Jan 10

30 Day Challenge (Day 9)

By admin Daily Devo

Total Surrender

Matthew 9 Summary

In this chapter, we see Jesus ministry is challenged by the religious leaders as he exercised His authority.

They challenged Him when he forgave the sins of the paralytic. That was considered blasphemy (an offense worthy of death) because He was claiming to be God by this act. They challenged his decision to choose and associate himself with tax collectors and sinners. They challenged his decision not to fast.

Jesus then continued to demonstrate the Authority to heal by healing a woman with an incurable condition. He demonstrated his authority over death by raising a young girl back to life. And finally, He demonstrated He had authority over demons by casting out a demon from a man.

The chapter closes with a statement worth remembering. “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Jesus entire ministry was done out of a heart of compassion and love.

Read Matthew 9

Consideration

This chapter clearly demonstrates the authority Jesus has over sin, sickness, disease, death and demons. Some people resisted His authority while others accepted it and their lives were changed.

Maybe you are suffering from a sickness. Maybe from depression caused by unforgiveness. Maybe you are experiencing death or defeat. Maybe it’s time you surrender your life to the authority of Jesus and experience His transforming, sin forgiving, life changing resurrecting power in your life.

Prayer

Jesus, please forgive me for resisting your authority over my life. Give me a heart like Matthew to follow you without question. In Jesus Name. Amen!

Jan 09

Love0

30 Day Challenge (Day 8)

By admin Daily Devo

Faith Filled vs. Fearful

Matthew 8 Summary

As we embark on a review of this chapter, we see that it begins with Jesus coming down from the mountainside after a powerful teaching. He is subsequently approached by two different individuals who display faith in their request for healing, and Jesus willingly answers their request.Jesus notably speaks about faith thereafter, and then goes on to perform another healing with Peter’s mother-in-law. Later that day, Jesus decided to embark on a voyage in a boat with his disciples and when a storm arose his disciples became fearful. Jesus addresses their fear which he reveals is actually a lack of faith. Setting an example for his disciples, Jesus rebukes the storm and it subsides immediately which awed his followers. The chapter culminates as Jesus personifies faith, when he confronts two demon possessed men and casts out the demons into a nearby group of swine revealing his authority. Jesus exemplifies amazing faith in this chapter, to heal the sick, calm the storms, and defeat the works of the enemy. Although his disciples were present and saw each miracle unfold before them, they struggled when faced with these challenges, causing Jesus to state “Yee of little faith”.

Read Matthew 8

Consideration

Faith is definitely important to God, as Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Do you often feel like the disciples did, being fearful rather than faith filled? If so, your answer is found in Romans 10:17 which states that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. God promises that each has been given a measure of faith in Romans 12:3, and so you can be assured that you are not exempt. If you desire to be faith filled, commit to spending time in God’s Word each day. You can be assured, that just as the disciples eventually grew in faith as they heard the WORD of God (Jesus), you too will grow in faith as you spend time in God’s Word (the Bible).

Prayer

Dear Lord, I know your Word says that without faith it is impossible to please you. I desire to please you and to be victorious in my daily battles in this life. Father please give me a passion for your Word and cause me to spend time in it each day so that my faith will grow and I will become more like Jesus.

In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

Jan 08

Love0

30 Day Challenge (Day 7)

By admin Daily Devo

Don’t just Talk, Walk

Matthew 7 Summary

This chapter calls the believer to put into practice truths that Jesus reveals throughout.

Judge not, Jesus warned, for in the same way a person judges others they will be judged. He continued, that each individual must guard against hypocrisy by first examining and addressing one’s own issues/sin prior to attempting to correct those identified in others. Next, a vital truth is revealed, that God the father responds favorably to those who ask him, seek after him, and knock at the door of salvation. As Jesus admonishes the believer to “do to others what you would have them do to you”, he follows up by explaining that the way that leads to life (salvation) is narrow and few people find the way. Deterrents to them finding the way, are false prophets/teachers who’s bad behavior(fruit) are not consistent with the good behavior (fruit) seen by a godly prophet/teacher. Jesus is clear however, that such individuals will not enter the kingdom of heaven. They have not truly built their lives on the rock (Jesus), but rather on sand (deception and sin), and as a house built without a strong foundation they will crash when tested.

Read Matthew 7

Consideration

Throughout this chapter, Jesus reveals God the father’s desire that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus unfolds God’s love by explaining that salvation is available to all who desire it and are willing to seek, ask, or knock for it. The father is so serious about this, that he 1. Addresses those who would judge the sinner and cause them to feel unworthy to approach HIM, 2. Encourages those who have the truth to show others the narrow way, just as they would desire others to share with them 3. Pronounces judgement on whoever causes others to take the wide road that leads to death. As you contemplate God’s great love for us, examine if you are living in a manner that would be a hinderance to an unbeliever coming to Jesus. As Matt 7:12 says, do to others what you would have them do to you, and don’t just talk, walk in a way that leads others to Christ our Lord!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for your great love for me in not wanting me to go to hell. I ask you to enable me through the power of your Holy Spirit, to live in a manner that leads others to you. Help me avoid hypocrisy and to bear good fruit as I should. Thank you Lord!

