New Testament in a Year

Matthew 10:24-11:6
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Matthew chapter 10 closes out today with what might be considered some “hard teachings” of Jesus.  I think what stands out in my mind in reading these teachings is that while Jesus is certainly the Prince of Peace, he also has come into a world that is full of darkness – and the darkness fights against Jesus’ light.  So, if we decide to align ourselves with Jesus, and his eternal goodness and light, the darkness will also then fight against us – just as it fights against Jesus.  As students and servants of Jesus, we will face the same persecutions that Jesus did.  And while this is certainly true, think about the alternative – not following Jesus… and not walking in the light of God’s love.  I’d much rather spend 1 day in Jesus’ light than 1 thousand days elsewhere…  How about you?

Verse 38 is the first mention of the word cross in the gospel of Matthew: “If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine.”   What strikes me about this verse is that Jesus is teaching that we do have a cross to bear.  And we have a choice to make of whether we will take up the cross and follow Jesus.  So, now may be a good time to ask yourself – what is your cross in your life?  Do you think you know what it is?  If not, will you ask Jesus to reveal to you what your cross is?  And then, will you bear it daily?  And will you follow Jesus daily?

Matthew 11 starts off with an interesting question from John the Baptist to Jesus in verse 3: “Are you really the Messiah we’ve been waiting for, or should we keep looking for someone else?”  I read an interesting commentary that said this is the beginnings of where we see that people are starting to wonder if Jesus is really the Messiah, because he hadn’t overthrown the Roman government.   Many in Jerusalem were expecting a Warrior-King Messiah that would free the Jewish people from the oppression of Rome.  And Jesus’ ministry of “only” preaching, teaching, and healing was bringing up the questions of, “are you really the Messiah?”   People were starting to wonder… Instead of the Warrior-King, they are seeing a Suffering-Servant, which was not what was expected.  What do you personally believe the answer to John’s question was and is?  Is Jesus the Messiah?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 11 titled “The Question of John the Baptist” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Matthew chapter 10 and 11 today about Jesus remind me of the beautiful Jason Castro song, “You Are:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUkCrSTYGA8

Is Jesus the One for you?  Click here for the One!

Please join me in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:32-33 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you acknowledge Jesus before men in all ways in all of your days.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Matthew 10:1-23
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In Matthew chapter 10 Jesus sends out the twelve disciples!  Verse 7 stands out: “Jesus sent the twelve disciples out with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel–God’s lost sheep.”  Gentiles are anyone who is not a Jew.  Samaritans are a race that resulted in intermarriage between Jews and Gentiles after the Old Testament exiles and captivities – as we see in 2 Kings 17:24 – “The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns.” The Matthew 10 verse 7 above does indicate that Jesus’ disciple’s ministry was first to the Jews, but soon thereafter the ministry and the gospel message clearly was for all people.  As we see in Acts 10:34-35 – “Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” And certainly as we see in the Great Commission at the end of Matthew, in chapter 28 verses 19 & 20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  Below is a Spanish wood panel painting by an unknown artist from the early 12th century of Jesus and the twelve disciples:

One interesting note on the listing of names of the 12 disciples in Matthew.  Peter is listed first and Judas Iscariot last.  We’ll read various listings of the 12 disciples throughout the New Testament.  And numbers 2 through 11 always vary in order of how the disciples are listed.  But in all of the listings, Peter is first.  And Judas Iscariot is always listed last.  Below is a painting titled ” The Sending of the Twelve” by Duccio di Buoninsegna from the early 14th century – (looks to me like Duccio only painted in 11 here… )

Matthew 10 verse 16 stands out: “”Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Be as wary as snakes and harmless as doves.”  This is good advice for us today as well.  Jesus is still sending us out today as his followers.  And I do think this teaching is wise – for us to be wary and harmless at the same time.  It’s an interesting line to walk, but I believe a very wise one.  I believe the only way to really walk this line well is through the blessing of the Holy Spirit.  I don’t think we can do it on our own…

 

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Lincoln Brewster’s song, “Everlasting God:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT0UodmNhKk

Do you know our Everlasting God?  Click here to know Him forevermore!

