"First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean."

Matthew 23

"First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean."

I pray all of the time to be a good father for Zach and Dustin...to focus on matters of the heart vs external matters.  Often I am not successful in my efforts.  Here I have a reminder to focus on what is important to Jesus - the matters of the heart.  And lest I forget, I must not only focus on the heart of children but also on the heart of Lisa and my own.

In particular for Lisa, I am reminded of Paul's words in Ephesians here. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God as You have washed away my sins through Your suffering and death on the cross.  That You would do this for me is truly amazing.  I am not worthy of such a blessing.  I am selfish and I am lazy.  I am not obedient.  Thank You for everything You have done for me but I come to You empty handed...my worship is not only filthy rags, but I am dirty with sin. Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from this sin and help me be the man You intend for me....a humble and obedient servant that pleases you in the home, in the workplace, and in the community.

 

"For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Matthew 23

"For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." v12

This chapter offers up a lesson on humility as Jesus implores us to avoid the trappings of status and arrogance as this often leads to hypocrisy where one says one thing and does another.  Jesus points out that there is only one father:

“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. v8-10

I must remain humble and focus on glorifying Jesus alone.

My Prayer: Lord, You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, creator of the universe and all its inhabitants.  You are pure, holy, blameless, and perfect.  Your design and Your will is perfect.  You don't need me at all yet You love me and died for me.  And You continue to be an active God and spirit in my life.  I am blessed beyond what my words can describe.  Jesus...I am not worthy of such love and blessing - I am angry, selfish, and impatient.  Yet You love me anyway...thank You Jesus.  I need Your forgiveness...help me turn from these sin.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

Matthew 22

 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” v37-40

In the notes to scripture here, there is reference to both Deuteronomy 6:5 and Levitcus 19:18.  In Deuteronomy, scripture provides more details on this command should manifest itself in our lives:

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9

An additional indicator would be "fruits of the spirit":

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

My Prayer: Lord, You are worthy of our love - creator of the heavens and earth and all inhabitants, all knowing and more powerful than death.  You are pure, holy, and blameless, and You are the vine of life.  And You died for me so that I could have forgiveness for my sins and eternity in heaven with You.  What rich blessings!  I am not worthy of such blessings.  I am full of anger, selfishness, and impatience.  Lord Jesus, I thank You that You have loved me anyway but I pray for Your forgiveness and I pray that You will help me turn from these sins.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Matthew 22

 “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” v14

I had to struggle a bit to more fully understand the Parable of the Wedding Banquet.  It's obvious that there are those in the world who choose not to accept and follow Jesus...and their destiny is known more well known.

There are also those come to the banquet as in v11 but choose not to attend "appropriately".  In the same way, as I have read in commentary here, many choose to follow Jesus but fail to deny themselves and be born again.  As Jesus says, for us to be born again we must shed our former self:

Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” Matthew 9:17

It is also stated here:

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. Matthew 16:24

My Prayer: Lord, I know You have prepared a great feast for me in heaven and I eagerly await the day when I can be with You in heaven forever. What a gift...and for such a price!  I am not worth the price You paid Lord Jesus.  I am too selfish.  I seek my own comfort.  Thank You that You have loved me Jesus thus far but PLEASE forgive me!  Help me turn from my selfishness.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'.

Matthew 21

‘The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
    and it is marvelous in our eyes'.

Quoting Psalm 118, Jesus condemns the chief priests in the temple who are questioning Jesus' authority.  The challenge for me to consider is the extent to which I say I will serve yet I walk away and I don't....see the Parable of the Two Sons:

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’

“‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.

“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.

“Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

“The first,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. v28-32

My Prayer: Lord, You word is truth and there is no other source of life here on earth except You.  As it says in John 14:6, You are the way, and the truth, and the life.  You are pure, perfect, holy, blameless and the name above all names.  I can sit here all day and praise You but my praise is nothing.  Lord I am not worthy of Your presence or Your love.  Yet You love me anyway.  Thank You Jesus for Your love and Your death...all for me.  Please forgive me for my inability to love You with all of my heart, mind, soul and strength.  Help me love You with everything I have.  Help me please and glorify You with my life. Help me be the man You intend for me.

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Matthew 21

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” v22

There are moments in scripture I believe where it is very clear.  This seems to be one of them.  If you have a strong faith, God will answer Your prayers.  Now...having faith without doubt is likely to be very difficult.  However, we are all made in the image of God and created to glorify and please Him.

