what are you looking for?

But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

- Luke 12:31

Here we are, almost the end of 2018.

Luke 12 is where Jesus gives us warnings, but also encouragement.

Jesus tells us not to be afraid of God or even of random people, but be afraid of evil, for evil is the one that can throw you into hell. 

Jesus tells us that Gods will not forget us, that even the hairs of our head are numbered and that we are worth more to Him that sparrows.

Jesus tells us in Luke 12 the parable of the rich fool and what not to do with our possessions, to store up our treasures in heaven and do not worry about food and clothing, for He will provide for us.

“Do not be afraid” He says, and “do not worry.”

But He does tell us to be ready.

Be ready for service.

As 2018 comes to a close, let’s not dwell on what we should have done differently this past yes, but instead, let’s focus on what we can do here, now, and in 2019.

Let’s shift our focus away from ourselves, and focus on what He wants us to do.

Be ready for whatever comes your way but above all do not worry and do not be afraid – God is with you. 

Always.

i have no title for this one . . .

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

- Psalm 103:1

Praise the Lord my soul!

Well that certainly brings up a song reference!

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I'll worship Your Holy name

The sun comes up
It's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass
And whatever lies before me
Let me be singing
When the evening comes

You're rich in love
And You're slow to anger
Your name is great
And Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness
I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons
For my heart to find

And on that day
When my strength is failing
The end draws near
And my time has come
Still my soul will
Sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years
And then forevermore
Forevermore

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I'll worship Your Holy name

How many times are we told to praise Him?

Praise Him through everything, the good, the bad, the ugly.

Yes, it is hard sometimes.

Oh, it can be a real struggle to praise Him when it feels like the world is crashing in around us.

But I can tell you from personal experience: when the world is crashing down, He is there, holding us and loving us and setting us back on our feet.

Just believe.

And praise Him.

light of the world

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

- John 8:12

We have not had a song reference this week, I think that we should. 😊

Light of the World
You stepped down into darkness
Open my eyes
Let me see
Beauty that made
This heart adore You
Hope of a life
Spent with You

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

King of all days
Oh, so highly exalted
Glorious in Heaven above
Humbly You came
To the earth You created
All for love's sake became poor

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross

Jesus is the light of the world, and He came here for US.

So many people struggle this time of year, feeling overwhelmed by the darkness within.  Please do not feel alone if this is you.

The struggle is very very real, but you do not have to go through it without support.

Walk with Jesus, in the light.

I can help, just let me know.

Jesus has many answers, even ones you didn’t know you were seeking.

stars may fall

May you be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might.

- Colossians 1:1

Every month at our Women’s Ministry meeting, we get these little business card sized cards that have a Bible verse on one side and a quote from random people on the other.  I really like these little cards, I have put them in my phone case, I have them taped to my monitor at home, I like to look at them and be reminded of important things. 

Today is Christmas day, it is kind of bittersweet for me, while I am blessed to share it with my husband and children, and friends that are family, I am also missing some people that are very important to me.

As I sat down to write today’s daily bread, it was with a heavy heart because I really did not feel all happy and cheerful, this Christmas day.  The first thing I saw when I powered on my computer was this quote from J.I. Packer on the back of one of the aforementioned cards: “The stars may fall, but God’s promises will stand and be fulfilled.”

Even though I am sad today, I know that I will smile and be happy again, because God’s word has promises in it just for me. Just for me. Ok, for you too.

Merry Christmas my friends. I hope that you find the blessings of the day in your hearts.   

unto us

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

—Luke 2

Christmas Eve is finally here.

Tonight, we gather with family and friends and friends that are family in a candle light service to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child.

Growing up, church was not a major part of my life.

I did not even attend (or understand) a candle light service until I was in my teens.

I am so thankful that now I really understand the “reason for the season”.

I hope you do as well.

Have a very merry Christmas, my friends.

If you are local in NWA and looking for a candlelight service to attend, I highly recommend Rogers Christian Church, 2501 W Oak, Rogers, AR  72758 at 6pm this evening. 

an angel to guide us

An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

—Matthew 1:20-21

Christmas is almost here!

I can only imagine what Mary was feeling leading up to the birth of this Child.

She was young, a newly wed, giving birth to a child that was not her husband’s child, alone, in less than pristine conditions.

I can only imagine what Joseph was feeling, having to care for a child that was not his, maybe having to endure some ridicule of his own for taking an already pregnant Mary for his wife.

Angels have been guiding humans in the way of the Lord since creation.

