Matthew 8: 15-27
verses 24-27: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
I think about preparing for the future when I read this passage today. My faith in God is like making an investment that is 100% safe. No matter what happens to me in this life, I have God, always. It is hard to remember this when things happen which rattle me or make me anxious. I don’t like being uncomfortable, and I find it extremely difficult to tolerate seeing others who I love, in pain. But God is here, with each and every one of us, every minute of every day. What better insurance is there?
Heavenly Father, I can’t find words which convey the extent of my gratitude. It is not lost on me what you desire for me, and what your love offers me. But I am a human being with limited capacities. I will strive to be worthy. Help me to keep my heart clean and worthy of your presence. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
Matthew 7:15-27 Verse 20: Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. I have always thought that people would identify me as a Christian woman, because of the way I live and behave. The world is full of good people who lead exemplary lies and do good things, but they are not believers. Therefore, I think I need to do more than lead by example. People need to know whose example I follow. I need to talk about Jesus and the example he set for us as a guide. As humans, we are far from perfect, but as Christians, we know what we need to do and who we ne…
Matthew 7:15-27
verse 24-25 It is easy to address Jesus as "Lord, Lord." After all, we know that he is the Son of God. His miracles and teachings are proof of his divinity. Admitting that "Jesus is my savior" won’t guarantee me a place in heaven. Faith in Christ isn’t just the way I talk, it must be in my heart and mind. Faith means doing the will of God the Father in thoughts, words, and deeds. How is my faith in Christ reflected in my actions,am I satisfied with saying a few prayers, and little else. Christ strongly advises his disciples to build their faith on rock. to dig a solid foundation of faith takes hard work. It demands const…
Matthew 7:15 - “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
These can be confusing times. There are ideas preached by those who claim Christianity that are at odds with orthodox Christian doctrine if one bothers to check. But their ideas appeal to modern folks because they sound so sensible and more scientific than what those gullible Christians in biblical times (or even 50 years ago) used to believe. Their teaching, modern, rational, enlightened, without any sin or judgement is warm, fuzzy, kind and loving. Isn’t that what Jesus was all about? Actually, Jesus called these folks ravenous wolves.
Prayer - Jesus, Guardian of our souls, keep us vigilant to false teaching.…
Matthew 7: 15-27
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
This verse is one I contemplate on a daily basis. Am I doing it correctly, am I doing all I can to follow the will of the Father. I question myself every day. Am I doing everything I can for God. So I ponder each and every day as to whether or not I am getting it right. Perhaps questioning myself is part of the solution. I hope my foundation is strong.
Dearest Lord, I sometimes feel so inadequate. I want to do my very best for you,…
2021-0325 Thursday, Daily Devotion - Matthew 7:20
20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
What are the fruits in my life? My fruits would be what I left in people’s heart, mind, and soul after the time I spent time with the people. I might leave good or bad feelings, sometimes awful or disgusting marks in their lives. But I can’t control what I leave in people’s hearts. I can only control my heart, mind, and soul for the marks I leave where I was whether it is a person or place. Those fruits will tell others who I am whether I recognize them or not.
Lord, I leave the marks of who I am wherever I go,…