20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God. 21 “What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse. 22 I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you.
23 “And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today. 24 I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you.”
25 At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. 26 Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!
27 “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Terrie's Comments:
Boy do I need to be reminded of this today! When I rely on Jesus and just rest in Him and not rely on my own strength to accomplish anything then it is way easier on me. I need to remember to take time to listen so He can teach me. He is humble and gentle and when I take time to still my soul long enough to enter into His rest oh how sweet that rest is!!
Tori's Comments:
We can't just believe in God and stop there. God calls us to repent and turn away from our sins. He calls us to a complete life change, putting down our chains and taking up the cross.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Friday, September 29, 2017
Day 29 - Matthew 11:11-19
11 “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! 12 And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. 13 For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. 14 And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. 15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
16 “To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,
17 ‘We played wedding songs,
and you didn’t dance,
so we played funeral songs,
and you didn’t mourn.’
18 For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.”
Tori's Comments:
The world sees what it wants to see... this is where people-pleasing will always fail! Being worried what others think takes away from what your focus SHOULD be- serving and pleasing the Lord.
Terrie's Comments:
The eyes of the religious leaders were blinded to the work of John and Jesus. They both were fulfilling prophecies found in the very scriptures that they were studying but they didn't see what was so obviously unfolding right before their eyes. I believe I am sometimes blind as well. Holy Spirit please scream if need be to get my attention when I am missing the obvious blessings from God right in front of my nose.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
16 “To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,
17 ‘We played wedding songs,
and you didn’t dance,
so we played funeral songs,
and you didn’t mourn.’
18 For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.”
Tori's Comments:
The world sees what it wants to see... this is where people-pleasing will always fail! Being worried what others think takes away from what your focus SHOULD be- serving and pleasing the Lord.
Terrie's Comments:
The eyes of the religious leaders were blinded to the work of John and Jesus. They both were fulfilling prophecies found in the very scriptures that they were studying but they didn't see what was so obviously unfolding right before their eyes. I believe I am sometimes blind as well. Holy Spirit please scream if need be to get my attention when I am missing the obvious blessings from God right in front of my nose.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Day 28 - Matthew 11:1-10
1 When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region.
2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”
4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— 5 the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” 6 And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 8 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. 9 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 10 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,
‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way before you.’
Terrie's Comments:
John the Baptist was part of the many prophecies that were fulfilled about the events surrounding Jesus' life.
Tori's Comments:
I love how Jesus doesn't even give a "yes" or "no", but tells them to testify. We should recognize the importance of testimonies and sharing what God has done in our lives!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”
4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— 5 the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” 6 And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 8 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. 9 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 10 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,
‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way before you.’
Terrie's Comments:
John the Baptist was part of the many prophecies that were fulfilled about the events surrounding Jesus' life.
Tori's Comments:
I love how Jesus doesn't even give a "yes" or "no", but tells them to testify. We should recognize the importance of testimonies and sharing what God has done in our lives!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Day 27 - Matthew 10:34-42
34 “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.
35 ‘I have come to set a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36 Your enemies will be right in your own household!’
37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. 38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
40 “Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me. 41 If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. 42 And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”
Tori's Comments:
Verses 37-39 kind of strike me as harsh, but I know there's a reason for it.
There's no sugar-coating the cross. No sugar-coating the fact that nails were pounded into his joints and thorns scraped up against his skin. No sugar-coating the whip that shredded the back of the Son of God, or the pain that came with every one of his dying breaths.
There's no sugar-coating that Christians are still crucified in some parts of the world.
"If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine."
It's not just something he said-- he meant it.
Would it be worth it to you?
While things here in Canada are easygoing in comparison, that doesn't allow us to let our guard down and think of this life as more permanent than it is. Just because we aren't being martyred does't mean we don't have to give our lives to Him-- because we do.
Sometimes that looks like loving a difficult person, or forgiving someone who doesn't deserve it.
Sometimes it looks like taking out the garbage no one else will, or donating money to missionaries rather than spend it on entertainment.
God doesn't ask everyone to go to exotic places and risk their lives for him, but he does ask everyone to crucify their selfish nature, to choose humility.
