11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Terrie's Comments:
How much money did it take to not talk about such a miraculous event? How can you ignore an earthquake, a visit from an angel and seeing the empty tomb that had been guarded so carefully to protect against lies.... kind of ironic that the tomb was guarded to protect against lies and then lies were made up about it to cover up the fact that no human could stop Jesus from raising from the dead.
Tori's Comments:
How did the leading priests continue in their way, blind to the truth, after this?
Day 5
- Isaiah 9:6-7
- Make a paper chain to count down the days until Christmas with a verse on each link.
- Hold the door open for someone
- Make hot chocolate as a family
- what a Christmas show or movie as a family
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!
Showing posts with label Matthew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matthew. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Monday, December 4, 2017
Day 95 - Matthew 28:1-10
28 Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
Tori's Comments:
"just as He said" A call to faith is weaved throughout Scripture. God never fails to fulfill His promises.
Terrie's Comments:
It is interesting that the earth shook when Jesus died and when he rose again. The earth declared His greatness! I wonder if Mary and Mary had it figured out before Jesus died or if they had only realized what was happening at the moment it was announced to them? They watched Jesus die, they watched him be buried and then they were there to see the empty tomb and be the first ones to worship him after his resurrection. Did they come to the tomb that day in expectation of the resurrection?
Day 4
- Zechariah 9:9
- Make puppets and reenact the Christmas story
- write letters to those who serve
- make a teacher gift
- clean out old toys to donate
- limit tv and spend more time with family and friends
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 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
Tori's Comments:
"just as He said" A call to faith is weaved throughout Scripture. God never fails to fulfill His promises.
Terrie's Comments:
It is interesting that the earth shook when Jesus died and when he rose again. The earth declared His greatness! I wonder if Mary and Mary had it figured out before Jesus died or if they had only realized what was happening at the moment it was announced to them? They watched Jesus die, they watched him be buried and then they were there to see the empty tomb and be the first ones to worship him after his resurrection. Did they come to the tomb that day in expectation of the resurrection?
Day 4
- Zechariah 9:9
- Make puppets and reenact the Christmas story
- write letters to those who serve
- make a teacher gift
- clean out old toys to donate
- limit tv and spend more time with family and friends
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, December 3, 2017
Day 94 - Matthew 27:57-66
57 As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, 58 went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. 59 Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. 60 He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. 61 Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.
62 The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. 63 They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ 64 So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”
65 Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” 66 So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.
Terrie's Comments:
Great lengths were taken to secure the tomb to assure that Jesus' disciples couldn't lie or deceive anyone into believing that Jesus had risen from the tomb. They were given provision to secure the tomb the best they could. They knew how to make things secure.
Pilate again intrigues me. He releases Jesus to one of his followers for burial. He clearly didn't care about what Jesus had been accused of. He believed that Jesus was innocent and didn't deserve death. I am sure that he released the body to Joseph as a simple act of respect to Jesus.
Tori's Comments:
Mwahaha, they will not prevail! (Yes the laugh is necessary :) )
Day 3
- Isaiah 7:14
- Make Salt dough ornaments with nativity themes
- Create care packages
- Print Christmas coloring pages
- Shop for gifts for a local child in need
- play a board game
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!
62 The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. 63 They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ 64 So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”
65 Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” 66 So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.
Terrie's Comments:
Great lengths were taken to secure the tomb to assure that Jesus' disciples couldn't lie or deceive anyone into believing that Jesus had risen from the tomb. They were given provision to secure the tomb the best they could. They knew how to make things secure.
Pilate again intrigues me. He releases Jesus to one of his followers for burial. He clearly didn't care about what Jesus had been accused of. He believed that Jesus was innocent and didn't deserve death. I am sure that he released the body to Joseph as a simple act of respect to Jesus.
Tori's Comments:
Mwahaha, they will not prevail! (Yes the laugh is necessary :) )
Day 3
- Isaiah 7:14
- Make Salt dough ornaments with nativity themes
- Create care packages
- Print Christmas coloring pages
- Shop for gifts for a local child in need
- play a board game
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, December 2, 2017
Day 93 - Matthew 27:45-56
45 At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 46 At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
47 Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. 48 One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. 49 But the rest said, “Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”
50 Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52 and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. 53 They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.
54 The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”
55 And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James and Joseph), and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee.
