Sunrise
His splendor was like the sunrise;
rays flashed from his hand,
where his power was hidden. Habakkuk 3:4
The sunrise is a very interesting phenomenon to observe. The way total darkness slowly turns into light, until you see the fullness of the sun. The same can be said about our life before we have Christ in it. The darkness can shroud our heart and mind, but until that moment we fully accept Christ, we won't see the shining sun in our heart. As I watch the crest of the sun this morning creep above the horizon, I can see why God provides such a slow and even process, instead of showing everything at once. The splendor is there for us to enjoy and also to remind us that He is in control of the world, the universe and everything He has created. Also, as the sun rises you can look straight at it without it blinding you as it does in the rest of the sky when you observe it, and I honestly think that God allowed this to happen so we can see His glory every single morning, unless it is cloudy. God's glorious creation is something we need to take more time to view and reflect on, for it was created for us to enjoy while here on earth.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, December 30, 2022
Friday, December 23, 2022
Fantastic Friday #868 - News
News
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2: 8-11
What news are you waiting on? Is it a job, information on your health or something that you have been waiting on for a while? We all wait for news, and sometimes we are waiting a long time. People, years before Christ's arrival had waited on a Savior, someone to rescue them. I can only assume that when the day finally came as the news of His arrival spread, people were full of joy and relief. Finally, He had arrived, and if you notice, the people considered the lowliest were the first to hear about Christ"s arrival. The nice thing about us today is that we don't have to wait on Christ, because He is already present. We may have to wait on answers to our prayers, but we don't have to wait on His arrival in our lives. Just think of the joy the shepherds must have felt on that day. I can't imagine hearing an Angel of the Lord, but I can imagine hearing the still small voice guiding me daily. Remember, you don't have to wait because the good news is already here.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2: 8-11
What news are you waiting on? Is it a job, information on your health or something that you have been waiting on for a while? We all wait for news, and sometimes we are waiting a long time. People, years before Christ's arrival had waited on a Savior, someone to rescue them. I can only assume that when the day finally came as the news of His arrival spread, people were full of joy and relief. Finally, He had arrived, and if you notice, the people considered the lowliest were the first to hear about Christ"s arrival. The nice thing about us today is that we don't have to wait on Christ, because He is already present. We may have to wait on answers to our prayers, but we don't have to wait on His arrival in our lives. Just think of the joy the shepherds must have felt on that day. I can't imagine hearing an Angel of the Lord, but I can imagine hearing the still small voice guiding me daily. Remember, you don't have to wait because the good news is already here.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, December 16, 2022
Fantastic Friday #867 - Trip
Trip
4 Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
protect me from the violent,
who devise ways to trip my feet.
5 The arrogant have hidden a snare for me;
they have spread out the cords of their net
and have set traps for me along my path. Psalm 140:4-5
As I get older, I am constantly keeping an eye out when I walk over things that I might trip over. I know that if for some reason I go down, the result will not be very good and I might be spending some time in an emergency room. Each morning when I walk my dogs, I am constantly having to balance not tripping over them when they get under my feet. Just like this scripture points out, the enemy is always there trying to trip us up. It could be something as simple as getting swallowed up in the gossip of a conversation, or something that you do that you think is only slightly dishonest. Snares are built in a way to trap us when we least expect it to, and believe me when I say that snares are everywhere. We can combat those snares if we pay close attention to what God teaches and what we should do in all those situations. We need to remember to keep God as our guide to help us avoid the snares and battle them when we can get trapped. Keep your eyes to the front and don't let them waiver. I hope we can all avoid tripping, and while we might from time to time, just know there can be forgiveness if you prayerfully petition God.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
4 Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
protect me from the violent,
who devise ways to trip my feet.
5 The arrogant have hidden a snare for me;
they have spread out the cords of their net
and have set traps for me along my path. Psalm 140:4-5
As I get older, I am constantly keeping an eye out when I walk over things that I might trip over. I know that if for some reason I go down, the result will not be very good and I might be spending some time in an emergency room. Each morning when I walk my dogs, I am constantly having to balance not tripping over them when they get under my feet. Just like this scripture points out, the enemy is always there trying to trip us up. It could be something as simple as getting swallowed up in the gossip of a conversation, or something that you do that you think is only slightly dishonest. Snares are built in a way to trap us when we least expect it to, and believe me when I say that snares are everywhere. We can combat those snares if we pay close attention to what God teaches and what we should do in all those situations. We need to remember to keep God as our guide to help us avoid the snares and battle them when we can get trapped. Keep your eyes to the front and don't let them waiver. I hope we can all avoid tripping, and while we might from time to time, just know there can be forgiveness if you prayerfully petition God.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, December 9, 2022
Fantastic Friday #866 - Ask
Ask
22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16: 22-24
When you ask for things, do you ask the Lord or do you just throw up a comment about wanting something. Do you spend your days thinking about what you want vs. what you need? During this season of giving, I see a lot more wanting without a thought of whether or not someone truly needs something. I often think about what I ask the Lord for and how I ask. Now reading this scripture it reminds me that I must ask for what I need in His name and I need to be thoughtful of asking for things I want. God wants a relationship with us and for us to rely on Him, so I encourage you to be thoughtful of what you ask for and how you ask. We need to remember that Joy is something that is not waning if we have true faith in the Lord and what He can provide.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16: 22-24
When you ask for things, do you ask the Lord or do you just throw up a comment about wanting something. Do you spend your days thinking about what you want vs. what you need? During this season of giving, I see a lot more wanting without a thought of whether or not someone truly needs something. I often think about what I ask the Lord for and how I ask. Now reading this scripture it reminds me that I must ask for what I need in His name and I need to be thoughtful of asking for things I want. God wants a relationship with us and for us to rely on Him, so I encourage you to be thoughtful of what you ask for and how you ask. We need to remember that Joy is something that is not waning if we have true faith in the Lord and what He can provide.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, December 2, 2022
Fantastic Friday #865 - Changing
Changing
Who is like the wise?
Who knows the explanation of things?
A person’s wisdom brightens their face
and changes its hard appearance. Ecclesiastes 8:1
This week I saw something I have never seen before in all my years on this earth. It was a tree that had multiple color changes going on, but at the bottom it was still green like it was in the middle of summer. Only 50% had changed, and when the sun shined on it, the changing colors were highlighted but the green colors looked dull and unchanged. I could not explain what was going on with this tree, just like I cannot explain how people can change from their sinful ways to a life free of sin. All I know is that God can create change in all of us, and His hand in our lives never fails. Something else you notice in a changed life is their face is bright and wonderful just like the leaves on the tree. We need to remember what that feels like and continue to change our lives for the better. Let God shine on you and change you, you will not be disappointed.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Who is like the wise?
Who knows the explanation of things?
A person’s wisdom brightens their face
and changes its hard appearance. Ecclesiastes 8:1
This week I saw something I have never seen before in all my years on this earth. It was a tree that had multiple color changes going on, but at the bottom it was still green like it was in the middle of summer. Only 50% had changed, and when the sun shined on it, the changing colors were highlighted but the green colors looked dull and unchanged. I could not explain what was going on with this tree, just like I cannot explain how people can change from their sinful ways to a life free of sin. All I know is that God can create change in all of us, and His hand in our lives never fails. Something else you notice in a changed life is their face is bright and wonderful just like the leaves on the tree. We need to remember what that feels like and continue to change our lives for the better. Let God shine on you and change you, you will not be disappointed.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, November 25, 2022
Fantastic Friday #864 - Bold
Bold
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2
I, along with some of my extended family, met a man this week who was working on a water leak in our campsite. While we were asking about the repair time, this man boldly asked if he could share a word with us, and we were like, sure. He proceeded to quote John 3:16 and then moved to Romans 5:1. This man's story is an interesting one of drug addiction and being reborn through the love of Jesus Christ. It wasn't his story of being saved by God that interested me the most, but of his true boldness to share the gospel, and be willing to answer questions of his path to where he is today. I reflected a lot on his boldness and wished that I could be as bold as he was with us. For some reason, I am not bold but timid when it comes to sharing my story. I always hope my Friday messages reach people, but I further hope that I can be as bold as this man was to us to other people in the future.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, November 18, 2022
Fantastic Friday #863 - Laughter
Laughter
20 “Surely God does not reject one who is blameless
or strengthen the hands of evildoers.
21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter
and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:20-21
I saw a video of two little boys this week passing a bottle of drink back and forth and laughing and carrying on. The laughter was so innocent and enjoyable to listen to, I couldn't get enough of seeing the looks on their faces and hearing their laughter. To be honest, my work was limited for the next several minutes because I could not stop watching it. It left me with a warmth and happiness to see two individuals with such laughter in their hearts and made me realize, when was the last time I laughed that hard. God wants us to be happy, and although we may go through trials, in the end he wants us to be happy. Happiness can come in many forms, but I know that when I have a good laugh with someone I know, the joy of God can be felt close to me. We need to take a moment every day to give ourselves a reminder of how joyful life is, and what God has done for us. The enemy wants us to be angry and hateful, but I choose to be happy and joyful. Find joy in your life and laughter in your heart.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
20 “Surely God does not reject one who is blameless
or strengthen the hands of evildoers.