So is it worth it?
Terrie's Comments:
We are to love our fellow followers of Jesus Christ. As we walk in unity with each other as a whole body of Christ, we honour God. We were meant to be unified. God didn't create denominations he created His church as one, meant to be unified as one body in Christ.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
35 ‘I have come to set a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36 Your enemies will be right in your own household!’
37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. 38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
40 “Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me. 41 If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. 42 And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”
Tori's Comments:
Verses 37-39 kind of strike me as harsh, but I know there's a reason for it.
There's no sugar-coating the cross. No sugar-coating the fact that nails were pounded into his joints and thorns scraped up against his skin. No sugar-coating the whip that shredded the back of the Son of God, or the pain that came with every one of his dying breaths.
There's no sugar-coating that Christians are still crucified in some parts of the world.
"If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine."
It's not just something he said-- he meant it.
Would it be worth it to you?
While things here in Canada are easygoing in comparison, that doesn't allow us to let our guard down and think of this life as more permanent than it is. Just because we aren't being martyred does't mean we don't have to give our lives to Him-- because we do.
Sometimes that looks like loving a difficult person, or forgiving someone who doesn't deserve it.
Sometimes it looks like taking out the garbage no one else will, or donating money to missionaries rather than spend it on entertainment.
God doesn't ask everyone to go to exotic places and risk their lives for him, but he does ask everyone to crucify their selfish nature, to choose humility.
So is it worth it?
Terrie's Comments:
We are to love our fellow followers of Jesus Christ. As we walk in unity with each other as a whole body of Christ, we honour God. We were meant to be unified. God didn't create denominations he created His church as one, meant to be unified as one body in Christ.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Day 26 - Matthew 10:26-33
26 “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 27 What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!
28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.
Terrie's Comments:
Fear is the opposite of Faith! When we walk by faith, knowing that God has our back, we can walk confidently because he will take care of us!!
Tori's Comments:
I don't know if I will ever fully understand just how much God cares for me. I can't even fathom the creator of the universe who could strike me dead at any second considers me "valuable" in the least bit, especially when faced with all of my sins... (it's a lot, you guys)
But He is full of so much grace and has given me EVERYTHING I need! How good He has been to me!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.
Terrie's Comments:
Fear is the opposite of Faith! When we walk by faith, knowing that God has our back, we can walk confidently because he will take care of us!!
Tori's Comments:
I don't know if I will ever fully understand just how much God cares for me. I can't even fathom the creator of the universe who could strike me dead at any second considers me "valuable" in the least bit, especially when faced with all of my sins... (it's a lot, you guys)
But He is full of so much grace and has given me EVERYTHING I need! How good He has been to me!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Monday, September 25, 2017
Day 25 - Matthew 10:16-25
16 “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. 17 But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. 18 You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. 19 When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. 20 For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
21 “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. 22 And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.
24 “Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. 25 Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!
Tori's Comments:
Wow, if I were standing before people ready to condemn me to death, my first thought would probably not be at how this is a great opportunity to share the gospel! Thank God that we have the Spirit who helps us and gives us confidence!
Terrie's Comments:
I am so thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit that gives me words to speak! He also lets me know when to keep quiet. How often do we not take the time to listen to the Holy Spirit as he guides our lives?
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
21 “A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. 22 And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.
24 “Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. 25 Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!
Tori's Comments:
Wow, if I were standing before people ready to condemn me to death, my first thought would probably not be at how this is a great opportunity to share the gospel! Thank God that we have the Spirit who helps us and gives us confidence!
Terrie's Comments:
I am so thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit that gives me words to speak! He also lets me know when to keep quiet. How often do we not take the time to listen to the Holy Spirit as he guides our lives?
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Day 24 - Matthew 10:1-15
10 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. 2 Here are the names of the twelve apostles:
first, Simon (also called Peter),
then Andrew (Peter’s brother),
James (son of Zebedee),
John (James’s brother),
3 Philip,
Bartholomew,
Thomas,
Matthew (the tax collector),
James (son of Alphaeus),
Thaddaeus,
4 Simon (the zealot),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, 6 but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. 7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
9 “Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. 10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.
