Being Relevant

Matthew 9:14-17

14 Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” 15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. 16 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

There is a time and purpose for everything. We should be aware of our situations everythime we make a decision to do or say something.

A dear dear friend once pointed out that the Christians that minister the most to him are those that are relevant in their christianity. And that got me thinking, how erlevant I'm I? are there times when I am mourning at a wedding reception in the presence of the bridegroom, are there times that I patch up old wineskins with new ones or unshrunk cloth on an old garment?

How many times are our actions and words counteractive to the growth of the kingdom of God, How are we irrelevant in our Christianity that we fail to draw souls to Christ and instead push them away, How many times are we so busy doing things that we think are right and in essence preaching to the choir and not those that need to know Christ the most!?

Lord, Help me to be relevant in every situation you place me. 

Minding My Own Business

Matthew 9:9-13

9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

A group of friends and I were having an interesting conversation and right when the jazz got really juicy, as we swapped stories and laughed at each other and got a little shocked too.... we realized something of a trend.... the best stories always started with, "There I was minding my own business" And there and then we knew it was going to be a really juicy one.... and laughed about how the best stories always started with us minding our own business.

I read this and the first thing that came to my mind was.... there Matthew was......minding his own business..... and there and then.... I knew I was in for a juicy one... :)

I thought about all the things I go about doing in my own little world... minding my own business.... and Jesus walking up to me and asking me to follow him..... would I? Can I?
                                                           
I took comfort in the fact that Matthew was not perfect, neither he nor Jesus nor the people he interacted with him daily thought he was..... they did not even think he was worth Jesus' attention..... But Jesus did.


I took comfort in the fact that Jesus loves and cares about me in all my imperfection....even when I am too busy minding my own business..... An in that, I will derive my strength to get up and Follow Him!

And in that moment.....while I am busy minding my own business.... it will mark the beginning of a really juicy story..... and with the best companion ever!

Entertainment

Matthew 9:1-8

Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man

1Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3At this, some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, “This fellow is blaspheming!” 

4Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?5Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?6But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”So he said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”7Then the man got up and went home. 8When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man.

How wonderful that our sins are forgiven in Christ... I marvel daily at this because there would not be enough livestock on to atone my sins. I take comfort in the fact. I should not take it for granted and sin willfully... but take comfort in the fact that when I do... I can always come back to the cross.

Entertainment can be defined as 'The action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment.' We think these evil things... we enjoy the thoughts... we make a home for them in our hearts and look forward to them ....but we shouldn't! 

I love that Jesus has all hat authority... it is so cool....It makes me feel really safe and taken care of... 

Lord, Teach me to be intolerant of evil thoughts, that they may have no place in my heart and that I may forever dwell in your safety.

Go!

Matthew 8:28-34

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Restores Two Demon-Possessed Men

28 When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes,[a] two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”

30 Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”

32 He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. 33 Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 8:28 Some manuscripts Gergesenes; other manuscripts Gerasenes

I thought about this one and was wondering what I could learn about Jesus from it.... and all that came to mind was free will.... when we are set on doing something Jesus will nt tie us down and hold us back.... he will let us Go.... but just because he lets us 'go' does not mean that there will not be consequences.... so before we go shouting at God, letting him know what we want and 'blubbering' like the fools we usually are..... think.... let God have his way.... and let GO! :)

Fear vs Faith

Matthew 8:23-27

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Calms the Storm

23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

My fear is an indicator of my faith or lack of.....

The bible tells us numerous times not to be afraid!!!

When I think about it......really think about it.... I have absolutely nothing on this earth to fear because God has so gat this! He is in absolute control..... and yet.... still..... I fear and fret!!!

Father, guide me as I grow in faith and extinguish all fear!

Following

Matthew 8:18-22

New International Version (NIV)

The Cost of Following Jesus

18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

21 Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Following Christ is all about denying self and the physical desires of this world. Christ does not demand this of us......he just needs us to be aware of it what we are getting ourselves into when we do. Many times we are quick with our decisions and promises without fully understanding the implications and what is truly involved... The 'son of man' was not here to establish a physical kingdom..... he did not need that kind of following.... he needed people that were willing to just up and follow.... no physical benefits!