In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

Jan 07

Love0

30 Day Challenge (Day 6)

By admin Daily Devo

A Heavenly Perspective

Matthew 6 Summary
In this chapter Jesus speaks profoundly about actions that are, or at least should be a part of every christian’s life…..doing good, praying, and fasting. Amazingly, Jesus also addresses “how” we are to do these actions and not just “what” actions we are to do. As we delve into the chapter, Jesus reminds his followers that although these actions are necessary for the christian, it is important to ensure that they are not doing them as a “performance” to be seen by people. Jesus warns that those who do these works to be seen by others, have received their reward here and will not receive any rewards from God for this behavior. On the contrary Jesus promises that when the believer’s actions are done “in secret”, to be seen by God the Father who they serve, the Father will reward them openly.

In the second half of the passage, Jesus further brings emphasis to the importance of recognizing who (God or people/riches) each person is serving and the reality that no one can serve two masters at the same time. He concludes by reassuring his followers, that those who serve God will be taken care of and have no need to worry about their life or daily sustenance as the Father takes care of HIS own.

Read Matthew 6

Consideration
Matthew 6 should strike a chord in the heart of every follower of Jesus Christ, as Jesus calls us to refocus and immerse ourselves in a heavenly perspective. Our society bombards us with messaging that focuses on ourselves and making our name great, while trying to assure us that the riches attained through these means will satisfy us. Colossians 3:2 tells us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things and as we read through scripture our perfect example Jesus shows us exactly what that looks like. As you begin this new year, evaluate your life and make sure that whatever you do is unto the Lord and not for mankind to see (Ephesians 6:7, Colossians 3:23), and seek the rewards from our heavenly father and not from others. Allow a heavenly perspective to order your steps this year!

Prayer
Father God, my desire is to serve you only and please you with my life. Please enable me to keep my focus on you and not to be consumed with recognition of others and earthly rewards. Help me to do everything as unto you so that you alone are glorified in my life.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

Jan 06

Love0

30 Day Challenge (Day 5)

By admin Daily Devo

The Highest Virtue

Matthew 5 Summary
Now when Jesus saw the great crowd of people following Him, He sat down on a mountainside to teach them how to live. He begins this greatest sermon ever preached with a list of eight bless-able attitudes that believers should have.

He then focused on the Law of Moses. He demonstrated that no one can actually keep the law because the law is broken when we sin in our hearts. Murder, adultery and broken promises all begin in the heart. Jesus said, He did not come “to abolish the law but to fulfill it,” meaning, He was the only one that never sinned by breaking the commandments. His accomplishment allows Him to give a pass into heaven to anyone who will receive it.

Jesus ends the chapter by calling us to the highest virtue of the Christian faith — Love. We are to love not only the lovable people but also our enemies. We are called to walk in love because love shows we are God’s children.

Read Matthew 5

Consideration
Jesus calls us to love our enemies by blessing them, doing good to them and praying for them. Think about one or two people who you may consider to be your enemy (spouse, in-law, co-worker, neighbor). Pray about how God would have you show love to that person today.

Prayer
Jesus, you called me to be perfect like God is perfect by receiving the righteousness you offer and loving like you love. Give me the strength to do what may seem impossible, that I may be more like you. Amen!

Jan 05

Love0

30 Day Challenge (Day 4)

By admin Daily Devo, Uncategorized

Overcomer

Summary
Immediately after Jesus was baptized, He was lead by the Holy Spirit into the desert for forty days where He had no food or water. At the end of the forty 40 days, the devil came (at Jesus’ weakest point) and made three attempts to cause Jesus to sin. But Jesus overcame the devil’s attacks by quoting scripture (see Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:10-11, 1 Peter 5:5-11).

After his desert experience and upon learning of John the Baptist imprisonment, Jesus began his public ministry. It was also at this time when He began picking His disciples. He simply said to them, “Follow Me” and they left everything and followed Jesus. Jesus’ ministry was tree-fold: preaching, teaching and healing. Jesus became well known in the region and a great amount of people followed Him.

Read Matthew 4

Consideration
Jesus’ temptation came right after His baptism and before His ministry began. And so it is with us. Satan usually will attack us right after we’ve had a great spiritual moment or victory in our lives and before we start ministering to others. His attempt is to make us forget the spiritual victories we have had in Christ and to discourage us from sharing Jesus with others. He wants to destroy your ministry before it even begins. The way to overcome Satan is with the Word of God. It has been said, “One WEEK with no word makes one WEAK.” Make sure you are feasting on the Word of God every day and you will be able to withstand the attacks and temptations of the devil.

Prayer
Lord, please give me a heart this year to have a deep desire to read and memorize your word that I may be able to overcome the temptations of the devil. Help me to hide your word in my heart that I may not sin against you. Amen.

