"Anyone who isn't with me opposes me, anyone
who isn't working with me is actually working against me."
Matthew 12:30
who isn't working with me is actually working against me."
Matthew 12:30
My Take Aways
Something Old:
Right now I am allowing the worries of this life crowd out God's Word.
Matthew 11:28-30"Come to me all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for you souls. For my yoke, and the burden I give you is light."
Something New:
I need to keep my mouth shut and my spirit alert when it comes to others. Stop being an amateur providence, the role of God is better served by God Himself. Whew.... hang that hat up, it never looked good on me anyway!
Something to Do:
Put on His yoke. Receive His rest. And stop trying to control things.
P.S.
In prayer time this am I realized I may have implied my husband was not a spiritual leader. Please allow me to clarify. When I let go of my husband's spirituality, God was free and is free to do His work in Scott's life. I continue to pray for Scott, as I do myself, that we are the people God designed us to be. So far that seems to working out "just fine," especially we we corporate.
Thanks for letting me clear that up.
P.S.
In prayer time this am I realized I may have implied my husband was not a spiritual leader. Please allow me to clarify. When I let go of my husband's spirituality, God was free and is free to do His work in Scott's life. I continue to pray for Scott, as I do myself, that we are the people God designed us to be. So far that seems to working out "just fine," especially we we corporate.
Thanks for letting me clear that up.
18 Comments:
Wendy - Just had to make a quick comment that I am so thankful that you are so real with us. It sure is nice to study the Bible with someone who readily admits her sins and shortcomings. I, too, have a control "issue" (maybe it's the teacher in me?), and have a myriad of sins and shortcomings. Thank you for being real with us.
I'm still hanging in there w/ you all - keeping up w/ vlogs, readings, and comments. Know that this group is in my prayers. Just not commenting often these days... Have a great day!
Kate in VA
I didn't realize that women traveled with Jesus. That seems very strange to me, somehow.
Something else hit me today about Jesus' family. From the very first passage today in Mark - was it Jesus' family who said that he was not right? Did they not understand or were they afraid of what would be done to Him?
Later, when Mary and His brothers came to visit with Him, it must have hurt when He refused to go out to see them! I understand that He was showing us the enormity of His family, but to Mary ... I think it must've hurt to hear. I hope she understood. I'm glad I know that, at the very end of His earthly life, Jesus was still loving and remembering and making provision for His mother.
Rhonda, my walkin' buddy said to tell you 'thank you' for the prayers! It's going well now that the rain is over and we're happy to be walking again.
Happy Tuesday, everyone!
About control...
I stand convicted as well Wendy. I keep wanting others around me to see the same spiritual insights I see, feel the same fervor I feel, and try to "fix" them-- now! The Spirit speaks to me in a language I understand, and that may not be the same language that my child or husband or friend understands. I can sense a loved one's resistance when I don't guard my words, and get too pushy! The Spirit has His own plans and methods for opening each person's heart, and my humble role is only to witness my own stirrings, and not to try to "do" the stirring!
About words...
I was drawn to Matt 12:36-37. "And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either quit you or condemn you." This is very scary. I know there have been selfish words in my life, words of judgment, sarcasm, hurt, gossip, etc. I am so much more aware of my words as I progress in my journey, but the past is still there! When I am judged, I hope the loving words I use now will far outweigh the ones I still regret.
I just wanted to share about a special highlight this past week. We celebrated our son's 90 day sobriety in a special way with a cook-out with his AA friends, young and old, who have been there supporting him these months. It is so crazy that our reading was about the Pharisees asking Jesus why he eats with such scum! I just was so moved and convicted, because there was a time when I would have thought this about such a group. These men, with their wild enthusiasm, young adult language, and tattoos, would have been the last people in the world I would have expected to be dinner guests in my home! And what a blessed gift they are and continue to be!
After everyone ate and relaxed, they invited us to their Friday night meeting, where they presented Michael with his 90 day chip. They spoke about his progress and value in the group, and he spoke of the value of supportive friends, family and God. I was just so thankful that God has brought him to this point in his life! wow.
