"The KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is like TREASURE that a man discovered hidden in the field. In his excitement, he hid it again and SOLD EVERYTHING HE OWNED to get money to buy the field." Matthew 13:44 (NLT)
"Again, the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is like a merchant on the look out for CHOICE PEARLS. When he discovered the PEARL OF GREAT VALUE, HE SOLD EVERYTHING HE OWNED and bought it." Matthew 13:45 (NLT)
The difference between these TWO SHORT PARABLES that JESUS told about the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is that one man was "actively searching" for his TREASURE, the other man "stumbled across" the PEARLS. They were both of GREAT VALUE, and both men "SOLD EVERYTHING" they owned to make their purchase.
They also found "TRUE JOY" in their purchase, because the Kingdom of God is all about de a growing relationship with our Father God and His Son Jesus. I still find this joy every day day, as I continue to develop this relationship with Him, and I remember when I was a child - the greatest TREASURE I found was in the WORD OF GOD and I still love sharing it with others.
"The TREASURE and the PEARL are very VALUABLE in the KINGDOM OF GOD." David & Pat Alexander
"Lord, thank you that we can have a RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU, that is of GREAT VALUE. Help us to keep close to you." Nicky Gumbel
6. THE FISHING NET
"Once again, the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is like a NET that is let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on to the shore. Then they sat down and collected the GOOD FISH in baskets, but threw the BAD AWAY. This is how it will be at the END OF THE AGE." Matthew 13: 47-49 (NIV)
These parables about God's Kingdom have been quiet "heavy" at times, especially this one about the "end of the age". The obvious point is that ther is a difference between GOOD AND EVIL, and we can follow one way or the other. We cann follow Jesus and His will, obedient to His Kingdom, and and one day we will spend time with Jesus and His Father in Heaven. Or, we can follow our our own way, or the "devils" (evil), and I hate to tell you this, but it will not end well.
"The angels will come and seperate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 13:49&50 (NIV
"We have alternatives: We can follow the way of MATERIALISM - following our OWN WAY, NO GOD or CREATOR. Or there is the MYSTICISM - MATTER IS ANTI SPIRITUAL - where we can accept that there are gods, but follow different religions. Non - Christians totally ignore God or keep Him at a distance. We appoint ourselves as "little kings" of our own lives, running our own way. We turn away from God , and declare that we are in charge of our lives. We REJECT HIM as our RULER AND CREATOR. We find ourselves trapped, making selfish decisions, lying and cheating, pulled in wrong directions." Tony Payne
But we don't need to do this, for Paul reminds us:
"Therefore, there is NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives us LIFE HAS SET YOU FREE from the law of SIN AND DEATH." Romans 8:1&2 (NIV)
"Every student of the Scripture who becomes a disciple of the Kingdom is like someone who brings out new and old treasure into the storeroom." Matthew 13:52 (CEV)
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but SET AN EXAMPLE for the believers in SPEECH (what you say), in CONDUCT (the way you live), in LOVE, in FAITH and in PURITY. Until I come, devote yourself to the PUBLIC READING OF SCRIPTURE (to the Church), to PREACHING and to TEACHING (encouraging the believers)." 1 Timothy 4:12&13 (NIV/NLT)
I love becoming a "student of the Scripture", both reading the Bible myself and sharing what I learn with others.
"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica
"The Holy Bible - New Living Version", 2015, Tyndale House Foundation
ALEXANDER, David & Pat, "The Lion Handbook to the Bible - 4th Edition", (2009) LionHudson Publishers
PAYNE, Tony, "Learn the Gospel - Deepen Your Understanding and Trust About Jesus", (2004), Matthias Media
"Jesus Is My Treasure - A Joful Parable of Pearl - Matthew 13:45&46" (2025) The Bible Song for Kids.
"Song 14: Parable of the Net" , Col Johnston (2025), Our Gospel in Song Collection
"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
The servants asked him: "Do you want us to pull them up?"
"No", he answered, "because while you are pulling up the weeds, you may uproot the wheat as well. Let them grow together until the harvest. First, collect the weeds, and tie them into bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it to the barn". Matthew 13:24,28,29&30 (NIV)
My husband Mark has been out in his garden planting and caring for his seeds again. His "enemies" (birds or weeds), have been preventing the growth of some real wonderful tasty vegetable plants. This has been making him very "cranky". I think he would do well, if he spent some each day in God's Word - not only would His relationship with Jesus grow, but "he would shine like the Kingdom of His Father"
"Paul reinds us in the book of Colossians that a tree needs to have good strong roots in the WORD OF GOD to keep GROWING and FLOURISISHING in this GOSPEL message. This message about Christ Jesus our Lord was planted within them, and Paul was reminding them that it not only gets us started, but he keeps us going. We need to KEEP LEARNING AND UNDERSTANDING THE GOSPEL, so we can keep MATURING." Tony Payne
In this Parable, Jesus reminds us that we doin't need to let other things, like "weeds" strangle our good plants, for they will defintely die. The only things that wee keep STRONG as Christians and allow us to GROW is to put down those roots into Jesus' GOSPEL.
