February 29 – Leap of Faith

Matthew 7:28-29
“The multitudes were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching as one having authority, and not as their scribes.”

They were amazed at His teachings---we’ve grown up hearing about Jesus---and His teachings are the basis for our lives. We need to have that fresh amazement…and on the “leap year” day, we need to step out in a leap of faith and share His good news with others who may not know just who Jesus is---or what He taught. Seek out someone today at the grocery store, gas station, Starbucks, or somewhere you don’t normally go---and share Jesus with them.

Lord, give me boldness today to share you with even just one other person.  May our paths cross with time to speak and allow us to connect with each other and with You.  Give me just the right words to say.

Take a Leap of Faith. Find and share the joy in your life.

February 28 – Wise and Foolish Builders

Matthew 7:24-27
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall."

Whether it is a physical house, or a spiritual house…and whether it is for one person, or for a family, a home needs to be built on a strong foundation. In most cities building inspectors come and make sure that the builder has prepared the forms for the foundation properly even before the concrete is delivered. Then again after the concrete foundation is prepared, inspectors come again to be sure that the house has a proper foundation or alignment. When the house is built in a less populated area, maybe the inspections are not as critical---but they are still necessary. When building a “spiritual” home there needs to be a mentor who can help build a good foundation---making sure that a deep relationship with the Lord is the basis of that foundation. Church attendance, Bible studies, scripture memorization and Christian fellowship provide additional depth and support to that spiritual relationship.

How are your spiritual and physical homes? There is not much we can do to the physical home foundation once it is formed, but our spiritual foundation can be strengthened with every decision we make to turn our life over more fully to the Lord. Choose today how deeply you want to serve God---in just a casual way---or from the very depth of your soul.

Lord, show us the condition of our foundation with you and give us insight in how to make that stronger. We love you and we live to serve you. Amen.

February 27 – Lord-Lord

Matthew 7:21-23

“Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?”  And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, you who practice lawlessness.”

Wow. Depart from me---I never knew you. Those are strong words that I certainly don’t want to hear the Lord speak to me. Be sure you know the true Lord---and are not taken in to following some cult where people think they are following the true Lord, but they aren’t. Test the scripture that you are taught to be sure that it is correct. Look up the reference verses---dig deep into God’s word for yourself. Don’t “prophesy” in the Lord’s name, unless you really feel that you are blessed with the gift of prophesy and have checked with a reputable person that your prophesy is in line with God’s will and teaching. In this day, prophesy is also considered “preaching”. What are you “preaching” to others?   

Demons are spiritual being, angels that fell out of Heaven with the devil. They try to thwart the purposes of God, promote their own doctrine, and can inflict diseases (Matt 9:23). Casting out demons is a risky thing to do since once they are “out” of a person or place, there is a void that can be filled by either another demon---or by goodness. The person must be prepared. If the demon that comes in is greater than the one that left, then life will be even worse.

Lord, please reveal your Word to us in a depth that we can understand and show us the true meaning of your message.

February 26 – Fruit

Matthew 7:15-20

Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit….Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then you will know them by their fruits.

Watch out who you trust to teach you God’s word. He may sound like he is teaching you true scripture, but read it for yourself so that you can be sure that he is teaching the truth. What kind of “fruit” is he producing? Can you imagine picking grapes or blueberries off of thorny bushes? If a tree is healthy it will give good fruit---consider those trees at the orchards. They are healthy even if they are old…and the fruit is tasty. Good fruit---love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22)---will be evident by not only his words, but also by his actions. Are your words and actions signs to your family and friends that you are “bearing” good fruit? If not, it is time to adjust your attitude and actions. If so, then well done, good and faithful servant. Keep on keeping on. 

Lord, help me choose wise words and actions that are “tasty” and encouraging to others.

February 25 - Gates

Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Consider how you feel going down a path with gates ahead---wide gate or narrow gate? Which would you choose? Easy and carefree---wide gate that may begin a downhill stretch of the path; or would you choose the challenging narrow gate that may lead to a bit of an uphill climb?  The paths are not labeled--“Destruction” and “Life”---but you need to make wise choices and ask God to show you along each step of the way which way is the good way—although it may be through the narrow gate---toward truth and life. Remember “Ask” and you will receive. Jesus beckons us from this gate at the Garden of Gethsemane to come to Him.

