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Why?

What an interesting turn of events in (Matthew 26)!   We have been on a journey through all of Matthew learning about Jesus’ miracles, his teachings through parables, how he shows the disciples to fish for men …. And now we come to the messy part, The End. When Jesus had finished these teachings, he said to his disciples, 2 “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” What do you think the disciples thought? Fear had to strike through each of them. What do you think Jesus was thinking? Did you stop while reading and think about it from his perspective? He knew what was coming. He knew exactly what path God had chosen for him. He kept going and fulfilled what was prophesied.

In today’s chapter, we are reminded of Judas’ betrayal. Drama. He wasn’t in it for the long haul. He wasn’t a good friend. He wanted the money. We all know people like this. It’s all about them; it’s all about getting ahead. He was working his own plan behind the scenes and ruined “a good thing” Jesus and the disciples had going. They were preaching God’s word and gaining followers along the way. Judas rained on the parade. Or did he? Jesus knew what was going to happen and that Judas was going to betray him.

Before the plot really thickens, the disciples celebrate together with Jesus. He gives them very strict instructions on how to prepare for the Festival of the Unleavened Bread. The Last Supper. When all were gathered, Jesus breaks bread for the feast participants. We all have seen many images of the table where bread was broken together. In these pictures, it is hard to determine if they are having a good time and relaxing together? Are they happy to be with friends in an upper chamber away from the crowds that sometimes surround them? They can just be themselves and enjoy their own company. We are lead to believe that is not what was happening. Judas and Jesus most likely were not relaxing. Then, the dinner abruptly ends with these statements:

21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

This scene seems surreal. Jesus knows what is happening. Others do not.  They sing a hymn together and go to the Mount of Olives. Peter confronts him. He is fearful. Jesus admits to being sorrowful. He needs time away and retreats further to Gethsemane to pray. At this point, we have to think Jesus knows what is about to happen to him but may be asking the “Why?” question. Why me, why now, I know it’s your will, but can we change this plan? “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” No, God’s plan is outlined.   He asks for the disciples to stand watch and instead they sleep. Jesus is irritated with them, but while they have been told of what will happen to him, do they really know it’s about to unfold?  He goes back to pray a second time. They sleep. He goes back to pray a third time and again they sleep!

Jesus awakes them from their sleep. “The betrayer is here!” Soldiers arrive. They take Jesus away. The disciples must be saying “Why?”. What is happening? Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt. They see him hauled away. I picture myself asking the “Why?” question. I would find this turn of events to be surreal too! Yet, it was written and was being fulfilled.

What can we learn from this chapter? A few takeaways for me. “Why?” – we don’t always know what God has in store for us or why he closes some doors and opens others. Do we pay attention to the open doors or are we like Judas and only interested in the prize? What if you were given a chance to dine with your friends and family before you passed away? Do you treat these types of feasts with friends as a chance to relax and enjoy? We do not know what is coming next for us, right? That is hard to think about, but it is true.

Take each day with family and friends as a gift and pay attention to all that is happening or you may miss something important. Take the opportunity to have good conversation or you may find yourself like Peter. Jesus was hauled away, Peter denied him three times, and then the cock crowed. Peter most likely wished he had those last hours back as he might have acted differently. If we ponder “Why?” for too long, we may miss what’s right in front of us.

Pray. Pray once, twice, three times as Jesus did.

I look forward to the next few chapters, which take this story from The End to The Beginning!

 

Seeing Jesus

Today’s Reading is Matthew 24

To this point in the book of Matthew, the writings have been telling the story of Jesus life and ministry. In Matthew 24 Jesus changes and talks to His friends about the future, more of a prophetic conversation than the practical ones they had been used to. So we start out with Jesus and His friends on the Temple grounds. (I needed some help here deciphering the meaning and the purpose of this writing so I consulted Matthew Henry’s Commentary) As they are leaving the Temple, His friends are pointing out buildings and trying to get Jesus to look at the beauty of the structures and the fact that no cost was spared in its construction or decoration. They are proud of what they feel like was built for Him and want Him to comment on the good work that has been accomplished over the years in His honor. They are excited to get to “show Him around” and He says, “Do you see all these buildings? They will be demolished, not one stone will be left on top of another”. Can you imagine how deflated they must have felt? You mean to tell me that all of this work, beauty and cost is for nothing…we did this for you and you tell us it will all be ruined?

