ME FIRST!

Posted on May 3, 2021 by randscallawayffm

As a former first grade teacher, one of the most troublesome display of our human “me first” attitude was lining up to go from point a to point b in the course of a day.  Chairs went flying, little feet scrambled and tripped on other feet, big ones pushed little ones out of the way, little ones fought back and some just cried.  I wouldn’t get to the end of my calm words, “Let’s go to music, let’s see if you can walk over to the door quietly…” before chaos ensued. I tried all kinds of ways to calm this herd of heathenistic behavior gathering at the door every time we needed to leave the classroom. 

I prayed about it. I prayed about everything as a teacher. I remembered Jesus words, “The first shall be last and last shall be first” and had an idea.  After the “line-up” order was given that morning I said nothing as they clamored for position and rank in line, pushing, shoving and squeezing into position.  When they realized I was saying nothing about their bad behavior, all became very quiet.  They finally looked up to see what was going on.  They stared those little eyes at me, still pushing a bit, because they were NOT social distancing as we say these days. 

I then said, “follow me”.  I took the hand of the first child who had pushed her way to the front of the line and led the rest of the kids around the room, making a circle.  I simply said, “stay where you are in line”.  I then went to the last kid in line who never pushed or shoved.  He wanted no part of that behavior and felt it wasn’t worth the fight.  I took HIS hand and led the line with the last one who daily obeyed the words of his teacher.  He became the first to enter the activity they all enjoyed.  No words.  Just sighs.  Point made.  Thank you, Jesus!

(NOTE:  Jesus made the statement “many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19:30) in the context of His encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16–30). After the young man turned away from Jesus, unable to give up his great wealth (verse 22), Jesus’ disciples asked the Lord what reward they would have in heaven, since they had given up everything to follow Him (verses 27–30). Jesus promised them “a hundred times as much,” plus eternal life (verse 29). Then He said, “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (verse 30).  Many will not “get it” and refuse to give up what they hold onto in this world so dearly.)

Speaking of good behaviors, as teachers we would always post “The Golden Rule” in our classrooms, in various ways.  Most of the world (and some teachers) probably do not know this quote originally came from the Bible through Jesus’ words on the mount.  He was trying to get the crowds to do what is right and good without waiting for someone to do it for you.  Be the first to do the right thing.  Be consistent with hearts  motivated to be who God wants us to be.  Be the example of righteousness in light of the two greatest commandments, Love God, Love Others.  But not many will.  They want to be first, have it all, and have it their way.  The road to being and doing the will of God is narrow because few choose to travel this path.  It cost us all we have to gain all that God has for us.  (A MORE than fair trade!)  But many can’t let go of what is tangible and temporary for what is eternal.

Matthew—The Law Fulfilled

Matthew 7:12-14, NLT

The Golden Rule

12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

The Narrow Gate

13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

ONE LAST THOUGHT…

I’m reminded of another story…(shocker, I know.)  A mother was preparing pancakes for her two sons one Saturday morning. Kevin and Ryan just loved pancakes. In fact, they loved their mom’s pancakes so much that on this particular Saturday morning they began to argue (as brothers will do) over who would get the first pancake. Five-year-old Kevin and three-year-old Ryan were not only fussing; they were also pushing and shoving, trying, each one, to be first in line and get the first pancake.

Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson, so she said, “Boys, boys! Calm down! I want to ask you a question. If Jesus were here with us this morning, what do you think he would say?” No answer. “Well,” she continued, “I’ll tell you what he would say. He would say, ‘Please let my brother have the first pancake; I can wait.’ ”

In quick reply, five-year-old Kevin said, “Great idea, Mom!” and then he turned to his younger brother and said, “Ryan, you be Jesus!”

We chuckle but I need to ask, WHO will be Jesus to a desperate world in need of a Savior and His teachings?  Find the narrow gate and follow Jesus right through the door to heaven!  We don’t have to be first, we just need to be in line!

Abba, Father in Heaven,

Great are you, Lord.  Reveal your glory and power to us today through whatever means you decide.  Show us your will and plan for each of our lives.  Help us to love you back with ALL our hearts, minds and souls.  Help us then to love each other like you love us with unconditional love, grace and mercy.  Help us to lay down all the earthly that stands between you and us.  Help us to “be Jesus” by obeying what You tells us to be and do through the prompting of Your Holy Spirit living in us.  Thank you, Lord for saving my soul.  Thank you for teaching me still.  I’m not there yet. 

In Jesus Name, Amen

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IT’S ALL IN THE SEEKING!

Posted on May 1, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Ooh, I want that sofa!  That will be so comfortable in our living room!  Now, I need to find what matches.  Maybe a couple of chairs will make the set complete.  Oh, but look at the grungy wall behind it.  We need to look for paint!  Don’t you think the flooring needs replacing, too?  We need to look for what’s out there.  What are other people doing?  And, we begin seeking.