21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter
and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:20-21
I saw a video of two little boys this week passing a bottle of drink back and forth and laughing and carrying on. The laughter was so innocent and enjoyable to listen to, I couldn't get enough of seeing the looks on their faces and hearing their laughter. To be honest, my work was limited for the next several minutes because I could not stop watching it. It left me with a warmth and happiness to see two individuals with such laughter in their hearts and made me realize, when was the last time I laughed that hard. God wants us to be happy, and although we may go through trials, in the end he wants us to be happy. Happiness can come in many forms, but I know that when I have a good laugh with someone I know, the joy of God can be felt close to me. We need to take a moment every day to give ourselves a reminder of how joyful life is, and what God has done for us. The enemy wants us to be angry and hateful, but I choose to be happy and joyful. Find joy in your life and laughter in your heart.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, November 11, 2022
Fantastic Friday #862 - Thunder
Thunder
5 God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.
6 He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ Job 37:5-6
We have had quite a number of thunderstorms lately in my area, and the sound is amazing if you sit down and listen to it. When you think of what God has created, you also think of the power to control the lightning and thunder, or at least I do. Have you seen God at work in your life this week? If you haven't, now is the time to reflect on God and what He has done for you, even the little things. While the little things might not be handled by the voice of thunder, it is marvelous nonetheless. Every blessing that God places on us is through His power and nothing else. So, when you hear God's voice through the gentle still small voice, remember that the power of God's thunderous voice is behind it. God doesn't always make His influence loud and obvious, but if we pay close attention it is certainly present. Let God's thunderous voice do great things for you and your life.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
5 God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.
6 He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ Job 37:5-6
We have had quite a number of thunderstorms lately in my area, and the sound is amazing if you sit down and listen to it. When you think of what God has created, you also think of the power to control the lightning and thunder, or at least I do. Have you seen God at work in your life this week? If you haven't, now is the time to reflect on God and what He has done for you, even the little things. While the little things might not be handled by the voice of thunder, it is marvelous nonetheless. Every blessing that God places on us is through His power and nothing else. So, when you hear God's voice through the gentle still small voice, remember that the power of God's thunderous voice is behind it. God doesn't always make His influence loud and obvious, but if we pay close attention it is certainly present. Let God's thunderous voice do great things for you and your life.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, November 4, 2022
Fantastic Friday #861 - Blocked
Blocked
19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
but the path of the upright is a highway. Proverbs 15:19
There are the things that block our path daily, whether it be an accident on the roadway, mud washed over a sidewalk, or an animal in our path that we truly wish to avoid. All these things can impede our path forward, just like when the enemy places things in front of us to stop us from moving forward with God's plan for our lives. There is not much difference between the different things blocking our path, in each scenario we need to find a path that avoids the problem in front of us. If we choose to tackle the blockade, we can't do it alone, and we know that we need God to assist us with getting through, around or avoiding it altogether. Remember that God is always there to answer the call to deal with things that block us. It may be something as simple as blocking out the media and world to focus on God, or placing us close to those who may be in need. In every case, good can block the enemy, and all we need to do is put up our own blockade with God by our side and leading the way.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns,
but the path of the upright is a highway. Proverbs 15:19
There are the things that block our path daily, whether it be an accident on the roadway, mud washed over a sidewalk, or an animal in our path that we truly wish to avoid. All these things can impede our path forward, just like when the enemy places things in front of us to stop us from moving forward with God's plan for our lives. There is not much difference between the different things blocking our path, in each scenario we need to find a path that avoids the problem in front of us. If we choose to tackle the blockade, we can't do it alone, and we know that we need God to assist us with getting through, around or avoiding it altogether. Remember that God is always there to answer the call to deal with things that block us. It may be something as simple as blocking out the media and world to focus on God, or placing us close to those who may be in need. In every case, good can block the enemy, and all we need to do is put up our own blockade with God by our side and leading the way.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, October 28, 2022
Fantastic Friday #860 - Serve
Serve
14 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15
As I was walking across campus at my job this week, I came across several pieces of trash that had blown out of one of our maintenance carts. I made an intentional decision on my way to my event in my suit to stop and pick up the trash and while doing this, I stepped into a mud-filled flower bed. I then proceeded to carry the trash to the closest dumpster. I don't speak these words to show that I did anything special, but I speak these words to set up the remainder of my story. After seeing me pick up the trash, one of the heads of our maintenance staff stopped to pick me up in his cart and asked where he could take me, and I politely answered, to your lunch. I am not sure he realized that the lunch he was about to eat was to be served by me. I did wash my hands prior to serving the lunch, but as I looked at the faces of my maintenance and housekeeping staff, it made me realize a few things about serving. The smallest things like a ride to a destination, picking up rubbish that will help improve the look of our area, and simply serving people can produce a feeling of joy that we can sometimes miss out on if we are not looking for ways we can serve. The simpleness of serving our Father in Heaven can also bring us joy, and closer to Him. But remember, when you are serving people, you are serving Him as well. Throw away the negativity in your life and find a way to serve daily, it will surely change your outlook.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
14 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15
As I was walking across campus at my job this week, I came across several pieces of trash that had blown out of one of our maintenance carts. I made an intentional decision on my way to my event in my suit to stop and pick up the trash and while doing this, I stepped into a mud-filled flower bed. I then proceeded to carry the trash to the closest dumpster. I don't speak these words to show that I did anything special, but I speak these words to set up the remainder of my story. After seeing me pick up the trash, one of the heads of our maintenance staff stopped to pick me up in his cart and asked where he could take me, and I politely answered, to your lunch. I am not sure he realized that the lunch he was about to eat was to be served by me. I did wash my hands prior to serving the lunch, but as I looked at the faces of my maintenance and housekeeping staff, it made me realize a few things about serving. The smallest things like a ride to a destination, picking up rubbish that will help improve the look of our area, and simply serving people can produce a feeling of joy that we can sometimes miss out on if we are not looking for ways we can serve. The simpleness of serving our Father in Heaven can also bring us joy, and closer to Him. But remember, when you are serving people, you are serving Him as well. Throw away the negativity in your life and find a way to serve daily, it will surely change your outlook.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, October 21, 2022
Fantastic Friday #859 - Belt
Belt
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:13-15
I sometimes wished that I had an extra belt that is one size larger than my actual waist size. This way when I eat too much Blue Bell, or an extra large steak, I can put on that larger belt to help hold in my gut which seems to expand more easily the older I get. But of course that is not being honest with myself, and the truth is that I can control what I eat and how much I eat. Our armor that God talks about includes a belt of truth, and we need to be honest with ourselves and wear God's truth where it fits firmly and is noticeable by those around us. When we hide God's truth, this is when the enemy tends to sneak in and loosen our belt to try and make us feel comfortable with his evil ways. We need to feel the firm truth that God has given us, so it is easier to place on our other armour and be protected from anything the enemy throws at us. Don't let Satan tell you it is ok to loosen that belt, because the more we do that, God's truth will slip away. Find the right size that you can feel firmly in touch with God and all He provides.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:13-15
I sometimes wished that I had an extra belt that is one size larger than my actual waist size. This way when I eat too much Blue Bell, or an extra large steak, I can put on that larger belt to help hold in my gut which seems to expand more easily the older I get. But of course that is not being honest with myself, and the truth is that I can control what I eat and how much I eat. Our armor that God talks about includes a belt of truth, and we need to be honest with ourselves and wear God's truth where it fits firmly and is noticeable by those around us. When we hide God's truth, this is when the enemy tends to sneak in and loosen our belt to try and make us feel comfortable with his evil ways. We need to feel the firm truth that God has given us, so it is easier to place on our other armour and be protected from anything the enemy throws at us. Don't let Satan tell you it is ok to loosen that belt, because the more we do that, God's truth will slip away. Find the right size that you can feel firmly in touch with God and all He provides.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, October 14, 2022
Fantastic Friday #858 - Plans
Plans
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Such a common and popular verse, and we all want to know His plan. We all have plans that we lay out for how we want our life to go, how we want an event to go, or a test. We cannot always plan for the unexpected, but we can certainly prepare for it daily. Plans don't always go our way for many reasons, but the most common reason is for us to learn and overcome a challenge that is placed before us. God will not allow us to fully fail, but will allow roadblocks for us to lean into Him and His guidance. I know that I make plans daily, and there are always things that pop up in all our lives, like car issues, money concerns, traffic problems, communication issues, and even family challenges. The way we overcome all these things is to allow God access to our plan, and let Him formulate the plan for us. We cannot control everything but must give up what we think is our control to let God work.
Give it up.
Have a great weekend.
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Such a common and popular verse, and we all want to know His plan. We all have plans that we lay out for how we want our life to go, how we want an event to go, or a test. We cannot always plan for the unexpected, but we can certainly prepare for it daily. Plans don't always go our way for many reasons, but the most common reason is for us to learn and overcome a challenge that is placed before us. God will not allow us to fully fail, but will allow roadblocks for us to lean into Him and His guidance. I know that I make plans daily, and there are always things that pop up in all our lives, like car issues, money concerns, traffic problems, communication issues, and even family challenges. The way we overcome all these things is to allow God access to our plan, and let Him formulate the plan for us. We cannot control everything but must give up what we think is our control to let God work.
Give it up.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 7, 2022
Fantastic Friday #857 - Reason
Reason
42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” John 8:42-47
Do you sit and reason with yourself when you are told something or when you read something? Do you try and figure out what the best decision is or what you think might be the correct answer? Our reasoning can take on many forms and many pieces of information from our past and present to reason out a solution. The challenge comes when our reason does not closely align with what God teaches. Just like Jesus teaches in the above scripture, we tend not to believe things that might be shared with us, even if they are from God. Why is that? The power of the enemy is strong in this world, and there are so many things that the enemy does to pull us away from the truth. We have to daily fight against the enemy and allow our reasoning to belong to God and align with His teachings. Be patient and use the right reasoning tools.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” John 8:42-47
Do you sit and reason with yourself when you are told something or when you read something? Do you try and figure out what the best decision is or what you think might be the correct answer? Our reasoning can take on many forms and many pieces of information from our past and present to reason out a solution. The challenge comes when our reason does not closely align with what God teaches. Just like Jesus teaches in the above scripture, we tend not to believe things that might be shared with us, even if they are from God. Why is that? The power of the enemy is strong in this world, and there are so many things that the enemy does to pull us away from the truth. We have to daily fight against the enemy and allow our reasoning to belong to God and align with His teachings. Be patient and use the right reasoning tools.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, September 30, 2022
Fantastic Friday #856 - Maze
Maze
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
Do you ever feel like in your daily life you are walking down a path that really turns into a maze? We oftentimes can see things as dead ends, walls preventing our path, or we can feel like we are walking in circles. These mazes that we allow ourselves to get lost in can surely be prevented. I bet most times these mazes started out as a wide path we were walking on, with the ability to see everything around us. The moment we let doubt or the enemy creep into our thoughts, the walls go up and we find ourselves stuck in an unending maze of defeat and darkness. There is a battle, and that battle is something God has already won. He can bring down those walls and obstacles in our path, we need to remember that He is the one that sets our path. We need to make sure we stay on the wide and fully visible path, and not get swallowed in the maze of doubt and the enemy.
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
Do you ever feel like in your daily life you are walking down a path that really turns into a maze? We oftentimes can see things as dead ends, walls preventing our path, or we can feel like we are walking in circles. These mazes that we allow ourselves to get lost in can surely be prevented. I bet most times these mazes started out as a wide path we were walking on, with the ability to see everything around us. The moment we let doubt or the enemy creep into our thoughts, the walls go up and we find ourselves stuck in an unending maze of defeat and darkness. There is a battle, and that battle is something God has already won. He can bring down those walls and obstacles in our path, we need to remember that He is the one that sets our path. We need to make sure we stay on the wide and fully visible path, and not get swallowed in the maze of doubt and the enemy.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, September 23, 2022
Fantastic Friday #855 - Memory
Memory
16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers;
you will make them princes throughout the land.
