The Engine That Could

Most of us remember the story of The Little Engine That Could. It was about a little small train that helped a stranded one get over the mountain. The little engine kept repeating, “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.” Then it transforms to, “I thought I could. I thought I could. I thought I could.”

     It is a positive step when we thank we can in an effort to try. It is a proud moment when we realize we actually did. However, there are so many things I cannot do in my own power, and I have to say, “I can’t, but God can.”

Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

 

“Rejoice always!”

Is a good trail to blaze

It may not give wealth,

 But it leads to good health.

Joy lifts the spirit and has merit.

Next comes prayer-

Pray continually. 

That means to never cease.

Always talking to God provides peace.

With peace life just gets better. 

Then there is the giving of thanks,

And with God that ranks. 

Consider God’s Word

And keep it stored.

It says, 

“Rejoice, give thanks, and pray, for this is God’s will.” 

Do it each and every day.

God’s word also says,

“Love, joy, and peace are the fruit of the Spirit.”

Test it!

Seek the fruit!

Let it take root.

When joy, peace, and prayer over-flow the cup,

You’ll be lifted up. 

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 6/27/2026 

. 

   “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

 

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22 NIV 

Initiating the Tastebuds

Several days ago, I decided to go on a diet. It lasted past breakfast! 

   I do not know who developed the word “diet” or where it came from, so I decided to do an acronym.

 

D on’t

I nitiate

E very

T astebud

 

     Thinking back to the beginning of time, Eve initiated her tastebuds when she ate the forbidden fruit and Adam followed suit. It led to sin. They disobeyed.

     Samson initiated his tastebuds when he ate the honey from a lion’s carcass. What was wrong here? I read that as a Nazirite, Samson was forbidden from touching dead bodies. He did it anyway to taste the honey. He disobeyed. Later, he made up his famous riddle, “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” This further led to betrayal and a battle.

     Finally, I must say that if I did not initiate my tastebuds, I would not have a battle going on within myself.

 

Wandering Sheep

There are days when the struggle is real. So much is going on and with so much to do, we feel we are juggling in three different directions at one time. We get frustrated, grumpy, and often very unloving. 

     Imagine! The Trinty- Father God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; They are Three-In-One watching over all the sheep in the fold. These sheep are rebellious, and they are all going in different directions in their stray. 

     Imagine! The Father who governs, the Son who is the Agent of our salvation and who intercedes, and the Spirit who lives in the believers’ hearts and who directs and convicts. 

     The wandering sheep must keep Them pretty busy! However, their love and patience for these straying sheep never change. They never pull away, but the sheep do. 

Clean the House

Today is housecleaning day. I always feel good when I dust everything off, put all in its place, and make the house shine. 

     It’s the same peaceful feeling I get when I dust off the Bible, read it, pray, and talk with God. I am setting a pace, with a smile, that makes my life shine through the day because I know God has been asked into my home and my heart. There is no one special day set to keep my heart clean and ask God to enter in; its done everyday!

Take the Upper Road

Take the Upper Road

 

It’s hard to be humble

When faced with other people’s bitterness and wrath,

But stay on the upward path

And do not stumble.

Consider their smallness and insecurity.

Face it with a smile

And go the extra mile.

Take up your shield with scriptural maturity;

Things could be much, much worse.

The one standing there within your view

Could, in their misery, be you,

If the shoe was seen in reverse.

Being them could not be fun-

In their anger and in their fury.

So, be not their judge and jury.

Be kind, and God will say well-done.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 6/19/2026

 

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3 NIV 

 

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 NIV  

 

“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 NIV  

 

The Love of God

If I were to take a tape measure, there is no way I could measure God’s love. His love is wide and deep, wider and deeper than any measurement on earth. He didn’t just start loving me when I accepted Jesus as my Savior. He loved me before I was even born. He loved be before- He loves me still – He loves be even after I have sinned. His love has, is, and always will be unconditional and will remain.

     “God is love.” 1 John 4:8b

And nothing can separate me from His love. 

     “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us (me) from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39

    I thank you God for Your almighty love. I thank you for loving me enough to send Your Son to die on the Cross for me. You did it all because of Your love. 

