Matthew 19: 13-30

Psalms 24: 1-10

Proverbs 6:1-5 

Tomorrow I will change!  Tomorrow I will diet!  Tomorrow I will make sure this never happens again!  It’s like that restaurant that had a sign up on the wall ‘tomorrow free steaks’ – the next day someone returned expecting to receive what was advertised only to realize  the sign still hadn’t changed.  ‘Tomorrow’ free steaks’! –No one would ever taste one of those! 

It sounds all too familiar though, doesn’t it?  Procrastination- what a curse word- but one we all play victim too in various shapes and forms.  We build our lives within a day that may never materialize.  We’re never promised tomorrow but we have the here and now. 

Egypt is going crazy, frogs everywhere.  There is no escaping their presence…in the bed, bath, couch, kitchen, den, pool, yard, hair…everywhere.  Pharaoh please do something about this.  Moses is called and asks Pharaoh when they should be taken away.  To my amazement as I read this passage he says ‘tomorrow’ – he had the power to say today, right now, but instead he chooses ‘one more night with the frogs’. 

What’s wrong with him, he must be crazy…but so must we!  How many times do we prolong our deliverance and freedom- how many nights do we lay down with something that God can remove today – right now. 

We don’t have to go through another night this way.  God’s word proclaims that ‘today is the day of Salvation’!  Your moment of freedom is right now.  It’s time we start to believe God and kick those frogs out. I’ve had enough nights with the frogs- tonight I’m sleeping in peace.  That needs to be the answer we give according to our deliverance.  Jesus already accomplished it once and for all, now it’s up to you to live in it. 

“No more nights with the frogs please”!

Exodus 5:22-7:25

Matthew 18:23-19:12

Psalms 23: 1-6

Proverbs 5:22-23

 Divorce

Matthew 19:4-8

Unfortunately all around us today screams the effects of divorce.  Unhappy people, families divided, kids suffering maybe the hardest, bitterness, anger and despair…the list could go on.  They tell us that the

divorce rate of this nation is approaching 50%- that’s almost one half of all marriages are destined for failure.  What’s sadder than that is it’s just as prevelant within the church.

Divorce is not Gods design – but rather the destruction to the plan.  Satan know that a divided house can help promote his kingdom and design.  The reason’s are endless – the excuses  are many- but the results are the same.  The destruction of the family unit.

Perhaps with better counseling and instruction.  Perhaps with people taking more time and consideration in their decision.  Perhaps with more listening to their peers this tragedy would be avoided.  For many the reasons are mainly all external factors – allowing the outside to infiltrate our homes.  I believe the problem goes down deeper than that.  Those things are just the symptoms but not the cause. 

Notice what Jesus replied to their question of divorce.  It was because of hardness of heart!  It was because of a heart that was no longer was soft and pliable!   In our relationships it’s so important to keep short accounts.  What I mean by that is not allowing ourselves to fuel the already present forces that try to oppose.  Life is hard…marriage is work…and a lot of it, but when we add fuel to the fire it will burn brighter and further

It’s so important that we learn to forgive and say I’m sorry.  It’s so important we don’t allow wedges to be driven between.  Don’t let the sun go down of your wrath – is what God asks.  In a society where it’s becoming part of the ‘norm’ it doesn’t have to be part of our world.

Work daily on keeping your heart soft and pliable.  Work daily on new understanding and communication.  Work daily on your relationship with God, as truly He is the only one that can give you a new heart.

Grow together and not apart – keep a soft and pliable heart.

(Matthew 18:1-4)
What really is being the greatest? The dictionary tells us to be great, means you are the most important, the main, the chief. I’m sure we would have to all agree with that- but Jesus taught His disciples one day another meaning to greatness. A meaning which really requires a greater greatness.

We love to get mad and point the finger at others for their actions sometimes. We say things like “if only they could see ( or hear) themselves and see how foolish they are making themselves look ( or sound)”. Many times the image we judge can be a mirror looking back at us. Now whose reflection are you seeing? –Let me explain.

