This past month we've been reading, thinking, praying and talking about God's story, your story and our story. This past weekend was Pentecost and we were reminded that when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they couldn't help but to tell their story to anyone who would listen.
A good story captures our imagination and often inspires us. We can also become so caught up in a story, that we are willing to invest hours, days, weeks or even years awaiting a finale - you Lost fans know what I mean.
Our stories, much like the stones in Joshua 4, mean something, not only to us, but to the people around us. We don't need to enthrall anyone with our story, but sharing it can help us develop a relationship or provide a guidepost to someone in need of direction.
Please consider sharing a part of your story. Here are some stories that have been shared recently:
Faith journey
by Barbara P.
When I look back on my life so far to determine where and when I started my faith journey, I go back to a small country church. I am an eight-year old sitting in the pew with my grandmother and mother. It is revival time..a hot summer evening. There is an altar call and I am filled with an overwhelming urge to go forward—to declare my need for a savior and to commit my life to Him. I slip out of the pew and head down the aisle followed by my grandmother. You see, she was raised Baptist and this is a Methodist church….she is finally relenting and joining the church my grandfather’s ancestor founded back in the early 1800’s!
That was the beginning—not really—I know God had claimed me before I was even born—that was the beginning of my faith walk. I remember attending VBS on the church lawn, revival after revival, Young Life meetings and Young Life camp, attending Methodist and Baptist churches, and finally, attending a Lutheran church with my aunt and uncle and, once again, being drawn in by the message of love and forgiveness and hope.
I needed the message of hope. Like many other children, I am the product of a broken family. Throughout my childhood and adulthood, I have been touched by the life crises of various family members. I have experienced the sadness, hopelessness, anger, fear, and betrayal stemming from divorce, alcoholism, sickness, death, unemployment, and near poverty. My faith journey has sometimes been a roller coaster ride because of these experiences.
What got me through it all? It has to be my God and your God. Through my times of doubt and frustration, He has always been there and I felt His presence even when I wanted to be far away from Him. Why, I asked, was this happening to me? Hadn’t I been good enough? Where had I gone wrong? Finally, through many such experiences, the Holy Spirit finally got through to me…..God had not forsaken me. God had not betrayed me. God had not forgotten me. God loved and loves me!
I could get really carried away and tell you how much I feel the Holy Spirit’s presence now in those times of crisis that come to us all. But, I know it’s a very personal thing and your faith journey is not my faith journey. I only know that, more every day, through His presence in YOU comforting me, encouraging me, loving me that I see God more clearly. I feel His love in me and working through me and, thank God, I am learning to love you and His children—whenever they cross my path—more and more. God truly loves us and calls us to love God and love one another.
God bless you in your own faith journey. The way is not always easy but our God travels it with us.
When I look back on my life so far to determine where and when I started my faith journey, I go back to a small country church. I am an eight-year old sitting in the pew with my grandmother and mother. It is revival time..a hot summer evening. There is an altar call and I am filled with an overwhelming urge to go forward—to declare my need for a savior and to commit my life to Him. I slip out of the pew and head down the aisle followed by my grandmother. You see, she was raised Baptist and this is a Methodist church….she is finally relenting and joining the church my grandfather’s ancestor founded back in the early 1800’s!
That was the beginning—not really—I know God had claimed me before I was even born—that was the beginning of my faith walk. I remember attending VBS on the church lawn, revival after revival, Young Life meetings and Young Life camp, attending Methodist and Baptist churches, and finally, attending a Lutheran church with my aunt and uncle and, once again, being drawn in by the message of love and forgiveness and hope.
I needed the message of hope. Like many other children, I am the product of a broken family. Throughout my childhood and adulthood, I have been touched by the life crises of various family members. I have experienced the sadness, hopelessness, anger, fear, and betrayal stemming from divorce, alcoholism, sickness, death, unemployment, and near poverty. My faith journey has sometimes been a roller coaster ride because of these experiences.
What got me through it all? It has to be my God and your God. Through my times of doubt and frustration, He has always been there and I felt His presence even when I wanted to be far away from Him. Why, I asked, was this happening to me? Hadn’t I been good enough? Where had I gone wrong? Finally, through many such experiences, the Holy Spirit finally got through to me…..God had not forsaken me. God had not betrayed me. God had not forgotten me. God loved and loves me!
I could get really carried away and tell you how much I feel the Holy Spirit’s presence now in those times of crisis that come to us all. But, I know it’s a very personal thing and your faith journey is not my faith journey. I only know that, more every day, through His presence in YOU comforting me, encouraging me, loving me that I see God more clearly. I feel His love in me and working through me and, thank God, I am learning to love you and His children—whenever they cross my path—more and more. God truly loves us and calls us to love God and love one another.
God bless you in your own faith journey. The way is not always easy but our God travels it with us.
When peace, like a river
by Carey H.
What hymn or song speaks to me most?
The most meaningful hymn to me is “When Peace, like a river” by Horatio Spafford. Although, many songs and hymns are close to my heart; this hymn seems to speak to me on such a personal level.
Horatio Spafford was a Chicago businessman. He was taking his wife, Anna, and their four daughters to Europe when a last minute business crisis prevented him from making the trip with them. During the voyage, the ship sank in a violent storm and only Anna survived.
When Horatio Spafford learned of the terrible tragedy, he immediately set sail for Wales to reunite with his wife. When his ship reached the spot where the children drowned, he expressed both his grief and his faith in a poem:
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll.
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well, with my soul.”
In the years since this wonderful hymn was written in 1857, Horatio Spafford’s words have blessed millions and helped them to find God’s peace in the midst of their tragedies; this is most certainly true for me.
What Bible reading is my best friend?
Romans 8 is the Bible reading that I most often turn to for comfort and strength; in particular verse 28 and verses 38-39.
The entire chapter reaffirms that we are Christ’s children through the Holy Spirit and that nothing in this earthly life can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Even if we cannot pray or choose not to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and assures us that no matter what may happen to us in this life, good and bad, it all works together for our good according to God’s will.
Romans 8 also validates Christ’s love for us: He died for us, He has forgiven us, He has given Himself to us through the Holy Spirit. If we are His, nothing can separate us from His love—what a wonderful, joyous, hopeful blessing! Amen.
What hymn or song speaks to me most?
The most meaningful hymn to me is “When Peace, like a river” by Horatio Spafford. Although, many songs and hymns are close to my heart; this hymn seems to speak to me on such a personal level.
Horatio Spafford was a Chicago businessman. He was taking his wife, Anna, and their four daughters to Europe when a last minute business crisis prevented him from making the trip with them. During the voyage, the ship sank in a violent storm and only Anna survived.
When Horatio Spafford learned of the terrible tragedy, he immediately set sail for Wales to reunite with his wife. When his ship reached the spot where the children drowned, he expressed both his grief and his faith in a poem:
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll.
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well, with my soul.”
In the years since this wonderful hymn was written in 1857, Horatio Spafford’s words have blessed millions and helped them to find God’s peace in the midst of their tragedies; this is most certainly true for me.
What Bible reading is my best friend?
Romans 8 is the Bible reading that I most often turn to for comfort and strength; in particular verse 28 and verses 38-39.
The entire chapter reaffirms that we are Christ’s children through the Holy Spirit and that nothing in this earthly life can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Even if we cannot pray or choose not to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and assures us that no matter what may happen to us in this life, good and bad, it all works together for our good according to God’s will.
Romans 8 also validates Christ’s love for us: He died for us, He has forgiven us, He has given Himself to us through the Holy Spirit. If we are His, nothing can separate us from His love—what a wonderful, joyous, hopeful blessing! Amen.
Frank & Laverne
by Carol B.
Frank was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer in April of 2009. He was Walt's nephew and a truly unique person. Frank was kindhearted, caring, compassionate and very generous of his time and talents to help others. He was also passionate about animals, especially his three Maine Coon cats. Loving and caring for animals is the important and close bond we shared. When Shelby, our Rottweiler, passed away in 2008 as a result of an aggressive cancer, it was Frank who called to express his sorrow and to offer consolation. He knew the pain and anguish of losing a beloved companion. I will never forget his kindness and how he helped me through that time
I began to walk dogs at the CASPA for my grief therapy and a month later met Laverne, a Black and Tan Coonhound estimated to be about 8 years old. She was picked up as a stray two months prior and had many medical problems. After her treatment she was ready for adoption. She seemed lethargic, closed down emotionally and needed love and attention. I thought, "You're old, you've got health problems and no one is going to adopt you". So, naturally, I did.
Frank met Laverne for the first time when we traveled to Connecticut for his father's memorial service and interment. He thought she was a cool dog and they seemed to like each other. Their next meeting was last July after Frank's diagnosis. He was receiving chemo-therapy but it was only palliative and his condition was in decline. On October 8th we drove to Connecticut for another visit. Early the next morning, Frank was hospitalized with breathing difficulty.
We were able to visit him several days later. In a little over two hours we covered many subjects. Even though Frank was weak, he insisted on talking and sharing his thoughts and concerns about the care of his beloved cats and his life and coming death with us. He said he accepted that he was dying and hoped he would be with God in a better place. He told us of discussions he had with friends regarding life after death and asking "Is there More? Well, Frank being Frank, he said he would try to return after death to let them know the answer. In listening to him, I realized that was my question too and asked him to add me to the list of people to contact. He began to explain that he wasn't sure how it would work. "It's not like I would just give you a poke". He said it would probably be subtle, that I would have to be attentive and be open. It would be something ordinary.
That was the last conversation we would have with Frank. We returned to Virginia the next day October 13th. Frank was moved to Hospice a couple of days later. His Mom, Dorothy, said the day we visited was really the last day that he was strong enough to carry on much of a conversation.
One week later we got the phone call in the morning telling us of Frank's passing the night before. I began to plan and get ready for the return to Connecticut for the funeral.
Now, Laverne has many quirks one of which is an aversion to thunderstorms. She can sense one coming 30 minutes before we can hear it in the distance. She pants and paces and drools and shakes. I noticed her walking into the dining room and standing there. This is unusual since she only uses this room as "pass thru". Her body was also shaking. I called her into the kitchen to calm her and wondered if there was a storm on the way, however, a look out the window confirmed sun and blue skies. No storm in sight. She returned to the dining room and stood there shaking. This action repeated itself for approximately 1 1/2 hours while I tried to calm her and figure out what was wrong.
I had my arms around her and was talking softly to her when I experienced a sudden and complete sense of calm and a feeling of peace. Frank's words flooded back to me........."it would be subtle, it would be something ordinary". I hugged Laverne and said, "Oh, Laverne, Its just Frank. You know Frank. He's telling us everything is OK! Not 10 seconds later, Laverne stopped shaking, calmly went into the family room, laid down and went fast asleep!
I believe God speaks to us in many ways but we need to be attentive and open and listening for the still small voice. In the beauty of nature and all of God's creations, He says, "I am here, see me!" He speaks to us in our joys and our sorrows. He speaks in the sudden and unexpected glorious flash of a shooting star in the early, still morning after a sudden loss. He speaks through our relationships and close bonds with family and friends, saying, "I am with you, feel my presence!" And yes, even through an old hound dog by the name of Laverne! "THERE IS MORE!"
Frank was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer in April of 2009. He was Walt's nephew and a truly unique person. Frank was kindhearted, caring, compassionate and very generous of his time and talents to help others. He was also passionate about animals, especially his three Maine Coon cats. Loving and caring for animals is the important and close bond we shared. When Shelby, our Rottweiler, passed away in 2008 as a result of an aggressive cancer, it was Frank who called to express his sorrow and to offer consolation. He knew the pain and anguish of losing a beloved companion. I will never forget his kindness and how he helped me through that time
I began to walk dogs at the CASPA for my grief therapy and a month later met Laverne, a Black and Tan Coonhound estimated to be about 8 years old. She was picked up as a stray two months prior and had many medical problems. After her treatment she was ready for adoption. She seemed lethargic, closed down emotionally and needed love and attention. I thought, "You're old, you've got health problems and no one is going to adopt you". So, naturally, I did.
Frank met Laverne for the first time when we traveled to Connecticut for his father's memorial service and interment. He thought she was a cool dog and they seemed to like each other. Their next meeting was last July after Frank's diagnosis. He was receiving chemo-therapy but it was only palliative and his condition was in decline. On October 8th we drove to Connecticut for another visit. Early the next morning, Frank was hospitalized with breathing difficulty.
We were able to visit him several days later. In a little over two hours we covered many subjects. Even though Frank was weak, he insisted on talking and sharing his thoughts and concerns about the care of his beloved cats and his life and coming death with us. He said he accepted that he was dying and hoped he would be with God in a better place. He told us of discussions he had with friends regarding life after death and asking "Is there More? Well, Frank being Frank, he said he would try to return after death to let them know the answer. In listening to him, I realized that was my question too and asked him to add me to the list of people to contact. He began to explain that he wasn't sure how it would work. "It's not like I would just give you a poke". He said it would probably be subtle, that I would have to be attentive and be open. It would be something ordinary.
That was the last conversation we would have with Frank. We returned to Virginia the next day October 13th. Frank was moved to Hospice a couple of days later. His Mom, Dorothy, said the day we visited was really the last day that he was strong enough to carry on much of a conversation.
One week later we got the phone call in the morning telling us of Frank's passing the night before. I began to plan and get ready for the return to Connecticut for the funeral.