I may not have seen or spoken to my angel face to face, or maybe I have and just don’t realize it, but this much I know:

We have been given a wonderful gift, we don’t need an angel to tell us how wonderful and amazing He is.

This Christmas, in all the chaos. Please take a moment to listen for your angel, listen for the word of God.

He may be speaking directly to you.

Have a blessed day!

the voice

A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

– Isaiah 40:3-5 

Jesus is coming!!

I believe that we could have every Christmas song as a song reference today, from Go Tell It On The Mountain, Joy To The World, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, to Away in A Manger, Silent Night and What Child Is This, every song tells us that the Christ Child is coming.  

The prophets foretold His birth.

The angels announced that this Child was born.  

God sent us His Son to reveal His glory, to save us from sin and to show us His love.

Do you hear His voice?  

Have a blessed day!

Please note:

I will be on vacation December 24 – January 6^th.

During that time, I will not be sending a daily bread email, but you can follow my daily bread posts on Facebook or on my blog.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitty.matz

Blog: https://dailybreadgodswordmythoughts.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

worth the wait

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

—Isaiah 40:31

I am completely exhausted.

I didn’t even wait until the last minute this year, still I have so much going on.

I am barely sleeping, between work and getting things lined up to be ready for Christmas next week!

It will be worth it.

Over 2,000 years ago, the world waited for the birth of the King.

Today, we wait for His return.

It will be worth it.

Have a blessed day!

believe

Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

- Joshua 14:14-15

Several years ago around this time of year, I put a pretty snarky post on Facebook about non-believers celebrating Christmas.

It was hurtful, it was mean, and as a result of the hateful comments exchanged, I ended up losing several very good friends.

Fortunately, my friends and I have made amends, but we lost valuable time with each other over an argument of belief.

This time of year, Christ followers are under attack.

Christmas in its entirety is under attack. (Don’t believe me?  Check out all the uproar about the secular song “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”)

In the words of my very wise Pastor, we have to be careful how we fight, we need to handle it well.

There is no reason to fight about this – we must stop attacking people that don’t believe the way we believe, truth does not need to be defended.

There are many in this world that do not believe the same way that a Christ follower believes (even some Christ followers have a different view on some things, that is why we have so many different Christian religions.  

The opposition would like you to think that they are the enemy, but I tell you, non-believers, other religions, atheists, they are not the enemy - satan is the enemy.

Our responsibility against opposition?

Draw a line in the sand, do not let them cross it.

But taking it a step further, draw that line in your own sand, not someone else’s.

Let them have their beliefs, but don’t let their belief cross into your world.  

Tell them what you believe.

When was the last time you told someone what Jesus has done for you?

Have a blessed day!

joy

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

- Philippians 4:4-5

This is the season of joy!

I bet that you think I am going to put in a song reference . . .  you win!

But wait, there is more!

This time of year the first “joy” song that comes to mind is Joy to the World.

But I want you to go a little deeper this morning.

Joy, you see, is not just an emotion.

Joy is deep rooted.

Joy can be something as simple as a light fluffy snowfall with huge flakes, the light in a child’s face when they discover something new, the soft and gentle purr of a kitten in your lap.

Joy can be found in the most dire situation, just look at the apostle Paul, who encouraged his followers to rejoice, even while he was being beaten and tortured and in prison.

True joy, is not just an emotion, but a state of well-being.

1.    Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

2.    All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.

3.    Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living,
Ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

4.    Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward
In the triumph song of life.

For every bit of trouble or anger in your life, I challenge you to find something in that event that brings joy.

Have a blessed day!

pretty cool things

Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him so our land will be filled with His glory. Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven.

- Psalm 85:9-11

All week I have had song references.

This verse today gives me so many song references I can’t possible list them all!

What song do you think about upon reading these words?

The way I see it, God is so amazing that He is my all in all (song reference hint!)

Unfailing love, truth, righteousness and peace.

Isn’t it amazing that all those things can be ours, if we just let God in?

Have a blessed day!

who is with me?

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

- Psalm 46:11

I am not sure how many of my readers have military background or knowledge, but imagine if you will the highest boss you can.

Is it a 5 star General?

A president, a CEO, or maybe a king?

Think about this: the highest possible level of authority, the King of kings, He is our Father.

He is with us through everything we could possibly imagine.

Song reference!