Lord---help us and those we love to make good decisions today. Guide us in your will and your ways.

February 24 – Golden Rule

Matthew 7:12

“However you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

The golden rule is recognized around the world as the way to treat other people. Simply behave towards other people the way you want others to treat you. Sometime children will hit others…so training them to be kind and not hit other children so that they don’t get hit back is a good thing. This can be verbal as well as physical…don’t say unkind things to others---so that they don’t say rude and unkind things, too. Don’t let them say things like “dummy” and “stupid”. So do you treat your children and others the way you want to be treated? Children, watch your actions and reactions…and hear the words you speak---so let them be the same as you want to be treated.

Now if only the nations of the world would get the big picture and treat other nations (and individuals) the way they want to be treated. Is peace a dream?

Thank you Jesus for being such a good example for us. Help me treat others the way I want to be treated---like a royal princess.    

February 23 – Ask, Seek, Knock

Matthew 7:7-11
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened….”

This passage is one of my favorite songs. Sing it with me…or hum along. ♫ Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you---hallelujah. Knock and the door will be opened unto you; seek and you will find; ask and it will be given unto you-- hallelujah. ♫

God loves us---listens to us---and honors our requests when they are in His will. Sometimes we get a “no”---but generally even the little things like a good parking place can be attributed to Him. Look for ways that He has been working in your life and give Him “Thanks” for those blessings. If you haven’t read the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp yet—please consider it for your next read. She focuses on how God works in our lives---during the good time and the not so good times---and giving eucharisteo – Grateful Thanks—for all the blessings that God give us. Praise God from whom all blessing flow.

Precious Savior, please give us (ask for your needs today) and thank you for sunshine, rain, rainbows, the clothes and food, and all that you provide, as well as Your love and security.

February 22 – Judging

Matthew 7:1-6
Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Years ago I was part of a Puppet Ministry at the Base Chapel---in New Mexico, South Carolina and then at the Richland Nazarene Church. In South Carolina I wrote a script using this scripture. The Dad puppet was reading the newspaper and talking to the Mom puppet---criticizing her. Then he puts the paper down and the audience can see the “log” sticking out of his eye. Get that LOG out of your eye---so that you can see the little speck in your brother’s eye. What an illustration.  Jesus was so wise and the picture this paints for us is still appropriate.

What “log” is in your eye? Are you judging others for some insignificant thing in their life---yet you have a big issue in your own life? Maybe it isn’t something “insignificant” in someone else’s life---maybe they are going through some rough marital issues---but you can’t council them if you are dealing with “lust” in your own life. Deal with your own issues before you try to help someone else.

A young lady told me once that she and her husband were getting a divorce. I had no idea they were having “marital issues.’  She said they just weren’t happy. Inwardly I freaked!  NOT HAPPY!   What has “happiness” got to do with marriage and divorce. There is a cycle in marriage where you just may NOT be “happy.”  After 30 years (now almost 40 years) of marriage, I had been through a lot of ups and downs---but we stayed committed to each other. We have made that promise---til death do us part---and we’re keeping that promise. Happiness is a choice---it doesn’t just happen---and there is no promise that marriage will bring happiness. But we can’t go around judging others for their decisions. Listen to them, counsel if they ask for it---but don’t judge. What is the difference between counseling and judging? In counseling someone LISTENS and offers insight and possibly suggestions for options. In judging, well that would be criticizing someone for their actions, telling them what they did WRONG---and what they think the other person SHOULD DO. If I did something wrong or made a decision that didn’t seem very wise at the time---I’d rather be “counseled” than scolded. No one likes to be told they are wrong---but there is a time for everything and if you are wrong—well---you may be wrong. Seek God’s counsel. If given the opportunity to counsel someone else---consider your words carefully. Pray for them…and with them.  

Lord, please show me the “log” in my eye and give me wisdom as I look at others and myself. Thank you Jesus for loving me so much and caring enough to take the log or the speck out of my eye.

