Looking for a Sign

My, it seems like there has been a lot of bad news lately. I mean, where are we going in this country? I'd sure like to see some things turn around - maybe a sign for good. In our reading today (Matthew 12:33-45) the Pharisees came right out and said, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you." Of course, they were wanting Him to prove Himself on their terms, but I'm wondering if I would like God to prove that He is still involved for good in our country and leadership.

Jesus might even say to me the same thing He told them, "You're looking for proof, but you're looking for the wrong kind." (The Message)  I really need to remember that only He knows what is best for this country and leadership. My sign for good - really signs for good - are all around me as He continually pours out gifts and blessings (such as my next breath). I am still enjoying counting God's gifts to me (inspired by One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp). 

But His greatest gift of life eternal, forgiveness of sins, and purpose for living has to be the most important sign for good - ever. Jesus foretells His big gift to the Pharisees in verse 40, but of course they don't get it. But we can! 

I love this word in I Peter 1:18-19. "You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from you aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb with out blemish and without spot."

Thank you Lord for giving Your life as the most wonderful sign for good of Your care for us.

I Hope.....

One verse in today's reading (Matthew 12:9-32) just jumped out at me; "In His name the nations will put their hope." I got to thinking about what my hope is in today. I remember in early mothering days it was often in a nap. Even now I notice thoughts like, "I hope ........feels better" or "I hope ........ works out". But right now I'm hoping that I do trust and depend on Jesus more.

He is so dependable. We see that in verse fifteen; "Many followed Him and he healed them all." I find that statement intriguing. It is not just healing for the most faithful or most believing or most dedicated - it is all. I'm thinking that following Jesus means healing. Because He is so creative (putting spit mud on eyes etc.), it just may be in a different way (but always better) than you expect. 

Yes, our Faithful Love is where we can and should always place our hope. He is the satisfaction and the answer. 

Thank you Lord for being the place for hope.

My favorite song:

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.

I do not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, 

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.....

When He shall come with trumpet sound,  Oh, may I then in Him be found.

Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ the solid rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

Rocking Us to Peace

I guess I have babies on my mind, but three verses at the end of Matthew 11(Matthew 11:20-12:8) sure sound like a winsome, calling, lullaby from our Lord. I guess it really starts in verse 25 where Jesus bubbles over in gratefulness;  "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants."  Hey, that's us as we learn new things from His word!

Then just a couple of verses later we hear this beautiful song: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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."

Oh, doesn't that all at once make you start to relax but thrill on the inside together! Just the idea of rest for my soul is so appealing. All the things and stuff and to-do lists and plans and expectations and on and on that I have been trying to carry. I can just bring to Him to take care of. In exchange He gives me His light, easy yoke (because He is carrying part of it). Proceeding connected and yoked with Him takes off all the worry and fear, which has just got to be the biggest burden. We can so trust someone who is "gentle and humble in heart". This surely must be the most  restful, peaceful life possible.

Thank you Lord for today's lullaby that You quiet us with as You rock us, Your little ones, to peace.

In a Dark Place?

As we begin our reading today ( Matthew 11: 1-19),  we find John, the fiery, powerful, wilderness preacher of truth, locked in a dark place - a very dark place (who can imagine the physical and spiritual suffering in the dungeon prisons back then). And we can't write him off as one of "that kind" who is just paying for all the many wrong choices he has made. Jesus says "Let me tell you what's going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer;" (The Message).

So in this dark place, John has had some doubts start to creep in. He sends some disciples to Jesus to ask, "Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?"  What!  John is the one who baptized Jesus and saw the heavens open, dove descend, and Voice declare......  But doubts can be powerful, especially in great darkness.

So, what's Jesus' answer to this friend and family member? 

"Go back and tell John what's going on:

The blind see,

The lame walk,

Lepers are cleansed,

The deaf hear, 

The dead are raised,

The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side." (The Message)

Hey, those are the same things we have been hearing as we have been reading through these Good News accounts of Jesus. 

Our Lord then adds here, "And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me." If we can hear of Jesus' work, be encouraged and expectant that He continues to love and heal and be on our side, we are blessed also. Jesus is in fact the Expected One, the One we've all been looking for. Hallelujah!

Hey, I Care!

Does God really care? Sometimes in hard times when things are not going the way we'd like or know is right, we wonder. It's then when we have a choice. I love it when Jesus drops in little reminders, even in the middle of all these warnings about hard times coming (Matthew 10:26-42). It's like He is wanting us to remember, "Hey, God cares". Choose to believe that. It is the truth and good news!