The next bit made me think about this post. Not only are we not supposed to worry about our tomorrows, we need to learn to leave our pasts behind as well. What is done is done is done. We need to learn to live in today and make the most of it.

Lord, teach me to leave my yesterdays in the past, meet my tomorrows tomorrow and live my todays according to your will, making the most of each one.....

Paintings

Matthew 8:5-13

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Faith of a Centurion

5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant,[a]‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him,“Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel[b] have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 8:9 Greek bondservant
2. Matthew 8:10 Some manuscripts not even in Israel

He is not only willing, he is ready to go the extra mile for us! :) I took great comfort in that. Then the next bit challenged me, he does not have to go the extra mile...... made me think of painting a picture, are we limited by the size of the canvas or the image in our minds? How and where do we mark our boundaries and set our limitations? Do we understand the Lord's power and his authority? Are we painting too small on a large canvas or limiting the detail of our pictures to the size of the canvas? 

It is amazing the things we take for granted when we think we know it all or have it all or that it will always be there for us. ''He came to his own and his own did not accept him'' 

If you could paint a picture and have it happen exactly like you paint it, would you have any limitations? How would you determine them and what would they be?

Lord, teach me to believe and help me with my unbelief and disbelief. Help me see what I have before me, open my eyes, mind and heart that i may make the most it.

Intimacy

Matthew 8

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

8 When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 A man with leprosy[a]came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

It took me a while to think this one through.....

The first part was loud and clear! HE IS WILLING... God loves us so so so much that it is sometimes impossible to comprehend his love. He knows the desires of our hearts before we even ask. His plans for us are good and perfect! No body is more willing and has the the power to do what is best for us than God..... again.... HE IS WILLING..... sometimes, all it takes is for us to ask!

The second part was a bit tricky for me..... why do I have to keep it a secret? Did this guy actually keep it a secret? What is the message of lesson in this?..... INTIMACY.... that little something special that you hold so dear.... that something that you treasure and do not have to share to delight in it. Special moments, special communication.... those moments when God moves you and there are hardly words to describe it.... don't try to find the words.... just enjoy the moment and delight in the Lord.... hold on to your special moment.... let God move you :)

Foundations

Matthew 7:24-27

New International Version (NIV)

The Wise and Foolish Builders

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

I used to think this was all about those who have heard about Christ and know him.... sadly, its not..... its about actions and what backs up our actions.... on what do we base our actions and decisions? What use is it reading the word of God if all we do is read? we need to put into practice what we read...... but how easily we forget in the heat of the moment.... how quick to think, what will they say, what will they think, what is in it for me, how much is it worth or will it cost me?... and on and on.... and when things get tough (the storm) and it all falls apart around us, we wonder why.... we ask, why me God, we then remember to go back to him..... how do we expect not to be swept away by the storm if we base our lives, actions, decisions on things that change with the storm....

Who we are determines what we do.... what we think about.....

Who I'm I Lord? Help me define myself according to your will and live out your word...base my life on the only foundation that can with stand any storm that life brings my way.

Truth

Matthew 7:15-23

New International Version (NIV)

True and False Prophets

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

True and False Disciples

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

You will know them by the fruit they bear.....

First time I read or heard a sermon on this I thought it was limited to teachers of the word, false prophets and cults. In this case their followers (fruit) were a reflection of whether or not they are false....the ability to draw people to Christ....But man can not change the heart of another man, only God can...

Then I read it some time back recently and thought about how my mom always emphasized how what I do is not only a reflection on me but on her and my dad as well. Brought new meaning to the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree. So I and all the other offspring could be a reflection of who our parents really are!

Further still, not only with spiritual leaders and parents but people on a day to day basis. We interact with different people everyday, some are sheep and some are wolves in sheep skin.... so how do you tell them apart? The fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self control! it's a wonder we take the sheep for granted and seek out the wolves....Father open my eyes, heart and mind to recognize the sheep from the wolves....

