New Testament in a Year

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!

Matthew 5:1-26
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Okay…today is a big day my friends!  We are starting the Sermon on the Mount!  Whoo-hoo! (are you cheering here with me?? 🙂  And as we do, let me encourage you in a few ways on what we’ll be reading here.  First of all, personally, these 3 chapters of Matthew (5, 6, 7) have been transformative for me over the years.  Before I had faith in Jesus, I would continually read these chapters and I kept thinking to myself – “This guy has got some wisdom!  I like what he’s saying!”  And I do believe that the Spirit was no doubt working on me as I read these chapters.  So, I do ask that you would be sensitive to the Spirit as you read The Sermon on the Mount.  What is the Spirit speaking to you as you read?  Which verses are really jumping out at you – maybe making you think about some areas of your life that might need some tidying up…  I know that this happens to me every time I read the Sermon on the Mount. 

Here’s my other big request for you as you read through the Sermon on the Mount – and really all of the gospels.  Try to experience what you are reading as something more than just “historical” teachings or “historical” readings.  Try to envision yourself maybe down at your local park and maybe imagine that Jesus was actually at that park surrounded by a bunch of your neighbors and imagine that you heard Jesus actually saying these words to you and your neighbors – today.  Would this change your perception of what you are reading?  Or, maybe imagine that indeed Jesus is not just at your local park – but in your very home saying these words to you.   And truly – He is – as you are reading the Bible you are hearing directly from Jesus.  I just want to encourage you that the words you read here in the Sermon on the Mount are incredible spiritual food.  And I don’t think we can come back to these 3 chapters of Matthew often enough. I pray that you will let the Spirit of Jesus speak directly into your mind and your heart as you read and meditate on the meanings of these 3 chapters of the gospel of Matthew…

We read the Beatitudes today!  I would love to share with you the Beatitudes from Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of the Bible called The Message.  I really like the way he looks at the Beatitudes –
“”You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are–no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being “carefull,’ you find yourselves cared for.
“You’re blessed when you get your inside world–your mind and heart–put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.”   – Matthew 5:3-10 The Message

I know verses 17 & 18 probably are interpreted in different ways – but a friend of mine has encouraged me when in doubt, just stick to the text, which is wise.  So, let’s look at the Jesus’ words here in this text – “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them.  I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest detail of God’s law will remain until its purpose is achieved.”   What does the reading of this text say to you?

And now that we’ve looked at the text… I need to dive into a commentary on these verses… 🙂   I’m quoting this from Tyndale’s One Year Bible Companion book – which I have found to be a very helpful commentary to our daily readings:  “In the Old Testament, there were 3 categories of law:  ceremonial, civil, and moral.  1.  The ceremonial law was related specifically to Israel’s worship.  Its primary purpose was to point forward to Jesus Christ; these laws are therefore no longer necessary after Jesus’ death and resurrection.  However, the principles behind these laws – to worship and love a holy God – still apply.  2. The civil law applied to daily living in Israel and these laws cannot be followed specifically today in our modern society and culture.  But the principles behind theses laws are timeless and should guide our conduct. 3.  The moral law (such as the Ten Commandments) is the direct command of God, and requires obedience.  The moral law reveals the nature and will of God, and it still applies today.”   So, there you have it from one evangelical commentary.  I know probably different people reading this blog are going to interpret these verses a bit differently.  This framework of these 3 categories of laws above and their fulfillment in Jesus I personally have found helpful and agree with.  One other commentary I found related to these verses says this: “Christ does not terminate the law. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; we establish the law. (Romans 3:31) The law will always be there to point out what sin is, but the law is not the focus, Christ is the focus. Only He can cleanse, and sanctify and change the heart and mind.”  Again, I know this can be a hot topic to say the least.  I recommend everyone please spend a few minutes reading this wonderful article on this topic from Bible.org titled, “The Mosaic Law: Its Function and Purpose in the New Testament,” at this link.

