My God shows by Example

Matthew 20:1-28

Inspired thots

1) For once, Jesus revealed to His disciples what will happen to Him shortly. This time He was direct as He foretold of His suffering and crucifixion. There were no parables. The disciples have to 'get it' - to understand what will happen and why it happens when it happens.

There was bad and good news. Jesus was to be betrayed, condemned, turned over, mocked, flogged and crucified! But He will be alive forever again after the earthly insults!

How appropriate the story of James and John's mother requesting the best seats in heaven for her sons! But the highlight is not on James and John. It is JESUS, who exemplified what He taught for who He is.

He is Great, but became lowly (coming in the flesh); He is the Lord, but is willing to be a servant; He is God, but willing to give up his life for many! (v28)
Not for all... for many... there will be those who will reject Him. How sad!

2) How great is my God! He who knows all things and knows what is best; I can surrender my all to Him, for He will have everything in the best order! Truly there is no need to fret or plan much as I learn to let God direct my ways, my life! He will have a place in His kingdom for ME! I am praying so for my family too.... especially my gals, the next generation for God!

Give God His Rights!

Matthew 20:1-16

Inspired thots

Yes, at the end of the age, the Lord will call His own before Him and rewards them.

It is interesting to note that those who worked less time in the vineyard is paid before those who worked longer. (v8)

I am inspired that God loves the young in Christ that they shall be blest just the same as the old faithfuls. The young are like the 'less honorable parts of the body' who are treated with 'more grace'. It is not for any one in Christ to be envious of what others will receive as compared to self; neither should any one be expectant of more than what he/she deserves. No one should begrudge God for what He gives to each one, as God is righteous and just to give to each one accordingly. He knows best!

I have to remember that my relationship (or 'terms of agreement') is between God and me only. I cant compare with others. I cant expect more for myself than agreed with the Lord. I cant begrudge God on anything or of anyone because He knows best and does give the best to me.

Yes, Lord, I release all to You!

3 Steps

Matthew 19:16-30

Inspired thots

So many Questions. So much Truth. Such Great teachings. So much to ponder and digest...

1) Man, as created by God, will always be wondering and seeking for... something which he feels is lacking or missing in his life. (v16) If he is 'smart' (wise), he will keep searching until he finds it, like the rich young man. First step!

2) So simple is the answer by Jesus to the rich young man's question. Just obey the commandments! Jesus did not impose something which could not be done or accomplished.

3) You'll know whether you can or cannot; be it or not; have or not have; deep down you'll know whether you meet the 'standard' or not; the conscience will prompt... if you do not yet have the Holy Spirit through Christ.
The rich young man was on the right step (v20). He knows he still lacks something; or was he being arrogant?

4) What would I do once I get the answer to my query? How do I use the discovery of my search? It's a BIG Decision. Second step!
And the rich young man chose... so close yet so far! so sad... he went away sad. He found the answer but he did not embrace it. So strong is the hold of the world on us! why?

5) ONLY God is merciful to provide the way... but man must CHOOSE! (v26) Jesus reassures His disciples of their decision.
~ Yes, I remember how quick EACH of the 12 disciples was in answering to Jesus' call to follow Him! (Matt 4:20,22)
~ I had admired their promptness and still do; for I am like the rich young man (minus the rich, young, man...) it takes me a while to come round for Jesus; thank you Lord for your mercy and grace, for the time to work in me!

6) Third step! Stay FAITHFUL! It is a journey; a race Christians are on. Do not give up until the destination is reached; until the finishing line is crossed!

Jesus is for All

Matthew 19:13-15

Inspired thots

1) I am so glad that I am able to have my time with the Lord this morning. It is usually a rush on Sundays preparing to meet Him, and hence, no time spent personally with Him first. But Praise GOD, He knows my heart's desire... and today, He gave me the determination to have a few moments with Him first. Even the passage is short. TQ Lord!

2) Kudos to the parents who were concerned about their children, and thus, brought their little ones to Jesus! That is how every parent should be... children before self! Yes, I want it so for my gals that they will be blessed by God.

3) All the parents wanted were to have 'Jesus place His hands on the little children and pray for them'. And that is exactly what Jesus did! (v13,15). What an AMAZING God! He gives us the desire of our hearts. Lets hope that our desire is pleasing to Him always, and not selfish!

4) The disciples rebuked those who brought the children. No, no. The other side of man... always thinking we know better ~ what is important and what is not. Isaiah 55:8,9. Lord, teach us Your ways!