My Prayer: Lord, You are the Rock...the Rock of Ages.  You provide strength above all and see me through difficult times.  I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  I spurn You. Thank You that You have loved me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin and into Your arms.  Please grow in my heart and in my life.  Help me be more like You. 

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

Matthew 20

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” v31

The blind men are clearly bold...ignoring the calls for others to be quiet and shouting "all the louder" for Jesus to heal them.  The question for me of course is how bold am I with Jesus...do I go big and do I ignore perhaps my own timidity and do I ignore my own fears of what others may say or think.  Do I have faith of a reckless abandon? 

First I must have faith...then I must bold with my faith - ignoring earthly views of my faith.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus what an amazing God You are...You are certainly the great healer, but You are compassionate for all of those who are afflicted as we all are sinners.  That You would die for me is amazing...thank You Jesus.  I am not worthy of Your love...I often spurn You.  I beg You Jesus to forgive me...and to help me turn from such dangerous sin.  I not only don't want to spurn You, I want to run to Your arms daily...I want to be at Your feet and to spend time with You and Your word.  Help me Jesus.

" Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20

^" Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” v26-28

Once again, Jesus implores me to be humble and to serve...regardless of my position at work or in the home.  Serve Jesus and serve others.

The question I must ask is how can I serve today?  What opportunities for service has Jesus put in my path today?

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, it is amazing that You - Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Creator of the Heaven and the Earth, came to earth to serve and You paid the ultimate price that we may live, not only for eternity with You in heaven but also free from sin here on earth.  You love me and that is without doubt.  But I am not deserving of what You have and continue to do for me...I am selfish, prideful, critical of others, etc....thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus!  Help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me live and serve You and others humbly.

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Matthew 20

 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” v16

The above words appear almost verbatim both here and in the last chapter in verse 30.  As I continue to seek out jobs, I continue to think about my desires, my pride, my status, my will.  I compare myself to others....and on and on.  I strongly believe that Jesus wants me to focus more on His will and His desires for my life and if God brings me a new job it will be through His efforts not mine.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus You are indeed perfect - Your creation, plans, will...EVERYTHING.  And You are my God.  You love me...amazing!  You don't need me in Your kingdom but You sought me out, You died for me and You continue to be an active Holy Spirit in my life.  I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  I worry, I am selfish, and I focus too much on myself.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me and help me turn from this sin.  Help me focus on Your will and Your desires.

"But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first."

Matthew 19

"But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." v30

I am aware that my focus should be Jesus...yet often my focus is on earthly matters...people, things, etc.  I should have peace.  I should not worry and I should focus on as Paul says is renewing of the mind:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.    Romans 12:2

Renewal of the mind implies going to God daily and sometimes more than daily to seek God's will and wisdom.

My Prayer: Lord, You are truth, and Your plans and will are both perfect and pure.  I have seen in my own life how a focus on You renews my mind and transforms both my heart and life - all for Your glory.  You are a great God with no equal.  I love You Jesus.  I am NOT worthy of all the blessing and love You have provided me.  I am selfish and I fail to fully forgive others as You command me to.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me fully forgive and not have a hardened heart towards anyone.  Help me forgive and love as You love me.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Matthew 18

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” v35

Wow...piercing and challenging words from Jesus.  Of course we know that Jesus is FULL of mercy for us...we did not receive the punishment we deserve (wages of sin are death see Romans 6:23) but instead are forgiven.  This verse in Matthew 18:35 reinforces Matthew 6:14-15 where it says:

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

I am to forgive others just as Jesus forgave me.  This means letting go of all hardness in my heart.

My Prayer: Jesus, it is amazing that You have such mercy and compassion for Your children, even though Your children - myself of course included!  I am not worthy of such mercy and compassion.  I have hardness in my own heart.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me to not have a hardness of heart towards anyone for anything.  Help me love and forgive others just as You do.

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Matthew 18

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” v19-20

I am well aware that God wishes for me to live my life in the company of other believers.  I must strive to find other believers with whom I can share more of my life.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have placed many people in life - divine appointments - that have been critical to my relationship with You.  You have blessed me enormously in this way.  I am not deserving of such love Jesus.  I am weak with my faith and I fail to share the gospel - even with my mom!  How stingy I am!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me be more bold and generous with my faith and with sharing my faith.

"If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire."