"So then, just as you received CHRIST JESUS AS LORD, continue to live your lives in Him, ROOTED AND BUILT UP, STRENGTHENED IN THE FAITH as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6&7 (NIV)
4. THE MUSTARD SEED & YEAST
"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a MUSTARD SEED which a man took and planted in His field. Though it is the smallest of the seeds, yet when it grows it is the largest of the garden plants, and becomes a TREE. The birds come and perch in the branches." Matthew 13:31&32 (NIV)
"Now can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use for this illustration? IT IS LIKE A MUSTARD SEED planted in the ground." Mark 4:30 & 31 (NLT)
Jesus keeps telling people about the "MUSTARD SEED", because it reminds us of how our FAITH CONTINUES TO GROW, just like a TREE grows TALL AND STRONG. Birds come and sit in the branches, and these branches symbolizes the Church, and how we as Christians become united as "part of God's family"T
"All over the world today we see the importance of CHURCH PLANTING. The influence of Christianity is spreading, as we share the WORD OF GOD in the world. We can be witnesses in our HOMES, FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES and the WORKPLACE." Nicky Gumbel
"The Kingdom of Heaven is like YEAST, that a woman took and mixed into a 60 pounds if flour until it worked all through the dough." Matthew 13:33 (NIV)
The MUSTARD SEED and the YEAST both came from SMALL BEGINNINGS, unnoticed and quiet, yet they went on to GROW into great things, just like our FAITH, the CHURCH and GOD'S KINGDOM.
"On the mountain heights of Israel, I will produce BRANCHES that will BEAR FRUIT, and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it and they will find shelter in the shade of its branches." Ezekial 17:33 (NIV)
"The tree grew and the top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth. It's leaves were beautiful and it's FRUIT WAS ABUNDANT....The birds lived in the branches, from them every creature was fed." Daniel 5:11&12 (NIV)
'THE HOLY BIBLE' - "NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION." (2011), Biblica
"THE HOLY BIBLE" - "NEW LIVING TRANSLATION" (2015), Tyndale House Publication
"The Parable of the Wheats and Weeds/Kids Bible Stories with Songs and Lessons," ("Grow Like Wheat") (2025), Original Kids Worship/You Tube
"Seed of Faith" (2024), Charty Gayle (Songwriter/Performer); Crytal Lynn Yates, Ryan Kennedy, Durrell Comedy, La Strother (Songwriters), All Essential Music/Gaither Music
GUMBEL, Nicky, "The Bible in One Year", (2009), Alpha International/You Version
PAYNE, Tony, "Learn the Gospel" - "The Entrance of Growth" - (2022), St Matthias Press/Media
This brings back memories! My old mate: "The Donut Man" - one of America's most popular children's Christian artists. He helped me a lot, as I told Jesus' parables to my R.E (Religious Education), Holiday Kids Clubs and Church Programs.
2. THE SOWER
"A farmer went out to SOW SEED. As He was scattering the seed, some fell along the PATH: it was trampled along on, and THE BIRDS ATE IT UP. Some fell on the ROCKY GROUND and when it came up, the plants WITHERED because there was no moisture. Other seed fell among THORNS, which grew up with it and CHOKED THE PLANTS. Still other feed fell on GOOD SOIL. It came up and YIELDED A CROP, a hundred times more than was sown." Luke 8:5-8 (NIV)
Last week I went out to see Mark watering the garden and he told me that the seeds he had planted had been eaten by the birds - these were my YELLOW BEANS and APPLE CUCUMBERS which I loved. Some other plants had withered in the sun and had been choked by other plants. The only plant that survived were his RADISHES (yuck).
This morning when I went out I discovered a beautiful ORANGE BLOSSOM and our colourful flowers were blooming. Mark told me the new BEANS he had planted were now growing because he had put some protection around it.
Jesus reminds us that we need to have "protection" around us - an intimite relationship with our Father, if we are to GROW, like our plants. We need to have "deep, strong,healthy roots in the WORD OF GOD." We will have worries and "thorns", but if we "fix our eyes onJesus", and have "good soil and do our watering", we will grow into wonderful plants.
