Beauty
5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens.
6 Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Psalm 96: 5-7
What do you find to be beautiful? Maybe it is a sunrise or sunset, maybe it is the snow peaked mountains, or the splashing waves along a pristine beach. People place a lot of emphasis on beauty in our culture, and they can spend hours upon hours getting themselves dolled up for their daily tasks and chores. But is the exterior individual truly a view of what beauty is all about? I tend to think that since God created the world that has beauty that we should honor Him daily for His creation. In addition, he also created us in the manner that which we are presented daily as well. He also created what is in our heart and what travels from the outflow of our heart is where we can find true beauty. We need to look deeper than the physical features that God has created, because we are all beautiful in His eyes. We need to see the deeper beauty of what people can offer and not so much focus on the beauty that can fade away as quickly as the sun going down. Find that beauty in others, and your true beauty will shine forth.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, March 16, 2018
Friday, March 9, 2018
Fantastic Friday #618 - Taste
Taste
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Romans 12: 1-3
Do you ever eat that lunch out of your lunchbox and something about it just doesn't taste right? This typically happens when one food conforms and takes on the smell and taste of another food. This is not always so good, and in fact it can be somewhat disappointing and leave a nasty taste in your mouth. The same can be said for our lives and how we live daily. Do we conform to the world's beliefs or do we rely on our faith and the beliefs born out of God's Word. I think at times if we are conforming to the world, our taste and smell changes. Not a true smell, but a scent of the gospel is changed within us and not for the better. However, if we live our lives with a faith in Christ and all His teachings, I honestly can say that the fragrant aroma of our lives can be sensed by others, and our transformation can have an influence on others. Don't conform, but transform into all that God wants you to be, and then maybe your potato chips won't taste like something from last week.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Romans 12: 1-3
Do you ever eat that lunch out of your lunchbox and something about it just doesn't taste right? This typically happens when one food conforms and takes on the smell and taste of another food. This is not always so good, and in fact it can be somewhat disappointing and leave a nasty taste in your mouth. The same can be said for our lives and how we live daily. Do we conform to the world's beliefs or do we rely on our faith and the beliefs born out of God's Word. I think at times if we are conforming to the world, our taste and smell changes. Not a true smell, but a scent of the gospel is changed within us and not for the better. However, if we live our lives with a faith in Christ and all His teachings, I honestly can say that the fragrant aroma of our lives can be sensed by others, and our transformation can have an influence on others. Don't conform, but transform into all that God wants you to be, and then maybe your potato chips won't taste like something from last week.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, March 2, 2018
Fantastic Friday #617 - Plans
Plans
The mind of man plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Do you make plans in your head? How often do the plans you make in your head actually match up with what you have accomplished? I know there are many of us who plan and plan and plan, and it can be very frustrating when the plans don't go our way. A simple example is the game of baseball, it is a pastime played outside. What one thing do you need for baseball not to happen, that's right rain, lightning and sometimes fog. Yes, I know that is three things, but it is typically one uncontrollable weather event, and sometimes we let this one thing disappoint us. What about a chosen path we take that we have planned for, do we turn to God to guide us, or do we look too much at the end goal. By looking too far ahead, we can take our perceived steps to accomplish our task and get disappointed when the plan doesn't work out. God will get us there, for all our plans, we just need to rely on Him. So, quit making plans and expecting to follow your own ideas and follow his guidance for our plan.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
The mind of man plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Do you make plans in your head? How often do the plans you make in your head actually match up with what you have accomplished? I know there are many of us who plan and plan and plan, and it can be very frustrating when the plans don't go our way. A simple example is the game of baseball, it is a pastime played outside. What one thing do you need for baseball not to happen, that's right rain, lightning and sometimes fog. Yes, I know that is three things, but it is typically one uncontrollable weather event, and sometimes we let this one thing disappoint us. What about a chosen path we take that we have planned for, do we turn to God to guide us, or do we look too much at the end goal. By looking too far ahead, we can take our perceived steps to accomplish our task and get disappointed when the plan doesn't work out. God will get us there, for all our plans, we just need to rely on Him. So, quit making plans and expecting to follow your own ideas and follow his guidance for our plan.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, February 23, 2018
Fantastic Friday #616 - Front
Front
Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Proverbs 4:25
Do you find it easier to look back at something than forward at what's before you? I have this tendency when I am about to attempt something new or outside my comfort zone. I have attempted two things in front of people this week, where I looked back at previous presentations and found myself balled up into physical stress. This week I heard a presentation on conquering fears, and while it wasn't spiritual in nature, it certainly made an impact on me. I found that I had to stop looking back and seeing how I was and start looking forward and seeing how I need to be in life. We all need to do that, and this Proverb is an excellent example of looking in front. We can't focus on what is behind us to improve who we are, but need to look out front and keep that gaze forward.
Have a great weekend.
Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Proverbs 4:25
Do you find it easier to look back at something than forward at what's before you? I have this tendency when I am about to attempt something new or outside my comfort zone. I have attempted two things in front of people this week, where I looked back at previous presentations and found myself balled up into physical stress. This week I heard a presentation on conquering fears, and while it wasn't spiritual in nature, it certainly made an impact on me. I found that I had to stop looking back and seeing how I was and start looking forward and seeing how I need to be in life. We all need to do that, and this Proverb is an excellent example of looking in front. We can't focus on what is behind us to improve who we are, but need to look out front and keep that gaze forward.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, February 16, 2018
Fantastic Friday #615 - Gangrene
Gangrene
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 2 Timothy 2:15-17
There are two main definitions for Gangrene:
1. necrosis or death of soft tissue due to obstructed circulation, usually followed by decomposition and putrefaction.