Comments from You:  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Matthew 9:18-38
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In Matthew chapter 9 today we read about Jesus healing in response to people’s faith – the faith of the father, the faith of the woman, the blind men, and many others.  It is amazing to remember that the Old Testament prophet Isaiah predicted these types of healings would take place in the Messianic age.  Check out Isaiah chapter 35 verses 5 & 6: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.”  This image below of the woman reaching for Jesus’ tassels from today’s readings is one of my favorite images of faith.  Have you ever reached out in faith to Jesus like this woman did?

Verses 37 & 38 are so powerful in today’s readings: “He said to his disciples, “The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields.”  I think each of us can reflect on this teaching from Jesus.  Do you agree with Jesus that the harvest is so great?  And the workers are few?  Will you pray to God for more workers for his kingdom work?  Are you one of God’s workers in his kingdom work?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 9 titled “Authority Over Death” is at this link and “The Authority to Give Sight” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Matthew 9:37-38 about the harvest being plentiful but the workers being few reminds me of the Brandon Heath song “Give me your Eyes:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY

Do you have eyes for the harvest?  Click here for new eyes!

Please join me in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would see the harvest in our world today as God sees it.  Pray that you would be a worker in God’s fields this year. Pray daily for your family and friends that don’t yet know Jesus. Pray that they would come to know Him.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Matthew 9:1-17
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In Matthew chapter 9 we read about Jesus not only healing – but also forgiving sins.  This is a power and an authority – forgiving sins – that only God could truly have.  It is true that Jesus would be blaspheming, per the teachers of religious law in this passage, if Jesus was not God.  So, perhaps for some reading this blog, this might be a good point for you to ask yourself: do you believe that Jesus is God?  If this is your first go through the Bible or the gospel of Mathew, you may not feel ready to answer this question yet.  But ask it of yourself now – and again as you continue to read this gospel:  do you believe that Jesus is God?  Do you believe that Jesus, as God, could not only heal the paralytic but forgive his sins as well?

In today’s readings, Jesus calls Matthew (or “Levi”), the author of this Gospel, and a Jewish tax collector at the time of his call.  Note that while Jerusalem was under the authority of Rome at this time, Rome would hire Jews to collect taxes from other Jews that would be paid to Rome.   The Jewish tax collectors were allowed to keep a commission or percentage of the taxes they collected – however, they were notorious for overcharging and making more than they should have in their collections.  As such, Jewish tax collectors were typically not allowed to be in the temple – nor were they even trusted as witnesses in trials.  And this is our Gospel writer!  🙂  (yes, I still trust Matthews writings – he, like us, was forgiven & changed after meeting Jesus)  Below is a painting of Jesus calling Matthew at his tax collector booth – I love how Matthew is very attentive in this image toward Jesus in the midst of all the chaos around him.  Are you this attentive toward Jesus in your life today?

In this chapter Jesus has a meal with “tax collectors and other notorious sinners.”  And the religious leaders ask Jesus why he eats with such “scum.”  I do hope that you see that this is such an amazing thing about Jesus – he will have a meal with anyone – the “scum of the earth” as one translation calls sinners who believe in Jesus in one of Paul’s letters.  Jesus loves the “scum”.   And he gets frustrated with the religious leaders who are righteous in their own eyes.  Why the difference?   I think verses 12 & 13 answer this well: “When he heard this, Jesus replied, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor–sick people do… For I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough.”  So, this leads to some questions we may want to ask ourselves today.  Are we spiritually healthy or are we sick?  Do we need a spiritual doctor?  Do we need Jesus?  Are we sinners?  Or, do we think we are already “good enough” on our own?  Like Jesus, will we talk and dine with “sinners” in our lives today?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 9 titled “The Authority to Forgive Sins” is at this link.

Worship God: Today’s readings about tax collector Matthew and Jesus reminded me of Christy Nockels beautiful song “Waiting here for You:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3OEGnH5x8g

Are you waiting on God?  Click here and wait no more!