1. Mark is a really good gardener. Our neighbour trusts him to go and get soil for his garden, because he watches him each day as he takes care of his plants. The earth is sometimes hard and thats why the birds came and took the seeds away, but he came up with and a way to look after it. Just as Jesus does with us, for HE IS OUR GARDENER.
2. The ROCKY GROUND doesn't always have good roots, and thats why the plants fall out. We too can fall away from God when we have trials and temptations, when the "sun getstoo hot or life gets too rough", but we can always BELIEVE that OUR GARDENER will always be there watching over us.
3. THORNS make us CHOKE with "LIFES WORRIES" and riches and pleasures. Sometimes the world and the "devil" will cause us to fall, and prevent us from growing and maturing spiritually. This is why we need to stay INTIMATE WITH OUR GARDENER, reading His Word and praying each day.
"But the people on the good soil stand for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the Word, retain it, and by persevering PRODUCE A CROP." Luke 8:15 (NIV)
4. GOOD SOIL: these are the people, who plant the seed and care for their garden. When the trials come, our seeds GROW because they are deeper in the GOOD SOIL - GOD'S WORD and INTIMACY with the GARDENER.
"Therefore, consider carefully HOW YOU LISTEN. Whoever has, will be given more; whoever does not have; even what they think they have will be taken from them......My mother and brothers are those who HEAR GOD'S WORD and PUT IT INTO PRACTICE." Luke 8:18&21 (NIV)
This is the beginning of my series on the PROVERBS - the continuation of JESUS' TEACHINGS. Jesus ministry was marked by a unique style - SHORT STORIES (PARABLES) with morals and religious lessons. It was very popular, and not always understood by everyone, particularly the "religious leaders". They were "simple illustrations", but he kept the "explanations" for His disciples. There was often a lot of misunderstanding, so Jesus made one point at a time.
1. THE WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDERS
"Therefore, everyone who hears these WORDS OF MINE and PUTS THEM INTO PRACTICE is like a wise man who BUILT HIS HOUSE UPON A ROCK. Then 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." Matthew 7:24&25 (NIV)
Where are you now on your building plan - "your journey with God" - are their:
* Troubles and storms you are facing - do you need to lean on Jesus?
* Renovations that need to be made on your house (your life) - do you need Jesus' help?
* Do you have new neighbours (friends/Church) - take it slow, MOVE ON, and don't live in the past. Remember, Jesus is always with you!
Jesus knew all about BUILDING. When He was growing up, he learnt from his father - a carpenter, "a craftsman by trade". He knew to have a FIRM FOUNDATION you had to build a house on a ROCK not sand.
"Everyone who HEARS THESE WORDS and DOES NOT PUT THEM INTO PRACTICE is like a foolish man who built His house on the sand." Matthew 7:26
"Jesus message is powerful and timesless. There is no substitute for GOD'S WORD, and it yields richness and truth in our lives." Charles Swindoll
"You may face disapointments, doubts, trials and temptations. There may be setbacks, suffering, sickness, sorrow and failures. However, we need not live in fear, if we BUILD OUR FOUNDATION ON GOD'S WORD - "THE ROCK - and we put them into practice." Nicky Gumbel
This is one of my the special hymns that my father loved to sing, "Standing on the Promises". Written by Russell Kelso Carter in 1886, He was licensed to preach and his failing health, led him to become a medical doctor as well as a writer of novels as well as hymns.
Jesus reminds me every day that He wants me to build my life on HIS PROMISES. They are "unbreakable" and "unshakeable". The winds will still BLOW and the rains will FALL, but in the end YOU WILL STAND. Why? Because YOU ARE 'STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD".
Jesus encouraged His followers as He does us to PRAY and NEVER LOSE HOPE, and never be fainthearted. When the storm hits, we can TRUST IN OUR LORD, and HIS WORD, because we know HIS PROMISES ARE TRUE. I know He has never let me down, and because I have "built my foundation on HIS ROCK", putting His promises into PRACTICE, I keep STANDING with my FRIEND AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.