Now, Laverne has many quirks one of which is an aversion to thunderstorms. She can sense one coming 30 minutes before we can hear it in the distance. She pants and paces and drools and shakes. I noticed her walking into the dining room and standing there. This is unusual since she only uses this room as "pass thru". Her body was also shaking. I called her into the kitchen to calm her and wondered if there was a storm on the way, however, a look out the window confirmed sun and blue skies. No storm in sight. She returned to the dining room and stood there shaking. This action repeated itself for approximately 1 1/2 hours while I tried to calm her and figure out what was wrong.
I had my arms around her and was talking softly to her when I experienced a sudden and complete sense of calm and a feeling of peace. Frank's words flooded back to me........."it would be subtle, it would be something ordinary". I hugged Laverne and said, "Oh, Laverne, Its just Frank. You know Frank. He's telling us everything is OK! Not 10 seconds later, Laverne stopped shaking, calmly went into the family room, laid down and went fast asleep!
I believe God speaks to us in many ways but we need to be attentive and open and listening for the still small voice. In the beauty of nature and all of God's creations, He says, "I am here, see me!" He speaks to us in our joys and our sorrows. He speaks in the sudden and unexpected glorious flash of a shooting star in the early, still morning after a sudden loss. He speaks through our relationships and close bonds with family and friends, saying, "I am with you, feel my presence!" And yes, even through an old hound dog by the name of Laverne! "THERE IS MORE!"
Equal justice
by Kim W.
What is the great equalizer of humanity? I think I got a glimpse of it in the airport last Fall. I was scoping out the outlet possibilities while I waited for my flight. You'll always find the geeks and business men at the outlets. I sat down next to a business man, who was clearly sending out vibes to not sit there - but there weren't many other options to grab an outlet and frankly I felt I had every right to be there as him - right? He was on his cell phone - typical. But before I knew it, I was drawn into a conversation that shattered my preconceptions.
This white, middle-aged business man just recently learned that his wife had some sort of stroke that day at lunch. His wife is in intensive care, incoherent, facing possible surgery and further complications. As he talks to a doctor, I can feel all his walls crumbling down. He is desperate to find out what is going on and what he needs to do. He is hanging on by a thread, but maintains his composure and uses that business brain he's been training all these years to cover all options, possibilities and outcomes. I was completely drawn into his suffering. As his walls came down, my prejudices about white, middle-aged business men evaporated. We were both just humans then.
When I got on the plane, I started reading a manuscript, Why God? that my friend Bob M. asked me to read. Right on the first page, he writes that "when any of us stands facing a reality that is unbearable, we cry out against whatever fate or providence or divine plan or human purpose brought this pain to us ... the intensity of our sorrow opens our hearts to the sorrow of others."
I think that pure love and joy also have this equalizing property, but when speaking of justice issues, we are speaking of suffering. It's in the suffering that we can actually identify with those living in such different circumstances than ourselves. We all know what suffering feels like. We all feel some gut instinct to help our fellow man out of their suffering. We may not know what to say or do, but the instinct is there. It is this instinct that we need to follow into the uncomfortable world of those suffering injustice. It is this instinct that levels the playing field of humanity when we sit next to each other and start to listen.
What is the great equalizer of humanity? I think I got a glimpse of it in the airport last Fall. I was scoping out the outlet possibilities while I waited for my flight. You'll always find the geeks and business men at the outlets. I sat down next to a business man, who was clearly sending out vibes to not sit there - but there weren't many other options to grab an outlet and frankly I felt I had every right to be there as him - right? He was on his cell phone - typical. But before I knew it, I was drawn into a conversation that shattered my preconceptions.
This white, middle-aged business man just recently learned that his wife had some sort of stroke that day at lunch. His wife is in intensive care, incoherent, facing possible surgery and further complications. As he talks to a doctor, I can feel all his walls crumbling down. He is desperate to find out what is going on and what he needs to do. He is hanging on by a thread, but maintains his composure and uses that business brain he's been training all these years to cover all options, possibilities and outcomes. I was completely drawn into his suffering. As his walls came down, my prejudices about white, middle-aged business men evaporated. We were both just humans then.
When I got on the plane, I started reading a manuscript, Why God? that my friend Bob M. asked me to read. Right on the first page, he writes that "when any of us stands facing a reality that is unbearable, we cry out against whatever fate or providence or divine plan or human purpose brought this pain to us ... the intensity of our sorrow opens our hearts to the sorrow of others."
I think that pure love and joy also have this equalizing property, but when speaking of justice issues, we are speaking of suffering. It's in the suffering that we can actually identify with those living in such different circumstances than ourselves. We all know what suffering feels like. We all feel some gut instinct to help our fellow man out of their suffering. We may not know what to say or do, but the instinct is there. It is this instinct that we need to follow into the uncomfortable world of those suffering injustice. It is this instinct that levels the playing field of humanity when we sit next to each other and start to listen.
The Upshot: Concluding the Sermon on the Mount
by David Rudel
Day 1: Matthew 7:7-28
What do you expect at the end of a sermon? We all give sermons to others, or at least we imagine giving them occasionally. How do you finish yours?
Matthew 7:24-28 is not really the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. It is the conclusion of the conclusion. The larger passage from 7:7-28 is the conclusion of the sermon. In the body of the sermon (5:21 to 7:6), Matthew reports specific teachings and admonishments, the commands Jesus mentions in 5:19. The conclusion, though, includes no such specific requirements and possesses a different texture.
Does Matthew 7:7-28 incorporate the aspects you expect in a sermon’s conclusion? How?
What do you consider the basic purpose of the Sermon of the Mount (either in Jesus’ ministry or in Matthew’s presentation)? Does your reading of the conclusion support this view or ask you to alter it?
Day 2: Matthew 28:18-20
What common themes can be found by comparing the end of the Sermon on the Mount (verses 7:24-29) to the end of Matthew’s gospel (28:18-20)?
What imperatives are given in both? What justification is given for the commands discussed in both?
How does the wording of Matthew 5:19 connect the introduction of the Sermon on the Mount to the conclusion of Matthew’s gospel?
Jesus asks Peter, John, and the rest to make disciples of all nations. What does this word mean to you? Is this meaning reflected in the passage? Are there ways you see yourself fulfilling the call to make disciples? Are there endeavors you are considering that would fulfill Jesus’ call to make disciples of others?
What aspects of the conclusion of Matthew’s gospel (28:18-20) do not appear to have counterparts in either the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount or its conclusion?
Day 3: Luke 11:9-13
Comparing Matthew 7:7-11 to Luke 11:9-13 reveals something interesting. The “good things” that the Father will give according to Matthew’s gospel are rendered as “The Holy Spirit” in Luke’s account.
How does this relate to the conclusion of Matthew’s gospel mentioned in yesterday’s meditation? In particular, how does it relate to those aspects that might not have obvious parallels in the introduction or conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount?
Very rarely, a rabbi would arise who was said to have “authority” (Jewish term: semikhah, though many other transliterations are possible.) Such a rabbi had the right to promulgate new interpretations or rabbinical traditions. These teachings would then be passed down to later rabbis. This practice maintained a certain degree of consistency among the teachings of Judaism since rabbis were not generally free to make up their own interpretations.
But occasionally someone received special revelation for a short time and would do or say things while being “in the Spirit.” We normally think of this in terms of prophecies, but often it was for instruction. An utterance made while “in the spirit” was cherished and given special authority. The biblical writers use this idiom in Matthew 22:43, Luke 2:27, and Acts 19:21 to describe actions or words provoked by God’s call. The idea that the Spirit of God would be available to everyone all the time was probably incomprehensible, and it is unsurprising that the apostles spoke in such humbled terms of the Spirit’s availability. It is called the “gift” and the realized “promise” multiple times in Acts, and chapters 13-16 of John put the Spirit in the spotlight as well.
If we temporarily set aside the mental pictures Matthew 7:7-11 plants in our Western, individualistic minds, we can grope for how Jesus may have intended this message on a community-wide scale. The Sermon on the Mount repeatedly speaks of the “Kingdom of Heaven” that the Jews were expecting to come upon them as God’s people. The Jews of Jesus’ day commonly prayed for their national salvation. If Matthew 7:7-11 is an allusion to that, we see in the conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount the first hints at one of the most amazing nuances of the coming Kingdom: that it would be a revolution by spiritual revelation. Instead of suggesting his Jewish brothers ask for an army to bring about their deliverance, he asks them to pray for the Spirit to come.
Just imagine living in a faith society where the Spirit of God had been almost silent for centuries, very rarely possessing anyone and only for short periods of time. How amazed early Jewish Christians must have been to find the Spirit pervading their community and touching all believers! That which was once desperately rare had become abounding, as though diamonds were falling like rain.
What role does the Spirit have in your life?
Day 4: Matthew 7:1-6 and Romans 11:11-21
In the sermon’s conclusion, Christ discusses the twin dangers of following those who should not be followed and failing to follow those who should be.
Christ’s final admonition, Do not judge lest you be judged, leads into this conclusion by suggesting the Jews in general are not being a good example to others. He tells them to remove the plank from their eye so they can see to remove the specks from their brothers’. And he follows that up with a curious statement: Do not give what is holy to dogs or throw your pearls before pigs, otherwise they will trample them under their feet and turn around and tear you to pieces.
When this phrase is quoted today, people often think Christ is saying “don’t waste your time on those unreceptive to your message,” but there is nothing anywhere near Matthew 7:6 that suggests he has this in mind. It would be rather strange for Jesus to ascribe pearls of wisdom to those he had just called hypocrites and accused of having planks in their eyes. Furthermore, the idea that we should not engage those we do not believe are receptive would go against Christ’s own model. He debated the scribes and Pharisees in his own ministry and even addressed the aristocratic Sadducees, who were probably even less receptive to his views. His later disciples would similarly engage all manner of people, not allowing their prejudices determine who was fit to hear the gospel.
Instead, Matthew 7:6 is probably a reference to the danger of God’s favor passing to the Gentiles [“pigs” and “dogs” were both Jewish epithets for Gentiles, the former emphasizing their living outside God’s law, the latter emphasizing their idolatry]. By continuing in disobedience, the Jewish nation risked having their inheritance retracted and given to someone else. This theme has already come up earlier when Jesus asks in Matthew 5:13 (the only other place where “trampled” appears in his gospel): You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people. This concern shows up several times later as well, in Matthew: 21:33-41, 22:1-10, 23:37-39, and perhaps 25:28.
We might think that his concern for the Jews is an academic one, irrelevant to us today. However, Matthew saw fit to capture this concern (as did Luke) in gospels many believe were written long after the Jewish leadership rejected Christ. How do Paul’s words in Romans 11:11-21 interpret the loss the Jewish nation suffered? Do Christians run the same risk?
Do you see the modern Christian church prone to dangers like those Christ and Paul warned their audiences against?
Day 5: Luke 6:46-49 and Exodus 23:20-32
Luke’s version of the conclusion to Christ’s sermon (note how Luke 6:37-49 matches up with Matthew 7:1-27 if verses 6-14 are omitted) can aid our interpreting of Matthew’s account. Fitting together Luke 6:46-49 with Matthew 7:21-27 suggests that Luke 6:46, Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and don’t do what I tell you? is Luke’s version of Matthew 7:21-23.
How does Luke 6:46 guide your interpretation of Christ’s words in Matthew 7:21-23?
In addition to comparing Matthew’s version to Luke, we can compare it to the scripture Matthew undoubtedly had in mind when portraying Jesus preaching laws on a mountain, an obvious reference to Moses on Sinai. The commandments given there composed the statutes for the Mosaic covenant, a “lease” of sorts between God and Abraham’s descendents for their occupation of the promised land.
Covenants between rulers and vassals in ancient times shared a common structure. After the stipulations describing what was required of the vassal came a set of blessings, a set of curses, and provisions for the ongoing validity of the covenant. In the case of the Mosaic covenant, the stipulations were the Mosaic Law (e.g. Exodus 20:1 – 23:19) and a short version of the blessings, curses, and continuity provisions can be found immediately afterward (Exodus 23:20-32). (A longer version can be seen in Deuteronomy, where the Laws span from chapter 5 through 27, the blessings, curses, and provisions for the continuity are found in chapters 28-32.)
The body of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21-7:2) parallels the commandments given on Sinai, the stipulations for Israel’s occupation. It is unclear if the conclusion of the sermon is intended to be analogous to the blessings, curses, and provision for continuity typical for a covenant. Still, there are interesting parallels between Exodus 23:20-32 and Matthew 7:7-29.
What points of contact do you see between these two passages?
In the Exodus passage, the Israelites were told to destroy the altars of their pagan neighbors, and God promised to drive those idolaters from the land. How does this apply to us today? What altars are you called to smash down? What do you yearn for God to drive out from within you?
Day 6: Matthew 5:13-20
A common formula for public speaking is “tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them what you told them you would tell them, and then tell them what you told them,” referring to the introduction, body, and conclusion of a speech. So far, we have looked at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount as its own entity, in comparison to Matthew’s conclusion to his gospel, in comparison to Luke’s account, and in comparison to the account of Moses giving the Torah. The final place to look for confirmation that we understand the sermon’s meaning is in its introduction.
How do specific sections of Matthew 5:13-20 match up with Matthew 7:1-29?
We tend to read the Bible in a piece-meal fashion, often remembering just a verse or short passage that speaks to us without reference to what part it plays in the writer’s overall design. When we see individual passages as relating to common themes in a letter, it can change our views on a passage’s intended meaning. Verses we assumed meant one thing we can find were really aimed at a different objective entirely. For each match-up you find, explain how seeing the introduction and conclusion in parallel modifies how you have viewed/interpreted the individual parts.