I can relate to Jesus friends hearts more than I like to admit. I miss Jesus so often in my life because I am excited about something new I am getting, an adventure I am planning to take, or I want to show someone I love something I’ve accomplished. I am proud of something I have done and too often I want others to see. The thing is, that I am missing Jesus because I like to make things about me. I want to take credit for the things I have acquired or the ideas I have come up with. The truth is that my stuff and my ideas are less than specks of dust, dirty rags… nothing compared to Jesus. Furthermore, none of “my things” or “ideas” are mine. All I am and all I have is gifted by God. I cannot fill my lungs with air for my next breath without God. How can I get so wrapped up in “stuff” that I miss Him?

So Jesus takes them away from the Temple to a place that is more private and quiet to turn their hearts and minds from their agendas to Him… to tell them His purpose and what is coming, what to expect. The Temple is Him, He will be destroyed, He will be gone from this earth and they will need to continue to tell people all over the world about Him in His absence. It will be hard. Others will claim to be the Messiah, there will be wars, famines and earthquakes. They will be arrested, persecuted and killed, and sin will be rampant in the world. But one day, Jesus will appear in the heavens, coming on the clouds with power and great glory. With the mighty blast of a trumpet, Jesus will gather His chosen ones from all over the world-from the farthest ends of the earth and Heaven.

I want less of my focus to be on me and my stuff. I want to be grateful to Him for what He has gifted me so I can be ready when He comes for me.

Who Wore the Warm-up suit to the Wedding

Today’s Reading: Matthew 22

Hello again, this is Lynden and I am excited again to be here. Today’s reading of Matthew has several interesting points that are very intriguing: The parable of the wedding, paying taxes to Caesar, the lady with seven husbands (who all were brothers), the great commandment, one that states “Who’s your daddy?” I have been reading over these and there is one that really has been calling me: “Who wore the warm-up suit to the wedding?”

Matthew 22: 1-14

The Parable of the Wedding Feast

22 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants [a] to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.”’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘the wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.” 

This week, Jillian and I have been doing some deep cleaning of material items in the house and we have uncovered many pictures and special items from our wedding and the newlywed days. I have taken a couple of moments to sit down and reflect on those precious days. It seems as if the wedding day was yesterday, but it has been over 8 years. I can still remember the morning routine that I did that day. I still remember the cool morning of July 12, and the anticipation of the day. I still remember the first time that I saw her under the tree in the churchyard. It is one of most, if not my most memorable days of my life. Jillian and I had an engagement of about a year, but had dated for 5 years. I still remember when we sent out the “Save the Dates” several months in advance of the wedding and waited in anticipation of RSVP. There was a lot of preparation that had went into the special day and I would have been distraught if NO ONE SHOWED UP.

As I have been reflecting on the story this week I was somewhat sadden to see that the king had prepared such an awesome feast for the wedding and the invited guest didn’t show, then the close friends who didn’t get an invite declined, but then he has everyone in the city and highways be summoned and brought in and had the feast. At this point, I feel warm and fuzzy, then the kings is welcoming everyone and finds someone that is not properly dressed and then throws him out. This is so strange to me, “ Hey come into a bountiful feast, oops you have on sweats, I’m sorry you must go”. So I had to do some research and understand what is the rationale.

In biblical Jewish times the marriage of couple was several months or years at length. There are three stages: Contract, Consummation, and Celebration. The contract would be the “ketubbah” which the wife would chose her husband and then the father of the bride would sign the legal document stating the daughter is technically and religiously married. This is how Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ parents were married.   The second is the “chuppah” which is the consummation. The period between the Ketubbah and the Chuppah can be as long as 7 years; there is not a prescribed amount of time. During this time the bridegroom is preparing for his bride. This could be building a house, making enough money to provide for the bride, or something similar. Once the preparations are met then the consummation happens, and then there is feast or celebration that last for days or even for weeks.

So this is the big celebration that everyone has been preparing to witness for several months up to several years. There has been a lot of sacrifice and waiting and the time has finally come that we can part-take of the goodness of the family and the couple. So, as I research I can see that this is not just one day of merriment, but can be several weeks. This is not the first time that the people of the kingdom have heard about this upcoming celebration; this has been the rumor for quite some time.