"May the God of HOPE fill you will all JOY AND PEACE as you TRUST IN HIM, so that you may OVERFLOW WITH HOPE by the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT." Romans 15:13 (NIV)
"We have PUT OUR HOPE IN THE LIVING GOD, who is the SAVIOUR OF EVERYONE, particularly of all believers. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle." 1 Timothy 4:10 (CEV/NLT)
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION" (2011), Biblica
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION" (2015), Tyndale House Publishing
"CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION - 2nd Edition" (2006) American Bible Society
"The Wise Man Built His House Upon a Rock" (2018), Sunday School Songs, JapsPad/You Tube Kids
"Standing on the Promises" (1886/2017), Russell Kelso Carter (Composer)/Alan Jackson (Performer), Gaither Music/You Tube
SWINDOLL, Charles, "Searching the Scripture - Finding Nourishment Your Soul Needs", 2017, Tyndale House Publishers
GUMBEL, Nicky, "The Bible in One Year", 2009, Alpha International/YouVersion
As Jesus finished his Sermon on the Mount, He knew he needed to feed the people who had come to listen listen to Him. In the 4 Gospels we read these 4 stories of the feeding of the 4000 and the 5000.
"As the evening approached, the disciples came to Him and said: "This is a remote place and it is already getting late. Send the crowd away, so they can go to the village to buy themselves something to eat. Jesus told the disciples to go and buy the food. Philip turned to Jesus:
"Where shall we find food? 8 months of wages would not buy enough food. There are 5000 (4000) men, women and children." Matthew 15:15&16 (NCV)
In this story we hear of a little boy who shared his lunch with Jesus, who shared these with all the people - a special miracle!
This is my first "story book" , in which I gave this little boy a name: "Ben."
"One morning Ben had been down at the lake fishing. He ran home to show his mum what he had caught.
"Look Mum. I have two fish. Can I have them for lunch?"
"These are only two small fish, Ben, not enough for a small, young boy. Here are some small loaves of bread I just made. I'll cook the fish and you can have them too."
After his Mum cooked the fish, Ben packed them in his lunch box with his bread and headed out the door.
"Hey, Ben, where are you going?", his mother called after him.
"I'm going to see Jesus. He is just wonderful. You should come and hear Him too Mum."
Ben had no trouble finding Jesus; he just followed the crowds. They were seated on a hillside and Ben sat down to listen to Him speak. Time passed by, but he was too enthralled to leave."
Ben heard Jesus talking to hs disciples so he went up to Andrew:
"Excuse me, if Jesus is hungry, He can have my lunch."
Jesus smiled: "Thank you Ben". (Ruth Cheater)
Lets go back to the Gospels:
Of course, in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John's retell, the little boy who shared his lunch with Jesus doesn't have a name, but Jesus knew that he had love and compassion because he had been listening to Jesus' stories. Jesus knew that His people needed to be fed, and he knew that this little boy was offering to be used for Jesus' "miracle".
"Jesus said, "Tell the people to sit down." ......Then Jesus took the loaves of bread , THANKED GOD FOR THEM, and gave them to the people who were sitting there. He did the same with the fish, giving as much as the people wanted. When they all had enough to eat, Jesus said to His followers: "Gather the leftover pieces of fish and bread so that nothing is wasted." So they gathered up the pieces of fish and bread so nothing is wasted." So they gathered up the pieces of fish and filled 12 baskets with the pieces left from the five barley loaves." John 6:10-13 (NCV)
Jesus had LOVE AND COMPASSION for all his people, and "he raised His eyes to say THANK YOU" to His Father for the food the boy had given them. He "gathered up thefragmants", and young Ben was also amazed, not only at Jesus' miracles, but his KINDNESS AND MERCY.
"I have compassion on these people. They have already been with me 2 days. I did not want to send them away hungry. They may have collapsed on the way." John Cloves (1817) "The Miracles of Jesus - the Loaves and Fishes (4000)"
My name is Ben and I'm just a kid, But you won't believe what I just did. Well, it wasn't really me of course, It's Jesus, He's my Saviour!
I had some food that I wanted to share, People were hungry, there were 5000 there. There were only two fishes, Little ones too, And 5 barley loaves, That somehow grew.
But Jesus was able to feed the all, With just one lunch that was really small. I couldn't believe, when I saw, Each time He broke it, there was more.
Of course He gave some food to me, It was then that I could really see. The LOVE that shone out of his eyes, I knew that His teaching had not been lies.
He taught us HOW TO LOVE and to show WE CARE, And Jesus did this the day I was there. I'll never forget that MIRACLE, The day those 5000 people's stomachs were filled. Ruth Cheater
"HOLY BIBLE - NEW KING JAMES VERSION", 1982, Thomas Nelson
"HOLY BIBLE - NEW CENTURY VERSION," 2005, Thomas Nelson
"Jesus Feeds the 5000 - Miracle Songs for Kids/Bible Songs", 2024, Christian Songs for Kids/You Tube
"CHEATER, Ruth, "Ben Shares His Lunch With Jesus"', 1995), Kids Bible Stories
CLOVES, John, "The Miracles of Jesus - the Loaves and Fishes (4000)" 1817, A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture.