Jan 04

Love0

30 Day Challenge (Day 3)

By admin Daily Devo

Preparing the Way

Matthew 3 Summary
John the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin (See Luke 1). Based on how he was dressed and what he ate, people may have thought he was a bit odd (see Matthew 3:4). But despite his odd appearance, he had a special message and people traveled from all over to hear his message of repentance and baptism. According to the prophet Isaiah, he wrote about John eight hundred years earlier, about how John would be the one to prepare the hearts of the people for the salvation that would come through Jesus.

One day while John was baptizing people, Jesus came to be baptized by John. He was reluctant at first but after Jesus explained why it was necessary, Jesus was baptized and God confirmed that Jesus is indeed the Savior that was to come by sending the Holy Spirit upon Jesus in the form of a dove.

Read Matthew 3

Consideration
Like John the Baptist, it is the calling and duty of every believer to prepare hearts of people for salvation by sharing the message of the Gospel of Jesus. But to avoid being odd and not fitting into society, ninety percent of Christans never share their faith. Are you one of the ninety? Why not change that by praying that God will give you the boldness to share the gospel with a friend, family member or co-worker today.

Prayer
Father God, your desire is that no one should perish. Give me boldness to share the glorious gospel so that many would come to salvation. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

Jan 03

Love0

30 Day Challenge (Day 2)

By admin Daily Devo

I am a Bright Star

Matthew 2 Summary:

Some time after Jesus was born, “wise men” from the East came seeking this newborn king. They followed the star in the sky that lead them to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. They came bearing gifts fit for a king.

But as they were seeking and asking about this newborn king, King Herod found out and in an attempt to protect his position as king, he ordered all of the babies in Bethlehem to be killed. But God sent an angel to warn Joseph. He then took Mary and Jesus and traveled to Egypt and remained there until Herod was dead.

Read Matthew 2

Consideration

The wise men were able to find Jesus because they followed a bright star from the East. Once they found Jesus by following the light, they became a light by telling others about Jesus.

While the star over Bethlehem was a one in a lifetime phenomenon, the same should not be said of the light of a Christian. Our light should be on display every day so we too will be able to shine and lead others to Christ through our love and good deeds. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Are you shining your light?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, set me on fire for you that I may shine bright and lead others to you. Amen!

Jan 02

Love0

30 Day Challenge (Day 1)

By admin Daily Devo

HISStory

Matthew 1 Summary

Matthew begins his gospel by tracing the genealogy of Jesus forty two generations, all the way back to Abraham. In the lineage of Jesus, he includes both men and women. Some were prominent like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Solomon, while others, very little is known about them. Among those mentioned included prostitutes, adulterers, murderers, and idolators. As you can see, Jesus family tree had many bad apples.

But despite His family history, Jesus came to be the Christ, the Savior of not only His blood family, but the Savior of all mankind. In Genesis 22:18, God promised Abraham, the first person listed in Jesus’ genealogy, that “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.” Matthew makes the connection, that the promised child is Jesus, the baby that was born to a virgin mother and who was a descendant of Abraham. For He is Emmanuel, which means God with us.

Read Matthew 1

Consideration

It does not matter what your history looks like, Jesus came to save you and to use you to accomplish His purposes. He wants to take ordinary people like you and use them to change history by forming Christ in them. All He wants are willing hearts. Will you allow Him to use you?

Prayer

Lord God, I know I have not lived up to your standards and expectations. But I know you want to use me despite of my history. Take my life and change me so that Christ can be formed in me, that the world may know you and glorify you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Jan 01

Love0

30 Day Challenge

By admin Daily Devo

Starting the New Year Right

Hello Church family,

I pray you are having a blessed New Year. As we come to the close 2016 and begin 2017, it is my hope and prayer that this year will be filled with more of Jesus and that you may known the riches of His glory.

In case you were not able to attend todays church service, I gave a challenge to the church to enter into a 30 day commitment. If you were not in attendance, please click here to listen/watch the message.

The Challenge
The challenge I gave to the church is for us to commit to doing the following four things.

1) Devotion

For the next 30 days, we will be sending out an email devotion summarizing one chapter of Matthew. We are hoping you will commit to reading the devotion and the chapter each day.

2) Prayer

Write down things and people you want to pray for and commit to praying for them each day.
Commit to fasting every Monday in January. You may choose to do a partial or full day fast.
Suggestion: We also recommend you abstain from things (non-food related) that may be hindering your spiritual growth. Pray and ask God to reveal what things they might be.

3) Fellowship

Commit to attending 2 services a week.
Get to know different people in the church.
Invite a brother or sister from the church to your house for lunch or dinner.

4) Evangelism

Commit to sharing your faith with someone. It may be a family, friend, co-worker or neighbor.

If you have any questions regarding this challenge, please don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to seeing and hearing what God will do in your life as you “Seek first His kingdom.”

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!
Pastor Allen