Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 26:1-35!

Happy Sabbath Everyone!

Sorry this post is not up for the morning time, but today has been a busy day and I have been helping to feed 90 guests who are here in town for our school's graduation, so other things have had to happen before I could take time on the computer. But I still managed to squeeze in Bible reading and writing out my SOAP this morning--something I try to do each day, even if I don't have time to share it with others by posting it on my blog.

I hope each of you are finding time to spend in Bible reading each day. There are always new things to learn--even if it is something you have read many times before. Today's reading is the first half of Matthew 26, going until verse 35.

Scripture:

Matthew 26:35 But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.

Observation:

The disciples truely loved Jesus. They had spent the last several years of their lives following Him. They were willing to do whatever He may ask of them--and yes, even to die with Him.

Application:

We all know how the rest of the story goes. Jesus did die, and no--the disciples did not die with Him. They ran. They denied. They betrayed. They did the very thing that had been unimaginable to them before. They left Jesus. But the beautiful thing is that Jesus did not leave them. Jesus still loved them. Jesus forgave them. And that means Jesus forgives me. Because no matter how much I would like to feel that "I" would have been different, the truth is I don't think I would have been. I would have been afraid just as the disciples were. But--with God's help--I can also learn from their story. Learn to trust God and not myself. Because with God, nothing is impossible.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for Your great forgiveness for us. Help me to depend on You and not myself. Strengthen me to face whatever You want me to do, so that I may not fail You.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 25!

Hi Everyone!

Forgive me for using the same picture two blog posts in a row, but it fit this SOAP devotional so well that I wanted to use it anyway. All of us are still in shock around here--those who had their homes destroyed, as well as those like me whose homes were not touched at all. It is shocking to drive around and see once familiar areas so totally wrecked. And to ask yourself what you could possibly do to help that would really truely make a difference--you just feel like there is nothing you can do.

But I remind myself that this earth truely is not our home--heaven is. Remember the verse about not laying up your treasure on earth? But to lay up your treasure in heaven where thieves do not break in and steal and rust does not decay? This is why. Things on this earth are not permanent. Only God's love for us never changes.

On that note, today's reading is Matthew 25. Grab your Bible and read the chapter--it's a good one!

Scripture:

Matthew 25:13 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Observation:

Jesus was talking here about watching for His second coming. He gave signs to watch for, and told his disciples to watch. And not to just watch once, but to KEEP watching.

Application:

As I have already written about on this blog, our area was included in the path of the tornadoes that came through last Wednesday night. Our own home was not touched at all--yet we have several friends that have lost everything--their houses flattened. Just as we had to watch the tornado warnings and head to the basement or other safe place, we also need to watch for Jesus' second coming with the same diligence. And it is even more important than watching for the tornadoes. It is not only our physical lives that are in danger, but our eternal lives.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for sparing lives from the storms in our area. Help those of us uneffected to see what we can do to lift other's burdens. May I always pray and watch for You. Grow our relationship stronger each day.

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What things look like around here.....

Hi Everyone!

I apologize for missing my morning SOAP devotional today. As I mentioned yesterday, our area was hard hit by the storms Wednesday night. Since I wrote yesterday's post, we have learned that several of our friends have lost their entire house. This picture is of one of my son's best friends house. It used to be two story. To the right side of the metal spiral stairway you can see in the picture used to be the kitchen. It's just totally gone.

But praise the Lord--this paticular family had flown across the country to visit their oldest child who is away at a boarding school, so they were gone when the tornado came through. If they had been home, I do not think they would have survived inside this house, as there is no basement for them to have gone to. Their lives were spared, though their house was not.

Another set of friends--co-worker to my husband--their house looks pretty much the same as this one. They were home at the time, but survived in their basement. Another family--elderly couple, has a huge tree through the roof of their house. Thank God they are both alive.

I do not think we will ever truely understand why God does not always choose to protect the possessions of His people. Sometimes we do hear of miracles where a forest fire stops within feet of someone's house. Sometimes people's lives are saved--sometimes they aren't, even though they were dedicated Christians. The house in the above picture was owned by a dear family that have spent years as self-supporting missionaries overseas.

But I do know this. God is more interested in our spiritual lives than our things. Though He knows we need certain things to live here on this earth, He is not limited in providing them through only one way. Perhaps this is the time for us and those like us who did not have our homes destroyed to show Christ's love and reach out and help those in need.

So on that note, my husband has spent time helping to clear brush away, and I am making food for others this afternoon. I will return to the blogging through the Gospels as soon as I can, but have invited several families who lost their homes to stay with us for a while if they need to--so I may have company.

Remember to stay near to Jesus always. And hold your things loosely, and your family tightly.

Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 24!

Good Morning Everyone!

We had quite a bit of storm excitement in my area last night. I pray that you are all safe, wherever you live.

Today's reading is Matthew 24. Several verses seemed very appropriate, especially given our recent weather. I couldn't choose just one verse, but tried to narrow it down as much as I could....

