Feeding My Faith

Today's scripture is Matthew 13 and proverbs 13.  Here is what jumped out at me: Matthew 13 A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” I feel this is Jesus saying to work smart. Be willing to see when things are not working. Be willing to know when there are not meant to be. On the other hand, I realize I am a see. I need to nurture my soil. I need to tend to my garden that is my life on a daily basis. Proverbs 13 10 Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. 18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. 24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. How many times has pride caused problems in your life. How many times has pride hurt people you love? As for verse 24, its just another example of the world being completely different than the words of Jesus.

Today we look at Matthew 12 and Proverbs 12. Here are the verses that jumped out at me. Jesus didn't really pull any punches. Here is saying, "Choose." He is also saying to watch your mouth again. Check it out at www.feedingmyfaith.com/36

Today we look at Matthew 11 and the verses that jump out at me were about watching what you say. Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. Check it out at www.feedingmyfaith.com/35

Today's scripture is Matthew 8 and Proverbs 8 where we see over and over is that Jesus rewards Faithfulness. 10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Proverbs 10 Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. 34 Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. 35 For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. 36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”

Matthew 7 Proverbs 7 Judging Others 7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Ask, Seek, Knock 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. The Narrow and Wide Gates 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. True and False Prophets 15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. True and False Disciples 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ The Wise and Foolish Builders 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Proverbs 7 – Another Warning Against Adultery 21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. 22 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose 23     till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. 24 Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. 25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways

Today I felt that God was reminding us to be humble and not always look for rewards from people, but look and remember that God has our rewards waiting for us. Today's scripture is Matthew 6 and Proverb's 6. Matthew 6 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Proverbs 6 Folly:the state or quality of being foolish; lack of understanding or sense. a costly and foolish undertaking; unwise investment or expenditure. When you are in debt Go—to the point of exhaustion— and give your neighbor no rest! 4 Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. 5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.   16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17         haughty eyes,a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18         a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19         a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. For a prostitute can be had for a loaf of bread, but another man’s wife preys on your very life. Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? 28 Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? 29 So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished. But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.

Today we hear Jesus give us a pep talk, and we see that he raises the bar on what is “OK” and calls us to shoot for perfection. He knows its going to be hard and we will catch all kind of flack for it. This is why he gives us this pep talk. Check out the full bible text Matthew 5 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Proverbs 5 and Keeping it in Your Pants For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; 4 but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. 6 She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it. God knows temptation and I love the way he says “She does no know it.” I take that to mean she is “uneducated.” God's Way and the World's Way Polar Opposite When you read these scripture it just points out how different Go'd way of life is instead of the way of the world. If you watch reality television it's all about getting “what's yours,” and “Bashing people in the face.” It's all about getting laid, and seeing how man notches on your belt you can get. God is trying to tell us that our true rewards are for those who wait. That it won't be easy, but he promises that it worth it. My Faith Clothes – Free Stuff Not only does myfaithclothes.com have great looking clothes and jewlery, but they have free stuff. I downloaded a cool “iPray” desktop background for your computer. Check it out at www.myfaithclothes.com

Today we get reminded just how powerful Jesus is. I can only imagine the word of mouth that must've been going on at the time. We also get a stern warning in Proverbs four. I feel like God is saying, “Don't mess around here, there is real danger,” just like a parent would if their child was near something that was potentially fatal. This show is brought to you in part through myfaithclothes.com. Check out some of the coolest looking Christian clothes and jewlery. Full Scripture for Today Mathew 4 Jesus Calls His First Disciples 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Jesus Heals the Sick 23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis,[g] Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him Proverb's 4 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. 4 Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get[a] wisdom. Though it cost all you have,[b] get understanding. 8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.” I hear a sense of urgency in this scripture like a parent saying ,”Look at me when I'm talking to you son.” Please turn off the TV I need your undivided attention please. Mentioned in this Episode Support this show by visiting myfaithclothes.com

Today we talk about Noah getting drunk and passing out naked. We discuss the tower of bable, and talk about Jesus getting tempted and how nasty the Devil can be. We also see what Jesus did to get through his temptation. Check out feedingmyfaith.com/27 for full notes.

Today's scripture is Genesis 6-8 and Luke 3 Genesis 6-8 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 11 In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. 13 By the first day of the first month of Noah’s six hundred and first year, the water had dried up from the earth. 20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. 21 The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart:“Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though[a] every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. Luke 3 This covers John the Baptist and here is what John said as a crowd approached him: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” What a great greeting, and we see that John stands tall in his convictions. He has a sense of urgency cause Christ is coming and basically tells them to put up or shut up. When the worst people approached him (of their time – tax collectors and soldiers)  He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” Last year Thanksgiving took a hit as Black Friday now starts on Thursday as we give away more and more time with our families. Thanksgiving has become thanksgetting. John also says, Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same. This made me think of Bono from US who is estimated to be worth 520,000,000. Who if he took half his worth, he could probably put a dent in hunger in Africa. God Says “Good Job” to Jesus When Christ is baptized God takes a second to say “I'm proud of you.” God is the only person who could say “I'm pleased in my son.” No matter what your title (Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Son, Daughter, Cousin, Uncle, Aunt, Boss). We need to look for the positive in people. We are so quick to find the negative. Help us to show your love, your patience to everyone we meet. Support This Show You can support the show by ordering anything from Amazon.com by going through our link at www.feedingmyfaith.com/amazon Check out the cool shirts, jewelry, hats and more at www.myfaithclothes.com  

