty. We need to look deeper than the physical features that God has created, because we are all beautiful in His eyes. We need to see the deeper beauty of what people can offer and not so much focus on the beauty that can fade away as quickly as the sun going down. Find that beauty in others, and your true beauty will shine forth.
Have a great weekend.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Psalm 96: 5-7
What do you find to be beautiful? Maybe it is a sunrise or sunset, maybe it is the snow peaked mountains, or the splashing waves along a pristine beach. People place a lot of emphasis on beauty in our culture, and they can spend hours upon hours getting themselves dolled up for their daily tasks and chores. But is the exterior individual truly a view of what beauty is all about? I tend to think that since God created the world that has beauty that we should honor Him daily for His creation. In addition, he also created us in the manner that which we are presented daily as well. He also created what is in our heart and what travels from the outflow of our heart is where we can find true beauty. We need to look deeper than the physical features that God has created, because we are all beautiful in His eyes. We need to see the deeper beauty of what people can offer and not so much focus on the beauty that can fade away as quickly as the sun going down. Find that beauty in others, and your true beauty will shine forth.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 9, 2018
Fantastic Friday #618 - Taste
Taste
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Romans 12: 1-3
Do you ever eat that lunch out of your lunchbox and something about it just doesn't taste right? This typically happens when one food conforms and takes on the smell and taste of another food. This is not always so good, and in fact it can be somewhat disappointing and leave a nasty taste in your mouth. The same can be said for our lives and how we live daily. Do we conform to the world's beliefs or do we rely on our faith and the beliefs born out of God's Word. I think at times if we are conforming to the world, our taste and smell changes. Not a true smell, but a scent of the gospel is changed within us and not for the better. However, if we live our lives with a faith in Christ and all His teachings, I honestly can say that the fragrant aroma of our lives can be sensed by others, and our transformation can have an influence on others. Don't conform, but transform into all that God wants you to be, and then maybe your potato chips won't taste like something from last week.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Romans 12: 1-3
Do you ever eat that lunch out of your lunchbox and something about it just doesn't taste right? This typically happens when one food conforms and takes on the smell and taste of another food. This is not always so good, and in fact it can be somewhat disappointing and leave a nasty taste in your mouth. The same can be said for our lives and how we live daily. Do we conform to the world's beliefs or do we rely on our faith and the beliefs born out of God's Word. I think at times if we are conforming to the world, our taste and smell changes. Not a true smell, but a scent of the gospel is changed within us and not for the better. However, if we live our lives with a faith in Christ and all His teachings, I honestly can say that the fragrant aroma of our lives can be sensed by others, and our transformation can have an influence on others. Don't conform, but transform into all that God wants you to be, and then maybe your potato chips won't taste like something from last week.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, March 2, 2018
Fantastic Friday #617 - Plans
Plans
The mind of man plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Do you make plans in your head? How often do the plans you make in your head actually match up with what you have accomplished? I know there are many of us who plan and plan and plan, and it can be very frustrating when the plans don't go our way. A simple example is the game of baseball, it is a pastime played outside. What one thing do you need for baseball not to happen, that's right rain, lightning and sometimes fog. Yes, I know that is three things, but it is typically one uncontrollable weather event, and sometimes we let this one thing disappoint us. What about a chosen path we take that we have planned for, do we turn to God to guide us, or do we look too much at the end goal. By looking too far ahead, we can take our perceived steps to accomplish our task and get disappointed when the plan doesn't work out. God will get us there, for all our plans, we just need to rely on Him. So, quit making plans and expecting to follow your own ideas and follow his guidance for our plan.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
The mind of man plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Do you make plans in your head? How often do the plans you make in your head actually match up with what you have accomplished? I know there are many of us who plan and plan and plan, and it can be very frustrating when the plans don't go our way. A simple example is the game of baseball, it is a pastime played outside. What one thing do you need for baseball not to happen, that's right rain, lightning and sometimes fog. Yes, I know that is three things, but it is typically one uncontrollable weather event, and sometimes we let this one thing disappoint us. What about a chosen path we take that we have planned for, do we turn to God to guide us, or do we look too much at the end goal. By looking too far ahead, we can take our perceived steps to accomplish our task and get disappointed when the plan doesn't work out. God will get us there, for all our plans, we just need to rely on Him. So, quit making plans and expecting to follow your own ideas and follow his guidance for our plan.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, February 23, 2018
Fantastic Friday #616 - Front
Front
Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Proverbs 4:25
Do you find it easier to look back at something than forward at what's before you? I have this tendency when I am about to attempt something new or outside my comfort zone. I have attempted two things in front of people this week, where I looked back at previous presentations and found myself balled up into physical stress. This week I heard a presentation on conquering fears, and while it wasn't spiritual in nature, it certainly made an impact on me. I found that I had to stop looking back and seeing how I was and start looking forward and seeing how I need to be in life. We all need to do that, and this Proverb is an excellent example of looking in front. We can't focus on what is behind us to improve who we are, but need to look out front and keep that gaze forward.