Tori's Comments:
As Christians, God's presence is IN us, now! That is so mind-blowing. We don't have to go through ritual upon ritual.
What amazes me just as much is that we have a God who went to such lengths to restore that relationship.
Terrie's Comments:
The moment that Jesus released his spirit the curtain that had separated man and God for so long was torn in two from top to bottom. This is incredible. Man was finally reconciled to God. There was no barrier between us and God anymore... between God and I anymore! That is truly amazing!
Day 2 of Christmas
- Read Philippians 2:8-10
- Buy nativity cookie cutters to use for holiday baking
- Make a family video Christmas greeting
- Support a small business
- Decorate the house for Christmas
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!
47 Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. 48 One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. 49 But the rest said, “Wait! Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”
50 Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, 52 and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. 53 They left the cemetery after Jesus’ resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people.
54 The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”
55 And many women who had come from Galilee with Jesus to care for him were watching from a distance. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James and Joseph), and the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee.
Tori's Comments:
As Christians, God's presence is IN us, now! That is so mind-blowing. We don't have to go through ritual upon ritual.
What amazes me just as much is that we have a God who went to such lengths to restore that relationship.
Terrie's Comments:
The moment that Jesus released his spirit the curtain that had separated man and God for so long was torn in two from top to bottom. This is incredible. Man was finally reconciled to God. There was no barrier between us and God anymore... between God and I anymore! That is truly amazing!
Day 2 of Christmas
- Read Philippians 2:8-10
- Buy nativity cookie cutters to use for holiday baking
- Make a family video Christmas greeting
- Support a small business
- Decorate the house for Christmas
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, December 1, 2017
Day 92 - Matthew 27:32-44
32 Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. 33 And they went out to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). 34 The soldiers gave Jesus wine mixed with bitter gall, but when he had tasted it, he refused to drink it.
35 After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. 36 Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung there. 37 A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.
39 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. 40 “Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!”
41 The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. 42 “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! 43 He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way.
Terrie's Comments:
This man named Simon. I wonder if he was out to watch the "parade" that day or if he was just going about his business and was interrupted by the processional that came across his path. I wonder what went through his mind as he carried the cross for Jesus, who was beyond recognition at this point already?
I wonder if any of the people who had been healed or received healing from Jesus were there mocking him or if they went home because they couldn't bear to watch what was going on?
Tori's Comments:
How horrified they would have been had they known they were mocking God! Oh, how he loves us...
Today is December 1st - We thought this month we would collect and pass on some ideas for making this Christmas fun, Christ-focused, and ideas for serving others throughout the month of December - who knows maybe you will discover a new tradition for your family :-)
- Read John 3:16
- Start an Advent Calendar or Wreath
- Say Thank you
- Set out a child-friendly Nativity for play
- Make Christmas Cards
- Be fun and positive
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 After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. 36 Then they sat around and kept guard as he hung there. 37 A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.
39 The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. 40 “Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!”
41 The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. 42 “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! 43 He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way.
Terrie's Comments:
This man named Simon. I wonder if he was out to watch the "parade" that day or if he was just going about his business and was interrupted by the processional that came across his path. I wonder what went through his mind as he carried the cross for Jesus, who was beyond recognition at this point already?
I wonder if any of the people who had been healed or received healing from Jesus were there mocking him or if they went home because they couldn't bear to watch what was going on?
Tori's Comments:
How horrified they would have been had they known they were mocking God! Oh, how he loves us...
Today is December 1st - We thought this month we would collect and pass on some ideas for making this Christmas fun, Christ-focused, and ideas for serving others throughout the month of December - who knows maybe you will discover a new tradition for your family :-)
- Read John 3:16
- Start an Advent Calendar or Wreath
- Say Thank you
- Set out a child-friendly Nativity for play
- Make Christmas Cards
- Be fun and positive
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, November 30, 2017
Day 91 - Matthew 27:24-31
24 Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!”
25 And all the people yelled back, “We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!”
26 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.
27 Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. 31 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.
Tori's Comments:
The things Jesus went through for us make me all the more grateful to him and his overwhelming mercy and love.
Terrie's Comments:
Pilate seems like a ruler who acted wisely. He had no idea that the crowd would choose Barabbas over Jesus. But when they chose to crucify Jesus he symbolically washed his hands of what they wanted to do with Jesus and handed Him over.
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!
