Matthew 5:13 - How Salty Are You?

Matthew 5:13

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?

It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

When Jesus declared, "You are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13), He wasn't asking us to go out into the world like Emeril Lagasse, shouting “Bam!” and adding flavor to everything—He was laying down a profound and meaningful guideline for how we’re meant to live as His followers.

So, what does it really mean to be the “salt of the earth,” and why does it matter so much?

First off, back in the time Matthew wrote his Gospel, salt was essential for preserving food. Before refrigeration, keeping food from spoiling, especially in hot climates, was crucial. Jesus used this image to emphasize our role in preserving the goodness and truth of God’s Kingdom in a world that can easily slip into moral decay. Paul echoes this idea in Romans 12:2, where he urges us “not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by renewing our minds.” By living out our faith, we help maintain the moral and spiritual integrity of society, preventing it from falling apart.

But Jesus didn’t stop at preservation. Salt also enhances flavor. It makes food taste better, just as we’re called to bring out the best in the world around us. In Colossians 4:6, Paul advises us to let our conversations be “always full of grace, seasoned with salt,” so that we know how to respond to everyone. Our words and actions should add a touch of grace, kindness, and love, making life richer and more meaningful for those around us. We’re here to add a bit of compassion to a world that can often feel bland and bitter.

Salt also represents purity. James 1:27 calls us to keep ourselves “unstained from the world.” This doesn’t mean we have to be perfect, but it does mean striving to live with integrity and holiness. By maintaining purity in our hearts and actions, as Jesus encouraged in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:8), we set a godly example for others to follow. Our purity shines as a beacon of light in a world that can sometimes be dark.

Lastly, in ancient times, salt symbolized covenant loyalty. In Numbers 18:19, salt is mentioned in the context of the “covenant of salt” between God and His people, representing a lasting and enduring agreement. As the salt of the earth, we’re called to be steadfast in our commitment to God and the mission He has given us. This isn’t just a temporary task but a lifelong calling to be faithful witnesses of His love and truth. Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,” knowing that our efforts are never in vain.

However, Jesus also warns us about the dangers of losing our “saltiness.” In the same verse, He says, "It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." This is a serious reminder that if we, as His followers, lose our distinctiveness—if we stop living according to His teachings and values—we risk becoming ineffective in our mission.

In the ancient world, salt that had become diluted or contaminated with impurities lost its value and its effectiveness. Similarly, if we fail to live out our faith and values, we can’t fulfill the role Jesus has called us to. In this sense, our witness and influence become "useless," like flavorless salt. The phrase "thrown out and trampled underfoot" carries a sense of judgment or consequence. Just as useless salt is discarded, so too might we be if we fail to live out our calling effectively, risking irrelevance or rejection by those around us.

In essence, Jesus is urging us to maintain our distinctiveness as His disciples—preserving our "saltiness" by living in accordance with His teachings. It’s a serious responsibility, but also a joyful one. We have the opportunity to make a real difference simply by living out the values Jesus taught. Let’s embrace our role with enthusiasm and purpose, sprinkling a bit of that divine salt wherever we go—preserving goodness, enhancing life, and reflecting the purity and loyalty of our covenant with God.

Matthew 4:4 - Food for the Soul

Matthew 4:4

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

I love to eat - admittedly, too much at times. You can keep your steak and potatoes, to me, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked casserole, bubbling with cheese and filled with layers of savory goodness. Whether it’s a hearty lasagna, hot “Chicken Mexicana”, or even a classic green bean casserole, food has a way of bringing joy, warmth, and satisfaction to our lives. But as much as I cherish these earthly delights, I know that food, and all things of this world, pale in comparison to the things of Heaven. It’s essential to keep this perspective in mind, especially when we consider the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 4:4.

After fasting for 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:4), Jesus responds to the devil’s temptation by saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This profound statement reminds us that while food nourishes our bodies, it is God's word that truly sustains us. The physical nourishment we receive from food is temporary and fleeting, but the spiritual nourishment we gain from God’s word is eternal and life-giving.

Jesus' response teaches us that the things of this world, even something as essential as food, must be put into perspective. The world offers many things that can satisfy us temporarily—food, wealth, success, and comfort—but these are fleeting. In contrast, the words of God offer lasting fulfillment and guide us toward eternal life.

