How To Hear From God

Matthew 17:5

It is important for us to hear Jesus and receive direction for our lives. But with so many voices telling us what to do, how do we discern the voice of Jesus among others?

Below are 10 ways God speaks to us. Be sure you read all of the scriptures to gain a fuller understanding of each of the ways. The first two are the primary ways He speaks to us, the rest are secondary ways.

1) He speaks to us through His Scripture

The most basic and common way God speaks to us is through reading the bible

1. 2 Peter 1:16-21 ”for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
2. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.

2) Through Bible Teaching

• 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God… (or God-breathed), and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,…”

SECONDARY

Important Note: 

• These should almost always be confirmed by a primary.
  1. Matthew 18:16 ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
  2. Will never contradict the scriptures

3) By an Inward/Still small voice

1. Acts 8:29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”
2. 1 Kings 19:11-12 (Elijah in the cave)

4) Through the Peace of God

1. Philippians 4:6-7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

5) Through Circumstances

• In 2 Corinthians 2:12-13 Paul had an opportunity to preach in Troas but because he did not find Titus there, he departed to Macedonia.

6) By the Burden of the Lord

1. Romans 9:2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race.
2. Ex: Burden for homeless, fatherless children, be a doctor.

7) Through Sound counsel

1. Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
2. Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.
   1. Find a good godly friend.

8) Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Revelatory Gifts)

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

• Prophecy:
  • Foretelling / predicting the future… (Isaiah, Revelation)
  • Forth-telling – 1 Co. 14:3 “But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.”
• Word of knowledge (Supernatural / Knowing what’s wrong or right)
• Word of wisdom (Supernatural wisdom / Wisdom from God – what to do in a situation)

9) Open and close doors

1. Revelation 3:7-8 He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.
2. Acts 16:6-8 – close doors direct gospel to Europe.

• You might be rejected by a university to the college of your choice.
• You might not get the dream job.

10) Visions & Dreams

1. Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith the Lord, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and daughters will prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
2. Acts 16:6-10 (Paul direction to Macedonian / Europe)

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He Is Risen!

Matthew 28 Summary

Three days after Jesus was crucified, Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” came early in the morning to finish prepping the body of Jesus. But when they arrived, there was an earthquake and an angel rolled away the huge stone that covered the entrance of the tomb. The tough Roman guards fainted but the women were told by the angel, Jesus is risen.

They immediately began to run back to tell the disciples the great news but on the way, they met Jesus and they began to worship Him.

To prevent people from knowing that Jesus was indeed resurrected, the chief priest devised a plan to tell people Jesus’ body was stollen by the disciples.

The chapter ends with what we refer to as the great commission. He told His disciples to go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing and teaching everyone about His commands.

Read Matthew 28

Consideration

Jesus’ resurrection is by far the most significant event in the history of the world. The resurrection is significant for several reasons. First, it confirms His deity. Second, it validates the the reliability of the Old Testament prophecies. It proves He has the power over death and it guarantees that believers will also be raised from the dead unto eternal life. Without the resurrection, our beliefs would be based on wishful thinking but the Resurrection is the concrete evidence on which our faith is built upon.

Prayer

Lord God, you have been so good to me. Though I was born in sin and lived a life deserving of death, You provided your Son to be my atoning sacrifice. I thank you for His death but also His resurrection, which is the evidence on which my faith is built upon. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do in my life. Amen!

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I’ve Been Set Free

Matthew 27 Summary

Matthew continues to document the event that took place before Jesus’ crucifixion. He was now being taken to Pontius Pilate the governor to be sentenced to death. But in the mean time, Judas, Jesus’ betrayer, regretting he betrayed Jesus, went out and hung himself.

Now when Jesus stood trial before Pilate, Pilate realized Jesus was innocent of the charges brought against Him. Pilate devised a plan to get Jesus released by letting the crowds choose who they would like to be released, Jesus or Barabbas a notorious prisoner. But to Pilate’s surprise, the people asked for Barabbas to be released and Jesus be crucified. The innocent Savior was taking the place of the guilty sinner.

