We Are Made Right With God By Placing Our Faith In Jesus Christ.

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We

Are Made Right With God

By Placing Our Faith In Jesus Christ.

Scripture

Romans 3

22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.

Observation

Most people believe, and this might even include you, that if a person is good enough then God is going to let them into Heaven. I hear people say that all the time. The only problem with that kind of thinking is this … it is wrong!

I recently heard the spouse, at the bedside of someone who had just died say this, “He was so good that if God is going to let anybody into Heaven then God is for sure going to let him in! I thought to myself when I heard this grieving woman's statement, I thought, “How sad … no one no matter how good a person he or she is, or how good their loved ones think they are, will ever be good enough to get into Heaven.”

You and I are sinners. We deserve to go to Hell. God sent His Son Jesus Christ to this earth to sacrifice His life for ours. You and I must place our faith in Jesus Christ, faith in what He did for us on the cross.

We are made right with God when we trust in Jesus and place our faith in Him.

The week before this man's death I had the opportunity to share the Good News about Jesus with both he and his spouse. I don't know if the man placed his faith and trust in Christ before he died and I don't know if the spouse will either. She did tell me at his bedside that night that she was going to get back into church and it was obvious that God was at work in her life!

Application

I will always try to help people see that they can never be good enough to get into Heaven.

How about you? Do you think that you are good enough?

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Titus 3:5

he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me share the Good News about Jesus in a way that people can understand. I know that You are the only One who can save them. Give me the right words to say and help me to have the right heart attitude as I talk to people about their relationship with You. I am a sinner saved by Your grace. I deserve to go to Hell but because You are rich in mercy You have provided a way for this sinner to be made right with You. I am one of Your children. I have been born again. I have been bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. I am precious in Your sight.

I pray for any person who may read this blog today. Help them to understand that they can never be good enough to get into Heaven by being good. Open their spiritual eyes so that they can understand that is only by faith in what Jesus has done for them that allows them to become a child of God.

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Daily Bible Reading: Romans 1,2,3,4

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Always Be Joyful. Never Stop Praying. Be Thankful In All Circumstances

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Always Be Joyful.

Never Stop Praying.

Be Thankful In All Circumstances

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5

16 Always be joyful. 

17 Never stop praying. 

18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Observation

Here are three choices that we are commanded to make … they are not optional if you and I want to live an abundant life. The first two choices begin with “Always” and “Never” which are two words that married couples should never throw at one another. Only God can use those two words and back them up!

The first command is to always be joyful. The Apostle Paul doesn't say, “Always be happy!” Joy comes from deep inside of us … it is internal … it is abiding … it comes from our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Happiness is momentary and fleeting. Happiness is pleasure and Joy is a sacrifice.

Never stop praying! Don't give up! Prayer is not just something someone does right before they go to bed. I have people tell me that and I think to myself, “How sad is that!” Prayer is not a duty. It is talking to our Heavenly Father about every detail of our lives all the time – morning … noon … and night … 24/7! It should be as natural for us as breathing in the air that keeps us alive!

The next command is tough, “Be thankful in all circumstances ...” The verse doesn't say, “Be thankful for all circumstances” rather it says “in” all circumstances. You and I are going to go through some terrible things in life. Many of us have already experienced horrific circumstances and God doesn't say to be thankful for those terrible things.

If you and I have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father through the Lord Jesus Christ then we can be thankful no matter what is happening around us or that are even happening to us knowing that our Heavenly Father is right there with us. And He will walk through the most difficult times right beside us.

Application

I am going to always be joyful. I am never going to stop praying. I am going to be thankful in all circumstances.

How about you? Whining and Complaining or Joyful, Prayerful, and Thankful?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me put into practice I Thessalonians 5:16-18! Don't let me whine and complain. Don't let me allow my circumstances dictate and influence my attitude. Help me to remember to talk to You about every little thing going on in my life. Give me a thankful heart. I want to experience Your joy deep inside of me no matter what is happening around me.