Matthew 18

 "If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away.  It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell." v8-9

There are many influences in the world that cause believers to stumble..whether movies, TV, music, magazines, the Internet, people, etc.  Steps, for all practical purposes, need to be taken such that these influences are removed from your life.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and the creator of all good and perfect gifts...the heavens and the earth and everything in between from the beginning of time to the end of time in all the universe.  You don't need me at all yet You not only use me You redeem my sin for Your glory.  How amazing You are.  And You love me!  I am not worthy of such love Jesus because I neglect my relationship with You...I say I don't need You when I don't daily run to You.  Please forgive me for this sin and help me turn from this sin and help me grow in my faith, love, trust, and obedience of You.  

“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

Matthew 17

“But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” v27

Jesus desires us to spread the gospel everywhere to all people.  We are to eliminate all barriers between us the unbelieved so that nothing hinders others to hear and accept the good news of Jesus Christ.

I fail to heed this call.  With my own mom and I let my own grudge about my upbringing with her get in the way.  Because growing up my mom was not who I wanted her to be, I hold a grudge...and because I continue to hold this grudge, it gets in the way of me sharing Jesus with her in such a way that she actually sees Jesus in me.  Lord help me!

My Prayer: Lord, You are so full of compassion and kindness for ALL of your children.  You are available all of the time for anyone regardless of their sin, condition, or circumstances.  All are equal in Your eyes and You approach and help all equally.  You have helped and blessed me certainly beyond what I deserve.  I am selfish and I have a hardened heart.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me also turn from this sin.  Help me become the son that I need to be so that my mom can see Jesus in me and for her to both accept Jesus in her heart and to have a dynamic abundant and life giving relationship with You Jesus Christ.

“Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17

“Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” v20

Of interest here is how Jesus gives the twelve disciples full authority to "drive out impure spirits " in Matthew chapter 10, yet His disciples are unable to heal the man's son in Matthew 17:16.

Jesus' response implies that the disciples lacked faith.  Perhaps there faith was in themselves or they lacked confidence...I am not sure but again the heart condition is key.  We need confidence but this confidence must lie in Jesus alone.

The reference to the parable of the mustard seed is also key - see also 13:31-32:

He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

 
My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, it is without doubt that You can move mountains and accomplish anything.  You conquered sin and death and all for us!  How amazing.  I am not deserving of such blessing.  I neglect You and am easily distracted by earthly and world concerns - worry.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin and help me be the man You intend for me.

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Matthew 17

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” v5

God the Father, much like He did when John baptized Jesus:

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17

The difference here is that God the Father instructs (implores is more like it) the disciples to LISTEN to Jesus.  Peter is easily distracted, much like Martha was when Jesus visits, and we should remain focused because Satan is everywhere and is active as I posted a couple of days ago.

We need to fix our eyes on Jesus and finish the race.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are pure, holy, perfect, and blameless.  Yet You took our place on the cross and nailed our sin as well as Your life to the cross so that we would not be slaves to sin and so that we could have eternal life in heaven with You.  What an amazing gift - the best gift ever given now and forevermore!  I know I am not worthy of such a gift.  Like Peter and Martha I am easily distracted.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin and help me be the man You intend for me.

"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done."

Matthew 16

"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." v27

As I sit here thinking about how I can have a more interesting job, I SHOULD be thinking about how I can be more pleasing to the Lord with what I do with my time here on earth.

As I have learned in BSF, Jesus demands that He is our #1 priority.  In fact in Matthew 22, it says:

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

 

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:34-38

In addition, we are to DO not just believe as it states in James:

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25

It also says in Luke to be a lamp on a stand versus a lamp under a table:

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.  Luke 8:16

 It must be clear that I am both a believer and a do-er.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God full of love for me and You act out of love for me every day - You are an active and living God that is always at work for me and for all of Your children.  I am not deserving of such rich blessing and love.  I am lazy and not in action for You Jesus.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me and help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me Jesus. Help me both believe and act in Your name 

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Matthew 16

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” v23

Wow...is this a rebuke or what!  First, Peter attempts to rebuke Jesus in verse 22. This is quite bold and again it goes to our proper relationship with Jesus and that He is Lord and His will is pure, holy, and perfect - who are we to question his will!?  We should of course recognize Peter's side of the story in that we are human...and Jesus explicitly makes this point that Peter is focused on "human concerns".  