We need to replace our car with a newer one that has less mileage.  Our car gets us around town but we wouldn’t trust it on long trips.  I like red, don’t you like red?  Who doesn’t like red?  So, we begin seeking and searching for just the right car.  A red one.

We long for things–more and better things.  We spend enormous amounts of time just seeking.  The more we seek for things, we long for those things even more.  The hunger for more stuff grows until it overcomes all our thinking.  These obsessions most often  result in bad stewardship, spending our lives and resources to get what we think we must have by going into mountains of debt.

We pray to God for what we think we want and need.  We ask Him for the new car, the newer home, better clothes.  Yes, when God doesn’t deliver in the time we think He should we put all these things on credit.  We are seeking only what we see—the tangible, hoping that getting those things will make us happy.  Is that faith or failure to communicate with God in effective prayer?

Many people take the following passage for today (Matthew 7) out of context.  Let’s back up to what Jesus said earlier in his mountain message. (Matthew 6)

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21, NLT

Ouch!  Do we have a heart condition?

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”  Matthew 6:24

Uh oh. To whom is our heart devoted?  Who do I seek? This is a better question.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?”  Matthew 6:25

Mm.  Do we seek life eternal more than our temporary “fixes” on our brief journey on earth?  Seeking the latter brings on heaps of worry and stress in trying to get what we think we need without asking God for what HE knows we need most.  Jesus says,

“And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”  Matthew 6:30

God knows what we want, sees our thoughts, hears our prayers but provides exactly we need.  Jesus said,

“These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”  Matthew 6:32-33

What is dominating our thoughts right now, today?

Effective praying that Jesus is teaching about involves faithful seeking.  That’s why He prefaced the following thoughts with HOW to pray,

“Our Father in heaven,
    may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
    as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
    as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,
    but rescue us from the evil one.”

(Emphasis mine, Matthew 6:9-13)

Do we see the pattern, the perfect example, from the Son of God, that shows us effective, faithful praying? 

  1. First Seek God as Our Father, Knocking on the door of our Holy God.
  2. Ask for His Kingdom to come and enter our hearts, minds and souls.
  3. Ask for HIS WILL in our lives to be done as it is in perfect heaven!
  4. Ask for needs and forgiveness.
  5. Ask for His power to run from evil and be rescued from the prince of this world and his destructive tactics.

NOW, read the following passage with clarity.  Ask, seek and knock on the door to heaven where we will find out what God wants for each one of us—HIS best!  God will provide all that we need!  God surprises us with beyond what we think we need, too!

Matthew—The Law Fulfilled

Matthew 7:7-11, NLT

Effective Prayer

7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

POINTS TO PONDER…

Can we ask God for a new job?  We can ask for His direction as we seek a new work.  Where God guides, He provides.

Can we ask God for a better car, home, etc.?  We can ask God for his wisdom to replace what is wearing out.  He will show us HIS WILL.  Where God guides, He provides.

Can we ask God for whatever is on our hearts?  God wants us to be completely honest with him.  He already knows what you want but He will provide exactly what we need. 

When we look back on our lives, we will see that what we thought we wanted and prayed for at that time, God protected us from having because He knew what we were praying for most would hurt our growing faith in Him.  If only we could realize the depth of love God has for us.  He died and rose again through Jesus, His Son to save us for eternity.  I think that praying for HIS WILL for our lives is the only way to pray.

It’s all in the seeking…Seek God first!

Abba, Father God in Heaven,

Holy is Your Name.  Great are You, Lord!  Reveal to us your glory, power and strength.  We seek your Kingdom living.  We seek Your Will to be done in every detail of our lives here on earth as it is in heave.  Give us this day your wisdom, insight and understanding.  And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  Lead us not into temptations of all that is wrong for us.  Fight this battle that begins in our minds for us today and always.  Deliver us from evil and evil’s attempts to distract us with longing for stuff that is temporary.  We seek you first this morning, asking for what you want us to be and do for today.  I love you, Lord with all my heart, mind and soul and I seek Your Will. 

In Jesus Name, Amen

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HERE COMES THE JUDGE!

Posted on April 30, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Here Comes the Judge is a 1968 song by legendary comedian Pigmeat Markham. It became one of comedy’s first memes when Sammy Davis Jr. made it a catchphrase on the TV show: Rowan & Martin’s Laugh In.  The song, and Laugh In comedy sketch, became so huge – that 4 other versions of Here Come the Judge were released in the same year – all them making the charts. (The most famous by Shorty Long.)  Here Comes the Judge – also inspired the Baskin-Robbins flavor: Here Comes the Fudge.

Yep, “here comes the judge” was a thing back in the late 60’s.  It still IS a thing today.  We want to be the judge of everyone in our little world of influence—admit it.  We all think we have the best idea, the right way, the obvious solution to any given problem and assume we are the “judge” of character of all people we encounter on any given day. Jesus points out in this passage that “church people” are the worst.