The Sermon on the Mount is a well known phrase. Many people have heard of it without being able to identify any particular part, other than perhaps the Beatitudes. If you overheard a group of people in a coffee shop laughing about how they all knew the phrase “Sermon on the Mount” without really knowing anything about it, what would you tell them?
Day 1: Matthew 7:7-28
What do you expect at the end of a sermon? We all give sermons to others, or at least we imagine giving them occasionally. How do you finish yours?
Matthew 7:24-28 is not really the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. It is the conclusion of the conclusion. The larger passage from 7:7-28 is the conclusion of the sermon. In the body of the sermon (5:21 to 7:6), Matthew reports specific teachings and admonishments, the commands Jesus mentions in 5:19. The conclusion, though, includes no such specific requirements and possesses a different texture.
Does Matthew 7:7-28 incorporate the aspects you expect in a sermon’s conclusion? How?
What do you consider the basic purpose of the Sermon of the Mount (either in Jesus’ ministry or in Matthew’s presentation)? Does your reading of the conclusion support this view or ask you to alter it?
Day 2: Matthew 28:18-20
What common themes can be found by comparing the end of the Sermon on the Mount (verses 7:24-29) to the end of Matthew’s gospel (28:18-20)?
What imperatives are given in both? What justification is given for the commands discussed in both?
How does the wording of Matthew 5:19 connect the introduction of the Sermon on the Mount to the conclusion of Matthew’s gospel?
Jesus asks Peter, John, and the rest to make disciples of all nations. What does this word mean to you? Is this meaning reflected in the passage? Are there ways you see yourself fulfilling the call to make disciples? Are there endeavors you are considering that would fulfill Jesus’ call to make disciples of others?
What aspects of the conclusion of Matthew’s gospel (28:18-20) do not appear to have counterparts in either the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount or its conclusion?
Day 3: Luke 11:9-13
Comparing Matthew 7:7-11 to Luke 11:9-13 reveals something interesting. The “good things” that the Father will give according to Matthew’s gospel are rendered as “The Holy Spirit” in Luke’s account.
How does this relate to the conclusion of Matthew’s gospel mentioned in yesterday’s meditation? In particular, how does it relate to those aspects that might not have obvious parallels in the introduction or conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount?
Very rarely, a rabbi would arise who was said to have “authority” (Jewish term: semikhah, though many other transliterations are possible.) Such a rabbi had the right to promulgate new interpretations or rabbinical traditions. These teachings would then be passed down to later rabbis. This practice maintained a certain degree of consistency among the teachings of Judaism since rabbis were not generally free to make up their own interpretations.
But occasionally someone received special revelation for a short time and would do or say things while being “in the Spirit.” We normally think of this in terms of prophecies, but often it was for instruction. An utterance made while “in the spirit” was cherished and given special authority. The biblical writers use this idiom in Matthew 22:43, Luke 2:27, and Acts 19:21 to describe actions or words provoked by God’s call. The idea that the Spirit of God would be available to everyone all the time was probably incomprehensible, and it is unsurprising that the apostles spoke in such humbled terms of the Spirit’s availability. It is called the “gift” and the realized “promise” multiple times in Acts, and chapters 13-16 of John put the Spirit in the spotlight as well.
If we temporarily set aside the mental pictures Matthew 7:7-11 plants in our Western, individualistic minds, we can grope for how Jesus may have intended this message on a community-wide scale. The Sermon on the Mount repeatedly speaks of the “Kingdom of Heaven” that the Jews were expecting to come upon them as God’s people. The Jews of Jesus’ day commonly prayed for their national salvation. If Matthew 7:7-11 is an allusion to that, we see in the conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount the first hints at one of the most amazing nuances of the coming Kingdom: that it would be a revolution by spiritual revelation. Instead of suggesting his Jewish brothers ask for an army to bring about their deliverance, he asks them to pray for the Spirit to come.
Just imagine living in a faith society where the Spirit of God had been almost silent for centuries, very rarely possessing anyone and only for short periods of time. How amazed early Jewish Christians must have been to find the Spirit pervading their community and touching all believers! That which was once desperately rare had become abounding, as though diamonds were falling like rain.
What role does the Spirit have in your life?
Day 4: Matthew 7:1-6 and Romans 11:11-21
In the sermon’s conclusion, Christ discusses the twin dangers of following those who should not be followed and failing to follow those who should be.
Christ’s final admonition, Do not judge lest you be judged, leads into this conclusion by suggesting the Jews in general are not being a good example to others. He tells them to remove the plank from their eye so they can see to remove the specks from their brothers’. And he follows that up with a curious statement: Do not give what is holy to dogs or throw your pearls before pigs, otherwise they will trample them under their feet and turn around and tear you to pieces.
When this phrase is quoted today, people often think Christ is saying “don’t waste your time on those unreceptive to your message,” but there is nothing anywhere near Matthew 7:6 that suggests he has this in mind. It would be rather strange for Jesus to ascribe pearls of wisdom to those he had just called hypocrites and accused of having planks in their eyes. Furthermore, the idea that we should not engage those we do not believe are receptive would go against Christ’s own model. He debated the scribes and Pharisees in his own ministry and even addressed the aristocratic Sadducees, who were probably even less receptive to his views. His later disciples would similarly engage all manner of people, not allowing their prejudices determine who was fit to hear the gospel.
Instead, Matthew 7:6 is probably a reference to the danger of God’s favor passing to the Gentiles [“pigs” and “dogs” were both Jewish epithets for Gentiles, the former emphasizing their living outside God’s law, the latter emphasizing their idolatry]. By continuing in disobedience, the Jewish nation risked having their inheritance retracted and given to someone else. This theme has already come up earlier when Jesus asks in Matthew 5:13 (the only other place where “trampled” appears in his gospel): You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people. This concern shows up several times later as well, in Matthew: 21:33-41, 22:1-10, 23:37-39, and perhaps 25:28.
We might think that his concern for the Jews is an academic one, irrelevant to us today. However, Matthew saw fit to capture this concern (as did Luke) in gospels many believe were written long after the Jewish leadership rejected Christ. How do Paul’s words in Romans 11:11-21 interpret the loss the Jewish nation suffered? Do Christians run the same risk?
Do you see the modern Christian church prone to dangers like those Christ and Paul warned their audiences against?
Day 5: Luke 6:46-49 and Exodus 23:20-32
Luke’s version of the conclusion to Christ’s sermon (note how Luke 6:37-49 matches up with Matthew 7:1-27 if verses 6-14 are omitted) can aid our interpreting of Matthew’s account. Fitting together Luke 6:46-49 with Matthew 7:21-27 suggests that Luke 6:46, Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and don’t do what I tell you? is Luke’s version of Matthew 7:21-23.
How does Luke 6:46 guide your interpretation of Christ’s words in Matthew 7:21-23?
In addition to comparing Matthew’s version to Luke, we can compare it to the scripture Matthew undoubtedly had in mind when portraying Jesus preaching laws on a mountain, an obvious reference to Moses on Sinai. The commandments given there composed the statutes for the Mosaic covenant, a “lease” of sorts between God and Abraham’s descendents for their occupation of the promised land.
Covenants between rulers and vassals in ancient times shared a common structure. After the stipulations describing what was required of the vassal came a set of blessings, a set of curses, and provisions for the ongoing validity of the covenant. In the case of the Mosaic covenant, the stipulations were the Mosaic Law (e.g. Exodus 20:1 – 23:19) and a short version of the blessings, curses, and continuity provisions can be found immediately afterward (Exodus 23:20-32). (A longer version can be seen in Deuteronomy, where the Laws span from chapter 5 through 27, the blessings, curses, and provisions for the continuity are found in chapters 28-32.)
The body of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21-7:2) parallels the commandments given on Sinai, the stipulations for Israel’s occupation. It is unclear if the conclusion of the sermon is intended to be analogous to the blessings, curses, and provision for continuity typical for a covenant. Still, there are interesting parallels between Exodus 23:20-32 and Matthew 7:7-29.
What points of contact do you see between these two passages?
In the Exodus passage, the Israelites were told to destroy the altars of their pagan neighbors, and God promised to drive those idolaters from the land. How does this apply to us today? What altars are you called to smash down? What do you yearn for God to drive out from within you?
Day 6: Matthew 5:13-20
A common formula for public speaking is “tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them what you told them you would tell them, and then tell them what you told them,” referring to the introduction, body, and conclusion of a speech. So far, we have looked at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount as its own entity, in comparison to Matthew’s conclusion to his gospel, in comparison to Luke’s account, and in comparison to the account of Moses giving the Torah. The final place to look for confirmation that we understand the sermon’s meaning is in its introduction.
How do specific sections of Matthew 5:13-20 match up with Matthew 7:1-29?
We tend to read the Bible in a piece-meal fashion, often remembering just a verse or short passage that speaks to us without reference to what part it plays in the writer’s overall design. When we see individual passages as relating to common themes in a letter, it can change our views on a passage’s intended meaning. Verses we assumed meant one thing we can find were really aimed at a different objective entirely. For each match-up you find, explain how seeing the introduction and conclusion in parallel modifies how you have viewed/interpreted the individual parts.
The Sermon on the Mount is a well known phrase. Many people have heard of it without being able to identify any particular part, other than perhaps the Beatitudes. If you overheard a group of people in a coffee shop laughing about how they all knew the phrase “Sermon on the Mount” without really knowing anything about it, what would you tell them?
Ask, Seek, Knock
by Deb Meyers
Lord, I humbly ask that you reveal yourself to me this week in new and fresh ways. I seek to know You, not just know about You. Help me to dig a little deeper in Your Word, in order to gain greater wisdom and insight into You and Your ways. I trust that you have good things in store for me. Help me this week, to see the world and those in it, as you see it. Help me to love as you love. Amen.
Day 1 – Read Matthew 7:7-8.
The first phrases of each verse are astonishing, aren’t they? “Ask and it will be given to you.” “For everyone who asks receives.”
What do you think Jesus is instructing us to ask for? What is he promising to give us? Are there some requests you think are too little for God to be bothered with? Are there some things you think God is too small to accomplish? Miracles? I often call on God when I am in a crisis, and after I have exhausted all other means of handling a difficult situation myself. Do you tend to limit your requests of God to times of emergency or desperation?
Psalm 55:16-19 says: “But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon, I cry out my distress, and he hears my voice.” What is the psalmist asking of God? What assurances does he trust in? When is God available?
Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on paying for all the saints.” What is Paul instructing us to do? When are we to pray? What types of prayers are we to approach God with? What does it mean to “pray in the Spirit?”
Romans 8:26-27 also references the Holy Spirit and prayer: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”
What role does the Holy Spirit play in our prayers? What assurances are we being offered in this verse? How does God’s will play into the equation?
In the Lord’s prayer we ask: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven?” We’ve studied this. What are we really asking for when we say this? Just before his arrest, Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 27:39) “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” What level of trust is Jesus placing on the will of God?
1 John 5:13-15 “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked of Him.”
Do you ever preface or end your requests of God by asking for His will to be done, trusting that what ever He chooses is for the ultimate good?
I wonder if we miss out on many of the blessings God wishes to shower on us; some of the prayers he wants to say “yes” to, because we never bother to ask? I wonder if we miss out on seeing God’s answers to prayers, because we place limits on what we’re expecting to receive from Him and on the timing of His response? What do you think?
Suggested Closing Prayer:
God, Give me the courage to pray more often, in all times, in all places, for big things and small things. Increase my faith so that I actually believe that nothing is impossible for you. I don’t want to miss out on a single blessing you desire to give me, my loved ones or this hurting world. Help me to trust in your will; trust that you know what is best. Open my eyes to all the times you say “yes” in answer to prayer, so that I can praise you. Don’t let me lose faith in those situations when the answer appears to be no; when the timing is not right, or when you have a different plan, an even better plan, that is impossible for me to understand at the moment. May your Spirit constantly guide and direct my requests. Work in me and through me to bring your desired kingdom to earth. In Christ’s Holy name I pray. Amen.
Day 2: Seek (Re-read Matthew 7:7-8)
Look at the second phrase in each verse: “seek and you will find;” and “he who seeks finds.” Who/what are we to seek and who/what will we find?
In an earlier lesson on “not worrying” (Matthew 6:33) we learned “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (food, drink, clothing,) will be given to you as well.”
Look at the following verses where the words “seek” and “find “ are used. Circle who or what we are to seek and find. Underline any other instruction given or benefits mentioned.
Deuteronomy 4:29 “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, be- cause anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
1 Chronicles 28:9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and under- stands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.”
Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 119:2 Blessed are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart.
Psalm 105:4 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek His face always.
Proverbs 28:5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
Psalm 24:4 “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in his temple.”
Day 3: Knock (Re-read Matthew 7:7-8)
Got it memorized? Look at the third phrase: “knock and the door will be opened to you.” “And to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
In the movie, The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy goes to Oz to find help in getting home. She approaches a huge imposing door at the castle in OZ and knocks. And a loud voice booms out: “The wizard isn’t in. GO AWAY!”
Unlike the response Dorothy received, Jesus is promising us something different. “Knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Imagine yourself approaching the door of the house of a dear friend. What kind of reception do you expect? Are you excited or anxious?
Imagine yourself approaching the door of a complete stranger. What thoughts, feelings, expectations come to mind now?
For me, it makes a huge difference if I know and trust the person behind the door. When Jesus tells me to knock and the door will be opened, how do I know if I will encounter a friend or stranger?
Friendships develop by investing time to get to know one another. Loving, trusting relationships don’t just happen. They require some intentionality. The same can be said about our relationship with God.