Then there is:
2. moral or spiritual corruption and decadence that pervades an individual or group.
It is very interesting to me how graphic the first definition is and how the second definition really gives it a second punch to the gut. When we are out there in the world and we are talking about people or gossiping about the latest news that we heard, we are not only sinning, but we are encouraging other people to sin. This type of sin spreads like death according to the scripture, but as you can see it doesn't stop there. This type of sin leads to further ungodliness and can have a significant impact on others. If you stop and think, everything that you say or do comes from your heart. If your heart isn't right, then things said or done can typically tear people down or lead to empty chatter. However, if you begin to look internally at your heart, the outflow will something very different and won't lead to Gangrene. My hope is to keep from dying each day, and be more of someone who is living each day for myself and others. The world is hurting and I cannot continue to contribute to that hurting if all I am doing is engaging in the empty chatter.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 2 Timothy 2:15-17
There are two main definitions for Gangrene:
1. necrosis or death of soft tissue due to obstructed circulation, usually followed by decomposition and putrefaction.
Then there is:
2. moral or spiritual corruption and decadence that pervades an individual or group.
It is very interesting to me how graphic the first definition is and how the second definition really gives it a second punch to the gut. When we are out there in the world and we are talking about people or gossiping about the latest news that we heard, we are not only sinning, but we are encouraging other people to sin. This type of sin spreads like death according to the scripture, but as you can see it doesn't stop there. This type of sin leads to further ungodliness and can have a significant impact on others. If you stop and think, everything that you say or do comes from your heart. If your heart isn't right, then things said or done can typically tear people down or lead to empty chatter. However, if you begin to look internally at your heart, the outflow will something very different and won't lead to Gangrene. My hope is to keep from dying each day, and be more of someone who is living each day for myself and others. The world is hurting and I cannot continue to contribute to that hurting if all I am doing is engaging in the empty chatter.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, February 9, 2018
Fantastic Friday #614 - Pass
Pass
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Matthew 24:32-35
Do you pay attention to all of the words that come at you throughout the day? If you are like me, the world and things can distract you from the most important people in your life. I can be carrying on a conversation with my daughter, and she can recognize it and say "Dad, pay attention, I am talking to you." The problem is not all of us have my daughter around or don't have someone saying "pay attention to me." This week I met with some of the young professionals who work in my reporting line, and the interesting thing is that it was very easy to listen to them and not let their words pass away. I believe the people you are more familiar with are the most difficult group of people to listen to their words. For those of us who know Jesus, it is very easy for us to ignore His words and let the phrases pass through one ear and out the other. We have to make sure we are not like the fig tree who withers, but pay attention to all words so you can distinguish between the truth and the lies. Don't let God's Word pass away.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Matthew 24:32-35
Do you pay attention to all of the words that come at you throughout the day? If you are like me, the world and things can distract you from the most important people in your life. I can be carrying on a conversation with my daughter, and she can recognize it and say "Dad, pay attention, I am talking to you." The problem is not all of us have my daughter around or don't have someone saying "pay attention to me." This week I met with some of the young professionals who work in my reporting line, and the interesting thing is that it was very easy to listen to them and not let their words pass away. I believe the people you are more familiar with are the most difficult group of people to listen to their words. For those of us who know Jesus, it is very easy for us to ignore His words and let the phrases pass through one ear and out the other. We have to make sure we are not like the fig tree who withers, but pay attention to all words so you can distinguish between the truth and the lies. Don't let God's Word pass away.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
Friday, February 2, 2018
Fantastic Friday #613 - Belief
Belief
14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.”
17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17: 14-21
How strong is your belief? I see people every day who will state that they believe, and other days they are singing "we believe". I sit back and wonder what they actually believe in. I can sometimes realize that I give too much credit to myself for my circumstances and not realize that God is actually in charge and can bring me out of whatever trial or suffering I am experiencing. This is directly related to the strength of our faith. I love how this passage reads and almost seems if Jesus is a bit sarcastic with his disciples, but I know what comes through as sarcasm is laced with a love for them. Don't get me wrong, there are some days that I question what I believe in myself, but I am always reminded of my belief that God can do anything. I just have to look past my own circumstances sometimes to see and have the faith that he discusses in this passage.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.”
17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17: 14-21
How strong is your belief? I see people every day who will state that they believe, and other days they are singing "we believe". I sit back and wonder what they actually believe in. I can sometimes realize that I give too much credit to myself for my circumstances and not realize that God is actually in charge and can bring me out of whatever trial or suffering I am experiencing. This is directly related to the strength of our faith. I love how this passage reads and almost seems if Jesus is a bit sarcastic with his disciples, but I know what comes through as sarcasm is laced with a love for them. Don't get me wrong, there are some days that I question what I believe in myself, but I am always reminded of my belief that God can do anything. I just have to look past my own circumstances sometimes to see and have the faith that he discusses in this passage.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
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