Good morning to all on this Friday morning. God is in His Heaven and loves all of His children. I am winding up my training in Baton Rouge and heading out to see Kai and his family this weekend. Can't wait to get some Kai cuddling and hugs. He gives the best hugs ever! Waine is still enjoying the sun and golf on our little island and beat the club pro yesterday without being given strokes. I think my man is ready for the Senior Pro Tour! As we make the final preparations for Aleron's graduation please keep us in your prayers and pray for the safe travels of family and friends who are coming in from far and near.
As I continue my travels in Matthew 17 verses 24-27, the scripture says "After Jesus and His disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" Yes, He does," he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?" "From others," Peter answered. "Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours." There are many lessons in these 4 verses. First, since Christ was not in ear shot of the conversation that Peter had with the tax collector, Jesus was letting him know that He knew His thoughts. Jesus is always concerned with our thinking and what's in our hearts. He looks in those two places first before judging our behavior. We also cannot hide what is in our hearts and minds and Christ tells us to renew our thinking daily and be weary with what we put in our minds so that our hearts will not be corrupted. Jesus was also teaching his disciples that we should follow the rules of the land to the extent that we are not put into sin or prevented from serving God. Some of the religious rulers of our day should take this lesson to heart. We have alot of Pharisees and Sadducees among us who have forgotten the Power of the Resurrected Christ; these religious rulers have started to believe their own fame and not the Power of the Holy Spirit and their judgement will be harsh. And last and certainly not least, He was teaching His disciples that God can take care of our specific needs and in real time. The tax collected needed 2 Darma for each of them and Christ provided it through a fish. I have learned a long time ago to pray specifically for my needs and desires and it is only my lack of faith that prevents my blessings! This is a good lesson for all of us in need today!
The Jesus we serve and His Words and teachings are so relevant for the world in which we find ourselves. I praise God for each of you and your efforts at Kingdom building. Be encouraged today because God is in His Heaven and all is right with your world. Amen.
Stephanie
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