Matthew 13:47-49

I have posted the text in it's entirety below.  There are three verses, but they are powerful words acknowledgeing how the world is made up of many different types of individuals.  We look different, act and think different as well as talk different and process in our own unique ways.  

Variety is valuable, but this verse is also highlights how there are good among us as well as evil.  We will be sorted, not by our looks, feelings, or any of the things that make us individuals.  We will be sorted by our hearts; those who love God and follow His Son, our redeemer and those who don't.  Simple isn't it?

The Parable of the Net

 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on 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. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous



Read the Matthew 13:47-49 text here.

Judah Delivered -- 2 Kings 15:27-31 (MSG)

The text for today draws a parallel between Judah and Israel. Israel is in confusion, as her leader, King Pekah is evil. Judah is faring better as King Azariah was generally a good king who believed in God and was eager to please Him.

God helped Azariah in wars against the Philistines, and other enemies of Judah. His fame spread to Egypt and he was very powerful. As happens with humans though, power went to his head and he became greedy for more. Morals and clean convictions got lost in the shuffle; his world fell apart.

King Azahiah’s story seems backwards to me. Generally we struggle to be good, we often live a portion of our life without knowing God or following Him. The things of the world over-shadow us and we are drawn to follow the crowd. Then, something happens and we change, our life takes a new direction; there is new meaning and purpose for our existence. But this story has King Azahiah as a good king who believed in God. It was later that he was drawn into worldly ways; he desired to gain more control and power.

This story teaches me that I must always be on my guard; I must always be looking up to God for my needs and desires to be fulfilled. I cannot take my eyes off the prize, the goal of eternal life.

To read the text for today click here.