In Ephesians 1:17-19a, Paul prays: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”
John 14:23, 26-27 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching, my father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Excerpts from the book “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha world” (pg.72-73), articulate for me, the joy of knocking on the door and finding God, the author of love and friendship, on the other side.
He (Jesus) promised, “I will be here every morning early, meet with Me here and we will start the day together.” So morning after morning, I would come downstairs to the drawing room and He would take a book of the Bible...open it and then we would read together. He would tell me of its riches and unfold me its truths... They were wonderful hours together....It was a period when we had our Quiet time together...I started looking at (this quiet time) in a whole new way-not as a ritual, but as a relationship. And a relationship just doesn’t happen. It has to be nurtured, protected, and loved...The place at Jesus feet is a place where we can be comfortable, a place of transparency and vulnerability; a place where we are completely known yet completely loved. It is truly a place to call home.
Pray Psalm 25:4-5
“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
Day 4: The Heart of the Father (Read Matthew 7:9-11)
In this teaching, Jesus is showing us the heart of God the Father. He is reinforcing the invitation to come to God in prayer with our requests, trusting that God is kind and good and will bless us.
Read the following verses for more insights on the heart of the Father: Romans 8:28-29 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Lamentations 3:22-25 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “the lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, the one who seeks Him.”
Jeremiah 29:11-14 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, and will bring you back from captivity.” This promise was given through the Prophet Jeremiah to the Israelites while they were being held captive in exile in Babylon. Even in times of difficulty and hardship, God was offering his children hope and a future.
Are you enduring struggles and hardship? Have you experienced a time in life when you’ve been exiled or held captive: maybe by addiction; by depression; by bitterness/anger; by unforgiveness; by the need to be in control; by debt? Has your faith been held captive by doubts, skepticism, and unbelief?
God is offering us freedom, hope, grace, and countless other good gifts. We have only to reach out to Him in order to receive them. God doesn’t force Himself on anyone. He’s waiting for us to make the choice.
Pray that God would free you from what ever is standing in the way of a closer relationship with Him. Ask for him to give you strength if you are in a time of trouble. Ask God to increase your trust in him. Give thanks to God for the countless ways he has blessed you and His continued offer of grace.
Try living the remainder of this week with an attitude of gratitude.
Day 5: The Golden Rule (Read Matthew 7:12)
In this verse, Jesus is teaching the Golden Rule. He is asking us to step out and put the kingdom of God into action. We should treat others as we wish to be treated. And then he said that this command sums up all the Law and Prophets. The Pharisees, the religious leaders of this time, commanded the people to follow all the laws laid out in scripture, as well as countless other religious laws they had developed. There were so many rules it was impossible for anyone to keep them all. (Matthew 23: 1-7 & Luke11:46). Jesus was teaching something new. He was telling people about God’s intent; that at the heart of everything is love for one another. The love He speaks of is one of action.
1 John 3: 16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
John 15:9-17 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit— fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.”
1 John 4:7-8, 21 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love....And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
Loving one another may sound simple, but as my mom used to say, “The devil is in the details. Some things are easier said than done.” This is a command that we can only carry out, with God’s help. Ask Him today to grant you the courage, strength and power, to love as He loves.
Lord, I humbly ask that you reveal yourself to me this week in new and fresh ways. I seek to know You, not just know about You. Help me to dig a little deeper in Your Word, in order to gain greater wisdom and insight into You and Your ways. I trust that you have good things in store for me. Help me this week, to see the world and those in it, as you see it. Help me to love as you love. Amen.
Day 1 – Read Matthew 7:7-8.
The first phrases of each verse are astonishing, aren’t they? “Ask and it will be given to you.” “For everyone who asks receives.”
What do you think Jesus is instructing us to ask for? What is he promising to give us? Are there some requests you think are too little for God to be bothered with? Are there some things you think God is too small to accomplish? Miracles? I often call on God when I am in a crisis, and after I have exhausted all other means of handling a difficult situation myself. Do you tend to limit your requests of God to times of emergency or desperation?
Psalm 55:16-19 says: “But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon, I cry out my distress, and he hears my voice.” What is the psalmist asking of God? What assurances does he trust in? When is God available?
Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on paying for all the saints.” What is Paul instructing us to do? When are we to pray? What types of prayers are we to approach God with? What does it mean to “pray in the Spirit?”
Romans 8:26-27 also references the Holy Spirit and prayer: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”
What role does the Holy Spirit play in our prayers? What assurances are we being offered in this verse? How does God’s will play into the equation?
In the Lord’s prayer we ask: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven?” We’ve studied this. What are we really asking for when we say this? Just before his arrest, Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 27:39) “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” What level of trust is Jesus placing on the will of God?
1 John 5:13-15 “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked of Him.”
Do you ever preface or end your requests of God by asking for His will to be done, trusting that what ever He chooses is for the ultimate good?
I wonder if we miss out on many of the blessings God wishes to shower on us; some of the prayers he wants to say “yes” to, because we never bother to ask? I wonder if we miss out on seeing God’s answers to prayers, because we place limits on what we’re expecting to receive from Him and on the timing of His response? What do you think?
Suggested Closing Prayer:
God, Give me the courage to pray more often, in all times, in all places, for big things and small things. Increase my faith so that I actually believe that nothing is impossible for you. I don’t want to miss out on a single blessing you desire to give me, my loved ones or this hurting world. Help me to trust in your will; trust that you know what is best. Open my eyes to all the times you say “yes” in answer to prayer, so that I can praise you. Don’t let me lose faith in those situations when the answer appears to be no; when the timing is not right, or when you have a different plan, an even better plan, that is impossible for me to understand at the moment. May your Spirit constantly guide and direct my requests. Work in me and through me to bring your desired kingdom to earth. In Christ’s Holy name I pray. Amen.
Day 2: Seek (Re-read Matthew 7:7-8)
Look at the second phrase in each verse: “seek and you will find;” and “he who seeks finds.” Who/what are we to seek and who/what will we find?
In an earlier lesson on “not worrying” (Matthew 6:33) we learned “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (food, drink, clothing,) will be given to you as well.”
Look at the following verses where the words “seek” and “find “ are used. Circle who or what we are to seek and find. Underline any other instruction given or benefits mentioned.
Deuteronomy 4:29 “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, be- cause anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
1 Chronicles 28:9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and under- stands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.”
Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 119:2 Blessed are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart.
Psalm 105:4 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek His face always.
Proverbs 28:5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.
Psalm 24:4 “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in his temple.”
Day 3: Knock (Re-read Matthew 7:7-8)
Got it memorized? Look at the third phrase: “knock and the door will be opened to you.” “And to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
In the movie, The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy goes to Oz to find help in getting home. She approaches a huge imposing door at the castle in OZ and knocks. And a loud voice booms out: “The wizard isn’t in. GO AWAY!”
Unlike the response Dorothy received, Jesus is promising us something different. “Knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Imagine yourself approaching the door of the house of a dear friend. What kind of reception do you expect? Are you excited or anxious?
Imagine yourself approaching the door of a complete stranger. What thoughts, feelings, expectations come to mind now?
For me, it makes a huge difference if I know and trust the person behind the door. When Jesus tells me to knock and the door will be opened, how do I know if I will encounter a friend or stranger?
Friendships develop by investing time to get to know one another. Loving, trusting relationships don’t just happen. They require some intentionality. The same can be said about our relationship with God.
In Ephesians 1:17-19a, Paul prays: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”
John 14:23, 26-27 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching, my father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Excerpts from the book “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha world” (pg.72-73), articulate for me, the joy of knocking on the door and finding God, the author of love and friendship, on the other side.
He (Jesus) promised, “I will be here every morning early, meet with Me here and we will start the day together.” So morning after morning, I would come downstairs to the drawing room and He would take a book of the Bible...open it and then we would read together. He would tell me of its riches and unfold me its truths... They were wonderful hours together....It was a period when we had our Quiet time together...I started looking at (this quiet time) in a whole new way-not as a ritual, but as a relationship. And a relationship just doesn’t happen. It has to be nurtured, protected, and loved...The place at Jesus feet is a place where we can be comfortable, a place of transparency and vulnerability; a place where we are completely known yet completely loved. It is truly a place to call home.
Pray Psalm 25:4-5
“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
Day 4: The Heart of the Father (Read Matthew 7:9-11)
In this teaching, Jesus is showing us the heart of God the Father. He is reinforcing the invitation to come to God in prayer with our requests, trusting that God is kind and good and will bless us.
Read the following verses for more insights on the heart of the Father: Romans 8:28-29 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Lamentations 3:22-25 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “the lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, the one who seeks Him.”
Jeremiah 29:11-14 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, and will bring you back from captivity.” This promise was given through the Prophet Jeremiah to the Israelites while they were being held captive in exile in Babylon. Even in times of difficulty and hardship, God was offering his children hope and a future.
Are you enduring struggles and hardship? Have you experienced a time in life when you’ve been exiled or held captive: maybe by addiction; by depression; by bitterness/anger; by unforgiveness; by the need to be in control; by debt? Has your faith been held captive by doubts, skepticism, and unbelief?
God is offering us freedom, hope, grace, and countless other good gifts. We have only to reach out to Him in order to receive them. God doesn’t force Himself on anyone. He’s waiting for us to make the choice.
Pray that God would free you from what ever is standing in the way of a closer relationship with Him. Ask for him to give you strength if you are in a time of trouble. Ask God to increase your trust in him. Give thanks to God for the countless ways he has blessed you and His continued offer of grace.
Try living the remainder of this week with an attitude of gratitude.
Day 5: The Golden Rule (Read Matthew 7:12)
In this verse, Jesus is teaching the Golden Rule. He is asking us to step out and put the kingdom of God into action. We should treat others as we wish to be treated. And then he said that this command sums up all the Law and Prophets. The Pharisees, the religious leaders of this time, commanded the people to follow all the laws laid out in scripture, as well as countless other religious laws they had developed. There were so many rules it was impossible for anyone to keep them all. (Matthew 23: 1-7 & Luke11:46). Jesus was teaching something new. He was telling people about God’s intent; that at the heart of everything is love for one another. The love He speaks of is one of action.
1 John 3: 16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
John 15:9-17 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit— fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.”
1 John 4:7-8, 21 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love....And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
Loving one another may sound simple, but as my mom used to say, “The devil is in the details. Some things are easier said than done.” This is a command that we can only carry out, with God’s help. Ask Him today to grant you the courage, strength and power, to love as He loves.
Blinded by Our Own Sin
by Jennie Carter
Day 1 – Read Matthew 7: 1-6
In Verse 1 Jesus says, “Do not judge or you too will be judged.”
In our culture the word “judge” can take on many meanings. It can mean what type of punishment ought to be imposed on a criminal, it can mean to discern between right and wrong; or it can mean to form an opinion or conclusion about another person, their choices, intent and heart.
The Greek word originally used in this passage is krino (kree-no) which means to decide (mentally or judicially), avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, call to question, think, sentence to ordain.
For me “do not judge” refers to conclusions I make and/or think that call one into question and can have very damning consequences. My thoughts and judgments can be immediate and made on appearances or they can be made in response to someone’s words, belief system, choices, or actions. Sometimes I am aware I am making them, other times I am not. Most of the times I don’t verbalize them but sometimes I do.
When you read Matthew 7:1 what meaning does the word judge take on for you and how does it translate into your own life? Are there others you are quick to judge? Do you know them by name? Are there particular group associations or choices that trigger judgment in you?
Day 2 - Read Matthew 7:1-6, focus on verses 3-4; Read Romans 2:1 and Romans 3:9
Paul reiterates what Jesus is stating in His parable, that not one of us has the right to judge others because we have all sinned. Ironically, many times the sins that seem so present and obvious to us in others are sins that have taken root in ourselves.
All of us sin much more than others see and even more than we admit to ourselves. Jesus reminds us of this when He forgives an adulterous woman in John 8:7, stating to the crowd “if anyone of you is without sin, let him be first to throw a stone at her.”
What sins in others make you want to pick up a stone?
Are you knowingly throwing “stones” to make yourself look or feel better? Are you unaware of the “stones” you throw?
Take a minute to listen to or read the lyrics of the following two songs on judgment:
“What It’s Like” by Everlast (Note that lyrics are not “G” rated)
“If We Are The Body” by Casting Crowns
How, if at all, do these two songs speak to you?
What sins in your own life are you having trouble letting go of, or untangling from?
Take time to pray and ask God to open your eyes and heart to unrecognized sin and judgment in your daily walk.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:24-27 and be reminded that every single one of us makes up the body of Christ! I have to constantly remind myself that there is not one person Christ did not die for, not one.
Day 3 – Read Matthew 7:1-6, focus on Verse 4-5
“... first take the plank out of your own eye...”
One of the points Jesus seems to be making here is that instead of being quick to judge others we need to start with ourselves. Instead of becoming defensive, making excuses or justifying our actions we, like David, need to admit our sins, ask for mercy, forgiveness, cleansing and a heart right with God.
Read Psalm 51 - In verses 1-7 David is repenting, turning and asking for forgiveness. What sixth request of God is David making in verses 10-12?
How is it that following David’s lead in Psalm 51 will aid us in removing the plank form our own eye?
Read Isaiah 55:6-7 - I find great comfort in God’s word that tells me even in my sin He grants me do overs. God promises that if we seek God we will find Him, if we forsake sin and turn toward Him, He will have mercy.
Read Exodus 14:14 and be reminded that God is on your side.
Day 4 – Read Matthew 7:1-6; Read Psalm 5:13
David shows us that when we experience God’s forgiveness of our sins that we naturally want to share His mercy and love toward others. Judgment and condemnation seem to melt away.