February 21 - No Worry

Matthew 6:25-34
"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these…. Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?”  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  

Don’t worry---be happy. There was a book that came out about thirty years ago, Happiness is a Choice  by Drs. Minirth and Meier that encouraged people to choose to be happy---to be content with where they are in their life. It gives Biblical insight into depression, its causes and cures. Worry that is not resolved can lead to depression---a debilitating disease. If you “worry” about stuff…or think you might be depressed---call someone you trust---me—your pastor—a good friend---someone in the family. If unloading with them doesn’t take care of it….seek professional council.

Depression clouds judgment---so be careful not to get into too low a slump. I’ve been there and thought that life just wasn’t worth living…but it is. You are so worthy---of living life---of love. God’s love and the love of those around you. Don’t worry.  Can you take a deep breath, exhale and let go of those worries? Choose to be happy---and to share God’s love.

Lord, show us your love for us in ways that make us feel LOVED---and help us not to worry. Help us to seek you and your kingdom first in our lives. Thanks for providing everything we need.

February 20 – Good Eyes – Bad Eyes

Matthew 6:22-24

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness, how great is that darkness!  No one can serve two masters..…”

So how is your eye today? The eye shines from the heart---so however your heart is---in darkness or light----good or evil---that is how your life is. We make choices moment by moment---we judge each situation, each interaction. Take your thoughts captive---purposefully choose to think holy thoughts, have holy actions, and speak holy, pure words. In doing that we’ll serve the ONE true Master, pleasing Him. Isn’t that what life is all about? As it is written, you can’t serve more than one master. Be careful what you allow to rule your life. Money, fame, entertainment…or Jesus. You choose. Like Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  Joshua 24:15

Lord, give us grace to see things through your good and perfect eyes---and to choose wisely.

February 19 -Treasures in Heaven

Matthew 6: 19-21

Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. Store up treasures in Heaven. Serve one master.

Got a hole in that favorite wool sweater? Or how about the rust in the BBQ---or on the 56 Chevy? What treasures!  They are only treasures if they are actually useful or are worth something to someone else.

What can you “store up in heaven”? What kinds of actions result in “rewards”? The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness (1 Samuel 26:22-24). And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:5-7). The rewards of obedience and wisdom:  “You shall therefore love the LORD your God, and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments (Deuteronomy 11:1-3) and “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments” (Proverbs 3:1-3).

In various verses it talks about rewards and crowns in heaven and specifically lists what will be done for those who overcome (see Revelation 2-3). Some of those include:  right to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God (Rev. 2:7); given some of the hidden manna, and a white stone, with a new name written on it (Rev. 2:17); authority over the nations (Rev.2:26); clothed in white garments (Rev 3:6); name not blotted out of the Book of Life and his name will be confessed by Jesus before the Father and His angels (Rev. 3:6); dine with Jesus and sit down on His Throne with Him (Rev. 3:20-21); and God will wipe away every tear (Rev. 7:13-17).

Heaven is a wonderful place---as the song says…filled with glory and grace. I do want to see my Savior’s face. I trust that I will see you there in Heaven, too. I hope that we are seated side-by-side at the feast when we dine with Jesus. Imagine feasting at the King’s Table. A dream come true---a promise fulfilled. As it says in Revelation 22 – “Come Lord Jesus”. It will be a glorious day---whether it is the rapture or just stepping over---then we’ll dine with the Lord Himself.

Dear Lord, I eagerly await your return—but while I wait help me to not forget your teachings and to seek your rewards.

February 18 - Fasting

Matthew 6:16-18 

When, not if, you fast, wash your face and don’t act like you are giving up something. As it says in The Message, “Don’t make a production out of it.”  God will reward your efforts.

Fasting is a way of honoring God. No food on the table---but fill that time with spiritual food instead. The Jewish tradition of fasting is done several times a year, mainly for Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, commemorating the day that Moses came down from Mt. Sinai with the second set of the Ten Commandments after God forgave Israel for worshipping the golden calf. Moses asked to be stricken from the “Book you have written,” assumed to be the Book of Life (Exodus 32:32-33). Did you know that Moses was willing to take the sins of his brother Israelites on himself? To be their sacrifice. Thus Moses was asking God to redeem the Israelites with his own sacrifice---like Jesus. See Hebrews 9:15. In Biblical times Yom Kippur was the only day the high priest entered the Holy of Holies. The sacrificial system ended when the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD. Now the observant Jews fast for 25 hours to atone for their sins, going to synagogue services and abstaining from any work and pleasures.