Scripture:

Matthew 24:7,8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

Matthew 24:42 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

Observation:

Jesus was telling here of things that would preceed His second coming. He knew there would be wars and disasters. None of these things are a surprise to Him.

Application:

In my area of the country, we were hit hard with tornadoes last night. Extensive damage, and even deaths have occurred. We never know when we ourselves may die. One lady was killed when she was watching the storm from the window of her house--and a tree fell on the roof. We must do what Jesus said here in Matthew 24:42. Watch and be ready. Keep our hearts right with God every day, and then we can rest in Him. I heard a sermon once where the Pastor talked aobut how God does not save us from trouble--but rather through trouble. He saved Noah not from the flood, but through the flood. Daniel was not saved from the lions den, but through it. We will have troubles on this earth. But as long as we are right with God, then no matter what happens to us--even if we die--it will turn out all right. Jesus is coming. And He will make all things new.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Keep me close to You each day. Do whatever pruning I need so that I will remain firm in You, and be ready for Jesus to come.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 23!

Today's Bible reading is Matthew chapter 23. The whole chapter is Jesus talking to the Pharisees, and His pleading with them to wake up--and have discernment so they could see that which was truely important.

It is ever so easy for us in our day and age to point fingers at the Pharisees, and to talk about how terrible they were and how surely "WE" would have not been like that. But have you ever heard the expression that says when you point your finger at someone watch out--because you have four fingers pointing back at yourself? Join me and lets take a closer look.

Scripture:

Matthew 23:23 Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

Observation:

Jesus spoke these words not to ignorant heathen--but rather to the leaders in the church. The Pharisees had a definate inflated ego, and were certain that they were better than all others. They considered everyone besides themselves to be "sinners," yet Jesus points out in this chapter that they were really the ones who were lost in their ignorance.

Application:

How am I falling into the same trap? Am I so used to my comfortable little Christian lifestyle that I forget the Christ that I profess to be following? Am I carefully paying my tithe--yet forgetting to be just in my dealings, show mercy to others, and be faithful to God?

Prayer:

Dear Father--Open my eyes that I may see things the way You do--putting proper importance on what is truely of eternal value. Protect me from the dangers of getting caught up in that which is not important to You.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 22!

Good Morning!

Today's reading is Matthew 22. I love the story of the wedding banquet in here. How the man told his servants to go out and to invite anyone in--so that his wedding feast would be full. How they gave wedding clothing to everyone to put on. How this is an illustration of Jesus coming again to take us home.

But what I choose to write on this morning is a different story in this chapter. Where the Pharisees tried to trick Jesus. And I really like His simple reply.....

Scripture:

Matthew 22:37-39 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Observation:

This was a reply that Jesus gave when the Pharisees got together and tried to test him. They were hoping they would somehow be able to argue and accuse Jesus based on his answer to their question--of which was the greatest commandment in the Law. But no one could argue with Jesus' answer. Jesus went on to say further "All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:40

Application:

I cannot argue with Jesus' reply either. But more important--am I keeping these two commandments? Am I truely loving God with all my heart and loving my neighbor as myself? What would that kind of a life look like? Am I taking time to spend with God each day? Am I caring for my neighbor and helping them when they need help? Or am I judging them for things I don't like?

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for loving me so much. Help me to love You with all my heart and soul in reply. And help that love to grow and spill over until I stop judging others and only have love and compassion for them as You have for me.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 21:28-46!

Good Morning!

Guess what I found out this morning? Yesterday's Gospel reading of Matthew 21 was really supposed to be broken up into two different days, instead of having the whole of chapter 21 for just yesterday's reading. Oh well! See what happens when I don't really pay attention to the reading schedule? For MOST of the days in this reading plan, we are just reading one chapter a day. But every once in a while, when a chapter is long--they divide the chapter up into two halves and spread it out over two days. SO, yesterday I already read the whole chapter and did my SOAP devotional, but since it DID happen to be on verses in the first half of the chapter, I decided to go ahead and do a second SOAP devotional on the second half of the chapter so I could be back on track with the reading schedule.

SO. I went ahead and looked at the chapter again, specifically looking for something that impressed me from the last half of the chapter. And I found something that seems to describe my life right now. At least, the attitude that comes from my little one is often "I won't!" even if she is not saying it in those words....

In this part of the chapter, Jesus tells a parable of a father who went to his two sons and asked them to work out in the vineyard. The first son said he wouldn't do it, but then changed his mind and went out and worked afterall. The second son said he would do it--but then never went!

Scripture:

Matthew 21:29 "I will not," he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

Observation:

This first son did not want to obey the father's request at first--but his heart was open to the father and later he changed his mind and obeyed afterall. The second son gave the appearance of obeying--but didn't and probably never even planned on obeying.

Application:

Of course, the best thing would be for me to both plan on obeying and then obey! But unfortunately I don't do that so many times. Why? Because I want my own way. We all do. We don't want to be told what to do, and often do not even want to be shown how to do something. My daughter, when she was younger, would say that she wanted to do something "all by self." Isn't that how we all are? Unfortunately, "all by self" is not a very good place for we humans. But as long as our hearts remain open to God, the Holy Spirit can often convince us of our error and bring us back around to where we should have been inthe first place.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for Your patience with me when I am so stubborn. Please keep sending the Holy Spirit after me, and change my heart to be always open to You.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 21!

