I want to thank you for keeping up with our readings in Matthew. I also want to apologize for falling so behind on my posts. I decided to just go with Matthew 22 and post as I can the chapters that I missed posting. Matthew I have found reading each chapter is full of so many teachings of Christ that I hope you are putting his words to daily practice.
There are a few items I want to explore with Matthew 22. The first is the Wedding Dinner. Here Jesus is saying that a king has prepared a feast for his guest and sent his servants out to gather up the guests and let them know the banquet is ready. However, the guest responded with ignoring the servants, and some even responded with insulting and killing the servants. The Lord Jesus has asked his servants to go out and preach the Good News to people. Jesus taught his disciples to first share with the Hebrew people in the Temples. The king then was furious and said the guests were not worthy and told the servants to go and invite EVERYONE - the good and the bad peope. ALL were invited.
Now lets a deeper look into Matthew 22:11-13 "But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for the wedding. 12. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how is it that you are here without wedding clothes.' But the man had no reply. 13. Then the king said to his aides, 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14. For many are called, but few are chosen.
It it truly the clothes that are the issue? Wedding guests were given wedding clothes to wear at the banquet in those times. The wedding clothes represent righteousness. Jesus has provided righteousness for everyone. Just as the king became angry because the wedding guest refused to put on the wedding clothes, think about how the Father would be angry with those that reject his Son's gift of righteousness. What choice have you made or will you make today? The choice to reject what you read in His Word or the choice to clothe yourself with righteousness.
I want to tell you a story that I heard long ago in a Bible study. It was how to remember the difference between the Pharisees and the Sadducees which were two religious groups in Israel at Jesus time. The Pharisees were more religiously minded. They behaved as though their own religious rules were just as important as God's rules. This is a good example of discerning what a Christian leader is saying to you. Are what they telling you a God rule or a man's rule. For exmaple, when I was growing up, I was told dancing was wrong. There are many celebrations in the Bible and God's people danced. I have yet to find in the Bible where God says no to dancing. That was a man made rule.
Now the Sadducees were more politically minded. The Sadducees did not believe in a bodily resurrection and eternal life. That's why they were sad, you see? Imagine not having the hope of Jesus resurrecting and for us to live with him eternally.
Ah, may we remember every day what Jesus says is the greast commandment.
Matthew 22:36 - 39 "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" 37 Jesus replied, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 39 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Matthew 9 - Talk is Cheap
Here is a question. Does your (my) actions back up your (my) talk? I mentioned before about walking the talk. In this chapter the people of religious law asked Jesus about the people that Jesus associated, they asked about the disciples not fasting. They wanted to discredit him. People do that today too, don't they? People look to find the flaws or discredit a famous person, a politician, and even among our small circles. I get caught up in it too. However, I have learned in a very difficult way that I wind up hurting others even when I don't mean to, and I wind up hurting myself. So that brings me back to my behavior and what is the best rule of thumb.
It is Jesus. When we are out in the world, we should try our best to live as Jesus did. And Chapter 9 gives us some valuable lessons. Jesus confronted the issues with honesty. Matthew 9:4-6 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, "Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Is it easier to say, "your sins are forgiven,' or 'Stand up and walk'? 6 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!"
If the man got up in front of you and started walking, what would you think? This man says he can forgive sins and he can do better than say that, he can tell a paralyzed man to get up, pick up his mat, and go home. And the man does!
Now please don't misunderstand me. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but it goes beyond the miracles that he performed. There are many reasons, why I decided many years ago to take a "leap of faith" as some people say and say, yes, Jesus is my Savior and I believe he died for my sins. The miracles that he performed is just one and (may I say a small component) of my belief.
But for my purposes today in citing those verses, it is more to understand that Jesus confronted situations head on and with honesty and was able to prove his statement.
Matthew 9:13 ... "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous , but those who know they are sinners."
I ask myself this question. How am I doing with the above mandate from Jesus? Am I showing mercy? How about you? How are you doing with that statement?
We see so much heartache around us today. What can we do? Share the Good News with others, and I leave you with this verse. Matthew 9:37-38 He said to the disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."
I apologize for not writing for a week. As soon as I can I will post the chapters that we have been reading.
Thank you for your patience, and I hope you have a blessed day.
It is Jesus. When we are out in the world, we should try our best to live as Jesus did. And Chapter 9 gives us some valuable lessons. Jesus confronted the issues with honesty. Matthew 9:4-6 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, "Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Is it easier to say, "your sins are forgiven,' or 'Stand up and walk'? 6 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!"
If the man got up in front of you and started walking, what would you think? This man says he can forgive sins and he can do better than say that, he can tell a paralyzed man to get up, pick up his mat, and go home. And the man does!
Now please don't misunderstand me. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but it goes beyond the miracles that he performed. There are many reasons, why I decided many years ago to take a "leap of faith" as some people say and say, yes, Jesus is my Savior and I believe he died for my sins. The miracles that he performed is just one and (may I say a small component) of my belief.
But for my purposes today in citing those verses, it is more to understand that Jesus confronted situations head on and with honesty and was able to prove his statement.