"Do not JUDGE (and CRITICISE AND CONDEMN) others unfairly with an attitude of self righteous superiority as though assuming the office of a JUDGE, so that YOU WILL NOT BE JUDGED (unfairly). For just as you (hypocritically) JUDGE OTHERS (when you are sinful and unrepentant), so will YOUBE JUDGED; and in accordance with your standard of measure (used to pass out judgement) judgement will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1&2 (AMP)
Be careful when you judge or criticize other people. Remember to "discern with GRACE". Christ has accepted You as His Child of God, and show you "MERCY AND GRACE", and so we too need to do the same with others. Jesus wants us to LOVE AND CARE for OTHERS, before we condemn them.
Jesus was talking to the Pharisees about HYPOCRISY, but He also has lessons for us. We need too LIVE LIKE JESUS, changing our own lives before we try to change others. We need not criticise, but need to show "MERCY, KINDNESS AND LOVE."
"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else for whatever point you JUDGE ANOTHER, you are CONDEMNING YOURSELVES. You who pass judgement are doing the same things." Romans 2:1 (NIV)
"Do not look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay little attention to the plank in your own eye. 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. YOU HYPOCRITE. First, TAKE THE PLANK OUT OF YOUR OWN EYYE," then you can see clearly to take it out of yours." Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV)
Jesus shows us how we can becme blind to our injustices, by pointing out the wrongs in others. We need GRACE and HUMILITY in our every day lives. Use MERCY and and be honest with the blindness of your sins.
"Do not take pleasure in JUDGING OTHERS. Do not seek out other people's failings or presume their actions spring from bad motives. If we know what people had been through - their sorrow and sufferings - we would not be so quick to judge." Nicky Gumbel
11. PRAYER - ASK, SEEK and KNOCK
"ASK and it will be GIVEN TO YOU; SEEK and you will FIND; KNOCK and the door will be OPENED TO YOU. For everyone who ASKS, RECEIVES; the one who SEEKS, FINDS; and the one who KNOCKS, THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED." Matthew 7:7&8 (NIV)
Never give up PRAYING! It's more than a REQUEST when we ask something of our Father. We need to SEEK HIS WILL and always KNOCK. Start your day with PRAYER! Be persistant, for I know for sure that Jesus has some WONDERFUL PROMISES for us in HIS WORD.
"We can pray with confidence knowiing that the God who LOVES us HEARS US. If we SEEK HIM WITH FAITH, we know that when we KNOCK, HE WILL ALWAYS OPEN THE DOOR. He knows all about us and is aware of every tear, frustration and storm we have in our life. He is always there to COMFORT AND CALM US. He is WAITING and LISTENING, to BLESS US." Charles F Stanley
12. GOOD GIFTS: THE HOLY SPIRIT /THE GOLDEN RULE
"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 THE HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask Him." Luke 11:13 (NIV)
Jesus wants us to "live a Jesus lifestyle". We have the Holy Spirit helping us with our prayer life, and to help us use our gifts, "humility, purity, integrity and honesty." The GOLDEN RULE that Jesus spoke of, reminds us that we need to love others and to be kind and caring, just as we want other people kind and caring for is. This is how we can live a "Jesus lifestyle".
As we follow His teaching, it can "impact our actions and our relationships", particularly the one we have with our Saviour and Friend, Jesus Christ.
"So in everything, do to others, as you woul have them do to you." Matthew 7:12 (NIV)
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13&14 (NIV)
On the narrow road there is no way for pride or negative actions and thoughts. We don't want to hate our enemies, we want to LOVE them, and we want to FORGIVE them.
Yesterday, I watched a Movie based on the Proverb 22:6: "Direct the children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." (NLT) "Break the Cycle" tells Jesus' redemption story. Prisoners have their relationship with their children "rebuilt", led by Cyril Prabhu, who believed in "forgiveness and the new beginnings"of children and their "incarcerated" fathers. He also started a "mission to transform anempty prison to a Trade School and College", so children could grow and learn, rather than follow the footsteps of their parents, into prison. Join the journey of hope and change, and see how beinging fathers back into the lives of their children has lowered the crime in America.