I have to think about this as one of fairytales where everyone in the kingdom hears that there is a ball, like in Cinderella, everyone prepares for the ball, just in case they are called and invited. This is the “ONE” that everyone is waiting for and expecting. Just when you think it is all over, the king’s men come and say “Come you have been chosen to come to the celebration”. You have to go right then. So you grab your finest clothes that you have prepared for just this occasion. You have to be ready at the moment’s notice.

I can now understand the king’s actions at the end of the parable. Everyone knew the day of the feast would come, not everyone thought they would be called or invited, but everyone came anyway. You have to be ready when the king calls you; His Son is preparing a special place for His bride, and when He is ready, will you have your best suit ready or in sweats?

Prayer: Lord, allow us to be ready and properly dressed to come to your feast. We are excited and wait in anticipation. We pray you use us to help others prepare for the celebration. Amen

Cleanse My Heart

It’s amazing what happens when one dives into a chapter of Scripture.  For the past few years I have been diligent at reading short daily devotionals and feeling satisfied that I at least attempted to connect with Jesus.  I would walk away with a good thought or something to ponder.  But, I am amazed at what happens when one sits down with the Bible in hand and actually studies a full chapter for a week!  It has been a while since I have figured out for myself what a passage means and not used somebody else’s interpretation of the Word to inspire me.  This week I have been awestruck at the amount of information in Matthew 21 and all the lessons that stem from these 46 verses.

I want to focus on Matthew 21:12&13                                                     The Cleansing of the Temple

Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice.  He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.  He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer, ‘ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”

A market had been established in part of the temple, the Court of the Gentiles. The merchants set up shop in the temple court for the convenience of those who came from all regions to celebrate Passover and any other celebrations. Foreign Jews could exchange money and purchase sacrifices. What had begun as a service and convenience for visitors from other lands soon turned into a profitable business. The merchants were “robbing” the customers by charging high prices.  The focus of the believers had turned to “making a deal” and away from a “house of prayer” and Jesus was angry. Jesus invaded the temple to restore it to its purpose.

The temple was to be called a “house of prayer.”
The word house refers to a way of life, not necessarily a structure. A house is the place where we live with our families and those we love. We return to our homes on a daily basis (after school, work, appointments, or running errands), it is not a place where we temporarily visit or pass through. I consider myself a home-body. I love to be at home with my husband and three children.  My home is what I know, it is mine.  I can’t imaging if I spent as much time with Jesus in His Word as I do just being in my home! He wants us to be home with him…to make him our house where we live day in and day out.

Prayer is to ask for favor, to urge, or to request something. Prayer humbles us because we have to ask for help and guidance. Prayer invites God into our daily lives, needs and struggles.

To be a House of Prayer, then we need to be at “home” with Jesus, living with him, asking Him for all that we need every day.

The reference “den of thieves” comes from Jeremiah 7:11. A den is where thieves would hide to plot their next adventure and hide from whomever they robbed.  In Jeremiah, the people were hiding in the Temple to cover up their sins.

If Jesus invaded my heart-What would He find? Would He be angry? Would He find I am filling it with worldly finds to try and find peace, fulfillment, and happiness? Would He find that I am more suitable to a den of thieves or a House of Prayer?

Just as 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, we are called to be a house of prayer. To live and reside in constant communion with Jesus. Jesus wants to cleanse us of all the BUSINESS that is going on in our heart and restore us to a house of prayer. I want to cleanse my heart daily and not get caught up in the business of life that overshadows his call for me to be a house of prayer.

Mercy

Today’s reading:  Matthew 20

Yesterday, we witnessed the transfer of power from the 44th President of the United States to the 45th President of the United States.  Like many Presidents who have gone before, our 44th President exercised his authority to grant a variety of pardons and commutations before he left office – 212 pardons and 1,715 commutations to be exact.  These are a big deal, as they release offenders from all future consequences that would have otherwise accompanied their conviction(s).  Did you know granting pardons is a unilateral power of the President of the United States?  This means the decisions aren’t reviewed, and cannot be overturned by the court, Congress or even the incoming President.  With one act, an offender’s conviction is wiped away and freedom is granted.  What a powerful illustration of mercy.

  • Mercy – compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power.
  • Forbearance – a refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due.

