BEGINNING THE NEW TESTAMENT

I am in Santa Clara, CA this morning, ready to teach a couple's class and preach tonight at the great North Valley Baptist Church pastored by my dear friend Dr. Jack Trieber.  Dr. Sisk and I went to McDonald's this morning, got a sandwich and a cup of coffee.  It was great to share with such a great man of God.  I look forward to hearing him preach this morning and spending a few days with him.   Here is what I saw in Matthew.  I will only have time to pick out a few things: 1) SEEK HIM FIRST- Matt. 6:33 says to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first!  Not second or third, but first!  AND all these things shall be added unto you!  God blesses and rewards when we put Him first.  Lord, help me to do that all day long today.  Everyday being a conscious decision to put you first in every decision and action.  2) EARS TO HEAR- Matt. 13:16 "But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear."  We need eyes to see and ears that hear the Word of the LORD.  We need to see God working all around us and throughout our world, we need ears to hear as He speaks to us through His Word, by his Spirit, and through His servants.  Lord, I'm listening, and I'm watching for YOU today! 3) JESUS ONLY- At the Mt. of Transfiguration, the disciples saw Moses and Elijah and Jesus talking.  They wanted to build a tabernacle for each one of them and upon hearing that, the Lord called back Moses and Elijah so that the disciples saw Jesus only!  (Matt. 17:8)  We need to see all of God's blessings, but look through them to see Jesus only as the one worthy of our praise and worship.  Jesus only will meet our needs and answer our prayers.  Lord, help us to be focused only on YOU and in the midst of this busy world help us to see JESUS ONLY!!