"Beware of false prophets (teachers) who come to you dressed as sheep (appearing gentle and innocent)and inwardly are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them (bu their contrived doctrine and self focus)"........Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord" will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only He who does the will of the Father who is in Heaven." Matthew 7:15,16 &21 (AMP)
Cyril Prabhu didn't listen to false teachers or but he listened to the Lord. Like Jesus' disciples, He too followed God's will and Jesus' teaching. They trusted in Jesus' foundation, which doesn't finish here, for now we move on to the Jesus Parables in the Gospels: Matthew - John.
"Lord, help us to face the challnges of living the Jesus' lifestyle this year, thank yoy that nothing is impossible with you. Fill us today with your Holy Spirit, help us to live the kind of life that deep down we long to live." Nicky Gumbel
"Amplified Bible Copyright", 2015, The Lockman Foundation
"The Holy Bible - New International Version", 2011, Biblica
"The Holy Bible - New King James Version", 1982, Thomas Nelson
"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Foundation
"I Pray Every Day" - "Kid's Worship Song" (2025), Little Lights for Jesus/You Tube
"Break the Cycle" (2023), Marty-Jean Louis/Jason Campbell (Directors); Cybil Prabu (Varun Aggarwal), Dean Cain (Pastor), Karen Abercomnie (Actors) RSteve Curtis-Chapman (Soundtrack), New Faith Network
GUMBEL, Nicky, "The Jesus Lifestyle - Sermon on the Mount" - 2025, Alpha Interntional/You Version
STANLEY, Charles F, "Prayer - The Ultimate Conversation: Making Prayer a Priority - Seasons of Prayer", 2012, Howard Books, Simon and Schuster
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and wherre thievves break in and destroy; but lay up for yourselves TREASURES IN HEAVEN.....for WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO." Matthew 6:19,20a, 21 (NKJV)
How much money will make you rich and happy? Jesus reminds us to invest our hearts and treasures in our relationships, right living and positive priorities - like FOLLOWING JESUS.
"Beware, guard yourself against GREED. Life is not measuured by how much we own." Luke 12:15 (NIV)
"But seek first the KINGDOM OF GOD and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
In these next verses in Matthew 6, we discover that these rewards in Heaven are worth waiting for. We don't want to seek money and financial success on earth (mammon), but Jesus tells us that we need to TRUST IN GOD and look forward to the FUTURE.
This week Mark and I have spent a few days in the School Holidays with our family -having some FUN TIME with them- yes, probably spending more money than we should have - but it was all worth it. What we enjoyed most was just seeing the smiles on the faces of our granddaughters - and yes, I believe, our daughter in law.
"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other, YOU CANNOT SERVE GOD AND MAMMON." Matthew 6:24 (NKJV)
9. DO NOT WORRY - TRUST IN THE LORD.
"Therefore, I tell you, not to worry about your life, what you eat and about your body; what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more "
Luke 12:22 (NIV)
"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"
Matthew 5:26 (NKJV)
"God daily LIFTS UP OUR BURDENS and CARRIES OUR CONCERNS. " Charles F Stanley
We don't have to worry about anything, for we know that God always takes care of us, and "is always with us". We need to share our worries with the Lord. They may not always go away, but we can TRUST JESUS to "carry us through the storm".
"And who by worrying can add a single hour to your life?....Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:27&34 (NIV)
"Worry solves nothing! It creates unrest and uneasiness. Our worst fears overwhelm us! If we don't share our anxieties with the Lord, in prayer, they will drain our energy and strip us of our peace." Charles Swindoll
Don't worry about your lives. REACH OUT and be LED BY THE SPIRIT. He cares for us and we can TRUST IN HIM always. He never fails us and HIS PRESENCE is renewed in us daily.
This time last year, I was just recovering from my third stroke, and not able to do a lot of walking, and defintely not playing "Mini Golf". The other day I was feeling really anxious and depressed - upset because I didn't think my young family would ever want to do anything with their "old mother" again.
But I was really encouraged by my young Exercise Physiologist to "give the Golf a go". I was sure my granddaughters and son would be laughing at my terrible skills.
Instead, like David, they were really encouraging and guess what, I came SECOND!!