So Pilate gave in to the pressure of the people, ordered Jesus to be beaten and crucified. They lead Him to a place called Golgotha where He was crucified between two thieves. Then at three O’clock in the afternoon, the sky turned dark, and shortly after Jesus “gave up His spirit.”

Jesus’ body was taken down and placed in the tomb of a rich man named Joseph and Pilate set guards at the entrance of the tomb to prevent anyone from stealing Jesus’ body.

Read Matthew 27

Consideration

When Jesus stood trial before Pilate, Pilate realized Jesus was an innocent man. Jesus public trial was necessary because it gave everyone during Jesus’ lifetime to testify if they had seen Him do any sinful act. But no one brought any real evidence against Him because there was none.

If Jesus had at any point sinned, He would have died for His own sins. But the fact remains that He was “without sin,” which allowed Him to die for our sins, that anyone who believes on Him may be forgiven and pardoned for their sins.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for sacrificing yourself on the cross. You could of defended your innocence but you took the blame so that I could be blameless. Since you died for me, help me and show me how I can live for you. Amen.

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Jesus!!!

Matthew 26 Summary

There is a constant theme in this chapter and it is JESUS!!!!! Jesus is modeling many things for the disciples.  Just think if you knew when you were dying and had a few more days left with your kids. What things would you be teaching them. Jesus is giving some of the best lessons He can give before He is crucified on the cross.

Some of the principles that Jesus taught in this chapter are faith, prayer, the Lord’s supper (communion), how to act when facing death, how to act when you’re being arrested  and the courage it takes to choose Jesus in this world.

We see in this chapter that the world will always seek to delegitimize Jesus. They try to explain away miracles, the world says the Bible is a fairy tale, and instead of teaching creation, they come up with a godless theory of evolution.

Our job is to glorify Jesus in everything we do in this life on earth.

Read Matthew 26

Consideration

Matthew 26 shows a clear delineation of the age old question that we have in this life on earth.

What are we going to do with Jesus and the Cross??? Questions that I see in this chapter:

What is your relationship with Jesus? You are either for Him or against Him.

Are you all in, are you fully committed to Jesus, have you given Him every area of your life? We see this in Peter’s life.

What are you doing with your earthly vessels (time, treasure, talents)? Think about the woman with the alabaster jar, she gave Jesus her all.

Do you look at Communion and Prayer as mundane acts or do you approach them with reverence?

How would you feel if all the things you taught your kids in your last dying days were ignored or taken as mundane frivolous acts?

Prayer:

Jesus help me to be fully committed to you with my life, my family and all I have. Help me to cherish the things you have taught and continue to teach through your word. Amen.

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Here Comes the Bridegroom

Matthew 25 Summary

I love the picture of a wedding, and at every wedding it is always the Bride that everyone is there to see. But at this wedding in Matthew 25, the coming Bridegroom is the one that everyone will be looking for. You have to have an invitation to the wedding and Jesus Christ has given everyone an invitation (John 3:16) but like a lot of invitations many people don’t respond to their invitation.

In the second half of Matthew 25 we see people who have been given talents, treasure and time. God expects us to use these talents to further the kingdom of God here on earth before He comes back to collect His bride.

Read Matthew 25

Consideration

Just like with a wedding, we wait in anticipation to see the bride walk down the isle, to see the dress, to see the splendor, and the majesty of the moment. Hopefully, that is how we look forward to the coming Bridegroom, who is Jesus. He will come in splendor, majesty, wearing white. He is the Knight in shinny armor of Righteousness who we dream that our daughter would find a groom like Him to marry.

May we be like the five virgins filled with the Holy Spirit and ready to serve the Risen King on His return. May we not be like the five virgins that had no oil (representing the Holy Spirit) that we are either trying to do Christianity in our own power or haven’t ever asked Jesus into our hearts. There are some who have the appearance of godliness but have never gotten it from their head down into their hearts. May we be ready today to confess that we are all sinners and that Jesus is the payment for sin.

Prayer:

May we wait with expectation for our Bridegroom who is coming in the clouds to get His bride (the true believers) and may you God wrap your loving arms around us. Have us be people of action that multiply what you have given us here on earth. That we would be people who want to tell others about the Good News. Amen.