(Miriam Webster)

Our text today in Matthew 20 covers the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard.  In this story, the landowner hired laborers to work in his vineyard throughout the course of the day.  When it came time to pay them, he used a last-in/first-out method, paying those who had worked the shortest time first and those who had worked all day last.  The issue was, he paid them all the same amount, regardless of how long they had worked.  Those hired in the morning were mad.  While the landowner kept his promise and paid them the amount on which they had agreed, these workers felt shortchanged.  They believed their longer hours should have earned them more money than the others.

Do you see the lesson? This was not a parable about hard work, equality or justice.  It was about mercy.  The landowner showed compassion to workers hired later in the day.  He paid them a full day’s wage instead of just paying them what they had earned.  In the same way, God chooses to bestow mercy on those who follow him.  He doesn’t make us suffer the consequences of our sins.  Rather through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, he wipes away our conviction and grants us freedom.  He offers each of us a pardon.  We have not earned it, and we certainly don’t deserve it.

  • For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
  • For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).
  • For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

In preparation for my post this week, I was reminded of two very humbling lessons about God’s grace and mercy Jesus taught through this parable:

  • When you decide to put your faith in Jesus Christ, you are entitled to all the rights and benefits he promises, regardless of how early or late in life you made the decision – (Ephesians 1:13-14).
  • If you think you deserve more in God’s Kingdom because you worked harder or lived a better life than someone else, you’ve forgotten how you got in. By his grace and mercy, God saved you from sin and death. You certainly didn’t earn or deserve it – (Ephesians 2:8).

(gracethrufaith.com)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).

I am humbled, and eternally grateful for God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Good Enough?

One of the many things I love about writing for Bible Journal is that it causes me to constantly look for God’s will, plan, and orchestration in daily experiences. This week, I was in a conversation with a person who shared “I believe in God… I believe life is all about being a good person“. Jesus gives a great response to this “good person” philosophy in today’s reading in the story of “The Rich Young Man”…

And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:17)

Today’s reading link: Matthew 19

Striving to be a good person is an excellent goal, except the problem is that there is no measuring stick to tell us how good is good enough. Perhaps you think I’m a good person for writing this blog, or that I’m a good dad, so does that mean I’ll inherit eternal life? Was I a good person when I had mean thoughts about someone, when I cursed (no one but God heard me), or when I was blatantly selfish, all today? There is only one who is good, and that is God. Jesus doesn’t tell the rich young man (nor anyone, ever) that to inherit eternal life they must be a good person. In this story, Jesus tells the man, to be perfect (or complete) he must sell his possessions, give to the poor, and to follow him:

Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)

Perhaps we’re not all called to sell everything, but for this next part I’m going to focus on our possessions or the things we strive to possess. My wife and I have been talking a lot lately about minimalism; specifically relating to letting go of the stuff we don’t need nor want, as well as refraining from buying things that we don’t need. In today’s world of free two-day shipping and online stores selling millions of different products, it is easy to fall into temptation to keep buying and buying things and piling them up. Even if those things we’re purchasing are bought with the best intentions, it is without a doubt that no matter how much we think we need something, often times we are trying to fill a void that will never be filled in this lifetime.

Jesus offers eternal life because life here is flawed. No matter how much money, how many houses, how many devices to make coffee (I have several devices to make coffee and I want more, more, more…), or whatever else, unless we set our sights and hearts on placing our treasure in heaven, it will never be enough. The things of this world weigh us down, even when they’re “good”, so while Jesus’ teaching is heavenly focused, it is also perfect instruction for us here today.

The Freeing Power of Forgivness

I (Luke) just got married this past June to my beautiful wife Caitlin. We have a little apartment that we call home and are truly content with the little we have. I have always been someone who learns from others. Growing up, I looked up to my dad and learned as much as I could by watching. As I have grown into adulthood, I’ve started to learn from people in my field of work. I enjoy hearing their story and really talking to them about life and work.

“What’s your goal?” you might ask. My goal is to get ahead of the curve. I don’t want to hit the speed bumps that others have hit because I am a firm believer in learning from mistakes, even if I didn’t make the mistakes myself.