Good Morning! Happy Easter Everyone!

Today's reading is Matthew 21. The story of the Triumphal Entry is in this chapter. Incrediable story. Our local church and college just put on a walk-through program yesterday, following Jesus riding through Jerusalem, on to the Garden of Gethsemane, the cross, and finally to His Resurrection. It was so awesome to really feel a part of the crowds in Jerusalem. To see "Jesus" riding through on a donkey, to have a palm branch in your hand with which to praise Him. To think about how He died on the cross for me. And to know that He is no longer in the tomb. I love this Easter program, every year when it is put on. But it is still only a play, and can hardly compare with the real events. That is what makes it so wonderful--that there really WERE these things happening, in REAL LIFE. Not just in a play....

But before I get too sidetracked, what really impressed me in today's reading is something that Jesus said to His disciples. The same thing that Jesus is saying to me, today. So grab your Bible, and read Matthew 21 with me!

Scripture:

Matthew 21:13 "It is written," he said to them, "My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a 'den of robbers.'"

Matthew 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Observation:

Jesus was telling His disciples here how His house was to be known--as a house of prayer. Not as a house of gossip. Not as a house of "where everyone is perfect." But as a house of pryer. Where everyone is comuning with the Father in heaven. Talking with Him--and most important--listening for His reply. And that if they believed, their prayers would be answered.

Application:

Why do "I" go to church? Is it to see my friends? Friends are not a bad thing at all. In fact, I truely believe that a good friend is a gift from God. One time in my life travels I was so lonely I prayed for a friend for a year--and God sent one to me! But a friend--no matter how wonderful--cannot be the reason I go to church. It must be to pray. To talk with God, and to listen to His instruction to me. And then--when my heart is in tune with God--I will receive what I ask for in prayer. I may not see that answer instantly, but it will come. At the right time. God's time.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for these promises about prayer. Help me to always keep your house a house of prayer. And to trust You and look for Your answers--in Your time.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 20!

Happy Sabbath!

It is a beautiful Easter weekend Sabbath--the perfect time to thoughtfully dwell on Jesus' life. Today's reading is Matthew 20, so grab your Bibles and join me in looking for treasure!

The verse that stood out the most to me today was something that Jesus said to His disciples after some squabbling broke out. Two of the disciples had tried to quietly arrange that they would sit on Jesus' right and left side when his kingdom came. When the rest of the twelve found this out, they were not pleased! All were wanting to be first--to have the best position--to be favored. They were thinking the natural way we sinful humans think--"Me first!" But Jesus answered them in quite a different way....

Scripture:

Matthew 20:26-28 ...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Observation:

The disciples were interested in elevating themselves, and Jesus pointed out to them that if they were truely to be His followers, they would also follow Him in meekness. In "others first" instead of "me first." In serving, instead of being served.

Application:

How can I serve and be a blessing to others? I think there are many ways every day if I only open my eyes to them. An encouraging email or phone call to a friend. Making meals for my family. Answering a homeschool question. Providing a guest room for a traveler. Caring for a pets needs. Letting someone with a few items jump ahead of me in a store line. Leading out in a church program. Collecting food for the food bank.

I think Jesus was a blessing wherever He went, in big or small situations. And if I want to be like Him, then I should also be a blessing wherever I am.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Open my eyes and let me see all the ways I can be a blessing to others. Let Your love flow through me, so they will see not me helping them, but You.

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Many blessings still await! Come join us in reading through the Gospels. Reading schedule and encouragement at www.momstoolbox.com

Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 19!

Good Morning Everyone!

Today's Scripture reading is Matthew chapter 19, and I am very tickled to have my SOAP devotional for today featured over at http://www.momstoolbox.com/ I love encouraging others, and pray that someone who reads my post over there will be blessed. :D

Scripture:

Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

The disciples were wondering how anyone could possibly be saved. This verse was Jesus' reply to them.

Observation:

Saving ourselves--whether through our being "perfect" or our doing so many "good deeds" that we "earn" eternal life--just isn't enough.

No matter how hard I try, I will only come up short. I cannot save myself--it truely is impossible.

Application:

I need to let go of my own concepts of doing things myself, and accept God's gift of eternal life. To take the "impossible" situations in my life and truely turn them over to the Lord.

Eighteen years ago my first child was born premature and with cerebral palsy. There was no way I could in my own strength handle raising a disabled child. One day, in worry about the "future," I specifically prayed and gave my son back to God. I asked God to please take care of his special needs, and that I was willing to do whatever He asked me to do but that I could not handle raising a disabled child and providing for all his extra needs. That if God would be in charge, I would be happy to cooperate with Him. After my prayer, I realized that God never asked me to be "in charge" of all my son needed. That always was His job--but I was the one taking it on myself. Here we are, eighteen years later. One short year away from college. And I have to say--my son's special needs have always been provided for. With God, all things are possible.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for always providing for our needs. Thank you for being "in charge." May we learn to leave our burdens at Your feet, and not try to carry them on our own. And when I forget--thank you for reminding me that You are not limited by my human sight. That no thing is impossible for You.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 18!