The way for Man & Woman

Matthew 19:1-12

Inspired thots

In the beginning, God created..so it goes in Genesis 1:1, the very first words in the first book of the Bible ~ God's word.

1) Of all the God created, none matched the significance of Man & Woman. They were made in the image of God (Gen 1:27). Adam was without a suitable helpmate until God specially created Eve for him.

There is then ONE helpmate to EVERY man.

2) Eventhough Adam and Eve had NO parents, it is God's word (command) that the man is the one who 'should leave his father and mother and be united to his wife...' (Gen 2:24). God knows and thus commanded that in the subsequent generations, it is the man who should be pro-active in establishing his union with the woman he chose, for 'the two shall be one flesh'.

3) And once 'fused', the union should not be separated. This reminds me of a chemically bound compound rather than a mixture. It is so much harder to separate a compound than a mixture; when forced, much effort is necessary besides the 'pain' and 'grief' .... as well as the 'damage'.
Coming from a divorced background, it has always been my desire and determination to make my marriage work, for I will not want the ill effects of a broken marriage on myself nor my children. God has carried us through the pain and shame which could have been avoided if my parents had known Christ.

4) So, 'it was not this way in the beginning' (v8) ~ God did not design divorce as He did marriage. The hardness of man's heart overruled God's word, and God gave him up to destruction (Romans 1:24). Multiple sexual partners degrade our bodies and need to be avoided. There are many evidences of the truth in God's word as there are incurable diseases transmitted through unhealthy forms of sexual intercourse: AIDS & herpes & STDs. God, please forgive. Have mercy!

5) Indulging in sexual intercourse with others when one is married, is adultery which is marital unfaithfulness. It is so unfair to the spouse. As I understand it, the feelings invoked in intimacy with my spouse are very deep and personal, as well as private; such should not be shared nor experienced with another.

6) The disciples were quick to 'offer' a solution (v10). "Dont marry and you wont sin". But God has created man and woman with a sexual need for procreation. To abstain from intimacy is to abstain from marriage but only those who were 'given' this word can live contentedly.

7) There are 3 types of people who will abstain from intimacy:-

• a) those who were born without that desire. It should be noted, with interest, that these are not homosexuals as they do not indulge in sexual intimacy.
• b) those who were made that way by man (man's interference into God's order of life)
• c) those who chose not to marry because their focus is on the kingdom of God according to their heart's desire. Their passion is not earthly but heavenly.

God has given man the choice of status but once chosen, man should honour his own decision.

Kingdom Mentality

Matthew 18:15-35

Inspired thots

It's all about forgiveness. God values unity and harmony within His kingdom. There should not be any issue which creates tension or barrier in His family.

1) Whenever a brother or sister in Christ upsets me, I need to resolve the issue with gentle and open communication, which I feel is what God values. Express and Explain ...

~ I know it is very important to God because Jesus told Peter to forgive not just one time; not even 7x but 70x7! We have 24x7 ~ which means every moment of the day; what then 70x7? Constantly as a lifestyle.

HALTED! Is God teaching me something here? Right as I ponder what sin a brother might do to me, WHAM! the phone call comes. A person of authority informs another to update me. Yes, update. Not a request; not even a discussion or negotiation. I was upset until I checked in with the Lord. Ok... Jer 29:11. If God does not want me there, so be it. It must be better for me. PEACE... of God ~ Phil 4:7; truly His Peace guards my mind and heart that I do not continue in the self. All things work for good to those who trust in Him. (Romans 8:28)


2) v18 Christians have the power and authority in Christ! How awesome! Whatever we BIND on earth, it is BOUND in Heaven. Whatever we LOOSE on earth, is LOOSED in Heaven. Be careful! Use it wisely...Lord, please lead as You equip!

3) v19 Praying together is vital to God answering. Lets get it!

4) v20 God is in our midst, even in small group. Awesome!

Worldly Lures lead to Destruction

Matthew 18:7-9

Inspired thots

The world is basically wicked. There will be things that will cause people to sin...maybe pornography, drugs, idols. These are the things that belong to the world. And the sad thing is, it is a man who causes another to fall by these wickedness. Thus, the people of God need to stay away from such wickedness, or be taken down by them.

The physical is temporal. It is more important to care for the eternal, which is the heart. Take care that the heart is not lured by the things of the world, causing God's people to fall and miss out on eternal life.