Fasting doesn’t have to go on for days on end. Give God your time and attention---whether it is for one meal or one day. A fast can be an opportunity for you to dedicate yourself to seeking God—showing Him that you love Him with your whole heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37). Give up a meal---or a snack and feast spiritually at His table instead of munching down at your own. Give God the glory.

Dear God,You are worthy of glory and honor and praise.  I praise You!

February 17 - The Lord’s Prayer

Matthew 6:9-15 

Pray, then, in this way: Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. For if you forgive  others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive  others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

This is probably the best known prayer in the Christian world---used frequently as an example since Jesus said to “pray this way.”  Look closely---honor God, let His will be done in your life, i.e. – give your life to Him. We are asking God for daily bread---both physically and spiritually. We are seeking forgiveness and asking that we are protected from the evil one. He is worthy of glory forever. Begin and end your prayers with recognition of God’s power, honor and glory. Then you may ask for what you need (food and protection). Be sure to also confess your sins, then ask for forgiveness for yourself and offer forgiveness for any wrongs that have been against you. Only then will you actually be forgiven for your sins. Without forgiving others, walls of bitterness will be built up.

Don’t build walls---build bridges. Bridges of relationships with God and with others and set the table with forgiveness. Feast with your family and friends, remembering Jesus words in the prayer that He taught His disciples to pray.

February 16 - Prayer

Matthew 6:5-8  

When you pray…not “IF” you pray. Go into your room, close the door, and pour your heart out to the Father. What is prayer, if not pouring your heart out!  Jesus tells us not to babble like the pagens. Get your act together and say what you mean. There are lots of books out there on prayer---but a simple acrostic that I learned a long time ago is a good format to follow. ACTS:  Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication. Keep your prayer short and to the point—God already knows what you need---and He will supply it---but do simply ask for it. Jesus also taught, probably just a few minutes later,  to Ask, Seek and Knock. See Matthew 7:7-8.

Babbling. Usually we think of babbling associated with a stream of water…a babbling brook or a babbling baby. A babble is meaningless word sounds. Consider the pagans that worship Baal, in 1 Kings 18:17-46, when Elijah and Ahab met on top of Mount Carmel to beckon their Gods to send a fire to their sacrifice and thus end the drought that Israel was experiencing. The Baal worshipers called on their god first---yelling at him, and cutting themselves, but to no avail. Meaningless word sounds. There was no response. No fire from heaven to burn their sacrifice. Then Elijah had the Israelites pour water on their sacrifice and he prayed to God. The wet wood beneath the sacrifice, as well as the ox, was burnt by the fire that God sent down when Elijah prayed. He didn’t babble, yell or cut himself. Elijah merely prayed to His God, “O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and I have done all these things at Your word. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that You, O LORD, are God, and that You have turned their heart back again.”  What a feat!  No feast left, all the sacrifice was consumed by the fire.

So how is your prayer life? When you pray---put meaning to your words. Honor God and keep your words short and sweet. What a great sacrifice to place on the table before our Lord.

Lord, I consider it an honor to know you and been known by You, and to pray.  Forgive me…and set my feet right on Your path again; thank you for your loving kindness and mercy.      

February 15 - Giving Alms

Matthew 6:1-4 

Hear the gold coins jingling and jangling in the rich man’s money bag. Trumpets blowing in the streets and then in the synagogue. The “righteous” man is giving his alms---presenting his gift of money to be used for the poor. He is trying to draw other’s attention to himself, saying “honor me for taking care of those poor, poor people.”  Look at me---I “care” for them. But Jesus says the rich man will have his reward in full---you should give your alms in secret and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

How do you help take care of the poor, the needy? Do you do it secretly? Beware of practicing your righteous acts before men. That’s hard in our society today to be totally anonymous, but we need to not make a “to do” of giving. Let your light shine, but not your checkbook!  Give above and beyond your excess---and without considering or expecting the “reward” that God the Father will secretly give you. Filling other’s mouths will give you a full heart. As you sit at your table today is your stomach growling? Consider how the truly hungry always feel that emptiness.

Thank you God for the bounty You provide for us. Help us to reach out to those in need, physically and spiritually.

February 14 - Love Your Enemies

Matthew 5:43-48

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.