Have a great weekend.
Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Proverbs 4:25
Do you find it easier to look back at something than forward at what's before you? I have this tendency when I am about to attempt something new or outside my comfort zone. I have attempted two things in front of people this week, where I looked back at previous presentations and found myself balled up into physical stress. This week I heard a presentation on conquering fears, and while it wasn't spiritual in nature, it certainly made an impact on me. I found that I had to stop looking back and seeing how I was and start looking forward and seeing how I need to be in life. We all need to do that, and this Proverb is an excellent example of looking in front. We can't focus on what is behind us to improve who we are, but need to look out front and keep that gaze forward.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, February 16, 2018
Fantastic Friday #615 - Gangrene
Gangrene
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 2 Timothy 2:15-17
There are two main definitions for Gangrene:
1. necrosis or death of soft tissue due to obstructed circulation, usually followed by decomposition and putrefaction.
Then there is:
2. moral or spiritual corruption and decadence that pervades an individual or group.
It is very interesting to me how graphic the first definition is and how the second definition really gives it a second punch to the gut. When we are out there in the world and we are talking about people or gossiping about the latest news that we heard, we are not only sinning, but we are encouraging other people to sin. This type of sin spreads like death according to the scripture, but as you can see it doesn't stop there. This type of sin leads to further ungodliness and can have a significant impact on others. If you stop and think, everything that you say or do comes from your heart. If your heart isn't right, then things said or done can typically tear people down or lead to empty chatter. However, if you begin to look internally at your heart, the outflow will something very different and won't lead to Gangrene. My hope is to keep from dying each day, and be more of someone who is living each day for myself and others. The world is hurting and I cannot continue to contribute to that hurting if all I am doing is engaging in the empty chatter.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 2 Timothy 2:15-17
There are two main definitions for Gangrene:
1. necrosis or death of soft tissue due to obstructed circulation, usually followed by decomposition and putrefaction.
Then there is:
2. moral or spiritual corruption and decadence that pervades an individual or group.