What a privilege it was to witness these people speaking of how they are struggling and changing their former lives. Their topic was "The Serenity Prayer" and each spoke about how this tool assists them in their daily journey. God is an important part of the equation, and they each brought out very personal connections to the prayer. It made me look more closely at the prayer too, coming back to the control issue-- "the serenity to accept the things I cannot change," If I can REALLY accept those things and turn them to God to handle, there can only be serenity. God IS in charge, of course! I am so glad He is, because only He knows best!
Have a great Tuesday everyone!
Blessings,
Jacque
Amy, the exact same things struck me today, so I won't repeat them here. Glad to know I wasn't alone!
Wendy, I would choose sore toes over warm fuzzies any day. Do I like it when I feel the *ouch* of His Word? No. But, I want the Lord to unsettle my heart and call me deeper. I need Him to desperately search my heart...see if there be any wicked way in me...and cleanse me.
It was that "lure" and "desire for other things" that has crowded and choked my life lately and although it hurts, I needed to hear those words today.
I have to say though, the thing that spoke the most to me was from your video. Yesterday I mentioned about a decision I made...one that has left me so broken, yet I know it was the right decision. Wendy, you confirmed my decision as you shared about trying to be an amateur providence in someone's life. That's exactly the role I would have been trying to hold if I had decided the other way yesterday. I would have been trying to provide and minister to a friend in a way that only God can, and although I desperately wanted to help, I would have been stepping into a situation where only God can really provide. Right now my prayers and continued love are the best gift I can give, and those I give freely. Thank you for helping my heart to receive this today because I have been in tears since yesterday morning.
Love ya girl,
Joy
Welcome, DIXIE ~ to AZ! Wouldn’t ya know we’re having some much needed rain, and there is even more in the forecast the next couple of days! A rarity for sure! It is the first below 110 temp’s we’ve had! And, this weekend it is suppose to be even below 90! Now, that calls for a winter jacket! Ha-ha! A trip to the Grand Canyon! What a treat awaits you! A glimpse of God’s paradise will overcome you with delight!
I’m praying that this week will leave you with memories to hold on to till your next visit with your precious daughter, Laurie. May the Lord bless you abundantly each day. May you feel His presence all around you. May you keep your eyes on him, creator of the Universe, and Ruler of our nation – Your daughter will be out of site for period of time, but the Father you have is also her Father, and the Jesus snuggled in your heart, is also, the same Jesus that is with her. God will go ahead of her, and he will be with her, and he will follow behind, too! He arranged this trip. May you experience the peace He wants you to have. Hugs dear sister, Lori.
Back to post…Jacque, I just finished reading your comments, and I could have written the first couple of paragraphs myself, sweet friend! I was so touched by the rest of your post, too. PTL for the glory visible in Michael’s life! Only God could have done this in 90 days! Joy, PTL for the decision made. May you continue to experience God’s peace in the days to come.
Hugs, Lori
Good morning GIGs,
The video just came in a few minutes ago, so I will have to save it and your comments for a much anticipated, after school and grocery shopping break later today [smile]. I did want to quick comment on today's reading, which was chock full for me. I could comment on several parts, but I will choose the parable of the seed. I, Michelle, have been the "foothpath, the rocky soil, the thorns and now, praise God, I am the good soil. I think everyone can take heart from this parable and know that we can change from one thing to another. There's always another chance to be "the good soil".
Have a blessed, 4:8 day, all.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
I loved the story today regarding the farmer scattering the seeds. Jesus had such a way about himself, relaying His heart through different parables. Today we learned that our purpose on earth is to plant seeds around us. Each day we need to anticipate times to share our faith to those around us. As we love and not judge, seeds are being planted. It’s so hard to plant, and then let the Holy Spirit water the seeds and do the rest of the toiling and work. Wendy, your post hit home. I’ve been ‘enlightened to my ways’ since I’ve been in God’s Word, daily. I too am a control freak.
At one point during each one of our lives, someone planted a seed within us. What happened at that point?
(1)Possibly, we heard it, but Satan interfered, and distracted us from pursing God. (Mark 4:15)
(2)Maybe we heard it and were so excited, we had joy with our new found knowledge…but it was not long lasting. Shortly after a problem came up - we lost our hope and joy.(17)
(3)Some of us heard God, but too quickly the message was “crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things” (19).
(4)Then, there are those seeds that fall on good soil and accept God’s word! (vs 20) Those few individual’s that are stepping away from the east side and jumping into the Promised Land! Girl’s this is the journey we’re on – accepting God’s Word, reading it daily, devouring it, and living it out!