 

Encounter with Jesus

There are many examples in Scripture about what can happen when a person has an encounter with Jesus. A few are: 

 

1.Mary Magdalene was demon possessed but was made right with God. After Jesus cast out her demons, she followed Jesus in His travels.

2. Paul was a persecutor of Christians. After his Damascus Road conversion, He made his life all about building the church.

3. Zacchaeus was a tax collector known for cheating the people, but He changed his life when Jesus appeared and told him to “come down.”

4.The Samaritan woman at the well, changed her life when Jesus told her to “go and sin no more.” 

5. The man on the cross next to Jesus acknowledged Jesus and was saved there on the cross when Jesus told him, “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.”

 

All a person needs to do have an encounter with Christ is to believe. 

 

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

 

 

 

 

Today

There are many “todays” in scripture. 

     Yesterday was once a “today.” 

     Today is “today.” 

     Tomorrow will soon be a “today.” 

Hebrews 3:13 says, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

 

    What will I do with my "today?" Today, I will strive to love as Jesus did and let not my heart be hardened away from Him and the people I meet. 

Come and Follow Me

I do not know how many times Jesus said, “Come! Follow me,” but one writer I looked up said that Jesus said, “Follow me” 21 times. 

     I imagine that when Jesus says, "Come," He wants me to: 

 

C -all on Him daily 

O-pen my heart to His Word 

M-eet with Him first in every day  

E-nter into talk with Him in times of need and in times of plenty

         and

"Follow Me" would  be "Believe" and do as He did.

 

Sin

There is a reason the Son of God, Jesus, came to earth. It was because of the sin of man. Scripture tells us there is a sin that leads to death and there is a sin that does not lead to death. It is found in 1 John 5. We must believe in Jesus to overcome death for “all have sinned and all short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) 

 

Sin

 

It didn’t matter the plagues, the parted sea, or the pillar of fire-

Sin climber higher-

In the show was the hot, hot furnace and the lion’s den-

But it really didn’t change the hearts of men.

There was the belly of the whale;

It brought obedience but stubbornness was still there to tell.

The flood wiped all away when it came,

But sinful ways were reclaimed.

Defeat was in battle’s play

When men turned away and didn’t pray.

That was all in the Old Testament’s day,

And still here today and in play.

Sin just climbs higher

‘cause man’s hearts don’t listen to what came prior.

It just continues to transpire.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 6/10/2026

Protector and Defender

Daily there are hurdles and tense moments, but we have choices in our reactions.

Protector and Defender

 

When wronged-

The natural tendency is to fight back;

Restraint we lack.

When misunderstood, we defend what others offend.

When attacked, we react.

When criticized, words are returned, not minimized.

But what did Jesus do?

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate.”

He did not return in hate.

He let God determine His fate.

“He made no threats.”

Jesus had no cause for regrets.

“He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”

He trusted!

He wisely adjusted.

God was His rock, so He did not balk or worry about the talk

God was His defense-

In the present and hence.

Jesus was not moved by what others had to say-

Come what may.

God was His stronghold,

And Jesus walked bold.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  6/6/2026

 

 

“When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” 

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

 

“He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be moved.” Psalms 62:6 KJV 

 

Wait within the Delay

I’m not one to sat around when I have a project to do. I want it over -done and completed. That is a fault at times. Rushing the job may not always be the best. Sometimes there is a delay for a reason. A “wait” is sometimes for the best, but it sure makes me antsy.

     This reminds me of the season I often have for waiting for God’s answers. His delay is usually for a reason. What do I do during that time of waiting? 

 

W-ill the time or the “wait” to God

A-sk daily though He heard the first time

I-ssue prayers 

T-alk to God 

 

And in the Delay

 

D-o something constructive

E-nter into new ideas

L-et it go

A-sk in prayer

Y-earn for God’s direction

Always Trust...

 

He Does Not Slumber

I am going to do a little rambling this morning. 

