Matthew 9
After a chapter filled with miracles of healing and confrontations with the Pharisees, the real reason behind Christ's actions is stated:
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
That is so appropriate as I enter a new school year. That is exactly how I should look at my students - having the heart of Christ.
Matthew 10
Wow! The poor disciples! In this chapter Christ lists for them ALL of the problems they will face while serving Him, and I think I have a rough time in ministry! Jesus does put in there how much He loves them and will care for them, but He doesn't end there - - He speaks once more about how hard it will be, and then ends with a short statement about rewards. In other words, my job and His love are way more important than what I get out of serving.
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Monday, August 27, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
The NT Challenge - Day 4
Matthew 7
The kids song of the Wise Man and the Foolish Man doesn't really get to the heart of the issue the way Christ did in Matthew 7. The song makes it seem like the deciding factor is what the houses were built upon - meaning building them on GOOD things or building them on BAD things, but that's not it at all. . . In Matthew 7, Christ is talking about the wise man and the foolish man with their differences not being what they build on (technically they were both believers) but wether they were DOING the good thing or not.
To NOT do the things we know we should according to the Bible makes us the foolish man building a very insecure life. To DO the things we know we should according to the Bible makes us the wise man building a very secure life. It's as easy as that - am I DOING or NOT?
Matthew 8
Sometimes I forget that all the people that Christ interacted with were honest to goodness people, filled with emotions, and baggage, and insecurities -- in one word - REAL. This chapter seems to give such a wonderful cross-section of these real people that had the opportunity to interact with the Lord of the Universe on a very personal level.
The Leper - Amazingly enough, he didn't actually "ask" to be healed. He just made the statement to the Lord that if He wanted to heal him, He could. Do you think he was afraid to actually ask for fear the answer would be "No"? Does it even really matter? The important thing was that he recognized that Christ 'could' heal him if He wanted to. How's my faith measure up? Am I too afraid to ask, however, do I even have the faith to know He can do anything?
The Centurion - I appreciated this guy's honesty! He didn't put on some kind of false modesty when he talked to to Jesus. He know his position of authority and the power he held. BUT he willingly acknowledged Christ's power at the same time. Not only acknowledging Christ's power, but putting himself under it's authority, rather than just boasting about his position. Remember, I don't need to prove anything to God. He knows the position he's put me in way better than I do!
Peter's Mother in Law - Such a simple response - "I'm healed to serve." Oh that I would see the same in my life a lot more readily. . .
The Disciples - They've been with Him the longest, and yet they don't seem to have the faith that is necessary to see the amazing acts God has been doing all around them! I need to be careful, that just because I'm close, I'm not becoming blind.
The Demon Possessed Men - Unfortunately, they were saved and probably didn't even realize how big their salvation actually had been! That's what happens when Satan messes with our mind!!
The Herdsmen and the City Folks - They saw a miracle, and yet they thought it was more important for them to protect their own interests. Who cares that Jesus is doing a mighty work, we just don't Him to do it here, it might actually cost us something!!
So many people and so many different responses. . .
Who am I most like?
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The kids song of the Wise Man and the Foolish Man doesn't really get to the heart of the issue the way Christ did in Matthew 7. The song makes it seem like the deciding factor is what the houses were built upon - meaning building them on GOOD things or building them on BAD things, but that's not it at all. . . In Matthew 7, Christ is talking about the wise man and the foolish man with their differences not being what they build on (technically they were both believers) but wether they were DOING the good thing or not.
To NOT do the things we know we should according to the Bible makes us the foolish man building a very insecure life. To DO the things we know we should according to the Bible makes us the wise man building a very secure life. It's as easy as that - am I DOING or NOT?
Matthew 8
Sometimes I forget that all the people that Christ interacted with were honest to goodness people, filled with emotions, and baggage, and insecurities -- in one word - REAL. This chapter seems to give such a wonderful cross-section of these real people that had the opportunity to interact with the Lord of the Universe on a very personal level.