25 And all the people yelled back, “We will take responsibility for his death—we and our children!”
26 So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.
27 Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. 31 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.
Tori's Comments:
The things Jesus went through for us make me all the more grateful to him and his overwhelming mercy and love.
Terrie's Comments:
Pilate seems like a ruler who acted wisely. He had no idea that the crowd would choose Barabbas over Jesus. But when they chose to crucify Jesus he symbolically washed his hands of what they wanted to do with Jesus and handed Him over.
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, November 29, 2017
Day 90 - Matthew 27:11-23
11 Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor. “Are you the king of the Jews?” the governor asked him.
Jesus replied, “You have said it.”
12 But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. 13 “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. 14 But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise.
15 Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted. 16 This year there was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas. 17 As the crowds gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18 (He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.)
19 Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.”
20 Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. 21 So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?”
The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!”
22 Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”
They shouted back, “Crucify him!”
23 “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?”
Terrie's Comments:
Here is a video I came across considering who Barabbas is and why is he in the gospel account? It is something to consider.
Tori's Comments:
I wonder how Pilate saw Jesus... did he have doubts in his heart?
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!
Jesus replied, “You have said it.”
12 But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. 13 “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. 14 But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise.
15 Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted. 16 This year there was a notorious prisoner, a man named Barabbas. 17 As the crowds gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you—Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” 18 (He knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy.)
19 Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.”
20 Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. 21 So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?”
The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!”
22 Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”
They shouted back, “Crucify him!”
23 “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?”
Terrie's Comments:
Here is a video I came across considering who Barabbas is and why is he in the gospel account? It is something to consider.
Tori's Comments:
I wonder how Pilate saw Jesus... did he have doubts in his heart?
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, November 28, 2017
Day 89 - Matthew 27:1-10
1 Very early in the morning the leading priests and the elders of the people met again to lay plans for putting Jesus to death. 2 Then they bound him, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.
3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.”
“What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.”
5 Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.
6 The leading priests picked up the coins. “It wouldn’t be right to put this money in the Temple treasury,” they said, “since it was payment for murder.” 7 After some discussion they finally decided to buy the potter’s field, and they made it into a cemetery for foreigners. 8 That is why the field is still called the Field of Blood. 9 This fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah that says,
“They took the thirty pieces of silver—
the price at which he was valued by the people of Israel,
10 and purchased the potter’s field,
as the Lord directed.”
Tori's Comments:
Christ was sold for 30 pieces of silver... wow
Terrie's Comments:
It amuses me that the leading priests acknowledged that they were committing murder, yet they were living under the law which said "do not murder". I wonder how they justified it?
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 When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.”
“What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.”
5 Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.
6 The leading priests picked up the coins. “It wouldn’t be right to put this money in the Temple treasury,” they said, “since it was payment for murder.” 7 After some discussion they finally decided to buy the potter’s field, and they made it into a cemetery for foreigners. 8 That is why the field is still called the Field of Blood. 9 This fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah that says,
“They took the thirty pieces of silver—
the price at which he was valued by the people of Israel,
10 and purchased the potter’s field,
as the Lord directed.”
Tori's Comments:
Christ was sold for 30 pieces of silver... wow
Terrie's Comments:
It amuses me that the leading priests acknowledged that they were committing murder, yet they were living under the law which said "do not murder". I wonder how they justified it?
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, November 27, 2017
Day 88 - Matthew 26:69-75
69 Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.”
70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.
71 Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said.
73 A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.”
74 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.
75 Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.
Terrie's Comments:
And here we have that Deja Vu moment. I have had moments where I have been warned about something by the Holy Spirit and either heeded the warning or ignored it and remembered the warning the moment I realized I should have listened or I am glad I did listen.
Tori's Comments:
This is why I'm SO thankful that the Bible mentions the moment Jesus shows his forgiveness to Peter... and now we don't have to live under self-condemnation for what we have done.
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!
70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.
71 Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said.
73 A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.”
74 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.
75 Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.
Terrie's Comments:
And here we have that Deja Vu moment. I have had moments where I have been warned about something by the Holy Spirit and either heeded the warning or ignored it and remembered the warning the moment I realized I should have listened or I am glad I did listen.
Tori's Comments:
This is why I'm SO thankful that the Bible mentions the moment Jesus shows his forgiveness to Peter... and now we don't have to live under self-condemnation for what we have done.