Many, many years, (most of my life, really), I was banked on the east side, and did not even know it! My days were spent worrying about everything that never even happened! My ‘what-if’s’ crowded out Jesus. Even though I was attending church, religiously, I was full of my own life. In fact, I could not even see beyond myself. Reading through the Bible with Wendy, has opened my eyes to see what I’ve been missing out on all these years!
Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled, trust in God, and trust also in me” (John 14:1). “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you (I Peter 5:7). What I did not know all those years, and what I do know now, is that: each worry, each concern, and each problem we are faced with ---all happens for our own good! NOTHING happens by accident. God has a plan for each one of us. Knowing that, I have so much more peace. Just knowing that the God - who created the whole Universe, is in charge of my life, just makes me know everything, truly is ok. He’s our Father, and He knows what is best for us. Love & hugs coming from AZ, Lori
Good morning my spititual loves,
I have miss ya'll so much. Hopefully when I get back from my trip and I get back to this. I have started BSF, which has been a long time goal for me. In fact one of the reasons I retire last May was to be able to do BSF. Then I started another company, at this age.
Want to let you know that today is finally the day that 5 of us leave for Turkey. And there is a travel advisory in Europe, and in Germany. So guess where we land in Europe.....that is right in Frankfort Germany. But God is in control, and no one of the tip has even talked to me about it. We are on a mission for the Lord so "if I knew what God knows ... I would want it to be just the way it is." For those of you who don't know about this, we will be making a minute connection by being tourist, and then asking if we can give them a free gift. In the sack is a NT in their language, the Jesus film, and "How to have a house church". If they want it they immediately take it and are very glad. They are most receptive to the gift. It is the only way they get a Bible. They cannot walk into a store and buy one. There are a few stores along side a church, but their countrymen don't like for them to do that. The Bible has a stamp from their government saying it is legal. Their cash crop is tourism, so they like for us to be there. I will come back on the 15th, so it is 10 days. And 18 hour travel time. My request for prayer is that we are always looking for someone to give the "gift"to, even when we are eating, resting, bathroom breaks, shopping etc. So it is really easy to get consumed with my needs and wants that I can forget why I am there. We will also tour the church sites of the 7 churchs in the Revelation. I have been to a Shell station with a restaurant 3 times, and given the "gifts" there. I hope to go back this time to see how they are doing. Pray for that.
I will report when I get back - try to do that on Saturday, the 16th,
You are a great comfort and pray warriors for me. And I thank God for you, and will do so expecially the time I am gone.
Donna - TX
Read your "encouragement for today" at P31 and then popped over to your blog. God so graciously led me to these particular things today so He could continue to work out these very issues in my heart! We should not be amazed at how He loves us and leads us. Thank you for sharing and for even daring to "hurt our feelings"!
We've read it before yet it catches my attention again, Matthew 12:34b, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." It makes me more aware of where my heart is when I'm speaking.
Also as Amy wrote above, I had journaled that although I understood Jesus' point about all believers being his sister, brother, and mother...I just sat back and thought of Mary being hurt at that moment. At least I would have been.
I pray today that we're a seed whose faith is planted in God's Word, the good soil.
Happy Tuesday everyone!
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the precious work of Donna and her companions in faith as they share Your Good News in another continent! Cover them with your loving protection, as they travel without fear to do Your will in Turkey for the next ten days. Provide them with strength, good health and rest, so that they will be finely tuned to recognize the chosen children You will be placing in their path. Keep them uplifted with the Spirit, and help them to come back refreshed and joyful from their work in Your name. Bless and protect their generous families, who will be missing them, and grant them peace and freedom from fear as well. Amen
Jacque
Man Alive! Wendy thank you for sharing that... I am going through that right now and I feel that spoke to me in volumes...
Be blessed. Still praying for you and your son.
Press on!