The Leper - Amazingly enough, he didn't actually "ask" to be healed. He just made the statement to the Lord that if He wanted to heal him, He could. Do you think he was afraid to actually ask for fear the answer would be "No"? Does it even really matter? The important thing was that he recognized that Christ 'could' heal him if He wanted to. How's my faith measure up? Am I too afraid to ask, however, do I even have the faith to know He can do anything?
The Centurion - I appreciated this guy's honesty! He didn't put on some kind of false modesty when he talked to to Jesus. He know his position of authority and the power he held. BUT he willingly acknowledged Christ's power at the same time. Not only acknowledging Christ's power, but putting himself under it's authority, rather than just boasting about his position. Remember, I don't need to prove anything to God. He knows the position he's put me in way better than I do!
Peter's Mother in Law - Such a simple response - "I'm healed to serve." Oh that I would see the same in my life a lot more readily. . .
The Disciples - They've been with Him the longest, and yet they don't seem to have the faith that is necessary to see the amazing acts God has been doing all around them! I need to be careful, that just because I'm close, I'm not becoming blind.
The Demon Possessed Men - Unfortunately, they were saved and probably didn't even realize how big their salvation actually had been! That's what happens when Satan messes with our mind!!
The Herdsmen and the City Folks - They saw a miracle, and yet they thought it was more important for them to protect their own interests. Who cares that Jesus is doing a mighty work, we just don't Him to do it here, it might actually cost us something!!
So many people and so many different responses. . .
Who am I most like?
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Tuesday, August 21, 2012
The NT Challenge - Day 3
Matthew 5
This section of the Sermon on the Mount is just packed with practical living instruction and commands. It's interesting just how practical Christ was with his topic choices - not deep theological issues as much as the every day life issues that they faced (and we face too).
There were two small statements that were made within this chapter that really seemed to jump out at me:
Matt 5:19
Therefore whoever RELAXES one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever DOES them and TEACHES them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
I thought it was very interesting that this version says "relaxes" one of the least of these commandments - not breaks / not bends / but relaxes. How often do we "relax" laws to fit our desires. We wouldn't say we are actually breaking them, that would be a sin. We wouldn't even say we are bending them, that would be too active. Christ knew that to hit at the heart of our problem, a verb choice like "relaxes" would really point to the heart of the issue. The word in Greek gives the same idea of loosening something, but still the word relax that the ESV chooses seems more fitting to what we sometimes actually do as believers.
The other section of this verse was just something that jumped out at me, maybe because the school year is getting ready to start, but I think it's interesting that the contrast between RELAXING the law and teaching others to do the same and DOING the law and teaching others to do the same. Sometimes I find that I will try to teach without trying to do - - that isn't the way the Lord intended. For all believers the order is set pretty clearly - you DO and then you TEACH.
Dear Lord,
Please help me to see your words and your commands as laws to be followed, not flexible items for me to bend or "relax" into what I want them to be. And as I have the opportunity to teach both in my classroom and in various ladies ministries, keep me ever mindful of the need to DO and then teach.
Matthew 6
This chapter mentions so many times how good actions with bad motives are not actually good actions. It is often hard not to do things in such a way that others will see you - sometimes I think that we don't even think about the fact that we ARE doing it for that reason; it has so become an ingrained part of our nature. We look at how others act and respond to them accordingly, so it would stand to reason that we need to consider the same when we act. However, that isn't God's way at all. God is concerned with the REAL me, the inside me, the me I am when no one else is around. That's a tough reminder, especially to someone who is a people-pleaser. Who am I aiming for - those walking the same journey as I am, or the Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth? Easy question to ask - tough question to answer!
I did have one question that I've never noticed before in the Lord's prayer. I was always taught the ACTS way of praying (Adoration - Confession - Thanksgiving - Supplication) and that we have to get our sins out of the way before God will hear any other part of our prayer (besides the Adoration), but that doesn't seem to be the format of the Lord's Prayer. . . Hmmmmmm. . .