I pray for the person reading this blog who is down and discouraged. Help them to be thankful in all circumstances. Cause them to smile today with the joy of the Lord. Bless them, Lord.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4,5; 2 Thessalonians 1,2,3

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We Always Thank God For All Of You And Pray For You Constantly.

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We Always

Thank God For All Of You

And Pray For You Constantly.

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 1

2 We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. 

3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation

I talked to a guy last night at the hospital who said that he used to be a chaplain at a racing drag strip. He said that he went to the hospital a lot to visit race car drivers and their families. Then he said, “Now my ministry is praying for people that I stay in touch with through Facebook!”

I thought to myself after I left his room what a smart guy he was to use Social Media for the glory of God. It is his daily prayer list.

Nothing is more important than for you and for me to pray for people. If you want to do something for me … how about praying for me.

Every once in awhile when I am visiting with a patient they will say to me, “and now I want to pray for you.” And they pray for me. Sometimes they just praying for me when I finish praying for them. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does it always impresses me.

Prayer for believers should be as natural for us as breathing and we should always be praying for one another.

I like posting these blogs on Facebook for a couple of reasons and one of the most important reasons is that it gives me a chance to pray for those who click “like” or make a comment. It is a ministry I feel that God has given me … I know that He wants me to pray for you.

Application

I will keep putting up these blogs and I will keep praying for those who take the time to look at them. Nothing is more important to me than praying for you. Nothing!

How about you? Who are you praying for?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me so many people to pray for. I know that You love to hear us pray and I know that You love to answer our prayers.

I pray for any person who may take the time to read this blog. I pray that You bless them, Lord. Give them Your peace. Give them Your strength. Answer all of their prayers. May Your face shine brightly on them and their family.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1,2,3

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Just As The Mountains Surround Jerusalem, So The LORD Surrounds His People, Both Now And Forever.

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Just As The Mountains

Surround Jerusalem,

So The LORD Surrounds His People, Both Now And Forever.

Scripture

Psalm 125

1 Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion;
    they will not be defeated but will endure forever.

2 Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.

Observation

I hope that you had a good Thanksgiving Day yesterday. It was so good at our house to watch our grandchildren playing together. The older grandchildren taking time with the younger ones, pulling the little ones around in a wagon, and having to put up with the younger ones pestering them.

It is a shame that they only all get together just a couple of times a year. They grow up so fast! Good memories are being made each time they get together!

Psalm 125:1-2 reminds me once again of just how much God loves and protects me. Verse two says, “Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem so the LORD surrounds his people ...” The Bible is full of verses that promise that God is going to take care of “His People”. I don't know about you, but I know that I am one of 'God's people', I am one of His, and I know that He is going to take care of me.

What promises of God are you holding onto to get you through today?

God put thousands of promises in His Word to help us get through all of life's toughest days.

Read His Word every morning and grab hold of God's promises so you can face what is coming at you later in the day!

Application

I am thankful that God has given me His Word and it is packed with thousands of promises to help me live in this crazy, difficult, and evil world.

How about you? Are you taking time to read God's Word every day?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for yesterday. Thank You for each one of my children and my grandchildren that You have given us. We are blessed. Continue to bless our family, Lord. Show each one of them that they can trust You. Help them realize the importance of living each day in a right relationship with You.

I pray for any person who may take the time to read this blog. Bless them, Lord. Help them to hold on tightly to all of Your promises. Give them a hunger for Your Word. Bless their family. Smile on them today!

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 125; Matthew 26,27

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Enter His Gates With Thanksgiving; Go Into His Courts With Praise. Give Thanks To Him And Praise His Name.

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Enter His Gates With Thanksgiving;

Go Into His Courts With Praise.

Give Thanks To Him And Praise His Name.

Scripture

Psalm 100

A psalm of thanksgiving.

1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!

2     Worship the Lord with gladness.
    Come before him, singing with joy.

3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
    He made us, and we are his.
    We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
    go into his courts with praise.
    Give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the Lord is good.
    His unfailing love continues forever,
    and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Observation

We are almost able to look back on 2020 and have it behind us! 2021 has got to be a better year than the one that we are about to finish. In spite of 2020 being so difficult and so tragic for so many who have lost loved ones, or jobs, or businesses, there is still so much that we have to be thankful for!