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, November 26, 2017
Day 87 - Matthew 26:57-68
57 Then the people who had arrested Jesus led him to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of religious law and the elders had gathered. 58 Meanwhile, Peter followed him at a distance and came to the high priest’s courtyard. He went in and sat with the guards and waited to see how it would all end.
59 Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death. 60 But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally, two men came forward 61 who declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
64 Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65 Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your verdict?”
“Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!”
67 Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, 68 jeering, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?”
Tori's Comments:
I wonder how it was for Peter just waiting outside in the few minutes before he's questioned... was he himself wrestling with what he should do? Was he fighting fear and doubt?
Terrie's Comments:
I wonder what it would have taken for the Jews to believe that Jesus was the Son of God? He did amazing things and yet all they did was look for ways to accuse and kill him. How many watched and didn't agree with the view point of the religious leaders? Pride is a horrible thing that can cause blindness in so many areas until we are finally blind sided.
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!
59 Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death. 60 But even though they found many who agreed to give false witness, they could not use anyone’s testimony. Finally, two men came forward 61 who declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
64 Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65 Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your verdict?”
“Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!”
67 Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, 68 jeering, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?”
Tori's Comments:
I wonder how it was for Peter just waiting outside in the few minutes before he's questioned... was he himself wrestling with what he should do? Was he fighting fear and doubt?
Terrie's Comments:
I wonder what it would have taken for the Jews to believe that Jesus was the Son of God? He did amazing things and yet all they did was look for ways to accuse and kill him. How many watched and didn't agree with the view point of the religious leaders? Pride is a horrible thing that can cause blindness in so many areas until we are finally blind sided.
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, November 25, 2017
Day 86 - Matthew 26:47-56
47 And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” 49 So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.
50 Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.”
Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 51 But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.
52 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. 53 Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”
55 Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. 56 But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Terrie's Comments:
I sometimes wonder what exactly caused each of the disciples to flee the scene that night. Was it just pure fear or were they ready to fight to the death and realized that Jesus wasn't going to fight this one?
Tori's Comments:
"My friend"...
Jesus is amazing.
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!
50 Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.”
Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 51 But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the high priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.
52 “Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. 53 Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? 54 But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”
55 Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. 56 But this is all happening to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures.” At that point, all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Terrie's Comments:
I sometimes wonder what exactly caused each of the disciples to flee the scene that night. Was it just pure fear or were they ready to fight to the death and realized that Jesus wasn't going to fight this one?
Tori's Comments:
"My friend"...
Jesus is amazing.
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, November 24, 2017
Day 85 - Matthew 26:36-46
36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.
44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”
Tori's Comments:
If Jesus prayed, we definitely need to be praying! Not because we have to, but because through it we are revived and strengthened to keep following God.
Terrie's Comments:
Our spirit is not the part of us that needs to be strengthened and encouraged as we pray. It is for the benefit of our flesh that we communicate with God. Our spirit is willing but our flesh is weak. When we communicate with God talking out whatever is happening with Him and taking time for Him to minister to us our flesh is strengthened. All too often we are like the disciples and we give into our weakness instead of praying through it. I know one of my default mechanisms in stress is to sleep. I wonder how many of the disciples knew that the arrest and death of their Lord was about to happen? How many of them had a sense that something was about to happen that very night? Was their sleep peaceful or restless?
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!
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.
44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”
Tori's Comments:
If Jesus prayed, we definitely need to be praying! Not because we have to, but because through it we are revived and strengthened to keep following God.
Terrie's Comments:
Our spirit is not the part of us that needs to be strengthened and encouraged as we pray. It is for the benefit of our flesh that we communicate with God. Our spirit is willing but our flesh is weak. When we communicate with God talking out whatever is happening with Him and taking time for Him to minister to us our flesh is strengthened. All too often we are like the disciples and we give into our weakness instead of praying through it. I know one of my default mechanisms in stress is to sleep. I wonder how many of the disciples knew that the arrest and death of their Lord was about to happen? How many of them had a sense that something was about to happen that very night? Was their sleep peaceful or restless?
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, November 23, 2017
Day 84 - Matthew 26:26-35
26 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.”
27 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. 29 Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”
30 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.
31 On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,
‘God will strike the Shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
32 But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”
33 Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”
34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.