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Signs of the End

Matthew 24 Summary

Jesus gives some very serious words about the increasing trouble and persecution that will mark the world as the end and His return nears. Jesus predicts that the temple in Jerusalem will be destroyed and tells His disciples to watch for signs of the second coming or the (end of the age). And when the time is right, a sign will appear in the sky and the Son of Man will come, riding the clouds, and angels will gather up the chosen people.

Jesus also tells the disciples of signs to come such as famines, wars, earthquakes, persecution, false prophets, an increase of evil, and a decrease of love. The disciples want more details on how they’ll know it’s time. Jesus responds with the parable of the fig tree. Jesus further brings emphasis to them that No one will know the time or day when the Son of Man will come. Jesus concludes by emphasizing the importance of being prepared, by telling the parable of the unfaithful servant which warns His people to be ready for that day.

Read Matthew 24

Consideration

Jesus made it very clear in this chapter to always be ready for His return. Jesus also emphasized not only that His return will be sudden, but it will be very much unexpected. And even though He made it clear that no one will know the day or the hour, people still wrongly attempt to predict the time of His return. Instead of trying to figure out when it will be, our responsibility is to simply be ready for His unexpected return.

How can we be ready? Stay in His word and be about His work. Don’t be sidetracked or distracted by things of this world. We should look with eager longing for the day when our Lord will return.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your word which is the truth that we stand on. Thank you Lord for the promises you have made that we can rest in, knowing that​​ you never change. I pray that I continue to walk by faith and to trust you in all things and lead not on my own understanding. I also pray for anyone who does not know you as Lord and Savior, that they will come to know you and be transformed in your image. I ask this in your Son Jesus name Amen.

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Blind Guides

Matthew 23 Summary

The same Lord Jesus who is meek, and who loves little children in this chapter of Matthew does not hold back. The Lord reveals to the masses of people and to his disciples the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. They say one thing but do another. The Lord instructs the people to do what they say, but don’t do what they do. They are only concerned about what men think, and not about what God thinks. They place heavy burdens on others but don’t lift a finger. They desire to be called by lifted up names like Rabbi or Father.

To the people the Lord says, “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whomever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The Lord goes on to condemn the Pharisees, calling them blind guides. They sit and take the time to measure everything but neglect the important matters of life like justice, mercy or faith. The Lord goes on to list many other failings and the judgment to come upon them.

Then our heartbroken Lord closes out this chapter of Matthew “I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings but you were not willing!”

Read Matthew 23

Consideration

We need to be careful not to become so religious that we lose sight of God. It is good to keep track of our spiritual growth but man makes the mistake so often of measuring himself against other men instead of against God. When this happens we repel men away from the gospel. This is what the Pharisees were doing by measuring every action they took and then lorded it over them. We also need to do as Jesus said. Let us humble ourselves and let the Lord exalt us, instead of lifting ourself up only to be humbled.

Prayer:

Lord thank you for my salvation, for the garment you have provided me through Jesus Christ your Son. Lord you made the payment for me, a payment I could not cover. My debt only grew but you delivered me. Help me to walk worthy through your Spirit. When I fail enable me to be quick to listen, slow to speak and quick to repent. I thank you in Jesus name, Amen.

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Title To The Kingdom Of Heaven

Matthew 21 Summary:

As predicted in the scriptures centuries earlier, the Lord entered the city of Jerusalem riding on a donkey. In so doing He receives hails of Hosanna which means “save now.” The people enthusiastically welcome Him as their savior making a path for Him with clothes and palm branches. When Jesus made His way right to the temple, He overturned the tables of the money changers and those that sold doves. He did this because they turned the temple into a marketplace instead of a holy place.

The next morning, when Jesus was on his way to the temple, He made a quick stop to cursed the unfruitful fig tree. Then at the temple, the chief priest and elders tried to trap Him with trick questions. But Jesus dodged their trap by answer their question with a question.

The Lord then turns the tables telling them two parables, the parable of the two sons, in which the Lord notes their refusal of John message on how to live right. Noting that the tax collectors and harlots will enter the kingdom of God before them because they believed God’s message.

In the second, parable the parable of the Landowner, Jesus reveals that the vineyard they are caring for belongs to the Lord (Kingdom of God), but they have used it for their personal profit. The Lord makes it clear the time has come when the Kingdom of God will be taken from them and given to another nation which will faithfully care of it.