I hope that you take time today to thank the Lord for His goodness. Thank Him for your health (even if you are struggling), thank Him for your family, thank Him for your church (if you are fortunate enough to be a part of one), and thank Him for giving you another day to enjoy all of His creation.

I am looking forward to seeing my children and my grandchildren! Before we eat today I will read Psalm 100 and I will ask each person to say one thing that they are thankful for.

If we don't stop and take time to give thanks then all we are doing is eating a big meal together … and that is not Thanksgiving to me!

Application

I will enjoy this day and I will give thanks!

How about you?

….

Psalm 138:1a

I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; …

A grateful heart is a happy heart … Veggie Tales

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhcI-HXicwY

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that a grateful heart is a happy heart. Help me to be grateful for every single one of Your many blessings. Thank You for giving me such a wonderful family. We are far from perfect, but each one of my children, my grandchildren, and my extended family are wonderful. They are made each one of them in Your image and they are to be highly valued. Help each one of them today recognize You as God. May each one of them give You thanks!

I pray for those who are in the hospital today. Give them strength. Help them to call on You today. I pray for healing. Encourage them today, Lord.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 23,24,25; I added Psalm 100

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For Even The Son Of Man Came Not To Be Served But To Serve Others And To Give His Life As A Ransom For Many.

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For Even The Son Of Man Came Not

To Be Served But To Serve Others

And To Give His Life As A Ransom For Many.

Scripture

Matthew 20

28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Observation

Nobody ever said that serving others would be easy, but that is exactly what God has called us to do. The disciples were concerned about which one of them was going to be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. The mother of James and John had just asked Jesus if her sons could have the highest places of honor in Jesus' Kingdom.

The disciples of Jesus were just as human as we are and you and I if we are honest we also get our priorities all messed up. Our tendency, at least mine, is to think first about 'Me, My, and Mine” and not about serving other people.

Who have you and I helped this week? How have we served the people around us? Have we had a good attitude towards those who we have served? Have we had a good attitude period?

Doing the right thing, but with a bad attitude cancels out any good that we have done.

Jesus put up with the Pharisees and the Sadducees, who constantly opposed Him, Jesus put up with disciples who were worried about which one of them was going to be considered the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, and today He continues to put up with us as sinful as we are – all because He loves us.

Jesus came to serve and not be served and He expects the same from us.

Application

I will watch my attitude as I serve those around me.

How about you? Need an attitude adjustment?

Philippians 2:14

14 Do everything without complaining and arguing,

Prayer

Heavenly Father, don't let me complain. Don't let me serve with the wrong attitude. Give me the energy and the strength I need to serve those around me with all of my heart. I know that the only way to serve You is by serving other people.

I pray for those who are feeling tired and weak today give them strength. Help them no matter how they feel today to reach out and do some random act of kindness for someone else. Help them to get their focus off of themselves and help them to do good for someone else even if it is the smallest little thing. Help them to do something good for someone else today.

Colossians 3

17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

1 Peter 4:10

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 20,21,22

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Open The Mouth Of The First Fish You Catch, And You Will Find A Large Silver Coin.

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Open The Mouth

Of The First Fish You Catch,

And You Will Find A Large Silver Coin.

Scripture

Matthew 17

24 On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the Temple tax?”

25 “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house.

But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?”

26 “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied.

“Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! 

27 However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”

Observation

When you and I put Jesus first in our lives Jesus has a million, no a trillion ways of blessing us and meeting our needs. This was the lesson, or at least one of the lessons, that I think Jesus was teaching Simon Peter when he sent him out on the fishing expedition to catch that fish that had a large silver coin in its mouth.

It wasn't just any fish, it was to be the first fish that Simon Peter caught that would have the large silver coin in its mouth!

Our part is to put God first.

Yesterday, I read about what God can do with 5 small loaves of bread and two small fish and how God can bless us and how He can more than meet our needs if we will just put Him first.

