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[seasonedfor]

#76 The Power of Time

Matthew 7: 12 TPT (part 2)

12 “In everything you do, be careful to treat others in the same way you’d want them to treat you, for that is the essence of all the teachings of the Law and the Prophets.”

So yesterday we covered the need to turn up. Be present. Being here. But that’s not enough to build a relationship. A website can show how many visitors it had, but the tell is how long they stayed. The longer they are there, the more interested they are. 

Time. 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got to a point in my life that the excuse of being busy isn’t good enough. We are all busy doing this or that. 

Sometimes being busy means, I’ve no time for you. 

Some friends of mine shared a story about potatoes and rice. There’s a box that can hold them all in flush to the brim. Potatoes represent the important stuff. Rice the miscellaneous everyday things. To fill the box right, you need to put the potatoes (important stuff) in first. Then the rice (miscellaneous) goes in second, filling all the little gaps. 

People and relationships aren’t miscellaneous. They need you to invest your time with them. Talk, laughter, discuss. Being intentional to spend time with others is essential. People and relationships need to rank higher than miscellaneous. 

Whatever your excuses and your schedule, pause, review your diary. See how you can be intentional to give more time for others. You’ll see rewards blossom. 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#75 The Golden Rule

Matthew 7: 12 TPT (part 1)

12 “In everything you do, be careful to treat others in the same way you’d want them to treat you, for that is the essence of all the teachings of the Law and the Prophets.”

This is sooo well known! And there’s some very helpful stepping stones we can use to draw this out. 

In the usual busyness of life, they become a noise that distracts us. So whilst in quieter times, absent things become more amplified. Often it’s the quality of relationships. My mum used to say, to have a friend, you need to be a friend. So what does that mean? Let’s start here. 

Quality relationships are invested with being present. Actually being amongst people. How can we treat people without being there? To break the cycle of living in our own point of view, we need to be amongst people to see their worlds. 

Turn up at meeting early. Stay behind. Go to the socials. 

Be present. Quit allowing your world to being the only voice. Be in the now. Hear and see other people. We live in a world that’s more than a Me. It’s a world of We. 

And as you look beyond your borders, don’t be surprised to see the ‘gold’ others have to share. 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#74 Leading

Matthew 7: 9-11 TPT

9 “Do you know of any parent who would give his hungry child, who asked for food, a plate of rocks instead? 10 Or when asked for a piece of fish, what parent would offer his child a snake instead? 11 If you, imperfect as you are, know how to lovingly take care of your children and give them what’s best, how much more ready is your heavenly Father to give wonderful gifts to those who ask him?”

Now on face value, this is a tricky verse. I’ve prayed for somethings and they haven’t happened. So how is this verse true? 

Well it’s in the detail. There’s 2 fathers written about here. One earthly and one spiritual. 

The second, Father, God, actually refers to a specific gift. His Holy Spirit. 

I’m often reminded that the spiritual impacts our physical world. 

When I’m in a tricky spot and I have very practical needs, i simple go to God and ask, ‘show me the way. Meet my needs.’ I look back now and every time He has. 

Fretting is a sign of doing things in our own strength. We get stressy with people, situations and places. It’s in that moment that we need to stop. 

Sit down. Be honest. Talk it through with God. Give it to Him and rest. Stop fighting in your own strength. Breath in the Spirit of God. And then inspiration will happen. And if you’re not sure it’s you, check it out with a friend. Accountability is critical. 

Sometimes, the inspiration and receiving comes when we go beyond ourselves and seek to give to others (in words and deeds). I know that sounds odd, but it seems to let the Spirit of God flow more easily when it flows through you to others. Don’t be surprised in those moments that your needs are met, as you become instrumental in meeting others peoples needs. 

That’s pretty amazing when that happens. 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#73 Hope

Matthew 7: 7-8 TPT

7 “Ask, and the gift is yours. Seek, and you’ll discover. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 For every persistent one will get what he asks for. Every persistent seeker will discover what he longs for. And everyone who knocks persistently will one day find an open door.

Context context context. If the verse before this spoke of wisdom leading to liberty, this verse says don’t give up. 