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
This section of the Sermon on the Mount is just packed with practical living instruction and commands. It's interesting just how practical Christ was with his topic choices - not deep theological issues as much as the every day life issues that they faced (and we face too).
There were two small statements that were made within this chapter that really seemed to jump out at me:
Matt 5:19
Therefore whoever RELAXES one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever DOES them and TEACHES them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
I thought it was very interesting that this version says "relaxes" one of the least of these commandments - not breaks / not bends / but relaxes. How often do we "relax" laws to fit our desires. We wouldn't say we are actually breaking them, that would be a sin. We wouldn't even say we are bending them, that would be too active. Christ knew that to hit at the heart of our problem, a verb choice like "relaxes" would really point to the heart of the issue. The word in Greek gives the same idea of loosening something, but still the word relax that the ESV chooses seems more fitting to what we sometimes actually do as believers.
The other section of this verse was just something that jumped out at me, maybe because the school year is getting ready to start, but I think it's interesting that the contrast between RELAXING the law and teaching others to do the same and DOING the law and teaching others to do the same. Sometimes I find that I will try to teach without trying to do - - that isn't the way the Lord intended. For all believers the order is set pretty clearly - you DO and then you TEACH.
Dear Lord,
Please help me to see your words and your commands as laws to be followed, not flexible items for me to bend or "relax" into what I want them to be. And as I have the opportunity to teach both in my classroom and in various ladies ministries, keep me ever mindful of the need to DO and then teach.
Matthew 6
This chapter mentions so many times how good actions with bad motives are not actually good actions. It is often hard not to do things in such a way that others will see you - sometimes I think that we don't even think about the fact that we ARE doing it for that reason; it has so become an ingrained part of our nature. We look at how others act and respond to them accordingly, so it would stand to reason that we need to consider the same when we act. However, that isn't God's way at all. God is concerned with the REAL me, the inside me, the me I am when no one else is around. That's a tough reminder, especially to someone who is a people-pleaser. Who am I aiming for - those walking the same journey as I am, or the Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth? Easy question to ask - tough question to answer!
I did have one question that I've never noticed before in the Lord's prayer. I was always taught the ACTS way of praying (Adoration - Confession - Thanksgiving - Supplication) and that we have to get our sins out of the way before God will hear any other part of our prayer (besides the Adoration), but that doesn't seem to be the format of the Lord's Prayer. . . Hmmmmmm. . .
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Monday, August 20, 2012
The NT Challenge - Day 2
I know that it's been a while, and I'm getting more and more behind on the challenge - especially since I started late to begin with, but I'm going to make a real effort to catch up this week. Seems like a good time to play 'catch up' when I'm trying to establish my routines anyway! Looking forward to seeing what lessons the Lord may have for me!!
Matthew 2
I know this may seem like an insignificant thing, but I had never realized before, but God had Joseph take Mary and now not a baby, Jesus to Nazareth instead of Bethlehem for what might have been a very considerate reason. Not just for the benefit of the family, but out of compassion for the many hundreds of families, and mothers more specifically, who had lost their boys during Herod's killing spree. Can you imagine how hard it would have been to see a little boy the age that you know your son would have been?
The new ruler was no threat, even though Joseph thought he was, but rather maybe the move was all in God's plan to save the sadness of the families in Bethlehem. It wouldn't surprise me - - God is very loving like that.
Matthew 3
"Bear fruit in keeping with repentance"
Matt. 3:8
These, no doubt, harshly spoken words by John the Baptist to the Pharisees and Sadducees, really offer a stinging challenge to us today. Personally, am I bearing "fruit in keeping with repentance"? Does my life reflect the repentance of heart that I should have?
Ouch! A question given in another time for another group of people, but still very challenging for us today. (Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever - Hebrews 13:8)
Matthew 4
Goodness! A lot in a relatively short chapter considering it contains the temptation of Christ, the beginning of His ministry, and the calling of His first disciples. WOW! bunches of lessons here. . .