Key for me to understand is that Satan is very real and if biblical heroes like Peter have evil thoughts then I of course do...and in spades!  I must recognize this and also ask Jesus to invade my heart renew my mind as Paul indicates in Romans: 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are pure, holy and perfect...blameless.  Yet You went to cross and died for me...for me!  Amazing.  I am not worthy of such a sacrifice.  I am full of anger, impatience, pride, harsh words and so much more...forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven."

Matthew 16

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven." v17

God imparts truth...and only God.  Truth does not come from flesh and blood but only from God.  We may think that truth comes from books or people but it does not...it comes from God.  Science and God can co-exist and we must understand that God provides those who forward science with their abilities to reason.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul writes about how God distributes all spiritual gifts and how He creates the church as a body for all of these gifts to work together as a healthy body.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are truth and all comes from You.  Everything...You are all knowing and almighty.  You don't need me...yet You love me and even died for me.  You are an active, loving, and patient God.  I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  I think highly of myself - too highly.  I am full of pride.  Thank You that You love me anyway Jesus but please forgive me and help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

"But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Matthew 16

"But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” v11

Jesus here talks about false teachings and false prophets.  Yet I can deceive myself, so in a way I am my own false prophet and false teacher based on how I misunderstand or misuse God's word.  This is dangerous and it is even one of the ten commandments:

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." Exodus 20:7

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the one and only true God, the source of all truth and knowledge. As it says in James 1:17 every good and perfect gift comes from above.  I need not go anywhere else for truth nor should I trust in myself for truth.  Yet I often do and this is sin.  Thank You that You love me anyway but Lord Jesus please forgive me.  Help me find truth only in You.  Help me be the man You intend for me.
 

 

"A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.”

Matthew 16

Here the Pharisees and Sadducees come to Jesus and demand a sign...to prove He is the King of Kings, who He says He is.  To this Jesus responds:

^"A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” v4

We must understand that we are poor in spirit, that we are sinful.  If we recognize our need for Jesus we don't need proof...we have faith in trust that He us freed us from our sin...that we can turn from our sin, believe in Jesus, follow Him, and have eternal life.  We will have no more a sign than Jonah was to the Ninevites.

Furthermore, we know not to test our Lord because Jesus says not to:

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. 

For it is written:

“He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

   

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'” Matthew 4:5-7

My Prayer: Lord, You are a great God...I don't need to ask for evidence of Your greatness.  I have seen this greatness in my own life...transformed as a father, as a husband, as a man.  I have seen miracle and life change in others.  I have seen Your hand in nature....You are truly the King of Kings and my Lord and Savior.  I am not worthy of such a God....the love and blessing You provide.  I am selfish...I am critical and there is more sin...too much to mention.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus!  Help me be the man You intend for me.

“I have compassion for these people..."

Matthew 15

“I have compassion for these people..." v32

Jesus once again challenges us to both serve those in need and to trust in Him that He can do it all.  There is nothing Jesus cannot do...He can heal, feed, teach, etc. 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

My Prayer: Lord, You are almighty, creator of heaven and earth and everything in between.  Capable of all and knowing of all.  You love deeply...beyond what my words can express or even imagine.  And You died for me...amazing!  I am not worthy of being even in Your presence yet alone being worthy of Your love or even Your death...I lack patience, I am critical of others and I worry.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from this sin and help me be the man You intend for me. 

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

Matthew 15

“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” v27

The Canaanite woman pleads with Jesus for the healing of her daughter yet, it seems this is insufficient for Jesus.

The woman challenges Jesus statement that "[i]t is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”  Her response seems to be in contrast with Jesus' teachings in verse 24 "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” Yet Jesus knows that ultimately He will empower Peter and all His disciples to reach all the lost regardless of faith or origin - Jews and Gentiles everywhere.  Jesus is for all of us, regardless of who we are, where we are, and what we have done.  If we humbly come to Him and invite Him into our heart, He will take us into His kingdom.

My Prayer: Lord You are so gracious and merciful...patient and forgiving.  My words and my worship offering is so woefully insufficient for who You are.  I am not worthy of Your love and forgiveness.  I lack faith and trust in You.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

"For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander."

Matthew 15

"For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." v19

I know that there a great number of earthly and worldly influences that are sinful and I am to avoid these influences.  I should not only avoid these influences but also seek God and ask Him to transform my heart.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

I am amazed at what God has done in my life to transform my heart.  What a great God He is!