One day the Disciples are having a discussion amongst themselves. They really are arguing who is the greatest out of them. I’m sure opinion and reason were flying from the left and right. Each had a point to prove why it should be them. What would you use to get your point across? In the midst of this ‘squabble’ Jesus shows up. “Let’s let Jesus tell us who’s the greatest”! They all agreed.
The next words that came from the mouth of Jesus not only silenced their pride – but also taught them a lesson they would not soon forget. Expecting for one to be singled out Jesus brings another in their midst…a small child. Turning to the child He points and says “here is the greatest among you”!
‘What’? He’s been out in the sun too long today? He’s really lost it this time! No, He was showing them that in order to be the greatest you have to be willing to be first the least. Greatness is not a position to achieve, but rather a position to leave! Greatness is being willing to become humble, to become child like with no strings attached.

Too often our thoughts are to grow up and mature – where maybe our lives need to take a drastic u-turn. Perhaps it’s time to revisit the child in us…and allow greatness to be the foundation on which we build. A foundation of servant hood and humility. That’s what Jesus defines the greatest to be!

(Exodus 3:14)
Do you know who I am? Like that really matters in life. How many times have we possibility heard (or even used) that line; or at least had that thought. We like to try and throw our weight around in order to obtain favor or a greater position.
I remember once during a basketball game sitting near the owner of the both the gym and one of the school teams. He was very displeased at the calls of the referee ( to put it nicely). Finally he jumped from the bleachers and stood on the side of the court frantically screaming. The referee stopped the game and turned and motioned with his hands – kicking him out of the gym. The next words I heard still put a smile on my face even today… “Do you know who I am, I own this gym”! All eyes now looked to the ref…what would be his reply? With no hesitation the ref proclaimed and “I’m running this game…and we won’t re-start till you leave the building”. Finally he was escorted out of the building (against his will).
The reality of life is this…it doesn’t really matter who we are, but rather who’s we are. The world will not stop on it’s axis for us, neither can we accomplish true greatness according to our own merits. It’s only who He is that counts!
God was ready to deliver His children. The stage had been set, the wheels set in motion…but hold on God! Who do I tell them sent me? Tell them I AM, the I AM has sent you”!
Those words even still today carry such great weight and power for our lives. God was telling Moses that the ‘I AM’ is your deliverer. Think about that…what is it you need? Perhaps it’s a healing in your body? Perhaps it’s a new job? Or you need to see your husband saved etc..etc.. Put his name in reply to all those questions. I AM your Healer. I AM your provider! I AM your Savior. Getting the picture? He’s your I AM. Nothing is out of reach from the I AM. He is able to accomplish all things in your life.
Instead of wasting all your time being concerned and anxious, worrying whether God is able to meet your need, why not call out to the I AM – the one who always is…..!!!
The I AM is still your deliverer.

Matthew 16: 13 -17:9

Psalms 21 :1-13

Proverbs 5: 1-6

(Matthew 16:18)

Everyone is looking for safety and security in life.  Orange – red alert…what is the status today in regards to the terrorist threats?  The stock market, economy, interest rates, safety of my kids at school?  Wow, the list can go on and on, but with all the same result – uncertainty. 

It can so easily consume us and literally paralyze us into questioning if there is any hope and future… is there going to be a positive outcome to our lives?  The word of God, amidst all this uncertainty, can still bring us a confidence and assurance.  A knowing that He is still in control. 

It amazes me how still so many Christians….I mean people who really love God, do not realize the importance of church attendance.  The importance of getting themselves and their families firmly planted in a local church family.  Church is not an option, and I’ll prove that to you. 

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus clearly tells us a force (or place) where satan and all His wiles and schemes cannot penetrate and over come.  In fact he uses the words ‘Prevail against’.  That means that any attack will not be ‘victorious’ – it will not succeed. 