Like The Message says, “Grow Up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live generously and graciously towards others, the way God lives toward you.”

God’s love is so big---we can try to live like Him. Remember how Jesus was so accepting of everyone---sinners and Pharisees. Sometimes it seems like He was more accepting of the tax collector types than the Pharisees. He expected more of those Pharisees. Do we expect more of our religious leaders than of others?

God wants us to love everyone equally---so take a look at how you treat others. Love your enemies---who are your “enemies”? Pray for those who persecute you---who is actually persecuting you?

Love, Pray, Eat. Eat those spiritual concepts and consider with each interaction you have with others today. Are you are treating them like Jesus would? Could you treat others the way you would treat Jesus Himself?

Lord, on this Valentines’ Day may your love flow through us to those we love and to those we hesitate to show love and acceptance.

February 13 - An Eye for An Eye

Matthew 5:38-42

An eye for an eye---or walk two miles and give, when someone wants to borrow.

Look at this passage in The Message. Don’t hit back. If someone drags you to court and sues for the shirt off your back, gift wrap your best coat and make a present of it. Live generously.

Can you imagine the look on someone’s face if they were suing you and you gave them a gift of your best coat—in a fancy gift wrap—with a smile on your face. Maybe humbling to them.

Don’t hit back---turn your cheek. When I was in 6^th grade and playing tetherball I accidently hit a girl in the face with the ball. She had just had this lesson at her church so she grabbed the ball and said, “Hit me again with it---only on this side,” pointing to the other side of her face. I said, “No. I don’t want to hurt you.”  She kept insisting and put the ball in my hands, saying “It says to do this in the Bible.”  So I did –but I didn’t throw it at her hard. Then we both laughed. She was satisfied. We went on to play tetherball again---and she won that game and many more. She was a tough kid. She moved away before the year was over and I don’t know whatever became of her. The tetherball game that day was a good lesson for both of us.

Turn the other cheek. Don’t get mad and try to get even. Forgive offenses. It’s OK to just let someone know---Hey that hurt, but I forgive you. That maybe the same as turning the other cheek. How are you at turning the other cheek?  Have you ever had to actually do that?

Lord, help us to turn the other cheek to those who offend us.  Help us to live generousl and let your will be done in our lives.

February 12 - Swearing

Matthew 5:33-37

In Leviticus 19:12 it says---You shall not swear falsely by my name, so as to profane the name of God; I am the Lord.

Let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No”, “No”; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Wow---don’t straddle the fence. Let your “Yes” be “Yes” and “No”, “No”…not well, maybe---or say yes and then not do it---or say no…and then do it anyway. Our actions speak louder than words. It is important to have integrity---and to keep our word---our “Yes” or “No”s.

When I was growing up if us kids spoke any swear words we could be sure we’d have our mouth washed out with soap. Consider again the holiness you are seeking in your life---holiness unto the Lord---and how pleased He will be to know that you are keeping His word and His way by not swearing and by letting your yes and no mean what they are. Good spiritual food for today.  Are you in need of a bar of soap?

Lord, help me to keep my words meaningful, honest, and kind today. I certainly don’t want to have horrible words “washed” out of my mouth.

February 11 - Adultery

Matthew 5:23-32 

Reconciliation, adultery, divorce. Jesus didn’t mince words. He wants people to think pure thoughts and to seek good relationships then and now. Holiness unto the Lord. If we can just think pure thoughts—our actions will follow. A motivating factor here may be that we’ll be more pleasing to other people and ourselves, but the real one is to please God.

A fact that either few people know or want to acknowledge, is that if someone is unmarried and they have a relationship (relations) with another person---that person is someone else’s spouse. Maybe not that day---but someday. To have relations with someone else’s spouse is ADULTRY. Don’t break one of the Ten Commandments for a moment of self-serving pleasure.

Jesus also taught (v. 28) that to whoever looks at a woman lustfully (or for a woman to look at a man lustfully), that is to think about an adulterous act, is guilty of it. So keep your mind, as well as your eyes and your hands, holy and pure. How are you doing with that?

Lord—give us grace to be holy in our thoughts, words, and actions, that we may be pleasing to you.