Recall/write about a time you have experienced God’s mercy and forgiveness and how it opened your eyes to others.
When we catch ourselves judging others we need to recall our own “plank” and the amazing forgiveness shed for us on the cross.
Read the following passages and record, in your own words, what you hear God speaking to you in each about judgment.
Ephesians 2:7-9, James 2:13, Isaiah 55:9, 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
Day 5 – Read Matthew 7:1-6, focus on verse 6
There have been many times in my life that I have been unable or unwilling to hear and heed God’s word and love in my life. If I am honest it is usually due to a barrier I have constructed – an idol I have in place, a sin that has become a crutch or I like to much to let go of, and/or pure stubbornness. Similarly there have been some I have tried to share God’s word and love with and find my head throbbing from the sudden crash into their “wall”.
In both scenarios, the “pearls” were trampled and unlike the positive outcome in Matthew 18:15, there was no “winning over”, at least not in that moment in time.
When we haven’t walked in another’s shoes, so to speak, and don’t understand their choices or the walls they have built then it makes it difficult for us to verbally share God’s love without coming across as pious or judgmental. It is equally difficult for our words to be received by one who feels misunderstood and/or shame thus the hyperbole “... they may trample them under their feet and the turn and tear you to pieces.”
What then are we to do if our pearls will just be trampled and we risk being turned on? Read the following passages:
Matthew 22:37-39 John 15:12 Ephesians 4:2-3 Hebrews 10: 24-25
We are called to love not judge.
“Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love.” Mahatma Gandhi
How that looks will be different in each relationship but all begins in prayer.
Casting Crowns song, “Prayer For A Friend”, is an excellent reminder of lifting up those in need instead of judging.
I am reminded, as I end, that it starts with me and sometimes the “friend” I need to lift up in prayer is myself.
One can make a difference! “We must become the change we want to see.” Mahatma Gandhi
Day 1 – Read Matthew 7: 1-6
In Verse 1 Jesus says, “Do not judge or you too will be judged.”
In our culture the word “judge” can take on many meanings. It can mean what type of punishment ought to be imposed on a criminal, it can mean to discern between right and wrong; or it can mean to form an opinion or conclusion about another person, their choices, intent and heart.
The Greek word originally used in this passage is krino (kree-no) which means to decide (mentally or judicially), avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, call to question, think, sentence to ordain.
For me “do not judge” refers to conclusions I make and/or think that call one into question and can have very damning consequences. My thoughts and judgments can be immediate and made on appearances or they can be made in response to someone’s words, belief system, choices, or actions. Sometimes I am aware I am making them, other times I am not. Most of the times I don’t verbalize them but sometimes I do.
When you read Matthew 7:1 what meaning does the word judge take on for you and how does it translate into your own life? Are there others you are quick to judge? Do you know them by name? Are there particular group associations or choices that trigger judgment in you?
Day 2 - Read Matthew 7:1-6, focus on verses 3-4; Read Romans 2:1 and Romans 3:9
Paul reiterates what Jesus is stating in His parable, that not one of us has the right to judge others because we have all sinned. Ironically, many times the sins that seem so present and obvious to us in others are sins that have taken root in ourselves.
All of us sin much more than others see and even more than we admit to ourselves. Jesus reminds us of this when He forgives an adulterous woman in John 8:7, stating to the crowd “if anyone of you is without sin, let him be first to throw a stone at her.”
What sins in others make you want to pick up a stone?
Are you knowingly throwing “stones” to make yourself look or feel better? Are you unaware of the “stones” you throw?
Take a minute to listen to or read the lyrics of the following two songs on judgment:
“What It’s Like” by Everlast (Note that lyrics are not “G” rated)
“If We Are The Body” by Casting Crowns
How, if at all, do these two songs speak to you?
What sins in your own life are you having trouble letting go of, or untangling from?
Take time to pray and ask God to open your eyes and heart to unrecognized sin and judgment in your daily walk.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:24-27 and be reminded that every single one of us makes up the body of Christ! I have to constantly remind myself that there is not one person Christ did not die for, not one.
Day 3 – Read Matthew 7:1-6, focus on Verse 4-5
“... first take the plank out of your own eye...”
One of the points Jesus seems to be making here is that instead of being quick to judge others we need to start with ourselves. Instead of becoming defensive, making excuses or justifying our actions we, like David, need to admit our sins, ask for mercy, forgiveness, cleansing and a heart right with God.
Read Psalm 51 - In verses 1-7 David is repenting, turning and asking for forgiveness. What sixth request of God is David making in verses 10-12?
How is it that following David’s lead in Psalm 51 will aid us in removing the plank form our own eye?
Read Isaiah 55:6-7 - I find great comfort in God’s word that tells me even in my sin He grants me do overs. God promises that if we seek God we will find Him, if we forsake sin and turn toward Him, He will have mercy.
Read Exodus 14:14 and be reminded that God is on your side.
Day 4 – Read Matthew 7:1-6; Read Psalm 5:13
David shows us that when we experience God’s forgiveness of our sins that we naturally want to share His mercy and love toward others. Judgment and condemnation seem to melt away.
Recall/write about a time you have experienced God’s mercy and forgiveness and how it opened your eyes to others.
When we catch ourselves judging others we need to recall our own “plank” and the amazing forgiveness shed for us on the cross.
Read the following passages and record, in your own words, what you hear God speaking to you in each about judgment.
Ephesians 2:7-9, James 2:13, Isaiah 55:9, 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
Day 5 – Read Matthew 7:1-6, focus on verse 6
There have been many times in my life that I have been unable or unwilling to hear and heed God’s word and love in my life. If I am honest it is usually due to a barrier I have constructed – an idol I have in place, a sin that has become a crutch or I like to much to let go of, and/or pure stubbornness. Similarly there have been some I have tried to share God’s word and love with and find my head throbbing from the sudden crash into their “wall”.
In both scenarios, the “pearls” were trampled and unlike the positive outcome in Matthew 18:15, there was no “winning over”, at least not in that moment in time.
When we haven’t walked in another’s shoes, so to speak, and don’t understand their choices or the walls they have built then it makes it difficult for us to verbally share God’s love without coming across as pious or judgmental. It is equally difficult for our words to be received by one who feels misunderstood and/or shame thus the hyperbole “... they may trample them under their feet and the turn and tear you to pieces.”
What then are we to do if our pearls will just be trampled and we risk being turned on? Read the following passages:
Matthew 22:37-39 John 15:12 Ephesians 4:2-3 Hebrews 10: 24-25
We are called to love not judge.
“Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love.” Mahatma Gandhi
How that looks will be different in each relationship but all begins in prayer.
Casting Crowns song, “Prayer For A Friend”, is an excellent reminder of lifting up those in need instead of judging.
I am reminded, as I end, that it starts with me and sometimes the “friend” I need to lift up in prayer is myself.
One can make a difference! “We must become the change we want to see.” Mahatma Gandhi
Carefree Living
by Carey Hess
Day 1: Anxiety (Read Matthew 6:25)
When Jesus speaks about being anxious about our lives; He is really asking us about what is in our hearts and what is central in our lives. Perhaps a better term for anxiety in this sense might be “concern”. Our hearts need to be filled with something and Jesus wants them to be filled with Him, not with the things of this world. Are we concerned about how much money we make, getting ahead in our jobs, acquiring more “things” and buying fancier clothes? Jesus knows that if these are the concerns of our hearts; we will have no room for Him and God’s kingdom (Luke 10: 41-42). What dwells in our hearts becomes the focus of our lives and if our lives are focused on the things of this world; we cannot have a relationship with Jesus. If our concern is for worldly possessions and they become the focus of our lives then we will constantly be anxious that they will be taken away and/or that we need to acquire more “just in case” we don’t have enough.
God knows that we need food, clothing and shelter and He generously provides these to us but He wants us to make Him the main concern of our hearts by living in the Word and serving Him and others. If we worry and fret about hoarding material goods and are “concerned” that we might lose them then we will not be free to glorify and serve Him. Anxiety and stress over the “things” of this world do nothing but hinder our relationship with God (Philippians 4:6).
What are some situations or needs that cause you to be anxious and worry? Who or what do you rely on to get over your anxiety so that you can lead a carefree life?
Day 2: Lessons from the Birds (Read Matthew 6:26)
What a strange and wonderful thing Jesus does when He asks us to consider the nature and habits of birds in comparison to the way we live our lives. Jesus certainly knows His audience and He knows that the majority of the people that He is addressing are simple, agrarian, poor people; but they are people who certainly have a good understanding of nature.
If birds can fly around and be carefree; then why can’t we? God provides for the birds and they accept it freely and without worry that they won’t have enough or that they need a place to store it up for later.
God loves us so much more than the birds but we constantly fret that we won’t have enough to sustain us. But Jesus knows that first we must be fed with the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35). Jesus wants us to understand that “our daily bread” is a free gift from God. We are fed not by our own hard work but by God’s grace and we must daily accept it without questioning where it came from or how we got it. We need to understand that God provides for us daily all that we need and that everything that we have comes from God.
Only when we accept and are fed with the true bread of heaven will we be free from concern about having enough food to nourish our bodies (John 6:32-34).
Day 3: Life Span (Read Matthew 6:27)
Jesus wants us to take care of our bodies and not live our lives in a reckless manner; but He also knows that we are mortal and that our days are numbered (Psalm 139: 13-17). He wants us to live in the freedom of living each and every day secure in the knowledge that God is in control and we can rest knowing that we are the recipients of God’s grace and love.
Even if we might be terminally ill we are to live each day to the fullest by living in the Word; confident of God’s love and care for us. We are to be content no matter what the condition of our health or circumstances (Philippians 4: 8-13).
When our earthly life is over we are reassured that we will have a heavenly home waiting for us and will be in God’s presence for eternity (John 14: 1-4).
There is no better “Life” insurance policy than the assurance of God’s grace, love and care for us.
Day 4: Arrayed in Glory (Read Matthew 6:28-32)
Have you ever had the pleasure of stopping along a roadside to view a beautiful field of wildflowers? Perhaps the flowers were intentionally planted or perhaps they were miraculously grown from seeds carried by the wind or birds. It really doesn’t matter how they got there but their beauty is breathtaking. In God’s eyes we are even more beautiful and breathtaking.
God loved us so much that He created us in His own image (Genesis 1: 37). Surely, if God loved and cared enough about us to create us in His own image then certainly He has much greater plans for us than flowers that will wither and die.
Jesus isn’t speaking here about dressing us up in worldly clothing; He isn’t interested about what kind of clothing we are wearing but about whether or not we are being clothed for God’s kingdom. Whether someone is dressed in rags or haute couture; all are beautiful in God’s eyes. Jesus came to dress us in God’s grace and glory through the Spirit and the Word.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we, as God’s precious, beloved children, could see each other through His eyes and not judge one another by worldly clothing?
Day 5: First Seek the Kingdom (Read Matthew 6:33-34)
If we first seek God’s Kingdom and pray to do His will then we really have no room for anxiety or concern about our lives. Only when we realize that God is truly in control and that we are merely sinful humans that we can truly be free to live in the joy of God’s grace and love in Christ Jesus.
No one truly knows, except God, what the future holds but we still worry and stress out about our plans for the future. We try to make elaborate plans and schedules; we accumulate money and stock portfolios thinking that these things will provide for our future. But, what happens when pension funds disappear, a business fails, good friends abandon us, you experience the loss of a loved one or you experience bad health? It is during these times of anxiety that we can only be comforted by the assurance of God’s love, care and grace for us (Psalm 46).
Some of the best advice that I ever received was from a Pastor who told me: “when you are going through a very bad time; do something for someone else. Helping another person takes your mind off of your troubles, benefits the other person, and you are doing God’s will in the world.”
We only have this moment, this day to take care of and God wants us to make the best use of our time by living for Him and His kingdom.
Do you want to enjoy the carefree life? Only through listening to the Word, working for God’s kingdom, and joyfully living in His grace can we enjoy true freedom. What a blessing to know that God is walking right beside us during our moments of joy, grief, sorrow and heartbreak.
First seek His kingdom and everything else will be given to you (Luke 18: 29-30).
Day 1: Anxiety (Read Matthew 6:25)
When Jesus speaks about being anxious about our lives; He is really asking us about what is in our hearts and what is central in our lives. Perhaps a better term for anxiety in this sense might be “concern”. Our hearts need to be filled with something and Jesus wants them to be filled with Him, not with the things of this world. Are we concerned about how much money we make, getting ahead in our jobs, acquiring more “things” and buying fancier clothes? Jesus knows that if these are the concerns of our hearts; we will have no room for Him and God’s kingdom (Luke 10: 41-42). What dwells in our hearts becomes the focus of our lives and if our lives are focused on the things of this world; we cannot have a relationship with Jesus. If our concern is for worldly possessions and they become the focus of our lives then we will constantly be anxious that they will be taken away and/or that we need to acquire more “just in case” we don’t have enough.
God knows that we need food, clothing and shelter and He generously provides these to us but He wants us to make Him the main concern of our hearts by living in the Word and serving Him and others. If we worry and fret about hoarding material goods and are “concerned” that we might lose them then we will not be free to glorify and serve Him. Anxiety and stress over the “things” of this world do nothing but hinder our relationship with God (Philippians 4:6).
What are some situations or needs that cause you to be anxious and worry? Who or what do you rely on to get over your anxiety so that you can lead a carefree life?
Day 2: Lessons from the Birds (Read Matthew 6:26)
What a strange and wonderful thing Jesus does when He asks us to consider the nature and habits of birds in comparison to the way we live our lives. Jesus certainly knows His audience and He knows that the majority of the people that He is addressing are simple, agrarian, poor people; but they are people who certainly have a good understanding of nature.