Our first impressions of people are guided by what others did to us our past encounters and relationships.  We judge quickly with presumptions and assumptions.  Judging is our first response when someone enters the room.  Our Jesus, the “You have heard it said, but I say…” Truth teller explains that there is only one Judge of another’s sin and we are not Him.  Jesus reminds us we have enough on our plate to devour without dishing out judgement of what another person has on their plate.  He actually uses the example of having a log in our eye, (which would blind us by the way), while we look for a speck of dust in another person’s eye.  I’m certain this brought a chuckle of laughter that rippled through the crowd on that mountain of learning.  Did He really say that?  Yes, He did.

Jesus taught that the judgement we dish out will be dished out to us. How we treat others is how we will be treated statement drives the point home.  Do you want a huge helping of judgement?  Judge.  If not, judge not. 

However, we MUST judge ourselves—Digging deeper into this “judgy” thing  (Help comes from Warren Wiersbe, Commentator)

Jesus is not only teaching the mountain congregants, but He is also admonishing the Pharisees and other religious teachers of their judgement of all people as well as Jesus, Our Lord!  He teaches that people need to judge themselves first.  We all need to look inside ourselves and judge if we are following Truth and not worldview thinking that is opposite Kingdom of God living. 

Jesus did not forbid us to discern others who influence our thinking, for careful discrimination is essential in the believer’s life. Christian love is not blind (Phil. 1:9–10). The person who believes all that he hears and accepts everyone who claims to be spiritual will experience confusion and great spiritual loss. So, before we judge others, we must judge ourselves.

Points to ponder and realize…

  1. If we first judge ourselves, then we are preparing for that final judgment when we face God. The Pharisees “played God” as they condemned other people, but they never considered that God would one day judge them.
  2. The purpose of self-judgment is to prepare us to serve others. Christians are obligated to help each other grow in grace. When we do not judge ourselves, we not only hurt ourselves, but we also hurt those to whom we could minister. The Pharisees judged and criticized others to make themselves look good (Luke 18:9–14). But Christians should judge themselves so that they can help others look good. There is a difference!
  3. If we do not honestly face up to our own sins and confess them, we blind ourselves to ourselves, and then we cannot see clearly enough to help others.
  4. Jesus used the illustration of the eye to teach us how to have a spiritual outlook on life. We must not pass judgment on others’ motives. We should examine their actions and attitudes, but we cannot judge their motives—for only God can see their hearts.
  5. It is possible for a person to do a good work with a bad motive. It is also possible to fail in a task and yet be very sincerely motivated. When we stand before Christ at the judgment seat, He will examine the secrets of the heart and reward us accordingly (Rom. 2:16; Col. 3:22–25). The image of the eye teaches us another truth: We must exercise love and tenderness when we seek to help others (Eph. 4:15).
  6. Two extremes must be avoided in this matter of spiritual self-examination. The first is the deception of a shallow examination. Sometimes we are so sure of ourselves that we fail to examine our hearts honestly and thoroughly. A quick glance into the mirror of the Word will never reveal the true situation (James 1:22–25).
  7. “The second extreme is what I, (Warren Wiersbe), call a “perpetual autopsy.” Sometimes we get so wrapped up in self-examination that we become unbalanced. We should not look only at ourselves, or we will become discouraged and defeated. We should look by faith to Jesus Christ and let Him forgive and restore us. Satan is the accuser (Rev. 12:10), and he enjoys it when we accuse and condemn ourselves!”

Of pearls and pigs…

Wiersbe relates; “The reason for judgment, then, is not that we might condemn others, but that we might be able to minister to them. Notice that Jesus always dealt with individuals according to their needs and their spiritual condition. He did not have a memorized speech that He used with everybody. He discussed the new birth with Nicodemus, but He spoke of living water to the Samaritan woman. When the religious leaders tried to trap Him, He refused to answer their question (Matt. 21:23–27). It is a wise Christian who first assesses the condition of a person’s heart before sharing the precious pearls.”

HERE COMES THE JUDGE!  Yes, Jesus is coming back to claim His own!  Jesus, the One and Only, Our Perfect and Holy Savior and Lord, will come in the final judgement.  (Read the end of The Book, it’s there!)  Jesus, knows our hearts, is God’s Son, and is the only wise, discerning judge.  He will judge with love, mercy and grace in more ways that we can possibly imagine.  Believe and be saved.