Little Ones (all kinds) are Precious

Matthew 18:5-6,10-14

Inspired thots

How timely! How appropriate! Today's memoir is slightly different as it is really personal.

I am in the midst of preparing for a children's camp this weekend, and with some slight self 'discontention', the Lord spoke through these words. The children whom I would be ministering to, are precious to my Lord; and having been in SS for umpteen years, they should be too, to me.

You see, these are the OA children, and very often, they are disregarded by 'society'. And I would be ministering... not in English..., hmm... it may not even be BM, if the OA are illiterate? So, it was a 'discontenting' thought as I was 'informed' of the responsibility quite late. It's gonna be a challenge (I think!) But yes, Lord. I release myself and all discontentions to You, so that I may be a cleansed and noble instrument to Your glory. Praise God for His inspiring lesson plans and getting together all the resources for this weekend.

The 3 verses to summarise are:

• v5 'And whoever welcomes a little child like this (OA) in my name, welcomes me (Jesus)'
• v10 'See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven'. (oops, 'a gentle rebuke' from the Lord as reminder)
• v14 ' ...Your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost'

I shall claim Phil 4:13,19 together with the above 3 verses for this weekend to make it an impactful one.

This one is for YOU, Lord! Maranatha!

Change to be Least to be Greatest

Matthew 18:1-4

Inspired thots

Be the LEAST to be the GREATEST! A paradox? But CHANGE I must.

How can the disciples be asking and thinking about 'who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' Surely it is GOD! He is in His kingdom and He is the Greatest! Yet, man tends to think more highly of himself than he is, thinking that he can 'take over' the One already reigning?

1) My focus must be on God alone. He is there as the Rightful King. None should even consider taking HIS position. Let God be God!

2) Change I MUST! When I am focused on the ALMIGHTY God, I will see how 'little', how frail and weak I am; how finite, how lacking... as a creation. Only with God can I be better or best! Thus, I must change... change to be lowly (like Jesus). I must know, understand and accept my position. My place is to be with God; not in His position!

3) Jesus' answer to His disciples doesnt even refer to their question ~ 'the greatest in the kingdom' ~; rather, Jesus was telling them that... IF man does not change to be least, he may not even enter into the kingdom! Hahaha.. Man's focus is usually off.

4) Yes, Matthew 6:33 holds water. When I choose to change to be what God wants of me, which is to be more like God... the 'rewards' ~ blessings, providence ~ will follow. It's a package deal!

Speaking for Jesus

Matthew 17:24-27

Inspired thots

Peter... Jesus' disciple; in fact, one of Jesus' outstanding disciple. Quick to speak, quick to react. And it usually landed him into difficulties. Here, Peter was quick to answer, perhaps in defense; perhaps in auto response based on what he is and knows~"Everyone pays tax". So Peter's response commit Jesus to the way of the world.
Jesus knew ~ as soon as Peter came back, Jesus spoke first (on the matter) but ever so gently, not accusing, not angry. He asked Peter for his opinion, his thoughts, "What do you think, Peter?". Perhaps Peter has been rash with his earlier answer but he still got it right the next time. Yes, sons are exempt from tax; yet, so as to not offend others, Jesus provides for the worldly requirements.

If I have to speak for Jesus, let it be HIM giving ME the words, just as He has said, to His glory.
(10:20)

Parents, Exercise your Faith!

Matthew 17:14-21

Inspired thots

Now comes a father concerned for his son's well-being. That is the true heart of parents, whether mother (15:21-28) or father. But it is the quantum of FAITH in the parent which brings healing to the child. Why was the daughter healed immediately and not the son? The mother's intense faith for her daughter's well-being led to restoration while the father's desperate measure led him to take the son to Jesus' disciples. He didn't have the faith for his son to be healed, neither did the disciples of Jesus.

Nothing is impossible for the child of God because with God, all things are possible.(19:26)
I, too, must exercise my FAITH for my sick child. Not just the child alone but me too, as the mom. Philippians 4:19 ~ My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory!

A Challenge ~ Faith can move mountains

Matthew 17:1-23

Inspired thots

The Lord can reveal things of the kingdom to anyone at anytime. It is indeed a privilege for Peter, James and John to witness the glory that surrounds Jesus at the mount and to hear the voice of God approving His Son. That experience probably set them on course in their ministry.
Certainly not everyone can walk that path, unless Jesus wills it. Even for myself.