Stacey
Just doing a pop in quickly to wish our traveling sisters God's provision and mercy:
Donna fr TX, I am so touched by what you are doing for God's Kingdom. Cheering you on as you go in the front lines. I pray for angels around you and your team during your long flight and when you get to your destination. I also pray that while you are in Turkey that you plant many, many seeds that fall on good soil. Wouldn't it be grand when we're in heaven and you are standing next to your Beloved that God shows you your reward for this work and multitudes come forward - just because you obeyed. Looking forward to your report when you get back. You will be in my prayers. (((((HUGS)))))
Dixie, I pray that you have a sweet time with your Laurie before she leaves. It is so hard to let go of our kids, no matter how grown up they are. In our eyes they will forever be our little babies. But like Lori said, God has His eye on them, too. (((((HUGS))))
Jacque, I am including you even though you're not traveling somewhere but you, my sister, have been on this journey with your son for 90 days. I can't believe it has been that long already. I feel like an old aunt here but I can honetly say "Look how much he's grown!" May he continue on this path and cling to God. May he never ever let go.
I'll be back after I do the readings and watch the vlog...
Wendy you spoke directly to me today. I heard a sermon just yesterday that said if we are not in God's Word and seeking His Will for us, we are drifting away from Him.
That is the natural trend of things. Kind of like exercising...once we let up on the discipline of doing it, it slides in the wrong direction. So it is with being in the Word....stay in the Word friends!
Morgen
Hi Everybody…
Wendy …have you and family in my prayers. Your sons homework situation. It really doesn’t seem that long ago….we were there. Don’t know all your situation….That was our second hardest trial to go through. I was put to my knees…Through this son is how I came to know Our Lord. We endured many tears together. Know there is hope he proceeded through the rest of his yrs. with A and B’s. I remember the one year just once he wanted to get all A’s he missed it in one class with a 89%. He is a senior this year. What worked for us was plenty of prayers, Me being in his word for the best guidance, and the positive encouragement behind him of what he was good at. Parenting ….yes is very hard. I’m here for yhea if yhea need anything. Those days for me a nice warm hug would have been great with somebody whispering in my ear … “It’s going to be okay!” Warm (((Hug))) Wendy….It’s going to be okay.
Amy….Thought of you a few mornings later….Was taking my walk in a misty rain. We too are back to some beautiful much needed sunshine today.
Donna TX….Jacque & G&P’s prayers right along beside them. Be blessed!! Will keep you in my prayers.
Jacque...How did your day at work go for you yesterday? Had you in my thoughts much...for his strength. Thanks for sharing your special highlight of last week with us...Michael 90 days...that is wonderful!!
Thank all!! Need to go and til the garden one last time….Will be thinking about the soil and the seed.
Commentary from workbook for lectors and gospel readers by James L. Weaver
Matthew 13:1-23
The parable of the sower is the occasion in Matthew, Mark, and Luke when Jesus explains his reasons for speaking in parables and offers his disciples a guided tour of the dark and hidden parts of this story (Matthew 13:3-23; Mark 4:3-25; Luke 8:5-18).
One of the features distinguishing Matthew’s version of this parable is the importance Jesus places on both hearing and understanding God’s word. In Mark’s Gospel, “those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold” (Mark 4:20). Luke records that Jesus interpreted the seed falling in good soil to be “the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance” (Luke 8:15). But in Matthew’s Gospel, “the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirty fold” (Matthew 13:23).
If indeed bearing fruit as a disciple of Jesus is partly a matter of understanding even Jesus’ most cryptic utterances, then we should note that Jesus probably does not mean an understanding that requires wisdom or even much intelligence. Remember Jesus’ prayer to his Father in Matthew 11:25: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.” Jesus refers here to the disciples he has just commissioned for ministry (see Matthew 10-11). These are not wise or even especially sharp men. The critical fact distinguishing them from others is that Jesus selected and called them, and they came.
The principle underlying Jesus’ reason for speaking in parables to the crowds while reserving explanations for his disciples may seem unfair: “anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away’ (Matthew 13:12). Yet understanding Jesus is not only a mater of human wit, something simply left up to the ability and willingness of each believer. It is also a matter of God’s grace.
In need of some soil enrichment,
Rhonda
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Wendy,
Thank You for sharing today. I am late in writing a comment. Its a great reminder of who is in control. Let go and Let God go! Lord hear my prayer.
Wendy you are a awesome bible teacher and I am so grateful to be in this study with you all.
God is so good to us!
Love, Debra
THANK YOU!
I needed to hear this.
My husband is moving out Saturday after 24yrs and I am broken.
He doesn't want to be married anymore and doesn't have the desire to stay.
THANKS for your message....
Powerful and true.
It is a true blessing
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