February 10 - Anger

 Matthew 5:21-22 

Jesus provided such great teaching that day on that hillside above the Sea of Galilee. He explained the true depths of the commandments to his followers. Whoever is angry is just like a murderer---guilty enough to go to hell. The sixth commandment is “Thou shall not murder.”  Exodus 20:13. In an angry moment a person can “murder” someone’s reputation or their own. They can wish that someone were dead---mentally taking their life, but murder is forbidden.

Anger is a normal human emotion. God tells us in Ephesians 4:26 to be angry and not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. So its OK to feel anger, but deal with it that day, otherwise it will create a wall (a barrior) between you, others, and God. James 1:19 tells us that we should be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. If you listen, really listen---and paraphrase back to the person what they are saying (active listening) in an open communication style, then it is likely that you won’t speak too quickly and stick your foot in your mouth.

Digest those words---“quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”  Dealing with anger and following Jesus’ sermon may keep you out of hell---here on earth!  Think about that and rejoice in the glory days ahead!

Lord, if I get anger today, help me not to do anything stupid, like eating my shoe. Help me to express myself in a way that conveys my feelings and communicates a way for the situation to change.

February 9 - Light of the World

Matthew 5:14-16   

♫ This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Don’t put it under a basket---let your light shine before men, so that they can see your good works and glorify your heavenly Father.

Food for thought. Food cannot grow without light. Light is essential for human growth, too, for illumination physically and spiritually. Without light we stumble around in the darkness---and may eat some unsavory food or be preyed upon by scary beasts of the dark. But let your light shine---illuminate the way for yourself and others. Put your light on a lamp stand, not hidden under a basket. Share your light---Share Jesus---The Light of the World. Don’t hide His light---don’t be ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16). Share the power of the gospel, the good news---Jesus power and resurrection---that He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6), as well as the Light of the World (John 8:12). Light is necessary for life---for growth.

Let the Light of the World be your light.  Are you letting Him shine through you today?

Lord Jesus, let your light shine in me and through me today.

February 8 - Salt

Matthew 5:13 

You are the salt of the earth.

Salt in food is basic and essential. Salt preserves food and gives it flavor. If it is not used, it eventually loses its flavor. What does that tell you? If you don’t allow yourself to be used by God, you lose your flavor---your purpose in life. Allow God to use you. Be flavorful.

OK Lord. Here I am. Show me what it is you want to do today, who you want me to help. Use me to be "salty" for your glory.

February 7 Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5:1-12 

This passage begins the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus sat down on a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee and taught His disciples---with a multitude of people listening who had come from all over the Galilean area, the Decapolis (ten cities across the Sea), Judea, and even Jerusalem.  Many had been following Him since He had miraculously already healed countless people.  Others came seeking...a miracle, a glimpse of the man who heals, perhaps a savior.  Now He would speak to their hearts.  

"Blessed are…the poor in spirit, …those who mourn, …the gentle,  …those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,  …the merciful, …the pure in heart, …the peacemakers, and those who have been persecuted. Respectfully, they each will have their needs met:  they will… receive the kingdom of Heaven, …be comforted, …inherit the earth, …be satisfied, …receive mercy, …see God, …be called the sons of God, …and, again, they will receive the kingdom of Heaven."

Imagine Jesus sitting on a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee, with a huge group, a multitude, of people, listening eagerly to His every word. This was near the beginning of His ministry and already He was so popular that He was drawing crowds of people. He spoke to them in ways that they could identify…who among them hadn’t mourned at some time or maybe sought righteousness in their life.

Hillside above the Sea of Galilee
Site of the Church of the Beatitudes

Jesus often spoke in parables and talked to His followers in ways that they could understand or identify themselves within His message. Considering the personality types, named by Galen (AD 131-200, not long after Jesus’ time) "sanguine", "melancholic", "choleric" and "phlegmatic”, each of the Beatitude blessings could be identified with a particular type. The sanguine temperament personality is fairly extroverted, very sensitive, compassionate and thoughtful, and would identify with the meek that Jesus spoke about. A melancholic can be highly creative, self-reliant, independent and is often a perfectionist and would be seeking to be “pure in heart.”  The choleric is a do-er, likes to be a leader and in charge of everything and would likely see themselves in the “merciful” that Jesus described. A phlegmatic tends to be self-content, kind, very accepting, affectionate, very consistent, relaxed, calm, rational, curious, and observant, making them good administrators and thus “peacemakers”.