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Matthew titled “The Beatitudes” is at this link and “A Pinch of Salt in the Recipe for Persecution” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of the wonderful worship song “A New Hallelujah” by Michael W. Smith. Here’s a great live version of the song featuring the African Children’s Choir from Uganda!

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

Have you ever sung “A New Hallelujah” to God?  Click here and sing!

Please join me in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14,16 NIV

Prayer Point: Based on Matthew 5:14,16 above, pray to God that you will let your light shine before others in this new year. Pray that God would show you how we wants you to truly be the light of the world this year. And pray that you will give all of the glory to God for your good deeds.

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 4:12-25
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Matthew chapter 4:12 begins Jesus’ public ministry!  Verse 17 is of note: “From then on, Jesus began to preach, “Turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near.””   You’ll note that Jesus is echoing earlier words of John the Baptist – turn from your sins – repent.  The message is obviously of utmost importance – then and now.  And then you’ll see several times in the gospel of Matthew the term “the Kingdom of Heaven.”  You’ll later see in Mark and Luke’s gospel’s a similar term, “the Kingdom of God.”  They basically mean the same thing – but Matthew was using the term “Heaven” instead of “God” because he was writing for a Jewish audience, which did not like to verbalize God’s name (out of respect).  Per Zondervan’s NIV Study Bible, the Kingdom of Heaven is essentially brought about through the ministry of Jesus and those that have faith in Him – the establishment of God’s rule in the hearts of people, the overcoming of evil, the removal of the consequences of sin, and a new order of peace.  The idea of God’s kingdom is mentioned nearly 50 times in the gospel of Matthew. How have you seen God’s Kingdom manifested in your life? How have you seen that the Kingdom of heaven is near? What does repent meant to you? Is repentance a one time thing or an ongoing thing our lives?

Verses 18 through 20 is something that I think all of us should reflect upon in our own lives: “One day as Jesus was walking along the shore beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers–Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew–fishing with a net, for they were commercial fishermen. Jesus called out to them, “Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and went with him.”  What would you do if you were at work today or tomorrow and Jesus came to you and said – “Come, be my disciple, and I will show you how to fish for people!”  Like Peter and Andrew, would you go at once with Jesus?  This is not an easy question for us to answer. But I think it is worth asking.  I have a great friend who indeed felt the call of Jesus to leave his very nicely paid architect job in the U.S. and to become a missionary architect in Asia – building primarily hospitals for communities that need them.  The point of this passage I think is this – Jesus is indeed calling each one of us to follow Him.  We may not need to leave our jobs.  (But some of us may…)  The call may entail leaving some of our luxurious ways or lazy behaviors behind to truly follow Him.  The call to follow Jesus certainly entails leaving our sinful ways behind.  Will you follow Jesus?  Has he called you?  Do you believe he is calling you now?  Will you go at once and follow His Call?

Verse 23 nicely encapsulates Jesus’ 3 main ministries that we will see over and over again in the gospels – 1.  teaching, 2.  preaching, and 3. healing.  “Jesus traveled throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogues, preaching everywhere the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed people who had every kind of sickness and disease.” Will you allow Jesus to teach you this year?  Will you even allow Jesus to preach to you this year?  And, this may be the toughest to surrender to – will you allow Jesus to heal you this year?  My friends, we all need some healing from Jesus!

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Matthew titled “The Commencement of Jesus’ Ministry” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Reading about Jesus calling the disciples in Matthew 4 today reminded me of the song “I Still Believe” by Jeremy Camp: (which is a great movie too!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZPMZV9MVVY

Do you Believe?  Click here for Belief!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today:“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 NIV

Prayer Point: Based on Matthew 4:19 above, pray to Jesus about any ways He may specifically be calling you to follow Him in this new year. Pray to Jesus that he would make you a fisher of men and women this year.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  We read about Jesus calling Peter and Andrew in the Gospel of Matthew today.  Do you think Jesus still calls people today?  Can you share with everyone in the Comments section below a time in your life when felt that you were called by Jesus?  Maybe it was a time when you were called to follow Jesus for the first time or maybe it was a call to love or serve others in a new way for you?  Do you think that Jesus is calling you to something new in your life now in this new year? Do you know what Jesus is calling you to do?  Will you do it?  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 3:7-4:11
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture with The ESV Bible ~