It is very interesting to me how graphic the first definition is and how the second definition really gives it a second punch to the gut. When we are out there in the world and we are talking about people or gossiping about the latest news that we heard, we are not only sinning, but we are encouraging other people to sin. This type of sin spreads like death according to the scripture, but as you can see it doesn't stop there. This type of sin leads to further ungodliness and can have a significant impact on others. If you stop and think, everything that you say or do comes from your heart. If your heart isn't right, then things said or done can typically tear people down or lead to empty chatter. However, if you begin to look internally at your heart, the outflow will something very different and won't lead to Gangrene. My hope is to keep from dying each day, and be more of someone who is living each day for myself and others. The world is hurting and I cannot continue to contribute to that hurting if all I am doing is engaging in the empty chatter.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, February 9, 2018
Fantastic Friday #614 - Pass
Pass
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Matthew 24:32-35
Do you pay attention to all of the words that come at you throughout the day? If you are like me, the world and things can distract you from the most important people in your life. I can be carrying on a conversation with my daughter, and she can recognize it and say "Dad, pay attention, I am talking to you." The problem is not all of us have my daughter around or don't have someone saying "pay attention to me." This week I met with some of the young professionals who work in my reporting line, and the interesting thing is that it was very easy to listen to them and not let their words pass away. I believe the people you are more familiar with are the most difficult group of people to listen to their words. For those of us who know Jesus, it is very easy for us to ignore His words and let the phrases pass through one ear and out the other. We have to make sure we are not like the fig tree who withers, but pay attention to all words so you can distinguish between the truth and the lies. Don't let God's Word pass away.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Matthew 24:32-35
Do you pay attention to all of the words that come at you throughout the day? If you are like me, the world and things can distract you from the most important people in your life. I can be carrying on a conversation with my daughter, and she can recognize it and say "Dad, pay attention, I am talking to you." The problem is not all of us have my daughter around or don't have someone saying "pay attention to me." This week I met with some of the young professionals who work in my reporting line, and the interesting thing is that it was very easy to listen to them and not let their words pass away. I believe the people you are more familiar with are the most difficult group of people to listen to their words. For those of us who know Jesus, it is very easy for us to ignore His words and let the phrases pass through one ear and out the other. We have to make sure we are not like the fig tree who withers, but pay attention to all words so you can distinguish between the truth and the lies. Don't let God's Word pass away.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, February 2, 2018
Fantastic Friday #613 - Belief
Belief
14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.”
17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17: 14-21
How strong is your belief? I see people every day who will state that they believe, and other days they are singing "we believe". I sit back and wonder what they actually believe in. I can sometimes realize that I give too much credit to myself for my circumstances and not realize that God is actually in charge and can bring me out of whatever trial or suffering I am experiencing. This is directly related to the strength of our faith. I love how this passage reads and almost seems if Jesus is a bit sarcastic with his disciples, but I know what comes through as sarcasm is laced with a love for them. Don't get me wrong, there are some days that I question what I believe in myself, but I am always reminded of my belief that God can do anything. I just have to look past my own circumstances sometimes to see and have the faith that he discusses in this passage.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.”
17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17: 14-21
How strong is your belief? I see people every day who will state that they believe, and other days they are singing "we believe". I sit back and wonder what they actually believe in. I can sometimes realize that I give too much credit to myself for my circumstances and not realize that God is actually in charge and can bring me out of whatever trial or suffering I am experiencing. This is directly related to the strength of our faith. I love how this passage reads and almost seems if Jesus is a bit sarcastic with his disciples, but I know what comes through as sarcasm is laced with a love for them. Don't get me wrong, there are some days that I question what I believe in myself, but I am always reminded of my belief that God can do anything. I just have to look past my own circumstances sometimes to see and have the faith that he discusses in this passage.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, January 26, 2018
Fantastic Friday #612 - Fruits
Fruits
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:15-20
Have you had someone share something with you that sounds awesome but something just seems to be missing? We hear things all day long from people that sound good, and sometimes too good to be true. A lot of times these people are very charismatic and have a personality that is strong and outgoing. We can find ourselves drawn to these people because maybe they have something that we lack, or maybe they tend to enhance our personality. Now, have you had someone share something with you that sounds "gospel-like" but you know something is just not right? Just like the scripture says, these "false prophets" have fruits that you can recognize, just sometimes it takes us a long time to truly see who they are and what kind of impact they can have on us. However, if we stay engaged with the Lord, His teachings, and have faith in His power, we can be strong and avoid these FP's that focus on the wrong things.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:15-20
Have you had someone share something with you that sounds awesome but something just seems to be missing? We hear things all day long from people that sound good, and sometimes too good to be true. A lot of times these people are very charismatic and have a personality that is strong and outgoing. We can find ourselves drawn to these people because maybe they have something that we lack, or maybe they tend to enhance our personality. Now, have you had someone share something with you that sounds "gospel-like" but you know something is just not right? Just like the scripture says, these "false prophets" have fruits that you can recognize, just sometimes it takes us a long time to truly see who they are and what kind of impact they can have on us. However, if we stay engaged with the Lord, His teachings, and have faith in His power, we can be strong and avoid these FP's that focus on the wrong things.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, January 19, 2018
Fantastic Friday #611 - Stars
Stars
3 He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.
5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit.