17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever. Psalm 45:16-17
For those of you who have lost someone, what do you remember about them? Are your memories full of good thoughts, or do you think about bad times? I know after losing both parents within 19 months of each other that my memories, even most recently, can flood back in at the most odd and awkward ways. Maybe it is being at a spot where we were together enjoying life, or maybe it was something they said to help me learn. Each time I reflect on these memories and I ask why they are so clear in my mind. Most of the memories are good, and while there are some bad, each has its purpose. Within those memories are things I learned, things that were important to me, and things that will always be a part of me. Do you often think of the memories where God made an impact in your life, or where He was seen working in you? Sometimes these memories can be hard, but they can also be joyful because of what God has done. Acknowledge your memories and know that God has placed these things on your heart to help you grow and learn so you may be prepared for the time when you will be with Him again.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers;
you will make them princes throughout the land.
17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever. Psalm 45:16-17
For those of you who have lost someone, what do you remember about them? Are your memories full of good thoughts, or do you think about bad times? I know after losing both parents within 19 months of each other that my memories, even most recently, can flood back in at the most odd and awkward ways. Maybe it is being at a spot where we were together enjoying life, or maybe it was something they said to help me learn. Each time I reflect on these memories and I ask why they are so clear in my mind. Most of the memories are good, and while there are some bad, each has its purpose. Within those memories are things I learned, things that were important to me, and things that will always be a part of me. Do you often think of the memories where God made an impact in your life, or where He was seen working in you? Sometimes these memories can be hard, but they can also be joyful because of what God has done. Acknowledge your memories and know that God has placed these things on your heart to help you grow and learn so you may be prepared for the time when you will be with Him again.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, September 16, 2022
Fantastic Friday #854 - Choose Love
Choose Love
16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:16-18
Those of you who watch football might have seen the back of some players' helmets this past week with a new sticker placed on them. The sticker states "choose love" and is something they are utilizing to promote awareness of choosing love over hate. It is interesting that the more our society is moving away from choosing love, that our messages keep coming back to everything that God has taught in the scriptures. Choosing to love one another, choosing to honor one another, and encouraging one another are all ways that Jesus shared with His disciples how to respond to others. The moment we stop being more concerned about whether other people love us, if they are treating honor over hate, and we focus our own life on loving others, then we will see how God can influence our lives. The love that drives away doubt and fear, is the same love that Jesus had for his disciples. I say we choose love over hate every day and become more like Christ, it will definitely pay off in the end.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:16-18
Those of you who watch football might have seen the back of some players' helmets this past week with a new sticker placed on them. The sticker states "choose love" and is something they are utilizing to promote awareness of choosing love over hate. It is interesting that the more our society is moving away from choosing love, that our messages keep coming back to everything that God has taught in the scriptures. Choosing to love one another, choosing to honor one another, and encouraging one another are all ways that Jesus shared with His disciples how to respond to others. The moment we stop being more concerned about whether other people love us, if they are treating honor over hate, and we focus our own life on loving others, then we will see how God can influence our lives. The love that drives away doubt and fear, is the same love that Jesus had for his disciples. I say we choose love over hate every day and become more like Christ, it will definitely pay off in the end.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, September 9, 2022
Fantastic Friday #853 - Level
Level
7 Answer me quickly, Lord;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:7-10
Do you sometimes feel like you're on unlevel ground? Maybe you feel like your life is tilting in one direction or another when you are waiting on a response from God. Sometimes that wait can make you unbalanced both physically and emotionally. When we feel like that balance is lost and we start to crumble under our circumstances, if we remember that while God's answer doesn't always come when we want it, or when we think we need it, He is always there to keep us level. Our challenge is to let God balance us and keep us level, because we allow the weight of the enemy to push us into a bad spot. Let God balance you out with his leveling skills, all you have to do is trust in Him and know He can put you on level ground.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
7 Answer me quickly, Lord;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:7-10
Do you sometimes feel like you're on unlevel ground? Maybe you feel like your life is tilting in one direction or another when you are waiting on a response from God. Sometimes that wait can make you unbalanced both physically and emotionally. When we feel like that balance is lost and we start to crumble under our circumstances, if we remember that while God's answer doesn't always come when we want it, or when we think we need it, He is always there to keep us level. Our challenge is to let God balance us and keep us level, because we allow the weight of the enemy to push us into a bad spot. Let God balance you out with his leveling skills, all you have to do is trust in Him and know He can put you on level ground.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, September 2, 2022
Fantastic Friday #852 - Children
Children
16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
they will bring you the delights you desire.
18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Proverbs 29:16-18
In my business, I see young adults every day and when interacting or watching these 18-20 year olds, I can tell whose parents did a job raising them and were involved in their lives appropriately. I also can easily pick out those young adults who might not have had a positive influence to help them grow, or ones that didn't allow them to grow because of their hovering. It may be something as simple as holding a door open for someone, saying thank you, picking up something that has fallen on the ground, or solving a situation without parental involvement fixing it for them. When I see things like this, I can see how the wicked thrive in our society, because we are beginning to ignore what it means to be disciplined and trained in how to interact with others once we become adults. I know that I am in no way a perfect parent, but I do know I worked hard to raise children with my wife that could make decisions on their own and be disciplined in their lives. I know that we cannot fix other people's kids, but we can influence those around us and be a blessing to those who might not know how to handle things. I know God has outlined what it means to be people of influence and all we have to do is listen to His word. Take a moment to see how you can impact those who might not have all the tools it takes to be a productive member of our society.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
they will bring you the delights you desire.
18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Proverbs 29:16-18
In my business, I see young adults every day and when interacting or watching these 18-20 year olds, I can tell whose parents did a job raising them and were involved in their lives appropriately. I also can easily pick out those young adults who might not have had a positive influence to help them grow, or ones that didn't allow them to grow because of their hovering. It may be something as simple as holding a door open for someone, saying thank you, picking up something that has fallen on the ground, or solving a situation without parental involvement fixing it for them. When I see things like this, I can see how the wicked thrive in our society, because we are beginning to ignore what it means to be disciplined and trained in how to interact with others once we become adults. I know that I am in no way a perfect parent, but I do know I worked hard to raise children with my wife that could make decisions on their own and be disciplined in their lives. I know that we cannot fix other people's kids, but we can influence those around us and be a blessing to those who might not know how to handle things. I know God has outlined what it means to be people of influence and all we have to do is listen to His word. Take a moment to see how you can impact those who might not have all the tools it takes to be a productive member of our society.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 26, 2022
Fantastic Friday #851 - Effort
Effort
23 Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”
He said to them, 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’
“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ Luke 13:23-25
I am finding something very recently as my years pass by, that effort by some people is not what I would consider full or even half effort. If you think about the people you work with or around, do you see them putting forth their full effort. I can understand how people can be drowning in tasks and they might feel like they can only have the bare minimum effort on some things, but why is that the case? Are they not prioritizing what needs to be done, are they not encouraging people they rely on to get their work completed? The same can be said about putting in our full effort to follow God and His teachings. If we are not prioritizing God in our life, it is really easy to put forth minimal effort with everything. I also think encouraging others is a good way to set yourself up for a day of maximum effort. All of this work and attitude can provide a feeling of putting forth maximum effort in everything we do. Take a moment to evaluate your effort and see where you might fall short. Maybe someone witnessing your exceptional effort will impact them and their less than adequate effort.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
He said to them, 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’
“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ Luke 13:23-25
I am finding something very recently as my years pass by, that effort by some people is not what I would consider full or even half effort. If you think about the people you work with or around, do you see them putting forth their full effort. I can understand how people can be drowning in tasks and they might feel like they can only have the bare minimum effort on some things, but why is that the case? Are they not prioritizing what needs to be done, are they not encouraging people they rely on to get their work completed? The same can be said about putting in our full effort to follow God and His teachings. If we are not prioritizing God in our life, it is really easy to put forth minimal effort with everything. I also think encouraging others is a good way to set yourself up for a day of maximum effort. All of this work and attitude can provide a feeling of putting forth maximum effort in everything we do. Take a moment to evaluate your effort and see where you might fall short. Maybe someone witnessing your exceptional effort will impact them and their less than adequate effort.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 19, 2022
Fantastic Friday #850 - Failure
Failure
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26
Do you sometimes feel like a failure in one aspect of your life? Maybe it is something as simple as you thinking that you are not good enough, it could be an addiction or a bad habit with something that is not beneficial, or maybe it is a complete failure to acknowledge God in your life. We tend to over exaggerate our failure in life at times, and don't spend enough time recognizing who God is and who we actually are with God in our life. The world wants us to think when we mess up or have a personal problem that we are horrible people, but that is not who God sees. He does not see failure in a person, He sees the good and can overturn the failure anyone might have. We just need to make steps to acknowledge that God looks past our failure as long as we are willing to ask for help and forgiveness. God knows our flesh will fail and so will our heart, but He can be our strength any time we need it.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26
Do you sometimes feel like a failure in one aspect of your life? Maybe it is something as simple as you thinking that you are not good enough, it could be an addiction or a bad habit with something that is not beneficial, or maybe it is a complete failure to acknowledge God in your life. We tend to over exaggerate our failure in life at times, and don't spend enough time recognizing who God is and who we actually are with God in our life. The world wants us to think when we mess up or have a personal problem that we are horrible people, but that is not who God sees. He does not see failure in a person, He sees the good and can overturn the failure anyone might have. We just need to make steps to acknowledge that God looks past our failure as long as we are willing to ask for help and forgiveness. God knows our flesh will fail and so will our heart, but He can be our strength any time we need it.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 12, 2022
Fantastic Friday #849 - Drought
Drought
10 He provides rain for the earth;
he sends water on the countryside.
11 The lowly he sets on high,
and those who mourn are lifted to safety.
12 He thwarts the plans of the crafty,
so that their hands achieve no success. Job 5:10-12
60+ days without rain is what we have seen where I live, but just this week a measurable rain occurred. I always sit back and wonder if these periods of drought can be related to other forms of drought. Sometimes the drought can look like the burned grass we have seen, with almost no life on the surface, but the thing about grass is that it has roots that are still alive, just like God is alive in us even if we ignore Him. God wants to provide the nutrients that we need to grow, but it is up to us to pursue the fertilizer God provides. I know that at times in my life when I don't allow God to lead and guide me that I can be in a spiritual drought that can only be ended with a regular relationship with God. The water can return, but we have to make that effort in the relationship. That will look different for everyone, but the key is to stay away from this kind of drought that is entirely within our control.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
10 He provides rain for the earth;
he sends water on the countryside.
11 The lowly he sets on high,
and those who mourn are lifted to safety.