One of the things that seemed to stand out most to me was the three little words repeated TWICE with the calling of the disciples - "Immediately they left." Seems simple enough to understand, but a lot harder to actually do when it comes down to me being obedient to His call. If my story were there it would probably have included an "After she _____." How sad is that?! The living, breathing, God of the universe is calling me, and I'm putting Him on hold until I finish what I am wanting to do.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for being such a compassionate and caring God. Help me to live a life that bears the fruit of repentance and includes immediate obedience. It's not always easy, but it is my reasonable service and my spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Matthew 2
I know this may seem like an insignificant thing, but I had never realized before, but God had Joseph take Mary and now not a baby, Jesus to Nazareth instead of Bethlehem for what might have been a very considerate reason. Not just for the benefit of the family, but out of compassion for the many hundreds of families, and mothers more specifically, who had lost their boys during Herod's killing spree. Can you imagine how hard it would have been to see a little boy the age that you know your son would have been?
The new ruler was no threat, even though Joseph thought he was, but rather maybe the move was all in God's plan to save the sadness of the families in Bethlehem. It wouldn't surprise me - - God is very loving like that.
Matthew 3
"Bear fruit in keeping with repentance"
Matt. 3:8
These, no doubt, harshly spoken words by John the Baptist to the Pharisees and Sadducees, really offer a stinging challenge to us today. Personally, am I bearing "fruit in keeping with repentance"? Does my life reflect the repentance of heart that I should have?
Ouch! A question given in another time for another group of people, but still very challenging for us today. (Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever - Hebrews 13:8)
Matthew 4
Goodness! A lot in a relatively short chapter considering it contains the temptation of Christ, the beginning of His ministry, and the calling of His first disciples. WOW! bunches of lessons here. . .
One of the things that seemed to stand out most to me was the three little words repeated TWICE with the calling of the disciples - "Immediately they left." Seems simple enough to understand, but a lot harder to actually do when it comes down to me being obedient to His call. If my story were there it would probably have included an "After she _____." How sad is that?! The living, breathing, God of the universe is calling me, and I'm putting Him on hold until I finish what I am wanting to do.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for being such a compassionate and caring God. Help me to live a life that bears the fruit of repentance and includes immediate obedience. It's not always easy, but it is my reasonable service and my spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The NT Challenge - Day 1
Matthew 1
Okay, it's my fascination with the Old Testament I'm sure, but I just love how in the genealogy of Christ we see in one verse an amazing reminder of how God can use ANYONE who is willing to be used. Matthew 1:5 mentions both Rahab and Ruth - both mentioned in the lineage of Christ! Could there possibly be two more unlike relations! A prostitute and a 'virtuous woman' - yet, God used them both - God worked in them both- God blessed them both!
Lord, thank you for being such a loving Father who looks beyond the mess that is me, and sees instead a heart that desires to be used by you.
Okay, it's my fascination with the Old Testament I'm sure, but I just love how in the genealogy of Christ we see in one verse an amazing reminder of how God can use ANYONE who is willing to be used. Matthew 1:5 mentions both Rahab and Ruth - both mentioned in the lineage of Christ! Could there possibly be two more unlike relations! A prostitute and a 'virtuous woman' - yet, God used them both - God worked in them both- God blessed them both!
Lord, thank you for being such a loving Father who looks beyond the mess that is me, and sees instead a heart that desires to be used by you.
The NT Challenge - Introduction
After an exciting conversation with a friend last night, I took her recommendation and joined up with the Karen Kingsbury New Testament Challenge. Admittedly, I think I tend to lean more to the Old Testament for reading, and teaching, and learning, so I think that this challenge will truly be a challenge for me. I am getting a late start - they are already 24 days in, but I read that if I read two chapters instead of one until I catch up, I can still finish the whole New Testament on Easter Sunday. I'm actually pretty excited about this! Got my iPad ESV and my blogging app set, got a buddy to help me stay on track, and got 233 days to dig into God's Word! Woo Hoo! Let's go!
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