"Do not be ANXIOUS about anything, but in every situation, by PRAYER AND PETITION, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God. And the PEACE OF GOD which transcenbds all understanding, will guard yiur hearts abd ninds in CHRIST JESUS" Philippians 4:6&7 (NIV)
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW KING JAMES BIBLE" - 1982, Thomas Nelson
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION" - 2008, Biblica
"JESUS, MY TREASURE", 2020, Kobiaz McKinnon, Michael Gabriel Monroe, Elisha Anne Yeley, Chelsea Loraine Mason, Carson Danforth Heffrer, James Branden Yelley (Song Writers/Performers), Dream Label Songs Publishers/Musixmatch
"I DON'T WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW (JESUS IS WITH ME), 2025, She Speaks Virtue, You Tube
SWINDOLL, Charles, "Jesus - The Greatest Life of All", 2008, Thomas Nelson
STANLEY, Charles F, "Prayer - The Ultimate Conversation: Making Prayer a Priority - Seasons of Prayer", 2012, Howard Books, Simon and Schuster
In the next verses Jesus taught about GIVING, PRAYING AND FASTING. Other versions in the Bible talk about "stewardship" and "worship". He us teaching us to try and live each day like Him.
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4. GIVING/STEWARDSHIP
"Watch out! Don't do your GOOD DEEDS PUBLICLY, to be admired by others, for you will lose your reward from your Father in Heaven.....When you GIVE TO SOMEONE IN NEED don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. GIVE YOUR GIFTS IN PRIVATE, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." Matthew 6:1&3 (NLT)
Generosity is investing in Heaven! But we do this privately - "not in front of people, to be seen by them". OUR GIVING NEEDS TO BE IN SECRET - we don't want to be like the "hypocrites" or the "religious leaders", who did these kind and generous things, so that everyone would "call attention to them". We will receive rewards in Heaven, when we do good deeds because we want to follow Jesus.
5. TEACHING ABOUT PRAYER
"When YOU PRAY, GO AWAY BY YOURSELF, shut the door behind you and PRAY TO YOUR FATHER in PRIVATE. Then your Father, who sees everything , will reward you." Matthew 6:6 (NLT)
"Prayer is a vital expression of TRUST IN GOD . It involves other disciplines: MEDITATION, WORSHIP, SOLITUDE and SURRENDER." from" Charles Swindoll
We need to take time to LISTEN to Him, not just be like the "hypocrites" who stand praying in "the synagogues", wanting everyone to hear what they are saying. They also stand on the "street corners" and "babble on".
"They think their prayers will be answers merely by repeating their words over and over again. Don't turn these into a theatrical production. All these people make a regular show of their prayers." Matthew 6:5 (NLT/MSG)
Jesus wants our prayers to be "simple and honest", in a quiet place, our focusing beging on God and on others, before ourselves. God never hides His will from us if we ask Him, and He is always ready to give us DIRECTION. But prayer is not "a get rich scheme" or a "Christmas wish list".
"PRAYER IS THE MOST POWERFUL SPIRIT DISCIPLINE. It is an authentic seeking of GOD'S WILL, a PERSONAL CONVERSATION, with our Almighty Father, expressing our honest concerns and LISTENING TO HIS RESPONSES." Charles Swindoll
It is also important to pray for our GOVERNMENT and the LEADERS AND PASTORS IN OUIR CHURCH. We may have personal struggles, and we need to share these with others as well as communicate with Jesus and His Father. Prayer should be a "natural, spiritualresponse", a time of worship every day.
"First of all, I urge the entreaties, PRAYERS AND PETITIONS, and THANKSGIVINGS be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that you may lead a tranquil and quiet life in godliness, and dignity." 1 Timothy 2:1&2 (NKJV)
"Dear brothers and sisters, honour those who are LEADERS in the LORD'S WORK. They work hard among you and GIVE YOU SPIRITUAL GUIUDANCE. Show them GREAT RESPECT AND WHOLEHEARTED LOVE because of their work. And LIVE PEACEFULLY with each other." 1 Thessalonians 5:12&13 (NLT)
"Find a PRIVATE, QUIET PLACE to be ALONE WITH GOD. It is where your battles are fought, and you develop an INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP with HIM. Humble yourselves before God because He knows all about you and HE LOVES YOU. Learn to talk to Him, for HE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND." Charles F Stanley
6)LORD'S PRAYER
"This then is how you should PRAY:
"OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME, YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN
GIVE US THIS DAY, OUR DAILY BREAD.
AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE ALSP FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS.
AND LEAD US NOT US NOT INTO TEMPTATION
BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL." Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
The disciples have asked Jesus to teach them how to PRAY. Christians use this PRAYER as a model for how they can talk to God and have a relationship with Him.
a) OUR FATHER - HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME
I loved and him, respected my father and mother. Prayer flowed naturally to my parents, "leaping out of morning to pray". I would watch them, as a child, trying to learn, but like Jesus' disciples, "I found myself falling asleep on
job". I struggled with PRAYER. It was a BATTLE. But I always knew that PRAYER was a "PRIVILEDGE" and a "BLESSING" that allowed me to develop a relationship with my Fatger God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
b) YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE.