Now, let’s talk about marriage. I don’t think I had any way to fully prepare for the refining process that marriage truly brings into your life. In the past 7 months, I have learned so much about how broken I am as a human being. Before marriage, I was a big shot; I was confident and people knew it. There was no one in my life to keep me in line, and as I went through adulthood, I started to create these habits that stuck with me. Some were good, but most were bad. As the first few months of marriage went by, those “habits” came out in plain sight, and boy was that not fun. I felt “dirty.” The great news was that my wife showed me grace and forgave me countless times. Jesus has done that too throughout my life, but it’s now just becoming more visible to me.

Matthew 18 has a parable in it that talks about forgiveness. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant reads:

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.[g] 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.[h] 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant[i] fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii,[j] and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers,[k] until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

This parable shows the power of forgiveness that we can have in each of our daily lives, and especially in our marriages.

Carefully read this story. The servant pleads for mercy from the king, and the king finds it in his heart to forgive the servant of all of his debt and his baggage. Everything he owes to the king is gone in an INSTANT!

You might be able to relate to this better.  Think about if someone came to you and paid your house off or even your car off. How would that feel? No more mortgage payments… no more car payments.

You’d feel free, right?

Now, think of that from a spiritual aspect. In your life, what is your baggage and what are the things you are holding on to? God is ready to take those from you; all you need to do is ask. Ask for forgiveness for your sins, and I promise you, God will be happy to take that baggage from you.

Remember, this street goes both ways. You need to remember whose baggage you can take in your life. Who have you been holding back from forgiving? Who has done that one hateful deed that you just can’t seem to forgive? It’s in THOSE times you need to remember that our Holy Father chooses to forgive us of all our hateful or sinful actions. Why can’t we do the same for our brother or sister?

Forgiveness is freeing. Remember that as you go about your Thursday!

A Just Balance

Today’s Reading: Matthew 17

At the end of Matthew chapter 17 something very interesting to happens. At least interesting to me, I hope you will find it interesting and profitable too. It starts when “they that received tribute money” came to Peter to ask of Jesus “Doth not your master pay tribute?” (Matthew 17:24)

When Peter came to Jesus to inquire of him on this matter. Jesus spoke before Peter and asked him:

What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? (Matthew 17:25)

Peter answered “Of strangers.” That is, they tax not those of their own family but those outside their house.

Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. (Matthew 17:26)

Some think this was Jesus making it clear that because He was the Son of God the tax does not apply to Him. This is why some believe the tax matter was a temple tax and not a civic tax.

Jesus then said “notwithstanding”, which I take to mean some version of, even though I am not required too. Then Jesus said “lest we should offend them” and then proceeded to describe the precise manner in which they would procure the tribute money for payment.  

At first glance the phrase “lest we should offend them” could be taken as a reinforcing statement of what Jesus first said; “notwithstanding”. In this case the “them” would be referring to the tax collectors. Instead though, let us consider for a moment that the “them” was actually in reference to the strangers that Peter mentioned. If this were the case, I think the statement may be more linked to the manner in which they are procuring the payment and not a repetitive statement describing why they are in fact going to pay. After all Jesus just got done explaining why they did not need to. So, if it is in fact about how they are going to procure the payment, the question then became for me, why is this so important? For that answer I turn back to Jesus’s explanation, “Lest we should offend them.” And this is where it got so interesting to me. 

Here is what I think we may be seeing. Coming up with the money to pay the tax is certainly not a problem for Jesus. I think it is reasonable to say He could have done it in any number of ways. One thought is that he would simply lift His hand up to the sky and ask for it to be created. But the issue with creating is that it wouldn’t be fair.

Creating money in any system and increasing the money supply is simply stealing from those who hold money. It is debasing the currency, which basically means everyone else’s money would than be worth less. God pronounces this as a curse and judgement in Isaiah 1:22. Instead, I think Jesus in his sovereignty and absolute authority knew about a coin that no one had a claim to and commanded it brought to Peter. This way they would not offend anyone, or hurt anyone by decreasing the value of their coins, in paying the tax.

There is of course a strong possibility I am way off here. Perhaps reading too much into things. But on the other hand, perhaps this is why the manner in which they paid the tax was described in so much detail and why it was important for Jesus to break down who the groups involved in the tax were and how they all relate to each other. Perhaps it was to continue to lead us in the way we should go. To give us another example of God’s law applied to this world. For me, yet another reassurance that God is all knowing, all powerful, and above all. Praise God!

