Day 14

Matthew 6

vs 1-4 Do not be boastful about giving to the needy. This should be a humble act.

vs 5-15 Do not pray for recognition, but do it in private just between you and God. Some people pray with big Christianese words to impress other people but this is not the goal of prayer. Prayer is for us to show our love for God. Jesus then takes the time to show us how to pray. By now you know this as the Lord's prayer. It is something we pray as a congregation every week, because it covers every area.

1. it lifts up God.

2. shows intentions of bringing his kingdom to earth.

3. praying His will and not our own.

4. giving us what we need to survive.

5. asking for forgiveness.

6. keeping us out of the places of temptation.

vs 16-18 Fasting is a discipline that keeps us focused on God. We separate from normality in life, of food, tv, video games and other things, to use the time for worship. Do not go around telling everyone you fast, this is not the purpose of fasting. Just like giving to the needy, and prayer it is something you should keep between you and God.

vs 19-24 We all own things that we treasure. But how much should we stake out lives on this. The things we own today in a few years will be obsolete and fading. We will not be able to take anything with us. The things we treasure show us our true heart. No one can serve two masters. They could contradict each other  and then who would you follow then? 

vs 25-34 Do not worry. It does not do any good. But seek first God's kingdom and all the things most people worry about will be given to you.

Day 13

Matthew 5 

Sermon on the Mount part 1

The next three days we will be reading the most famous sermon of all time. This passage has a lot of practical living advice. It calls us to a higher standard in many areas of life.

vs 1-12 The Beatitudes

We covered the beatitudes the other day. But I will address them a little more. These little phrases might seem confusing to you because who says "blessed are the poor in spirit?" It does not seem normal too us. This is a bit of a paradox. A paradox is something that seems contradicting. We are told the blessed ones are the ones with all the money, power, toys and other material positions. These phrases show us the type God is looking for. When you are able to survive and thrive in your faith it is because you rely and depend upon God for your strength. Those who feel they have it all together do not rely on God as much as the poor in spirit, the mournful, the meek, the hungry,  and so on.

vs 13-16

Salt enhances flavor, salt is also a preservative. We need to be the salt to enhance the name of Christ. Preserve it so the name of Christ will live on in our and future generations. Light over cedes darkness. We need to spread the light to overtake the darkness in the world.

vs 17-20

The law will not be abolished. Meaning what was written through scriptures is still valid today. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law which will be an enhancing of scripture. Everywhere from the law that is seen in the first five books of the Old Testament, to the prophecies of Christ. 

vs 21-26 Murder

Every one knows murder is wrong, and I hope most of you do not struggle with this sin. However anyone who is angry with a brother or calls his brother a fool will be in danger of murder. It calls us to a new level of love. 

vs 27-30 Adultery

Anyone who looks lustfully at a woman is subject to adultery. It is not just about cheating physically but cheating with your heart. It would be better to gouge out your eye then for your whole body to be thrown into hell. This probably should not be taken literally. But take whatever steps necessary to love Christ more and sin less.

vs 31-32 Divorce

Divorce should be the last option taken. It is only okay in marital unfaithfulness. Even though it is not implied here I would also go with abuse as being part of the unfaithfulness. Divorce is difficult and affects a lot more then just the couple involved.

vs 33-37 Trustworthy

Be a man or woman of your word.

vs 38-42 More then required

1. Turn the other cheek... let him slap the other as well. We should not retaliate in a way that the world does. Yet another level of love.

2. If someone forces you to walk go one mile, go two. The phrase "go the extra mile," comes from this. When this was preached Romans had power in Israel and would seldom ask someone to carry his stuff up to a mile. It was even a law that required them to do it. So when a soldier asked them to do it, it was almost a slap in the face to go two miles.

vs 43-48 Love your enemies

A new level of love is shown here. Neighbor also includes enemy. We learned this when we read the Good Samaritan. Because they were not the nicest of friends. 

This chapter is closed to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. What do you think about this phrase? Is it possible to be perfect?