11 “Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. 12 When you enter the home, give it your blessing. 13 If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. 14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. 15 I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.
Terrie's Comments:
The same authority that Jesus gave the disciples to preach the good news, heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons he has given to every believer. We not only have been given his authority but also the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us to flow through us with power. Do we understand that authority and that power that we have been given? Something to think about...
Tori's Comments:
I am so grateful that Gentiles were later included in this, and it is a testament to God's mercy the number of chances He gave to the people of Israel.
"Give as freely as you have received"-- still very relevant! And oh, how much we have received! It only makes sense to spend the rest of our lives giving in service to God.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
first, Simon (also called Peter),
then Andrew (Peter’s brother),
James (son of Zebedee),
John (James’s brother),
3 Philip,
Bartholomew,
Thomas,
Matthew (the tax collector),
James (son of Alphaeus),
Thaddaeus,
4 Simon (the zealot),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, 6 but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. 7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
9 “Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. 10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.
11 “Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. 12 When you enter the home, give it your blessing. 13 If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. 14 If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. 15 I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.
Terrie's Comments:
The same authority that Jesus gave the disciples to preach the good news, heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons he has given to every believer. We not only have been given his authority but also the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us to flow through us with power. Do we understand that authority and that power that we have been given? Something to think about...
Tori's Comments:
I am so grateful that Gentiles were later included in this, and it is a testament to God's mercy the number of chances He gave to the people of Israel.
"Give as freely as you have received"-- still very relevant! And oh, how much we have received! It only makes sense to spend the rest of our lives giving in service to God.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Day 23 - Matthew 9:27-38
27 After Jesus left the girl’s home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”
28 They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?”
“Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.”
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” 30 Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” 31 But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.
32 When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. 33 So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed.
34 But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.”
35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
Tori's Comments:
"BECAUSE OF YOUR FAITH"
Jesus's view of the crowds is incredible... he wasn't overwhelmed with stress by the amount of diseases and pain of the people, but instead was filled with compassion and went on to heal the people, taking on his role as a shepherd.
The harvest has not all been taken in... we are still workers, still need to go out into the fields! This has not changed!
Terrie's Comments:
Jesus still has compassion on us today! And we humans are still confused and helpless without Him! We need a shepherd... we need Jesus!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
28 They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?”
“Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.”
29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” 30 Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” 31 But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.
32 When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. 33 So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed.
34 But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.”
35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”
Tori's Comments:
"BECAUSE OF YOUR FAITH"
Jesus's view of the crowds is incredible... he wasn't overwhelmed with stress by the amount of diseases and pain of the people, but instead was filled with compassion and went on to heal the people, taking on his role as a shepherd.
The harvest has not all been taken in... we are still workers, still need to go out into the fields! This has not changed!
Terrie's Comments:
Jesus still has compassion on us today! And we humans are still confused and helpless without Him! We need a shepherd... we need Jesus!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Friday, September 22, 2017
Day 22 - Matthew 9:14-26
14 One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?”
15 Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
16 “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.
17 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.”
18 As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. “My daughter has just died,” he said, “but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her.”
19 So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. 20 Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, 21 for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”
22 Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.
23 When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. 24 “Get out!” he told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him. 25 After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! 26 The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside.
Terrie's Comments:
The woman who touched Jesus and was healed is very intriguing. She was chronically ill. She was healed because her faith was focused on Jesus as her only hope for healing. How often do we give up or become complacent or accept a condition as a way of life or "this is just the way it is"? What if we had the courage to look to Jesus and focus on Him as our only solution to problems the world has no solution or hope for... just imagine!
Tori's Comments:
This is an interesting contrast with the faith of the centurion, who believed Jesus could heal his daughter without even seeing her! Even those with less faith are still blessed by Jesus through healing. And the woman just needed to touch his robe!
Faith is met with miracles! Praise God!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
15 Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
16 “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.
17 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.”
18 As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. “My daughter has just died,” he said, “but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her.”
19 So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. 20 Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, 21 for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”
22 Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.
23 When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. 24 “Get out!” he told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him. 25 After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! 26 The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside.