But if God were willing to give me a wonderful heavenly experience, will I react and respond like the disciples or the people/Pharisees? Would I recognise God at work? (v12) Am I willing to walk the path that Jesus walked? That goes back to the last revelation 'take up my cross and follow Jesus' (16:24)

It all boils down to FAITH => Trust. When one does not trust God fully, there is a lack of faith. Conversely, where there is FAITH, we can move mountains... nothing is impossible for Man. Because Man is made in the image of God, and is loved by God, AND with God, nothing is impossible. (19:26)

An Eternal Exchange

Matthew 16:21-28

Inspired thots

There is so much treasures and truth here.

My life is not my own, once I have invited Christ into my life. He is the rightful Lord ~ indeed, lord of all. I am frail and finite as a human. Though I may think I am strong and wise, I am really otherwise.

Can I ensure eternal life outside Christ? I will lose my soul. More simply then, am I able to 'add one more hour to my life'? (Matt 6:27). I confess... I can't. Only Jesus can. Thus, it would be wise and right to let Jesus have control of my life. Only HE can do all things... and then in Him, I can do all things through HIM who strengthens me (Phil 4:13).

Yet, how dare of me should I 'rebuke' the Lord? to tell HIM what to do, or give HIM advice! It's a real laugh. Yes, it reveals clearly then that I 'do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men' (v23). It's the big 'I' again.

It's a challenge to 'deny self'... but it is do-able, for with God, all things are possible and Christ said it! (v24) As I keep reminding myself WHO I am in Christ, I learn submission to Christ, denying the self to exalt itself.

It's a greater challenge to take up my cross... (v24) to do what Jesus did and to walk the path He walked! Lord, I need your grace and mercy here.

Keep in mind the grand finale... (v27) but keep alert to watch the time.

Who are You, Lord... to ME?

Matthew 16:13-20

Inspired thots

It doesnt matter how and what others think of Jesus... rather, the more important question is "who do I think Jesus is... to me?"

Jesus asked His disciples "But what about you? Who do you say I am?" Peter declared rightly who Jesus is, because God revealed it to him. Hallelujah! What a privilege!

Exactly what I need daily... God's revelation ~ personal revelation ~ to me; it satisfies the soul. Truly Heavenly Father, share Your thots with me...

When EACH child of God KNOWS who Jesus is to him/herself, he/she stands secure in everything... then, the church of God is strong and steadfast, standing on the ROCK.

Very Personally, "Who is Jesus to ME?"
He is the Only Son of God who died on the cross for my sins, and rose on the third day that I may live His promised ABUNDANT life serving a LIVING God; He is my Good Shepherd who knows me so well to bless me as He teaches me to trust more and more in Him and to grow to be like Him more and more. He is TOTALLY for me!

Yes, another reminder ~ a reminder of WHO CHRIST is... to me, and WHO I AM ... in Him, and to Him!

Be on Guard

Matthew 16:1-12

Inspired thots

Truly the time is coming for my Lord Jesus to shine! Yet, not all is aware of it... many still do not know Him for Who He is. How sad! How urgent the time now to be alert to the happenings around myself!

Truly, this age is full of wickedness. Even my beautiful homeland is not spared; the daily news is full of murders, greed, deceits, lies and what-nots, causing pain and grief unknown as human lives are mistreated in every possible wicked way.

Dumping babies and 'writing off' lives are splashed on the front pages frequently. Indeed, the Pharisees asked for proof of Jesus, but the signs of time are so clear. Yet, man choose to 'see' what he wants to see, and to 'hear' what he wants to hear. Man is so good at selective decisions.

Truly, the only way to stand against the deceits and temptations is to remember what the Lord has done for me! Do not revert to the past... let it be the 'past' ~ before knowing Christ. Every Revelation from God is a strip of the past and a step forward with Him. Think of the 'eternal' not the temporal... which was the err of the disciples, when they thought Jesus was refering to physical bread than the deceits of false teaching.

A thankful heart brings about miracles & satisfaction

Matthew 15:29-39

Inspired thots

Large crowds followed Jesus wherever He went... how amazing!
Will it be the same today? Hm... I dont know. With all the negative vibes built up on Jesus, riots may arise. It wont matter really, because when Jesus comes again, it is too late for many.

v32 Jesus has compassion for the people. Most of them came with a need...especially of healing (physical... maybe even spiritual). And they had been with Jesus 3 days, not having food with them ~ they were 'fasting'? They forego their meals? Did they go to Jesus, prepared? Or was His 'spiritual' food enough to sustain them? Mind boggling...