 

Day 12

Luke 10:1-42

vs 1-17 Sending out of 72 disciples to spread the word. This verse addresses the need for workers in the harvest. The harvest that is referred to in this passage is for souls. We have heard Jesus refer to this as "fishers of men" as well.

some tips for Jesus

1. do not take anything with you

2. live off of people of peace in order to spread the word

3. if you are not welcomed kick the dust off of your feet and leave.

The disciples return from their journey with joy.

vs 18-20 Jesus addresses those who return. This authority comes from me.

vs 21-22 Full of joy, Jesus prays

vs 23-24 Jesus says to disciples, You are lucky for seeing what you have seen.

Good Samaritan

vs 25-28 Expert of law asks Jesus "what must I do to have have eternal life?" I like Jesus response of this. He answers with a question. "How do you read it?" 

The answer is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind. And to Love your neighbor as yourself." This is what you must do to have eternal life. This is why it is the greatest commandment. 

vs 29-37 But the guy was still confused and asked, "who is my neighbor?" Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan. Now remember last week when we read the story about Jesus helping out the woman at the well. She was also a Samaritan. Jewish people and Samaritans did not get along. So it makes this story even more powerful.

A man was beat up and robbed and left him for dead. Three people passed him in the road.

1. A Priest saw him and crossed the road to avoid him in his path. 

2. A Levite saw him and did the same thing as the priest. A levite was one who would assist a priest in the religious duties of the church. So both people were highly involved in the church but ignored the guy who was beat up on the side of the road.

3. A Samaritan walked buy and saw a man who was injured. Took pity on him and helped. He bandaged his wounds, took him to an inn to take care of him. What an amazing story of charity and helping a stranger. 

A neighbor is not someone you live next door to. It is anybody and everybody. There is an old song. "They will know we are Christians by our love."  Let us live it out.

vs 38-42 Jesus at the house of Mary and Martha

1. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to Him. 

2. Martha served around the house trying to take care of Jesus. But it says Martha was distracted. She had Jesus there at her side. She wanted Mary to help her. Jesus tried to calm her down by saying "Mary, has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away." 

I think this is a great story to wrap up the reading right after the Good Samaritan. Many people get blind sided by the idea of serving and loving neighbor that at times we forget the first part of the command to Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." Do not get distracted by what you do. But remember first and foremost who you are; A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST.

Day 11

Mark 8:1-38

vs 1-13 With 7 loaves of bread and a few fish Jesus fed 4000 people. This is a crazy amount of people to feed with such a low amount of food. People just didnt take a bite and pass it along. That would have still been 4000 bites of food. If you read vs 8 each person was satisfied after the meal. The ate until they were hungry no longer.

Yesterday I had 4 people over at the house watching a football game. We consumed two large pizzas. I find myself eating substantial amounts of food on my own. God is a God of miracles.

vs 14-21 God will be more than sufficient for all your needs. He will provide for you whatever it might be that you need. In both cases of the feeding of the 5000 and the 4000 they ended up with more food after they ate then when they started eating. That my friend is a miracle.

vs 22-26 Jesus heals a man with spit. It might seem gross but hey it worked. If you were blind and it gave you a chance to see I think you would risk it. It is definitely a lot cheaper then eye care today. Then Jesus heals the man so he can see clearly. A powerful healing from the Christ.

vs 27-30 Jesus asks two questions

1. Who do people say I am- John the Baptist, Elijah, another prophet.

2. Who do you say I am- Peter answers, "You  are the Christ."

I wonder who you might say Jesus is? Who is Christ in your life? And how has this changed you?

vs 31-38 Jesus predicts that He will die and rise again in three days. Peter had a problem with this and Jesus rebuked him for it, even called him Satan. The death and the resurrection was God's plan to bring salvation to the people and Peter did not want this to happen. But it must. Jesus then challenged each disciple to take up his own cross and follow Him.  To save your life you must lose your life. This is a total transformation of giving your life to Christ and asking him to lead and guide you in your journey with him. 

Day 10

Luke 7

Looks like I read day 10 yesterday. So today I will go back to complete day 9.

Faith of the centurion
vs 1-10 This story of healing is really cool because the centurion has faith that Jesus can heal from a long distance. This is awesome faith who Jesus said he had never found faith like this in all of Israel. And of course Jesus healed him.

