Do
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:28-29
Do you ever get asked from people, what do I have to do to get to Heaven? There are many that believe that you have to have a ton of good works and constantly be working for the Lord to get to Heaven. Some people take it to the extreme and say that if you have no good works, then you won't achieve anything. That's when looking at God's Word carefully is so important. Jesus answered the question above with a simple answer, "believe in the one he has sent." Seems pretty straightforward and direct, but something does change in us when we believe in Jesus as our Savior. I believe that the change that takes place in our heart will help us realize that yes, we don't need works to save us, but we should find it in our hearts to work for others to achieve the same gift that we have been given. It may be as simple as being kind to others, talking to them about our savior or even sharing our story. I believe that believing in God changes us to passionately provide works of service out of our heart and can result in bringing more to Him.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 29, 2025
Friday, August 22, 2025
Fantastic Friday #1007 - Song
Song
8 By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:8
When you hear music, do you think of a song as being something that God created? With so many talented musicians around the world, sometimes people forget who song actually came from, and where the influence of praise started. There is something about music that can live deep in our soul, and it can tend to bring about a great boost of energy when times seem low. My kids always make fun of me because of an artist that I listen to that is calming and helps me reflect. There are no magical words this artist sings, and it is not Christian music, but a music that helps me think of who I am and who I need to be. David sang so much to our Father In Heaven, so it is no wonder that song is such an important part of our lives. We are all in search of a love that our Father gives and song is just one aspect. We also can use prayer to be close to Him, and a combination of song and prayer help remind us of who we are to Him. Keeping a song in your heart is something that we should not forget, and reflect on regularly. So, today I will listen to my calming soothing artist and remember who I am to God, and in turn I will thank God for His song.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
8 By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:8
When you hear music, do you think of a song as being something that God created? With so many talented musicians around the world, sometimes people forget who song actually came from, and where the influence of praise started. There is something about music that can live deep in our soul, and it can tend to bring about a great boost of energy when times seem low. My kids always make fun of me because of an artist that I listen to that is calming and helps me reflect. There are no magical words this artist sings, and it is not Christian music, but a music that helps me think of who I am and who I need to be. David sang so much to our Father In Heaven, so it is no wonder that song is such an important part of our lives. We are all in search of a love that our Father gives and song is just one aspect. We also can use prayer to be close to Him, and a combination of song and prayer help remind us of who we are to Him. Keeping a song in your heart is something that we should not forget, and reflect on regularly. So, today I will listen to my calming soothing artist and remember who I am to God, and in turn I will thank God for His song.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 15, 2025
Fantastic Friday #1006 - Teach
Teach
24 “Teach me, and I will be quiet;
show me where I have been wrong.
25 How painful are honest words!
But what do your arguments prove? Job 6:24-25
This week many schools started around the area, and as teachers began to fill students with knowledge and encouragement. It reminded me of what I was originally trained to do, but did not follow through on a career as a school teacher. My sister has been a teacher for over 30 years, and I imagine she had what it took to have that special skill of reaching kids. The thing about teaching is it doesn't stop at kids, teenagers or young adults. Many of us work many years and are taught things throughout our life, but do we actually learn what we are supposed to in order to help us grow? I can honestly say that at my current age and job that I make mistakes, but I do learn from them most of the time. However, how many of us listen to the true teacher, the one that holds all the answers. I know that we can easily struggle to be quiet and listen to our Father in Heaven and what He has to share. I encourage you this week to stop and listen to His voice and teachings, and learn from the One who created everything.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
24 “Teach me, and I will be quiet;
show me where I have been wrong.
25 How painful are honest words!
But what do your arguments prove? Job 6:24-25
This week many schools started around the area, and as teachers began to fill students with knowledge and encouragement. It reminded me of what I was originally trained to do, but did not follow through on a career as a school teacher. My sister has been a teacher for over 30 years, and I imagine she had what it took to have that special skill of reaching kids. The thing about teaching is it doesn't stop at kids, teenagers or young adults. Many of us work many years and are taught things throughout our life, but do we actually learn what we are supposed to in order to help us grow? I can honestly say that at my current age and job that I make mistakes, but I do learn from them most of the time. However, how many of us listen to the true teacher, the one that holds all the answers. I know that we can easily struggle to be quiet and listen to our Father in Heaven and what He has to share. I encourage you this week to stop and listen to His voice and teachings, and learn from the One who created everything.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 8, 2025
Fantastic Friday #1005 - Given
Given
25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 1:25-26
Do you sometimes think about what you have been given by having the gift of life on this beautiful Earth? Some individuals around the world do not experience the blessings that we do in the U.S. and I wonder if we realize how truly blessed we are as followers of Christ. I also think about the blessings of advanced science and the growth of the church in today's world. There are Christians in the world being killed for their faith and this has me reflecting on how truly blessed I am. Now, how am I treating that blessing throughout the week, and that is where I think we lose focus. I don't think we reflect enough on our freedoms and blessings we have received, and obviously other places in this world are out of sight and out of mind, so we need to be intentional about how to reflect on our blessings and pray for those that may be less fortunate with us. Be intentional with your prayer this week, thanking God for the blessings, remember what Christ did for us, and focus on those who are less fortunate. Have a great weekend.
Matt
25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 1:25-26
Do you sometimes think about what you have been given by having the gift of life on this beautiful Earth? Some individuals around the world do not experience the blessings that we do in the U.S. and I wonder if we realize how truly blessed we are as followers of Christ. I also think about the blessings of advanced science and the growth of the church in today's world. There are Christians in the world being killed for their faith and this has me reflecting on how truly blessed I am. Now, how am I treating that blessing throughout the week, and that is where I think we lose focus. I don't think we reflect enough on our freedoms and blessings we have received, and obviously other places in this world are out of sight and out of mind, so we need to be intentional about how to reflect on our blessings and pray for those that may be less fortunate with us. Be intentional with your prayer this week, thanking God for the blessings, remember what Christ did for us, and focus on those who are less fortunate. Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, August 1, 2025
Fantastic Friday #1004 - Taunting
Taunting
41 May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise;
42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws. Psalm 119:41-43
Do you feel taunted by the enemy at times? Taunting is a very interesting act that usually takes place in sport after someone makes a play and shows the opponent significant disrespect. There are rules against taunting in sport, and it really is considered bad sportsmanship. So, why do you think the enemy is allowed to taunt us? Maybe it is because the enemy is in a place where he wants us to not feel the victory that God has provided us through His son Jesus Christ. And God knows that the path is there for us to follow Him for His love is stronger than any taunt that the enemy can provide. If we remain in God's word, His promise and His love for us, we can easily throw a flag on the enemy and his actions. Taunting is for cowards, and we know that cowards never win.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
41 May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise;
42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws. Psalm 119:41-43
Do you feel taunted by the enemy at times? Taunting is a very interesting act that usually takes place in sport after someone makes a play and shows the opponent significant disrespect. There are rules against taunting in sport, and it really is considered bad sportsmanship. So, why do you think the enemy is allowed to taunt us? Maybe it is because the enemy is in a place where he wants us to not feel the victory that God has provided us through His son Jesus Christ. And God knows that the path is there for us to follow Him for His love is stronger than any taunt that the enemy can provide. If we remain in God's word, His promise and His love for us, we can easily throw a flag on the enemy and his actions. Taunting is for cowards, and we know that cowards never win.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)