“…For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b, ESV

“I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.”      2 Timothy 4:1-2, MSG

Matthew—The Law Fulfilled

Matthew 7:1-6, NLT

Do Not Judge Others

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

Abba, Father in Heaven,

Wow, your words require deeper thinking, self-evaluation which includes an “eye exam”!  Forgive me when I judge and make decisions based on first impressions and past experiences only.  Help me to see people, all people, the way you see them.  Keep me alert to The Liar’s distractions and destructive behaviors while being intently focused on you.  You are Truth.  I believe in You.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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PERCEIVED NEEDS VS. REAL NEED

Posted on April 29, 2021 by randscallawayffm

Let’s get right to it, shall we?  What we think we need, spend enormous amounts of time to get, concerned that we will not get it soon enough or often enough takes up our being to the point that we think (and overthink) that what is needed is all up to us. 

You have heard it said, but I say to you…Jesus continues his teaching on the mountain side.  As he teaches, Jesus turns the tables of human thinking once more, turning our mountain of survivalist worry into nuggets of Truth from God.  He speaks Truth about God about His love and care for us.  Sometimes we focus only on the “do not worry” part and feel guilty that we cannot seem to stop worrying.  We worry about worrying!  Stop it!  Look and listen to the depth of Jesus’ teaching.  We sometimes bypass many other Truth statements in this passage that teaches us HOW to live more contented lives with God’s power and strength in us.  Each statement builds on the other, leading us to the heart of the matter.

  1. We have a heart issue.  What our perceived needs are stem from what our hearts desire.
  2. When we look for God, we will see Him and be filled with the Light of Truth.
  3. Who do we serve?  Only God must be the answer.
  4. Serve the One and Only who loves you most and will care for you with all you need. 
  5. Seek God first, everything else will fall into a place of contentment and peace because of a building faith and trust in Him.
  6. God knows us.  God knows what we really need before we know.
  7. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” –Jesus

Playing the background of God’s Word to us is an old hymn, one of my favorites…Written by Thomas O. Chisholm in 1866.  His testimony to God’s faithfulness, love and care for us still speaks to our hearts today.  “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be

Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love

Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside

Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father…Amen!

Matthew—The Law Fulfilled

Matthew 6:19-34, NLT

Teaching about Money and Possessions

19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

SO…

What is our real need?  What are we going to do about it?

Abba, Father in Heaven,

My real need is all of you in all of me.  I’m learning that the more of my life I turn over to you, the more your peace pours into my soul.  Worry drowns in the thought of your care and provisions.  My burdens are lifted knowing all of life’s concerns and perceived needs are not on my shoulders but in your scope of care. 

You are faithful and unchangeable in your Truth, your care, your love, mercy and grace.  You know me.  You made me.  You saved me.  You know what I need most.  And you give exactly what I need at the time I need it most.  There is no one like you.  Absolutely no one.  All my life is wrapped in You.  Help me to live in faith what I say I believe.  Yes, match my behavior, inside and out, with what I say I believe.  I believe in You.

In Jesus Name, Amen. 

All I have needed your hand has provided,

Great is Your faithfulness

Lord, unto me.

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PIVOTAL PRAYER

Posted on April 28, 2021 by randscallawayffm

At the beginning of lock downed quarantine as the pandemic expanded, the most used word and battle cry among leaders in all walks of life was “pivot”.  We must be “light on our feet and pivot” from where we have been to what lies ahead in order to survive.  We have been forced to change our traditional way of doing anything in this life.  Some revolted against all change, which is not surprising about human nature.  Some of us cannot be moved.  We like what we know.  It’s more comfortable.  Some of us fought for our right to succumb to covid despite all warning and evidence that it may kill you and those around you.  All the while, leaders who must decide what’s next, are realizing that it is necessary to pivot or perish.

Jesus is a leader who has the wisdom of God Himself because Jesus is God in flesh walking among those stuck in religious tradition without a relationship to God.  John opens his gospel with this testimony about who Jesus is;

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:1-5, NIV

“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” John 1:14, Msg

Jesus, Son of God, is pivotal in the lives of those He touches and teaches.  Jesus comes with “pivotal” life-altering teaching that is revolutionary.  He brings new understanding to the commandment to Love God and love others.  Did some people revolt against His teaching?  I think you know the answer to that one!  The ones who revolted were the ones who had established a life of their own without God.  They liked it that way.  They loved their independence from God.  They loved to show off their religiosity to all those they lorded over with self-made power.  They were not in the mood to pivot.  But the common people began to see and understand Jesus’ ways of understanding God and his ways.  They knew they must pivot or perish.   

The Pharisees and Teachers of The Law had made God’s Law burdensome and impossible for God’s people to fully obey.  When you dig deeper, it wasn’t about obedience to God for them but about the common man being obedient to the men in current power who were very political in nature and practice.  Relationship with God was all but lost to these leaders.  When they prayed, the religious leaders made prayer a performance.  Jesus called them “hypocrites”.  This Greek word comes from those who are masked and play act on a stage.  I am reminded of the quote from William Shakespeare, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.”  Life is so much more!

Today the meaning of hypocrisy is describe as the practice of engaging in the same behavior or activity for which one criticizes another or the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform. In moral psychology, it is the failure to follow one’s own expressed moral rules and principles.  American political journalist Michael Gerson says that political hypocrisy is “the conscious use of a mask to fool the public and gain political benefit”.  Yikes!