That force (or place) is the Church of God.  A place that will bring about assured victory for both us and our families.  We learn to ‘lock’ our families into the protection of God.   

Some may say you are misquoting the passage, where I believe I’m not.  In visiting England this Christmas, I saw first hand the results of a ‘fortress against the world!  I looked and saw one after the other who grew up with me now still in church with their spouses and kids.  I looked and saw the protection and provision the House of God had been to them.  I saw all the ‘things’ that could have not been… because their parents made a whole hearted commitment to God’s House. 

I promise you this…. You build His house, you invest your time, energies and families into His Church, He will build your house!!  He will keep that entrusted into His keeping.  The gates of hell will not prevail against the fortress of God. 

Option….NO. necessity for success….yes!!!

(Genesis 48:17-19)

Back in Biblical days there was so much more significance given to things. Today we look at them as non- important, just everyday decisions. Today for example, parents thumb through books containing alphabetical lists of names and their different meanings and pronunciations etc, to find a name that sounds right and something different. During Bible times a child’s name represented either its character, or situation from which it was born etc…in other words it had meaning to it.

Another such tradition of significance was passing on the blessing (inheritance) of the household to the eldest son (the first born). This blessing was given by the right hand being placed upon the child’s head.

When Jacob was about to die he asked for Joseph to bring his two son’s to him – he desired to bless both of them. Manasseh was the first born his name meant ‘God has caused me to forget’. Ephraim was his second child his name meant ‘God has caused me to be fruitful’. When Joseph positioned his sons before his father he placed Manasseh in front of the right hand and Ephraim before his left. (So Manasseh would receive the ‘special blessing’.)

As Jacob reached forward he crossed his hands much to Joseph’s displeasure. ‘No dad, you’re wrong.’ And he repositioned each hand upon the correct head. Once again Jacob ‘crossed’ his hands and insisted this was to be the way. Notice what he did…he ‘crossed’ his hands.

I want you to see something here. Remember Manasseh ‘forgiveness of past hurts, and Ephraim ‘fruitfulness’ in our eyes we so often begin to think that fruitfulness (blessing) is something that maybe one day we will obtain. But through the cross (what Jesus did) our lives can become fruitful and blessed, and as a result we can reach out with forgiveness to those who have wronged us and hurt us. As a result of his blessing upon our lives we now can move beyond every hurt and disappointment of the past.

Through the cross – His right hand of Blessing will be placed upon you.

Matthew 15:8-9
It has to be more than just a talk!

We have gotten so good at talking the walk. To listen too many of us, you would think that we have everything in order and that our spiritual lives are absolutely complete. What would happen if the ‘mute’ button was pressed. How complete and together would we be then? The sad reality is that without sound many of our lives would not have anything to offer…especially to those who are crying out for true meaning in life. The saddest fact is – that we are supposed to be the Hope of the world….their light in darkness..their salt of healing and purification! – Without us…there is no Hope!!!!

We have once again got to discover the true source of the words we should bring. From the abundance of our heart should come the words we say. From the reality of a relationship with God should scream out His words of Hope and Life.

Hypocrite is what Jesus calls it! One of the best definitions I have heard of a hypocrite is someone who plays a role in a play hiding behind a mask…assuming a role that is not a part of what they usually are. Sounds like the role of many ‘Christians”…or so called ‘Christians’.

It has to once again come from the right source- our hearts need to be the ‘backing’ place of our words. Let’s not just talk about it – when we can totally live it.

Make sure your life is more than just ‘lip service’.

Genesis 45:5-8
‘What satan meant for evil – God has turned around for good’ – was the words Joseph told his brothers. What a promise we have in God. God choses to take the onslaughts of satan, all his devices and plans and turn them around for good in our lives. It’s not always easy to see it at the beginning – but as we hang in there and trust God we can look back over our shoulder and see His saving grace. See how He turned around situations meant for our harm to be thing of blessing.

