Unless You Change

He called a little child and had him stand among them.  And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 
 ~ Matthew 18:2-3 NIV

Unless you change.....

Jesus made this statement to His disciples.  These twelve men were His followers, yet Jesus told them that they needed to change; they needed to become more childlike. 

  
Childish or childlike

There's a huge difference.  Fighting over petty issues, such as who is the greatest, is childish behavior.  Jesus was telling them that they needed to be childlike - men with humble and sincere hearts.  Instead of seeking positions of advantage, the disciples should seek a place of service.  

What are you seeking today?

Are you seeking more of God or just more of His blessings?  God wants us to follow after Him.  He wants us to seek His face and know more of His heart.  

Father, please forgive those times when I've exhibited childish thoughts or behaviors.  I want to serve you with a humble and contrite heart.  Help me to trust you; to follow where you lead with childlike faith.

Many blessings,

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More Than Enough

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” 
Matthew 14:14-15 NIV

 Send the crowds away...

How many times do we respond the same way?  We recognize the need, yet send people away when we have the ability to help them.  Like the disciples, we say, "I only have....", and make excuses.  But look what Jesus did with the little the disciples had to offer.  He took their five loaves and two fish and fed over 5,000 people. 

What do you have to offer today? 


Many blessings,

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In Need of a Doctor

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.”
Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.  For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” ~ Matthew 9:12-13 NLT

Mercy, not sacrifice

The Pharisees were more concerned about their own appearance of holiness than with helping people; with criticism more than encouragement.  Jesus rebuked them, saying that kind hearts and helpful deeds are more pleasing to God than outward ceremony.  Sacrifice is right, but mercy is first in importance.

Jesus associated with sinners and "scum" because they knew they needed Him.  Those who are sure they are righteous can't be saved because the first step in following Jesus is acknowledging our need.

Here's a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I'm proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy.  1 Timothy 1:15 MSG

Many blessings,

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