This principle is echoed throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 8:3, Moses reminds the Israelites that God humbled them and allowed them to hunger so that they might learn, “man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” God’s provision goes beyond physical needs and extends to spiritual sustenance.

In John 6:35, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. While casseroles may satisfy our physical hunger, only Jesus, the Bread of Life, can satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst.

Matthew 4:4 also highlights the importance of relying on Scripture to guide our lives. Jesus, in His moment of physical weakness, turns to Scripture for strength and guidance. Jesus models for us the importance of immersing ourselves in God’s word, allowing it to be our anchor in times of temptation and trial. Psalm 119:105 reflects this truth by saying, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” It’s God’s word that illuminates our way and sustains us through life’s challenges.

The verse also reminds us to trust in God’s provision. In a world where we’re often tempted to rely on our own efforts to meet our needs, Jesus shows us that true reliance is on God alone. Philippians 4:19 assures us, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” When we trust in God’s provision, we acknowledge that He knows our needs better than we do and that He will provide for us in ways that are far beyond what this world can offer.

So while I may love casseroles and all the wonderful foods this world has to offer, I know that they are only temporary pleasures. The word of God, the Bread of Life, offers sustenance that will carry us through this life and into eternity. Let us remember to prioritize the spiritual over the physical, to rely on Scripture for guidance, and to trust in God’s unfailing provision. In doing so, we’ll find that the things of this world, as delightful as they may be, truly pale in comparison to the things of Heaven.

Galatians 2:20 - Have You Had a Close Call?

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Have you ever had a “close call”? Maybe you just missed being hit by a car that didn’t see you while changing lanes. Or perhaps you were hit—but came through the experience with only a few bumps and bruises—yet when you look at your car, you wonder how you weren’t killed!

If you’ve lived a normal life, you can probably look back and recall a lot of close calls—some closer than others.

A close call with death can dramatically change us—how we see life, what we consider important, and what we realize isn’t. These close calls make us more aware of our mortality and cause us to rethink our priorities. Where we once felt invincible and thought death was something that happened to others, we now see how fragile life is, and our view of what matters is turned upside down.

For Christians, recognizing our vulnerability can actually help us grow spiritually. In fact, if we don’t have a close call with evil, we might end up with just a set of beliefs—not truly understanding what Christ wants us to become.

Real conversion happens when we grasp the dangers we face and recognize our need for salvation. This deeper understanding helps us fully appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice.

Surviving a close call also reshapes our sense of strength and weakness. When we understand our vulnerability, we are humbled—but in that weakness, we often find true strength. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” He was reminding us that resilience and faith are where true power lies.

These close call experiences often lead us to change how we live. For instance, we might start taking better care of ourselves or pursue dreams we’ve been putting off. In Romans 12:2, Paul urges us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” A close call can inspire us to live more purposefully, in line with God’s will.

Paul’s own conversion in Acts 9 is a powerful example. His encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus was a dramatic close call that completely changed him. On his way to persecute Christians, he suddenly saw how wrong he had been, and his life was never the same. In Galatians 2:20, Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” His encounter didn’t just change his beliefs—it changed him at the core.

A close call reminds us that life is fragile and helps us focus on what truly matters. It gives us an opportunity to reset our priorities, deepen our compassion, and live with greater intention and gratitude. Through these moments, we learn to embrace life more fully, understand what God has done for us through His Son, and recognize that each day is a blessing.

Romans 8:28 - God's Fingerprints

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Certain truths can astound me even when I intellectually understand them. Things like gravity — the invisible force that anchors us to the Earth and directs planetary motion. Or flight — where enormous metal planes defy gravity with nothing but air. And magnetism, too, with its invisible forces pulling and pushing objects, all seem a bit like magic, but are real facts of life.

Among these everyday marvels, one that truly intrigues me is the fingerprint. Each person's fingerprints are unique, not even identical twins share the same patterns. The idea that no two individuals, past or future, will ever have the same fingerprints is astonishing. Though they are formed in our 10th week in the womb, our fingerprints serve as a personal identifier for the rest of our lives – and beyond. This remarkable detail in our design underscores the handiwork of our Creator.