The way that Jesus spoke specifically to His audience in the Bible hasn’t changed.  Jesus still speaks to us the same way---we just aren’t as familiar with shepherd’s terms as we are with computereese. We just need to listen…or read…more closely. What a spiritual feast He is giving us in the Sermon on the Mount!  Blessings and resulting rewards!  Rejoice and be glad. What a privilege it is to know God and to have Jesus as our Savior.

The Jewish people have a blessing or bracha that expresses how blessed God is, recognizing the special relationship between God and humanity. Blessed are YOU, Lord our God. If you enjoy something in this world without saying a blessing, it is as if you stole it. Talmud Berachot 35A

Lord Jesus you are blessed. Help me to be humble and thankful today for the blessings that You have given me.

February 6 Repent

 Matthew 4:12-25  



The Sea of Galilee

“Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”  Jesus began His ministry in Galilee with this proclamation.  He walked along the Sea of Galilee and call to the fishermen Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew.  “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.”  They left their nets and followed Him.  James and John, the sons of Zebedee also left their nets and their father, and followed Jesus. 

Jesus went to the synagogues in Galilee, proclaimed the gospel of the Kingdom, and healed people of every disease and sickness.  News spread and people came with diseases, pain, demons, epilepsy and paralysis.  He healed them.  Great multitudes followed Him.

Our tour guide and Bible teacher in Israel gave us insight into Jesus’ message, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Literally, it is in your hand. Jesus wanted people to liberate themselves, to repent from their sins.  He was disappointed that people didn’t take the responsibility.  It is people’s responsibility.”

Ruins of the Synogogue at Capernaum

In the Old Testament people could not get near God or they would die because of their sinful nature. The blood of Jesus cleanse us---so that we can come near God.  God created us so that He can have an object for His love.  God is love. 

In the synagogues Jesus taught as Pharisees.  He used text to help them understand God. This opens the way of wisdom and knowledge. Who taught the Rabbis? Yahweh. People learned from the Rabbis, discovered knowledge for themselves from the Torah or from God through the prophets. In Jesus we have all three. God, prophet and priest.

Jesus is calling us even today to “Repent” on a daily basis…take every thought captive.  The blood of Jesus does “wash us”, but we have to acknowledge our sins and His forgiveness.  As you feast on this “spiritual” food for today, will you allow God to give you insights into your thoughts, motives, and your own responsibility to respond to Jesus, to follow Him as the first disciples and the great multitude did?

Lord, I agree with you that I have made mistakes, sinned. I take responsibility for my sins and ask you to please forgive me. Thank you for taking away my sins and help me to live each moment of today in a way that pleases you. 

February 5 Temptation of Jesus

Matthew 4:1-11

After His baptism Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  He fasted for forty days and forty nights.  Then the tempter came and tried to get Jesus to turn rocks into bread, to jump off the pinnacle of the temple, and to worship him in exchange for all the kingdoms and glory of the world.   Jesus retaliated with scripture first from Deuteronomy 8:3,”Man shall not live by bread alone but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”  Next from Deuteronomy 6:16, He quoted, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”  And finally using Deuteronomy 6:13, He said, “Be gone Satan!  For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.”  Then the devil left and angels came and ministered to Him.

There are basically three types of temptation that if not curbed lead us into sin.  Lust of the eyes (want), lust of the flesh (pleasure/selfishness), and pride of life (arrogance/user). All sins fall into one of those three categories….of courses it is better not to sin…but sometimes our weak human nature just lets us down and we trip up…or fall down into sin.  Looking at our actions, and reactions, can keep us from falling deep or deeper into sin.

Jesus gave us such a clear example in this passage of fighting evil using scripture.  We must be careful not to misquote scripture---as Satan did.  We are not to misuse scripture for our own purpose.  Look at the scripture in context.   It takes more than bread to live---seek spiritual food.  Every word, not just some words, which come from God.  Did you get that?  EVERYWORD.  A mouthful---or an earful---either way.