The way He says it this time is to let us know that God pays attention to every detail of our lives. How many people know or even care to know how many hairs are on my head right now? God does. 

Of course, we know in big ways that he loves us. "He who did not even spare His own Son but offered Him up for us all..." (Romans 8:32). But here we get the gentle reminder that He surely takes better care of us that he does His pets (sparrows). 

Maybe Jesus even said this with a smile. It is so fantastic.  God keeps saying, Hey I care!

Traveling Free

Wonderful windup for the week to you,

Don't you love people who care enough to tell you the truth? The newly formed band of harvest hands certainly get that from Jesus in today's scriptures (Matthew 10:5-25). The great thing is that truth is dependable and sets us free. (John 8:32)  If nothing else the workers are going to be unhampered and free from carrying a lot of stuff on this trip ("Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep.")

And the charge or pep talk that our Lord gives His brothers before they set out on their fledgling mission is not sugar coated or padded with false platitudes ("It will be easy and gobs of fun"}. In fact the last verse infers that they can expect to be maligned and mistreated just like He is. They can expect to be hated, betrayed, rejected, and persecuted. 

Wow! Would any of us sign up? The truth is that they have the opportunity to embark on some eternally important kingdom work. They are to have the thrill of making a difference in people's lives that will last.  And even if it is only to give a cup of cold water to a little one, they will receive a reward (verse 42). 

I like the motivation Jesus begins with in verse eight ("Freely you received, freely give"). Isn't that our drumbeat. What do we have that is not a gift? Let us go out on our mission  today traveling free because we know the truth and God's generous love. 

Love,

Ouida

Appreciate comments on goodnews2women.blogspot.com

What Can I Do?

Did you notice in Matthew today (Matthew 9:18-10:4) how busy Jesus is? While He is in the middle of teaching, He is interrupted to go wake a girl who had died, heal a bleeding woman, restore sight to two blind men, and cast out a mute demon from another man. Then it says He goes through all the cities and villages "teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness."

Even with all that "When He looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd." (The Message) Do you ever feel like that? I do. I often notice there is so much pain and suffering out there.  But what can I do?

The good news is that we get a clue in the next verses. "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask (or beseech) the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."'

And how cool it is that chapter 10 starts with the first answer to that prayer! The twelve disciples (apostles) are called and sent out. I bet they are the first workers to go out and reap a truly world- changing harvest. No telling how the Lord will answer our prayer for workers in His harvest. Let's do it! 

Today's Assignment

I am intrigued by the project Jesus gives us in today's reading (Matthew 9: 1-17):  "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Jesus is originally giving this assignment to the Pharisees who are criticizing Him for eating with sinners (as if they are not!). I seems so crucial for us to recognize that we truly are sinners. Paul certainly did this: " Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all." (I Timothy 1:15)

So then we have to reject the popular self-made, independent, "I'm O.K.","I can do it" spirit and accept that I am sin-sick and need the Great Physician. Then as we are healed by great Love, we have an overflow to pass on to others. We are enabled to open non-judgmental and loving arms to whoever God puts in our path. We will fulfill God's desire - mercy. 

Lord, help us to be open to Your healing and mercy so we can pass it on. Only You can teach us what mercy really means. It tickles us that we can please You as we learn.

Fear Not

What an adventure we have in Matthew today (Matthew 8:14-34)! Jesus had given the word to cross over to the opposite shore, and one of the religion teachers wants to go. Jesus reminds him that He and so those following Him are in effect homeless - not the best accommodations. Another follower has an excuse that will cause delay. Jesus reminds him to get priorities right and follow Him.

So can you believe where they go? They all get into this boat and a big storm comes up "so that the waves swept over the boat". These men are experienced on this lake, and they are afraid! So where is Jesus? In the boat, fast asleep. 

Don't we feel like that some times? Where are you Lord? And really He is right there with us in the boat.    We just need to call out and ask for help. And if we can remember that the Creator of Heaven and Earth is right there with us, we might not get so afraid. 

Lord, we thank You for promising to be with us. Help us remember that and who You are!

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.   Isaiah 41:10

Standing on the Rock

The story of the wise man on the rock must be our grandchildren's favorite (Matthew 7:24-8:13). But often I don't notice or take to heart the key phrase, "puts them into practice". Jesus is talking about the foundational importance of His words to us. They are not helpful add-ons that can make our life easier or more successful. They are the bedrock that a life needs to stand on. That can come about only as we work His words into our life. We must put them into practice, do them, or shall we even say obey them.