Here is a link to the scripture: Matthew 17:24-27

 

Losing Champions

Today’s Reading: Matthew 16

I tend to have a competitive spirit when it comes to sports, games, or just about any activity. At times this desire to win can get in the way of what truly is important and the understanding of who is really winning. When I was growing up we didn’t have much so this yearning to win I imagine came from my own complex to feel the need to prove myself all the time to appear “normal”. It could also act as a temporary fix for an internal fear of failure and a want to avoid the current situation.  Where I was feeling like I was winning, I was actually losing, lying to myself, others, and denying Gods call to control my life.

As we read through Matthew 16 we close out on Jesus telling his disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. I’ve written about this before after reading Luke 9 in Lose Yourself. If you have a chance look back at some of the questions posed there. Today,  I’m reminded about the change that we all pursue to cause us to grow in the Lord. That when we decide to say Yes to ourselves, we say No to Christ. If we say No to ourselves, we say Yes to Christ. Throughout our day, what are the ways to forget ourselves and our desires, and search, listen, and follow Jesus’s example.The first thing I pray for is for the recognition of more than surface level approach to others and to truly think of others first.  I need to avoid superficial situations that don’t represent God’s heart and prayerfully submit to God’s will and not my selfish desires to look past a situation. To listen, serve, and share God where you can. If not by words, our actions can speak volumes. Here are a few pointers you can think of for today.

Self-denial – try not to do things only for me – Revelation 12:11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Stop trying to run “my” life – what am I putting in my body and mind?  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Remind myself that I don’t belong to me  – submit my day to God each morning- Galatians 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Champion God’s will in everything today. Unselfishly serve others. Happily Lose!

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

Do you want to find yourself? Do you want to be who you ought to be? It’s not easy and its a constant work in progress. But, let’s try to lose ourselves and grow in the dedication of our life for Christ.

 

Food for All

Today’s Reading: Matthew 15

“He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37 And they all ate and were satisfied.” Matthew 15:36-37

I know what you’re thinking! Jesus fed five thousand yesterday! You’re right, in Matthew 14 our chapter for Sunday we revel in the many miracles performed by Jesus and witnessed by Matthew and the disciples. So today, we have a second loaves and fishes story. It’ slipped in just at the end of chapter 15 and is sort of “under reported” in my opinion. It’s as if all the news outlets heard about the 5,000 people fed the week before and decided that Jesus’ meal multiplication was old news. For me though, this repeat miracle is speaking truth and hope into my life right now. I like to study a few different bible commentaries on the weeks that I write. My NIV study bible said this today: “Jesus had already fed more than 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. Here, in a similar situation, the disciples were again perplexed. How easily we throw up our hands in despair when faced with difficult situations. Like the disciples, we often forget that if God has cared for us in the past, he will do the same now. When facing a difficult situation, remember how God cared for you and trust Him to work faithfully again.

Isn’t that just life changing? Do you ever feel like God has already graced you in one area of your life and so surely he can’t bless you in another? Do you ever feel that you may have reached the limit of his grace and mercy? Instead, we are given the hope that we can trust in His faithfulness and count on Him to care for us again and again. Over the last year, I’ve learned that the most powerful words I can write to you are those of my own testimony. On Tuesday of this week, I was laid off. I’ve worked in the same place for nearly nine years serving children with disabilities. Due to significant financial losses, the company simply cannot continue to pay all of us. I was overwhelmed with anxiety and fear for my young patients, my own children and our family. So many people depend upon me to care for their children and be with them in times of uncertainty. But, as always, God cared for me and every single one of His children. I have been blessed with a new job that affords me the opportunity to continue to serve the children and families I love. I have been rocked out of my comfort zone and am facing some of the challenges of starting an independent business. I know I would not have had the courage to do this without being laid off. There are lots of unanswered questions about how I will bridge some gaps but I know that He will feed me and my family. Today, Matthew shows us that Jesus is not only miraculous but that he is also consistent. God wants what is good for us, he is ever generous, ever sacrificing for us. Today, I’m doing my best to praise him in this dark time. I’m looking forward to a post in the not too distant future when this testimony continues with evidence of His love for me. Until then, I thank you for your prayer and your faithfulness that He will bring miracles to all of our lives!

The photo above is me 38 weeks pregnant doing what I do with little people!