Just as we have unique fingerprints, so does God. His fingerprints are recognizable in our lives. We can see them when we reflect on such past experiences where things fell into place or help arrived just in time. Instances like these encourage us to trust Him with our present and future. God's fingerprints are deeply personal and affirm His involvement in every detail of our lives. Understanding this helps us trust in His continued guidance.

Consider Abraham's story (Genesis 22). He was directed by God to sacrifice his long-awaited son – his beloved son, Isaac. Abraham trusted God even in this extreme situation. But, God intervened, affirming Abraham's faith.

Then there's Joseph (Genesis 37, 39-41, 50:20). Betrayed, sold into slavery, imprisoned, and ultimately rising to power in Egypt, Joseph saw God's fingerprints shaping events for a greater purpose.

These stories show that recognizing God's fingerprints in our past builds faith to trust Him with our present and future.

Reflecting on the past, we see God's fingerprints in significant events. Jesus' crucifixion, viewed as a defeat, was actually God's greatest work, bringing forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:21 reminds us of the crucifixion, where God’s fingerprints are seen in forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation. Just as those witnessing Jesus’ death didn’t see God’s plan, we might not recognize His work in our lives until we look back.

Personal experiences also reveal God's handiwork. Despite challenges, my life, career, and marriage reflect God's guiding hand, providing comfort and encouragement.

Reflecting on my life, I see God's fingerprints in countless situations. Growing up without a father, graduating college against the odds, and meeting my wife are clear signs of His work. Even recent job transitions showcase God’s guidance. Romans 8:28 assures us that God works for the good of those who love Him.

Can those around you see God's fingerprints on your life? Husbands, wives, young people, and Christians—let God’s influence be evident in your relationships and actions. Though as we dislike fingerprints on windows and mirrors, we should welcome God’s fingerprints on our hearts. Ezekiel 36:26 promises a new heart, molded by God.

Who is shaping your heart? If it's hard and unfeeling, Satan’s fingerprints are all over it. But a kind and compassionate heart reflects God’s touch. Baptism, where we give our hearts over to God, as described in Romans 6:3-4, is the start of our new life in Christ. Let God mold your heart, leaving His distinctive fingerprints, guiding and transforming you.

Colossians 3:9-10 - Who Are You?

Colossians 3:9-10

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

When you interact with other people, who are you? How would you describe yourself?

Are you the Person of Mystery? The person who never lets anyone see the "real you," instead creating a facade that only shows others what you want them to see – not your true self inside?

Are you the Chameleon? Are you like the color-changing lizard that matches its surroundings, adapting to people, shifting your personality based on who you are with at the moment?

Are you the "What You See Is What You Get" person? Do you say, "I am who I am and I won’t change," and equate honesty with being coarse and abrasive, refusing to adjust your behavior to avoid “hypocrisy”?

Ask yourself this question:  What does the way you interact with others have to do with being a Christian? Colossians 3:9-10 calls us to be authentic and true, reflecting the transformation and renewal that comes from Christ.

Some think being a Christian means belonging to a Church. They equate their faith with their church attendance, not by any personal identity or transformation. Others think being a Christian is the same thing as being a good person. They see Christianity as being all about moral behavior. So, they avoid major sins, are generally good neighbors, and they believe in God—but without any deeper personal change. Also, for many today, Christianity is only about beliefs and actions, not identity. To them, it is about doing the right things at the right times, and not about their own personal transformation.

Jesus faced a similar issue with the Jewish people of the first century. His ministry was primarily to the Jews, who believed their ancestry (themselves, being descendants of Abraham) assured their status as God’s People. John the Baptist warned them against relying on their lineage, urging genuine repentance and transformation (Luke 3:8). Jesus echoed this in John 8:31-33, challenging their misplaced confidence in their ancestry.

If we were asked if we are sure we are Christians, and we answered, "Because we are members of the Church of Christ," would that answer be any better than the Jews of the first century? The true mark of belonging to God is a changed life. Two prominent New Testament figures illustrate this.

The apostle Peter vowed never to deny Jesus, yet he did three times -- but. after Jesus’ resurrection, he reaffirmed his love for Jesus, and Peter proved to be a powerful leader, as we see in the book of Acts (John 21:15-17).