Terrie's Comments:
The woman who touched Jesus and was healed is very intriguing. She was chronically ill. She was healed because her faith was focused on Jesus as her only hope for healing. How often do we give up or become complacent or accept a condition as a way of life or "this is just the way it is"? What if we had the courage to look to Jesus and focus on Him as our only solution to problems the world has no solution or hope for... just imagine!
Tori's Comments:
This is an interesting contrast with the faith of the centurion, who believed Jesus could heal his daughter without even seeing her! Even those with less faith are still blessed by Jesus through healing. And the woman just needed to touch his robe!
Faith is met with miracles! Praise God!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Day 21 - Matthew 9:1-13
9 Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. 2 Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”
3 But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?”
4 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!”
7 And the man jumped up and went home! 8 Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for giving humans such authority.
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.
10 Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. 11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”
12 When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” 13 Then he added, “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.”
Tori's Comments:
Can you imagine having Jesus over for dinner?
Jesus came to call "those who KNOW they are sinners". Ones who know they could never earn righteousness on their own and choose to have faith that God could cleanse them!
Terrie's Comments:
Those who thought they were already made righteous through following the laws given to Moses were so wrapped up in keeping the law that they forgot to show mercy to others. Jesus came to show mercy. He wanted to bring us to a place where sacrifices weren't our focus anymore. He came to make us free. It is up to us to walk in that freedom. Inviting others to realize the freedom that Jesus came to give to everyone... including "such scum".
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
3 But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?”
4 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!”
7 And the man jumped up and went home! 8 Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for giving humans such authority.
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.
10 Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. 11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”
12 When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” 13 Then he added, “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.”
Tori's Comments:
Can you imagine having Jesus over for dinner?
Jesus came to call "those who KNOW they are sinners". Ones who know they could never earn righteousness on their own and choose to have faith that God could cleanse them!
Terrie's Comments:
Those who thought they were already made righteous through following the laws given to Moses were so wrapped up in keeping the law that they forgot to show mercy to others. Jesus came to show mercy. He wanted to bring us to a place where sacrifices weren't our focus anymore. He came to make us free. It is up to us to walk in that freedom. Inviting others to realize the freedom that Jesus came to give to everyone... including "such scum".
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Day 20 - Matthew 8:23-34
23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. 24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
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 a great calm.
27 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”
28 When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They came out of the tombs and were so violent that no one could go through that area.
29 They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?”
30 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. 31 So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.”
32 “All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.
33 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone.
Terrie's Comments:
I have no idea why these people begged Jesus to leave after seeing such a great deliverance performed.
Both these accounts are rooted in fear and in both accounts Jesus provides the answer. Jesus still provides solutions to all situations that are rooted in fear no... we just need to believe.
Tori's Comments:
WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR! Our God is in command of His creation!
If only I could remember that when I doubt things that God has told me to do! Being steeped in the word is vital to remind ourselves constantly just who God is and what He has already done. Then we can really remember that even the winds and waves obey Him.
I wonder why Jesus let them go into the pigs.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
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 a great calm.
27 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”
28 When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They came out of the tombs and were so violent that no one could go through that area.
29 They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?”
30 There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. 31 So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.”
32 “All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.
33 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone.
Terrie's Comments:
I have no idea why these people begged Jesus to leave after seeing such a great deliverance performed.
Both these accounts are rooted in fear and in both accounts Jesus provides the answer. Jesus still provides solutions to all situations that are rooted in fear no... we just need to believe.
Tori's Comments:
WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR! Our God is in command of His creation!
If only I could remember that when I doubt things that God has told me to do! Being steeped in the word is vital to remind ourselves constantly just who God is and what He has already done. Then we can really remember that even the winds and waves obey Him.
I wonder why Jesus let them go into the pigs.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Day 19 - Matthew 8:14-22
14 When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. 15 But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.
16 That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. 17 This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,
“He took our sicknesses
and removed our diseases.”
18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.
19 Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
20 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”
21 Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.”
Tori's Comments:
As soon as Peter's mother-in-law was healed, she began to serve Jesus!