If birds can fly around and be carefree; then why can’t we? God provides for the birds and they accept it freely and without worry that they won’t have enough or that they need a place to store it up for later.
God loves us so much more than the birds but we constantly fret that we won’t have enough to sustain us. But Jesus knows that first we must be fed with the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35). Jesus wants us to understand that “our daily bread” is a free gift from God. We are fed not by our own hard work but by God’s grace and we must daily accept it without questioning where it came from or how we got it. We need to understand that God provides for us daily all that we need and that everything that we have comes from God.
Only when we accept and are fed with the true bread of heaven will we be free from concern about having enough food to nourish our bodies (John 6:32-34).
Day 3: Life Span (Read Matthew 6:27)
Jesus wants us to take care of our bodies and not live our lives in a reckless manner; but He also knows that we are mortal and that our days are numbered (Psalm 139: 13-17). He wants us to live in the freedom of living each and every day secure in the knowledge that God is in control and we can rest knowing that we are the recipients of God’s grace and love.
Even if we might be terminally ill we are to live each day to the fullest by living in the Word; confident of God’s love and care for us. We are to be content no matter what the condition of our health or circumstances (Philippians 4: 8-13).
When our earthly life is over we are reassured that we will have a heavenly home waiting for us and will be in God’s presence for eternity (John 14: 1-4).
There is no better “Life” insurance policy than the assurance of God’s grace, love and care for us.
Day 4: Arrayed in Glory (Read Matthew 6:28-32)
Have you ever had the pleasure of stopping along a roadside to view a beautiful field of wildflowers? Perhaps the flowers were intentionally planted or perhaps they were miraculously grown from seeds carried by the wind or birds. It really doesn’t matter how they got there but their beauty is breathtaking. In God’s eyes we are even more beautiful and breathtaking.
God loved us so much that He created us in His own image (Genesis 1: 37). Surely, if God loved and cared enough about us to create us in His own image then certainly He has much greater plans for us than flowers that will wither and die.
Jesus isn’t speaking here about dressing us up in worldly clothing; He isn’t interested about what kind of clothing we are wearing but about whether or not we are being clothed for God’s kingdom. Whether someone is dressed in rags or haute couture; all are beautiful in God’s eyes. Jesus came to dress us in God’s grace and glory through the Spirit and the Word.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we, as God’s precious, beloved children, could see each other through His eyes and not judge one another by worldly clothing?
Day 5: First Seek the Kingdom (Read Matthew 6:33-34)
If we first seek God’s Kingdom and pray to do His will then we really have no room for anxiety or concern about our lives. Only when we realize that God is truly in control and that we are merely sinful humans that we can truly be free to live in the joy of God’s grace and love in Christ Jesus.
No one truly knows, except God, what the future holds but we still worry and stress out about our plans for the future. We try to make elaborate plans and schedules; we accumulate money and stock portfolios thinking that these things will provide for our future. But, what happens when pension funds disappear, a business fails, good friends abandon us, you experience the loss of a loved one or you experience bad health? It is during these times of anxiety that we can only be comforted by the assurance of God’s love, care and grace for us (Psalm 46).
Some of the best advice that I ever received was from a Pastor who told me: “when you are going through a very bad time; do something for someone else. Helping another person takes your mind off of your troubles, benefits the other person, and you are doing God’s will in the world.”
We only have this moment, this day to take care of and God wants us to make the best use of our time by living for Him and His kingdom.
Do you want to enjoy the carefree life? Only through listening to the Word, working for God’s kingdom, and joyfully living in His grace can we enjoy true freedom. What a blessing to know that God is walking right beside us during our moments of joy, grief, sorrow and heartbreak.
First seek His kingdom and everything else will be given to you (Luke 18: 29-30).
Where Your Treasure Is
by Lisa Glassco
Day 1: Read Matthew 6:19-20
These verses remind me of people who have collections. Usually. The individual pieces in a collection cost little and it's only when the prices of the pieces are added up that the collector realizes how much money has been spent on it over time. These are indeed treasures that are endangered by moths, rust, and thieves. While there is nothing wrong with collecting things that bring pleasure to our hearts, there might be trouble if adding to the collection starts to become more important than helping others – when keeping the breakable pieces displayed is more important than letting children plan in the house – when things become more important than people.
What are the collections in your life? How much have you spent on them?
Day 2: Read Matthew 6:21
What is treasure? Is it the same for everyone? No, indeed! For our dog, treasure is any unattended food. For young children, treasure is a shiny stone or a stick shaped like a T. For pirates (at least in the movies), treasure is gold and jewels. What kind of treasure did Jesus have in mind? Anything people think is important, is my guess. He spoke earlier of the less-important treasures in heaven, treasures like showing mercy, making peace, living humbly, sharing blessings, and believing in God.
Where is your treasure? Would Jesus approve?
Day 3: Read Matthew 6:22-23
This is one section that I sincerely hope should not be understood literally. I have very bad eyesight. Without my glasses the world is, basically, lots of blobs moving around. This is very confusing. If I had to live without glasses to correct my vision, I would be walking in darkness. Maybe God is providing eyeglasses for us by giving Jesus as our direction and our light. As humans, we trip over decisions, blunder into (or out of) relationships, and walk uncertainly into bad situations just like people who need glasses trip, blunder, and walk uncertainly wherever they go, but our faith in God assures us that we are never alone. Through God's Word, we have a way to see more clearly, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are comforted.
Are you wearing your glasses today?
Day 4: Read Matthew 6:24-26
You cannot serve God and money, but money can serve God in many ways. Money can support churches, shelters, disaster victims, and charities of all kinds. A Christian's goal shouldn't be simply earning money to keep it, but earning money to give it away. Money shouldn't be simply earning money to keep it, but earning money to give it away. Money should be a resource that we earn and use to fulfill God's goals, not a goal in itself.
How are you using your money to further God's goals?
Day 5: Read Matthew 6:19-26
This whole passage is really about how to use money in ways that please God. We should not let earning or keeping it become more important than people. We should not fixate on it to the exclusion of anything else, especially God. We should be generous and use our resources to help others. We should keep our financial priorities straight and see the world through God’s eyes. There's nothing wrong with saving something for a time of trouble or inheritance for our children; we just need to remember to help our brothers and sisters too.
Who are you going to help this week? This month? This year?
Day 1: Read Matthew 6:19-20
These verses remind me of people who have collections. Usually. The individual pieces in a collection cost little and it's only when the prices of the pieces are added up that the collector realizes how much money has been spent on it over time. These are indeed treasures that are endangered by moths, rust, and thieves. While there is nothing wrong with collecting things that bring pleasure to our hearts, there might be trouble if adding to the collection starts to become more important than helping others – when keeping the breakable pieces displayed is more important than letting children plan in the house – when things become more important than people.
What are the collections in your life? How much have you spent on them?
Day 2: Read Matthew 6:21
What is treasure? Is it the same for everyone? No, indeed! For our dog, treasure is any unattended food. For young children, treasure is a shiny stone or a stick shaped like a T. For pirates (at least in the movies), treasure is gold and jewels. What kind of treasure did Jesus have in mind? Anything people think is important, is my guess. He spoke earlier of the less-important treasures in heaven, treasures like showing mercy, making peace, living humbly, sharing blessings, and believing in God.
Where is your treasure? Would Jesus approve?
Day 3: Read Matthew 6:22-23
This is one section that I sincerely hope should not be understood literally. I have very bad eyesight. Without my glasses the world is, basically, lots of blobs moving around. This is very confusing. If I had to live without glasses to correct my vision, I would be walking in darkness. Maybe God is providing eyeglasses for us by giving Jesus as our direction and our light. As humans, we trip over decisions, blunder into (or out of) relationships, and walk uncertainly into bad situations just like people who need glasses trip, blunder, and walk uncertainly wherever they go, but our faith in God assures us that we are never alone. Through God's Word, we have a way to see more clearly, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are comforted.
Are you wearing your glasses today?
Day 4: Read Matthew 6:24-26
You cannot serve God and money, but money can serve God in many ways. Money can support churches, shelters, disaster victims, and charities of all kinds. A Christian's goal shouldn't be simply earning money to keep it, but earning money to give it away. Money shouldn't be simply earning money to keep it, but earning money to give it away. Money should be a resource that we earn and use to fulfill God's goals, not a goal in itself.
How are you using your money to further God's goals?
Day 5: Read Matthew 6:19-26
This whole passage is really about how to use money in ways that please God. We should not let earning or keeping it become more important than people. We should not fixate on it to the exclusion of anything else, especially God. We should be generous and use our resources to help others. We should keep our financial priorities straight and see the world through God’s eyes. There's nothing wrong with saving something for a time of trouble or inheritance for our children; we just need to remember to help our brothers and sisters too.
Who are you going to help this week? This month? This year?
Fasting (and Feasting)
by Laura McAfee
Fasting and feasting: Feasting and fasting - Matthew 6:16-18
In these verses about fasting, Jesus doesn’t tell you what is more moral; a water fast or a juice fast. He doesn’t present the pros and cons of a one day fast versus that of a ten day fast. In fact, food is not mentioned at all here. The details on how to fast and the why of fasting are not mentioned in these verses. And although the easy part to understand is that Jesus is talking about the right attitude to have while fasting, what is invisible is the necessary opposite to fasting which is feasting. In the next five days we'll look at fasting and feasting, together in a rhythm of Kingdom Living.
Day 1 - Kingdom Living
Read Matthew 6:16-18, Luke 14:12-14
In these verses Jesus is taking off the mask of superficial religion and explaining to us how to deepen our spiritual practice with the right Intention: God and our relationship with God. Jesus says, "when you fast..." his assumption is that we will fast. He doesn’t say...if you get around to it..., should there be an opening in your schedule...., no, Jesus says, "when you fast....".
And Jesus continues with a deeper understanding, an expansion of how fasting has been done, how we need to be when we fast. He moves the conversation away from the action of fasting and the outwardness of it, to us and our inward intention of being closer to God. Jesus does this by first noting the problem with fasting... "do not look somber as the hypocrites do." Something we do to draw nearer to God has evolved (or dissolved) into a show, a superficial ritual meant to impress others. We lose the right intention when our actions are outward focused; our right action becomes a farce and a show for others.
Jesus then explains what we should be doing, "when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face." Something we do to draw nearer to God should be between ourselves and God. When we are inwardly focused on God and deepening our relationship with Him through fasting, we are fasting in accordance, in harmony with, Kingdom living. This same understanding is expressed with regards to feasting in Luke 14:12-14.
Just as in Jesus' teaching on fasting, the emphasis here is Kingdom Living and right intention. "When you feast (give a luncheon or dinner)" don’t do it for show and personal gain, but "when you invite" those that can never pay you back or add to your status and reputation.
Read Matthew 6:16-18 and Luke 14:12-14 back to back. Reflect on the do's and don'ts Jesus is using to make the contrast between Kingdom living and the other way.
What are the things you do to draw nearer to God that have slowly slipped from being about God? Maybe worship has become a habit without meaning, or actions such as volunteering, have become more about being known by others than about you simply serving God.
Let us confess to God our arrogance and pride that keep us from the fullness of living in Christ and pray that God will open our eyes to the ways we have gone off the path as we remember to praise our Faithful and Good Shepherd for leading us back to God.
Day 2 - Doing as Jesus does
Read Matthew 4:2-4, Matthew 11:19, John 2:11
The Sermon on the Mount reflects the deep authority of Jesus as teacher, as Rabbi. We are sitting at His feet together, listening to Jesus tell us what to do and how to be disciples, Jesus is teaching us about how to live in God’s Kingdom! And Jesus understands the saying.. "Do as I do"..
What does Jesus do? He fasts. Matthew 4:2-4 What does Jesus do? He feasts. Matthew 11:19
Jesus demonstrates the rhythm of feasting and fasting. He models a way to listen for God’s direction and to prepare ourselves for trials and temptation through fasting and he models a way to listen for God's direction and to celebrate life through community by feasting. In fact Jesus' teachings on the Mount occur (in the Gospel of Matthew) after 40 days of fasting. And in the Gospel of John, Jesus begins his earthly ministry with a miracle at a Wedding Feast. (John 2:11)
It is a rhythm that is duplicated in many different ways and forms throughout the Bible and is represented in our deep Christian tradition and teachings. Fasting and Feasting.
When I moved to New Orleans I was 22 years old. It was a shock when the Mardi Gras season rolled into town. It didn’t take me long to adjust to the constant parties and feasting. The King Cakes and parades were remarkable and really unforgettable. But it is only now, safely and sanely away from that life that I can appreciate the feasting before the journey of the Lenten season. When the King arrives in Jerusalem, we should feast! Sharing what we have, giving thanks for all we are, in Christ. The journey to the Cross, needs a focused heart and mind, a fast from the cultural insanity that constantly surrounds us. Feasting and fasting.
Take a moment to reflect on times that you have feasted with joy and a deep love of the group that was with you. Were you able to feel God's presence and joy in that experience? Can you look back at times of great celebration and imagine God's loving – kindness present at the table?