Today's reading is Matthew 18. This chapter contains the story about the lost sheep--and how the shepherd left the ninety nine sheep and went in search of the lost one--beautiful illustration of how God searches for each one of us.

But the thing that I wanted to comment on from this day's reading was on something different. From the part of the chapter that talks about how we are to treat a brother who sins against us. At the end of Jesus talking about this topic, He makes a promise that I love.....

Scripture:

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.

Observation:

Jesus was speaking here about how we should handle things if a fellow believer sinned against us. How we are to first go speak with him, and then if he will not listen to us then take several people with us to speak with him. The goal here is to draw the brother back into the honest and right way of doing things, not to lambast him over the head!

Application:

I really like this promise by Jesus--that where just two or three of His believers gather, He will be there with them. I do believe there is a special blessing that comes from gathering with other Christians and fellowshipping together. I know I have been greatly blessed by our Women's Ministries meetings at my church. They have given me an opportunity to get to know other Christian women that live in my community, and have encouraged me in my spiritual walk. Sometimes we can feel lost in the crowd, so to speak, in a large church. But a small group type of meeting can help us grow as Christians in a way that nothing else can. And Jesus promises to be at that meeting with us--how cool is that?!

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for this promise to be with us when even just a few gather in Your name. Help me to take the time to gather and fellowship together, so I will not miss Your special blessing.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 17!

Today's scripture reading is Matthew chapter 17. Come and explore it with me for a few minutes, before you start your busy day.....

Scripture:

Matthew 17:19,20 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Observation:

The disciples--who were at that time living each day literally with Jesus--did not have enough faith to drive out the demon that was in this child. Yet at the same time, Jesus himself said you do not need a whole lot of faith to accomplish big things--only the amount of faith that would equal a mustard seed.

Application:

I do not think the goal here was to be the literal moving around of mountains! But to be able to accomplish "big things" for God we need faith--even if it is a small amount of faith. This reminds me of the story recorded later where a father sought healing for his son and cried out to Jesus, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24 And Jesus rewarded this man's small amount of faith, and the son was healed. This man was trying to accomplish something "big" for God--the healing of his son. Yet the father also recognized that his own faith was not as strong as it should be--but the marvelous thing is that he turned to the "right place," Jesus.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for these wonderful stories that are recorded for me to read and learn from. Help my faith to grow each day. Though it may be small, help it to be genuine. And like the father of the boy with an evil spirit, I say to You today, "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!"

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Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 16!

Good morning!

Today's Bible reading is Matthew 16. Several different things are going on in this chapter. The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and demanded a "sign." Jesus warns his disciples against what He calls the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus predicts His death. But what impressed me the most this morning was Peter's confession of his belief in Jesus as the Son of God. Grab your Bible and take a look at it yourself, and see what thoughts impress you.....

Scripture:

Matthew 16:15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

Observation:

Jesus asked this question to His disciples--who did they say that He was. Peter answered that Jesus was the Christ--the Son of the Living God. Jesus pronounced a blessing on Peter because of Peter's faith, and said that this knowledge had been revealed to Peter by the Father in heaven.

Application:

Who do I say Jesus is? Was He a good man that lived long ago? Was He the Son of God, but is He dead now? How I truely answer this question in my heart will make a huge difference in how I have faith or trust in God. If I truely believe Jesus to be the risen, living Son of God--then I will live my life showing this belief. I can not only read about what Jesus did long ago, but I can trust Him today, and call upon Him for help in getting through this incredibly busy week. If Jesus truely is a risen Son of God--then I do not need to fear anything.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for loving me so much that you sent Your Son to rescue me. Help me to accept that rescue every day--and to never forget who You are.

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Come join us as we read through the Gospels together! Reading Schedule and encouragement found at www.momstoolbox.com

Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 15!

Good Morning! It is the start of another work-week, so that is certainally a great time to start it off with reading God's Word!

Today's reading is Matthew 15. There is another miracle feeding of thousands of people, and more interaction with Pharisees on what is clean and unclean. But the part I liked the best is what happened between Jesus and one Canaanite woman. A mother--who was pleading for her child.

Scripture:

Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Observation:

Jesus healed this woman's daughter--but only after testing her faith. He told her that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel, and even referred to her nationality as "dogs." This was exactly how Jesus' disciples looked upon the Canaanites, and what Jesus was about to do would be a lesson to them.

Application:

Am I holding on to God's promises, and claiming them for my own the same way this Canaanite woman did? What about when all outward signs seem to point to it being impossible for God's promises being fulfilled--do I give up or hang on tighter? This woman's daughter would not have been healed if she hadn't clung to Jesus and had faith in His goodness and ability to heal. What blessings am I losing out on by my lack of faith in God's goodness and ability?