Jesus teaches us how to avoid hypocrisy with a pivotal prayer life that seeks God and his will.  This is prayer that is private, spoken with no pretense, with the desire to have a heart to heart with God.  It is our asking for help in knowing God’s will and His guidance in fulfilling His purpose in us and through us.  There are no memorized babblings of prayers written by others that sound nice.  Pivotal prayer is a heart-wrenching, yielded mind asking for God to fill our souls with all of Him in us.  It is also pivotal to our growing relationship with God.  It is asking what HE wants then doing what He says.

Jesus teaches us how to pray to God while he walked the earth.  He teaches that we must lay down our will and embrace the will of God.  Jesus tells both leaders and common people often, I only say and do what the Father tells me.  This is pivotal to our own lifestyle as we grow in relationship with God.  We need to be ready to move when God says to move, be still and know Him when He says to pause and wait for teaching. 

Yes, this relationship between Father and Son is the relationship we can now have, too!  It is a relationship God wants with us!  He died and rose again to talk with us because He loves us!  We can have all the God has for us all because of Jesus!  For us, pivotal prayer, asking for what God wants deepens our relationship with God and changes our behavior.  If it doesn’t, we are merely “actors” on the stage of life. 

Because of this pivotal teaching, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.  How did Jesus respond?  “Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.” John 5:19, NLT

Who are we to do life without God?  Pivot or perish.  We have a choice.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16, NIV

Prayer is a private, intimate conversation with the One who loves us most!  Listening to God in prayer (conversation, remember?) is pivotal to our daily lives of loving God and loving others.  “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16b, NLT

Matthew—The Law Fulfilled

Matthew 6:5-18, NLT

Teaching about Prayer and Fasting

5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! 9 Pray like this:

Our Father in heaven,
    may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
    as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
    as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,
    but rescue us from the evil one.

14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

ONE LAST “PIVOTAL” THOUGHT…

Place Your Life Before God

12 1-2 So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. –Romans 12:1-2,The Message

Abba, Father in Heaven,

Hallowed is Your Name.  May Your Kingdom come and reign in me and all around me so I see you at work and praise you first and only!  May Your Will be done in every detail of my life today on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day all you know we will need.  And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  Lead us not into temptations to fight back or get even, but to run from what evil wants as opposed to what YOU want.  Deliver us from evil and evil’s schemes to bring us down.  Lift us up to where you are in your thinking.  Show us your will and your ways of accomplishing your will and purpose in us and through us.  For you have all power, to you be all glory, honor and praise forevermore.

In Jesus Name, Amen!  I believe.

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WE ARE THE ANSWER TO SOMEONE’S PRAYER?

Posted on April 27, 2021 by randscallawayffm

There are still some people in need in this world who will turn away help if you come with news media who will broadcast the deed in detail while praising the giver.  Most companies and organizations give merely as an ad campaign to draw more attention to their business.  Some give because our government still allows companies a “write off” in taxes when they give.  This means they pay less taxes if they can prove they gave donations or took a loss by giving.  Yes, it makes for good press when the rich can proclaim their generosity to the poor.  It’s the way of this world. 

“You have heard it said, but I say to you…”  Jesus is at it again with teaching the opposite of what the world says.  He continues His teaching on the mountainside to many who continue to gather from surrounding towns who are hungry for Truth.  As expected, Jesus has a different way of thinking on the practice of giving.  “I tell you the truth” are words that leap off the page for me this morning.  As Truth seekers, Jesus changes the way we give by changing the way we think about giving.  That’s who He is and how He thinks.  Think like Jesus.

We give as God leads because of a greater work.  God calls on those who have and are willing to give as the answer to someone praying to God for help.  God has a beautiful way of matching givers with people in need, the receivers.  To God be the glory!  It’s not about us, it’s about how God works and cares for all of us!

Matthew—The Law Fulfilled

Matthew 6:1-4, NLT

Teaching about Giving to the Needy

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

SIDE STORY TO THINK ABOUT…(Taken from the biography of George Muller) 

Read more here: 

https://www.guideposts.org/inspiration/inspiring-stories/the-inspiring-life-of-george-m-ller

Night was falling over the harbor of Bristol, England, and in the orphanage founded by George Müller and his wife, the children were getting ready for bed. George was working in his study when his wife arrived with alarming news. “We’re out of milk,” she said. “There isn’t enough for the morning oatmeal.”

George laid aside his pen. This wasn’t the first time that money needed to buy food and other supplies was tight. The Müllers took in their first group of thirty girls in 1836, and their orphanage now housed over a hundred. From the beginning, George remained resolved never to ask for funds from people or to borrow money. He went to God alone for every need, trusting wholly in the Lord’s faithfulness and provision.