Only they that do the will of God

I pondered this long and hard.... it all boils down to one word.....LOVE! It is the cry of my heart to love...always.....unconditionally....christlike love.

Paths

Matthew 7:13-14

New International Version (NIV)

The Narrow and Wide Gates

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

It has been a while since I posted.... when I read this, it really got me.... got me real good. I then got overwhelmed with events (or did I?) was busy, will do it later I told myself..... and on and on....

I have not been travelling the narrow path.... I have been travelling the wide path... its easier and has more company....

Somehow I felt that the narrow path was lonely and I had to travel it by myself... this is not true... It doesn't say no body finds it.... it says a few find it.... so it wont be just me... I will have company!

I have with open eyes led myself to destruction, I have exchanged my future happiness for momentary pleasure and company..... and I have done this with my eyes and mind open and aware..... is/was it worth it...for a while I guess it felt like it was.

I am trying to find my way back to the narrow path that leads to the narrow gate that leads to LIFE! Come with me....be counted among the few.

  

Father my FATHER

Matthew 7:7-12

New International Version (NIV)

Ask, Seek, Knock

⁷ “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
⁹ “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹ If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! ¹² So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

The peace that this verse gave me the last time I read it is indescribable!  And that doesn't come lightly for me. :) 

The assurance in verse 7 and 8 is profound. It gets into you and sneaks into all those cracks of disbelief and worry and just seals them up and leaves you glowing and new.... my heart felt restored, renewed, alive!

Verse 9 reminds me that God knows me inside and out, he knows my wickedness yet still, still he loves me..... and that no gift I have received on this earth even begins to compare to what God has in store for me and wishes for me..... all I have to do is ask and seek!

Verse 12, do to others as you would like to be doe to you..... that is the "measure" with reference to this post. 

I believe that the moment I learn to love others..... everyone...... and learn to view people through THE FATHER'S eyes.... the moment I acquire a Christlike view and love for people..... then.... then.... my life will be complete.... guide me Lord!

People/Pigs!!!!

Matthew 7:1-6

New International Version (NIV)

Judging Others

7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
⁶ “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

This one has always kinda been a relatively easy one for me... I do not consider myself a judgmental person.... and I am harshest on myself .... a lot more than I am on others....  but as I thought about it the past few days I thought maybe I was wrong.... maybe I am more judgmental than I thought... as it turns out, I was very wrong..... very very wrong....

I looked up the meaning of the word judging..... Google says it is to 'Form an opinion or conclusion about.' I then looked up judging someone, urban dictionary says it is 'to quickly form a bias and/or personal opinion about someone or something.' I do this a lot!!!! I have opinions about everything.... yes, even people.... and I form them very fast... sometimes I think I am right but other ties I come to discover that I am extremely wrong.... now I know that I have always been wrong... It is not my place to form an opinion about anybody..... it also got me thinking about how exactly I arrive at these opinions I form and I found that it is all in fact very judgmental of me.... I compare, I judge, based on what I think I know, what I have seen and heard.... but how Christlike is it of me? More importantly, how do I not do it?

Funny thing is.... I hate it when people judge me and will find myself going out of my way to prove them wrong..... what the hell is wrong with me? How do I change this?

Oh and I like to see the specks and help take them out.... some people appreciate it.... others don't..... I even started to think I was good at it and maybe that was my calling.... helping people... so how do you help people without forming opinions? How do psychiatrists/psychologists do it?

Verse 6 has always been a mystery to me. I understand the basic concept of not giving things of value to people who will not appreciate them or do not know the meaning of them. But what are these things of worth.... and how do you know or decide or determine who deserves them and who doesn't? And if you do this, isn't that in a way judging? I started thinking about it in terms of sexuality and that is the one thing or topic where it made complete sense to me. Many times as women we let ourselves be abused physically and emotionally by giving ourselves to people who do not deserve us or who do not know our worth. The question, however, is, do WE know our worth? If we don't, how different are we from the 'pigs' then?