I suppose when I am in the Lord's presence, there is no desire to do anything else except to bask in His awesomeness. No wonder Jesus mentions that 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.' (Matthew 4:4)

Another impactful revelation to me on this passage is that Jesus does the same action when it comes to food. He took the food, gave thanks, broke it and pass it to the disciples (to the people). The people ate and were satisfied!

A good reminder that when I give thanks for the food before partaking it, I will eat and be satisfied! There will not just be sufficient BUT ample, as in these miracles, basketfuls of leftover were collected. Ah... this is why Christians should give thanks (say grace) for the food before partaking. When we eat with a thankful heart, we are not only satisfied (enjoy our food) but there is ample supply!

God is really SO great and good! He gives the best to His children. Thank You, Lord!

Feeding 5000 (Matthew 14:14-20)

The many facets of Man

Matthew 15:21-28

Inspired thots:

It seems like Jesus was rejecting someone of healing for the first time... How unlike Him? (Matt 14:14 tells how compassionate He is towards the people and healed their diseases. Why not this woman, who cried after Him, for her daughter's demon-possessed condition?

Aside, compare this woman with Herodias earlier, what a difference between the 2 mothers! The former values her daughter's well-being and sought all means to secure it even if she has to 'beg' and humble herself, while the latter uses her daughter to her own selfish satisfaction.

The nature of Man ~ even the disciples have not reached Jesus' standard as yet. They were embarassed by the woman's presence and cries! They asked Jesus to 'send her away'.
There are 2 ways to send someone away...
1) Send the person away happy ~ fulfilling the need
or,
2) Send the person away dejected ~ need unfulfilled

Jesus sends her away HAPPY! And it only took a word from Jesus... how simple to BLESS someone than to fuel rejection!

Jesus mentioned that He was sent 'only to the lost sheep of Israel'... but along the way, 'strays' are picked up. How amazing that often times, it is not the 'chosen' who receives (because they reject) but the 'waywards' (because they acknowledge their need).

The one who acknowledges will be fulfilled / satisfied, while the one who looks outwardly will not seek and find.

Physical vs Spiritual

Matthew 15:1-20



Inspired thots:



Man tends to look at the outward appearance while God looks at the inward (heart & soul).



Man is satisfied when the outside 'frills' are pleasing while God grieves over the inward condition of man.



Man sets up high walls around himself, building 'ivory palaces' to satiate his appetite for fame and fortune, while God wants His beloved people to break down any barrier between Him and them for closer fellowship and deeper relationship.

It's not the outward cleansing God desires, but the inward purity of the heart, mind and soul; truly only then, can I 'love the Lord with all my heart, with all my mind and with all my soul' (Luke 12:30)

Investing in the RIGHT source

Matthew 14:22-36

Inspired thots:

Man is easily terrified of what they dont fully understand or have control of (v26) BUT Jesus is always so compassionate...

Immediately Jesus reassures...(v27) He calms; He encourages.

I am subject to fear too...of what is unknown to me...but if I go on with what I KNOW, and hold fast to that which I do know already, then fear can no longer abide in me! That is why I need to read the Word of God more to know more about my great loving God, which will dispel my fear.

Fear cripples... then it overwhelms until death. Beware...

Boils down to... F A I T H.

Man vs God

Matthew 14:13-21

Inspired thots:

Feeding of the 5000 (besides women and children)

Jesus is always thinking about Man. He doesnt even have time for himself. There was no time to mourn for a death (John the Baptist), to be alone (for rest or meditation) or even to pray!

The needs are great... where there are people, there are needs.

Man vs God.
~> Man: thinks of 'self'. Tends not to the needs of people around him but tends to send them away, or 'pass the buck'.
~> God/Jesus : thinks of Man. Always has the best in mind and heart for Man. Doesnt 'shoo' man away from any need. Is God spoiling Man?

It is overwhelming to embrace the great and sacrificial love of God for Man... for ME!
BUT, God being God, knows BEST... He knows WHAT and WHEN to give!

Philippians 4:19 "He supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory!"
Thank You, Lord!

The Nature of Man

Matthew 14:1-12

Inspired thots:

I have always wondered WHY and HOW one could take another's life. This passage reveals the answer..

When Herod and Herodias wanted to be together, though unlawfully, John the Baptist protested and warned them. The couple still did coyly because Herod was the tetrarch. Nobody goes against the 'authority'. It is truly an abuse of power and status. This is where black becomes grey.