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  From our Matthew readings today, Jesus dining with sinners did make me wonder this question, which I posted above: Like Jesus, will we talk and dine with “sinners” in our lives today?  Or, do we consider ourselves somehow “above” talking and dining with sinners?  One thing that I have to be careful of – and maybe all of us do – is not getting myself stuck in the “Christian bubble” or the “Christian ghetto.”  Meaning, I think we can sometimes find ourselves just spending time, just talking with, just dining with our Christian friends.  And then after a while find ourselves completely removed from the world that needs to experience Jesus’ love and light and truth through us.  I think we are called to minister in the world.  Yes, there is a time and place for sure to fellowship with our Christian brothers and sisters.  But, I think we do well to find some occasion to talk and dine with “sinners” (not so unlike ourselves, also sinners…) like Jesus did.  So, how are you doing with finding time to talk and dine with folks who perhaps do not yet know God or Jesus?  Do you think this is something you should be doing?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Matthew 8:18-34
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Matthew’s readings in chapter 8 today are powerful in so many ways.  The first section of our readings focuses on the costs of following Jesus.  And I do think that we all probably realize that there are some costs associated with faith.  However, there is also eternal reward, which outweighs all the temporary costs we might have to pay in this life.  In some ways, I do ask myself this – are we really participating in a true faith if there are no costs associated with it?  I have heard and read books and listened to speakers about how faith can bring us health & wealth & happiness.  And I know there are many times when this is true – but I do think these would be dangerous goals of faith in and of themselves – we could end up serving health, wealth and happiness as mini-gods of our own design if we’re not careful.  We could find ourselves following our own plans rather than God’s Perfect Will for our lives.

Our faith must simply be about following Jesus and God’s Perfect Plan & Will for our lives and accepting the costs – and the benefits – that come along with this Walk.  What are the costs in your life of following Jesus?  Do you believe that suffering might be part of the package in this life of following Jesus?  I do believe the costs are all worth it – no matter what they may be.  Here’s a really really heavy question to put out here… but I think it is something that at some point we need to ask ourselves.  I hope you don’t mind this blog bringing this question to you if you’ve never asked this of yourself before…  🙂 

The question is this: Are you willing to die for your faith? This would be the ultimate cost in this life for any of us.  Our life.  And it may well be that this cost will never be asked of you.  But – many people in our world today are indeed paying this cost of their lives for their faith in Jesus.  There have been martyrs throughout the centuries, and there still are martyrs in our world today.  Certainly, as we proceed through this gospel of Matthew we will see that Jesus is willing to die for his faith.  So, again, it’s a tough question – but are you willing to die for your faith?  I think if you can get to an affirmative answer to this question between you and God, you will be able to more readily accept all other “lesser” and temporary costs that will come your way in this life by following Jesus.  And you will know without a shadow of a doubt that the costs are well worth the reward of an eternity spent with God.  Will you follow Jesus no matter the cost?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 8 titled “Peace, Be Still” is at this link and “The Demons and The Pigs” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Matthew Chapter 8 about the costs of following Jesus reminded me of the awesome song “Burn the Ships” by for KING & COUNTRY:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOVrOuKVBuY

Have you burned the ships of sin in your life?  Click here to burn the ships!

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on our readings in Matthew today, do you believe there is a cost to following Jesus?  Is it worth the cost?  Are there any limits to the cost of following Jesus that you couldn’t agree to?  Would your life be too much?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Matthew 8:1-17
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Today we read Matthew chapter 8, which is an amazing look at Jesus’ healing ministry.  While we do read about someone with leprosy, and a paralyzed man, and others with sicknesses and demons – don’t we all need some sort of healing in our lives today?   Maybe we can learn something from the man with leprosy in verse 2: “Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached Jesus. He knelt before him, worshiping. “Lord,” the man said, “if you want to, you can make me well again.”  Do we have this kind of faith?  Do we believe that Jesus can heal us of what is ailing us?  Again, I don’t mean just sicknesses – but addictions, and dependencies, and bad habits, and sins?  Do you believe that Jesus can make you well again?  Will you kneel before Jesus, worship Jesus, and ask for healing?