 

In Genesis 2, scripture tells us that on the seventh day God had finished His work and "He rested." It did not say He slept. Think about it, God had made man, who, by choice became sinful. I am sure at that point God had to become too busy taking care of man to sleep. Psalms 121 backs up this point, “He will not let your foot slip- He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Then in Matthew 15, there is the parable of the lost sheep, whereby, the Shepherd leaves the hundred sheep to go out and find the one that is lost. Yes, I believe God is much too busy with man to sleep. That is how great God’s love is for His children. God neither slumbers nor sleeps. He is always available to hear our prayers and help us in our time of need. 

 

Not Perfect

I don't live in a perfect world, yet. I am also not perfect. God is perfect and Heaven will be perfect. In the meantime- God has sent help!

Not Perfect

 

God is perfect, 

And I am not.

But I needn’t be fraught.

For a plan was in God’s forethought.

He sent His Son into a sinful place

To give me grace.

You see, Jesus came to atone for me-

To make me washed clean-

Made snow white

In His Father’s sight.

I cannot look upon God’s face,

But He gives me grace.

He sent His Son to set me free.

Then, He sent the Spirit to speak to me.

God is perfect, 

And I am not.

That’s why it takes all three-

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  5/31/2026 

 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God ...But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ...For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” Ephesians 2:8,13,18

Love

Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” He went on to say, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

     To love those who mistreat me is often hard to do, but Jesus says do it. I am to love: 

         The  L onely

                 O verbearing

                 V ery people who hurt me

                 E veryone

 

Basically as Matthew 7:12 says, “In everything treat people the same way I want to be treated myself.” 

Stop Doubting

The following words are important in my life. I find them through God. 

 

Grace – comes from God

Comfort- is in God’s outreaching hand 

Presence- God’s presence is continual, always

Compassion- God’s sees, God understands, and heals 

Forgiveness-is daily bestowed by God when requested

Restoration- is the rest, peace, and mercy given by God 

 

What I needed to do to receive the above was to believe. I did! Have you?

 

“Then He (Jesus) said to Thomas (insert your own name), “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” John 20:27

God -The Only God

Describing God is a task I cannot began to do, but the scripture tells of the awesomeness of God:  

 

Deuteronomy 4:24, (Moses was warning of judgment about false gods.) “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”

 

Exodus 3:5, (God was in the burning bush-it had become holy ground) “Do not come and closer, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.’” 

 

Isaiah 55:8 (this is God speaking-telling the wicked to seek him and He will be merciful) “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

 

Isaiah 6:1 (a vision of God on His throne) “I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of His robe filled the temple.”

 

1 John 4:8 (you must love to know God) “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 

 

Summary: God is the Only God- He is Holy- He wishes All to follow Him and He is merciful – His glorious presence fills the heavens – God is love.

 

The One-Lane and the Bridge

Engineers designed the one way-traffic lane and the bridges that carry us overs gaps years ago. However, that was not a first. 

     Jesus gave us the one-way lane to heaven! It was through Him! 

     Jesus gave us the bridge to His Father. It was through Him!

 

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV

 

I pray everyone choses the one-way to heaven. Please don’t be caught going the wrong way.  Believe and accept Jesus Christ. He is the Savior, the Son of God.

 

A Finished Project

How many projects have you ever left unfinished? I’ve had a few. I’ve also had some that didn’t come out right and got tossed in the trash. I don’t know of anything that God ever left unfinished. I also know of no plans God formed that got tossed in the trash. What He has not finished yet, He will. 

    God finished His creation.

    He finished leading the Israelites to the Promise Land.

    He finished giving us His Son, who then finished the Salvation Plan for man..

    Jesus told us he was going to prepare a home for us- and He has..

    Jesus said He would return again, and He will.

    God has told us there will be a judgment seat we are to stand before, and there will be. 

God also said that He would never leave me, and He won't.

God said He would be around to help me, and He is. 

Jesus said He would send a Helper, and He did. 

The Holy Spirit is never finished with me.

I am a project of my Lord, and He will never toss me away.

I truly look forward to my Lord's finished projects. 

Test Me

2 Corinthians 13:5a says, “Examine yourselves to whether are in the faith; test yourselves.” 

 

Psalms 139:23-24a says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me.” 