The pastor rose from his desk and reached for his wife’s hand. “Mary,” he said, “let us pray.” Two orphanage employees joined them, and together they made their humble yet necessary request to God. Tiny, helpless mouths were depending on them for sustenance. “Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him and expect help from Him,” George reminded them afterwards, “He will never fail you.”

Someone knocked on the door. Mary hurried to answer, returning to the study a moment later. She handed her husband an envelope. “It’s a letter, George. Hurry up and open it.”

Enclosed was a sum of money, more than enough for the milk. Within minutes, two more letters arrived with money and pledges of support.

One night while seeking the Lord regarding the orphanage, he heard, “Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it.” And so a great experiment of faith began.

Faced with difficulties regarding the rented houses where the children lived, he dreamed of building an orphan’s home on its own land and with every amenity.  It took eighteen months to amass the initial sum of money, and throughout that time George counted the days he spent in prayer and recorded the funds as they trickled in. Each donation—God’s answer to his prayer rather than the fruit of a plea to man for money—spurred him to continue. Eventually he built five homes, costing more than $100,000 to build, which is over $14,000,000 in today’s currency.

George raised each and every penny for this wonderful ministry on his knees, through unceasing, persistent, thankful prayer and an unwavering faith in God.

Almost two hundred years later, the George Müller Charitable Trust in Bristol still operates today and continues to adhere to George’s commitment to seeking money only through prayer. Tens of thousands of souls—orphans and other needy children, families and the elderly—have been helped.  

As George reminds us, “Every child of God is not called by the Lord to establish schools and orphan houses and to trust in the Lord for means for them. Yet, there is no reason why you may not experience, far more abundantly than we do now, His willingness to answer the prayers of His children.”

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. –Colossians 4:2

Abba, Father in Heaven,

Lead us to give and to receive gratefully because of your continual work in us.  You always know what is best for us.  You are God and we are not.  Thank you for always being with us.  Thank you for provisions and protection for we are always on your mind.  What a blessed thought! 

“All I have needed, you hand has provided, Great is your faithfulness!” is the song of praise I sing to you this morning!  Thank you for teaching us the truth about giving.  We can never outgive your generous gift of life eternal with sins forgiven.  But we can learn to think and behave more and more like you taught us on the mount of Truth telling.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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BE MORE THAN

Posted on April 26, 2021 by randscallawayffm

“Jesus is more than enough for us”, we sing in worship on Sunday.  “Jesus paid it all” we gratefully proclaim.  Jesus paid the price for all our sins.  That means we are redeemed from the debt of our own sin.  We are free to live, free to dance, free to do whatever we please.  Wait, what?!?  We are not free to do whatever we please.  That’s what the world thinks at times, isn’t it? 

Because of Jesus, we are now free to come to the very throne of God and ask what HE wants for what He wants is for His best work to be done in us.  His work is HIS salvation for us along with His growing character in us.

David’s prayer to God, asking for forgiveness of his sins is a picture of sin resolved with life restored to the full, only by the grace of God.  His prayer of repentance and asking for renewal is this:

“Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Oh, give me back my joy again;
    you have broken me—
    now let me rejoice.
9 Don’t keep looking at my sins.
    Remove the stain of my guilt.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.
    Renew a loyal spirit within me.
11 Do not banish me from your presence,
    and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and make me willing to obey you.”

Psalm 51:7-12

When we go deeper into what Jesus taught on the mountain to listening ears and seeing eyes of understanding, we discover our “freedom” is the right not to sin again with power and protection from our Savior and Lord!  We are free to choose but we choose the way of the cross.  We are free to choose Christ and walk in His ways.  We are no longer under the bondage of sin that binds us to do evil’s bidding under the cover of darkness. 

Truth always wins in the end.  Truth has come to give light to what is right and good!  When we ask for forgiveness, Jesus unwraps us, breaks all the chains of lies and deceptions and set us free to love like He loves.  His love brings peace in and through all the troubles of this life.  His love is unchangeable and eternal.  There is nothing we can say or do to keep Him from loving us.  Our next passage teaches us how to love like HE loves us.  BE MORE THAN the world expects from you.

Matthew—The Law Fulfilled

Matthew 5:38-48

Teaching about Revenge

38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

Teaching about Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

We must be MORE THAN, going the extra mile, in our character.  We must respond and react in the way Jesus teaches us which will always be MORE THAN what worldview dictates to us.  “Get even, have it your way, do only what is required to get by, love some, hate others”, are the character traits of the evil one, The Liar.  We are to be and do the opposite according to the teachings of Jesus who is Truth.

Choose.  You are free to choose.  Choose this day whom you will serve.  Choose well.

