Matthew 10:16-12:21

“What is the price of two sparrows-one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

The sparrow is a small, seemingly insignificant bird. If God cares about them, how much more does he care about me? It reminds me of these lyrics by Casting Crowns, “Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name. Would care to feel my hurt?”

The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.) And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one!” Matthew 12:10-13 NLT

The Pharisees placed their law above human need. But, Jesus cared more about the person he was healing, than that it was on the Sabbath.

This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him: “Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations…And his name will be the hope of all the world.” Matthew 12:17-21 NLT

Dear Father, thank you that your spirit is resting inside of me. When I’m worried, I will remember your constant care for me. Thank you for your provision. Nothing is too hard for You. Amen.

Amy(amyctanner)

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Isaiah 4-6; Matthew 23

I know the Lord is good and you may rightly respond – all the time.

So why is it that I step away from Him, try to find my own way, enjoy my own pleasures and even find spiritual words, tasks and behaviours to justify such behaviour?

Have I really stopped thinking about Him?

I am the Lord All-Powerful! Israel is the vineyard, and Judah is the garden I tended with  are. I had hoped for honesty and for justice, but dishonesty and cries for mercy were all I found. At your drinking parties you have the music of stringed instruments, tambourines, and flutes. But you never even think about all the Lord has done. – Isaiah 5:7,12  CEV

I have run into many followers of Christ who say they would never do what the Israelites did crossing the desert to the promised land.  I have said – how could they have forgotten and so quickly, what the Lord had just done one day before?

The words are hardly out of my mouth and I have done the very same thing on the very next day.

There is one secret though that I have found, and it is the most real I can get in my relationship with Jesus.  I fess up right away, I get clean right away, I set things straight and ask for forgiveness.  There is one thing I do not want, will not tolerate and will not accept in my life – the absence of the Holy Spirit.  A hard heart will turn Him away every time.  At some point I would be afraid that I actually might not let Jesus rule my life one day should I keep rejecting His love.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Your people have killed the prophets and have stoned the messengers who were sent to you. I have often wanted to gather your people, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But you wouldn’t let me. – Matthew 23:37  CEV

Father, I know you care for me, You tend to my heart and whisper to me during the day.  You set up so many different ways to protect me in my walk.  Your love is felt as sweetly as the wind that blows around me when I walk and spend time in silent prayer with You.  I cannot believe though that I can, the very next day, not even think about You as I find myself busy, occupied, caught up in something so meaningless. But the beauty of it all is that I notice.  In noticing I can come and ask You to forgive me and You do.  Thank You for being so gentle and so present.  I love You.

Erwin (evanlaar1922)

 

Proverbs 8-10; Psalm 144; Romans 12

I was reminded this week of the importance of caring enough for my wife that I need to be listening to her – really listen.  There is so much more peace in our home and I am such a hero when I do, that I cannot understand why I am not an expert on such matters by now.

Listen carefully
to my instructions,
    and you will be wise. – Proverbs 8:33   CEV

The same can be said of my relationship with God.  Listening means spending time with God.  I believe I have shared this before, but I believe God’s love language is – time.  It is when I stop spending time with Him that other voices have an opportunity of creeping in and messing with my mind.  Voices that even go so far as challenging the authenticity of my relationship with God.

Why do we humans mean anything
to you, our Lord?
    Why do you care about us? – Psalm 144:3  CEV

Ann-Marie and I went to visit a new couple from our church this week.  We wanted to call them and drop in and thought it might be too soon for that.  What a joy to be invited two hours later by them!  We talked all night about our relationship with God and how He has woven our faith from experiences gone by. Sometimes caring is exactly that – spending time with others, hearing their voice, celebrating new friendships.

Take care of God’s needy people and welcome strangers into your home. – Romans 12:13  CEV

Father, I know in my head that You care for me, from time to time I wonder why You or any one else would matter to care.  As the evil one may want to take Your care away from me, allow me to practice to care for others, to listen well, to spend time with You so that I might be equipped, ready to accept the invitation from You or someone else to care for them in their moment of need.  There are not enough praise words in our language to speak to Your love for me.  I know how much You care – enough for a cross, a death, a burial and the joy of my heart – a resurrection.  Thank you Lord. Amen.

Erwin (evanlaar1922)