My Prayer: Lord, I have witnessed miracles in my life many times over...You have softened my heart about others...You have helped me be less selfish.  You have helped me be less critical and more caring towards others.  There is more...too much to mention.  I am not deserving of such blessing...I continue to sin in these areas and more!  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus. Help me turn from this sin and help me be the man You intend for me.

"What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

Matthew 15

^"What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” v11

I have often read about Jesus wants us to to speak encouraging words and He knows how our mouths often don't and this reflects our heart condition.

Although Jesus has worked miracles in softening my heart and controlling my tongue, I continue to need help in this area.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great God full of mercy, compassion and patience for me.  I am not deserving of such blessing because I continue to be harsh with my words.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me for my sin and help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend me to be.

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

Matthew 14

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” v28

When all the disciples saw someone they did not know walking on the water, they were terrified.  Jesus quells their fear and Peter, with a child like faith says "more"...in the same way that a child when does when a parent does something cool the child says "daddy, more!".  I am not sure what the other disciples felt but you can get a clue by reading in Mark 6:

They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. Mark 6:51-52

It's difficult for a child to have a hardened heart and Jesus wants us to yearn for Him in the same way that Peter yearns for Jesus.

My Prayer:  Jesus, You are truly and amazing God and You never cease to amaze me.  You creation and Your works are all miracles beyond my words and imagination and again I know You are an active, loving caring God that is working in my life all the time.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  I am easily distracted by earthly and worldly concerns, I am selfish, and I am critical of others.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me and help me turn from these sins. Help me also be the man You intend for me.



 

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Matthew 14

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. v20

What's remarkable is how the disciples have previously seen Jesus perform many miracles already, yet they for some reason asked Jesus to send away those who gathered to follow Jesus - presumably because the disciples did not have enough food.  Question in my mind is: why didn't the disciples just ask Jesus to provide food...perhaps because the disciples were tired and just did not want to deal with them?  Their statement about it getting late is telling:

As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” v15.

Question for me is: do I think of myself above others, particularly those in need?  Challenging question indeed...

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have time for me anytime of the day or night for whatever reason.  You never tell me to go away.  What a great and loving God You are.  I am not deserving of such love.  Instead I am selfish.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Matthew 14

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. v13-14

After John is beheaded, I would imagine Jesus feels a need to mourn.  This is implied by v14 which indicates that Jesus "withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place."  Jesus lands and although He desires to have quiet time (see also Mark 6), perhaps to mourn for John with the disciples, he makes time for those in need.  This is challenging to me because I always make excuses for not serving others.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO available - all the time, any place, and for any reason.  I call Your name and You are there.  How great You are!  And You are a great teacher also...teaching via parables with such patience!  Jesus I am not deserving of such love.  I am yet again selfish.  Thank You that You love me but please forgive me.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Forgive me for my selfishness, help me turn from this sin.

"...for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet." v4-5

Matthew 14

"...for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet." v4-5

Is my faith strong enough to withstand challenges to the extent that when I confront sin is my faith strong enough to give me peace about whatever consequences I may face regarding my stand on faith and sin?

I hope so.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who was not only pure, holy, and blameless as a human being, but also a human being that was willing to die for me.  I know Your love for me is great.  I am not worthy of such love.  I am full of stress and anxiety.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Matthew 13

And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. v58

The power of Jesus is available to everyone who has faith:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you...Acts 1:8

I need to first recognize this.  Then I need to have faith.  Without faith there is no power.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed omnipotent...creator of heavens and earth and everything in between.  You have created many miracles in my life and I am not worthy of such blessing.  I am impatient, I am selfish, and I am harsh with others.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me and help me turn from these sins.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."

Matthew 13

 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." v45-46

When I read this, the first thing I think is "do I act like my faith is the most valuable thing in my life now and for the rest of my life?"

I am not so sure...perhaps sometimes but certainly not all of the time....wow...I need Jesus...badly...not only to forgive me, but also to help me turn from sin of not loving Him with all of my heart, mind, soul and strength.  I need to submit to Jesus all of my life, including all of that which prevents me from loving Him with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  This includes my job and career, both of which are causing stress and anxiety for me lately.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO amazing...that You love me, care for me, died for me, etc. I am not worthy of such love...not by a long shot.  I am full of anxiety and stress.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me...help me also turn from this sin Jesus.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

Matthew 13

He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. v37-39

 What's great is God wants me to understand His word...so again he teaches in parables and He repeats His messages because repetition helps us learn.  He is the best teacher that ever was, is, and ever will be.  Yesterday, I had trouble fully grasping His message for me, so today...voila...Jesus explains Himself so that I can understand...what a great God that He is SO patient!