The wise (or sensible, prudent or practical) builder knows the foundation is critical and invests time, money and effort into a base that will support that house no matter what storms slam against it. But sometimes it is a slow persistent strain like our expanding clay soil that will crack a rock hard foundation. By taking action on the word we are hearing from God, we will put piers down into the bedrock of His protection and love. Many such piers will enable us to stand. 

Lord help us to continue to take in Your word and actually do it. We realize this happens only by Your grace.

Trash Those Glasses

Have you seen those strange glasses that some eye doctors and even dentists wear to magnify what they inspect? These verses in Matthew (Matthew 7:1-23) remind me of those bulging scope glasses. And as we use them to judge and inspect others, we forget that we are now in for:

• the consequences of operating over in the enemy's "accusation camp"
• the same critical treatment "boomeranging" back on us
• allowing our sneering perspective to build a wall between us and that person
• taking God's place of being all-knowing
• allowing our sinful perspective to build a wall between us and God
• totally missing what needs to be corrected in our life

Whew! That should be enough to motivate trashing those judging glasses forever. However, I seem to learn slowly and still keep sticking then on. God is so rich in mercy that He allows these often painful consequences to jolt off those critical spectacles. I love how "mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13).

Thank you Lord for continuing to teach us to look at others with Your loving perspective. As we focus on You, our eyes are healed to see with love.

Wonder-full Eyes

I'm fascinated by what is a good eye in today's reading (Matthew 6:16-34). It seems rather important since it lights up the whole body. The eye really is the window letting light into our soul.

I'm thinking that a good or generous eye is like a child's eye that is wide open in wonder and belief. To them the world is safe and much to be enjoyed. Therefore they freely give that joy and are able to let you in on whatever they are thinking. The Matthew Word is that this whole body or person is full of light.

The opposite bad eye would be squinty with greed or suspicion. It seems ruled by fear and distrust and is hesitant to let you in on what  is happening inside. The Word is that even the light in this body or person is darkness and this darkness is very great!

Lord, give us wide open eyes of wonder and belief in You. Let us be led by children to accept each moment as a gift and know security - in You. 

Priceless Rewards

It was as plain as day when I got to chapter six (Matthew 5:43-6:15). That first verse you just can't ignore:  "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven." 

Oh my!  How many times has that little voice spoken up that says, "What will so and so think about this?" "What will that group think if you do that?" "Will these words sound good to so and so?"

What a thief that voice is! How many eternal rewards are stolen by worrying about and being swayed by other's approval and applause?

The good news is that I am learning to desire my Father's applause, and He "who sees what is done in secret will reward you." As we focus on Him, the power of the opinions of others diminishes. And in our honest, simple, quiet obedience, we begin to sense His grace. That grace is the start of the Father's rewards - priceless.

Mercy Triumphs

Shocking!  Have you ever heard a more "can you believe this?" sermon that the one in today's reading (Matthew 5:27-42)? Sin is painted so black and utterly evil that we're better getting drastic (ripping out an eye?) than letting it continue. And our good "enlightened" morals (give back no more than what an offender deserves) don't hold a candle to God's system - where mercy triumphs. 

So how do we  "not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles"? I mean this is really living generously! It is certainly living in the kind of light that people notice - and God gets the glory. Because the bottom line is that I can't do it. I can't do it, but Jesus can through me. And this kind of returning good for evil is the great victory.

It is in James where we see that wonderful phrase - Mercy Triumphs (James 2:13). Want to be a winner? Try mercy today. 

Wondrous Light

Oops, Jesus is still turning things around in today's reading (Matthew 5:13-26). What kind of life can you live on a lampstand or exposed on a hill?  Really, I'd rather quietly go about my business without all the commotion. However, He says that we are the light of the world. That can be a fair amount of light. And really it doesn't make any sense to have light that you just cover with a bowl.

Light helps us to see. And Jesus seems to be more concerned about our light helping others to see than anything else. 

Now here comes the best part! Our light is not just to help others see what a great job we are doing. Stopping with that is a tool of the enemy. Our light is to be of such a nature, so generous, so transparent, so real, so full of amazing love, maybe even impossible, that God gets the glory for it. The goal is to draw others to Him.

Lord give us this wondrous, jaw-dropping light that shines for Your glory. 