Today’s Matthew readings are incredible on so many levels.  We begin by reading about John the Baptist scolding the Pharisees and Sadducees!  John is not joking around here…  I think one verse that really stood out to me was verse 8: “Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God.”  and verse 10: “Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”  I think what I hear John saying here is that we are called to truly repent and change our ways.  Not just to say some nice words or just show up to church on Sundays – but to be transformed.  Our lives should be visibly different from our past if we have really turned from our sins and turned to God.  And this change will be evident by our lives producing “good fruit” – examples of which can certainly be seen in any of the Ten Commandments or loving our neighbor as ourselves and above all loving God with all our hearts, minds, soul and strength.  Our lives should look very different from our past.  Do they?  Does yours? Below is a stained glass image of John the Baptist used by permission and copyright held by cambridge2000.com/gallery:

Verses 16 & 17 are phenomenal as we see the three persons of the Trinity interacting with each other! God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit: “After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him.””  Jesus’ baptism is very significant because it is the act that opens up the public ministry phase of Jesus’ life.

Now – I think what happens just after Jesus’ baptism is something each of us should take heed of – the devil comes in full force after Jesus.  I heard someone tell me just before I was baptized many years ago that whenever we make a public declaration that we love God: the Father, Jesus the Son, & the Holy Spirit and that we want to follow Him, the devil and temptation very likely will appear.  The devil isn’t happy when we are moving forward in our love of Jesus and loving others – and he wants to derail it.   And that’s what we see here in chapter 4 – God: the Father, Jesus the Son, & the Holy Spirit have just declared “Game On!” with Jesus’ public ministry via the baptism – and then who should show up coming after Jesus?  If the devil showed up to tempt Jesus, don’t you think he might try to show up in our lives when we are starting something big in our faith walk?  Fortunately, Jesus gives us all the answers we need in chapter 4 to thwart the devil’s attacks.

Chapter 4 verse 4 I believe is one of the most important verses for us to commit to memory in all of the Bible: “But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, `People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.’” (NLT).  Or, you might recognize this verse a bit better in NIV format: “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  This is such a powerful spiritual truth that Jesus is conveying – we will not live full and true lives if we live simply on bread alone.  We need spiritual nourishment – food – from every Word of God.  Where do we get this Word of God?  You got it – the Bible.  And note that Jesus says “every” word of God.  This means the whole Bible is spiritual food for us.  All of it.  Not just the parts we like the best.  🙂  We can learn something and be nourished by even the long genealogies!  Seriously.   So – I want to applaud you for going through the One Year Bible – you will be getting nourishment from “every” Word of God this year!  Below is an oil painting by Juan De Flandes from 1504 – (he actually painted this piece for Queen Isabella of Spain’s private altar at that time):

One other important point to make in Matthew 4:4 and the 2 other temptations in this chapter.  We see the devil tempting Jesus with things that may look enticing to Jesus or to us.  But they are lies.  And note – this is important – how Jesus fends off the devil’s temptations and lies – by quoting Scripture!  Jesus knew Scripture (well, yes, technically He is Scripture…:) The point is this. I do believe that we need to do more than just read the Bible.  We need to memorize many portions of the Bible to protect us when the devil is attacking.  If we have Scripture memorized, when we are tempted, we can quickly call to mind a verse or two that will bring us back into right state of mind – focusing back on God: the Father, Jesus the Son, & the Holy Spirit and their love and strength available through the Holy Spirit.  If we don’t have Scripture memorized, as Jesus clearly did in this chapter, we are at risk of falling prey to the deception and lies of the temptation.  So – I am mostly preaching this to myself!  🙂  But, I really want to do more memorization of Scripture this year.  I have several verses down – but not enough.  Proverbs 3:5-6 certainly comes to mind for me often when I am worried or stressed and it transforms my state of mind immediately!  What can you apply in your life today based on how Jesus rebuked the devil’s temptations?

