Matthew 13
Are you listening, really listening? Jesus told stories to their God-blessed ears and God-blessed eyes. He repeated the question again and again---are you really listening. Tell stories. "Whenever someone has a ready heart, the insights and understandings flow freely" when Jesus told stories (13:12). Shouldn't we?
Matthew 14
We see the rest of the story in this chapter. John had called Herod's relationship with his sister-in-law what it truly was---adultery. And it cost him his head. I'm so "taken" with John in a dungeon and Jesus answering his question that the blind would see, the deaf hear, the lame walk. But not you, John. Life is so upside down than what I think at times. When Jesus learned of his death, He slipped away but was so "taken" with the crowd that gathered that He not only spoke to them but also fed 5,000 from 5 loaves and 2 fish. How in the world will I ever find rest for my soul knowing I might be left in a dungeon waiting to be beheaded. 5 Loaves and 2 Fish. Only God can change my weary worn soul. Next, a storm comes up at sea....the disciples are panicked. At 4:00am Jesus walks on water to His Followers. Take Courage - 14:27. Makes me think how God never sleeps, never slumbers to watch over us each night. Only He can walk on water to make us stay alive, come alive. 5 Loaves and 2 Fish. Would you make each of us a little more alive today than yesterday?
"The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams."
ReplyDeleteWishing I had time this morning to spend with you all!
Not sure what's up with you, Michele, but I will pray for you! God knows...
Love,
Angie xoxo
Thank you Angie.
ReplyDelete--michele
I love the story of Christ Walking on Water, because it reminds me that Christ purposely created circumstances in which He Can reveal His majesty.
ReplyDeleteAnd, my favorite part of the story is, "At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water." - WOW, this always gets me, because Christ did not RUN to their rescue He walked.
The Lord is all knowing, all power, always present, and responds in our time of need. Yet, nothing is out of reach of His hand. Sometimes we ask God to run to meet our needs, but we are all in His timing.....and in the end, we are all thankful for that blessing.
Have a great Thursday!
Lord Jesus, We give you thanks for God-blessed eyes and God-blessed ears that see and hear. Help us to sell out to Christ Jesus as we have found the Pearl of great price. You have given us a wealth in Your Kingdom beyond measure, like a “general store where we can put our hands on anything we need, old or new, exactly when we need it.
ReplyDeleteLord, help us to slip away to an out-of-the-way place by ourselves to be alone with you this day. Like Peter, we so often look down at the waves crashing of our circumstances and start to sink. Keep our eyes fixed on you.
Lord Jesus, may we touch the edge of Your coat and be healed.
In the perfect Name of Jesus we ask these things. Amen.
First of all, I am still here in Texas. My flight had mechanical problems, and since I live in a very tiny town, there was no way I could have caught my flight. This is enabling me to go to the Steven Curtis Chapman Concert with Sylvia tonight, leaving early friday morning. God is Good and Gracious!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read the scripture this morning I was especially impressed by the fact that Jesus was trying to mourn the loss of his cousin, John, and the people kept asking for more Jesus time. To me, that wa such a powerful example of graciousness and grace. I am so thankful for this amazing gift, whenever I need him, he takes time and listens, and sends people in my life to help me understand The Way.
At the retreat, I observed grace with the Pearl sisters, Bev's amazing gift of scripture knowledge, Annette's hospitality and graciousness in offering her time, talents, home, and listening ear.
Sylvia, you have lead me on a whirlwind week, from the heart of graciousness. As my time in Texas quickly comes to an end, I am grateful for all the grace that has been bestowed on me.
You are so precious Jan. And to see your face was just awesome. To have a face, a story and it's a beautiful one, to go with these words can't be described. Enjoy SCC---that's really neat. Thank you for your always weighty words.
ReplyDeleteJohn is dead.
ReplyDeleteThe people are all over Jesus for a miracle for themselves.
The disciples are so puzzled by the stories Jesus tells.
How I would have loved to just sit and listen to Him tell His stories! He taught so much about the Kingdom of God and about the enemy that comes to steal. He gave them so many words that just didn't make sense to a group of Hebrews with their Messiah right in front of them.
He came lowly and meek instead of great and mighty.
I love the fact that Christ performed the miracle of the loaves and fish after John was taken away to heaven. The Word multiples, just like the loaves and fish.
I handled a giant pearl today. It was about as big a small, white, lustrous globe with a golden eagle sitting on top of it. The pearl was about an inch wide and the eagle was about two inches tall. To me, it was a symbol of how precious our freedom is here in America...the pearl representing the purity of our freedom and the eagle representing the strength and wisdom needed to protect this freedom.
And now I read this from today's reading:
"God's kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it."
God has given us His Pearl, His Pearl of great cost. Jesus Christ. Selling all that this world considers valuable...I choose the Pearl Jesus. We gain our lives when we lose it.
Sitting at Your feet, Jesus. Coming away to be still right by You, Jesus. Listening with blessed ears. Seeing with blessed eyes. And sometimes, when my faint heart allows me...I walk on water with my eyes fixed on You.
Precious Pearl.