I will give a caveat here – I do know people that have prayed for healing from various sicknesses and diseases – and it has not always been healed.  Please don’t see this as any shortcoming in your faith – or in Jesus’ power.  Oftentimes God’s ways are much more of a mystery than we can comprehend on this side of heaven.  “For now, we see in part.  But, then – in heaven – we will see in full.”  (my paraphrase of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:12)  Please don’t give up on God if the healing is not coming as you’d prayed for it to.  Ultimately, all who have faith in the born, crucified, and risen Jesus will have perfected bodies in heaven.  Please stay focused on this “hope of glory”, as Paul also wrote about.

The passages on the faith of the centurion are powerful – especially his words in verse 8: “Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed!” Verses 10 & 11 are significant to Matthew’s primarily Jewish audience of this gospel: “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all the land of Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven.”  Jesus is making it clear that heaven will not be just for Jews, but will be made available for all who come to believe in Jesus as Messiah and in his life, his death for the forgiveness of sins, and his resurrection.  Can we learn something from the faith of the centurion in our lives today?

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Matthew chapter 8 titled “Speak the Word Only” is at this link.

Worship Video: Readings about Jesus’ healing ministry today reminded me of this great video below set to the amazing Sara Groves song “Add to the Beauty.”  This video shows the urgent work of Blood:Water Mission, an organization drilling wells in Africa. (among other important work) Please take a few minutes to watch this video and then explore www.bloodwater.org.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE82pnno85w

Do you know our God of Beauty?  Click here and add to the Beauty!

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on our Matthew readings today about Jesus’ healings – do you believe that Jesus still heals people today?  What does he heal people of today?  Does he heal sickness?  Addictions?  Laziness?  Pride?  All manner of sins?  Has Jesus healed you of anything?  Do you believe He can?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Matthew 7:15-29
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Today in Matthew chapter 7 we wrap up the Sermon on the Mount!  Not a bad 3 chapters of teaching from Jesus, eh?  🙂 Verse 20 was insightful for me today: “Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced.”   I think this verse goes back to my post yesterday about how we are still to identify or perceive the types of people we come in contact with – without judging them or condemning them.  And one good to way to identify someone is by the type of fruit they produce – actions they demonstrate or lives they lead.  And while it may sometimes be easier to identify other people’s fruit… maybe we ought to look at our own lives too.  What type of fruit is your life producing?  Is it life-giving fruit for those you come in contact with?   And let us not forget Jesus’ warning in verse 15 today about how we are to identify false teachers.  Do you believe there are false teachers in our world today?  What are their fruits that you will know them by?

Verse 24 is strong: “Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.”  Have you really listened to Jesus’ teaching these past few days as you read through the Sermon on the Mount?  And – will you now obey Jesus’ teaching?  Would this be wise?  Would this be like building a house on solid rock?  Will you stay out of the sands of sin?

Matthew 7:25 I think is an important verse for us to meditate upon in our own lives: “Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse, because it is built on rock.”  I never paid too much attention to this verse – I always focused on verse 24 and building a strong foundation on solid rock.  But, I had lunch with a friend recently and he shared with me that this verse 25 – and verse 27 too – should be a reminder to each of us that storms will come in our lives.  And I think this is so true.  Sometimes we go through wonderful seasons of blessing, and we may think that storms will never come our way – but guess what, they will.  If we are followers of Jesus – Jesus who endured an unimaginable storm during his passion and crucifixion – storms will come our way too.  So, then, the key becomes if we know storms will come, we really should pay attention to verse 24 and build up a strong foundation of faith during the times of calm.  It’s kind of like the idea of saving for a rainy day – the day will come when it rains.  So let us build up our faith and love in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit today!  So that when the storms of life come our way, we will not collapse, but will remain faithful to the beautiful end.  My friends, the storms will come.  But with Jesus, we do not need to fear them or collapse under them when they come!

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings in Matthew chapter 7 today titled “Mistaken Identity” is at this link.