 

I need to examine myself daily; I need to welcome God’s daily examination of my heart. There is a test going on here. Where once, I thought my testing would end when I graduated from school, I was wrong. The testing occurs every day, and I need to welcome it. The exam keeps me growing daily. As long as I follow in the steps of 2 Timothy 2:15 maybe I can achieve an “A” on my report card. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 

 

Walk on the Water

 Walk on the Water  

God will not let you sink.

It’s written in ink-

In the pages from days ago.

It’s there to help you move mountains and grow. 

The Lord says, 

“Walk on the water, my sons and daughters.

Do not doubt, I will bring you out of the drought.”  

Fear not!

Take God’s hand.

Let Him walk with you across the land.

Let Him bless with all He has planned.

“Come to me,” is Jesus’s plea.

You will not sink-

It’s God’s promise and sealed in ink.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  5/14/2026

 

“Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus...Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ He said, ‘Why did you doubt?’” Matthew 14:29,31

 

 

Fruits of Kindness

In the Book of Luke when Jesus told Simon Peter to put down his nets, Peter trusted enough to do it, but reading further in verse 7, Peter “signaled to their partners to come and help them.” 

     Often, we all need help, but we need to be willing to help out, as well. Kind acts are the fruits of labor and of our day. 

Mother's Day

Today is Mother’s Day and I woke up thinking about my mother. I remembered Proverbs 31, “Who can find a virtuous woman?” I can answer that question very quickly. It was my mother!

     Mothers have a special role to play. Often, they get no recognition, but it can be the best job, and it can be the hardest job. It can be tiresome, and it can be refreshing. It can be fulfilling and also worrisome. There is no “one size fits all” to being a mother. There is no instruction manual. However, there is a guide, and it is found in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go. When he is old, he will not depart from it.”

     My mother filled all the roles I have mentioned. I strive to not depart from her teachings. 

     

Truism

We’re given many truisms in scripture. Let me talk about Psalms 141:3 today, 

 

“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

 

Not much can be enhanced upon. It is self-explanatory. I need to guard my mouth and what comes out it. I need to ensure kind words, proper words, positive words. I need to insure my words are not gossip, they are not critical, they are not hateful and unkind. 

     Before I speak, I need to consider how my words will be uttered through my lips. The tone of voice goes a long way in the words coming from my mouth. Even on the phone, the tone of voice is comprehended. 

     May I, today, guard my thoughts so that the words I utter are also guarded. May my thoughts and words be fruitful!

 

 

 

He Did!

Have you ever lived with someone who constantly tells you, “I’ll do it,” yet, they never do? You’re disappointed, but you love them anyway. Think on this!

 

     He said He would do it, and He did! He shows His love! He proves His love!

     God said He would and He did. He sent His Son.

     Jesus said he would and He did. He died for us! And He sent the Holy Spirit.

    They said They would, and They did! 

     God said you would be saved if you would believe in His Son. And you will! 

     It is so simply- just trust!

 

Time-Past, Present, Future

Time is different for different folks. Some might say, "Time is not your friend." Some might say they have "too much time" or "too little time". Some just do not know what to do with their time. One thing is for sure and that is "time moves on" and "time waits for no one." What will I do with my time? 

 Time - Past, Present, Future-

I have deeds in the past I’d rather not rehash,

but there were some that helped me to grow,

though, at the time, I did not know.

My present is here today-

A day in which to pray,

A day to make gray or gay,

A day my options to weigh,

A day to meditate and enrich my mental state, 

And a day to work or to play.

My future comes with the morrow-

A time in which God lets me borrow.

The past will have been left behind.

The tomorrow will have become the present- 

A day in which to be well spent.

And what of the future?

In looking back, 

What would I find?

Would it be kindness or self-fish blindness?

Would it be forgiveness in my liveness?

Would there be love in which to think of?

Was there joy within day’s ploy?

Past, Present, Future- 

The past is history- no longer a mystery.

The present is here today- to live it in mine or God’s way?

The future is unknown, but not to the One upon His throne.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 5/6/2026

 

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night. Psalms 1:1-2 Niv 

 

 

Home

 I have no idea why the parable of the Prodigal Son came to mind, but the following is what I put together: 

Home

 

What happened with the prodigal son? 