Terrie's Comments:
It amazes me how many details were predicted by the prophets long before Jesus was ever on earth, then Jesus spoke of their fulfillment. Then Jesus actually fulfilled them. I wonder if Peter felt Deja vu when the rooster crowed the third time? By this time I wonder if any of the disciples doubted that Jesus was the Messiah...
Tori's Comments:
I like the thought of them just singing a hymn altogether...
Thank God for his grace! It's important to realize how little we can do without Christ's help, from having faith to standing strong in Him!
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!
27 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. 29 Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”
30 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.
31 On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,
‘God will strike the Shepherd,
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
32 But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”
33 Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”
34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.
Terrie's Comments:
It amazes me how many details were predicted by the prophets long before Jesus was ever on earth, then Jesus spoke of their fulfillment. Then Jesus actually fulfilled them. I wonder if Peter felt Deja vu when the rooster crowed the third time? By this time I wonder if any of the disciples doubted that Jesus was the Messiah...
Tori's Comments:
I like the thought of them just singing a hymn altogether...
Thank God for his grace! It's important to realize how little we can do without Christ's help, from having faith to standing strong in Him!
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, November 22, 2017
Day 83 - Matthew 26:14-25
14 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests 15 and asked, “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?”
18 “As you go into the city,” he told them, “you will see a certain man. Tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time has come, and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there.
20 When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”
22 Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one, Lord?”
23 He replied, “One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. 24 For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”
25 Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?”
Tori's Comments:
I have always been curious at what went through Judas's head, knowing Jesus knew what was in his heart but still choosing to betray him.
Terrie's Comments:
I don't think we intentionally leave cliffhangers like this one very often...
I love that it seems like God prepares a certain person to host the Passover meal for Jesus and his disciples. It never gives the person's name but it is quite obvious that they are just willing to serve in this way.
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!
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?”
18 “As you go into the city,” he told them, “you will see a certain man. Tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time has come, and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there.
20 When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”
22 Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one, Lord?”
23 He replied, “One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. 24 For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!”
25 Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?”
Tori's Comments:
I have always been curious at what went through Judas's head, knowing Jesus knew what was in his heart but still choosing to betray him.
Terrie's Comments:
I don't think we intentionally leave cliffhangers like this one very often...
I love that it seems like God prepares a certain person to host the Passover meal for Jesus and his disciples. It never gives the person's name but it is quite obvious that they are just willing to serve in this way.
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, November 21, 2017
Day 82 - Matthew 26:1-13
1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, 2 “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
3 At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, 4 plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. 5 “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”
6 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. 7 While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.
8 The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. 9 “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? 11 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. 12 She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”
Terrie's Comments:
I think it is interesting that while that woman and Jesus were focused on eternal things, the disciples were focused on earthly things (like money and providing for daily needs). Jesus was true to his word when he said that she would be heard about everywhere :-)
I also find it interesting that Jesus was predicting his arrest and crucifixion at the same time that people were plotting out how it would take place.
Tori's Comments:
What a thing to be remembered for! I hope to love Jesus as this woman did!
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 At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, 4 plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. 5 “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.”
6 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. 7 While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.
8 The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. 9 “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? 11 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. 12 She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. 13 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”
Terrie's Comments:
I think it is interesting that while that woman and Jesus were focused on eternal things, the disciples were focused on earthly things (like money and providing for daily needs). Jesus was true to his word when he said that she would be heard about everywhere :-)
I also find it interesting that Jesus was predicting his arrest and crucifixion at the same time that people were plotting out how it would take place.
Tori's Comments:
What a thing to be remembered for! I hope to love Jesus as this woman did!
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, November 20, 2017
Day 81 - Matthew 25:41-46
41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’
44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’
45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’
46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Tori's Comments:
Why do we love others? Because through doing so we are showing love to Christ!
Terrie's Comments:
We are not saved by works but if we are saved works will flow out of our relationship with God naturally as we mature.
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!
44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’
45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’
46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Tori's Comments:
Why do we love others? Because through doing so we are showing love to Christ!
Terrie's Comments:
We are not saved by works but if we are saved works will flow out of our relationship with God naturally as we mature.