Herod wanted to have John the Baptist killed, for speaking out against his immoral behaviour. Yet, he was restrained... not by righteousness but by people's viewpoint. Herod was very much into seeking people's favour rather than God's favour. So sad that he missed the RIGHT source of blessing.

Herodias... aah, never undermine the determination of a woman ~ it can be really devious or passionate. She was an accomplice to the unrighteous union, and a woman's 'fury' simmers. But it was certainly not right for her to use her daughter, to be an accomplice in the death of John the Baptist.
HOW powerful is a mother's influence! How sad that Herodias exemplified so WRONGLY to her daughter!

It is happening today too. Right principles are thrown out the window to make way for satisfying self. That is the nature of man.

Earthly wisdom ... Eternal blessings

Matthew 13:53-58

Inspired thots:

Just when we think we know someone, we actually dont really know that person..
Just because we have seen the person around, or even watch him grow, we may not really know the person;
maybe on the outside, but really, not the innermost being.

So it was with Jesus. His hometown was 'amazed' at His teaching... probably it was in their mind (knowledge)...'He never went to school... much less 'bible school'..'
Jesus spoke with WISDOM and performed MIRACLES... but to them, he was just a carpenter's son. They 'knew' the whole family and none of his family was outstanding. Why Jesus?

Truly, it takes FAITH to believe Jesus is the Son of God, in human form prepared to die on the cross for our sins, that we, man, may have eternal life.

But man choose to live by his own wisdom, and when some knowledge is beyond his wisdom, he cant take it... because he cant get it!
Thus, man rejects... even when it is the BEST for him. He is offended (v57).

So simple, yet... it is MY choice what I want for my life... Of course, I want the BEST (being 'man'). But if the best for me is from another greater than me, .... YES! I will move over for Him!

Like the similes on the kingdom of heaven (earlier parables in this chapter), I truly believe that when I find the BEST, I'd better be wise to make the right decision... even if it means giving up all others for this one best! (Jer 29:11-13)

Spring Clean! ~ Old & New Treasures

Inspired thots:


The Kingdom of heaven...

~ similes given by Jesus to help us understand better how HIS kingdom is like, and how His people should also be, to fit into HIS kingdom.



1) Matthew 13:24-30

Hmmm... we are not the only one who sow... nor God alone. The devil also sows... and he sows wickedness and deceit. God sows only righteousness and goodness.



Wickedness is more easily recognisable when it is full grown. Then it should be uprooted quickly. But this may be harder than when at a younger stage. The best, I think, is not to indulge into it at all... After all, Prevention is better than Cure.



2) Matthew 13:31-32

A small seed.... growing into the biggest of trees.

The kingdom of God will grow... it will be a pleasure and blessing to many, as they enter in to find rest, just as Jesus said in Matt 11:28-30.

The kingdom of God has been planted on earth to bless people.



3) Matthew 13:33

God's kingdom is IMPACTFUL...like the yeast. It is ACTIVE and DILIGENT to do what it is designed to, for greatest effect.



4) Matthew 13:44

• The kingdom of heaven is a precious 'entity'. It is of GREAT value. It has ETERNAL value.


• It must be sought and found.


• But only those who know its value will appreciate it. They will be the ones who are willing to sell every possession to own this 'jewel'.

5) Matthew 13:45,46

Here, only those who know the value of fine pearls, go around intentionally, looking for the precious gems.

And it suffices to find ONE! It is of great worth... It satisfies the soul; it ends the 'search'

How worthy is the kingdom of God... hallelujah!

6) Matthew 13:47-50

Now knowing how precious and worthy is God's kingdom, again the 'final separation'

It WILL be too late for some, too late to 'appreciate' the kingdom of God; too late to go 'seeking' for the precious entity; too late to 'decide' that IT is GOOD and RIGHT for themselves; too late to 'lay hold' of it then.

Have mercy, O Lord!

Therefore, 'like the owner of the house... bring out the NEW and OLD treasures'

It is TIME for SPRING CLEANING!

It's MY Choice ~ which SOIL my heart is

Matthew 13:1-23

Inspired thots:

Parable of the Sower ~

~This parable is so dear to me, for the Lord has never failed to reveal his precious thots to me every time I read it.

1) Some seed fell along the path.

• We hear the Word of God, but do not understand it enough to appreciate it.
• Thus, the 'birds' (devil) come quickly to snatch it away from us... before the Word can take root or be rolled into good soil.
• See how well verse the devil is to know that the Word of God is SO precious that it must not be allowed to stay on too long with us, or in us.
• That is why we can read the Word of God during the day, and..., can forget it so easily within the hour.
• We have let the devil 'rob' us of God's blessings, for that is what the Word of God can do in us.