Love you,

Ouida

The readings for this week are:

M - Matthew 5:13-26

T - Matthew 5: 27-42

W - Matthew 5:43 - 6:15

Th - Matthew 6:16-34

F - Matthew 7:1-23

Upside Down Lessons

I sure hope the new eager Jesus followers are holding onto their seat (rock) as they sit on that mountainside listening to the Master Teacher (Matthew 4:12 -5:12).  He opens His mouth and begins to rapid fire at them eight of the most revolutionary, upside down truth statements you can imagine. 

Can you hear them?  He is saying blessed -  happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor ( Amplified Bible).......  So its happy are those who are poor, mourning, hungry and thirsty, meek, merciful, pure, trying to make peace and persecuted. Not exactly what most people think of as ideal conditions! I think this would be enough to get your attention or make you wonder, "What am I doing here?"

So I have been reading these verses like they were new (try Matthew 5:3-12 in The Message or some other different version). Jesus' truth did turn the world upside down and can do the the same for us. The world and we badly need God's perspective. 

The Father's Pleasure

Well, He's here!  And as Jesus appears on the scene (Matthew 3:13- 4:11), look at what He does first. It is a humble request to be baptized by His "herald" John. Really? The Creator of Heaven and Earth might have been standing in line with that throng to get dunked in the muddy Jordan. He, for sure, had no sin to repent of and wash away. But Jesus says, "Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness."

Evidently this was right on because as He comes up dripping, the heavens open, the Spirit dove alights, and the Father proclaims, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."  The Message says it this way, "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life." Don't you love it! I can just see the proud father, ruffling his son's hair with his hand and booming, "This one's mine. I'm pleased as punch with him."

What a way to start your ministry!  Jesus would then go out and pass even the hardest tests Satan had to throw at Him in the desert.

The great news is that as God adopts us into His family, He says the same thing about us. "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!.....Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you, I will give ...." Isaiah 43:1,4.

Lord, thank you for making us Yours. May we bring You great pleasure.

The Herald

It's getting exciting in our reading today (Matthew 2:19 - 3:12)! We're getting close to the King's arrival. And to prepare the way, God foretold and then sent a "herald" named John, the Baptizer.

This rough looking "thunder in the desert" was like a wake up call and many heeded his cry: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here." (The Message)

John's whole focus was to get them and us ready for our King. Even after we are convicted and turn from sin and start trying to be obedient, we still need Jesus and His gift of the Holy Spirit: "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." This fire will ignite the kingdom life in us and cause us to shine brightly for Christ. It will also clean and burn away what is fake and worthless (chaff) and leave the true, valuable to God, real us.

Thank you Lord for the work of Your Spirit. Thank you for people like our "herald" John who prepare the way for You.

The King Has Come

We see it at the beginning of our reading today (Matthew 2:1-18). It's the search for the King: "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." And these are well to do, honored, learned men who have traveled hundreds of miles on camels to find Him. It probably surprises them that the current king in Jerusalem doesn't know anything about Him. But when they do see the guiding star stopping over a house in Bethlehem, they are leaping with joy. And what do they do when they actually see the Child? "They fell to the ground and worshiped Him."

Now you have to remember that this is a regular looking baby with a rather poor family in a probably small house in little Bethlehem. But the wise men know He is the King. So they give rich gifts and are obedient to God's dream for the route home.

I think we are at a bit of a disadvantage since we don't know who a king is. But the king has the power, so when he gets worried, you do too:  "When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him." But we have a good King - a wonderful King. However, He means what He says. That reminds me of Isaiah 66:2: "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word."

Lord, help us to remember that You mean what You say. Help us to know You both as Friend and King.

His Powerful Presence

A great new week, month and season to you ladies,

Can you believe Jesus is already making such a difference in our reading today (Matthew 1: 1-25)? He's not even born yet! And it is His usual difference of turning defeat into triumph, shame into glory. Joseph is considering what to do about the unthinkable news that his sweet, pure fiance, Mary, is pregnant. And while he is in the depths of trying to figure it out, he receives the truth in a dream that he and Mary are going to have the honor of bringing the long awaited Christ child into the world.

Talk about power to change things! In fact they were going to be fulfilling what the prophet Isaiah said so many years ago, "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel^" (which means "God with us"). Hallelujah!

Lord, we thank You how You can change the night to day and great mess-ups into amazing grace. Help us to keep pursuing You and Your truth in the middle of confusing, painful circumstances so that we realize the wonderful power of Your presence.

Love you,

Ouida

Readings for this week:

M - Matthew 1

T - Matthew 2:1-18

W - Matthew 2:19 - 3:12

Th - Matthew 3:13 - 4:11

F - Matthew 4:12 - 5:12