Application

God will more than take care of me if I will just put Him first every day!

How about you? Today are you putting Him first?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I belong to You. You have promised to bless me if I will just put You first in my life. I know that You can provide a fish with a silver coin in its mouth if You choose to do so. You can use unconventional ways of taking care of us. There is no limit to Your resources. You own everything! Thank You for taking such good care of Kathy and I. You have been so good to us. We are blessed!

I pray for any person who may read this blog today. Meet his or her needs, Lord as they step out in faith and put You first. Show them that they can live for You and You will take care of them.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 17,18,19

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But We Have Only Five Loaves Of Bread And Two Fish!

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But

We Have Only

Five Loaves Of Bread And Two Fish!

Scripture

Matthew 14

16 But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”

17 “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.

18 “Bring them here,” he said. 

19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. 

20 They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. 

21 About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!

Matthew 15

32 Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.”

33 The disciples replied, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?”

34 Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?”

They replied, “Seven loaves, and a few small fish.”

35 So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.

37 They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food. 

38 There were 4,000 men who were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children. 

Matthew 16

7 At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. 

8 Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? 

9 Don’t you understand even yet? Don’t you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of leftovers you picked up?

 10 Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up? 

11 Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread?

Observation

Our pastors are preaching a series of messages on the topic of giving. And as always is the case I hear about people who are complaining because they don't like to hear messages about giving or about stewardship!

Jesus patiently taught his disciples about giving and about trusting, in fact, hopefully you can see that in Matthew 14, 15, 16, Jesus drove home the point with the feeding of the 5,000 and the feeding of the 4,000 that Jesus can multiply and bless whatever we put in His Hands.

Every time we increase our giving Jesus promises to multiply and bless what we have given!

When Kathy and I were preparing to get married back in the fall of 1969, Dr. Waylon B. Moore was our pastor and we met with him for counseling. Very wisely he suggested to us that we start giving on a regular basis an offering to the church.

He explained to us what a tithe was and he must have realized, probably by the expression on my face, that I was not spiritually at a point to give a 10^th of my pay check to the church. So he wisely suggested that we start at 3% or 4 % and just keep increasing our giving as we watched how God blessed and took care of us.

And he said this, “Don't stop giving when you reach 10 %, but keep increasing your giving!”

Some would like to argue that giving a tithe to the church is something from the Old Testament and that now we are no longer under the law, but that we are now under grace. If you happen to be one of those that wants to argue that our giving should now be less because we are under grace then sadly you have not yet learned the principle of the “Law Of The Harvest”!

Here are just a few verses from the New Testament that should encourage our generosity:

2 Corinthians 9

6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 

7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

Luke 6:38

38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back

Application

It is a real challenge to try to out give God! It can't be done! But I will look for ways to be generous with what God has allowed Kathy and I to have.

How about you? Do you understand and do you put into practice “The Law Of The Harvest”?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that just as You tested and trained the first disciples that walked with Jesus, I know that you are testing and training me. I am Your disciple. I am learning. Help me to be teachable. Don't let me be hard-headed. Help me to be generous. I know that I can never out give You. You are constantly blessing us. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Give me Your heart for the people around me.

I pray for any person that may read this blog today who is struggling in the area of giving, Lord. Set them free. Show them that the more generous that they are in every area of his or her life then the more You will bless them. Show them that they cannot out give You!

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 14,15,16

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Come To Me, All Of You Who Are Weary And Carry Heavy Burdens, And I Will Give You Rest.

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Come To Me,

All Of You Who Are Weary And Carry Heavy Burdens,

And I Will Give You Rest.

Scripture

Matthew 11

28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Observation

Weary ... I think that would pretty much sum up how all of us feel about this Covid 19 virus. It is 24/7 and really does impact everything we do.

I will be so glad when we get some relief and we are able to enjoy getting together with family and friends without worrying about either getting the virus, or possibly already having the virus and giving the virus to someone else, someone with a compromised immune system.

It is something that is constantly on my mind.

I talk to Covid patients at the hospital almost every time I am there and I can tell you that after talking to them I sure don't want to get it, or pass it on for someone else to suffer from it.