2) Some seed fell on rocky places.

• We hear the Word of God; we receive it with joy... but then, we do not put it deep into our hearts, to take root and bloom.
• We enjoy the blessings of God's word when we receive it, but then make no effort to 'cultivate'. The Word of God did not become our lifestyle!
• Thus, when problems or troubles come our way, we have no established model or structure to keep us steadfast.
• We rather release the Word of God to 'relieve ourselves' of the problems than see God's Word as our solution to the problems.
• We fail to 'choose the right path'.

3) Some seed fell among thorns.

• We hear the Word of God; we receive it but we do not know how to use it well to reap its benefits.
• Thus, we focus on the things of the world which we can see around us, overwhelming us such that we size down the Word of God and its impact, which can lift us up from every 'miry pit'.
• We have not invested the Word of God to equip ourselves against the deceit of this world.

4) Some seed fell on good soil.

• Many Christians miss the mark.

I am ... or... I am Not!

Matthew 12:22-50

Inspired thots:

So simple... the message is SO clear.
I am either FOR the Lord, or I am against Him.
I am either WITH the Lord, or I am not with Him.
I am either UNITED in the Lord, or I am NOT.
I either GATHER with the Lord, or I scatter what is His.
I either bear GOOD Fruit or Bad.
I am either filled with the Holy Spirit or with evil spirit (demon).
I am either a CHILD of God or partaker of the devil.

For the side I am on, I will be molded to act, will, speak, feel and live...

Then, on judgment day, there will be accountability of every action, word and thought done.
But, whoever does the will of God, is welcome into the Kingdom of Heaven!

Relations that are most important is not the earthly relations but the eternal relations ~ being a child of God, heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.

Man is SO Blessed!

Matthew 12:1-21

Inspired thots:

The Lord's heart is always for Man. But the same cannot be said of Man for the Lord... how sad!

1) Jesus cares for every need of man that everything is permissible to satisfy man, breaking even traditions and laws.

• If you are hungry, eat and be full. (v1)
• If you are sick, be healed. (v13)

2) Again, Jesus reiterated, "Mercy,... not sacrifice" (v7; 9:13)

• A bruised reed He will not break
• A smoldering wick He will not snuff out (v20)

How kind Jesus is... He knows how weak we already are, and He will not cause us more suffering or shame by condemning us.

3) How reassuring this phrase from Jesus ~ "How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!" (v12)

Our Source of Strength

Matthew 11

Inspired thots:

It is very strange to me (a little disconcerting...) that John the Baptist did not seem to 'recognise' Jesus while he was in prison, when in fact, he (water) baptised Jesus! (Matt 3:13,14)

God reminds me that...
1) Man tends to forget easily (v2)

• Perhaps through discouragement or disappointment, as in the case of John the Baptist being thrown into prison.
• When we keep our faith and not doubt, we will be greater than John the Baptist! (v11)

2) Jesus always encourages (v5)

• Being reminded of God's works and WORD will surely build up our faith when we are low. How important for me to be storing God's word into my heart constantly then! That should keep the spirit of discouragement, fear and disappointment away. Hallelujah!
• Jesus said "Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me" (v6)
• And in v28-30, another word for me to hold on to, when I am weary of everything on earth "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest..."

3) As Christians, we will be challenged. We must learn to be steadfast in Christ, by turning to HIM alone, for our strength and victory. It is possible!

• Man tend to seek... to criticise when it is not to their glory. But only God deserves all the glory!
• No wonder Jesus chided them (v16-24), yet they did not repent. How sad.

Birds of the same feather flock together

Matthew 10:23-42

Inspired thots:

Everyone is a follower... Question is: WHO does each follow?

1. Like begets like.
a) the student is (to be) like his teacher. The servant his master. Even the demons, the devil. (v24,25)
b) How important to choose the RIGHT leader!
The leader sets the example. The leader casts the influence. The leader shows the path.
c) My choice of my leader determines my destiny!