12 He thwarts the plans of the crafty,
so that their hands achieve no success. Job 5:10-12
60+ days without rain is what we have seen where I live, but just this week a measurable rain occurred. I always sit back and wonder if these periods of drought can be related to other forms of drought. Sometimes the drought can look like the burned grass we have seen, with almost no life on the surface, but the thing about grass is that it has roots that are still alive, just like God is alive in us even if we ignore Him. God wants to provide the nutrients that we need to grow, but it is up to us to pursue the fertilizer God provides. I know that at times in my life when I don't allow God to lead and guide me that I can be in a spiritual drought that can only be ended with a regular relationship with God. The water can return, but we have to make that effort in the relationship. That will look different for everyone, but the key is to stay away from this kind of drought that is entirely within our control.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 5, 2022
Fantastic Friday #848 - Protect
Protect
1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. Psalm 20:1
Do you find God protecting you when you don't even know it? There is something about looking back on a situation and seeing how God was involved. Last weekend my son took my car out of town a significant distance, this is the same car that had been in the shop for six months waiting on a new engine. When he got back, he parked the car in front of the house and Sunday night something told me that I should probably go clean the bugs off the front of the windshield from his trip. As I walk up to the car, I look down and my front driver's side tire is separating. Note, this car does not have a spare and who knows what would have happened had the tire ripped open on his drive. Sometimes God protects us and nudges us through the Holy Spirit to keep us protected. We have to stop and listen when we are nudged and not ignore the simple prodding. I heard a great man say something similar this week about our body, that when something is wrong, our body will tell us and we need to get it checked out. We have to know how to listen carefully, and a lot of times that is shutting things down and just listening for that still small voice.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. Psalm 20:1
Do you find God protecting you when you don't even know it? There is something about looking back on a situation and seeing how God was involved. Last weekend my son took my car out of town a significant distance, this is the same car that had been in the shop for six months waiting on a new engine. When he got back, he parked the car in front of the house and Sunday night something told me that I should probably go clean the bugs off the front of the windshield from his trip. As I walk up to the car, I look down and my front driver's side tire is separating. Note, this car does not have a spare and who knows what would have happened had the tire ripped open on his drive. Sometimes God protects us and nudges us through the Holy Spirit to keep us protected. We have to stop and listen when we are nudged and not ignore the simple prodding. I heard a great man say something similar this week about our body, that when something is wrong, our body will tell us and we need to get it checked out. We have to know how to listen carefully, and a lot of times that is shutting things down and just listening for that still small voice.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, July 29, 2022
Fantastic Friday #847 - Fear
Fear
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
We can go through stages in our life where we might fear something, and many times this fear if gone unchecked can lead to a greater fear. I have had my own fears in my life, but something I always seem to find is that the fear is usually not something worth taking up my time. Fear comes from the enemy because he wants us to think there is no hope. When we have a lack of hope, then it is really easy for fear to sneak into our mind. I have had a fear this week that should never have entered my mind, but it did. I spent a lot of time in prayer and thinking why do I have this fear when God is very clear. The fear has somewhat subsided, but we all need to have faith that God is there for us when we have this fear and can break the chain of negativity in our lives that blocks our true faith in God. We just have to put our trust in God and not man. Place our fear where it belongs, in a trash bin of negativity that God covers with His secure lid. Work on not having fear but faith.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
We can go through stages in our life where we might fear something, and many times this fear if gone unchecked can lead to a greater fear. I have had my own fears in my life, but something I always seem to find is that the fear is usually not something worth taking up my time. Fear comes from the enemy because he wants us to think there is no hope. When we have a lack of hope, then it is really easy for fear to sneak into our mind. I have had a fear this week that should never have entered my mind, but it did. I spent a lot of time in prayer and thinking why do I have this fear when God is very clear. The fear has somewhat subsided, but we all need to have faith that God is there for us when we have this fear and can break the chain of negativity in our lives that blocks our true faith in God. We just have to put our trust in God and not man. Place our fear where it belongs, in a trash bin of negativity that God covers with His secure lid. Work on not having fear but faith.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, July 22, 2022
Fantastic Friday #846 - Meditate
Meditate
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
12 I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
13 Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God? Psalm 77:11-13
I read something this week that discussed how media and technology has completely changed the way people think. According to the study, people typically don't spend time just pondering life and things of this world. In fact, these individuals believe the technology has reduced our creativity and makes us constantly have a need to know what is going on. This made me start to think of how much time do I really sit in silence and ponder life or meditate on God's Word and what He has done for us. I am right in the pack with everyone else and have seen where this technology has distracted me from just sitting in silence and thinking about our life, the world and what kind of difference I can make in others lives. Reflection and creativity have to be strengthened and the best way to do that is to take time daily to be reflective on how we can come closer to God and His teachings. God tells us to meditate on His Word day and night, but take a step back and look at how many minutes you spend on your phone compared to how many minutes you are in prayerful reflection. I bet there is a wide divide like with me. So what can we do? Remember to take time for yourself away from the hustle and bustle and reflect on God and what He has done for you. Then maybe you can start to change the trend of focusing less on yourself and more on God and His guidance.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
12 I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
13 Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God? Psalm 77:11-13
I read something this week that discussed how media and technology has completely changed the way people think. According to the study, people typically don't spend time just pondering life and things of this world. In fact, these individuals believe the technology has reduced our creativity and makes us constantly have a need to know what is going on. This made me start to think of how much time do I really sit in silence and ponder life or meditate on God's Word and what He has done for us. I am right in the pack with everyone else and have seen where this technology has distracted me from just sitting in silence and thinking about our life, the world and what kind of difference I can make in others lives. Reflection and creativity have to be strengthened and the best way to do that is to take time daily to be reflective on how we can come closer to God and His teachings. God tells us to meditate on His Word day and night, but take a step back and look at how many minutes you spend on your phone compared to how many minutes you are in prayerful reflection. I bet there is a wide divide like with me. So what can we do? Remember to take time for yourself away from the hustle and bustle and reflect on God and what He has done for you. Then maybe you can start to change the trend of focusing less on yourself and more on God and His guidance.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, July 15, 2022
Fantastic Friday #845 - Predictions
Predictions
12 “Keep on, then, with your magic spells
and with your many sorceries,
which you have labored at since childhood.
Perhaps you will succeed,
perhaps you will cause terror.
13 All the counsel you have received has only worn you out!
Let your astrologers come forward,
those stargazers who make predictions month by month,
let them save you from what is coming upon you.
14 Surely they are like stubble;
the fire will burn them up.
They cannot even save themselves
from the power of the flame.
These are not coals for warmth;
this is not a fire to sit by. Isaiah 47:12-14
Do you find yourself trying to predict what is going to happen next by making assumptions, trying to figure out patterns, or just plan wishing what would happen next would be in your favor? There are people that are paid every day to predict what the financial situation of our country would be, or what a country might or might not do. How many of those predictions actually come true and how many are just good guesses based on a series of prior facts and events? We as human beings cannot predict the future, and only God knows the future. Just like the people who use magic spells or sorcery will not be able to save themselves, so will the people who spend no time relying on God and more time trying to predict what would happen. If we would worry less about our future, and be more focused on the present, we would be in a much better place than trying to predict something. Don't let predictions and disappointment weigh you down, but lean into God and His path for our lives.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
and with your many sorceries,
which you have labored at since childhood.
Perhaps you will succeed,
perhaps you will cause terror.
13 All the counsel you have received has only worn you out!
Let your astrologers come forward,
those stargazers who make predictions month by month,
let them save you from what is coming upon you.
14 Surely they are like stubble;
the fire will burn them up.
They cannot even save themselves
from the power of the flame.
These are not coals for warmth;
this is not a fire to sit by. Isaiah 47:12-14
Do you find yourself trying to predict what is going to happen next by making assumptions, trying to figure out patterns, or just plan wishing what would happen next would be in your favor? There are people that are paid every day to predict what the financial situation of our country would be, or what a country might or might not do. How many of those predictions actually come true and how many are just good guesses based on a series of prior facts and events? We as human beings cannot predict the future, and only God knows the future. Just like the people who use magic spells or sorcery will not be able to save themselves, so will the people who spend no time relying on God and more time trying to predict what would happen. If we would worry less about our future, and be more focused on the present, we would be in a much better place than trying to predict something. Don't let predictions and disappointment weigh you down, but lean into God and His path for our lives.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, July 8, 2022
Fantastic Friday #844 - Simple
Simple
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Sometimes it is the simple things that can rejuvenate us. Taking time away from the world to come closer to God can bring some very clear results. There are times over the years when the respite of a camping trip has given me time to reflect on who I am and who God is as the creator of all things. I can reflect on the past, look at the present, and know that the future God has outlined for me has His handprint all over it. I also look at the reflection of life changes where kids are getting older, lives are diverging into their own path, and you can see the influence not only you have on them but God as well. We tend to go through the hustle and bustle of life and can easily lose sight of how God pieces together our lives. You don't have to go on a camping trip to see these things, all you have to do is make time for God, talk to Him, sit in silence with Him, and be thankful for Him and the life you have and all that you have experienced.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Sometimes it is the simple things that can rejuvenate us. Taking time away from the world to come closer to God can bring some very clear results. There are times over the years when the respite of a camping trip has given me time to reflect on who I am and who God is as the creator of all things. I can reflect on the past, look at the present, and know that the future God has outlined for me has His handprint all over it. I also look at the reflection of life changes where kids are getting older, lives are diverging into their own path, and you can see the influence not only you have on them but God as well. We tend to go through the hustle and bustle of life and can easily lose sight of how God pieces together our lives. You don't have to go on a camping trip to see these things, all you have to do is make time for God, talk to Him, sit in silence with Him, and be thankful for Him and the life you have and all that you have experienced.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, July 1, 2022
Fantastic Friday #843 - Hope
Hope
49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:49-50
I heard an excellent sermon on suffering this last week which made me reflect much on the last two years. It is challenging to find hope in the suffering we may experience, but it sure is easy to find the pain. I have had some challenges this week with several different things, and even I questioned why the situation had to take place. I began to reflect on the past several months, and I saw the different steps and challenges that were resolved which led up to this point. In each case, God was faithful and provided what we needed when we needed it. It may have been an inconvenience at times, but there was always provision. Now, even though I was thoroughly frustrated, I was able to stop and see the hope that God has provided, and I was able to also reflect on several things over the last two years that God has outlined with his faithfulness. Sometimes we need those hard times to remind us of the hope we have in our Lord and Savior. God preserves our lives, and we just need to stop and be thankful.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:49-50
I heard an excellent sermon on suffering this last week which made me reflect much on the last two years. It is challenging to find hope in the suffering we may experience, but it sure is easy to find the pain. I have had some challenges this week with several different things, and even I questioned why the situation had to take place. I began to reflect on the past several months, and I saw the different steps and challenges that were resolved which led up to this point. In each case, God was faithful and provided what we needed when we needed it. It may have been an inconvenience at times, but there was always provision. Now, even though I was thoroughly frustrated, I was able to stop and see the hope that God has provided, and I was able to also reflect on several things over the last two years that God has outlined with his faithfulness. Sometimes we need those hard times to remind us of the hope we have in our Lord and Savior. God preserves our lives, and we just need to stop and be thankful.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, June 24, 2022