Abba, Father in Heaven,

There are many who lie about us behind our backs, assume the worst in us, spread rumors of hate and generally try to put down what You are doing in and through us to show your Truth.  Help us to do exactly what you are teaching by your power in us of grace, mercy and unconditional love.  Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  Lead us not into temptations to seek revenge or to fight back but wholly lean on you.  You are Truth.  I choose Truth over lies.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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PROMISES, PROMISES

Posted on April 24, 2021 by randscallawayffm

We humans find it easy to make a promise to another human, even before God.  When we want something or someone bad enough, we will say and do anything to get what we want.  “I will do whatever it takes to get that woman (or man) to love and marry me.”  “I swear on my mother’s grave, I will make this project happen.”  “By all that is holy, I promise to do what I say I’m going to do.”  But, guess what?  This is merely worldview thinking and is commonly found in evil’s toolbox.  Jesus teaches us to go much deeper into our hearts and listen to what God meant when He gave us His Laws (Commandments) to live by for our own good and for the good of others affected by our decisions.

“You have heard it said”, says Jesus of worldview thinking, but I say to you…”

I have lumped three teachings together for it seems deep down it is all about promises we make to each other.  It is about being cautious of making promises we don’t really intend to keep that later lead to destructive behaviors.  For example, many go into marriage thinking there is always a way out as opposed to thinking God will keep together what He has put together in our marriage vow before Him.  The former, “way out” thinking, leads to individual, selfish decision making that thinks if their mate disappoints or if they see something better they know to simply get divorce papers and move on with their lives.  It happened in Moses’ day as a way to protect the woman in the community who was “sent away” and it was still happening when Jesus came along to tell them what God was intending when he gave the commandment, “You shall not commit adultery.” When we disobey, the sin compounds itself and gives birth to more sin. 

Jesus goes on to say, don’t make vows you don’t plan to keep and do not swear by anything to make the vow more binding.  It is better not to make a vow at all!  This doesn’t work in God’s Kingdom thinking and behaving.  Simply say yes, given what you presently know and plan to accomplish in what you have been asked to do or say no I cannot do this.  What does this mean?  Jesus will explain it later in a parable.  (See Matthew 21:28-32)

Don’t say you will do something and embellish it with vow swearing by whatever you choose to make your point valid, when you don’t really plan to carry it out.  It’s a heart issue! We don’t know what tomorrow holds.  I don’t even know what is on my agenda in the next hour!  How then can we make a vow, swearing by all that is holy, to carry it out?  Jesus says, don’t go there in the first place.

“God willing and the creek don’t rise” we used to say in Oklahoma where I grew up.  I think this gets a little closer to what Jesus is trying to point out.  Only God knows what circumstances will present themselves in this life on changeable earth.  So, yes or no is all we need as an answer to whatever is asked of us.  What really works is to always say yes to God first and everything else will fall into place on HIS agenda.  Trust the One who holds tomorrow.  May our yes to God be honest, holy and sincere.  Do not swear by anything to God.  Just a simple yes will do.

Saying “I love you” each day to the one I’ve have loved for over fifty years of my life in our marriage together is not merely a vow but a declaration of our love for each new day.  After reading this portion of God’s Word I am learning that God wants our love, devotion and commitment with each new day, too.  His mercies are new each morning, so our best response is love and worship to Him who created us and the day ahead.  God only knows.  Remember that!  I’m reminded of a song, (imagine that, shocker)!  But seriously it is an old gospel song, “I don’t Know Who Holds Tomorrow, But I Know Who Holds My Hand”.  I can still hear my uncle singing it.  He probably still sings it in heaven to the One who have has given him an eternity of tomorrows!

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:22-23 CEV

Philippians 4:11-13 (CSB) reminds us, “How encouraging is it that God pours out His love for us that His mercies are new every day. Every day is a new day in which we can move in a direction that defines our eternity.”

Matthew—The Law Fulfilled

Matthew 5:27-37, NLT

Teaching about Adultery

27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Teaching about Divorce

31 “You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ 32 But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.

Teaching about Vows

33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Abba, Father in Heaven,

Hallowed and holy are you, Lord.  You are the One and Only to me.  You are love, mercy and grace.  You are Provider and Protector.  You are Savior and Lord.  You are the only one who knows what tomorrow will bring, so I simply say yes to you.  Continue to teach me your ways, for I am yours.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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YOU HAVE HEARD IT SAID…

Posted on April 23, 2021 by randscallawayffm

As a leader and teacher of sorts throughout my life it still amazes me how a truth can be distorted, manipulated, enhanced and embellished to the point it is no longer truth.  “They said, you said, he said, she said” has to be sorted out to find truth and settle unmerited differences.  That is the world in which we live.  It was the world in which God’s people lived in Jesus’ earth living days, too.  Jesus was sent to seek and to save the world but while on earth the Teacher explains what God wants from all of us.  Because the people haven’t heard this kind of teaching before they gather on a mountain top to hear what Jesus has to say.