Read Matthew 21

 

Consideration
This chapter of Matthew’s gospel reveals some truths about what really happens when Jesus gets into your temple. He overturns tables and cleaned the house. Consider this truth, since we are the temple of God, Jesus will also visit our temple. The question we must ask, will He do the same and overturn tables in our temple? It will be wise for us to clean up our temples before He to pay us a visit and cleans house for us?

Something else we need to consider is that as caretakers of the Kingdom of God, we need to be faithful with it. Are we cultivating it so that people will get saved?

Just like a garden, a little water and proper sunlight will make a garden fruitful. So it is with the kingdom of God. The water of the Word and the light of the Son will make even the weakest plant bear fruit.

Prayer:

Lord, continue to overturn the tables in my life. Search me Lord and reveal what you desire I remove. Let me not take the Kingdom of Heaven for granted but to be about tilling, seeding, and caring for the tender plants you have put in my midst. Enable me to hold in view the price you paid to deliver me in your righteousness.

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Earning Heavenly Wages

Matthew 20 Summary

Summary:

The chapter starts with the Lord telling a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus describes how a landowner went out early in the morning to hire some men to work in his fields for a specific wage. The landowner makes additional trips throughout the day to the market place and hires others, some late morning, others in the afternoon, and finally at the end of the day. To these the landowner says he will pay them what is right.

At the end of the day, everyone received the same pay. However, some of the workers complained because they worked longer and received the same pay as those who only worked for one hour. The landowner reminded them that they agreed to a certain amount and were paid that amount. He also points out that what he paid out belongs to him and he may do whatever he desires with his own money.

Matthew also records when Jesus told His disciples about His upcoming fate. He told them He will be betrayed, crucified and raised from the dead. Shortly after this, we see a power struggle among the disciples. Two of the disciples had their mother ask Jesus to give them prominent positions in His kingdom. Of course this made the others angry. The Lord explained how they have it upside down. To be great in the kingdom of heaven, you must be a great servant.

The chapter concludes with Jesus being moved with compassion and healing two blind men.

Read Matthew 20

Consideration

In the parable of the landowner, Jesus addressed the Old Covenant (set wage / law) between Israel and God and the New Covenant (God’s grace) between God and all of mankind. Like the men in the parable of the landowner, we need to be careful that we do not distort the goodness of God. It does not matter if God gives us a little or a lot, we need to be thankful for the grace He has shown us. Instead of being envious of the blessings He gives to others, we need to be grateful for what He has given us. “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” Philippians 2:4.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for making the payment for my sins. Enable me to humble myself before you so that I can be a walking gospel. Help me not to despise, but to reach out to the lost. Keep me from being self-seeking, striving or any other thing that takes the focus off of YOU. Amen.

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Right Side Up Living

Matthew 18 Summary

Summary:

The disciples asked, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” The Lord brings before them a little child. He used the child to demonstrate that just as the child was in total obedience to His voice, we too should be obedient to Him.

He also made an important declaration when He said, “Assuredly, I say to you unless you are converted and become as a little child you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” This is a picture of humility that leads to salvation.

Upon completion of this demonstration with the child, the Lord introduces examples of what humility looks like.

1. The cutting off of the old nature (Matthew 18: 6-11).
2. Seeking out the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14).
3. Restoring the offending brother (Matthew 18:15-19)
4. Forgiving as Christ forgave us (Matthew 18:20-34)
5. Remembering the forgiveness you received (Matthew 18:35).

Read Matthew 18

Consideration

It is important for us to be a child of God. Without being a child of God, we cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Once we become a child of God, we also need to be obedient as a little child who obeys his father. When He calls our name, do we step forward? When He places His hands on your shoulders, do you pull away? Commit to being obedient to God as a little child no matter what He asks.

Also, in this chapter, Jesus gave clear instructions on how to deal with a brother or sister who has offended us. Is there someone who has offended you? Have you followed the steps laid out in Matthew 18:15-18? If not, will you consider and pray about doing so today?