Fantastic Friday #842 - Weary
Weary
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31
This week a colleague informed me that his doctor told him that he had 6 months to live. He has been suffering from a brain tumor for the past year or so, and this was quite the shocking statement to receive from him. In my 30-minute conversation with him, which was very hard to understand, he kept referring to going somewhere near Cyprus to be healed and in the same breath he mentioned his faith in God. As I sat there listening to him, I saw the divergent viewpoint of going somewhere and then relying on God, but I couldn't get past why he would think he had to go somewhere to be healed. When scripture is clear that He can provide strength, and then all the stories of healing, why do people turn to something or someplace that is not God? Maybe society and even believers have lost sight of what is true and actual healing. God heals us through our faith in Him, and while not everyone will be healed in their physical bodies here on earth, the spiritual body is healed for eternity when we have hope and belief in the Lord and His plan. Not always easy to hear, but I know after the deaths of people close to me, I can reflect on their lives and see where they impacted me and know that it was not for their glory but for God's glory. I prayed with this man this week after he told me his story, and it was not me who was doing the praying but the Spirit guided me and the words of encouragement I was able to offer. I always feel like when we can't, let the Spirit lead.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31
This week a colleague informed me that his doctor told him that he had 6 months to live. He has been suffering from a brain tumor for the past year or so, and this was quite the shocking statement to receive from him. In my 30-minute conversation with him, which was very hard to understand, he kept referring to going somewhere near Cyprus to be healed and in the same breath he mentioned his faith in God. As I sat there listening to him, I saw the divergent viewpoint of going somewhere and then relying on God, but I couldn't get past why he would think he had to go somewhere to be healed. When scripture is clear that He can provide strength, and then all the stories of healing, why do people turn to something or someplace that is not God? Maybe society and even believers have lost sight of what is true and actual healing. God heals us through our faith in Him, and while not everyone will be healed in their physical bodies here on earth, the spiritual body is healed for eternity when we have hope and belief in the Lord and His plan. Not always easy to hear, but I know after the deaths of people close to me, I can reflect on their lives and see where they impacted me and know that it was not for their glory but for God's glory. I prayed with this man this week after he told me his story, and it was not me who was doing the praying but the Spirit guided me and the words of encouragement I was able to offer. I always feel like when we can't, let the Spirit lead.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, June 17, 2022
Fantastic Friday #841 - Compassion
Compassion
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
15 The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts. Psalm 103:13-18
Do you have compassion? We all say we do in some manner, but do we really? It is comforting to know that our God has compassion for us, because he knows how we were formed, but we really do need to fear Him. Do you fear God, not the afraid fear, but the respectful fear of your father in Heaven. I know growing up there were certain times when I was afraid of my father, but it was a respectful fear because I knew he loved me. Not everyone has had that here on earth, in fact there are people who truly had to fear their fathers or other people in their life. We don't have to be afraid of God, or afraid for our lives, because as long as we have a respectful fear of our Father in Heaven, He will have compassion for us and protect us. That should be a comfort for all of us.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
15 The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts. Psalm 103:13-18
Do you have compassion? We all say we do in some manner, but do we really? It is comforting to know that our God has compassion for us, because he knows how we were formed, but we really do need to fear Him. Do you fear God, not the afraid fear, but the respectful fear of your father in Heaven. I know growing up there were certain times when I was afraid of my father, but it was a respectful fear because I knew he loved me. Not everyone has had that here on earth, in fact there are people who truly had to fear their fathers or other people in their life. We don't have to be afraid of God, or afraid for our lives, because as long as we have a respectful fear of our Father in Heaven, He will have compassion for us and protect us. That should be a comfort for all of us.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, June 10, 2022
Fantastic Friday #840 - Cord
Cord
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:11-12
As we prepare this week for my daughter's wedding, there are so many things to reflect on and be grateful for as we enter this period of letting her go to her new life. A life of marriage is not something to be taken lightly, as so many in our society have done. They say that over 50% of marriages end in divorce, and I can honestly say that this most likely happens because those couples do not put God at the forefront of their marriage. When God is a part of the married life, and intertwined with the couple, it is hard for the enemy to attack the marriage. That doesn't mean the enemy won't leave that marriage alone, but it does make it harder to destroy like the enemy enjoys doing. While some people aren't married, or have lost a spouse, or even those who are divorced, having God intertwined with your life, makes you a stronger individual. As I begin to prepare to welcome a new member to our family, I know that having God at the center of our life, only makes us a stronger and more loving family. Wind your cord with God and see what He can do.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:11-12
As we prepare this week for my daughter's wedding, there are so many things to reflect on and be grateful for as we enter this period of letting her go to her new life. A life of marriage is not something to be taken lightly, as so many in our society have done. They say that over 50% of marriages end in divorce, and I can honestly say that this most likely happens because those couples do not put God at the forefront of their marriage. When God is a part of the married life, and intertwined with the couple, it is hard for the enemy to attack the marriage. That doesn't mean the enemy won't leave that marriage alone, but it does make it harder to destroy like the enemy enjoys doing. While some people aren't married, or have lost a spouse, or even those who are divorced, having God intertwined with your life, makes you a stronger individual. As I begin to prepare to welcome a new member to our family, I know that having God at the center of our life, only makes us a stronger and more loving family. Wind your cord with God and see what He can do.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, June 3, 2022
Fantastic Friday #839 - Experience
Experience
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? 5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? Galatians 3:3-5
Do you go about an experience in your life and become really thoughtful about the decisions you make? Do you count on God with this experience, so that you can fully have a God-inspired experience? Like many people, our experiences start out with all the right intentions, however when we might hit a bump in the road or a major blockage, we tend to look at seeing how we can personally manage the experience. The same can be said if we are trying to get others to come to Christ, we start out with the best intentions to show others God through His Spirit, however when we hit a rough patch, we tend to turn away from that Spirit and focus solely on our own way to manage. We, however, cannot manage an experience like this on our own, we must have the Spirit of God continually in our lives to help lift and guide us. Give God what is needed for us to fully enjoy the experiences we have and need in our lives.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
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? 5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? Galatians 3:3-5
Do you go about an experience in your life and become really thoughtful about the decisions you make? Do you count on God with this experience, so that you can fully have a God-inspired experience? Like many people, our experiences start out with all the right intentions, however when we might hit a bump in the road or a major blockage, we tend to look at seeing how we can personally manage the experience. The same can be said if we are trying to get others to come to Christ, we start out with the best intentions to show others God through His Spirit, however when we hit a rough patch, we tend to turn away from that Spirit and focus solely on our own way to manage. We, however, cannot manage an experience like this on our own, we must have the Spirit of God continually in our lives to help lift and guide us. Give God what is needed for us to fully enjoy the experiences we have and need in our lives.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, May 27, 2022
Fantastic Friday #838 - Half
Half
21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. Luke 10:21
When you give effort, is it a full effort or is it just halfway? When you look at a glass, is it half full or half empty? We talk about perceptions of things and know that God wants our full commitment, but many times we know that we give less than half. Why do we only give half or less to our God? Is it because we are afraid we are going to lose out on something if we give too much of ourselves, or is it that we don't feel like we are worthy enough to give God more than half. We cannot be full of anything if we spend our lives below or at half. If you notice, even Jesus was full while He was here on earth while He was trying to teach his disciples. While there were times when they only seemed half in to what was happening, Jesus still stuck with them. We have to find ourselves in an effort to be full. Be full of life, be full of love, be full of care, and be fully pursuing God. As you reflect, don't be too hard on yourself, for God wants us to realize that we need Him and be fully invested. Be full.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. Luke 10:21
When you give effort, is it a full effort or is it just halfway? When you look at a glass, is it half full or half empty? We talk about perceptions of things and know that God wants our full commitment, but many times we know that we give less than half. Why do we only give half or less to our God? Is it because we are afraid we are going to lose out on something if we give too much of ourselves, or is it that we don't feel like we are worthy enough to give God more than half. We cannot be full of anything if we spend our lives below or at half. If you notice, even Jesus was full while He was here on earth while He was trying to teach his disciples. While there were times when they only seemed half in to what was happening, Jesus still stuck with them. We have to find ourselves in an effort to be full. Be full of life, be full of love, be full of care, and be fully pursuing God. As you reflect, don't be too hard on yourself, for God wants us to realize that we need Him and be fully invested. Be full.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, May 20, 2022
Fantastic Friday #837 - Considerate
Considerate
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18
Do you consider yourself to be a considerate person? Someone that shows kindness and awareness of other people's feelings. I think this is something that our society is trending away from, and you can see it daily. There are people who talk about kindness, passing it forward, being loving to the unloved, and speaking with positive affirmation. Those are the same people who talk about others behind their back, say a negative word about the people who don't do as much as they do, say I will pass it forward the next time, and they didn't say anything good to me, so why should I waste my breath with them. The important thing we need to remember if we have Christ living in us, is that we can reflect all the things in the first list if we allow Christ to work through us. I am sure we are all busy and don't take the time to think about reflecting Christ, but we should. According to scripture we can gain wisdom if we sow the seeds of peace. So as you enter this week, be kind, pay it forward, love the unloved, and speak a positive word. All these things will be steps towards the reflection of Christ and can make the world a better place.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18
Do you consider yourself to be a considerate person? Someone that shows kindness and awareness of other people's feelings. I think this is something that our society is trending away from, and you can see it daily. There are people who talk about kindness, passing it forward, being loving to the unloved, and speaking with positive affirmation. Those are the same people who talk about others behind their back, say a negative word about the people who don't do as much as they do, say I will pass it forward the next time, and they didn't say anything good to me, so why should I waste my breath with them. The important thing we need to remember if we have Christ living in us, is that we can reflect all the things in the first list if we allow Christ to work through us. I am sure we are all busy and don't take the time to think about reflecting Christ, but we should. According to scripture we can gain wisdom if we sow the seeds of peace. So as you enter this week, be kind, pay it forward, love the unloved, and speak a positive word. All these things will be steps towards the reflection of Christ and can make the world a better place.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, May 13, 2022
Fantastic Friday #836 - Reflect
Reflect
6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 2 Timothy 2:6-7
As we look back on our lives, do you think about different decisions you would have made, or do you think about the influence you have had on your kids or others?. How hard have you worked to be where you are today? God rewards the hardworking individuals here on earth and in Heaven. Just like my hardworking children are earning degrees and graduating with honors, so will God look favorably on them for how they did it. Being honest, working hard and a kind person can get you to different places in this world, but doing it in honor of God and all He provides is how we should be living. God expects us to work hard, because things aren't just given to us. If you are walking the path of righteousness, we will be in line to receive a share of the crops He will provide. Take a moment to reflect on your past and project into your future with the positivity of love and hardwork. No one is going to do it for you, but Christ already died for you to make the hard work more worth it.