He left the place where he had grown, 

wanting to go out on his own. 

Along the way, 

he squandered all he had, 

was hungry and in need-

Then he longed for home.

In his day, he got lost along the way.

He longed to return to his Father.

In his wayward roam,

he longed for home.

Returning, 

the prodigal son’s father met him with arms open wide.

He was over-joyed to welcome his son back home.

(That’s what it is like with God. He welcomes the repentance son, and He has a home prepared.)

 

The Big Picture

Every day I have options. I have choices.I have aughts and aught nots. Need I say more! 

I may not see the big picture, but my help comes from God. I just have to follow what James 4:7 says, "Submit therefore to God." In doing so, I look for the rewards and the possibilities- the positives!

Idols

We all have idols. They shine and glitter, often for just a while. There is no lasting power. 

The Idol

 

The idol lies silent and quiet.

There is no power within its might.

There is no embrace to stir the heart,

And no forgiving grace.

The idol offers only captivity; 

Its joyful intent brings a smile for just a while.

Then there’s it’s debt to bring on fret,

Or another desire for more;

Just a trinket or two to hide in a drawer.

There is nothing in an idol to inspire and give hope when in despair.

It sets silent to ensnare and often brings a tear.

An idol is love misplaced and unfulfilled blessings lying in waste.

It will not stand the test of fire.
Wasn’t it foretold, we shouldn’t worship silver or gold?

Rather than look to idols, seek God instead.

He is the Living Bread!

He warms the heart.

His love is free-

There is no debt to be repaid.

Just, stay prayed. 

 

Mary Crisp Jameson. 4/23/2026

 “Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:4

Hardships and Trust

Hardships are a part of our lived experiences. We all have them, and they are not easy. I read this morning about the Comforter and how we won’t really know His comfort until we live through our hardships. This takes me to Jeremiah 17:7, “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” 

     Living our experiences, walking hand-in-hand with God, strengthens our trust. Hold tight to God through the hardships. He will get us through them. 

     I end with Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the goof of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” We are all called for His purpose – to become children of God. 

Bow the Knee

It seems I am constantly hearing of people having knee surgery. As a matter of fact, I have a knee that is beginning to ache. 

 

Food for Thought: If we were on our knees more often before the throne of God, I wonder if we would be having as many knee problems. 

 

Considering being on our knees, there are a few things we all need to pray more often for and those are: 

 

       Leadership of our country- we all need to pray for the President 

       Unity by our leaders

      Churches and their leadership

      Needs of others; the poor, the homeless, the broken-hearted

      Most of all- Salvation and the spreading of the Word of God. 

 

And that’s my thoughts...And it is past time, I bowed the knee!

The Countdown

The Countdown 

 

With every tick of the clock,

There’s a call to take stock-

To find the solid Rock!

Life moves on from morning to dawn.

Count it down-

Seconds, minutes, hours!

Days, weeks, years!

You’ll have tears, fears, and cheers-

But who steers?

Beware the countdown!

Will you join with Satan who roams round the town?

Or seek out Christ who paid sin’s price?

Tempted

Jesus was tempted, but He did not sin. He is our Deliverer. Look to Him!

 

Tempted

 

When tempted, 

Run!

The result of sin is no fun,

And, Satan is never done.

Get away from what destroys the day. 

When sinful thoughts enter in,

Look to God before you sin. 

Get out!

Go another route. 

Look to the Holy One,

‘Cause Satan is not done. 

Run to God!

Don’t let others sway.

Pray!

Stay in prayer-

God is always there,

Your weight to bear.

He can remove the struggle and conflict-

Be not Satan tricked.

Satan roams to and fro-

He is your foe.

God is the One in whom to go.

God is your friend

And He will defend.

With His hand,

He will reach out and extend.

Take heed!

Let God fill your cup in your hour of need.

Let Him be your Power! 

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 4/20/2025

 

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’

 For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.”   

James 1:13 NIV  

 

The Sheep and the Shepherd

I just read the sheep have “ewe-nique personalities.” Some are shy and cautious while others are bold and adventurous. 