As I watched my mother on her knees every morning in PRAYER, I oftened listened to her words. She always prayed for GOD'S WILL to be done in her life, and in that of her husband and children.
She served Jesus and His Father. He was her King, and she wanted Him to be the Saviour of all her family. I could always feel that God was watching over us, and I too would pray that "HIS KINGDOM COME".
We need to follow GOD'S WILL. but NOT ON OUR OWN. We need to be "persistant inprayer", talking to God each and every day, waiting patiently for His answers. My Mum and Dad did this every day of their lives!
"So we keep on praying for you, asking God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. Maybe he will give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.".2 Thessalonians 1:11 (NLT)
"There are times we doubt that God is willing. He answers our prayers, but not always the way we have hoped for. Like Paul, who prayed 3 times for "thorn in his flesh" to be taken away. Still he trusted in GOD'S CLEAR PROMISES. God achieves his BEST VICTORY when we trust in HIS WILL." Tony Payne
c) GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD.
Each and every day we need to pray, knowing that the Lord will provide all our needs. This is something I have always TRUSTED IN. As a child, as a volunteer, a wife, a mother, and then as my first job, as a teacher, I knew God would always supply all my needs. As Mark and I travelled with the Circus and then when I started having health problems, we were always in His prayers, and in His hands. We always had "DAILY BREAD"!
I never doubted that God was POWERFUL and ABLE!
"Ah Lord God, it is You who made the Heavens and the earth, and by your power and your outstretched arm! Nothing g is too hard for you! " Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)
d) FORGIVE US OUR SINS & FORGIVE OTHERS
Because of Jesus' MERCY AND GRACE, we have FORGIVENESS. Remember, that you too can have MERCY AND KINDNESS, and you can FORGIVE OTHERS. Tell God "if you areholding a grudge" and seek His help. Always recognize the difference between BEING FORGIVENEN and FORGIVING OTHERS.
"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14&15 (NIV)
"Let us therefore approach God's throne of GRACE with CONFIDENCE, so that we may receive MERCY and find GRACE to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
e) TEMPTATION
What is TEMPTATION? Thank you Lord that we are not alone in our temptations, Jesus is with us every step of the way, and He wants to help us get through them. In our prayers we thank God for His faithfulness, He will never allow our temptations to "crush us".
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
7. FASTING & WORSHIP
"When you FAST, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are FASTING. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you FAST, put oil on your head, and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are FASTING, but only to the Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV)
FASTING and WORSHIP are important values for Jesus and His disciples. When you FAST and WORSHIP you will receive "greater intimacy" with your Father God and His Son Jesus. We are encouraged to set aside time to be in their PRESENCE every day. Jesus enjoyed spending time with His disciples, and teaching other followers who sat and listened to Him on the hillside, but the teaching didn't finish there.
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"Find a HOLY PLACE to COMMUNE and WORSHIP GOD. Prayer creates an atmosphere for worship, and opens the door to let Jesus in. In HIS PRESENCE we find PEACE for our souls and GUIDANCE for our daily lives. Be faithful in prayer and have a HEART OF WORSHIP!" Charles F Stanley
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION", 2025, Tyndale House Foundation
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION", 2011, Biblica
"THE MESSAGE: THE BIBLE IN CONTEMPORARY LANGUAGE", 2018, Eugene H Peterson, Nav Press, Tyndale House Publishers
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW KING JAMES VERSION", 1982, Thomas Nelson
"I'M TRYING TO BE LIKE JESUS", 1980, Janice Kapp Perry (Writer)/Affleck Family, Rise of Children's Chior (Performers), Chrisian Cover Official/You Tube
" SERMON ON THE MOUNT - DON'T GIVE, PRAY and FAST PRIVATELY" , 2024, Bible Project/You Tube
"MILLENIUM PRAYER", 2000, Charlie Grant/Jez Azhunt/Pete Woodroffe (Writers), Cliff Richard (Performer), Sony/ATV Music/Universal Music
SWINDOLL, Charles, " The Greatest Life of All 0f All - Jesus", 2008, Thomas Nelsom
STANLEY, Charles F, "Prayer - the Ultimate Conversation - Making Prayer a Priority", 2012, Howard Books/Simon & Schuster
JENSON, Philip D, PAYNE, Tony J, "Prayer and the Voice of God - Diagnosing Your Prayer Life.", 2006, Matthias Media: Your Partner in Making Disciples.