The apostle Paul started out as a violent enemy of Christians, but his encounter with the resurrected Jesus changed him completely. He went from arresting and imprisoning Christians to nurturing and cherishing them like a nursing mother (1 Thessalonians 2:7-12).

God loves you and wants to bless you beyond your comprehension, but His ability to bless you depends on your willingness to repent, change, grow, and mature. The transformation begins with baptism, which unites us with Christ and brings us into a relationship with God. As Romans 6:3-4 says, "Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

This leads back to the fundamental question: "Who am I?" If you are not happy with your answer, let God change you!

Hebrews 11:1 - Faith and Doubt

 Hebrews 11:1

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Faith and doubt—two forces we often struggle with—seem like polar opposites, but have you ever thought of them as companions? The tension between faith and doubt is a natural part of our Christian walk.

Faith, by its nature, requires a leap into the unknown. 

Faith asks us to believe in something we can't tangibly prove or understand, which often leaves us teetering on the edge of doubt.

Doubt can feel like a gust of wind threatening to knock us off balance. But what if we saw doubt not as an enemy but as an ally in our spiritual growth? Think about the disciple, Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas.” He doubted Jesus' resurrection until he saw and touched the wounds himself. Jesus didn’t scold him; He offered His hands and side and said, “Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27). This didn’t weaken Thomas’ faith; it strengthened it.

John 20:28:  Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

Doubt pushes us to dig deeper, ask tough questions, and seek profound answers. 

James 1:5-6: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt." 

We aren’t called to suppress doubt but to seek wisdom through it. God often uses our questions to draw us closer. Wrestling with doubt makes our faith more authentic and deeply rooted, like gold refined in fire.

A faith that never faces doubt remains fragile. A tree that never faces strong winds might look impressive but lacks deep roots. Faith that has weathered storms of doubt stands strong and resilient. By facing doubt head-on, our faith learns to rely on God’s promises. 

Romans 5:3-4: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." 

Faith and doubt are part of the messy journey of life, reflecting our yearning for truth and a deeper connection with God. Having doubts and seeking answers is part of growing in faith. Embrace the tension between faith and doubt. Let your questions lead you closer to God and your uncertainties drive you deeper into His word. 

Psalm 23:4: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

It’s not about having all the answers but trusting in the One who does. Faith and doubt together can lead us to a more genuine, resilient, and profound faith.

1 John 4:8 - Why Does God Love Us?

1 John 4:8

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

When you think about mankind, and think about how we are basically selfish, uncooperative, and disrespectful, you have to ask yourself the question, “Why does God love man?” This age-old question can be answered in several ways, but ultimately, it boils down to the nature of God Himself.

God’s love for mankind is a reflection of His own nature. The Apostle John told us in 1 John 4:8 that God is love. Everything He does is motivated by love. Think about that. It isn't because we have earned His love, or that we deserve His love. He loves us because He is love.

God has shown us His love from the very beginning. He created us in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27). By our very design, we have some inherent value and worth because of who designed us! God has invested His own personal interest in each of us and desires a relationship with each of us.

What is mind-bending is that even with our flaws and imperfections, God’s love for us is unconditional. We see that in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty – not for anything He did – but for our sins (John 3:16.) Do you really need any more evidence than that? God’s love for us isn’t based on our performance – but on His character.

Romans 5:8:  "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Now, it is important to understand that God’s love is not just a warm and fuzzy feeling. God’s love is an active and transformative love. When we accept God’s love and allow it to work in our lives, it changes who we are – changes us from the inside out. We become more like Christ and are able to love others the same way God loves us.

Remember, though, God’s love for us and our love for Him is not just about feeling good; He expects us to respond to His love with reverence and obedience. God desires that we love Him deeply and respect Him, following His commands as an expression of our love and gratitude. Jesus Himself said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). This shows that our love for God must be evident in our actions and our willingness to live according to His will.

We need to return God's love to Him, not because we have to or because He will stop loving us if we don't, but because it is the right thing to do to show our appreciation – much like a child shows love and respect for their parents. This is a natural response to the profound and selfless love that God has shown us.

1 John 5:3:  "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.".

Let us be thankful for God’s love and allow it to transform our lives so that we can love others the same way. Let us also remember to love and fear Him, showing our commitment through obedience to all of His commands, as a true expression of our appreciation and gratitude.