Worship God: Jesus’ teachings about storms in Matthew today reminded me immediately of the incredible song “Even If” by MercyMe. I don’t know what it is about all these storm songs on KLOVE radio that are resonating with me lately – Casting Crowns song “Praise You in This Storm” being another favorite song – other than I know this:  It’s not a matter of “if” storms will come in our life.  It’s a matter of “when.”  Storms will come.  And when they do, we have the option to try to weather the storms all on our own.  Or we have the option to invite God into the storms with us.  Well, I believe God’s already there with us in the storms even if we don’t realize it – so, I think we can simply open our hearts and praise God in the storms!  He will never abandon us or leave us.  Even in the midst of the worst storms this fallen world might bring, God is there with us.  Will you praise God in the storms?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ype1xE0wzsg

Do you believe there is a God who is worthy of being praised even in the midst of storms in your life?  Click here to get to know God of heaven and earth who is worthy of being praised in the storms!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will hear God’s Word in your life this year. Pray that you will put God’s Word into practice in your life this year. Pray that your life will be built on the rock that is Jesus.  Pray that Jesus will sustain you in the storms of life, now and forevermore.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on the knowledge that storms will come into our life, what are you doing in your life to build a firm foundation of faith?  Reading the Bible regularly?  Going to church regularly?  Being part of a small group or community group or Bible study with other Christians regularly?  Praying regularly?  What else?  Do you think that storms will come to your life?  Have you experienced storms in your life in the past where your faith has been your firm foundation and has gotten you through the storm?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Matthew 6:25-7:14
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Today in Matthew we continue the Sermon on the Mount!  Chapter 6 verse 27 is solid science from Jesus: “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.” Wouldn’t you agree that scientific studies show that severe worrying (anxiety) can actually decrease the longevity of your life?  Jesus knew his science!  🙂  Truly…  I do think you’ll continue to be amazed by the scientific validity and Truth that is exhibited in the Bible over and over and over again as we read it this year!

Chapter 6 verse 34 (in image below) has always been one of my favorites to remember: “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Great great truth here.  I’m not sure if anyone has ever read a Dale Carnegie book about worrying?  It’s called “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.”  It’s been probably 20 years ago since I read this book. But, I remember Dale writing about how he lived his life in what he called “day-tight compartments”.  He used a cargo ship analogy, which I won’t be able to explain here well.  But, basically, Dale got to the point where he mentally segmented his time off into morning prep time, time with family over breakfast, morning work time, lunch time, afternoon work time, dinner time, family time, time to read, sleeping time.   And while he was in the present time of each of these “compartments” of his day he would not worry at all about the other compartments even in that very same day!  It’s pretty interesting to think about… when you are at work, you focus on work and you don’t daydream or worry about your personal life – but, once you are off work, you then don’t worry about work at all.   I don’t know…  maybe this Dale Carnegie “day-tight compartments” is only helpful to me…   I recommend you listen to Jesus’ advice on worrying before you listen to Dale or mine!  🙂  But, if you do worry a lot, this Dale Carnegie book may very helpful for you as well.

Matthew chapter 7 verses 1 through 6 are interesting.  Jesus clearly says to not judge others – but then in verse 6 he says: “Don’t give what is holy to unholy people.” So, my thought is that we are not to “condemn” people judgmentally – but that we are to be aware of and perceptive of other people’s character traits.  I don’t think Jesus is calling for us to walk around blissfully thinking everyone is perfect… but he is saying don’t “condemn” others for their actions.  God is the only true judge of anyone’s actions.  I think it is still okay for us to take note of how people act or behave.  Remember that 1 Thessalonians 5:21 tells us to: “Test everything.”  So, I do think it is okay (and even wise) to evaluate a person’s character. Let me know your thoughts on this one in the Comments section below.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew titled “Materialism” is at this link, and “Misdirected Effort” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Matthew reminded me of the Casting Crowns song “Only Jesus:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eQd3K2Fxp4

Do you know Only Jesus?  Click here for Only Him!