Prayer:

Dear Father--Help me to cling tighter to You every day, not looking at things around me but only looking at You.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 14!

Today's reading is Matthew 14. And it's a good idea not to read this chapter when you are hungry--at least for me, anyway. Because the verse I chose for this mornings devotional talks about bread. And I LOVE good bread! O.K., so I realize my picture here isn't exactly what the bread in Bible times looked like--they were probably more flat like pita bread today. But it IS a bread picture, so I thought it could help you start thinking about hunger...and bread.

Scripture:

Matthew 14:17,18 "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. "Bring them here to me," he said.

Observation:

It was a fact that the disciples did not have enough resources for doing the job. Feeding five thousand men, and then even more women and children--how much food would THAT take? Certainally LOTS more than five loaves of bread (even if the loaves were huge!) and two fish. Afterall, that amount of food had been prepared and packed by one mother, who intended her son to need all of it.

Application:

First the disciples were told to bring the resources that they had to Jesus. Jesus prepared the people to get ready for a blessing, by telling them to sit down. Third, Jesus took what little food they had, and gave thanks for it--fully expecting that it would cover the need. And it did.

Am I bringing my all to God? Do I prepare to receive His blessing--even before I see it? Do I thank God for what He has already provided--fully trusting that He will continue to watch over me and bless me? Or do I focus on the problems instead?

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for recording this beautiful miracle story for me to read. Help me to apply it's lesson to my daily problems. To first bring my all to you. Then prepare for Your blessing. And finally to thank You always for Your provision. Amen.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 13:36-58!

Happy Sabbath Everyone!

I thought I would share this picture of Lily of the Valley I took in our little woods. I am especially thrilled with them, since I planted them out there as little roots just a few short weeks ago. And I was SO happy to see them growing and blooming already! I am hoping they spread out there--I WANT them to be invasive! Finding them blooming was like finding a little treasure out there--which is why I picked this picture to go with the Bible verse that stood out at me this morning. Ready? This morning we are finishing Matthew 13.

Scripture:

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Observation:

The kingdom of heaven is worth everything we have, nothing held back.

Application:

But even though the kingdom is worth everything, it cannot be bought. It is not money that gains us passage--but Jesus' shed blood. So the ticket for us each is already bought. But we still have to receive the gift and accept it.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Help me to accept that wonderful gift, each and every day.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 13:1-35!

This mornings reading is just half of a chapter--Matthew 13:1-35. It is telling the story of the sower, who goes out to plant his crop. A story many of us have heard before, but slowing down and meditating on it this morning brought some new thoughts I hadn't really realized before. So I would encourage you to grab your nearest Bible, and read the story again for yourself! You never know what you may find....

Scripture:

Matthew 13:23 But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

Observation:

The "seed" was sewn everywhere--along the path, on rocky places, among thorns, as well as on good soil. But in spite of being spread everywhere, it only produced a crop in one place--good soil.

Application:

How can I control what type of "soil" my heart is? Can a soil type be changed if it is not good? From a little bit of garden experience I would say "yes," soil type CAN be changed. But it only happens by lots of digging and bringing in of the right things for soil development. Compost, manure, peat moss, etc. And at the same time, sometimes you have to remove things as well--brambles, roots, weeds, rocks. The verse states two conditions: 1) hearing the word, and 2) understanding it. I can help control my environment so I am hearing the Word--and then can take the next step and study so I can also understand it. Then--with God's blessing--I will produce a crop!

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for the opportunity I have to hear Your Word. Please dig and weed and bring things into my life--so I may be good soil for You, producing a crop.

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Come read with us! Reading schedule and encouragement at www.momstoolbox.com

Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 12!

Good Morning! I am off to a later than usual start this morning, but rushed though I am I still wanted to get in a shower with SOAP. I know my day will go much better because of it.

Today's reading is Matthew 12. Again, there are a lot of different topics that could be studied in this chapter. Jesus being Lord of the Sabbath, the Pharisees accusing Jesus of casting out demons using the power of Satan, the Sign of Jonah, and Jesus saying that whoever does the will of His Father in heaven is his brother and sister and mother. Like I said, there are many topics that could be taken and studied further.

But there is one text that grabs my attention, and I know full well it is because of my own personal experience with the same situation. Isn't that how it is--we all "read" things through the glasses of our background. Sometimes that can be good or bad, all depending. But I think for me, in this paticular Bible story, it is good. Because the text I chose to write on this morning is about Jesus healing a man who's hand was paralyzed. And not just paralyzed, but my Bible version actually says it was "shriveled."

I have not experienced a hand that I cannot use, but my child has. And those of you who are parents will know that you would a million times rather deal with a handicap yourself than to see your child suffer from it. Most of you know that my son has cerebral palsy. And the type of C.P. that he has is rather rare, effecting him vertically. He has never been able to use one side of his body as well as the other, and has never EVER been able to use his right hand. And, of course, if you do not use muscles, they do not grow and develop muscle mass the same way as they would if they were being used on a daily basis. So not only can he not use his hand, but it is also much smaller in size. I suppose--though I would personally never use this word--one could call it "shriveled." I can't help but wonder what the background story was on this man who Jesus healed. Did he have C.P. as well, but they just hadn't developed that label yet? Had he experienced an accident that had left him unable to use his hand as he had before? We do not know, as the Bible does not record those details. But I think I am going to ask him when we get to heaven. I don't think he will mind telling me his story....