Have a great weekend.
6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 2 Timothy 2:6-7
As we look back on our lives, do you think about different decisions you would have made, or do you think about the influence you have had on your kids or others?. How hard have you worked to be where you are today? God rewards the hardworking individuals here on earth and in Heaven. Just like my hardworking children are earning degrees and graduating with honors, so will God look favorably on them for how they did it. Being honest, working hard and a kind person can get you to different places in this world, but doing it in honor of God and all He provides is how we should be living. God expects us to work hard, because things aren't just given to us. If you are walking the path of righteousness, we will be in line to receive a share of the crops He will provide. Take a moment to reflect on your past and project into your future with the positivity of love and hardwork. No one is going to do it for you, but Christ already died for you to make the hard work more worth it.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, May 6, 2022
Fantastic Friday #835 - Noble
Noble
6 For fools speak folly,
their hearts are bent on evil:
They practice ungodliness
and spread error concerning the Lord;
the hungry they leave empty
and from the thirsty they withhold water.
7 Scoundrels use wicked methods,
they make up evil schemes
to destroy the poor with lies,
even when the plea of the needy is just.
8 But the noble make noble plans,
and by noble deeds they stand. Isaiah 32:6-8
Do you think about what it means to be noble? Someone that is highborn, wellborn or kingly. In our society, there are not many people that are considered noble by human standards. According to history, nobility comes with rank and power, not something that is well-looked upon by the masses. We should probably begin by chasing the nobility we will one day receive in Heaven and focus less on what people think Noble is in this world. Maybe we need to stop and think of what else Noble could be, exemplary, outstanding and exceptional are just a couple of phrases that come to mind. If we choose to focus on being outstanding or exceptional in our walk, our true nobility will shine through. As we make plans, the deeds shine through and we can become closer to who God wants us to be. So let the fools be foolish and don't fall into their empty wicked methods that try to damage your Noble aspirations.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
6 For fools speak folly,
their hearts are bent on evil:
They practice ungodliness
and spread error concerning the Lord;
the hungry they leave empty
and from the thirsty they withhold water.
7 Scoundrels use wicked methods,
they make up evil schemes
to destroy the poor with lies,
even when the plea of the needy is just.
8 But the noble make noble plans,
and by noble deeds they stand. Isaiah 32:6-8
Do you think about what it means to be noble? Someone that is highborn, wellborn or kingly. In our society, there are not many people that are considered noble by human standards. According to history, nobility comes with rank and power, not something that is well-looked upon by the masses. We should probably begin by chasing the nobility we will one day receive in Heaven and focus less on what people think Noble is in this world. Maybe we need to stop and think of what else Noble could be, exemplary, outstanding and exceptional are just a couple of phrases that come to mind. If we choose to focus on being outstanding or exceptional in our walk, our true nobility will shine through. As we make plans, the deeds shine through and we can become closer to who God wants us to be. So let the fools be foolish and don't fall into their empty wicked methods that try to damage your Noble aspirations.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, April 29, 2022
Fantastic Friday #834 - Continue
Continue
Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:9
How many of you went to church on Easter or recently and got fired up to keep going on Sunday? Or did you have a short-lived moment of being close to God and then further away as the week or weeks continued. While it is important to worship our Lord and Savior on Sundays in community, it is also important to continue that worship throughout the week. If you are trying to outrun God and His teachings, you won't be able to. We all need to remember that worshiping God and following His guidance once a week is not what He intended. We have to continue being refreshed and follow Him and the teachings daily. If we don't continue down the righteous path, we will not continue to get closer to Him. We need Him in our lives, for He eases our burdens and trials. Continue to respond to Him and His teachings and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
How many of you went to church on Easter or recently and got fired up to keep going on Sunday? Or did you have a short-lived moment of being close to God and then further away as the week or weeks continued. While it is important to worship our Lord and Savior on Sundays in community, it is also important to continue that worship throughout the week. If you are trying to outrun God and His teachings, you won't be able to. We all need to remember that worshiping God and following His guidance once a week is not what He intended. We have to continue being refreshed and follow Him and the teachings daily. If we don't continue down the righteous path, we will not continue to get closer to Him. We need Him in our lives, for He eases our burdens and trials. Continue to respond to Him and His teachings and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, April 22, 2022
Fantastic Friday #833 - Anticipate
Anticipate
12 The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
13 Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps. Psalm 85:12-13
Do you ever anticipate what God is going to do for you or give to you? This could be a problem if our mind is solely focused on what we want in our life, and what we think we need. Do you think about what God has given you? I mean, do you think about the gift of everlasting life through belief in our Savior Jesus Christ? Or is your mind throughout the week wondering about the next bill that is coming in, that next meal that we are going to have, or whether or not we can fill our gas tank in our vehicle? Everything that God gives us is good. The smallest thing, like a smile from the ones we love, the kind word or deed we receive, and even the safety in our travels. All of these are small things that we probably don't anticipate, but we know that He will give. How about knowing that everything He gives is good and for His purpose, and if we live with that mindset we won't sit around and worry about anticipating what we are going to get. We can be thankful for what we get because we know it comes from the Lord.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
12 The Lord will indeed give what is good,
and our land will yield its harvest.
13 Righteousness goes before him
and prepares the way for his steps. Psalm 85:12-13
Do you ever anticipate what God is going to do for you or give to you? This could be a problem if our mind is solely focused on what we want in our life, and what we think we need. Do you think about what God has given you? I mean, do you think about the gift of everlasting life through belief in our Savior Jesus Christ? Or is your mind throughout the week wondering about the next bill that is coming in, that next meal that we are going to have, or whether or not we can fill our gas tank in our vehicle? Everything that God gives us is good. The smallest thing, like a smile from the ones we love, the kind word or deed we receive, and even the safety in our travels. All of these are small things that we probably don't anticipate, but we know that He will give. How about knowing that everything He gives is good and for His purpose, and if we live with that mindset we won't sit around and worry about anticipating what we are going to get. We can be thankful for what we get because we know it comes from the Lord.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, April 15, 2022
Fantastic Friday #832 - Promise
Promise
7 He is the Lord our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
8 He remembers his covenant forever,
the promise he made, for a thousand generations,
9 the covenant he made with Abraham,
the oath he swore to Isaac. Psalm 105:7-9
How many promises have you made that you have not been able to fulfill? Maybe it was a promise to be somewhere on time, or maybe it was a promise to help someone. The reasons for not fulfilling the promises could have been within or outside of your control, yet still the promise was unfulfilled. I know that it is hard to promise to do things sometimes, but when I do promise to do something, I make every effort to fulfill that promise. It is thought provoking that David did not start reflecting on God's Promises until halfway through the Psalms. I think our lives are in similar circumstances, when we are in the middle of a storm, we don't see the promises, but focus on the place we are in when the storm is crashing down on all sides. Maybe if we spent more time focusing on God's Promises, we might be able to fulfill the promises that we make more often. God Promises to be faithful to us, we just need to listen to that Promise.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
7 He is the Lord our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
8 He remembers his covenant forever,
the promise he made, for a thousand generations,
9 the covenant he made with Abraham,
the oath he swore to Isaac. Psalm 105:7-9
How many promises have you made that you have not been able to fulfill? Maybe it was a promise to be somewhere on time, or maybe it was a promise to help someone. The reasons for not fulfilling the promises could have been within or outside of your control, yet still the promise was unfulfilled. I know that it is hard to promise to do things sometimes, but when I do promise to do something, I make every effort to fulfill that promise. It is thought provoking that David did not start reflecting on God's Promises until halfway through the Psalms. I think our lives are in similar circumstances, when we are in the middle of a storm, we don't see the promises, but focus on the place we are in when the storm is crashing down on all sides. Maybe if we spent more time focusing on God's Promises, we might be able to fulfill the promises that we make more often. God Promises to be faithful to us, we just need to listen to that Promise.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, April 8, 2022
Fantastic Friday #831 - Speaking Truth
Speak Truth
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,
so that you bring back truthful reports
to those you serve? Proverbs 22:20-21
Do you wonder if people are telling the truth when you talk to them? Do you wonder if by withholding information that this is being completely honest? I am in a situation dealing with two parties and each has told me something different. This can be quite frustrating and can wear on my mental and physical wellness since I have been dealing with these people I don't know for the past five months. What about someone who has been holding onto something and decides to make a decision that impacts you and they never came to you with their concerns? We all have these people in our lives, and it is how we handle the issue that is the true test of our faith in God and His ability to remedy everything. Anger was the first emotion I experienced, with both situations, but that isn't always the best response. We need to slow ourselves down and look at the bigger picture, the one where this issue is not such a big concern. People make their own choices, and if I am just inconvenienced or slightly hurt, God can repair these wounds and help us learn from how we should not treat others by these people's actions. I know I have learned a lot and continue to do so every day. I am still working on the anger thing, and with God's guidance He will help me manage that emotion.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,
so that you bring back truthful reports
to those you serve? Proverbs 22:20-21
Do you wonder if people are telling the truth when you talk to them? Do you wonder if by withholding information that this is being completely honest? I am in a situation dealing with two parties and each has told me something different. This can be quite frustrating and can wear on my mental and physical wellness since I have been dealing with these people I don't know for the past five months. What about someone who has been holding onto something and decides to make a decision that impacts you and they never came to you with their concerns? We all have these people in our lives, and it is how we handle the issue that is the true test of our faith in God and His ability to remedy everything. Anger was the first emotion I experienced, with both situations, but that isn't always the best response. We need to slow ourselves down and look at the bigger picture, the one where this issue is not such a big concern. People make their own choices, and if I am just inconvenienced or slightly hurt, God can repair these wounds and help us learn from how we should not treat others by these people's actions. I know I have learned a lot and continue to do so every day. I am still working on the anger thing, and with God's guidance He will help me manage that emotion.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, April 1, 2022
Fantastic Friday #830 - Healed
Healed
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16
Do you ever wonder why some people are healed and some people are not? I have experienced health issues in my family that turned into situations where the individuals could not physically be healed and resulted in their passing. I prayed for their physical healing almost daily, and sometimes multiple times. Over the past couple of years, I have been reflecting on why my prayers for their healing were not answered. I came to the realization this week after I had been physically healed from an ailment, that my healing was a different kind of healing to be experienced. My physical healing was determined by God, because I need to continue to spiritually heal from those questions I previously had, and it is not time for me to become completely healed. Those who pass from this life are going through different kinds of healing when they enter heaven, and they experience the complete healing that God offers. Just because those you know may not be healed, doesn't mean you stop praying for healing. We all are sick in some way or another and we need to be faithful in our prayers and conversations with God. He has given us prayer as a communication tool, so we need to use it just as much as we use our computers and phones. Take a moment to faithfully pray and faithfully ask for God to heal you in whatever way that you need. He will answer, if not today, eventually and you will be blessed by His healing.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16
