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.


                                           

                                                       

Supreme Blessedness - Beautification

Matthew 5:3-12

New International Version (NIV)

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

When I read this my heart broke at the realization of how far I have fallen.... I used to be blessed, I used to hunger and thirst for righteousness...  but I'm not lost forever..... I can still be these things..... the question is, Do I want to? 

I'm I poor in Spirit? How do I recognise the poor in spirit? What does poor in spirit really mean?

I have mourned and been comforted, I have been with people that are mourning but I dont think I was very comforting. What are the right words to say? How do you say them? Do you just sit there in silence? Do you mourn with them? Is it not up to you at all, can that sort of comfort only come from God?

Meek.....now this I am not! I wish I was sometimes... sometimes I'm proud and glad I'm not! Is this who or how God wants me to be? If it is, how do I become this? Do I want to inherit the earth? What does that even mean? 

Hunger and thirst for righteousness.... I used to... not so much recently... I know I want to.... I am trying to find my way back. 

Merciful.....not always..... I do try

Pure in heart..... far from it!!! If I could wake up one day and be pure in heart..... Oh what a glorious day!!! I don't even know where to start with this one or if it is even an option for me.

Peacemaker..... not always.... I should try harder though.

Persecuted because of righteousness....... I was when I was working towards it...... not anymore.... thought it would make life easier.... I thought it had worked for a while.... accept my humanity....accept who I am.... but it did not last long....this is not the definition of me... this is not who I am...long story short....I'm trying.

People insult, persecute and falsely say all kinds of evil against me because of Christ........I don't know if I'm ready for this or if I will ever be.....

Food for thought....not really sure what to make of all this.

Fishing Men

Matthew 4:19 (New International Version)

  19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

The ultimate calling... the purpose we are all christians on this earth... seems basic but when you come down to it, it really isnt as easy as it seems.... not for me anyway!!!

Come.....
Leave whatever you are doing and just come, no reason, no justification, no debate, no determining whether you feel like it of not.... nothing about you or how you feel or if you want to.... Just Come!!! How do I do this?

Follow Christ.....
You don't have to know where he is going, how long he will be there for or the grand 10 year plan of how it all works out. You don't need a full job description or contract. Sometimes it might not even make sense to you at all.... All he is asking is that you follow.... sounds  easy....Why can't I????

Fishing....
Just thinking about it... all the hard work.... the uncertainty of results.... the stillness and complete surrender... I don't know if I can fish to save my life!!!

Men...
If catching fish isn't hard enough try fishing men!!! I don't even know where to start with this one.

I don't know what it is about my life right now but I'm not in a happy place, I feel I have lost sight of my purpose in life and have no motivation to get anything done anymore...getting out of bed is a struggle and doing what I should be doing is unaccomplished. Sad thing is, I know all the reasons I should be doing what I have to but it doesn't make me want to do it or even do it. Despite the fact that it is more than reason enough o. My mind no longer drives my heart or my will or my body. I'm lost in a pit I don't know how to get out of. Help!  

Needless to say, I am aware that fishing men has absolutely nothing to do with saving me or me getting my act together and I am aware that it is not about me at all... just saying. 

Repenting

Matthew 4:17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁷ From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Jesus started off his ministry by calling for repentance. This got me thinking about what repentance really is. Growing up, I thought it was just saying sorry for wrong doing.... as I grew as a christian, I realized it is not only about saying sorry for doing wrong but also turning away from said wrong doing.... that is true repentance.

Out of curiosity I googled the definition of repentance, here are the top 5 results;

1. remorse for your past conduct.
2. To feel remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; be contrite.To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it: repented of intemperate behavior.To make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins.To feel regret or self-reproach for: repent one's sins. To cause to feel remorse or regret.
3. Repentance is the activity of reviewing one's actions and feeling contrition or regret for past wrongs. It generally involves a commitment to personal change and resolving to live a more responsible and humane life.
4. deep sorrow, compunction, or contrition for a past sin, wrongdoing, or the like.regret for any past action.
5. Repentance means a sincere turning away, in both the mind and heart, from self to God. 

This got me thinking and helped me realize that there really is a lot more to it than just saying sorry and turning away. It is more about the heart and how you truly feel about it. It is about understanding why you should not have done it and never wanting to do it again. 

Now that is food for thought for me....

Lord, Teach me true repentance.  

God Only!!!

Matthew 4:10

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.

This Got me thinking about all the other things in my life that I have let take priority over God and in a sense that I have worshiped because I have let them mean more than they really should to me.My hopes and ambitions, money, the love of my life, me..... and the list goes on. 

When did I become this person? I don't know..... How did I become this person? I don't know.... I do know that it has gotten me no where and I don't like it. 

God please help me be still long enough to listen to you and keep focused on what really matters. To allow you to be all consuming in my life.  

How do I not let myself get caught up in all the things this world has to offer?

Testing God

Matthew 4:7

New International Version (NIV)

⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.

This verse really got me thinking about all the times I doubt God or feel the need to test his power and ability to prove himself. I forget that he doesn't need to and I really should have no reason to doubt. Yet it sometimes happens!

                                 

I really have to think about this one a lot more. Please do share your thoughts and feelings on this.

Bread Alone

Matthew 4:4

New International Version (NIV)

⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

This did more towards confirming my great need to study the word of God (which sadly, I have been neglecting). And not just to study it but to literally feed on it..... to hunger for it.... to depend on it for life!!! 

There was a time when I felt like hat about the word.... not having to force myself because it is good for me but doing it coz I hunger for it... learning from it and trying to live by it.

I need to find my way back....