It is amazing how God hardly ever repeats miracles in scripture. This shows God's versatility and His power in many ways. Never underestimate how God can work in your life.

vs 11-17 Jesus raises another dead person to life. And people were in awe and praised God. God wants to be praised so when Good things happend we should answer in worship.

vs 18-33 People continue to ask to see if Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus talks about how peoples perception is not always what it seems about the person.

Jesus Anointed by a sinful woman
vs 36-50 A woman cleans Jesus feet with tears and expensive perfume as an act of worship.
Jesus talks about forgiveness and those who have been forgiven much have a lot to be thankful for. This gift was amazing and I do not want to take it for granted. Jesus forgave her sins and tells her to go in peace.

What an amazing story of worship and gratefulness.

Day 9

Luke 8

vs 1-15 Different outcomes of the seed and where it is planted.

1. Along a path- birds came and ate it up... ones who hear but the devil distracts the Word from there hearts. 

2. Rock- it grew but was never able to take root... receive the word, believe for a while but fall away eventually.

3. Among thorns- grew but eventually choked out... they receive the word but are choked by life's worries and pleasures. Never mature.

4. Good soil- grew immensely... Hear the word, retain it and live it.

It is not enough just to read the bible, live it out, let it change your heart!

vs 16-18 Let others see the light. Be real.

vs 19-21 Put into practice the word of God.

vs 22-25 Have faith in God, He was there for the disciples in the storm. The winds and waves obey Him.

vs 26-39 Heal a demon possessed man, by casting the evil spirits into a heard of pigs. The pigs go crazy and run into the lake and drown. This scared the people and they asked Jesus to leave. The guy who Jesus healed wanted to go with Him, but Jesus told him to go home and show what God had done for him.

vs 40-53

Jairus asks Jesus to heal his daughter. While on the way there was a thick crowd of people, as Jesus walked through the crowd he felt someone  touch him. Power escaped him. He asked who touched him and she fell at his feet and told him of her healing that had happened when she touched him. While this was happening someone told Jairus his daughter had died. Jesus told Jairus not to worry and that his daughter would be healed. When they arrived at the house only Jesus and Peter, John and James went into the girls room with the parents. Jesus said, "She is not dead, but asleep. My Child get up!" and told them to get her something to eat. 

The power of Christ can heal disease and death. Put your faith in him.

Day 8

Luke 6

vs 1-11 Pharisees are always questioning Jesus about the Old Testament rules. Jesus uses other stories to help with his reasoning for picking grain on the Sabbath. On another day while in the temple Jesus saw a man whose right hand was crippled. The Pharisees were thinking about whether or not Jesus would heal this man on. Jesus again knew what they were thinking and brought the man up in front of everybody and asked a question. "Is it better to do good or evil?" And healed the man's hand.

vs 12-16 Jesus went out to pray at the mountainside. If we are to model the lifestyle of Christ. We too should pray often. Jesus wanted to connect with his Father. Just as we should want to connect with Him.

vs 17-26 The Beatitudes (also read Matthe 5:3-12)
Great miracles were happening because people humbled themselves and followed after Jesus to be healed from things they had no control of. Blessed is the poor (in Spirit), hungry, weep, when you are hated, reject you. All these thing will pass. This is why they are blessings, because you will eventually get through them. The other side can make you comfortable. While this side will help you lean on God and in the end be blessed.

vs 27-36 LOVE YOUR ENEMIES.
1. If one slaps you, (turn the cheek), this means for you to allow him to slap you on the other cheek.
2. Give to everyone who asks.
3. Golden rule- Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Even if they are not treating you the way that they should.
4. Loving people who love you is easy.
5. Be merciful as our Father is merciful.

vs 37-42
1. Do not judge, condemn.
2. Do forgive, give
3. Do not judge something in someone else life, because what you are doing is wrong as well.

vs 43-45
Christian bear good fruit, meaning peoples lives and hearts will be changing around you because of your changed heart.

vs 46-49
Be smart about what you build your faith upon. If it is not the right foundation it will fall flat.