Blogging through the Gospels: Matthew 5 and 6

Blogging through the Gospels with Amy from Mom's Toolbox.


Reading:  Matthew 5

How do you pick one? (A popular lament I have been reading from other bloggers going through the Gospels.)  After reading several times, there is one part that did keep jumping out at me.

Scripture:  Matthew 5: 14 -16

14 You are the light of the world.  A city located on a hill cannot be hidden.
15  People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16  In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.


Observation:

It is a call to be bold with our faith.  The analogy to a lamp being covered by a basket is a very striking one.  Let the difference that faith in our saving Lord has made in us be OBVIOUS.

Application:

As soon as I read these verses, I had a very strong feeling that these would be the ones I would focus on. It has been something on my mind for the last month or so about my faith, and how I show my faith at work.  As a teacher in a public school, I often feel like my hands are tied.  Or, rather, that my mouth is sown shut.

But, as opposed to feeling the usual conviction about the fear that I normally feel, I read these verses and felt comforted.  It's about letting the LIGHT that is in me because of my savior shine through.  It's not about the WORDS that I say.  I can shine bright without saying a word.  I can share the love of Christ without using my voice.

I spread the joy that is in my heart every day, when I dance around my classroom to the music that is in my head and heart.  I share the love of my Savior every day when I intentionally make sure that every student knows that they are valuable to me, and that their presence is important to me, and to their classmates.  The Spirit works in me and through me to know when students are hurting and need a friend; or if they are struggling and need a pep talk; or if they are feeling invisible and alone and need to be seen, or appreciated.

Today, reading those familiar words of my Savior, I am feeling an "attagirl."  When the time has come to speak, I have spoken.  He has never failed to provide the words.  Whenever I try in my own strength and timing to say something for Him, it has felt awkward and fallen flat.  I have learned to trust Him to truly lead me in this area.


Prayer:

Thank you, Father.  This issue is one that I have been WRESTLING with over the past month.  Your words today soothed my soul, and helped me to rest in your presence.  I am so in awe of you. I cannot even fathom the love that you continually show me. I am humbled, and full of gratitude.

Amen.

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Reading:  Matthew 6

Scripture: Matthew 6:26

Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Aren't you more valuable than they are?


Observation:

All of creation is valuable to God.  All of creation has a purpose for God.  As humans, we are even more precious to Him, each specifically created for certain works that He created in advance for use to do. (Eph 2:10)

Application:

I marvel at creation.  I marvel at our CreaTOR.  He is amazing, and there is so much beauty in the world.  Look at the butterfly!  Look at the exotic flowers and birds of the rainforests.  His creation is His materpiece!

And He tells us, over and over again, that WE are the "apple of his eye."  Before the foundation of the world, He knew every single human that ever was, is and will be.  He has designed an intricate tapestry filled with opportunities, meetings, events and chances.

When I believe that:
God is who He says He is

and

God can do what He says He can do-

there is no limit to the awesomeness of my God.  There is no end to His love!


Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the reminder that you are INVOLVED with our lives.  Creation alone is worthy of forever praise, but Lord, you are just getting started.

Help us to stay empty of ourselves, so that we can be used by you and for your glory.

Amen.