But time is flying, so on to our devotional for today.

Scripture:

Matthew 12:13 Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.

Observation:

Jesus wanted what was good for this man. Instead of scoffing at him, or saying that he was "sinful" and therefore "deserved" this handicap, He healed him. Restoring the man to full good health. Restoring his soul at the same time.

Application:

This man had to have faith that Jesus ment only good for him, and not harm. Yes, Jesus is the one who healed--but the man had to first act on faith, following through on Jesus' instruction to "stretch out your hand." Do I have the same faith that God means only good for me? I can have that faith, if I will only accept God at His word.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

Prayer:

Dear Father--Increase my faith and make it grow. May I always trust Your love and goodness towards me. May I always believe and act on the promise that You only have good plans for me.

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Read with us at www.momstoolbox.com

Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 11!

How do you like my little bunny? He (she?) was hopping through my back yard a few weeks ago, and I was able to grab my camera and take a few pictures before he hopped away into the woods. I thought he was so cute--and really, it is a perfect picture for today's SOAP devotional. You'll see. Trust me.

Today's reading is Matthew 11. Lots of good stuff in here. Some "classic" verses that we have all heard before. Like this one--"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 See what I mean? Beautiful words of encouragement those are, and we have probably grown up hearing them if we had the benefit of growing up in a Christian home.

But those are not the verses I picked for today. Inside my heart, God is still talking to me about little things. Even smaller than my bunny. Specifically--ears. Yup. The Bible actually has quite a lot to say about ears, and the verse that spoke to me this morning was also about ears. Are you ready? Then let's go!

Scripture:

Matthew 11:15 He who has ears, let him hear.

Observation:

In this chapter, Jesus was preaching and answering people's questions. He had been asked by some of John the Baptist's disciples if he was the Christ, or if they should expect someone else. Jesus proceeded to explain how John was a fulfillment of prophecy--the messenger who was sent to prepare the way ahead of Jesus. And finally Jesus says "He who has ears, let him hear."

Application:

Of course anyone who has ears will hear--but Jesus was talking about more than physical hearing. The "hearing" of that still, small voice. The "hearing" that reads the Scriptures and sees that they are true. Even the animals "hear" and know the truth about God.

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?" Job 12:7-11

Prayer:

Dear Father--Help me to hear your voice and to follow it. Always.

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Join us as we read through the Gospels together! www.momstoolbox.com

Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 10!

Good Morning Friends!

Today's reading--Matthew 10. This is telling about when Jesus sent out the twelve disciples. They were told to go and to preach the message about the kingdom of God being near. They were also told to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons." (How many of those tasks are on YOUR "to do" list for today!)

Jesus also gave them instruction on how they were to react if they were not received well. About how they were not to worry about what words to say. About how they should not be afraid of those who could kill the body--but only of the one who could destroy both the body and the soul.

Many good verses for us to read. But when I thought about what I wanted to write my SOAP devotional on, it wasn't one of the "big" things that caught my attention this morning. Instead, it was something rather small instead. That God knows the tiny details about me. That's it. Small, but powerful. So feel free to grab your nearest Bible and read chapter 10. And see how much God loves you.

Scripture:

Matthew 10:30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Observation:

God knows me even in tiny details. He cares what happens to me. He knows me even better than I know myself.

Application:

If God knows me this well--knowing everything about me and loving me anyway--I want to in turn know HIM better. How to do this? In prayer and Bible study. In "peace, be still." In sharing HIm with others around me.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for loving me so much that You even want to know every detail about me. Help me to learn more about You--with every day that passes.

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It's not too late! Come join us as we read through the Gospels together! Reading schedule and encouragement at http://www.momstoolbox.com/

Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 9!

Matthew 9--absolutely filled with miracles of Jesus. How does one pick the most "important" event? Which would it be, healing a paralized man? A woman who was bleeding for twelve years? I know, what about making the blind see? Oh--what about raising a dead girl to life, now THAT'S big, isn't it?

Of course the only answer to all of these is "Yes!" They are ALL "big." They are ALL "important." Yet as I thought about this chapter this morning, the one thing that seemed to speak the loudest to me was actually something very quiet. Jesus ate with sinners. That's right. Sinners invited Jesus to come eat with them at their homes, and Jesus said "YES." And not only did He go, but I think He actually ENJOYED being with sinners. Oh, I do not mean to say that He enjoyed their sin, because Jesus will often be found telling people to "Go and sin no more." I just mean that He enjoyed being with them and eating with them. And when the Pharisees saw this and questioned Him about it, He had a ready answer.

Scripture:

Matthew 9:12,13 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Observation:

Jesus did not require people to be living perfect, sin-free lives before He helped them. He DID heal or eat or associate with sinners--just like He was being accused of doing.