Day 3 - Already but not Yet
Read Matthew 9:14-15, Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 9:14-15
We live with the tension of living with a fulfilled Old Covenant through Christ and living in a fulfilled yet unfinished New Testament. We feast because Jesus is with us and we fast to listen for God’s purpose for us while we wait for Christ's return. We live this tension every day. We feast in thanks and praise of the blessings God has provided us; for driving about in our cars, going to our jobs, buying groceries, drinking plenty of clean water to keep us well hydrated. We feast with others, sharing what God has so lovingly and abundantly put into our lives. Yet we fast and pray because the Kingdom is not yet fully here. We know this. We see this in the continued oppression, injustice, and disease of the majority of the world, such as, the 92% of the world’s population without cars, the over 1 billion people on this planet without clean drinking water, the 800 million people who won't eat today, and for the 1 billion or so who live on less than one dollar a day. We feast on the Bread of Life, on the very Word of God, in remembrance of Jesus. These are truly gifts of God that keep us in right relationship with God.
We fast from the things that keep us separated from God, the distractions, obsessions, twisted cultural norms and values that time and time again Jesus tells us are not the Way, not part of the Kingdom, or Kingdom living. Mark 1:14-15 "After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God 'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!'"
The Kingdom is near...
Where do you feel/see God's Kingdom alive in your life? Where do you believe the Kingdom of God is close but not yet?
Let us pray today that God pours out His Spirit on us with a fresh view of His Work and Will in our lives and that God will renew our vision of the blessings and the needs that surround us.
Day 4 - Self-control/Self-indulgent
Read Galatians 5:19-21, Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 3:17-21, 1 Corinthians 10:31
'Binging and purging' is a serious eating disorder that received a great deal of attention during my teenage years in the 1980's. It has also become part of our culture in that it represents a vast consumer driven culture of binging. We gobble up T.Vs, computers, clothes, new cars, high end electronics, stuff, stuff and more stuff. It's a mind-set of binging, compulsively, without thoughtful reflection of need versus wants. However, there isn't a counter-balance such as a culture of purging. It seems 'purging' happens to us through calamity, disasters; purging comes unbidden and unwanted. Our culture simply does not take self-denial, discomfort, or the discipline of fasting very seriously.
These terms, binging and purging, express something more than food, they express a focus on acquiring our every want and desire often times accompanied by an attitude of entitlement. Galatians 5:19-21 speaks to the same kind of desire-driven compulsion that comes from a lack of self-control, a mindset of self-indulgence and self-absorption.
But, self-control, the kind of self-control that helps and encourages us in living the life Christ calls us to, is also the kind of self-control spoken of in Galatians 5:22-23. It is produced and strengthened through the Holy Spirit and in turning our lives to the lessons that Jesus offers us.
Read Philippians 3:17-19
Binging and purging are about such things as gluttony, pride, sickness, and idolatry... to name a few, while fasting and feasting are about God and our response to God. When we fast we allow God to be our focus and this shifts our minds dramatically. If we take a week off, ten days off, 40 days off from the computer, cell phones, unnecessary shopping trips, chocolate, whatever activity or thing keeps us in a place of non-attention to God, keeps us from reading Scripture, prevents us from praying, calling that friend or family member in need, being available to God’s will...if we intentionally take time off from those things, we will re-align ourselves with a mind centered on God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"
Day 5 - Spiritual Community- Joy and Solidarity
Read Jeremiah 36:9, Joel 1:14, Esther 4:15-16, Isaiah 58:3-11
Fasting can be and often is a solitary means of seeking God in our lives. But we see often in the Bible God's people fasting in solidarity or as an extension of a community in need. We read in the Old Testament that fasts are called for in times of catastrophe or profound injustice (Jeremiah 36:9; Joel 1:14, Esther 4:15-16). Fasting reminds us that together as people of God we carry heavy burdens and we turn to God in seeking a means for change. We fast together in a spiritual response to injustice that allows an inflowing of God's spirit to provide a clarity of vision and direction. In fact in Isaiah we read of a very different type of fasting. Isaiah 58:6-7 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" We can see here that in calling for a fast from hoarding our food to sharing it with those that are hungry and in need... we are called to fast and potentially feast at the same time.
In an amazingly different type of cookbook, Extending the Table: A World Community Cookbook, Joetta Handrich-Schlabach writes, "When affluence allows people to feast too frequently and independently of others, feasting loses much of its joy and integrity. It results in ill health and dulls our sensitivity to the needs of others. Reclaiming the feast may require learning to fast. Regularly abstaining from meat and other rich foods can be a spiritual act of solidarity. Reserving for special events foods we might easily afford, but that are luxury items in the world economy, unites us with those who have less."
The people of the Old Testament understood that feasting was a praise-filled, thankful community, remembering, worshipful, sharing of God’s gifts in the same way they understood that a fast is often times a community coming together in seeking God.
Fasting and feasting are also recognitions of our weakness and an admission of God's power - It may feel like the abundance in our lives is the result of our own effort, hard-work, and self-sufficiency but through a shared table we come to appreciate the source of all that we are and all that we have. In the same way, we fast to remember the God from whom all things flow.
Fasting and feasting: Feasting and fasting - Matthew 6:16-18
In these verses about fasting, Jesus doesn’t tell you what is more moral; a water fast or a juice fast. He doesn’t present the pros and cons of a one day fast versus that of a ten day fast. In fact, food is not mentioned at all here. The details on how to fast and the why of fasting are not mentioned in these verses. And although the easy part to understand is that Jesus is talking about the right attitude to have while fasting, what is invisible is the necessary opposite to fasting which is feasting. In the next five days we'll look at fasting and feasting, together in a rhythm of Kingdom Living.
Day 1 - Kingdom Living
Read Matthew 6:16-18, Luke 14:12-14
In these verses Jesus is taking off the mask of superficial religion and explaining to us how to deepen our spiritual practice with the right Intention: God and our relationship with God. Jesus says, "when you fast..." his assumption is that we will fast. He doesn’t say...if you get around to it..., should there be an opening in your schedule...., no, Jesus says, "when you fast....".
And Jesus continues with a deeper understanding, an expansion of how fasting has been done, how we need to be when we fast. He moves the conversation away from the action of fasting and the outwardness of it, to us and our inward intention of being closer to God. Jesus does this by first noting the problem with fasting... "do not look somber as the hypocrites do." Something we do to draw nearer to God has evolved (or dissolved) into a show, a superficial ritual meant to impress others. We lose the right intention when our actions are outward focused; our right action becomes a farce and a show for others.
Jesus then explains what we should be doing, "when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face." Something we do to draw nearer to God should be between ourselves and God. When we are inwardly focused on God and deepening our relationship with Him through fasting, we are fasting in accordance, in harmony with, Kingdom living. This same understanding is expressed with regards to feasting in Luke 14:12-14.
Just as in Jesus' teaching on fasting, the emphasis here is Kingdom Living and right intention. "When you feast (give a luncheon or dinner)" don’t do it for show and personal gain, but "when you invite" those that can never pay you back or add to your status and reputation.
Read Matthew 6:16-18 and Luke 14:12-14 back to back. Reflect on the do's and don'ts Jesus is using to make the contrast between Kingdom living and the other way.
What are the things you do to draw nearer to God that have slowly slipped from being about God? Maybe worship has become a habit without meaning, or actions such as volunteering, have become more about being known by others than about you simply serving God.
Let us confess to God our arrogance and pride that keep us from the fullness of living in Christ and pray that God will open our eyes to the ways we have gone off the path as we remember to praise our Faithful and Good Shepherd for leading us back to God.
Day 2 - Doing as Jesus does
Read Matthew 4:2-4, Matthew 11:19, John 2:11
The Sermon on the Mount reflects the deep authority of Jesus as teacher, as Rabbi. We are sitting at His feet together, listening to Jesus tell us what to do and how to be disciples, Jesus is teaching us about how to live in God’s Kingdom! And Jesus understands the saying.. "Do as I do"..
What does Jesus do? He fasts. Matthew 4:2-4 What does Jesus do? He feasts. Matthew 11:19
Jesus demonstrates the rhythm of feasting and fasting. He models a way to listen for God’s direction and to prepare ourselves for trials and temptation through fasting and he models a way to listen for God's direction and to celebrate life through community by feasting. In fact Jesus' teachings on the Mount occur (in the Gospel of Matthew) after 40 days of fasting. And in the Gospel of John, Jesus begins his earthly ministry with a miracle at a Wedding Feast. (John 2:11)
It is a rhythm that is duplicated in many different ways and forms throughout the Bible and is represented in our deep Christian tradition and teachings. Fasting and Feasting.
When I moved to New Orleans I was 22 years old. It was a shock when the Mardi Gras season rolled into town. It didn’t take me long to adjust to the constant parties and feasting. The King Cakes and parades were remarkable and really unforgettable. But it is only now, safely and sanely away from that life that I can appreciate the feasting before the journey of the Lenten season. When the King arrives in Jerusalem, we should feast! Sharing what we have, giving thanks for all we are, in Christ. The journey to the Cross, needs a focused heart and mind, a fast from the cultural insanity that constantly surrounds us. Feasting and fasting.
Take a moment to reflect on times that you have feasted with joy and a deep love of the group that was with you. Were you able to feel God's presence and joy in that experience? Can you look back at times of great celebration and imagine God's loving – kindness present at the table?
Day 3 - Already but not Yet
Read Matthew 9:14-15, Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 9:14-15
We live with the tension of living with a fulfilled Old Covenant through Christ and living in a fulfilled yet unfinished New Testament. We feast because Jesus is with us and we fast to listen for God’s purpose for us while we wait for Christ's return. We live this tension every day. We feast in thanks and praise of the blessings God has provided us; for driving about in our cars, going to our jobs, buying groceries, drinking plenty of clean water to keep us well hydrated. We feast with others, sharing what God has so lovingly and abundantly put into our lives. Yet we fast and pray because the Kingdom is not yet fully here. We know this. We see this in the continued oppression, injustice, and disease of the majority of the world, such as, the 92% of the world’s population without cars, the over 1 billion people on this planet without clean drinking water, the 800 million people who won't eat today, and for the 1 billion or so who live on less than one dollar a day. We feast on the Bread of Life, on the very Word of God, in remembrance of Jesus. These are truly gifts of God that keep us in right relationship with God.
We fast from the things that keep us separated from God, the distractions, obsessions, twisted cultural norms and values that time and time again Jesus tells us are not the Way, not part of the Kingdom, or Kingdom living. Mark 1:14-15 "After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God 'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!'"
The Kingdom is near...
Where do you feel/see God's Kingdom alive in your life? Where do you believe the Kingdom of God is close but not yet?
Let us pray today that God pours out His Spirit on us with a fresh view of His Work and Will in our lives and that God will renew our vision of the blessings and the needs that surround us.
Day 4 - Self-control/Self-indulgent
Read Galatians 5:19-21, Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 3:17-21, 1 Corinthians 10:31
'Binging and purging' is a serious eating disorder that received a great deal of attention during my teenage years in the 1980's. It has also become part of our culture in that it represents a vast consumer driven culture of binging. We gobble up T.Vs, computers, clothes, new cars, high end electronics, stuff, stuff and more stuff. It's a mind-set of binging, compulsively, without thoughtful reflection of need versus wants. However, there isn't a counter-balance such as a culture of purging. It seems 'purging' happens to us through calamity, disasters; purging comes unbidden and unwanted. Our culture simply does not take self-denial, discomfort, or the discipline of fasting very seriously.
These terms, binging and purging, express something more than food, they express a focus on acquiring our every want and desire often times accompanied by an attitude of entitlement. Galatians 5:19-21 speaks to the same kind of desire-driven compulsion that comes from a lack of self-control, a mindset of self-indulgence and self-absorption.
But, self-control, the kind of self-control that helps and encourages us in living the life Christ calls us to, is also the kind of self-control spoken of in Galatians 5:22-23. It is produced and strengthened through the Holy Spirit and in turning our lives to the lessons that Jesus offers us.
Read Philippians 3:17-19
Binging and purging are about such things as gluttony, pride, sickness, and idolatry... to name a few, while fasting and feasting are about God and our response to God. When we fast we allow God to be our focus and this shifts our minds dramatically. If we take a week off, ten days off, 40 days off from the computer, cell phones, unnecessary shopping trips, chocolate, whatever activity or thing keeps us in a place of non-attention to God, keeps us from reading Scripture, prevents us from praying, calling that friend or family member in need, being available to God’s will...if we intentionally take time off from those things, we will re-align ourselves with a mind centered on God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"
Day 5 - Spiritual Community- Joy and Solidarity
Read Jeremiah 36:9, Joel 1:14, Esther 4:15-16, Isaiah 58:3-11
Fasting can be and often is a solitary means of seeking God in our lives. But we see often in the Bible God's people fasting in solidarity or as an extension of a community in need. We read in the Old Testament that fasts are called for in times of catastrophe or profound injustice (Jeremiah 36:9; Joel 1:14, Esther 4:15-16). Fasting reminds us that together as people of God we carry heavy burdens and we turn to God in seeking a means for change. We fast together in a spiritual response to injustice that allows an inflowing of God's spirit to provide a clarity of vision and direction. In fact in Isaiah we read of a very different type of fasting. Isaiah 58:6-7 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" We can see here that in calling for a fast from hoarding our food to sharing it with those that are hungry and in need... we are called to fast and potentially feast at the same time.
In an amazingly different type of cookbook, Extending the Table: A World Community Cookbook, Joetta Handrich-Schlabach writes, "When affluence allows people to feast too frequently and independently of others, feasting loses much of its joy and integrity. It results in ill health and dulls our sensitivity to the needs of others. Reclaiming the feast may require learning to fast. Regularly abstaining from meat and other rich foods can be a spiritual act of solidarity. Reserving for special events foods we might easily afford, but that are luxury items in the world economy, unites us with those who have less."
The people of the Old Testament understood that feasting was a praise-filled, thankful community, remembering, worshipful, sharing of God’s gifts in the same way they understood that a fast is often times a community coming together in seeking God.