Prayer
Lord mold me into your image and help me to cut off the old man and to put on the new man. Give me a heart to be a humble servant. If there is any foolishness in me please bring it to my attention and give me the strength to cast it off. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

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Be transfigured with Jesus

Matthew 17 Summary

Summary:

Jesus was giving the disciples James, John, and Peter a glimpse into the past so they would know about the future. There is a rich exchange that takes place amongst Jesus’ closest disciples. Elijah and Moses were the prophets of old and here they were in person standing right in front of them. It had to be mind blowing! But yet even after this Peter totally blows it by denying the Savior of the world three times. God speaks of what will happen to God the Son. Then later in the chapter Jesus reiterates that He would be killed and rise on the third day.

Then at the end of this chapter it talks about giving to the church. They’re asking if Jesus is going to pay the temple tax. Jesus tells Peter who is a fishermen and who has caught thousands of fish in his lifetime to go catch another fish. When you catch that fish look into his mouth and take the coin out of his mouth. Then go and pay to the temple. The natural meets the supernatural!

Read Matthew 17

Consideration

I remember as a kid riding my bicycle about 12 miles to go see the Miami Dolphins practice. I was mesmerized as I would see these football players walk by. When I was a little boy I wanted to be a football player. Peter had to be in total awe as he witness God speaking with Moses and Elijah standing in front of him. Peter was wrong in his assessment to build 3 tabernacles and I believe that God showed him that. By taking away Elijah and Moses and focusing solely on Jesus His Son. So many times we will lift sports figures, movie stars and even pastors higher than Jesus. The Lord shows us that this should never happen. Your faith has to be about what Jesus did on the cross. Never put anyone or anything in the place that belongs to Jesus.

Peter had to be amazed that this random fish had a coin in his mouth. This never happened before to Peter. But now Peter was being transformed day by day as he sat at the feet of Jesus. Peter was learning that if you have faith in Jesus He will pay all of our debts. Peter would see this not only in the fact that Jesus paid the temple tax but also that He paid in full our debts on the cross.

Prayer
Lord we get to see that Elijah and Moses both made it into the promise land. The promise of heaven is there for all of us if we just put Jesus first. May I pick up my cross daily and look to Jesus for all my needs. Amen.

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The Leaven of Works and Self Righteousness

Matthew 16 Summary

Summary: 

Faith in Jesus is the opposite of looking for one emotional experience after another. In Matthew 16 we see the religious leaders trying to test Jesus like they’re the authority of the church. Then Jesus goes on to tell the Pharisee and Sadducees that they had no faith, that their faith was caught up in themselves and their works.

Jesus then goes back to teaching the disciples about faith. Jesus always asked questions to the people and especially the disciples.  He then tells them (not) to lose your way from false doctrines that were being taught by Prominent Religious Leaders of that day. Verses 13-20 are some of the most misrepresented verses in all the Bible. The Catholic Church would tell you that these verses speak of the church being built on Peter. Instead the true meaning is that the church was and always will be built on and of Jesus Christ. This is what Peter is telling Jesus in those verses.

Jesus goes on to predict His own death at the hands of the religious leaders. Jesus then tells the disciples that it will be by a daily faith walk.

Read Matthew 16

Consideration

There are so many false doctrines and false teachers in the world today. It is like trying to walk through a maze with land mines all over the place. We see pastors, preachers, and televangelist asking for money and guaranteeing you that your prayers will be answered for a price.

That’s why we need to KNOW the WORD of GOD. A bank teller knows what real money feels like; as soon as funny money touches their hands they know that it is a fake. We need to train our ears and minds to sniff out false doctrines. Jesus is all you need!

There will be some out there that will tell you that you need Jesus plus something else. Or they will tell you that Jesus wasn’t that important. RUN!!!  This is a sure sign of false doctrine.

That is why we as a church need to be in the word of God each day. In this chapter Jesus tells us,“ If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

Prayer

God, help me to die to my own selfish desires and put your will ahead of my own. Help me to have discernment of spiritual things and to do your will in my life. Amen.