Not sure about you, but doubt is something I’ve experienced from time to time with God. But it’s knowing the character of God that’s always kept me going. 

He is doing something beyond my understanding. He’s shaping me. Enabling me. Constantly giving opportunities to that next stepping stone of following Him. So how am I sure I’m on the right path? There’s a helpful verse that is etched in my mind. 

Philippians 4:6-7 TPT

6 Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, 7 then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.

- Pray

- Persist

- Wait

- Receive peace

So if you or others you know are searching, the doors will open. So pray,  pray and pray again. 

Heaven is wanting to be found.

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#72 Discretion

Matthew 7: 6 TPT

6 “Who would hang earrings on a dog’s ear or throw pearls in front of wild pigs? They’ll only trample them under their feet and then turn around and tear you to pieces!

What a funny verse I thought. But reading the Bible footnote, earrings are ancient Aramaic for symbols of wisdom. 

So this is tactical verse. Not everyone is going to receive Gods truths or wisdom. Takes humility, courage and character to admit our truth is not the full truth. We all only hold parts of the puzzle. 

For decades I’ve done youth work and the one gem has always stood me well. Young people are always more receptive to discussions and teaching when they feel safe and cared for. 

To let down our guards is a vulnerable thing. We can’t just smash down the walls. Like on social media, arguing and making sure they.get.our.point! 💥🤬😳😑🤕

Clanging bells. 

How we say things and how we treat people with kindness, mercy and compassion can determine how receptive people are. 

One thing I know, people appreciate it when we show we are vulnerable. Brings solidarity. Makes us less full of ourselves and less self righteous. 

Humility in our humanity is what makes us great. 

So whatever wisdoms you want to share, be sure you are kinder first. Be sure you reveal you vulnerability first. Let’s people see how you got to where you are now. 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#71 Book Covers

Matthew 7: 3-5 TPT (part 2)

3 Why would you focus on the flaw in someone else’s life and yet fail to notice the glaring flaws of your own? 4 How could you say to your friend, ‘Let me show you where you’re wrong,’ when you’re guilty of even more? 5 You’re being hypercritical and a hypocrite! First acknowledge your own ‘blind spots’ and deal with them, and then you’ll be capable of dealing with the ‘blind spot’ of your friend.

A while ago, I experienced what professional athletes describe as a depression after a big sporting event. After the highs, the lull and the low afterwards. 

After a joyous week of snow, the rains came and I awoke back to reality. What surprised me was how it effected my emotions. Niggling things, past hurts, let downs. I was triggered and like a dark cloud, I was depressed. It was horrific. And the impact on me and how I reacted to my surroundings was not good. I became the judge, jury and almost worse. I was a mess. 

Then I took myself away and reflected, met with a colleague and accomplished something with work. It was that moment of moving my eyesight on the bleak that the cloud passed. I came to my senses, rebuilt bridges and marked a note to be mindful of next time. Horrific can happen to any of us. 

If you’re suffering, I write this to you. We both bleed. We both can fall. Vulnerable, I ask you to remember you don’t need to suffer in silence. Clear out and resolve the past pains with our Lord. Repair the broken things.. from said and done. Choose kindness and grace and mercy. Let love in. 

We all need each other. Things will get better. 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#70 Book covers

Matthew 7: 1-2 TPT

1 “Refuse to be a critic full of bias toward others, and judgment (from your past) will not be passed on you. 2 For you’ll be judged by the same standard that you’ve used to judge others. The measurement you use on them will be used on you.

Don’t judge a book cover, some used to say. While others would say a broken old bible is a well used one. 

Is it? 

We all know people can fake it. Sometimes people are better at concealing the truth... but their fruit speaks otherwise. Reap what you sow. 

So what are we investing in? Our avoidance of fears? Our hopes? And then things don’t work out. We make mistakes, we run away or go into attack and blame others, things or whatever. 

And with let downs we hold that as a measure. We measure others against that same rod. They’re winning? Look right, act right? Say right things? 

And things fail for all sorts of reasons. Past pains, projected worries. Unhealthy boundaries. They can’t, we can’t, I can’t. 