Please join me in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that God would show you what the narrow gate is in your life. Pray that you would enter through the narrow gate.  Pray that Jesus alone is your narrow gate. 

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Back to Matthew chapter 7 verse 6: “Don’t give what is holy to unholy people. Don’t give pearls to swine! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.”  I understand what is being said here – and I can think of specific instances in my life where this type of thing has happened.  My question though for each of us is this – how do we show our friends, family, neighbors the love of God?  Honestly, I have an evangelistic heart – but I don’t think I really openly evangelize much.   I love God so much – and it tears me up when I see my friends struggling with addictions – particularly when it seems like they are seeking God but settle for an addiction.  So – I don’t think this verse 6 is referring to these types of situations – people seeking God in all the wrong places.  I think we are called to share the love of God with our hurting friends – with a hurting world.  How do you do this?  Do you pray for others?  Do you give others books or Bibles?  Do you send them spiritual emails?  Do you invite them to church?  Do you “preach the gospel at all times, and use words when only necessary?”  Please let me know in the “Comments” below what you do to share the love of God with others?  Thanks.   Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Matthew 6:1-24
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Our readings in Matthew chapter 6 today seem to be focusing quite a bit on the interior motives of why we do things – and to do things sometimes in secret, where only God will know what we are doing.  And by giving, praying, and fasting with pure interior motives and in secret, God will reward us!  I think there is so much truth in this…  I think when we give anonymously or pray for others quietly or fast privately, we are really worshipping God.  We are in essence saying, “God I am doing these things because of who You are, how great You are, and to let you know how much I love You.  I don’t need to let anyone know about this act of worship between me and You.   You knowing is more than enough.”    Now, I do think there are times for communal giving, praying and fasting – but I love that Jesus challenges us to make sure we find private ways to worship God and God only – and not to bring glory to ourselves by desiring public praise for our “religiosity”…

What a blessing to read the Lord’s Prayer in today’s readings!  I have to confess, I don’t say this prayer very often… and Jesus seems to indicate pretty clearly that this is a good way to pray.  🙂  I do pray often throughout the day – but usually it’s pretty immediate stuff – bless this meal, thank you for this day, bless my time at work, etc. etc.  What a great thing it would be if I could remember to actually pray the Lord’s Prayer a bit more…   I do think it is good to pray things beyond the Lord’s Prayer – in fact, just take a look at the Psalms for some ranges of prayer. You might infer from verse 7 that we should stick only to the Lord’s Prayer when praying: “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered only by repeating their words again and again.”  However – I read a commentary that this verse was admonishing against the polytheistic religions where people prayed to every single god’s name they could think of, and would continue to repeat all of the gods names over and over, in hopes that this “babbling” would work to where one of the gods would respond to their pleading.   So – I think God loves and enjoys hearing us pray to Him in whatever way we do so – but we should not neglect the fact that when Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer He said (in verse 9):  “Pray like this.”

 

Verse 24 has always always been a verse that’s convicted me and still does today: “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”  There is so much truth here in these 3 little sentences…  Who are we serving in our lives today?  I once read that one good indicator is to take a look at your monthly budget.  Where does the money go each month?  Interesting way to look at this.  Maybe another way to look at this is how you spend your time each week.  How much time is spent at work, volunteering, being with God, being with family/friends, taking a Sabbath, etc.  Maybe looking at how we spend our time and money is a good way to see who or what we are worshipping?  Do you believe that it is true that we cannot serve two masters?  Who are you serving these days?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew titled “Jesus on Prayer” is at this link, and “Where Is Your Treasure?” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Matthew about the Lord’s Prayer reminded me of Phil Wickham’s beautiful song “The Secret Place:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnf4X86iylY