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Can’t Be Right if I’m Wrong 

Matthew 15 Summary

Summary: 

39 rich verses in Matthew 15. The only one that Jesus really gave a hard word to or seemed to be disgusted with, was the religious hypocrites. Not like you and I who make  honest mistakes every now and then. But Jesus called these scribes and Pharisees out for worrying about, or majoring in the minors.  They were so right that they were wrong. They would worry about washing hands ceremonies while planning to kill Jesus. Jesus wasn’t so concerned with what they were eating but more with what their hearts and minds were thinking.

From there Jesus moves to another city in Israel where he heals a little girl that is demon possessed. Ever been shunned by someone because of the way your kids or even your spouse acted. Jesus understood the pain of being shunned and He had compassion for a mom who had a sick child. Jesus not only heals the child, but in many ways He healed the mother’s heart. He saw her faith and encouraged that mom that she was doing the right things to raise her child.

Read Matthew 15

Consideration

So many times we will call somebody out in their sin or maybe you don’t have the courage to call them out, but you secretly judge them. You hold them and their sins to a higher degree of judgment then you hold yourself to. Pharisees and scribes were doing this exact same thing. And as we do often, we ask questions with motives behind them. Motives to judge or trap them in their sin. The whole time we are doing the same or worse sins. Have you ever done this or are you currently doing this? Jesus would say knock it off and look circumspectly at your own wicked heart.

I see at the end of this chapter Jesus’ compassion and acceptance of people, no matter their situation. Can we look unto people who may not look like you or act like you through the eyes of Jesus? Can we  have the compassion it takes to help lead that person into the presence of Jesus?

Prayer

Dear God allow me to see people through your eyes. Help me to have discernment that it takes to know exactly what that person needs. Especially help me to have the love that it takes to cover a multitude of sin and not to judge with a harsh heart. Amen.

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Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Matthew 14 Summary

Summary: 

Here we see the world acting like the fallen world that it is. We see Herod being tempted by the lure of lust, making him cut off John the Baptist’s head, even though he respected John The Baptist in some ways and knew that killing him could lead to riots in Jerusalem.

Then we see the chapter transition geographically to the Galilee region. We also see transition from tragedy to triumph into some of the greatest miracles and best known miracles that Christ ever carried out. Feeding of the 5000 and Peter walking on water.

Read Matthew 14

Consideration

There will be tragedies, challenges, and sickness in our lives. Even death to ones we love.  Our responsibility is to keep our eyes on Jesus constantly. He is our Salvation because He is our Savior. He is our provision because He is the Bread of Life. He is our protection because when we feel overwhelmed, He is there to lift us up from drowning. So cry out to Jesus; He hears you and loves you.

Prayer

God help me to be in the world but not of the world. Please allow me to immerse myself in you and your word . Help me to get out of the boat of mediocrity. Amen!

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More than a Story

Matthew 13 Summary

Summary:
Parables are stories that have a word picture that can go along with a principle that can be drawn out of them. Normally from a standard that anyone in that area or profession would immediately understand. In this chapter, Jesus shared several parables that offer an earthly perspective from a heavenly point of view. In the “Parable of the Sower,” Jesus spoke about 4 types of soil which represents 4 types of people and how each person respond to the Gospel differently.

The parables in Matthew 13 had specific meanings and principles hidden within the stories. These parables still have relevance 2000 years later as we see the wisdom and goodness of God.

Read Matthew 13

Consideration

Jesus shows us through these parables that there is always a spiritual battle going on. He shows us that we need to constantly look at our own soil and cultivate it through His word and prayer. He tells us that there will be weeds that live among us, in the form of a boss, co-worker, neighbor or even a non-believing spouse. May we help others walk through this cultivating process as we sow the Love of Christ and turn what looks like a weed into a fruitful tree of abundance.

Prayer

Lord direct my steps as I look towards the principle of sowing and reaping. May you cultivate your will in my life. I ask that you would prune where you see areas of decay or deadness. Graft new excitement into my walk with you. Amen!

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Relationship not Religion

Matthew 12 Summary

Jesus turned religion and the religious upside down. He challenged their customs and traditions. However, he did not take away any of the commandments that God had put in place. He offered the Love of a relationship with the Lord of the Sabbath. Instead of rules and regulations of the religious, He wanted us to worship Him everyday instead of just on the Sabbath.