Terrie's Comments:
Two things stand out to me today and impress me about my friend Jesus. The first is that Peter's mother-in-law didn't ask to be healed but was with just a touch from Jesus. Second that it says that with a "simple" command he cast out demons. Jesus knew who he was and what authority He had. He knew that sickness, disease and the demons had no right to stay when he commanded them to leave. Do we know who we are and who we have living inside of us? It is the same spirit that gave Jesus power when he became a man, the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus gave us authority in His name to cast out demons, heal the sick and raise the dead... but we will never use that authority until we are confident of who we are, that we do belong to the Kingdom of God and we know that the Holy Spirit wants to flow through us. Faith is having confidence that God will do what He says He will do in His word. Faith is what moves God. Our confidence in Him and His word. If you feel like you lack confidence in God then feed on the word of God! Faith comes by hearing the word of God. There are no short cuts to building that confidence, however the Holy Spirit inside of you will confirm the word in your heart and build that confidence and assurance as you spend time there!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
16 That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. 17 This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,
“He took our sicknesses
and removed our diseases.”
18 When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.
19 Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”
20 But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”
21 Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”
22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.”
Tori's Comments:
As soon as Peter's mother-in-law was healed, she began to serve Jesus!
Terrie's Comments:
Two things stand out to me today and impress me about my friend Jesus. The first is that Peter's mother-in-law didn't ask to be healed but was with just a touch from Jesus. Second that it says that with a "simple" command he cast out demons. Jesus knew who he was and what authority He had. He knew that sickness, disease and the demons had no right to stay when he commanded them to leave. Do we know who we are and who we have living inside of us? It is the same spirit that gave Jesus power when he became a man, the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus gave us authority in His name to cast out demons, heal the sick and raise the dead... but we will never use that authority until we are confident of who we are, that we do belong to the Kingdom of God and we know that the Holy Spirit wants to flow through us. Faith is having confidence that God will do what He says He will do in His word. Faith is what moves God. Our confidence in Him and His word. If you feel like you lack confidence in God then feed on the word of God! Faith comes by hearing the word of God. There are no short cuts to building that confidence, however the Holy Spirit inside of you will confirm the word in your heart and build that confidence and assurance as you spend time there!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Monday, September 18, 2017
Day 18 - Matthew 8:1-13
Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. 2 Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”
3 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him,6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”
7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”
8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! 11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. 12 But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.
Terrie's Comments:
I LOVE this story because it demonstrates the authority Jesus had to heal. It wasn't about touching or speaking. It was about believing and receiving. If we believe that Jesus has authority to heal and that we now have been given that authority through Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us, then we too can be healed and heal others in Jesus name. Do we know who we are in Christ and what we have authority to carry out here on earth? Do we know that when we put our faith in Jesus that we have access to the power that He has? Do we believe that he is still Jehovah Rapha?
Tori's Comments:
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Day 17 - Matthew 7: 15-29
15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.
21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law.
Tori's Comments:
Terrie's Comments:
I am so glad for the ministry of the Holy Spirit who guides my every step. Without Him I am not sure where I would be. I don't know how people did anything in the will of God without the Holy Spirit indwelling. We are to be doers of God's will. We need to have a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit so we can be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ, who always did the will of our Father in heaven!
I am so glad for the ministry of the Holy Spirit who guides my every step. Without Him I am not sure where I would be. I don't know how people did anything in the will of God without the Holy Spirit indwelling. We are to be doers of God's will. We need to have a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit so we can be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ, who always did the will of our Father in heaven!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Day 16 - Matthew 7:1-14
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 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.
6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
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. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
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.
13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
Terrie's Comments:
Keep on asking, Keep on seeking, Keep on knocking! God will be found. He will give good gifts to those who ask him. Like the gift of the Holy Spirit :-)
Keep on asking, Keep on seeking, Keep on knocking! God will be found. He will give good gifts to those who ask him. Like the gift of the Holy Spirit :-)
Tori's Comments:
Again, we can trust God. He is a good shepherd and knows what is best for us! That confidence He gives us should spill out, building faith and sharing love.
