Matthew

March 18th – Matthew 5:44

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Matthew 5:44

One of the most amazing and radical teachings of Jesus was His command to love our enemies. I think about that now with the war waging in Ukraine. Praying for those who hurt or disappoint us is one thing. But what about those who are actively trying to take our homes, land, families, and even our lives? Jesus tells us that no matter how or who persecuted us, we are to pray. And not just say the right words, but to actively and purposely pray for our enemies with love. This goes against everything we feel and believe in our own human frailty. But if we truly want to be the salt and light of the earth, we need to rise above and walk as Jesus. Impossible in our own strength, but through the work of the Holy Spirit, instead of fleshly hearts of stone, we can have hearts of Christ. Hearts not bent on seeking revenge, but bent on sharing the love of Jesus!

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March 16th – Matthew 26:41

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Matthew 26:41

Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, knew that he was facing the biggest spiritual battle of a lifetime. He also knew that his disciples would be facing great spiritual battles too. They would be afraid and feel alone as their leader was taken from their presence and imprisoned. Jesus knew that even though they loved him and said they would never deny or forsake Him, in their own strength, they would fail to carry through. He knew their weaknesses and the cunning power of the enemy and that’s why he strongly encouraged them to pray.

Prayer is how we engage in spiritual warfare. Temptation is a tool of the devil. One he used in the Garden of Eden to lure Eve and then Adam into sinful desires and disobedience to God. We all will face temptations. But God’s Word tells us that there’s no temptation He hasn’t encountered. And certainly no temptation He can’t help us overcome. In His time of deepest sorrow, Jesus had mankind on his mind. One of the most beautiful things about God taking on human flesh to dwell among man is that He can relate to all of our struggles and hardships. Jesus provided reconciliation for us to God and He actively intercedes for us.  What a privilege to know we have access to the throne of God for our petitions and prayers. 

Blessings, Becky

  

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March 13th – Matthew 18:19

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Matthew 18:19

I once read it said as prayer warriors we must remember that no matter how hopeless a situation may appear to us, God gives us power in prayer to do something about it. Especially when Christians come together to pray as one. We know that the prayer of one righteous person can accomplish astonishing things. (James 5:16) But when two or three have gathered to pray with one mind, God says He will be with them in a special and unique way. For we are the church of Christ, made up of one body. And we are called to pray together as that one body for God to heal, bless, uplift, and strengthen all. Many times in the Bible we read stories of amazing things that happened when Christian’s prayed together. And those amazing things can happen for us when in unison, we pray for the needs of each other.

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March 8th – Matthew 6:5-8

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Matthew 6:5-8

Why is it important to pray in secret? And why is Jesus careful to add that when we pray we should seek a secluded place and shut the door behind us? As I thought about that, I thought of the children’s book called, The Secret Garden by, Frances Hodgson Burnett. The story is about two children who are transformed from being weak, sickly, and friendless, to physically and emotionally healthy children in the garden. And I thought perhaps F.H. Burnett might be onto something here. Because like the children in the garden, our souls can be transformed by our time in secret prayer.

Secret prayer is simply a term used to described our time in prayer alone with God. Psalm 91 has much to say about dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

I’d love to encourage you to spend some time reading over Psalm 91. Because I believe here Moses, who walked so incredibly close to God while here on earth, is encouraging us. Moses is saying, if we truly wish to grow deeper in our walk with the Lord, it will be through our time. Time  spent in the “secret place of the Most High.” So if you struggle to make time to spend time alone with God, confess it! Share your heart with Him. And then give the responsibility to meet together each and everyday over to Him! After all He desires to meet with you just as much if not more! God cannot fail. So make it His responsibility to provide time for the two of you to meet in your secret place.

Blessings, Sue

 

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March 7th – Mark 11:24-25

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Mark 11:24-25

Prayer is a wonderful thing. Because it allows our souls to connect with the One who created them. Yet there are things that can keep us from having a successful prayer life. Stumbling blocks that dam up the flow of communication between us and God. And unforgiveness is one of them. So much so, Mark warns us that before we pray, we need to be free of unforgiveness towards others. Why? So that we in turn can receive the forgiveness of God.

Forgiving others is hard, messy, and painful. Yet no matter how many times, or how badly we’ve been betrayed, hurt, or disappointed, Jesus says we are to forgive. In fact, forgiveness is so important to the Lord, when teaching the disciples to pray in Matthew 6, He includes in His prayer, “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” How many times do we recite the Lord’s Prayer with unforgiveness harbored in our hearts?

Having a spirit of unforgiveness hinders more than just our prayers. It affects our relationship with God. For not only does it keep us from receiving His pardon for our own sins, but also His peace, grace, and mercy. And it grieves the very Spirit of God living inside of us. Because unforgiveness is a toxin of the Enemy, poisoning our minds, hearts, and souls.