I'm honestly very confused by all this right now... and the more I think about it, the more confusing it gets. Anyone out there that can help? I'm I over thinking this? Is it possible to over think it? I'm I misinterpreting it? I think I ought to stop now before my rumblings become unbearable!

Worry

Matthew 6:25-34

New International Version (NIV)

Do Not Worry

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[a]?
²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 6:27 Or single cubit to your height

 

This bit was particularly difficult for me. I am a worrier..... I wish I was a warrior...... I worry about everything and anything..... I even worry that I worry.....or even that I'm not worried when I'm at peace.....Its that bad!

Lord, save me from my paganism, teach me to trust, to prioritize, to put you first above all things and people. Teach me Lord, to live one day at a time and meet my tomorrows tomorrow!!!!

                                                 

Treasure..... and darkness!!!!!

Matthew 6:19-24 (New International Version)

Treasures in Heaven
19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

This portion of scripture really got me thinking long and hard.... I have truly fallen short and far..... I have become overwhelmed with storing up treasures on earth and forgotten to how to live beyond the physical... so much so that I don't know whether I can find my way back! 

On this earth, all things fade away.... I need to remember the things that are everlasting! 

When was it that I ceased to control money and it began to control me?

When was it that the things that gave me joy could so easily be taken away from me and take my joy with them?

Verse 22-23 were quite a puzzle for me when I read them 3 years ago! Now the darkeness I see and harbor inside of me is so dark that it is clear to me..... when did my eyes start to see and judge and live in the physical realm.... when did I cease to see the good in people and see only what they looked like and what they had to offer me physically? when did I start to gladly expose my eyes, mind and heart to so much evil that I started to delight in it.... that it started to dwel in me? 

WHEN???? when did this darkness become .....a great darkness!!!???? 

Is there any more light in me? If there is, surely the darkness can not put it out! how do I let my light shine and kick out this sickening darkness?  

                                                                  

How do I serve the master that is truly worthy of my all!

How do I get my priorities straight.....and still make it in this world?

                         

All these questions I have....some I know the answers to.....some a still a complete mystery..... but all leave me with even more questions!

Fasting

Matthew 6:16-18

New International Version (NIV)

Fasting

¹⁶ “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ¹⁷ But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

When you fast..... not if.... but WHEN..... meaning we are expected to fast.... I have not fasted in such a long time and I only ever fasted when I desperately needed something in my life or if it was a group thing...This scripture made me realize that I need to discover the true meaning of fasting. 

Fasting is a personal intimate thing.... a thing between you and God.... not a thing to display and show off... 

Father, teach me to truly fast.....

Coming Before the Father......

Matthew 6:5-15

New International Version (NIV)

Prayer

⁵ “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ⁷ And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰ your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.
¹² And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³ And lead us not into temptation,^[a]
    but deliver us from the evil one.^[b]’

¹⁴ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 6:13 The Greek for temptation can also mean testing.
2. Matthew 6:13 Or from evil; some late manuscripts one, / for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Prayer is a private, personal thing.... I get that... makes me think about communicating with my own Father.... whether it is asking him for something or thanking him for something... or just having a moment with him in conversation.... I know better than to do it when he is distracted or in a crowd for all to see and hear.... If I treasure my communication to my earthly father so.... how much more my Heavenly Father!!!

I also know better than to go on rambling and wasting his time....and he most of the time has no idea what I am going to say..... how much more so my Father who knew me before I was born....who knows the desires of my heart before I ask.... who knows the number of hairs on my head.... How mush more him....

The Lord's Prayer........ Breakdown!!!

Our Father......
It is only as children of God that we have the right and privilege to come before him at all!
 
Hallowed be your name........
Despite the fact that he is our father....we still need to acknowledge him as God and recognise who he is to us....Fear him in love....

Your will be done......
Accept that he knows best and his will is best..... trust him and be willing to follow his guidance and accept his will for us and not our own desires....

Give us today......
He is the giver of all things.... all we recieve from him we should be thankful. We should also acknowledge and trust him as our provider.... it is not for us to worry about what we will eat or wear... God... The Almighty....Maker of Heaven and Earth is our provider!