     The Israelites raised sheep as well as cattle. Scripture is always talking about the sheep. David tended sheep as a youth before becoming king. He talked about rescuing his “sheep from the lion’s mouth.”

     Then we get into the symbolism in Isaiah, “like sheep without a shepherd, they will all return to their own people, they will flee to their native land.” 

     Sheep need a Shepherd.  

     Then in Jeremiah, he says, “My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains...their shepherds have led them astray.” Here we have the case where the sheep followed the “wrong shepherd.”

     In Ezekiel, he says, “As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock...so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lied down, declares the Sovereign Lord.”

     There is a cause and effect:  Make sure you are following the right Shepherd – The Only One True God. 

 

The Tenth

Malachi 3:10 ERV says, “Bring one-tenth of your things to me.”  Other versions say, “Bring all your tithe into the storehouse.”  Jacob made a vow in Genesis 28:22b, “And of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” 

 

I believe this means not only in terms of financial gain but time, as well. I have to ask during the span of my 12-hour day, do I give a tenth of my time to God? God should be in every decision, action, and word that comes from my mouth. That would require much more than a tenth! And, if given, the rewards reaped would be so much more. 

     Lord, let my thoughts be in You at all times!

The Book of Matthew

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus speaks with wise teachings to either His disciples or others as He teaches and heals.

     This could have been me! What do His words tell me? 

 

Chapter 4 - “Repent... “Come and follow Me.” 

Chapter 5 – “Blessed are you when people say evil against you because of me.” -  “Rejoice and be glad...your reward is in heaven.”  - “You are the salt of the earth...but if it loses it saltiness, it is no longer good for anything.” – “Love your enemies and pray for them.” – “Do not swear, simply say yes or no.” 

Chapter 6 – “When you give to the needy, do not announce it.” – “When you pray, close the door, and pray to the Father, who is unseen.” – “Pray, ‘Our Father who art in heaven. Hallowed by thy name.’ ” – “If you forgive others, your Heavenly Father will forgive you.” – “Do not worry, but first seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness.” – “You cannot serve both God and money.”  

Chapter 7 - “Do not judge, or you will be judged.” - “First, look at the speck in your own eye, before looking at the speck in your brother’s eye.” - “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” 

Chapter 8 - Jesus heals - “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” 

Chapter 9 - “Your faith has healed you.” - “According to your faith, let it be done to you.” 

Chapter 10 - “Do not worry about what to say or how to say it...you will be given what to say.”– “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul...be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” - “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” – “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”  

Chapter 11- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 

Chapter 12 - “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” 

Chapter 13 - “Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.” 

Chapter 14 - “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Chapter 15 - “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what come of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” 

Chapter 16 - “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” 

Chapter 17 - “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there.’ And it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” 

Chapter 18 - “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Chapter 19 - “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - “Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” 

Chapter 20 - “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave -just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Chapter 21- “Have you never read, From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise.” 

Chapter 22 - “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Chapter 23 - “Love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. Al the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Chapter 24- “Watch out that on one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.” - “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” 

Chapter 25 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” 

Chapter 26 - “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 

Chapter 27 - “Jesus cried out in a loud voice, and gave up His spirit

Chapter 28- “Go...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you... I will be with you to the very end of the age.” 

 

The Light

In our modern day homes, it is so easy to flip a switch. How about in our life? 

The Light 

 

When it gets dark, I itch to flip a switch.

I need the light for me to see;

It’s a diffuser for the chooser-

One of changing the dimming light to one that is bright.

There is no need to let the dark sneak in and kiss my cheek.

The dark is only a temporary glitch, for I can flip a switch,

When the heart is weighed down with a frown.

I can be led by laughter, instead.

There is no need for evil to abound within the day.

I can go the other way.

I need not let my light become a nasty darkened blight.

I need not let the dark dim my spark.

It’s the light, not the strife, that makes a happy life.

It’s the light that lifts the spirit, not the darkness with fear in it.

It’s the light that makes the joy flow, not the dark that creeps in slow.

For the dark there’s a fix;

A switch to solve this glitch.

Just look to the Light!

And, God is Light!

 

Mary Crisp Jameson  4/10/2026 

 

“This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 NIV