Application:

It was a result of spending time with Jesus that changed people's lives. When I spend time with Jesus, my life is changed in the same way. The more time Jesus and I spend together--the more my life will be changed.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you so much for sending Jesus as a "doctor" for sinners. Help me to meet with You each day, so that I will be changed more and more into Your image.

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Come read the Gospels with us! Jump in any time--it's not too late! www.momstoolbox.com

Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 8!

Good Morning!

Today's reading is Matthew 8. So many good stories and verses that one could pursue in further study. But since I MUST narrow it down... I still choose three verses, but they are all telling the same story so they should only count as one verse, right? ;)

I chose for my "extra" study and reflection this morning the story of Jesus calming the storm. I really like this story, I think because I so often feel like my life is having "storms." And as soon as one storm goes away, another one is always there waiting to take it's place as the "new problem!" But one thing that really struck me in today's verses is that I honestly think Jesus would have been o.k. with it if He had drown in that storm. At least, if that had been God's will--if Jesus' work on earth had been finished and THAT was what God was allowing to happen, I think Jesus just trusted His Heavenly Father that much. And I wonder, if I am dedicating my life to God each morning, shouldn't "I" have the same calm and peace that Jesus had through trusting His Heavenly Father?

Well, before I get off on too long of a tangent, here is this morning's SOAP.

Scripture:

Matthew 8:24-26 Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

Observation:

Jesus trusted in His Heavenly Father taking care of Him. He knew that He was "about His Father's business" so to speak, and therefore had complete trust that whatever may happen to Him, God was still in control.

Application:

Do "I" go about living my every day in complete trust like Jesus did? Or am I stressed and worried that if "I" don't do "something" then some bad thing will happen? Where are we putting our focus--on our own work and abilities, or on God? Surely Jesus was a hard worker. But His focus wasn't on Himself, but on doing the work God had given Him to do. Since He was faithfully doing this, He had complete trust in God whatever may happen to Him each day.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Close my eyes when I look at myself and my abilities. May I only look at You and follow You. May I take each day and ask "What does my Father want me to do today?" and then trust You completely with whatever happens.

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Join with us as we read through the Gospels! You do not have to be a blogger--feel free to join us and read along. You will be abundantly blessed! Reading schedule and encouragement at www.momstoolbox.com

Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 7!

Do you recognize this flower? Hardly an exotic one, is it? But I read something about dandylions once that really impressed me. Do you know that if you mow down a dandylion at say, perhaps five inches tall, that it will grow back again only the next time it will grow only four inches? And if it is again mown down at four inches tall, well it will grow back again but then only to three inches in height? Unless it is pulled out by the roots, it will keep coming back over and over again. I have even seen some where the flower part looks like it is growing right flat against the ground!

And--yes, a dandylion really IS related to this morning's post--the dandylion reminds me of the verse I picked for this mornings SOAP. I heard in a sermon once that the way this scripture verse was written in the orginal language it ment to ask--and KEEP on asking. To seek, and to KEEP on seeking. To knock--and KEEP on knocking. Isn't that what the dandylion does?

So here goes. It's time to get up and shower. And make sure to use plenty of SOAP!

Scripture:

Matthew 7:7,8 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Observation:

This is another verse that gives us specific instruction of what God is telling us to do. We are told to ASK, SEEK, and KNOCK. And then follows a promise--that if we obey this instruction, that we WILL receive, WILL find, and WILL have the door opened.

Application:

Am I trusting my Heavenly Father enough to test Him at this verse? Do I ask Him for what I need, or just worry about it myself and "hope for the best"? Instead of "hoping for the best," I think we need to "pray for the best!" But what about when it appears that I have not received what I asked for? Do I trust my Father enough to accept that His answer may have been "no," or "wait awhile"? Am I trusting God enough to have confidence that He will only answer "yes" if it is the best thing for me?

Prayer:

Dear Father--Help me to take You at Your Word. To Ask, Seek, Knock. And to trust You with the answer, even if from my frail human viewpoint I think things should have been answered differently. Help me to ASK You always--but then to leave the matters in Your hands--and to trust You.

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Come join us and read through the Gospels together! Encouragement and reading assignments found at http://www.momstoolbox.com/

Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 6!

Are you ready for your morning shower? GOOD, because I have the SOAP all ready.

Truely Matthew 6 is a very difficult chapter to pick just ONE verse from. And I almost didn't make it, as there are just so many beautiful treasures to pick from. Sigh. But you are just going to have to grab your nearest Bible and pull it off the shelf and read through Matthew 6 yourself today. This is probably my most favorite chapter in all the Bible, and one I HIGHLY recommend memorizing. There are just so many many beautiful things.....Words from Jesus to you.

But--today's a busy day, and I have LOTS to do. So on with our shower:

Scripture:

Matthew 6:20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Observation:

This is a specific instruction given to us by Jesus. Something He TELLS us to do.

Application:

Am I storing treasure in heaven each day? Have I stored any beautiful and kind words lately? What about some golden compassion? A listening ear? Some encouragement? Some understanding? Have I helped to carry someone's burden and therefore made their journey a bit easier? Have I shared my Best Friend Jesus with anyone?

