June 16 Things That Matter Part V

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Our Master Matters!

The Lord Jesus instructs us to be focused on one leader and that is God Alone. In this world it is so easy to get off the tracks and into the alluring things the devil has set up. Jesus warns us to deny ourselves and take up the cross and follow Him. Daily! We cannot do that and focus on acquiring wealth ( mammon) at the same time.

Jesus has paid a very high price to be our master. He left the splendor of heaven and came down here among us. He loved us that much. He took the worst beating anyone ever took. Isaiah said He didn’t even resemble a man when they finished beating him. He willingly laid down on a cross at Calvary and took the nails. He shed his own blood. He paid our price and laid down His life.

No other thing or person could show us such love. He has earned the right to be our Savior, and yes, our Master as well.

Listen to His instructions and follow. Our Master Matters!

Jeff

June 15 Things That Matter Part IV

Matthew 6:19-21

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Today, we resume our walk through Matthew 6, where Jesus tells us about things that truly matter in our lives. We’ve seen that our motives, our prayer time, and forgiveness really matters. Today, Jesus tells us ”Treasure Matters”.

Jesus contrasts where our heart really is. If we seek the treasure of the present time our heart is fixed on things of the world. The shiney trinkets we attain in this life will never really satisfy us. Shortly, the value we thought those treasure held quickly passes and we set our heart on a new object of treasure. All we see here will fail to satisfy as well.

Only the spiritual things we can grasp in this life will fully satisfy. Spiritual things are eternal. Spiritual things are treasures that will endure. God instructs us to set our affections on things above.

Our Father will safely guard the treasure we lay up in heaven til we arrive there. Spiritual treasures, like acts of love and kindness completed in Jesus Name will satisfy. Treasures of a godly lifestyle which impacts others Will satisfy and remain. The souls we win to Jesus will be there above and satisfy for eternity.

Where our heart and treasure is truly matters.

Jeff

June 12 Things That Matter Part III

Matthew 6:12-15

12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

In today’s passage Jesus makes it clear the “Forgiveness Matters”. He gives the model for prayer in this passage and it is interesting to note the only verb He uses twice is “forgive”. After the model the only topic in the pattern he chooses to eloborate upon is forgiveness.

If we think about it, forgiveness is the need of every soul. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. He said none are righteous, no not one. Therefore, forgiveness is the greatest gift God gives us. Forgiveness enables us to receive all His other wonderful gifts.

Jesus said if we fail to offer the gift of forgiveness to others, it creates a problem between us and our Father. We are not like Him when we withhold our forgiveness. We should show mercy as He is merciful. We break our fellowship with God when we hold grudges.

We all desire to be in full fellowship with God. Look inside and ask God to show you if someone needs your forgiveness. Then go and give them that greatest of all gifts. Forgiveness matters!