Matthew 9:13 ... "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous , but those who know they are sinners."
I ask myself this question. How am I doing with the above mandate from Jesus? Am I showing mercy? How about you? How are you doing with that statement?
We see so much heartache around us today. What can we do? Share the Good News with others, and I leave you with this verse. Matthew 9:37-38 He said to the disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."
I apologize for not writing for a week. As soon as I can I will post the chapters that we have been reading.
Thank you for your patience, and I hope you have a blessed day.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Matthew 8
Matthew 8:26 Jesus responded, "Why are you afraid? You have so little faith?" Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was great calm.
Is there anything else that needs to be said? Even the winds and the ocean listen and obey Jesus. As you read through the chapter today, think about the miracles that Jesus performed. We can breath a big sigh of relief that Jesus is in control. Even when things may seem really out of control, he is in control and we can put our hope and trust in him and have the knowledge that everything will work out to his good.
I just feel like dancing off my extra holiday weight. How about you?
Is there anything else that needs to be said? Even the winds and the ocean listen and obey Jesus. As you read through the chapter today, think about the miracles that Jesus performed. We can breath a big sigh of relief that Jesus is in control. Even when things may seem really out of control, he is in control and we can put our hope and trust in him and have the knowledge that everything will work out to his good.
I just feel like dancing off my extra holiday weight. How about you?
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Matthew 7 - The Golden Rule
We will conclude today The Sermon on the Mount.
The above words is what I would like you to think about as you read through this chapter. If you have already read the chapter. Good. Take a moment and reflect about what you have read.
The first section on this chapter is about judging others. Read carefully this section and absorb it. I would encourage you as well as myself to be able to discern in your judgments and in teaching others. There are just some people that want to continue along the path that they have chosen, and it is not for me to go to them wagging my finger. And in the same token, I (we) need to remember to first put ourselves in check. Jesus said in Matthew 7:5 "Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye, then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye."
Two verses that I favor this chapter are Matthew 7:7 "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:12 "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets."
Isn't this what God wanted from his people all along? A relationship with his people. If you stay with me after this month, we will read from the Old Testament. There are several stories in the Old Testament of God seeking a relationship with his people. Are people living the golden rule today? Am I living the golden rule? I will try and bear that in mind as I walk through my day today.
Remember my words at the top of this posting. Keep these in mind as you finish reading chapter 7. As we walk throughout our daily lives, we need to be very discerning in whom we will listen. Are they living as Jesus taught? As you go through the day, are you (me) building our life upon solid ground or on moving sand.
Discernment
Relationship with God
The above words is what I would like you to think about as you read through this chapter. If you have already read the chapter. Good. Take a moment and reflect about what you have read.
The first section on this chapter is about judging others. Read carefully this section and absorb it. I would encourage you as well as myself to be able to discern in your judgments and in teaching others. There are just some people that want to continue along the path that they have chosen, and it is not for me to go to them wagging my finger. And in the same token, I (we) need to remember to first put ourselves in check. Jesus said in Matthew 7:5 "Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye, then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye."
Two verses that I favor this chapter are Matthew 7:7 "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:12 "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets."
Isn't this what God wanted from his people all along? A relationship with his people. If you stay with me after this month, we will read from the Old Testament. There are several stories in the Old Testament of God seeking a relationship with his people. Are people living the golden rule today? Am I living the golden rule? I will try and bear that in mind as I walk through my day today.
Remember my words at the top of this posting. Keep these in mind as you finish reading chapter 7. As we walk throughout our daily lives, we need to be very discerning in whom we will listen. Are they living as Jesus taught? As you go through the day, are you (me) building our life upon solid ground or on moving sand.
Monday, January 7, 2013
In Memory of Amy
Today we are pausing from our daily Bible reading. You see, it was a year ago today that my friend, Amy, passed away. I decided towards the end of last year that I wanted to reread the book of Matthew because that was Amy's favorite book in the Bible. However, today Amy's friends and family can take a moment to reflect on how loving, courageous, and wise Amy was.
We will continue tomorrow with Matthew Chapter 7.
If you would like, I lit a candle today in memory of Amy. http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=17643782
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Matthew 7 - Sermon on the Mount (cont'd and The Lord's Prayer)
Yesterday I mentioned that there were stories in early December of people receiving calls to come in and pick up their merchandise that someone came in and took care of the lay away bills. Matthew 6:4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Now most of us aren't financially able to do what these people did, but imagine the little things that we could do and if done in private imagine what your reward would be from our generous Lord. In addition, I am just thinking imagine with all of the stress and darkness that seems to blanket us, maybe these little prisms of light could be spread. Wouldn't it be wonderful to hear of more stories of joy and laughter than the ones we hear.
Jesus also teaches us about prayer. Personally, I like the NIV (New International Version) Bible but I picked up the NLT (New Living Translation) Bible by mistake and I learned the Lord's Prayer by the KJV (King James Version) Bible, and that is the one I most prefer. I mention this because when I write out a verse it has been from my NLT Bible. However, for the Lord's Prayer I am going to use the New King James Version. To read different versions, please visit Blue Letter Bible. http://www.blueletterbible.org/
Matthew 6:9-13 Pray like this:
Our Father which art in Heaven,
Hallowed be your name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done
in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we have forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and glory, for ever. Amen..