You hear me when I call

You are my morning song

Though darkness fills the night

It cannot hide the light

Whom shall I fear

You crush the enemy

Underneath my feet

You are my sword and shield

Though troubles linger still

Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me

I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies

Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever

He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies

Is always by my side

My strength is in your name

For you alone can save

You will deliver me

Yours is the victory

Whom shall I fear

Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me

I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies

Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever

He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies

Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand

You hold the whole world in your hands

I'm holding on to your promises

You are faithful

You are faithful

Nothing formed against me shall stand

You hold the whole world in your hands

I'm holding on to your promises

You are faithful

You are faithful

You are faithful

I know who goes before me

I know who stands behind

The God of angel armies

Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever

He is a friend of mine

The God of angel armies

Is always by my side

The God of angel armies!!

I am so glad that I have someone with me always.

Have a blessed day!

pre-planned

Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son.

- Ephesians 1:4-6

I am a planner.

I love being organized and having everything lined up and scheduled and following a plan step by step.

God planned on us, did you know that?

Song reference!

Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me

You have been so, so good to me

Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me

You have been so, so kind to me

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God

Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine

I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah

When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me

You have been so, so good to me

When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me

You have been so, so kind to me

And oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God

Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine

And I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah

There's no shadow You won't light up

Mountain You won't climb up

Coming after me

There's no wall You won't kick down

Lie You won't tear down

Coming after me

God wants us to invite Him to share the life He gave us.

We were pre-planned, His perfect creation and we should glorify Him.

You know that old phrase “I don’t know where I’d be without . . .”

I know I wouldn’t be without Him.

Have a blessed day!

follow the leader

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

- James 5:7-8

Patience and courage, those are two themes we see a lot in the Bible.

I can’t honestly say that I am strong in either.

“The coming of the Lord is near” those are really strong words! 

We must be patient, we must be courageous.

A little snippet of a song here:

We were made to be courageous

We were made to lead the way

We could be the generation

That finally breaks the chains

We were made to be courageous

We were made to be courageous

Along with our patience and courage, we are to be leaders.

Lead our families, our friends, we are to be His warriors!

Come! Let the word of God lead you!

Have a blessed day!

lights

The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place — until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.

- 2 Peter 1:17-19

You ought to know what song reference I’m going to make here!

Well, sort of, I really like the Addison Road version:

There’s a little flame inside us all

Some shine bright, some shine small

The rains will come and the waters rise

But don’t you ever lose your light

In this life you will know

Love and pain, joy and sorrow

So when it hurts, when times get hard

Don’t forget whose child you are

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine, gonna let it shine

May you live each day with no regret

Make the most of every chance you get

Let your eyes get wide when you look at the stars

With the same sense of wonder as a child’s heart

With the ones you love treasure the time

And for those who are gone keep their memories alive

Hold on to your dreams don’t ever let go

There’s a fire inside you burning with hope

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine, gonna let it shine

There will be days when you want to give up

When the clouds settle in

But after the rain comes the sun

Don’t you ever forget

One day there will be no more pain

And we will finally see Jesus’ face

So until then I’m gonna to try

To brave the dark and let my little light shine

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine

I’m gonna let it shine, gonna let it shine

There’s a little light inside us all

This time of year we see lights everywhere.

I hope you take time to enjoy the many light displays.

But most of all, I hope you will let your own light shine.

There is a little light inside us all, and that light is Jesus.

Have a blessed day!

be nice

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

- Romans 12:10

During the Christmas season, we need to remember a lot.

Shopping lists, wish lists, helping the less fortunate by dropping money in red buckets or working at soup kitchens & food banks.

We need to remember what size Aunt Jill wears so we can buy her that pretty sweater we saw.

We need to remember cousin Beth’s favorite scent for the candles we are getting her.

So. Much. To. Remember.

And so many horrible attitudes when you go shopping or when you are driving.

I am the first to admit – I get road rage.

Heck, I get road rage pushing the cart in the store!

Stop.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Hmmm.

Go ahead, I’ll let you pull in front of me in traffic or take my spot in the checkout line.

God tells me I should be nice 😊

Have a blessed day!

shout it out

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

- Zechariah 9:9

This is news worth shouting, isn’t it?

We are told to rejoice and to shout, because our King is coming!

Our strong God will be here in the flesh to save us!

Song reference!!

Father to the fatherless Defender of the weak

Freedom for the prisoner we sing

This is God in His holy place

This is God clothed in love and strength

Sing out lift your voice and cry out

Awesome is our strong God mighty is our God

You're with us in the wilderness faithful to provide

Ev'ry breath and ev'ry step we see

Sing out lift your voice and cry out

Awesome is our strong God mighty is our God

Sing out raise your hands and shout out

Awesome is our strong God mighty is our God

There is no higher no

There is no greater no

There is none stronger than our God

Excuse me, I am going to go shout out loud now!

Have a blessed day!