6 The Lord sustains the humble
but casts the wicked to the ground. Psalm 147:3-6
I saw something interesting this morning as I walked out to my car in 17 degree weather. I looked down at the ground and the yard was shimmering due to the frozen dew on the grass. What amazed me was the way that each little piece of ice sparkled just like the stars, but depending on what direction or angle I looked, the ice would disappear or reappear. Just like the Stars in the sky, God has determined us and who we are in life by name. However, there are many times that we try to foul up God's plan by not humbling ourselves and using our gifts to help others around us. God loves us so much, he will heal us as the scripture says and he knows each of us. We need to remember as the scripture says, He has no limit, but it is up to us on whether we disappear or shimmer in the light. Focus on your sparkle like the stars in the sky that don't disappear, and if you are the frozen dew on the ground, know that you can reappear and shimmer if you humble yourself.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, January 12, 2018
Fantastic Friday #610 - Miracles
Miracles
11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Acts 19:11-12
Do you wonder if miracles really happen today? I have been asking myself a lot of questions of "why" this week. If miracles can happen, then why doesn't God protect good people. I know this sounds silly coming from someone who has faith in God and all He does for us, but I still question from time to time. I saw where a former college football player, who was a husband and had 2 small children died this week from an accident while he was on his way to a medical residency interview. My first question was how could God let this happen. My second question then went to one thing that we should all remember and that is God works out things for His Glory and not ours. We can't understand why bad things happen to good people, but we can understand that God provides miracles every day. We just need to stop and look at the miracles that happen every day and not get caught up in our own issues. Rely on God to provide the cloths of miracles and let him give you what you need. Have faith, for your miracle will come.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
11 Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Acts 19:11-12
Do you wonder if miracles really happen today? I have been asking myself a lot of questions of "why" this week. If miracles can happen, then why doesn't God protect good people. I know this sounds silly coming from someone who has faith in God and all He does for us, but I still question from time to time. I saw where a former college football player, who was a husband and had 2 small children died this week from an accident while he was on his way to a medical residency interview. My first question was how could God let this happen. My second question then went to one thing that we should all remember and that is God works out things for His Glory and not ours. We can't understand why bad things happen to good people, but we can understand that God provides miracles every day. We just need to stop and look at the miracles that happen every day and not get caught up in our own issues. Rely on God to provide the cloths of miracles and let him give you what you need. Have faith, for your miracle will come.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, January 5, 2018
Fantastic Friday #609 - Vast
Vast
7 When a man’s ways please the Lord,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness,
Than vast revenues without justice.
9 A man’s heart plans his way,
7 When a man’s ways please the Lord,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness,
Than vast revenues without justice.
9 A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.--Proverbs 16:7-9
Have you ever taken a moment to look up at the stars at night and see how vast our universe actually is that God has created. I am reading a western right now that has wonderful descriptions of the sky, but also the vastness of the desert that these people live in that is void of most life and God's natural resources. I wonder when people take a moment to look at these vast areas, if they think about all the things they are chasing in life and if these possessions are worth where they are placing their hearts. We should all step back and view the path to righteousness by focusing on what the Lord wants us to have, and not what we think we need. In this vast world it is easy to get lost, but God will guide our steps if only we have a heart that is pure.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Have you ever taken a moment to look up at the stars at night and see how vast our universe actually is that God has created. I am reading a western right now that has wonderful descriptions of the sky, but also the vastness of the desert that these people live in that is void of most life and God's natural resources. I wonder when people take a moment to look at these vast areas, if they think about all the things they are chasing in life and if these possessions are worth where they are placing their hearts. We should all step back and view the path to righteousness by focusing on what the Lord wants us to have, and not what we think we need. In this vast world it is easy to get lost, but God will guide our steps if only we have a heart that is pure.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
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