Do you ever wonder why some people are healed and some people are not? I have experienced health issues in my family that turned into situations where the individuals could not physically be healed and resulted in their passing. I prayed for their physical healing almost daily, and sometimes multiple times. Over the past couple of years, I have been reflecting on why my prayers for their healing were not answered. I came to the realization this week after I had been physically healed from an ailment, that my healing was a different kind of healing to be experienced. My physical healing was determined by God, because I need to continue to spiritually heal from those questions I previously had, and it is not time for me to become completely healed. Those who pass from this life are going through different kinds of healing when they enter heaven, and they experience the complete healing that God offers. Just because those you know may not be healed, doesn't mean you stop praying for healing. We all are sick in some way or another and we need to be faithful in our prayers and conversations with God. He has given us prayer as a communication tool, so we need to use it just as much as we use our computers and phones. Take a moment to faithfully pray and faithfully ask for God to heal you in whatever way that you need. He will answer, if not today, eventually and you will be blessed by His healing.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, March 25, 2022
Fantastic Friday #829 - Bit and Bridle
Bit and Bridle
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the Lord’s unfailing love
surrounds the one who trusts in him. Psalm 32:9-10
Do you sometimes feel like you are being led around by a bit and bridle with every decision you make? I can tell you that many times I fail to recognize what the Lord has for me and lean on my own feelings when deciding what to do. The funny thing about free will is that it can be devastating if we rely on the enemy to guide us rather than the Lord. It all boils down to trust. When we have a lack of trust in what God guides us in today, we tend to be led by whoever or whatever feels good at the moment. This is why we need to take the bit and bridle out of our mouths, and begin to have a continuing trust in the Lord. He only wants what is best for us and he has an unfailing love that we need to take as His free gift.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the Lord’s unfailing love
surrounds the one who trusts in him. Psalm 32:9-10
Do you sometimes feel like you are being led around by a bit and bridle with every decision you make? I can tell you that many times I fail to recognize what the Lord has for me and lean on my own feelings when deciding what to do. The funny thing about free will is that it can be devastating if we rely on the enemy to guide us rather than the Lord. It all boils down to trust. When we have a lack of trust in what God guides us in today, we tend to be led by whoever or whatever feels good at the moment. This is why we need to take the bit and bridle out of our mouths, and begin to have a continuing trust in the Lord. He only wants what is best for us and he has an unfailing love that we need to take as His free gift.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, March 18, 2022
Fantastic Friday #828 - Ascribe
Ascribe
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Psalm 29:2
Who do you ascribe your success to when you have done something well? Do you pat yourself on the back and say well done on whatever task you complete? When you are sick and get better, do you ascribe your wellness to the doctor or the medicine that you were provided? When you have food on the table, do you ascribe the food to the hardworking person who puts the food on the table? I think we need to shift our view sometimes of who we should ascribe our success, wellness, and bounty to when we are blessed. The Lord should be given thanks for everything we have, get or do in our daily presence. Failure to give thanks to God and His holiness for things we do not deserve, will deepen our separation from him. The other night Debbie and I were talking about the manners of young kids today, and the fact that when someone opens the door for you, do you say thank you or do you just go about your business? The same should be said about our daily successes, we need to thank God for His bountiful blessing and remember it is not us we should be patting on the back. We need to ascribe to the Lord the glory that is due to Him. So, when you are successful, healed, and blessed, thank the almighty God for His blessing.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Psalm 29:2
Who do you ascribe your success to when you have done something well? Do you pat yourself on the back and say well done on whatever task you complete? When you are sick and get better, do you ascribe your wellness to the doctor or the medicine that you were provided? When you have food on the table, do you ascribe the food to the hardworking person who puts the food on the table? I think we need to shift our view sometimes of who we should ascribe our success, wellness, and bounty to when we are blessed. The Lord should be given thanks for everything we have, get or do in our daily presence. Failure to give thanks to God and His holiness for things we do not deserve, will deepen our separation from him. The other night Debbie and I were talking about the manners of young kids today, and the fact that when someone opens the door for you, do you say thank you or do you just go about your business? The same should be said about our daily successes, we need to thank God for His bountiful blessing and remember it is not us we should be patting on the back. We need to ascribe to the Lord the glory that is due to Him. So, when you are successful, healed, and blessed, thank the almighty God for His blessing.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, March 11, 2022
Fantastic Friday #827 - Suitable
Suitable
18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”Genesis 2:18
In the way God created life and everything around us, He knew that man could not be left alone. There are many reasons for this that I won't go into, but the key is that He created a helper that was suitable for him. Sometimes it is ok to be alone, but there are those times in our life that we need people around us. We are not meant to be alone in our thoughts all of the time, but we are meant to interact with individuals that can listen and acknowledge what we are doing and saying. I personally have someone in my life that is more than suitable, in fact, she is more than I could have ever asked for. It is that kind of relationship that God wants us to have in our life. One that we can count on, one that we can rely on, and one that we can love. But I also think that finding someone suitable for you is not just about a spouse. Some are searching for that suitable future spouse, some are looking for that suitable companion if they lost someone close to them and some are just searching for that suitable friend that can be that rock to lean on. Don't spend your time alone, but figure out who in your life is suitable for you. Also remember that God is sufficient for all of our spiritual needs. I am not alone and can rejoice in that.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”Genesis 2:18
In the way God created life and everything around us, He knew that man could not be left alone. There are many reasons for this that I won't go into, but the key is that He created a helper that was suitable for him. Sometimes it is ok to be alone, but there are those times in our life that we need people around us. We are not meant to be alone in our thoughts all of the time, but we are meant to interact with individuals that can listen and acknowledge what we are doing and saying. I personally have someone in my life that is more than suitable, in fact, she is more than I could have ever asked for. It is that kind of relationship that God wants us to have in our life. One that we can count on, one that we can rely on, and one that we can love. But I also think that finding someone suitable for you is not just about a spouse. Some are searching for that suitable future spouse, some are looking for that suitable companion if they lost someone close to them and some are just searching for that suitable friend that can be that rock to lean on. Don't spend your time alone, but figure out who in your life is suitable for you. Also remember that God is sufficient for all of our spiritual needs. I am not alone and can rejoice in that.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, March 4, 2022
Fantastic Friday #826 - Currents
Currents
2 He said:
“In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
3 You hurled me into the depths,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me. Jonah 2:2-3
This past week I was blessed to be on vacation where I relaxed and reflected. I found myself watching the currents of the ocean, and then I was able to snorkel and let the current of the ocean move me along. It reminded me how we can be taken away from the things that matter most so easily today if we fight against the current. I also thought about how God is always there to protect us, and guide us. But what I thought about even more was what could happen if we let the current that God has for our life take us and carry us forward. Too many times we fight against His current and don't get anywhere with our struggles. If we just learn to relax and let the current move us along instead of fighting against it, then we can live a life that is more fulfilling. I hope that you all can remind yourself that God has you in His arms, and he can guide and protect as long as you let Him.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
2 He said:
“In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
3 You hurled me into the depths,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me. Jonah 2:2-3
This past week I was blessed to be on vacation where I relaxed and reflected. I found myself watching the currents of the ocean, and then I was able to snorkel and let the current of the ocean move me along. It reminded me how we can be taken away from the things that matter most so easily today if we fight against the current. I also thought about how God is always there to protect us, and guide us. But what I thought about even more was what could happen if we let the current that God has for our life take us and carry us forward. Too many times we fight against His current and don't get anywhere with our struggles. If we just learn to relax and let the current move us along instead of fighting against it, then we can live a life that is more fulfilling. I hope that you all can remind yourself that God has you in His arms, and he can guide and protect as long as you let Him.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, February 25, 2022
Fantastic Friday #825 - Abide
Abide
3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:3-5
What or who do you find yourself abiding with? Is it a person in need that you are always there for, or a routine that you find yourself not able to release. Many times abiding with someone or something is a good thing, but it can also be something that could be exhausting, unless your commitment is something that is honoring God and His path for you. We have our God who has also asked for us to abide in Him, and He will never leave us. The love and generosity that comes from Him to give to others will never be there unless we continue to abide in Him. Let Him help you grow and share what He has for you.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:3-5
What or who do you find yourself abiding with? Is it a person in need that you are always there for, or a routine that you find yourself not able to release. Many times abiding with someone or something is a good thing, but it can also be something that could be exhausting, unless your commitment is something that is honoring God and His path for you. We have our God who has also asked for us to abide in Him, and He will never leave us. The love and generosity that comes from Him to give to others will never be there unless we continue to abide in Him. Let Him help you grow and share what He has for you.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, February 18, 2022
Fantastic Friday #824 - War
War
2 Raise a banner on a bare hilltop,
shout to them;
beckon to them
to enter the gates of the nobles.
3 I have commanded those I prepared for battle;
I have summoned my warriors to carry out my wrath—
those who rejoice in my triumph.
4 Listen, a noise on the mountains,
like that of a great multitude!
Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms,
like nations massing together!
The Lord Almighty is mustering
an army for war. Isaiah 13:2-4
We all hear daily the rumors of wars, and of different battles around the world. With these wars come great loss of life, but with many come true freedom for those fighting, but not always. As God prepares us for continued daily war against the enemy, can you see His influence? Most times what we find is the war that you are fighting is with others or you are fighting with yourself. We need to remember that there is only the battle against evil we should be fighting daily. God provides the comfort and support we all need in our daily battles, we need to remember to ask Him for it not just once in a while, or only when we go into battle, we need to ask for it daily. Something as simple as asking for safety, can help us feel strong when the enemy comes to us. A word of thanks for the previous day, acknowledges that it is not us who won the battle but that God has already won the battle and helped you through your challenges. So, raise your banner daily, and prepare to enter the battle knowing that the One who controls all things is on your side.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
2 Raise a banner on a bare hilltop,
shout to them;
beckon to them
to enter the gates of the nobles.