We will notice throughout the Jesus’ “sermon on the mount” that He often begins explaining God’s Original Commandments with “You have heard it said…” or “You were told…”  Jesus immediately follows with, “But I say to you…”.  Then He teaches what God had in mind when He gave the original commandments to Moses.  Remember the big Ten which God told to Moses and had him engrave on stone tablets?  (No printers or copy machines back then!) 

Where IS that in the Bible, you ask?

The original Ten Commandments can be found in Exodus 20:1-7.  This is good, highly recommended reading as we study Matthew’s gospel for it is the background of Jesus’ words on the mountain.  The Master Teacher begins what his audience of common Jewish people may know then takes them farther in their understanding with the “why” behind the commandment of God.  Jesus shows all of us how to apply what we know to how we live.  Don’t you love that?  Nothing left to wonder here. 

Jesus teaches all of us we must control our anger for it will lead to “firey” outcomes.  We must be reconciled to God AND reconciled with our brothers and sisters to walk with God.  And finally, we must settle our differences before the outcomes of disagreements are worse than the original conflict. 

In these three scenarios, Jesus presents the heart of God’s character.  He shows us how to present ourselves to God with clean hearts and reconciled relationships.  This is how redeemed people live from day to day.

Matthew—The Law Fulfilled

Matthew 5:21-26, NLT

Teaching about Anger

21 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

Reconciliation

23 “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

Settling Differences

25 “When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.

Abba, Father in Heaven,

Hallowed be your Name.  May Your Kingdom come and live in me and may your glory be seen all around me.  May Your Will be done in every detail of my life on earth today as it is in heaven.  I want what you want.  Give us this day a revelation of you, guidance by you, realizing the depth of your love.  And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us, gossip about us, or merely offend who we are in you.  Lead us not into temptations to fight back but to reconcile with unconditional love.  You have all power to deliver us from the evil one who prods us to do all that is opposite of your character.  Deliver us from this evil.  To you be all glory!  Thank you, Lord.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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THE PURPOSE

Posted on April 22, 2021 by randscallawayffm

When we see a stop sign while driving, attentive drivers will stop, look both ways for oncoming traffic, then proceed if clear.  If it is four way stop, kind, attentive drivers know that the one who got there first is the one who proceeds.  As mature drivers, we generally don’t think about why we had to stop, we just stop. 

When we come to the currently popular traffic circles, being built in our area, we now are questioning why.  We want to know the purpose of this new traffic procedure that has a majority of the population confused.  They are trying to do the right thing without being taught how to navigate the circle nor do they know the purpose of this new flow of traffic.

Confusion is predominant among the people about God’s Law, designed and created by God to be in relationship with Him and guides them to right behaviors that will be for their best in life on earth.  The religious leaders put God’s purpose aside and now use the Law for their gain.  They don’t even ask why anymore.  It’s all about their notoriety, power and position.  The religious elite have added on many man-made addendums to God’s Law, along with great punishments, that have brought great burden to His people.  God’s people are confused because of the behavior of their leaders who lord over them.  They are not allowed to ask why.

Jesus, God’s Son, has come to help them understand God’s original intent and purpose for The Law with a new understanding for what God requires of us to live as part of the Kingdom of God.  We must rise above what leaders tell you, is Jesus’ warning to all people.  Isn’t that the way it is today?  God has given us His Word, Jesus’ example to follow with the power of His Holy Spirit living in all who believe and follow Him in relationship.  We must follow Jesus to be in relationship with God.

We discover in our reading, with the Holy Spirit’s guiding, the Law’s ultimate purpose:  Relationship with God, Our Father, through Jesus Christ, His Son.  Jesus fulfills God’s purpose.

Matthew—The Law Fulfilled

Matthew 5:17-20, NLT

Teaching about the Law

17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

20 “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

There is a song about what we make of our worship to God that is playing in the background of my mind.  Worship has a lot to do with our true relationship with God. It seems we humans can be dangerous with a little knowledge and even prideful in what little we know that is said to others.  Worship is one example.  Sometimes we lead people to be like us in worship instead of pointing them to Jesus to worship.

When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that’s of worth
That will bless Your heart

I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart

I’m coming back to the heart of worship
And it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about You,
It’s all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I’m weak and poor
All I have is Yours

Every single breath
I’ll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking deep in my heart…

The Heart of Worship by Matt Redman broke me down the first time I heard it and will always bring me back to the purpose God originally intended for us—a right, growing, intimate relationship with Him alone.  Jesus provided the Way back to God.  Thank you, dear Jesus.

Abba, Father in Heaven,

You made me. You know me.  You know my faults, mistakes, sins, and sometimes distracted attention from you, yet you forgive from a place of unconditional love for me and bring back to where you are all because you want a relationship with me.  Wow!  I cannot thank and praise you enough for all you have done for me and all you are to me.  Thank you for continuing to love and guide me through this brief journey called life on earth until we meet face to face in all your glory.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  I get it.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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