Again, we can trust God. He is a good shepherd and knows what is best for us! That confidence He gives us should spill out, building faith and sharing love.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Friday, September 15, 2017
Day 15 - Matthew 6:25-34
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Tori's Comments:
Around this time, my worries are more related to schooling. I let fears of worrying and the stress of falling behind get to me, and with the enemy trying to convince me of my own failure, it can be hard to see God's sovereignty over my situation. Nevertheless, I have to trust him, do my best, and let Him do the rest! I know He will take care of me-- who better to take care of me than the God of the universe? Even still, sometimes in my pride I consider myself a better caretaker than Him... But God is more than willing to free me from these burdens, in fact, He already has! I just need to believe it :)
Around this time, my worries are more related to schooling. I let fears of worrying and the stress of falling behind get to me, and with the enemy trying to convince me of my own failure, it can be hard to see God's sovereignty over my situation. Nevertheless, I have to trust him, do my best, and let Him do the rest! I know He will take care of me-- who better to take care of me than the God of the universe? Even still, sometimes in my pride I consider myself a better caretaker than Him... But God is more than willing to free me from these burdens, in fact, He already has! I just need to believe it :)
Terrie's Comments:
Do our lives mirror those of unbelievers??? Do we follow the world's pattern of worry??? Our heavenly father knows everything we need and he will give us all that we need when we follow Him. He tells us not to worry... worry doesn't help! When we live a life worry free because we are fully relying on God we will stand out to unbelievers, who desire to have peace in their lives.
Do our lives mirror those of unbelievers??? Do we follow the world's pattern of worry??? Our heavenly father knows everything we need and he will give us all that we need when we follow Him. He tells us not to worry... worry doesn't help! When we live a life worry free because we are fully relying on God we will stand out to unbelievers, who desire to have peace in their lives.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Day 14 - Matthew 6:16-24
16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!
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 God and be enslaved to money.
Terrie's Comments:
Tori's Comments:
Verse 24 really sticks out to me... how many times have I shifted my focus, priorities, and goals to something other than God? And how many times have I come back to God in repentance for it? The things of this world rise and fall, suck you in only to ruin you, promising pleasure that is only temporary... Christ's acceptance and love for us lasts forever. It does not change with the seasons but remains steadfast!
Verse 24 really sticks out to me... how many times have I shifted my focus, priorities, and goals to something other than God? And how many times have I come back to God in repentance for it? The things of this world rise and fall, suck you in only to ruin you, promising pleasure that is only temporary... Christ's acceptance and love for us lasts forever. It does not change with the seasons but remains steadfast!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Day 13 - Matthew 6:1-15
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! 9 Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Tori's Comments:
Again, this shows we don't need to show God and others how holy we are. God desires a relationship with us, and one that is consistent, and desired by us as well.
Again, this shows we don't need to show God and others how holy we are. God desires a relationship with us, and one that is consistent, and desired by us as well.
Terrie's Comments:
The Prayer To Our Father
(translated into first century Aramaic)
(translated into first century Aramaic)
"Oh Thou, from whom the breath of life comes,
d'bwaschmâja
who fills all realms of sound, light and vibration.
Nethkâdasch schmach
May Your light be experienced in my utmost holiest.
Têtê malkuthach.
Your Heavenly Domain approaches.
Nehwê tzevjânach aikâna d'bwaschmâja af b'arha.
Let Your will come true - in the universe (all that vibrates)
just as on earth (that is material and dense).
Hawvlân lachma d'sûnkanân jaomâna.
Give us wisdom (understanding, assistance) for our daily need,
Waschboklân chaubên wachtahên aikâna
daf chnân schwoken l'chaijabên.
detach the fetters of faults that bind us, (karma)
like we let go the guilt of others.
Wela tachlân l'nesjuna
Let us not be lost in superficial things (materialism, common temptations),
ela patzân min bischa.
but let us be freed from that what keeps us off from our true purpose.
Metol dilachie malkutha wahaila wateschbuchta l'ahlâm almîn.
From You comes the all-working will, the lively strength to act,
the song that beautifies all and renews itself from age to age.
Amên.
Sealed in trust, faith and truth.
(I confirm with my entire being)
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