Matthew 16:26

"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"

It's so easy to get distracted by the ways of the world. Our culture is always striving to have the best, to develop or possess the latest and greatest gadgets, clothes, etc. And we get so caught up in work trying to get attain what we're led to believe is ideal. But in the long run what does that really get us? It's been my experience that what you end up is misery. Why? Because we are not made for this world. And what our soul longs for is Heavenly things.

For myself I have to remember to choose wisely, to walk in the ways of the Lord, to do all things as unto Him.

Lord, help me to keep your face in focus. Guide me through this world show me how to remain in the world yet set apart from it.

Matthew 9:13

Matthew 9:13 in the New King James reads: But go and learn what this means: "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."

When I read that I think about all the times I've "hidden" from the Lord because of sin. It's times when I've felt that I really failed the Lord with my sinful ways that I try to avoid Him. Yet those are the times I need Him most and the times He longs for me to return to Him.

I know the Lord longs for me to walk rightly and follow where He leads, but He's not a God who says this is your last chance or one more mistake and you're out. He's the one true God who desires mercy and calls the sinner to Him and to repentance.

Lord, help me to run to you at all times....even those times I feel dirty with sin. I know my only hope and salvation is in YOU. Amen

Matthew 8:13

"Then Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go your way, and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.' And his servant was healed that very hour." (NKJV)

The centurion believed. That was all it took! How often do we feel like we need to jump through hoops or figure out a magic formula for healing or anything we ask of Him? All it really takes is to ask and to believe.

I often find it easy to believe on behalf of someone else but let doubt creep into believing for myself. And just a tiny bit of doubt spoils the whole lot of belief. God says to me, just like that centurion believed and received immediately, so can you.

Lord, help my unbelief. Help me to stop coming up with plan b, c, d if you don't come through. I just need more of you Jesus! Amen

Matthew 7:7

"Ask, and it will be given to you; Seek and you will find; Knock, and it will be opened to you." (NKJV)

God says to me, be active in your faith and in your walk. God is here all around with outstretched hands. I have to open my eyes to see Him...to seek Him out. I have to open my hand to receive all He has to offer.

Right now God is leading me through doors that He opened when I knocked! Not only is He opening those doors, but He led me to those doors because I sought Him out!

Lord, help me to be more active in my walk and in my faith. Help me as I seek You out and meet You in Your word. Give me the grace to follow after you with all my heart. Amen.