And we fail to see the story behind the story. And write them off. Don’t trust them. They’re useless. 

Isn’t funny how gossip and criticism becomes infectious. And our world views get shaped. Graceless, merciless. 

Revenge starts with a thought. It says me, you, we, they can’t. 

And our Father looks at the write offs, the excluded, the losers and failures. He looks at them as a seed. The potential to grow to become more. Full of hope He doesn’t give up. He sticks with them, encourages them. ‘You are precious, you have potential. Go for it. Be what I created you to be. Be my Love to this world. Walk with me and I’ll show you what I’m doing. Bringing life, community, hope and peace.’

Live in that world view and judgement on others will shrink. 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#69 Live in the present

Matthew 6:31-34 TPT

31 “So then, forsake your worries! Why would you say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 For that is what the unbelievers chase after. Doesn’t your heavenly __Father already know the things your bodies require?

33 “So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom __and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. 34 Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time.Tomorrow will take care of itself.”

Ever day dream? Get distracted? Things that haunt you from your past? Things you desire but can’t have? 

This is vision. Having a clear idea of what kind of world you want to live in and your role in it. A hero, a victim, just getting by, a survivor. We’re all of these things at one time or another. And that’s life. But how we respond to them is key. 

Wherever you are, remind yourself of a His calling in your life. You are called to be in relationship with the King of Kings and with people. And with that, the call is to live in His leading and His riches.

We all desire to be happy and whole. We desire to belong and be valued. 

He leads us to liberate others with Words and deeds of love, kindness and encouragement. And where we can, we are called to meet others needs. 

And as we do, Gods master plan expands to others. A plan to bring life,  solidarity and community. 

- Inclusion

- Compassion 

Let’s live in the now, taking on our calling and not get consumed with worry. We are liberated and liberators lead by the Servant King. 

Walk with confidence. He’ll guide you. 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#68 You are Valuable?

Matthew 6:28-30 TPT (Part 2)

28 “And why would you worry about your clothing? Look at all the beautiful flowers of the field. They don’t work or toil, 29 and yet not even Solomon in all his splendor was robed in beauty more than one of these! 30 So if God has clothed the meadow with hay, which is here for such a short time and then dried up and burned, won’t he provide for you the clothes you need—even though you live with such little faith?

Ever heard the phrase, “keep the main thing the main thing”?

This passage above prods at that statement. Stuff (clothes, items etc), they’re important, but they’re a means to an end, not the destination. So these are comforting words, God will provide your needs, those things you need to keep you going. 

But let’s shift our focus away from stuff and onto the main thing. The purpose to why we are here. 

We’re here to make a difference in this world. Encouragement, compassion, kindness, that’s where we need to be preoccupied. 

And they’re free. All it takes is fixing our concentration away from stuff and moving our gaze to where there are needs of others around us. 

It’s in here that we participate in the work of God, bringing peace and liberty to our worlds around us. 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#66 What do you value?

Matthew 6:26-27 TPT

26 “Look at all the birds—do you think they worry about their existence? They don’t plant or reap or store up food, yet your heavenly Father provides them each with food. Aren’t you much more valuable to your Father than they? 27 So, which one of you by worrying could add anything to your life?

A friend of mine who is into personal development and organisational change once told me that for a person to thrive they need 3 things. 

1) They belong

2) They are valued

3) They bring worth 

Isn’t it interesting that this passage continues to say fretting about living is a waste of time. Instead, it states the Father has it. He will provide our needs without us having to worry. He meets our needs.

Casting all our cares and trusting in Him is so liberating. This is then supercharged that we Belong to His Kingdom, He Values and loves us so much and just by who we are, He sees our amazing Worth and positive impact we can have in the worlds we live in. 

So if doubt creeps in, shake off the lies that you are nothing. You’re amazing! You’re needed. You’re part of something bigger and you have a part to play. A life bringer, a hope installer, a peace maker. You are a holder of Devine treasures that breaks darkness, liberates the broken. 