In our own strength such forgiveness is impossible. But through God’s transforming power, we can pull the weed of unforgiveness, stopping it from taking root and spreading. And when we are free from its stronghold, we can approach God with the assurance that when we come Him in prayer, all things we ask will be granted according to His goodness and perfect will.

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Loving One Another – John 13

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John 13

When you think of Jesus what’s the first thing that pops into your head? For me it’s His love. A love so strong, Jesus laid down His life to call me His own. And I in return love Him. But that isn’t enough. Because Jesus wants more than my love. He wants me to love others with the same passion that I reserve for Him alone. …

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February 18th – Matthew 4:19

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Matthew 4:19 

To be chosen by Jesus as one of His very own is a gift beyond reckoning. And it’s also a gift that requires sacrifice. Because we can’t follow the Lord and follow the world. Following Jesus means laying down all we knew before, giving up our old, sinful, earthly ways, for a better way of life. But sadly for some, this is asking too much. They would rather cling to the world and its desires then to Jesus. The Jews of old sacrificed much to follow the Lord. They were despised and shunned. They lost their friends, loved ones, way of life, and even their lives. But it was a small price in light of the great price Jesus paid to offer us everlasting life. Jesus calls to each of us, “Follow Me!” Will you answer His call? Can you leave behind the world to become one of His beloved disciples?

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January 23rd – Matthew 6:34

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Matthew 6:34

The lyrics to one of my favorite songs go, “One day at a time, sweet Jesus. That’s all I’m asking from You. Just give me the strength to do everyday, what I have to do.” Every day is filled with its own unique challenges and circumstances. And Jesus wants us to focus on each one as it comes without worry for the future. Why? Because the Lord knows that worry causes needless fear and anxiety. Needless because no matter what tomorrow brings, God is already there. He’s there, in control, and working His plans for our good. Our focus should be on the day at hand. And trusting in God every moment of every day to supply all we need to get through it in victory. Now that doesn’t mean we don’t plan for the future. But what it does mean is that we shouldn’t let the worry about that future rob us of the joy from God’s gift of today.

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January 13th – Matthew 6:25

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Matthew 6:25

For the past two hears, humanity has been involved in the turmoil of the pandemic. And the anxiety it’s caused has taken its toll in the lives of so many people! But we cannot let it oppress us nor enslave us! For there is a solution. And in God’s Word, Jesus taught His followers, who were also dealing with oppression, the steps to follow. Yes we should stop being worried, uneasy, and distracted. You might say it is easier said than done, but when you realize WHO you are putting your trust in, than you can freely rest on Him and put ALL your confidence in your Heavenly Father!

When we are worried and anxious about the material things of life we behave like pagans. Like idol worshippers, we set our trust on our own efforts and set out hearts on our needs. But our Heavenly Father knows exactly what we need, and in the exact time He will provide. But we need to trust Him enough to let go. What is distracting you from receiving the blessings of His Provision for each aspect of your life? Blessings, Mari

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January 4th – Proverbs 31:25

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Proverbs 31:25

Today’s culture conveys to women that we must be focused on achievements. Including higher pay, and external beauty. But a woman of faith loves God with all her heart, soul, and strength (Mt 22:37). She is filled with the Holy Spirit and lives in freedom because of her faith in Christ Jesus. And because of her faith she walks with strength, dignity and peace. A woman of faith is able to experience overwhelming joy not anxiety. And she is also fearless about the future. For she is ready to face anything with God,  “laughing at the days to come.”

So, let’s break down Proverbs 31:15 so that this freedom available to all His daughters, is found in us. “She is clothed…” We only need to go into any large department store these days to see how much value women place on clothing. But 1 Peter 3:3 says, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.” Rather, the godly woman will be clothed with her Christ-like character. More of our attention should be set on the conditions of our heart. For our outside shell is fading away.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity;” These two traits fit nicely together, for you won’t find strength of character without the dignity. And you won’t find dignity in a person who is weak. Unfortunately, the culture today seems to be defining a “strong woman” as one who is sassy, disrespectful, insolent and truly un-dignified. Our culture seems to call anger strength, and it’s hurting especially the younger generations in my opinion.

But God’s word is clear, meek has never been a synonym for weak. Because true strength of character comes from strength in The Spirit (Lk 1:80) And because of that strength she can laugh. Why? Because she has no fear of the days to come. For she lives wisely and is prepared for what might come. She knows aging is inevitable and doesn’t care. She knows what true beauty is; a gentle and quiet spirit inside of her. And she can laugh because she is carefree, not running after the things of the world. Instead she trusts and leans on her Savior, encouraging others to do the same!

Blessings….Sue

 

 

 

 

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