2. There can only be ONE leader in my life.
a) To BE like my leader (teacher, master), my focus must not be divided. Therefore, my choice of leader can only be one!
b) Once a leader is chosen to be in one's life,
~> the leader must be ACKNOWLEDGED. (v32) Disciples must declare their Teacher/Master (leader). The outside world will want to compare and match the disciples to their leaders.
~> the leader must be RECEIVED totally by the disciple (v40). It is not possible to be a 'silent' or 'secret' disciple.
~> the leader demands LOYALTY (v38). A disciple cannot be a disciple inwardly only but outwardly through works and speech.
~> the leader is to be held in the HIGHEST ESTEEM, above anyone or anything in the disciple's life. It is a high calling to be a disciple, especially when the leader is great!

God's disciples = God's workers

Matthew 10:1-23

Inspired thots:
What a privilege! How awesome! Jesus gave His disciples authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

1. v8 Freely you have received, freely give. Yes, Salvation is not a LONER property; it is not even for the cliques. It is free for all.
2. The kingdom of heaven is near (v7). God gives His disciples His authority to make His people whole. God is perfect, and He wants His people to be whole and perfect too.
3. And as His people do His work, He provides for them (for the worker is worth his keep v10).
4. God's people also have peace (v13) to give others. Wow! That is awesome... cool... I like that.
5. Caution! As we are sent out, we are to be 'gentle as sheep', 'shrewd as snakes', 'innocent as doves' ~ what similes!

a) gentle as sheep ~ our approach to the lost souls to win them over to Christ; gentle with their struggle or indifference (be patient); no judgment here until the Holy Spirit convicts them of their sin to confession of faith in Christ.

b) shrewd as snakes ~ hmm.. there will be 'snares' and 'sneers' as we go about the Lord's work. So we need to be shrewd (wise and alert?) to the traps and deceits laid out. We must be watchful to 'glide' off the danger zones. Holy Spirit, we need you here.

c) innocent as doves ~ trusting? accepting? believe in the better of another? hmmm... I suppose that if I can believe in Christ as my Saviour, others would too. After all, I am no different from 'them'.

We are the Lord's harvesters

Matthew 9:27-38

Inspired thots:

There were (and are..) SO many needs to be met... sicknesses and diseases.
Jesus, in human form, could only be at one place at any one time. He was compassionate to touch and heal those whom He encounters, never turning away anyone who has faith/belief in Him.

1) Praise God today, we have the Holy Spirit. He is IN us and WITH us. He is our Comforter, Counselor, Teacher, Revealer, and Guide. (John 14)

2) Jesus came to reach out to the Israelites but He was rejected by them. How sad! Worse, the people only wanted to see His miracles, to be healed of their sickness and disease before carrying on their own way.
a) Man is still the same today. Yet, Jesus is coming back SOON. When? Only God knows.
b) It is time to prepare ourselves as the privileged generation to welcome our Lord's imminent return.
c) People tend to want only 'the healing' and not the 'good news' v35. Truly, man is shallow. He sees only the physical, barely the spiritual; He wants only the 'now', not grasping the 'then'; He holds on to the temporal, missing the eternal.

3) Yes, God's word is always true. v37 "the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."
a) There is such a great need in the world today; the need of salvation. Have mercy Lord.

Yes, Jesus could only be at one place at one time when He was on earth. But He has us...
No wonder He ends the chapter with 'Ask the Lord of the harvest therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field' v38

God's people have been redeemed for this purpose. Yes, Lord. Thank you that I understand this passage in this way today! Thank you for sharing Your thots with me, O Lord!

Great is the measure of God's love

Matthew 9:18-26

Inspired thots:

v18.. 'a ruler came and knelt before Him (Jesus)'...

1. Even those in authority on earth will come before Jesus and BOW... truly EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW... Amen!
2. The ruler's daughter has (just) died. She's dead!

a) Yet, the ruler still come to Jesus. He BELIEVED Jesus can give his daughter life again.

b) His statement to Jesus amazes me..."But come .. and put your hand on her... and she will live"

c) Such HUMILITY! Such BELIEF! Such FAITH! So great is a father's love... amazing love.

3. I see my Heavenly Father's amazing love too...

a) He sent His only Son Jesus to raise ME up from the 'death' of SIN. ~ John 3:16.

b) And Jesus GOT UP immediately to go raise the ruler's daughter from death!

c) And Jesus made time to meet the needs of others around Him

~ the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years!

4. v22 Jesus said,"...Your FAITH has healed you..."

a) Only BELIEVE... I can be healed... physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally.

b) God loves. Jesus cares. He heals. AMEN!

c) What is MAN's response?

• if GOD (Jesus) can respond immediately to meet our needs... why not MAN respond immediately for the LORD, when He only has the BEST for us?