Whatever it is that has us weighed down, whether it is Covid 19, a sick family member, a financial crisis, or a fractured relationship, Jesus says for us to come to Him and let Him help us. Jesus says to yoke up with Him and He will give us rest. He will carry the load.

Application

I am going to depend on Jesus to get me through this Covid crisis and anything else that life throws at me.

How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is foolish to live my life and not allow Jesus to carry my heavy burdens. I was created to be dependent on You. I was never created to live my life independent of You and Your help. When I do, that is when I experience being overwhelmed, tired and burdened down.

I pray for any person who may read this blog today who is carrying a heavy burden. I pray that they will come to Jesus so they can find rest.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 11,12,13

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He Had Compassion On Them Because They Were Confused And Helpless, Like Sheep Without A Shepherd.

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He Had Compassion On Them

Because They Were Confused And Helpless,

Like Sheep Without A Shepherd.

Scripture

Matthew 9

35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.

36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 

38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

Observation

People say that my first sermon with Matthew 9:35-38 being my text, lasted about 15 minutes, but the invitation I extended after the message lasted over 30 minutes. There were people attending that I wanted to see come to Christ and I guess that time was not as important to me as they were!

To be honest I loved the shepherding and caring for people part of being a pastor, but preparing and preaching sermons was never something that I enjoyed all that much.

People need the Lord.

When you are at the grocery store or when you are at a shopping mall do you ever stop and wonder how many in the crowd know Jesus? Do we see people around us as confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd?

Do we have compassion for the people around us? It is definitely something to think about!

Application

I want to have compassion for people like Jesus did and like Jesus still does. I want to have God's heart for those that God brings into my life.

How about you?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, break my heart with what breaks Yours. I want to have compassion for people the way Jesus did when He walked on this earth. Give me Your heart for the people that You bring into my life. I pray for laborers for the harvest. I pray that You call out men and women from our church to be totally committed to reaching this world for Christ. Send them all of the world, Lord. Send them out!

I pray for Martha Moore today. Use her today as she serves You in Amsterdam and in other parts of Europe. Give her energy. Give her strength. Multiply those who she is mentoring. Smile brightly on her today!

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 8,9,10

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Can All Your Worries Add A Single Moment To Your Life?

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Can All Your Worries

Add

A Single Moment To Your Life?

Scripture

Matthew 6

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?

27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,

29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.

30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’

32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Observation

Take time this morning to sit down with Jesus just like His disciples did when He preached this sermon, “The Sermon On The Mount”. These 3 chapters are packed full with so much good stuff for us if we will just take the time to read and think about what is being shared.

Night before last I was awake at about 3:30 AM and I couldn't go back to sleep. I was thinking about something. My friend, when you are thinking about something at 3:30 in the morning and can't go back to sleep, you are not thinking, you are worrying about something. At least in my case it was worry that caused me not to sleep.

When I finally realized that I was worrying and not just thinking … then I prayed and gave the problem to the Lord.

Last night at the hospital I sat and talked to people who were dealing with anxiety … a woman who was just told by a surgeon that she had colon cancer and it had spread to her abdomen and surgery was not an option … a man who already had five stents in his heart, several just a couple months ago, and now there was more blockage and he was waiting to be transferred to Tampa General Hospital for open heart surgery.

What did I share with them?

Here is what I shared … Don't worry about anything. Instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need. Thank Him for everything that He has done in your life. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 

7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7

7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Application

I am going to memorize Philippians 4:7 in the New Living Translation. I usually paraphrase it when I share it, but I think it will be more powerful if I share it exactly how it is written.

How about you? Anxious … Worried?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me Your Word to read every day. You speak to me through Your Word every time I read it. Your Word is living and it is powerful. It is my spiritual food. Help me not to worry about anything. Remind me to pray about everything. I want to experience Your peace every single day.

I pray for the person who is reading this blog. Help them to put into practice Matthew 6:25-34. Help them to read Your Word every day. May Your face shine on them, Lord. Encourage them today.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 5,6,7

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