Today we look at Genesis 3,4,5;  and Luke 2  We see where Eve gets talked into eating the apple and then gets Adam to eat it as well. We also read of Cain killing his brother Able In Luke we see the birth of Jesus, and Jesus ditching his parents for the better part of a day. What do we learn? Genesis 3: 7 Immediately the two of them did “see what’s really going on”—saw themselves naked! They sewed fig leaves together as makeshift clothes for themselves. 8 When they heard the sound of God strolling in the garden in the evening breeze, the Man and his Wife hid in the trees of the garden, hid from God. How silliy is it to try and hide from God? Yet we do, we withdraw from God in those times when we need him the most. 12 The Man said, “The Woman you gave me as a companion, she gave me fruit from the tree, and, yes, I ate it.” Nice way to pass the buck TWICE Adam. Not only was it HER fault, it's YOUR fault God because YOU gave her to me.  – Nice 13 “The serpent seduced me,” she said, “and I ate.” Eve taking a page out of the “pass the buck” playbook from Adam. Genesis 4 4 Adam slept with Eve his wife. She conceived and had Cain. She said, “I’ve gotten a man, with God’s help!” This jumped out at me as someone who went through invitro fertilization (and it didn't work). A baby is a miracle that comes straight from God. 6-7 God spoke to Cain: “Why this tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won’t you be accepted? And if you don’t do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it’s out to get you, you’ve got to master it.” God gave some great advice to Cain who then ignored it and killed his brother. God is saying, “Learn some self control.” I don't know about you, but when it comes to cookies, cakes, doughnuts, burgers, fries, etc. I could use some self control. Luke 2 In verses 46-48 Mary says, “Young man, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been half out of our minds looking for you.” I'm pretty sure if Jesus had a middle name, she would've used it. His parents were not amused. In fact the scripture says, “But his parents were not impressed; they were upset and hurt.” Then we see where Jesus went back to Nazareth with them, and lived obediently with them. Because of this we see that Jesus “matured, growing up in both body and spirit, blessed by both God and people.”

Today I'm trying a new format. It's called SOAP-ING S for Scripture Open your Bible to the reading found under today's date of your Bible reading chart. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. Highlight, underline or place a mark in the margin of your Bible, next to the scriptures that stand out. When you are done, reread the verses you marked, look for one or two that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal. Helpful hint: If you are having difficulty understanding what you've read, you may find a study Bible useful. O for Observation What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal. A for Application Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today. P for Prayer This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out. If this seems a little overwhelming, take it slow and keep it simple. No matter how you do your devotions, the important thing is to show up for your daily appointment, because God is always waiting for you! Today's Scripture is Genesis 1-2 and Luke 1 You can read the full scripture here Observations You see how God made everything and it was good. He Spoke and it was good. Then he gets to Man, and he is good, but it's not good for him to be alone. He took care of him with a fantastic garden and animals, but in the end he needed a helper. The world helper seemed to jump out at me. I wonder if as spouses we see ourselves as helpers to each other. In Luke you hear how Zechariah's doubt of his aged wife having a child was greeted with a lesson in silence for a few months. You see how Mary was confused by the prediction of her being pregnant (as she was a virgin), but decided to give herself to God to be used. In Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”   That devotion is inspiring. Application Right now I'm getting ready for a trip. A trip that traditionally is always tough to make because of finances. We always have surprises expenses. One year I couldn't go due to everything breaking at once. These scriptures remind me that God has always taken care of me. I'm not talking about flat screen televisions, and cars. I'm talking food, shelter, family, and friends. I've been blessed. We worry about how we will get through, but these scriptures show me how God is in control, and has a plan. Prayer I pray to God to help me realize he has a plan, and a purpose. Help me to always remember that you have taken care of me, and that you are always there. Help me to be the Lord's Servant.

Jesus told us to acknowledge God and praise him. Acknowledge his will, and his plan. Ask for what we need. Confess our sins, and ask for forgiveness, and end with acknowledging God.Oddly enough many churches recite "The Lord's prayer" with as much enthusiasm as a cold piece of bologna. It has as much meaning as a plagiarized term paper. We are using someone else's words. God wants to hear what is on YOUR heart. SAY IT to him (I think Jesus us wants us to SPEAK the words). It's these little, simple things that add up. Today I share a time when I was really upset and prayer calmed me down immediate with a six word prayer. Check out feedingmyfaith.com/23

Today we talk about Jesus when he was upset with people. There are those that get hung on if Jesus was Angry and if it was righteous anger, etc. I want to look at WHO he was Angry and and WHY. See feedingmyfaith.com/22 for full notes and scriptures.

Today I share with you my praise for God who let me see someone come to God and I may have had a small part in it. I also talk about the FACT that people see you, and they are watching you and it DOES MATTER what you say and do. If you are a person of faith, if you stand up, if you fill yourself with the words of the bible, it will change your life. Your life (your light) can then change others in an ETERNAL way. What comes to mind when I say: The Rolling Stones (tounge) Nazi Germany (Swatztika) Golden Arches (McDonald's) We are symbols, representatives, of Jesus while he is away. What emotions do people feel when they see you? Matthew 5:16 ESV / 50 helpful votes In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.