WOMAN OF PRAISE

Matthew 23  Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples,  2  saying:  “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.   3  Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, [ a ]   that  observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.   4  For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay  them  on men’s shoulders; but they  themselves  will not move them with one of their fingers.   5  But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.   6  They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,   7  greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’   8  But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, [ b ]  and you are all brethren.   9  Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.   10  And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.  

While outside doing street evangelism a few days ago, we came across a mother and her child passing by.   The child, who looked like about one year old, was so precious to look upon, like all infants.  He was delighted as many children are when their moms allow them the freedom of toddling. Seeing his free spirit and the glee in his eyes, my husband stretched out his hands and told him to come.  Without any hesitation, he spontaneously came to him to my astonishment.   This is how it was in the days of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.   He just called, and the disciples followed.  There were no complaints, no temper tantrums, no kicking and screaming like a baby, no one saying he was too busy, and no one making excuses.  They just came like little children.  Today, the Father is still, with outstretched arms, calling you to repentance.  Will you listen?  He gave His only begotten son for your salvation, and it is not His desire that anyone should end up in hell;

When you look at the homeless, the first thought that comes to mind is that they have been forgotten.  Yes forgotten, by friends, family, and even government.  The sight of these individuals shouldn’t be a heart-hardening experience; but a heart-breaking one.   So yesterday while driving by, I saw a homeless man lying under the overpass with a life that just seems to be fading away.   Immediately my heart ached with pain—as it always does when I see the homeless—then I whispered a prayer for him understanding that God knows about his plight.  The Bible says that a sparrow doesn’t fall to the ground without God’s knowledge and presence. I want you to know that God is aware of your struggles.  He knows where you are and what you are going through.  Your situation may look grim; but He is very much present, and He is going to see you through because He has the power to do it.  He feeds the birds, He clothes the lilies, and He will take care of you because you are worth more th