Read Matthew 12

Consideration

When you follow Jesus with your whole heart, He will heal you of whatever worries you, provokes you, offends you and ails you. It is up to you and I to follow the Lord of the Sabbath and make Him Lord of every area of our lives. What part of your life are you still holding onto that you need to still give Him?

Prayer

Lord help me to follow you, not out of obligation, not out of tradition, but with a sincere love that is wrapped in Your Spirit to help me overcome. Amen!

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Greater is HE

Matthew 11 Summary

Having taught his disciples in the previous chapter that persecution was imminent, Jesus now is approached by John’s followers after John had been imprisoned for preaching righteousness.  John sent his followers to ask Jesus if he was really the messiah which was answered with a reassuring response. Upon the departure of John’s followers, Jesus declares that John was the greatest that had ever lived until that time.  Jesus contrasts that statement by declaring that the least person in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he(John) is.  Jesus unfolds the truth that John was the last of the prophets to point to the messiah and that all the previous prophets looked forward to this time.

Unfortunately, although the Gospel was being presented by Jesus with supporting signs and wonders, many people in the cities they had taught (Korazin, Bethsaida, Tyre, Sidon, Capernaum, etc.) still refused to repent, similar to what the people did during the previous days of the prophets. Jesus concludes the chapter, by thanking God the father for hiding the truth of the gospel from the “wise and clever”.  Instead the weary and heavy laden received the truth and discovered how easy Jesus’ yoke was and how light his burden.

Read Matthew 11

Consideration

As we look at this chapter, John the baptist who was once powerfully proclaiming the Truth of who Jesus is, was now in prison questioning his Lord.  The reality of the prison cell discouraged him to the point of doubting what he knew was true.  Jesus’ subsequent response in stating “even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is”reveals that like Moses, John had seen the promised land but had not entered in.  And so today I ask if this speaks of you? Were you once on fire for the Lord proclaiming the Gospel everywhere you went, and then the trials of life imprisoned you?

The apostle Paul pens his concerns about this very situation in 1 Cor 9:27 where he says that after preaching the gospel and doing the work of the ministry he did not want to be disqualified.  Beloved, we serve a God who forgives, restores and renews! Do not succumb to the lies of the enemy, but remember that Greater is HE that is in you than He that is in this world.

Prayer

God I thank you for sharing the glorious gospel with me and placing a fire in my soul to proclaim it to everyone.  I ask you to keep me from being ensnared by the prisonly trappings of my mind.  Help me to think on things that are pure and righteous and to remain focused on you and your Word.

In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

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Equipping the Called

Matthew 10 Summary

At the outset of Chapter 10, Jesus calls and identifies specifically HIS 12 disciples/apostles and endows them with spiritual power. He then gives them clear direction about their assignment and encourages that all their needs would be provided for as they go out to accomplish the assigned tasks. He promises that although persecution was unavoidable, that the spirit giving them power would also equip them with the words to respond to their persecutors. This would be essential, as Jesus warns that even those who are closest to them (mother, father, brother, friend, etc.) would turn against them. However, because of the power they would receive from HIS spirit, they should not fear, recognizing that the God who knows even the number of hairs on their head would be with them. Jesus concludes the chapter by revealing an essential element to accomplishing the task before them, loving HIM (God) above all else.

Read Matthew 10

Consideration

As Jesus hand picked his disciples/apostles, he has handpicked you…..what an amazing reality. YES, that means that of the millions of the people on planet earth, he knows your name individually and has prepared a specific assignment for you to accomplish while here. As HIS follower, he has equipped you with HIS spirit who will give you power (Acts 1:8) to fulfill your assignment on earth. As Jesus reveals in chapter 10 of Matthew, persecution for his sake is inevitable, however as we consider Jesus’ immense love for us we will be able to surmount any fear and boldly proclaim the gospel of our Lord! Love HIM, you disciple of Jesus Christ, and find that God has equipped you to accomplish mighty works for the Kingdom of our God!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your calling me to follow you. I thank you that you have given me your Holy Spirit, who gives me power to live a life pleasing to you. I pray that through your spirit, you will strengthen me to love you more than anything else, so that I may accomplish whatever you have called me do on this earth. I love you Lord and thank you for equipping me to serve you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

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