Do you have a secret place with God?  Click here to be let in on the secret of life in Christ!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating a verse of Scripture today:“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Matthew 6:24 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray about which “master” you spend more time thinking about each day – God or money?  Pray that you will only serve God.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on our Matthew 6 readings today about the Lord’s Prayer, let me ask you this: How do you pray?  Or, in how many different ways do you pray?   Do you pray specific prayers regularly, like the Lord’s Prayer?  Do you keep a list of people by your bedside to pray for regularly?  Do you pray by writing in a journal?   I actually had one friend share with me that each day of the week he would pray for a specific segment of his life and our world.  For example, on Sundays he’d pray for his church and pastors and the worldwide church.  On Mondays he’d pray for his family and coworkers and friends.  On Tuesdays he’d pray for politicians and world leaders.  And so on…  And he’d repeat this pattern each week. This way he was very intentional about praying – otherwise he said he’d just end up lobbing up a few prayers each day – and usually just for himself.  I think this is an interesting approach!  Please post up some thoughts on your prayer life?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Matthew 5:27-48
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Matthew 5:27-30 are Jesus’ teachings about adultery.  And really I think these teachings, along with many others in the Sermon on the Mount, are even more so about what is going on inside our hearts.  Jesus discusses how the law says clearly how we are “not to do” something – it’s very apparent and very “exterior” if we commit a sin like adultery.  Jesus says that the exterior/apparent/obvious sin is wrong for sure – but Jesus is equally as concerned with what’s going on in the “interior” –  inside our hearts.  Jesus proposes that if we have looked at someone lustfully with our “interior”, we have committed the same sin as if we had actually committed adultery on the “exterior.”  Do you see how Jesus’ teachings in today’s readings are really focusing on the condition of our hearts?  How is the condition of your heart today when it comes to these teachings?

I know these can be seen as “hard teachings.” Please note that I do not believe that Jesus is advocating self-mutilation in these readings – he is being figurative, not literal, in his speech about gouging out an eye or cutting off a hand.  (someone can be blind and still lust) But he wants the point to be made very strongly.  These teachings are obviously important for us to meditate on and learn from and obey.  I am sure we all know it is true that what we “think” can often become what we “do”.  So, it seems to me that Jesus is trying to stop us from even committing sin at the “thinking” level, because it may later manifest itself into action.  Or – even if it does not manifest itself into action the thinking of the sin can actually affect us just adversely as much as the actual doing of the sin.  Let us not let our minds wander into cloudy territory, but let us keep our minds clean and focused on Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Righteousness. Jesus’ teachings today in Matthew 5 can certainly keep us from cloudy thinking and the confusion of internal sin:

I do actually want to say a few more things about the whole adultery / lust issue brought up in today’s readings.  And it is this – probably many of us have struggled with lust, or are struggling with lust right now.  I am very saddened by many things I have seen and heard and experienced over the years.  However sad I am or have been though, I am sure God grieves for us so much more.  I guess I just want to encourage anyone now who is reading this that might be struggling with lust or pornography or adultery or pre-marital sex etc. – there truly is freedom from what you are struggling with.  And that freedom ultimately only is found in the healing love of Jesus.  I just pray that you will do everything you can to allow Jesus to free you from what’s enslaved you – seek professional counseling, find an accountability partner, confess your sins, read empowering books about freedom from what you are struggling with, avoid R-rated movies or Hollywood entertainment magazines if you need to, avoid situations or locations that will tempt you, and above all pray to Jesus and ask for healing continually.  He will heal you.  It may take time.  But Jesus will heal you.  God bless you as you work your way out of this and into amazing freedom!  God will get you there! Let the healing begin!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew titled “Flames of Desire” is at this link, “Avoiding the Sin of Adultery” is at this link, and “Jesus and the Law of Retaliation (Lex Talionis)” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Zach William’s terrific song “Chain Breaker:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WtV1XtqsW0

Do you have chains binding you?  Click here for those chains to be broken!

Please join me in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:27-28 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not commit adultery in your life. Pray that you will not look at another person lustfully. Pray that if you are committing adultery in your heart right now that you will repent and turn to Jesus for healing.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Based on our readings in Matthew chapter 5 today about lust, are there any good books or websites you can recommend related to achieving victory in this area of our lives?  Or any habits or practices of yours that you are comfortable sharing about how you avoid the sin of lust in your life?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!