Forgive us......
We are human and bound to sin.... for if we say we have no sin we are liars and the truth is not in us.... therefore we need God's forgiveness..... he alone can forgive and save us from death.

As we also forgive......
We live in a world with mortals bound to sin.... no one is perfect... we all make mistakes.... we should be willing to forgive just as we are forgiven... this may not always be easy but in Christ all things are possible.... we need to make the effort to forgive!

Lead us not.....
The Lord is our Guide! We need to trust in the Lord's guidance... where he leads we should follow... his word is a light unto our paths.... When we follow his guidance we are safe wherever we go.... wherever he leads us.... no matter what we find there....

Deliver us....
The Lord is our Deliverer! whatever we are going through, at whatever point in time... he will deliver us!


Thank you Lord, I could not ask for anything more....
    

Secrets....

Matthew 6:1-4

New International Version (NIV)

Giving to the Needy

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

² “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Why is it that it is easy for us to keep secret the things that we are ashamed of but want to show the whole world when we are doing the "right" thing!!! Justification much.....

When did I become such a people pleaser..... Seeking the approval of men instead of the approval of God?!?

Sometimes I catch myself but its too late....

Help me get my priorities straight Lord....

 

Love For All!

Matthew 5:43-48

New International Version (NIV)

Love for Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[a] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 5:43 Lev. 19:18

I used to feel like this... love all people without prejudice....it feels like the older I get, the more lessons life teaches me.....the harder it is to love without prejudice!!!

I desire to see people through the eyes of christ......

I desire to look past the physical and all the limitations and standards set by the world.....

I desire to love friend and foe alike......

but it seems to get harder and harder to do so the older I get......or is it the further I drift away from God? Cause and effect relationship maybe?

How do I even begin to try to be perfect in love like God?

Help me Lord, I don't know how to do this on my own... I doubt I can!!!

Eternal Goodness

Matthew 5:38-42

New International Version (NIV)

Eye for Eye

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’^{[a] 39} But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 5:38 Exodus 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21

Revenge is mine sayeth the Lord!!!

pay back evil with good..... as much as I want to do and be all these things, sometimes I feel like it is easier said than done..... how do I reward evil with good.... how do I let people walk all over me.... how do I not stand up for myself..... I know its not for m to do..... but how do I not only learn but live this?

Word=Bond

Matthew 5:33-37

New International Version (NIV)

Oaths

³³ “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ ³⁴ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; ³⁵ or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. ³⁶ And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. ³⁷ All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.^[a]

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 5:37 Or from evil

I love this!!!! It is hard to live by, but I love it all the same. Life and this world would e so much better if everybody tried to live by this. 

So..... contrary to popular belief..... Oaths(or promises) are really NOT mean to be broken!!! When and if you make an Oath(or promise) you better be prepared to honour it! DO NOT MAKE OATHS (OR PROMISES) YOU CAN NOT KEEP. 

Of course with us being human and all..... that is so not possible..... we just are not wired that way.... 

So..... Do NOT make an oath (or promise) in the first place!!!! And do not swear it on anything...... because we do not have the power or authority to do that! 

Just be frank.... say it as it is... say it as you mean it!!! LET YOUR YES BE YES AND YOUR NO, NO!!!! Be a man/woman of your word!!!!

Lord, help me think about everything I say and make sure I mean it before I say it! Teach me to be a woman of my word that people might see you in me.

Divorce?

Matthew 5:31-32

New International Version (NIV)

Divorce

³¹ “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’^{[a] 32} But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 5:31 Deut. 24:1

When I read this my first instinct was to leave this to the marrieds.... as I am not yet in that category.... and at this rate might never be.... a fact that I am surprisingly starting to get really comfortable with.

On further thought I realised that a man should not any other grounds besides sexual immorality divorce his wife.... and this really got me thinking.... is it the same for women? How many men out there divorce their wives for lesser reasons... how many women stay in marriages even when they are aware of the sexual immorality going on? What are the boundaries that define sexual immorality?