Prayer:

Dear Father--Help me to look at others through Your eyes--to see their need, and to point them to the only source of real help. To clearly see the true treasure all around me.

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Join us as we read through the Gospels! It's not to late to jump in! Reading plan available at www.momstoolbox.com

Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 5!

Happy Thursday!

This morning I came to the conclusion that reading through Matthew 5 and choosing just one verse to write about is akin to going through the potluck line at church and putting only one type of food on your plate. Impossible! So--I started out just fine, with only one verse--but then you know how it goes. This next verse seems to go with that verse. And of course, these over here all go together so you can't really separate them from one another.... So here it goes. Yes, my plate is heaped pretty high. But just think of what a delicious meal it makes up! ;)

Scripture:

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Observation:

We need to hunger for God--who is righteousness--every day. Then we will be filled, which will in turn lead to our being a shining light before others.

Application:

The order here is very important. We cannot shine and lead others to God if we have not ourselves been filled. And we will not be filled if we have not first eaten. It is our appetite that leads us to a desire to eat. Am I eating God's Word every day, or spoiling things by filling up on "junk food" instead?

Prayer:

Dear Father--Help me to only eat real food. What You have given to me to bless me and to help me be truely filled.

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Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 4!

Good Morning!

In case you are wondering what the funny and rather humble looking things are in this picture, remember that looks can be deceiving! ;) However plain looking these plants are, in reality, given a few more weeks and they will have grown into the most beautiful peonies you could ever see. Some of them will be picked and brought into the house, where they will literally brighten the corner where they are, as well as fill the surrounding air with their perfume.

Are WE growing each day into something beautiful? Will WE make wherever we are just a bit more beautiful because we are there?

O.K.--before I get more sidetracked here, it's time for our morning shower. Don't forget the SOAP! Today's reading is Matthew 4. And I just could not narrow things down to ONE favorite verse, so I picked two. :)

Scripture:

Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written, 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

Matthew 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

Observation:

The most important thing for us to live is not physical food, but spiritual food--God's Word, the Bible. How many times a day do we stop to eat? Two or three or more! How can we possibly expect to live by only eating spiritual food once a week at church?

When Jesus was here on earth, He spent His time 1)teaching, 2)preaching, and 3)healing. Not ordering, condeming, and critizing....

Application:

I need to eat God's Word every day, even more than needing physical food. And after I have eaten like Him, I can go out and act like Him--trying to help others and build them up, not tear them down.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Help me to crave Your Word far more than any physical food. And may I look at others always through Your eyes, so that I may help them, not hurt.

Come join us reading through the Gospels at www.momstoolbox.com !

Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 2 & 3

Are you ready for some washing with SOAP this morning? Here goes:

Scripture:

Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

Observation:

God--the Everlasting Creator of the whole Universe--declared outright that Jesus was His Son. AND that Jesus was following His plan, because God announced that He was "well pleased" with Jesus.

Application:

Should I not therefore follow Jesus? To study His teachings. To pray for power and strength to live each day the way He would live it--were He to be living my life?

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for not only sending Jesus to us, but also for making it plain who Jesus was--Your Son. Help me to walk in His footsteps. To think like Him. To act like Him. To love others like Him.

Blogging Through the Gospels: Matthew 1

Good Morning Everyone!

It's the start of a new week, and as you already know, I finished my Bible in 90 Days reading last week---sooooo, that means it is also time for a new plan for my devotional time each day! Amy--over at www.momstoolbox.com, is the one who did the on-line mentor groups for the Bible in 90 Days program that I participated in, and she has come up with another great devotional time idea. :D She is going to be blogging through the gospels, and has invited whoever would like to to join her. This will be at a much slower pace than the Bible in 90 Days program, and it will have plenty of time for journaling and reflection. On Sundays she will post the reading schedule for the upcoming week. If you do the Bible reading for that day, prayer, and journaling time, you should be able to complete your quiet time in around 30 minutes. Want to join us???

I make no promises to actually blog every day--I just have to keep other things a priority. But I am going to make the commitment to do the Bible reading/journaling every day, and if I can squeeze in sharing my thoughts in a blog post, I'll do so.

The journaling method that I learned from Amy's blog is called SOAP. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Isn't that a neat way to remember the different points? And when we use God's Word as our SOAP each day, He promises to wash our sins away and make us whiter than snow!

So, here goes--today's Bible reading was Matthew 1. I read the chapter first, then looked for one verse that kind of jumped out at me. O.k., I couldn't pick just one. But I did narrow it down to just two verses....

Scripture:

Matthew 1:19,20 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit..."

Observation:

Joseph had made plans that he thought were the right ones to do, but he was wrong.

Application:

God specifically sent an angel to speak to Joseph, and Joseph followed the angel's instruction. I may not have an angel visit me in a dream, but am I listening to how God does speak to me? Through His Holy Word?

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for this precious Holy book. Help me to read it more. To understand it more. To follow it more.