I can only hope that I am a righteous one as Jesus references here:

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. v43

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus...what an amazing teacher You are...so patient and empathetic...You want us to understand Your word and You take the time to help us fully understand Your word.  How awesome are You!  I am not worthy of such patience because I lack patience for others.  Thank You that You love me anyway, but please forgive me and help me turn from this sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

"Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn."

Matthew 13

"Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn." v30

This verse seems to be both a very powerful and a very complex verse.  I don't pretend to understand its full meaning, yet one meaning to me is quite clear: that sin exists, we cannot hide it, and that God will ultimately deal with it.

I certainly need to be mindful of the sin in my life, and not only pray for God's forgiveness regarding this sin, but I also need to ask God for help in turning from this sin.  Forgiveness is just one step with our sin...we also need to repent.  The dictionary defines repent as an action "to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life ".  Repentance may include forgiveness but forgiveness may not include repentance.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are the only being that is pure and holy...blameless and perfect.  I strive to be more like You but there is no way I can be You because You have been, You are and You will always be the one and only true God worthy of worship by all beings of all time.  You don't need me yet You not only use me for Your glory but You love me and You care for me.  What a great God!  Thank You that You love me despite my anxiety and stress.  Please forgive me for these sins and help me turn from these sins.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart.

Matthew 13

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. v19

Having sometimes struggled as to whether I should do both BSF or my own study, I have come to the understanding that both are needed.  BSF helps with "head" understanding but in my view is less effective for me in terms of hearing God's message specifically for me - "personal or heart" understanding.  

This verse in my Matthew reinforces that both are key. 

My Prayer: Lord You are a great God and Your Word is complete and perfect in its Truth and in its wisdom.  Of course there are so many other ways You are great and why Your Word is great.  My words are insufficient... my worship is insufficient for how great You are.  Forgive me for my lack of boldness and my lack of effort to be the best possible servant I can be for Your glory.  Thank You that You love me but please help me be the man You intend for me.

"But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear."

Matthew 13

This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see;

    though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’ v13-15

Building on what I read yesterday, God is SO patient and caring for us His children.  God knows we are by our very nature sinful beings and sinful despite having read and heard Jesus' teachings and the teachings of the Old Testament.  God teaches us by providing vivid and clear examples of how we can apply the teachings and He repeats the messages in scriptures because He knows we need repetition.  What an awesome God and teacher we have!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE so patient and understanding and You meet us exactly where we are with a caring and understanding voice that speaks volumes of the love You have for us.  You want us to be more like You yet You have patience and You coach us with the tenderness a little league coach has for his young players.  How awesome You are!  I am not deserving of such love and patience.  I am not patient myself with others and very often very critical of others.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please help me turn from this sin and forgive me Jesus.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

Then he told them many things in parables...

Matthew 13

Then he told them many things in parables...v3

Jesus cares for us like a good father or teacher does...He makes His teachings accessible and easy to understand.  He places his messages in the context of a story that so we can more easily relate to the teaching.  For those of us with children, we understand this method of teaching.  We are patient with the understanding of our own children and Jesus is too!  What a great and caring God Jesus is!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are such a caring and loving God....full of patience and kindness.  And accessible...we can reach You anytime and anyplace, You will be available for us.  And You will always teach us with great patience, understanding that we may need the same teaching many times!  How great You are!  I am not worthy of such love and blessing...I am impatient myself, especially with other people.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from this sin and all of my sin.  Help purify me and help me be the man You intend for me.

 

"For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Matthew 12

"For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” v50

Family holds a special place in the hearts of most....when friends come and go over a lifetime, family is still there.  In the same way, Jesus wants us to regard our brothers and sisters in Christ as family that will always be there.  We have a heavenly father, we have the church, and we have our brothers, sisters, mother, and father in Christ.  Note of course that there is a difference between our heavenly father, our earthly father, and our father (or any family member in Christ) in Christ.  We are all connected to the body:

¹² Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³ For we were all baptized by^[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. ¹⁴ Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.  1 Cor 12:12-14

My Prayer: Jesus, You are the Father that everyone should seek and worship.  You are always there for me and active in my life molding me and blessing me - all for Your glory.  There is no father on earth that can ever match You Jesus.  That You love me and bless me is amazing...I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  I am impatient, critical, and selfish.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

Matthew 12

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. v35

I must be mindful of the words that come out of my mouth as they reflect what is in my heart.  I know that I am a critical and selfish person at times and my words reflect this...if I can be more mindful of what I say and understand that my words echo my heart condition perhaps God can help me with my heart condition.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus...it is only You that can transform hearts, lives, and relationships.  I seek to be more like You yet I fall short all of the time.  Thank You that You love me anyway...please forgive me for my selfishness and my critical words.  Help me be more like You. 

"Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come."

Matthew 12

"Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." v32

Holy cow - serious stuff!  This is of course consistent with the Ten Commandments, which says:

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Exodus 20:7

The Lord is full of mercy but His mercy has limits:

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. v30-31

I need to be mindful in living a life worthy of Jesus and speaking in such a way about Jesus that He is glorified.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus...You are SO full of mercy and kindness.  I have committed awful sins in my life and I will continue to sin - that is in my nature.  Yet You forgive and You redeem.  I am not worthy of such love and kindness.  I worry and I speak and think harshly of others.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me be the man You intend for me. Help me turn from this sin.

 

"...till he has brought justice through to victory."

Matthew 12

"...till he has brought justice through to victory."  v20

Here Jesus challenges the Pharisees, who in turn plot to kill Jesus.  Knowing that it is not the appointed time Jesus withdraws...even though clearly He could have beaten the Pharisees.  There was more work for Jesus to do on earth:

Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill.  He warned them not to tell others about him. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

 

“Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
    the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not quarrel or cry out;
    no one will hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
    In his name the nations will put their hope.”  v15-21

I need to mindful of timing in my life - aware of how God is in control and it is His timing and His will that is important - and to submit fully to Jesus.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus...You are a great God - creator of heavens and the earth and everything in between and You have blessed me beyond what I deserve.  You have orchestrated amazing blessings and redeemed sin in my life.  I am not worthy of such love and blessing.  I fail to love and trust You with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength.  I worry too much. Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me.  Help me not worry.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

 

‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice....'

Matthew 12

‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice....' v7

Jesus references Hosea 6 where God admonishes the Israelites for an empty faith - one that focuses on head understanding and empty rituals where the heart is not focused on God but elsewhere. 

It makes me think of James 1:

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  James 1:22-25  

I need to act and be my faith.  Similarly, I need to a light on hill: 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the light and life - You are truth.  You are love.  You are the beginning and the end and everything in between....creator of all things and in control.  You are full of love and mercy for me...yet I am not deserving.  I am weak, harsh, and critical, among my many sin.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me and help me be the man You intend for me.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” v28-30

Indeed, Jesus is THE source of refuge, protection, peace, and rest.  He Provides a rest found nowhere else.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have protected me from much and You have provided rest when I have been weary.  You are indeed a great God!  Thank You for such rest and for helping carry my burdens.  I am not worthy of such love.  I am impatient, angry, harsh, etc.  Please forgive me.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Matthew 10

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” v42

Jesus wants us to love and care for everyone but here my sense is that He is focused on our fellow believers.  As Jesus is sending out the twelve to spread the good news of Jesus, he recognizes that His disciples (in particular the 12 apostles) will face persecution.  He knows that they will need to seek refuge in the arms of their brothers and sisters in Christ.  This is our call.  We are to love others by spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and to support, encourage, and minister to those that spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You love and care for everyone, regardless of whether they deserve it or not.  You love me...You died for me...incredible.  I have sinned and I will continue to sin...yet You love me anyway...thank You Jesus for Your grace, mercy and kindness.  Please forgive me.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

"Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it."

Matthew 10

"Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." v39

If there was ever doubt that Jesus should be the primary love of our life...that doubt is dispelled here and in the previous verses.  We are as it says in Matthew 22:

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^{[c] 38} This is the first and greatest commandment. " Matthew 22:37-38

This is also stated in Luke 10:27, Deu 6, 10, 11, 13, and 30, Joshua 22, and Mark 12.  Clearly this is IMPORTANT!

My Prayer: Lord, You are the ONLY God and You are my God.  You are available to me anytime, any place, and for any reason.  You listen...and You are an active, caring, loving God that loves to spend time for me.  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve - I am not worthy.  I continue to have anxiety, stress, pride, arrogance, harshness, etc.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me.  Help me be the man You intend for me.