There is, however, another side to this – the side of dyslexia- seeing things backwards. I have witnessed in many peoples lives the Blessings of God turned around for harm in their lives. I remember a specific incident while I was a Youth Pastor in Georgia, a young girl asked us to pray for God to give her a job. She got a great job with great pay. She went in there with the right intentions. She boldly told them she couldn’t work any Sundays or Thursday nights (that was our youth night). They agreed…no problem when do you start? It wasn’t long before Sundays and Thursdays began appearing on her weekly working schedule. Making excuses for her bosses she began to work the odd one or two –that turned into 3 and 4 – which turned into her not coming to church anymore.

Her blessing turned into a curse for her life. Just a little at a time she exchanged her blessing from God into harm from satan. What God means for good, left unguarded, can be used against us if we don’t watch. We have to guard His blessings. We have to continually observe and treat His blessing as should be treated! Don’t take lightly what God has blessed you with….hold onto it with everything you have and don’t allow satan to steal that blessing.
Don’t be dyslexic- Live in the blessings of God!

(Proverbs 4:7-10)
Wisdom is not always something we possess throughout our daily lives. In fact many of us lack ‘wisdom’ and as a result make many unwise and wrong choices. One writer wrote that knowledge is what we do. Understanding is why we do, but wisdom is how we do. Wisdom is that which puts into action our knowledge and understanding. It’s interesting to note that having knowledge and understanding doesn’t always mean that there is wisdom. In fact it can sometimes be the complete opposite.

The hope, however, for every one of us is that God has the answer. James 1:5 tells us ‘if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him’. I love the fact that He desires to give it liberally! God knows we need it as we journey on through life. Decisions and choices face us daily…we need His wisdom on ‘how to do’. Keith Hendrie said that wisdom is God’s Holy Spirit revealing to us the Word of God. What a great statement. It means that by wisdom we allow the Holy Spirit to cause us to walk in God’s word…in complete obedience to Him. God’s word is not a Book of suggestions – but a Book of Wisdom that will see us through ever problem we will ever face.

The verse in James goes on to say without reproach. That means that no matter our track record of the past (lack of wisdom and sound judgment) He doesn’t hold that over our heads, but still willingly chooses to give it to us. In fact He’s probably wondering why it’s taken us so long to ask knowing all the problems and circumstances it would have spared us from. It’s for our well being that He desires to give it to us…all we have to do is ask.

Proverbs tells us it’s a principal thing. Therefore it’s not a suggestion, but rather a necessity in your life. Ask for wisdom, walk in wisdom.

(Psalms 18:1)
In the midst of the storms and challenges of life there is such a comfort to know that God promises to be our rock and fortress. He promises to be that strength that we can trust in to bring us through.

Just over the Christmas Holidays, I had the privilege to return home to Norwich, England with my girls. While over there we visited our local castle – one that was built over 900 hears ago. Standing within the main ‘keep’ (the center structure) it was amazing to see the strength and protection it still gave. Walls still as thick, battlements still intact. The safety you felt inside was unbelieveable. The safety was also accompanied with a peace…it was like you felt invisible just standing there, protected from every side.

What a fantastic picture of where we need to find ourselves in Christ. His protection and provision is all around us. Anything that is able to get through is allowed not for our harm, but for our growth and development. What a rock and fortress He wants to be for us…what a trust we can have.

But in exiting that castle you realized how open and susceptible you really were. You were out in the open in harms way. Now nothing stood around you for protection and cover…you were on your own. It’s amazing why we would ever chose to step outside our ’Rock and Fortress’ – but chose we do many times.

Step once again into the center of His will – allow Him to overshadow you with His protection and provision. Learn to trust in Him. Learn to trust that He has the best for your life. Allow Him to be your Rock and Fortress. Allow that thought to accompany your life with peace today. He will protect and ‘Keep’ you!