If you are new to reading the Bible daily, then I don't want to overwhelm you. However, later in this year I hope to go through all of the Psalms. You will see when you read the Psalms, more examples of how we can sing praises to the Lord in our prayers. You will see through examples of writings in Psalms how we pray but we still must accept the Lord's will. Yes, it can be frustrating at times when we don't see and understand clearly at the moment, however, we can take comfort in the knowledge that the Lord is in control and, therefore, he knows them and understands what is best for us and others.
With all of this said, The Lord's Prayer above teaches us the best way to pray to our Father in heaven. Give him the glory, recognize his will is to be done, send your supplications, ask for forgiveness, and ask to keep us from the evil one.
Jesus taught us to do our good deeds in private, (i.e. charity, prayer, and fasting). Our reward will be in heaven. That's all that we need to keep us going is the knowledge that we are storing up our treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19-20 "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and thieves break in and steal. 20Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.
However, it is this verse that jumps out at me today. Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. When it comes to money or finances, which leads to everything physical where is my heart? Is it in good balance to my daily living? When we have balance in our life, and put everything in their proper order, everything else seems to fall into place.
Along with this Jesus also teaches us not to worry. Now let me tell you something I haven't wanted to repeat in years. In middle school, I was nominated the worry wort of my class. That isn't exactly a complement. Then years later the verses about worry hit home. Matthew 6:25-34. You see worrying is a sin. If we have good, solid faith than we know the Lord is in control and there is no need to worry. So I will leave you and me with this verse. Matthew 6:34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.Saturday, January 5, 2013
Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount
Have you been able to keep up with our daily readings? No? That's okay. No worries. Today we are in Chapter 5 of Matthew where Jesus gave his Sermon on the Mount, and I encourage you to read today's chapter as there is so much in here that Jesus taught his disciples and have written down to be shared with us and you can continue to pass this along by sharing with others.
As you read through the chapter, you may want to think of God's world vs. this world that we live in. Where is your heart? Matthew 5:3 God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
We can be well off financially but if our heart and attitude are not right, we can be poor in spirit. Did you hear about the stories last month of people going into some retailers and paying lay away bills for people? Now those people that generously paid the bills for others are not going to get a tax credit, and we don't know exactly who they are to put their names up in lights. They were so generous on their own merit, and I can imagine how the people and families felt that received the calls from the stores that their lay away bills were all paid and they can come pick up their merchandise.
What if we could continue this attitude throughout 2013? As Christians, we can recognize God as the Lord of our life and think in his terms. There was a saying a few years ago WWJD (What Would Jesus Do). We can live this way all through the year not just the Christmas season. Maybe if we lived our life as Christ exampled, more people would look to Christians instead looking away from us. We can learn a lot from Chapter 5, and I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I did reading it. Do you have a verse or verses that jumped out at you? Please feel free to share them with us.
This is my verse that jumps out at me today. Matthew 5:44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Is there someone in your life that just grates on your last nerve? Maybe they need prayer. Or maybe you or in my case my attitude and guidance in interacting with that person needs prayer. Amy use to be my "go to" person. She had short and simple ways of dealing with people. You may want to find an accountability partner. Pray for that too. God will show you the way.
Our faces light up when we smile so I hope you can find at least one thing to smile about today. What a vision for God to see millions of people smiling vs. scowling. How much sweeter the sound of singing and rejoicing vs. whining, complaining and yelling.
As you read through the chapter, you may want to think of God's world vs. this world that we live in. Where is your heart? Matthew 5:3 God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
We can be well off financially but if our heart and attitude are not right, we can be poor in spirit. Did you hear about the stories last month of people going into some retailers and paying lay away bills for people? Now those people that generously paid the bills for others are not going to get a tax credit, and we don't know exactly who they are to put their names up in lights. They were so generous on their own merit, and I can imagine how the people and families felt that received the calls from the stores that their lay away bills were all paid and they can come pick up their merchandise.
What if we could continue this attitude throughout 2013? As Christians, we can recognize God as the Lord of our life and think in his terms. There was a saying a few years ago WWJD (What Would Jesus Do). We can live this way all through the year not just the Christmas season. Maybe if we lived our life as Christ exampled, more people would look to Christians instead looking away from us. We can learn a lot from Chapter 5, and I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I did reading it. Do you have a verse or verses that jumped out at you? Please feel free to share them with us.
This is my verse that jumps out at me today. Matthew 5:44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Is there someone in your life that just grates on your last nerve? Maybe they need prayer. Or maybe you or in my case my attitude and guidance in interacting with that person needs prayer. Amy use to be my "go to" person. She had short and simple ways of dealing with people. You may want to find an accountability partner. Pray for that too. God will show you the way.
Our faces light up when we smile so I hope you can find at least one thing to smile about today. What a vision for God to see millions of people smiling vs. scowling. How much sweeter the sound of singing and rejoicing vs. whining, complaining and yelling.
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