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, November 19, 2017
Day 80 - Matthew 25:31-40
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Terrie's Comments:
When your actions flow out of a relationship with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit within us it flows without effort. Unconditional love that flows from heaven is powerful. When the followers of Jesus allow his love to flow through them because it is overflowing the hungry will get fed, the thirsty will get water, the strangers will have places to stay, the naked will be clothed, the sick will be cared for, those in prison will be visited... and it will all flow out of Jesus' love for them! It will be effortless to those who are called because it will flow out of their relationship with God and done by the power of the Holy Spirit which is limitless, not by human power which is limited.
Tori's Comments:
The pastor here on campus said something really profound to the congregation this week. He asked if any of us ever wanted to hug God, and if we did, we should hug our brothers and sisters in Christ! Because in a way, we were hugging God (the context was the passage 1 John 4:7-21). If God is living in us, our love to others should just come spilling out!
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!
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Terrie's Comments:
When your actions flow out of a relationship with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit within us it flows without effort. Unconditional love that flows from heaven is powerful. When the followers of Jesus allow his love to flow through them because it is overflowing the hungry will get fed, the thirsty will get water, the strangers will have places to stay, the naked will be clothed, the sick will be cared for, those in prison will be visited... and it will all flow out of Jesus' love for them! It will be effortless to those who are called because it will flow out of their relationship with God and done by the power of the Holy Spirit which is limitless, not by human power which is limited.
Tori's Comments:
The pastor here on campus said something really profound to the congregation this week. He asked if any of us ever wanted to hug God, and if we did, we should hug our brothers and sisters in Christ! Because in a way, we were hugging God (the context was the passage 1 John 4:7-21). If God is living in us, our love to others should just come spilling out!
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, November 18, 2017
Day 79 - Matthew 25:14-30
14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.
19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’
23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’
26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’
28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Tori's Comments:
What a privilege that God has even given us gifts! Are the things He has given us being used to glorify Him, be it spiritual gifts, talents, and especially the gospel?
Terrie's Comments:
If we take the gift that God has given us and hide it away do we really believe we have received Good News? If we truly believe that we have been given a free gift of eternal life and that Jesus has finished all that is needed for us to be seen as righteous to God forever, how is that demonstrated in my life? How am I spreading this "Too Good to be True News" to others? Does it affect my life at all?
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 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.
19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’
23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’
26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’
28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Tori's Comments:
What a privilege that God has even given us gifts! Are the things He has given us being used to glorify Him, be it spiritual gifts, talents, and especially the gospel?
Terrie's Comments:
If we take the gift that God has given us and hide it away do we really believe we have received Good News? If we truly believe that we have been given a free gift of eternal life and that Jesus has finished all that is needed for us to be seen as righteous to God forever, how is that demonstrated in my life? How am I spreading this "Too Good to be True News" to others? Does it affect my life at all?
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, November 17, 2017
Day 78 - Matthew 25:1-13
1 “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’
7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’
9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’
12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’
13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.
Terrie's Comments:
Faith always produces action. If you believe that Jesus will return then your actions will reflect this truth.
Tori's Comments:
We shouldn't be satisfied just pretending to be super-mega-religious to others and yet not reflect that in our daily life. God wants a relationship with us and for us to pursue that with him!
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!
6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’
7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’
9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’
12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’
13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.
Terrie's Comments:
Faith always produces action. If you believe that Jesus will return then your actions will reflect this truth.
Tori's Comments:
We shouldn't be satisfied just pretending to be super-mega-religious to others and yet not reflect that in our daily life. God wants a relationship with us and for us to pursue that with him!
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, November 16, 2017
Day 77 - Matthew 24:45-51
45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 46 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. 48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ 49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected, 51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Tori's Comments:
When we remember what Christ has done for us, how can run away from the life he calls us to? And yet we are prone to failing. Thank God for the Holy Spirit he has given to strengthen us and His church which encourages and supports us.
Terrie's Comments:
Do not put off till tomorrow what is in your power to do today. If the Holy Spirit is prompting you to do something... do not delay it may mean the difference between someone else being reconciled to God! That is a big deal.
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!
Tori's Comments:
When we remember what Christ has done for us, how can run away from the life he calls us to? And yet we are prone to failing. Thank God for the Holy Spirit he has given to strengthen us and His church which encourages and supports us.
Terrie's Comments:
Do not put off till tomorrow what is in your power to do today. If the Holy Spirit is prompting you to do something... do not delay it may mean the difference between someone else being reconciled to God! That is a big deal.
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!
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