3 I have commanded those I prepared for battle;
I have summoned my warriors to carry out my wrath—
those who rejoice in my triumph.
4 Listen, a noise on the mountains,
like that of a great multitude!
Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms,
like nations massing together!
The Lord Almighty is mustering
an army for war. Isaiah 13:2-4
We all hear daily the rumors of wars, and of different battles around the world. With these wars come great loss of life, but with many come true freedom for those fighting, but not always. As God prepares us for continued daily war against the enemy, can you see His influence? Most times what we find is the war that you are fighting is with others or you are fighting with yourself. We need to remember that there is only the battle against evil we should be fighting daily. God provides the comfort and support we all need in our daily battles, we need to remember to ask Him for it not just once in a while, or only when we go into battle, we need to ask for it daily. Something as simple as asking for safety, can help us feel strong when the enemy comes to us. A word of thanks for the previous day, acknowledges that it is not us who won the battle but that God has already won the battle and helped you through your challenges. So, raise your banner daily, and prepare to enter the battle knowing that the One who controls all things is on your side.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, February 11, 2022
Fantastic Friday #823 - Loss
Loss
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[d] 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:19-20
I know a lot of people who have experienced loss in the past year, including me and my family. There is an immense sadness that we all experience after a loss, and we hope over time that we can heal from that loss of someone special. This doesn't always happen quickly and can sometimes last for months or years. I know that those we loved that have passed would not want us to bury ourselves in pain and sadness, but they would want us to experience joy for the time we had with them and remember what God teaches us about what is next. We have to sometimes look at Paul and his suffering, and how he continued to find joy in God's provision. He knew the importance of his work, and we have to remember the importance of our work in His plan. We have to also remember that our loved ones are experiencing a joy we cannot even fathom, but I am sure they want us to know that as we mourn, God can also heal the hole left by these wonderful people. Take your loved ones' losses as gains to God as we navigate our own path to our Father in Heaven.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
I know a lot of people who have experienced loss in the past year, including me and my family. There is an immense sadness that we all experience after a loss, and we hope over time that we can heal from that loss of someone special. This doesn't always happen quickly and can sometimes last for months or years. I know that those we loved that have passed would not want us to bury ourselves in pain and sadness, but they would want us to experience joy for the time we had with them and remember what God teaches us about what is next. We have to sometimes look at Paul and his suffering, and how he continued to find joy in God's provision. He knew the importance of his work, and we have to remember the importance of our work in His plan. We have to also remember that our loved ones are experiencing a joy we cannot even fathom, but I am sure they want us to know that as we mourn, God can also heal the hole left by these wonderful people. Take your loved ones' losses as gains to God as we navigate our own path to our Father in Heaven.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, February 4, 2022
Fantastic Friday #822 - Reckless
Reckless
17 An honest witness tells the truth,
but a false witness tells lies.
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. Proverbs 12:17-19
Do you know anyone who does things without thinking? When you do things without thinking, it never can end in a positive result. There are times where I have spoken without thinking, and it has truly come back to haunt me. How many of us have been in a situation when you have a decision to make, where you can either be reckless or responsible? Being reckless never ends in a way where God wants us to be. He wants us to be thoughtful with our lives, and think about how our actions impact others around us. You see, typically our actions will not just impact us immediately, but will have an influence on many that are around us, including family and friends. I assure you that you will notice a difference in your life once you look at being less reckless.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
17 An honest witness tells the truth,
but a false witness tells lies.
18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. Proverbs 12:17-19
Do you know anyone who does things without thinking? When you do things without thinking, it never can end in a positive result. There are times where I have spoken without thinking, and it has truly come back to haunt me. How many of us have been in a situation when you have a decision to make, where you can either be reckless or responsible? Being reckless never ends in a way where God wants us to be. He wants us to be thoughtful with our lives, and think about how our actions impact others around us. You see, typically our actions will not just impact us immediately, but will have an influence on many that are around us, including family and friends. I assure you that you will notice a difference in your life once you look at being less reckless.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, January 28, 2022
Fantastic Friday #821 - Helper
Helper
5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;
he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies. Psalm 118:5-7
We all need helpers. The reason for this is that we cannot do everything easily on our own. Whether it is moving a heavy piece of furniture, jumpstarting a car, assisting someone in writing a resume that has never seen one, or assisting with a project when something is not clear, we all need helpers with something at one time or another. Who is your helper when you cannot seem to make it through the day with disappointment from something or need a lift in your spirit. I hope that we all know that God is always there as a helper and will always be there for us. All we need to do is ask Him for help, and He will provide the help we need through comfort, love and encouragement. We don't need to be afraid of asking, because He wants us to call for His help. Don't forget, we all need Helpers, they come in many forms, but the true Helper is our Lord.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;
he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
I look in triumph on my enemies. Psalm 118:5-7
We all need helpers. The reason for this is that we cannot do everything easily on our own. Whether it is moving a heavy piece of furniture, jumpstarting a car, assisting someone in writing a resume that has never seen one, or assisting with a project when something is not clear, we all need helpers with something at one time or another. Who is your helper when you cannot seem to make it through the day with disappointment from something or need a lift in your spirit. I hope that we all know that God is always there as a helper and will always be there for us. All we need to do is ask Him for help, and He will provide the help we need through comfort, love and encouragement. We don't need to be afraid of asking, because He wants us to call for His help. Don't forget, we all need Helpers, they come in many forms, but the true Helper is our Lord.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, January 21, 2022
Fantastic Friday #820 - Fitted
Fitted
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17
I ordered some shoes online this week because I liked the way they looked. When they arrived I was impressed by the color, and they seemed to fit ok, so I decided to give them a shot. Things that fit well are very comfortable to wear, and things that are not fitted prior to purchase can be risky. Well, the risk did not pay off, and I have since sent the shoes back to where they belong. When we wear the Gospel for others to see, do we wear it loosely and ignore the rubbing when we stray from the beliefs we espouse to? Or do we make sure that the Gospel is well fitted and secure? We have to remember that God's Word is meant to fit everyone who receives it, and we can't just put on pieces when we feel like it. We have to make sure it all fits and is secure, so we can set the example of what it means to be well-fitted and fight off the enemy. Take a moment to look at the fullness of this scripture again and find where you are not fitting, then take steps to get fitted.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17
I ordered some shoes online this week because I liked the way they looked. When they arrived I was impressed by the color, and they seemed to fit ok, so I decided to give them a shot. Things that fit well are very comfortable to wear, and things that are not fitted prior to purchase can be risky. Well, the risk did not pay off, and I have since sent the shoes back to where they belong. When we wear the Gospel for others to see, do we wear it loosely and ignore the rubbing when we stray from the beliefs we espouse to? Or do we make sure that the Gospel is well fitted and secure? We have to remember that God's Word is meant to fit everyone who receives it, and we can't just put on pieces when we feel like it. We have to make sure it all fits and is secure, so we can set the example of what it means to be well-fitted and fight off the enemy. Take a moment to look at the fullness of this scripture again and find where you are not fitting, then take steps to get fitted.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, January 14, 2022
Fantastic Friday #819 - Tell Me
Tell Me
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God;
let me tell you what he has done for me.
17 I cried out to him with my mouth;
his praise was on my tongue. Psalm 66:16-17
Do you find yourself sitting in a group with people having a conversation and you can't quite hear what they are saying, so you say, can you please tell me? I think at times people are so interested in hearing what others have to say, that they don't want to be excluded so they are constantly asking people to tell them, so they are not left out. I know that this is not always the case when folks speak about God, because there are those people who when they hear you are talking about God, that certainly do not ask you to tell them anything and in fact they probably remove themselves from the conversation. Why is it that people are interested in you telling them about Gossip, but when you talk about how God has changed your life, they completely shut down. This is where we need to be more vocal, and tell people who God is and how He has changed our life. Use it in casual conversation when something unexpected happens. Like if you have car trouble and God was there to protect you and provide safe passage to get you off the highway. Or if you have a challenge personally, how God used others to pull you out of that challenge. I am practicing more telling people that it certainly was a God moment when something happens. When they see my faith, it might pique their interest and they might ask "tell me more". Take a moment this week if you have the chance to "tell me" more.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God;
let me tell you what he has done for me.
17 I cried out to him with my mouth;
his praise was on my tongue. Psalm 66:16-17
Do you find yourself sitting in a group with people having a conversation and you can't quite hear what they are saying, so you say, can you please tell me? I think at times people are so interested in hearing what others have to say, that they don't want to be excluded so they are constantly asking people to tell them, so they are not left out. I know that this is not always the case when folks speak about God, because there are those people who when they hear you are talking about God, that certainly do not ask you to tell them anything and in fact they probably remove themselves from the conversation. Why is it that people are interested in you telling them about Gossip, but when you talk about how God has changed your life, they completely shut down. This is where we need to be more vocal, and tell people who God is and how He has changed our life. Use it in casual conversation when something unexpected happens. Like if you have car trouble and God was there to protect you and provide safe passage to get you off the highway. Or if you have a challenge personally, how God used others to pull you out of that challenge. I am practicing more telling people that it certainly was a God moment when something happens. When they see my faith, it might pique their interest and they might ask "tell me more". Take a moment this week if you have the chance to "tell me" more.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, January 7, 2022
Fantastic Friday #818 - Filling the Gap
Filling the Gap
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience Colossians 1: 9b-11
Sometimes we need things to fill the gap in our lives. Last week for the first time in 817 straight weeks, I created a gap. When we look for something to fill the gaps in life, where do we turn? I assume most of us turn to television, social media, or other gap fillers that make us think less about what is actually going on in our life. I personally can turn on a radio show, or fall down the endless social media bottomless pit and escape. The problem is that I don't quite feel satisfied with all of the things I hear and see by the end. I know that God wants us to be entertained, but I also know that he wants us to fill the gap with his Word. If we spent even 10% of the time in God's word as we do in the world's entertainment, think of how much more we would fill the actual gap in our life. Focus on filling the gap this week and see where that gets you.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience Colossians 1: 9b-11
Sometimes we need things to fill the gap in our lives. Last week for the first time in 817 straight weeks, I created a gap. When we look for something to fill the gaps in life, where do we turn? I assume most of us turn to television, social media, or other gap fillers that make us think less about what is actually going on in our life. I personally can turn on a radio show, or fall down the endless social media bottomless pit and escape. The problem is that I don't quite feel satisfied with all of the things I hear and see by the end. I know that God wants us to be entertained, but I also know that he wants us to fill the gap with his Word. If we spent even 10% of the time in God's word as we do in the world's entertainment, think of how much more we would fill the actual gap in our life. Focus on filling the gap this week and see where that gets you.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
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