Very important to note is what happened when Jesus rebuked the devil’s temptations with Scripture, the Word of God, in verse 11: “Then the Devil went away.”  Amen to that!  🙂

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Matthew titled “The Baptism of Jesus” is at this link, “The Temptation of Jesus, Part 1” is at this link, “Satan’s “Leap of Faith”” is at this link, and “The Third Temptation of Jesus” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Matthew about Jesus modeling to us how to defeat Satan’s temptations with the Word reminded me of Matt Maher’s beautiful song “Lord I Need You” performed here live:

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

Do you know you need the Lord?  Click here to Need Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray for God’s leading in ways that He might be calling you to memorize Scripture this year.  Pray that this year you literally will live on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Pray for our world to repent and not live on bread alone, but on God’s Word.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Back to my reflections above about how Jesus rebuked the devil’s temptations today with Scripture.  Are you memorizing Scripture on a regular basis?  Are you bringing Scripture to mind when faced with temptation or sadness or whatever ails you? I would love to know which verses you have found useful in your life?  Do you have advice on how to best go about memorizing Scripture?  Will you join me in my plan to memorize more Scripture verses this year?  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 2:13-3:6
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~ Listen to today’s Scripture on The ESV Bible ~

In Matthew today we read about The Escape to Egypt.  Two things stood out to me in Joseph’s behavior in today’s readings.  In verse 13 an angel tells Joseph to “get up and flee to Egypt” – and Joseph responds by leaving THAT NIGHT with the family, as we see in verse 14.  That’s beautiful obedience.  Then, in verse 21 we see Joseph respond similarly when he is told by an angel to return to Israel – he leaves with the family “immediately.”  I like this – Joseph is acting obediently to God’s will in his life – and he is acting pronto!  He’s not sitting around worrying or fretting or thinking that he’ll get to it tomorrow.  He goes that night!  He returns immediately!  Can we learn from Joseph’s amazing obedience in these readings? Is God calling you to do something in your life that you are hemming and hawing about? Is God calling you to forgive someone? To love someone? To serve someone? To encourage someone? Will you be like Joseph and obey God’s call for your life immediately? Since we’ve turned the new year, I hope you don’t mind if I post up my favorite image demonstrating obedience below… 🙂  Do you have obedience like this when it comes to God’s will for your life?

Today in Matthew chapter 3 we are introduced to John the Baptist!  I don’t know exactly what it is about John the Baptist – but I love reading about him and his life.  He is just on fire for God and Jesus and he is encouraging others to get on fire too!  I guess I like that in a person. 🙂 Another thing about John is that he is so focused on his mission to call others to repentance and to baptize them, that he really does not care about worldly things – like how he looks or what he wears or what he eats.  None of that really matters to him.  It is the message of the coming of Jesus that matters to him.  Maybe it is verse 4 that really stands out to me about John:  “John’s clothes were woven from camel hair, and he wore a leather belt; his food was locusts and wild honey.”  I think this is really saying that John lived a simple life.  He did not “major in minor things” – he “majored in the major thing” – Jesus!  Is there something we can learn from John the Baptist in our lives today?  Are you perhaps focusing too much on things of this world and not enough on God and Jesus? Are you truly loving God and loving people like John did? Or are you spending your life “majoring in minor things”? Will you instead “major on the major thing” that John is calling you to even today – complete passion and love for God: the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit; and other people?

Bible.org’s commentary on our readings today in Matthew titled “The Slaughter of the Infants and Innocent Suffering” is at this link and “John the Baptist and Jesus” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Matthew reminded me of the terrific song “In Christ Alone” sung here live by Shane and Shane:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2ld1wI2hT8

Is Christ Alone enough for you?  Click here to be alone with Christ!

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!