Go see where He is leading you. Watch out for the opportunities. You’ll be surprised 😀

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#65 Kingdom alignment / Relationship with stuff

Matthew 6:25 TPT

25 “This is why I tell you to never be worried about your life, for all that you need will be provided, such as food, water, clothing—everything your body needs. Isn’t there more to your life than a meal? Isn’t your body more than clothing?

And here that the genius of the author of the Bible passage comes through. 

”This is why...” says everything. Everything we need will be provided for WHEN we choose God over money/self reliance. He provides the things that are important. 

Have you noticed that the listed things in that verse are consumables or perishables? The condition of our soul is far more important. 

Interestingly, worry reveals an aching. A fear. A concentration on a something. 

Worry, from fear can steal our peace. 

But worrying is concentrating, as is meditating. If we are worrying, we need to shift our gaze from the something and set it towards the King of Kings. And then pass it to him. Seeking His heart. If need be say the Disciples prayer. Then wait with confidence and recieve the peace that moves us towards hope. 

Is it ok to worry. It’s unavoidable sometimes. But it’s an opportunity to lean in to the King and see what He does. 

Be expectant as you do. 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#64 Kingdom alignment - Followers of who?

Matthew 6:24 TPT

24 “How could you worship two gods at the same time? You will have to hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t worship the true God while enslaved to the god of money!”

This verse sets out a boundary, a warning. The tell is on the last word, money. That’s the thing that can help us buy more, have more, do more. It’s an enabler to let us live on our own terms. It’s all about ourselves. Me myself and I. 

I wonder if we have used God like this. Feeling low, pray. Things not going well, lean on God. But then when things are just easy, God becomes less important. We have what we want. Can God be a mystic bank manager? 

The truth is, the experiences in our lives tells that God does that, he does meet our needs, gives a ticket to heaven, gives us Peace. But is that it? 

Is our relationship with God literally transactional? 

I would suggest it’s more. It’s a relationship. An invitation from God to take part in what He is doing. 

Remember those words, John 15:15

15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you _ _friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

Matthew 4:19

19 Jesus called out to them and said, “Come and follow me...

It’s pretty straight forward, God is more than giver of stuff, He’s calling us into a dynamic relationship to follow into what He’s doing.

Let’s be brave and make the choice. Who will we follow?  Ourselves or Him today? 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#63 The Kingdom is Plenty

Matthew 6:23 TPT (part 2)

23 But if your eyes are focused on money, the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place. How profound will be the darkness within you if the light of truth cannot enter!

One social epidemic that seems to not been tackled in this world is entitlement. An expectation of deserving. 

There’s a phrase that says ‘Keeping up the Jones’ in essence, it’s saying if they have, I should too. 

But there’s a distinction. There’s things that we need (basic necessities )and there’s things that we want (the extras). As a fan of the Bear Grylls, it’s very apparent that we don’t need that much to survive. Water, shelter, warmth. All stuff. But the thing that enables a person to survive properly is their attitude. They can get through this. They are able. 

There are some attitudes that need to be dumped. There are others that need to be strengthened. 

I propose in our language we need to speak more about: 

- Gratitude

- Hope 

- Compassion 

- Generosity

Shifting our gaze onto those things will starve the entitlement rhetoric that creeps in on the sly.   

Ultimately it will open up ourselves to be vessels of agility, liberty and fullness. 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#62 Kingdom Treasures

Matthew 6:23 TPT (part 1)

23 But if your eyes are focused on money, the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place. How profound will be the darkness within you if the light of truth cannot enter!

I love the poetic sequencing of this passage in Matthew. Jesus has layed down the best foundations then leads the hearers (us readers) to them realign our ways to His. 

And here’s another. Money isn’t bad, yep we all know that. It’s stuff we need. But it’s thoughts behind money can go toxic quick. 

‘Not have enough money?work harder, longer hours.’ Can lead us to neglecting others (marriages, families, friends). Our focus can sometimes be on stuff rather than the people around us. 

I’ve been guilty of this. Stemmed from a fear of being short to pay bills etc. But my balance meant id ignore the loved ones around me. But also, a lie had sneaked in that God wasn’t going to provide enough. Yet time and time again it was. 