Personally I’ve found that if I have a verse memorized, then when I am tempted (yes even Moms and Grandmas  get tempted) then I can focus on that verse and it keeps me from getting trapped by that wrong thought.   The verse I’ve probably used the most is:  “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself” from Luke 10:27, quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18.  This verse has brought my thought off some wrong lustful idea back to what is good---if I’m thinking something wrong, then it is just as if I have done the act itself, just as Jesus explained in Matthew 5:28.  Additionally, my favorite verse, Philippians  4:8, is good for refocusing:  “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is an excellence and there is anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.”  What could be better advice?

So the angels ministered to Jesus.  After 40 days and nights with no food, He was probably pretty hungry.  What do you think they brought Him to eat?  Steak and potatoes?  A nice juicy lamb chop?  Some fresh fruit?  Manna from heaven?  Whatever it was you can be sure that Jesus enjoyed it---savoring every bite.

Consider fasting for a meal---or a day and spending that meal time in prayer.  I pray continually for you that you would make good decisions.  Do you focus on the true, honorable, right, pure and good things?  Make those things your goals.

Lord, help me to make good decisions today and guide my family in the choices that they make, too.

February 4 - Jesus’ Baptism

 Matthew 3

“Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” preached John the Baptist.  Jesus came to John at the Jordan River to be baptized.   John said that he needed to be baptized by Him.  Jesus wanted John to baptize him---“Permit it…for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”  After Jesus was baptized the heavens opened, the Spirit of God descended as a dove on Him, and a voice from the heaven sad, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased!”  The Trinity was present---God the Father in the Voice, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, as the dove.

We’ll hear those words again in Matthew 17:5, during the transfiguration, when God again says, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.  Listen to Him.”

God is so proud of His Son. What a sight.  Feast your eyes on that vision---Jesus dripping wet---shining in the sunlight—the dove, sparkling white, and the loud bold voice of God the Father declaring Jesus to be His Son.  The people there were probably falling on their knees--or maybe on their faces.  What have they just witnessed?  Sinless Jesus fulfilling righteousness. Only through Him can we even be considered righteous.   

This photo is of friends being baptized in the Jordan River in Israel.

Lord, you are beloved to me.  By your grace and love, I am renewed daily in your righteousness.

February 3 – Down to Egypt

Matthew 2

When the Magi left Bethlehem an angel came to Joseph in a dream and told him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt because Herod wanted to destroy the Child.  Joseph obeyed and they lived in Egypt until Herod died, then they went to live in Galilee.  Herod did have all the male children under the age of two killed, so Joseph’s obedience saved Jesus.  God had a plan.

 Egypt.  A land of provision for Jacob’s family and now a land of protection for Jesus’ family.  Where do we go when we need protection or provision?  God protects and provides.  We just have to trust Him.

Lord, thank you that we can trust you to provide for us and to protect us.

February 2 – More Kings Arrive

Matthew 2

Magi, or kings, from the east arrived in Jerusalem and asked King Herod, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” for we have come to worship Him.

It was prophetically written in Micah 5:2 that a ruler would be born in Bethlehem, so Herod sent the magi there.  As predicted they found Jesus with Mary and Joseph in a house.  They gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.



Camel Crossing - Israel 2007



Gold was symbolic of Christ’s deity, frankincense of His purity, and myrrh of His death, since it was used for embalming.

Christmas pageants always depict the Magi in royal robes.  King Herod probably put on a feast for these Magi, since it wasn’t everyday that royalty from distant countries visited Jerusalem.  When the Magi came to the home of Jesus—it was a humble house—but not like the stable in which He was born.  Mary likely would have offered them a meal of some bread, dried fruit, and yogurt.   Had they known the Magi were coming they could have prepared a meal fit for a King.   

Likewise, we don’t know when Christ will return---so be ready, don’t worry you won’t have to have a meal prepared for Him.  Remember that He promised that He is going to prepare a place for you (John 14:2) – Heaven, His home where He will rule as King of Kings---not just King of the Jews.

Will the Magi be there in Heaven?  Likely, yes, but maybe not riding on camels.  How could they come all that way to Bethlehem, worship Jesus as a baby and not “believe” in Him?  Like Thomas in John 20:29, they probably believed because they saw Jesus.  Who can you share Jesus with so that they may believe in Him, even though they have not “seen” Him?

Lord, thank you for creating the wonderful camel, for comng to earth as a baby and as our King of Kings.  Help us to share you with others that the banquet table in your Heavenly Home will be filled with people.