I tried looking online for definitions of sexual immorality and that opened up a whole new can. Most definitions base it on social standards.... however these differ from one society to another!

In other words the grounds for divorce are shaky...... work it out......don't rush into marraige ...... and do not get divorced!

And you wonder why single life is starting to become more appealing to me! ;)

Adultery

Matthew 5:27-30

New International Version (NIV)

Adultery

²⁷ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’^{[a] 28} But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹ If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 5:27 Exodus 20:14

This is a follow up from  yesterday's post and makes me really think about sin as not just a physical act but more to do with our hearts and minds. Thinking it or feeling it before God is just as good.... or bad in this case as doing it!!!

Furthermore, we should do everything humanly possible to rid ourselves of sin.... literally fight a battle against sin and do what you must.... it won't be easy and sometimes the sacrifices will be really huge! But those sacrifices are worth it if they draw the line between heaven and hell.

This is one of those verses that feels like it is easier said than done..... Lord please guide and give me strength when I need it!

Murder!!!

Matthew 5:21-26

New International Version (NIV)

Murder

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,^[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister^[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’^[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
²³ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
²⁵ “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. ²⁶ Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 5:21 Exodus 20:13
2. Matthew 5:22 The Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a fellow disciple, whether man or woman; also in verse 23.
3. Matthew 5:22 Some manuscripts brother or sister without cause
4. Matthew 5:22 An Aramaic term of contempt

Something that I have learnt growing up as a person is the value of human life.... Murderers and Rapists are the most looked down upon people in any society world wide. So much so like the worst possible crime (so it seems) that one can do is kill a person.... if you haven't done that then you can get away with almost anything else..... you are still not yet the scum of the earth... there are people out there who are worse that you.....

These words of Jesus made me look at Murder in a whole new light. It is not just about the physical act of taking someones life.... its about our hearts and minds as well.... the thoughts we have and the feelings we feel when we are angry.... the fact that sometimes we think we are so smart that others are fools. Just like taking a human life is not for us to decide as humans, thinking we are better than others isn't either!!!!! We are all creations of God. After all, our thoughts and feelings do become us!

For what right have we to come before God if we consider ourselves better than others? How can we come before him through the Grace of the cross if we ourselves do not understand the basic concept of Grace... How can we say we understand Grace if we think ourselves better than others...whether it is as murder....anger.....contempt.....or insult!!! How can we say we love if we can not see people as Christ does.... How do we look past the physical, the standards set by this world and see people as Christ does?

Verse 25 felt a bit out of place for me... like he just went off on a tangent... all I could think about is how people have used this verse to justify corruption back home by paying off cops in order to cheat the system. Then I looked up the definition of adversary and it said opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute. And it just came down to "handle your business and don't let it get out of hand" Everybody has misunderstandings... and this life we live is a life of conflict!!! So...... due to lack of a better way to put it... HANDLE YOUR BIZZ!!! 

Law!!

Matthew 5:17-20

New International Version (NIV)

The Fulfillment of the Law

¹⁷ “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸ For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. ¹⁹ Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰ For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

This is one of the things that used to really confuse me as a young christian.... Old testament VS New testament! it took me a while to learn that the two are not either or but and... not supplementary but complementary.

The word does not contradict itself but compliments itself as a whole! 

Verse 20 though gets me thinking.... It is not just about seeming to teach and follow the law.... but to also live it and by it.... make it alive and real for you....

Lord help me to be truly righteous .... To fulfill all righteousness like you that I may enter the kingdom of heaven

Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-16

New International Version (NIV)

Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The main questions I kept asking myself when I read this were, Have I lost my saltiness? I am I useless now? Can I be made salty again? Have I been thrown out to be trampled on? I'm I being trampled on? How do I share this message with fellow christians to help them remain salty?

I hate bland food..... and I would go crazy if I added salt to my food and nothing changed coz it had lost its saltiness.

But then again, salt in essence is saltiness. Can salt exist without being salty?

I'm I light? How do I shine? Good Deeds? Haven't fully digested this one... not sure what to make of it for me.