I found fixing my focus on my provider (God) and my family helped me to balance my focus. Money was demoted as a god (my force to action). Love of my wife and family reprioritised my goals. Enjoy what you have whilst you have. 

I lost so many years due to an unhealthy fear and view of money. It wasn’t worth it. 

Whatever your financial status, ask God what’s your relationship to your income. Be brave as you you pack the response. He’ll show a way to move forward. 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#61

Matthew 6:22 TPT (part 2)

22 “The eyes of your spirit allow revelation-light to enter into your being. If your heart is unclouded, the light floods in!

Clouding is a form of blockage. Prevents us seeing things as they are. Like rose tinted lenses, we see the world through a perspective that’s shaped by our past wins and loses. The beliefs we have on ourselves, others and the world around us. 

A pair of twin singers from Scotland sang a song that I’ll quote: 

—

A cynical mind

Won't help you through the night

And it can't hold you up

When you're too tired to fight

Where you didn't have the strength

To look after yourself

You find all that you need

For somebody else

But love can move mountains

Love can move mountains

—-

They roar that song with such passion. It breaks the clouds. It rips up the excuses. It announces a clear truth. 

Love. 

Kindness, mercy, grace, patience, gentleness, generousity. Love brings life. 

Poetic as it sounds, love is supercharged by God, through God and with God. 

Yes there are challenging times and difficult people, but for liberty of your journey and the people around you, invite the Love of God to uncloud your today. Be inspired to live out in kindness. 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#60 Kingdom Eyesight

Matthew 6:22 TPT (part 1)

22 “The eyes of your spirit allow revelation-light to enter into your being. If your heart is unclouded, the light floods in!

This is more familiarly known as ‘your eye is like a lamp to your body’

We know that what we read, listen and watch influences us. But only to re-enforce our current world view... which is shaped from what we deem as true. Unfortunately, this boils down to what character we play in our stories. Are we a victim, a master, a saviour, a prophet or a servant? Are we a winner or loser and who are those around us? 

Isn’t it fascinating that the maps we use to guide our decisions sometimes lead us down dead ends. Maybe we need to change the map? 

I love the fact that Jesus laid out such profoundly amazing and in our eyes, crazy new ways. Love your enemies, go the extra mile, last shall be first, to live we need to ‘die to self’. And yet, time and time again, millions of people who have used this new map can confirm the positive transformational impact it has in their lives. 

So why don’t we do this often? Is it fear? Pride? Who knows. One thing is true, when things are uncomfortable, that’s ok. It’s an opportunity to evaluate our maps, lean into his lead and follow where King Jesus is working. 

It’s in those moments and on the journey that His influence fills us, guides us and transforms our worlds for the better. 

Be brave. Follow Him. It’s more than worth it. 

Amen

[seasonedfor]

#59 Treasures found through love

Matthew 6: 19-21

19 “Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value. 20 Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay, or lose their value. 21 For your heart will always pursue what you value as your treasure.

So today we tackle question 2, ‘what does success look like?’

Or in other words, ‘what are better treasures?’

Some would say that fast food is delicious, but we all know that it’s not very good for you. Then imagine a stunning looking cake, but it’s made with wrong ingredients (salt, mayonnaise). As a sweet treat, it looks the business, but it’s not satisfactory. 

It’s sometimes like that with our faith. We might have all the words, but have little substance. Paul summarised it down to this; we might dress, sound and know so much, but without love as the driver behind it, we really are wasting our time. (1 Cor. 13).

Love is inclusive, it’s forgiving, it’s vulnerable and honest. Love projects hope, gives fuel to our serving, it gives us rest. And we should allow love to give us patience, holding us back, steadying our words and actions. Love thinks of the other. Love sees the marginalised, the alien. 

Success is not a slick church service or articulate prayer. Success is welcoming, compassionate, kind, generous and long suffering. Love sets out to break down barriers and builds bridges of relationship and care. 

- Where there is exclusion, include. 

- Where there is judgement, give grace. 

- Where there is pain, bring what you can to help. 

It’s in these behaviours and actions that we share the wealth of the Kingdom of Jesus. 

That’s pretty fantastic! 

Amen