Fasting and feasting are also recognitions of our weakness and an admission of God's power - It may feel like the abundance in our lives is the result of our own effort, hard-work, and self-sufficiency but through a shared table we come to appreciate the source of all that we are and all that we have. In the same way, we fast to remember the God from whom all things flow.
The Prayer of God’s Kingdom
by Christie Ridenhour
How many times have you said the Lord’s Prayer? For some, this is a large number; for others, the number may be small. A more provocative question might be,"how many times have I just recited the Lord’s Prayer and not really thought about what I was saying?" For me, this number is embarrassingly large.
I pray this week, that as our congregation reflects upon the Lord’s Prayer and on our prayer life overall, we are able to find deeper meaning and understanding of this gift from God. I pray that as we pray the Lord’s Prayer together in worship, that this prayer is not just recited, but that it is prayed with thought, reflection, and understanding.
As you begin each day's meditation, I call upon you to say the Lord's Prayer, slowly and deliberately. Focus on each word and phrase. Reflect on the goodness and grace of our Lord.
Day 1 – Read Matthew 6:5-6
By telling us what not to do, "do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corner, so that they may be seen by others," Jesus is giving us clear direction as to what to do with our prayers. He is asking us to be contemplative; to be sincere. Our prayers are not for public approval, but instead are a conversation, a supplication between the person offering up the prayer and God.
In verse 6, we are exhorted to "go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret." I don’t believe Jesus is directing us to hide when we pray, but instead to find a place without distractions; a place where we are comfortable, like our own room.
Do you find it difficult to pray? Are there distractions that "get in the way?" As you pray today, be deliberate in your prayers. Find a place where you are comfortable and where distractions can be shut out. Open your mind and your heart and hear God speak to you. Amen
Day 2 – Read Matthew 6:7-8
Are there no more comforting words than those found in verse 8, "...for your Father knows what you need before you ask him?" How comforting to know that even as I struggle to discern my own needs, God already knows them. As I wrestle to speak the "right" words in my prayers, the Holy Spirit is there to intercede on my behalf. Look at Romans 8:26-27. What a blessing to know that my hurts, happiness and hallelujahs are lifted up for me as I struggle to articulate them. As you pray today, reflect upon the words written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Rome. Give thanks that God knows our needs, even if we do not. Amen
Day 3 – Read Matthew 6:9
The exhortation to pray to "Our Father" begins in this verse. God as our heavenly father is not a new idea to the Hebrew people. In Isaiah 64:8, we are told, "Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." God is not just my heavenly Father, but is yours as well. He is the heavenly Father of us all, which binds us together as a community of believers. God's name is "hallowed." It is holy. It is sacred. Again, this is not a new concept to God's people. We are reminded of the Second Commandment (Exodus 21:7) to not take the Lord's name in vain.
In the Large Catechism, Part III, Line 38, Martin Luther writes: So that we should realize that we are under the great necessity of duly honoring his name and keeping it holy and sacred, regarding it as the greatest treasure and most sacred thing we have, and praying, as good children, that his name, which is already holy in heaven may also be kept holy on earth by us and all the world.
As you pray today, reflect on how you use the name of the Lord during your day. Do you use it in reverence? Do you treat it as the sacred name of your heavenly Father? Praise his holy name! Amen.
Day 4 – Read Matthew 6:10
God's kingdom comes to us through the Word and our faith in that word. God's kingdom will come to us in the final days, as we are given eternal life. God works through us such that his will can be done on earth. We provide the earthly body for that will to be done. In Galatians 3: 20, we are reminded that, "It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." As you pray today, reflect upon how you are the mirror of God. The love of God is bestowed upon you by our heavenly father and reflects from you to others. Let his love and grace shine on those around you. Amen
Day 5 – Read Matthew 6:11,13
These two verses address our need for protection. When we pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" it is not just a reference to food, but refers to all that we need to survive. We are petitioning for protection from hunger, and from the elements. We also need protection from temptation. According to Luther, there are three kinds of temptation: the flesh, the world and the devil. Temptations of the flesh include: laziness, gluttony, fraud, drunkenness, unchastity. Temptations of the world drive us to feelings of: envy, hatred, anger – just to name a few. Then there is temptation from the devil. In the Large Catechism, Part III, Line 104, Luther writes:
that the [devil's] purpose is to make us scorn and despise both the Word and the works of God, to tear us away from faith, hope and love, to draw us into unbelief, false security, and stubbornness or, on the contrary, to drive us into despair, atheism, blasphemy and countless other abominable sins.
Without God's Word and assurances of protection from the "devil and all his empty promises," I would be afraid to get out of bed in the morning. As you pray today, read Ephesians 6: 10-17. Take up the entire armor of God and ask for protection from all that can separate you from Him. Amen
How many times have you said the Lord’s Prayer? For some, this is a large number; for others, the number may be small. A more provocative question might be,"how many times have I just recited the Lord’s Prayer and not really thought about what I was saying?" For me, this number is embarrassingly large.
I pray this week, that as our congregation reflects upon the Lord’s Prayer and on our prayer life overall, we are able to find deeper meaning and understanding of this gift from God. I pray that as we pray the Lord’s Prayer together in worship, that this prayer is not just recited, but that it is prayed with thought, reflection, and understanding.
As you begin each day's meditation, I call upon you to say the Lord's Prayer, slowly and deliberately. Focus on each word and phrase. Reflect on the goodness and grace of our Lord.
Day 1 – Read Matthew 6:5-6
By telling us what not to do, "do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corner, so that they may be seen by others," Jesus is giving us clear direction as to what to do with our prayers. He is asking us to be contemplative; to be sincere. Our prayers are not for public approval, but instead are a conversation, a supplication between the person offering up the prayer and God.
In verse 6, we are exhorted to "go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret." I don’t believe Jesus is directing us to hide when we pray, but instead to find a place without distractions; a place where we are comfortable, like our own room.
Do you find it difficult to pray? Are there distractions that "get in the way?" As you pray today, be deliberate in your prayers. Find a place where you are comfortable and where distractions can be shut out. Open your mind and your heart and hear God speak to you. Amen
Day 2 – Read Matthew 6:7-8
Are there no more comforting words than those found in verse 8, "...for your Father knows what you need before you ask him?" How comforting to know that even as I struggle to discern my own needs, God already knows them. As I wrestle to speak the "right" words in my prayers, the Holy Spirit is there to intercede on my behalf. Look at Romans 8:26-27. What a blessing to know that my hurts, happiness and hallelujahs are lifted up for me as I struggle to articulate them. As you pray today, reflect upon the words written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Rome. Give thanks that God knows our needs, even if we do not. Amen
Day 3 – Read Matthew 6:9
The exhortation to pray to "Our Father" begins in this verse. God as our heavenly father is not a new idea to the Hebrew people. In Isaiah 64:8, we are told, "Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." God is not just my heavenly Father, but is yours as well. He is the heavenly Father of us all, which binds us together as a community of believers. God's name is "hallowed." It is holy. It is sacred. Again, this is not a new concept to God's people. We are reminded of the Second Commandment (Exodus 21:7) to not take the Lord's name in vain.
In the Large Catechism, Part III, Line 38, Martin Luther writes: So that we should realize that we are under the great necessity of duly honoring his name and keeping it holy and sacred, regarding it as the greatest treasure and most sacred thing we have, and praying, as good children, that his name, which is already holy in heaven may also be kept holy on earth by us and all the world.
As you pray today, reflect on how you use the name of the Lord during your day. Do you use it in reverence? Do you treat it as the sacred name of your heavenly Father? Praise his holy name! Amen.
Day 4 – Read Matthew 6:10
God's kingdom comes to us through the Word and our faith in that word. God's kingdom will come to us in the final days, as we are given eternal life. God works through us such that his will can be done on earth. We provide the earthly body for that will to be done. In Galatians 3: 20, we are reminded that, "It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." As you pray today, reflect upon how you are the mirror of God. The love of God is bestowed upon you by our heavenly father and reflects from you to others. Let his love and grace shine on those around you. Amen
Day 5 – Read Matthew 6:11,13
These two verses address our need for protection. When we pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" it is not just a reference to food, but refers to all that we need to survive. We are petitioning for protection from hunger, and from the elements. We also need protection from temptation. According to Luther, there are three kinds of temptation: the flesh, the world and the devil. Temptations of the flesh include: laziness, gluttony, fraud, drunkenness, unchastity. Temptations of the world drive us to feelings of: envy, hatred, anger – just to name a few. Then there is temptation from the devil. In the Large Catechism, Part III, Line 104, Luther writes:
that the [devil's] purpose is to make us scorn and despise both the Word and the works of God, to tear us away from faith, hope and love, to draw us into unbelief, false security, and stubbornness or, on the contrary, to drive us into despair, atheism, blasphemy and countless other abominable sins.
Without God's Word and assurances of protection from the "devil and all his empty promises," I would be afraid to get out of bed in the morning. As you pray today, read Ephesians 6: 10-17. Take up the entire armor of God and ask for protection from all that can separate you from Him. Amen
Revenge and Enemies
by Irene Cernik
Day 1 - Read Matthew 5:38-39
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth-at first glance this passage looks radically violent, gruesome at best, if one subscribes to non-violence. On the other hand if a person condones retaliation for wrongs they have incurred then clearly this passage sets a limit to retaliation. According to ancient Jewish law the original intention was to set reasonable limits to retaliation and to the crime. For judges it formed the guideline for punishment-it was to be proportional to the crime. And so it seems that society needs justice and the law enacts it accordingly.
But hold on, the very next verse requires us not to resist, gulp, an evil person. Jesus says-yes the ban on retaliation holds but we must do more-we may not harbor hatred for our enemies and we must show personal kindness to evil doers! Could Jesus really mean that? Does this make any sense? Paul reminds us in Romans 12:17, “Repay no one evil for evil.”
Although these passages were familiar I never personalized them. Then a few years ago a close friend forced the application of these verses to my circumstances. The friend violated our family and many others with his evil. Initially I was full of disbelief followed by fear which later was replaced with rage and loathing. Naturally, justice would be upheld in a court of law, I assured myself. And then the “legal system” revealed its limitations and restrictions, according to the law, leaving me with...nothing. Nothing from a human perspective. At the point of utter personal despair and perceived failure of the justice system, God was able to fill me with his words and his ways. Through prayer, wise counsel and study of God’s word a heart of revenge and hatred was replaced with a heart for God. “When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you” Isaiah 43:2. “Your heavenly Father...will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern” Mathew 6:32-33. “When your faith is tested your endurance has a chance to grow” James 1:3. Today, I no longer hate my former friend. In fact the opposite has happened. I pray for his welfare and restoration with Jesus. And, no, we haven’t reconciled.
Day 2 - Read Matthew 5:40-42
One Bible commentary refers to these verses with “four extreme cases follow in rapid succession”. If you are insulted by a slap to the face, go against the natural human tendency, and give the assailant the other side of your face. Huh? Jesus wants us to endure a slap in the face for HIS sake, maybe even two slaps. No reason is given. We are to follow Jesus’ example. Can you think back to a time when you were unfairly treated but you didn’t protect yourself, your personal honor? No one may have even noticed your non-reaction but if you took this stance for righteousness sake surely your father in heaven sees.
If anyone would sue you and take your coat let him have your cloak as well. Perhaps Jesus uses the example of the lawsuit since either it can be offensive to be taken to court or because lawsuits can involve false accusations. The strange logic of being stripped naked is possibly yet another reminder that we ought not be overly concerned about defending our honor nor avenging wrongdoers.
If anyone forces you to go one mile go with him go two miles. Readers of the bible will know that the cruel Roman occupiers forced Hebrew citizens to carry the Roman soldier’s equipment for a thousand paces. Complete humiliation-the Jews carried the weaponry that ultimately was used against them!
Resistance, Jesus says, is futile. After the Romans forcibly extract this service, Jesus says, freely give them another mile. Dear God, may we also go the extra mile for those that exploit us. Jesus, help us to not to stop at the point of anger and humiliation and dwell there. Allow us the grace to understand that you, Jesus, died for all-the cruel oppressor as well as the prideful and the innocent. Forgive us as we forgive those that sin against us. Amen.
Give to him who begs a loan from you and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. Give to the one who asks. Okay, so now we are to follow Jesus’ teaching and forget about checking credit, references, interest rates, deposit insurance, and contracts. Are you kidding me? Is there no limit? Once again Jesus demands reckless giving, free sharing, open door helping, nothing held back. Here we see this upside down world of Jesus in another astonishing way. He hits the wallet, the savings, the retirement, our worldly possessions, our home-everything we have worked for. It’s ours, we shout.
But what if it really isn’t ours? Then, we are God’s conduit on earth for the disbursement of His provisions. Nothing can be claimed/possessed by us in this kind of thinking. Radical thinking-yes indeed. But that is what Jesus was-radical love. Dear Lord, help us to be compassionate individuals and churches, help us with ministry to the needy and to the poor. Allow us to model your generosity. Amen.
Day 3 - Read Matthew 5:43
You shall love your neighbor. How do you define neighbor? Is it a physical address closest to your home? Is it your family members, perhaps your nuclear family and not your extended family? Is it the group of folks you spend the most time with, those that accept you as their own? Is it those that share the same continent as you? Do you still consider those once close to you as neighbor...your ex-spouse, that jerk next door, the friend that betrayed you, the boss you loved that put you on unemployment, etc.?
Day 4 - Read Matthew 5:44-48
Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.
“I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you” John 15:12. Loving others as Christ loves you is costly. Think about the price Jesus paid to love us. He left heaven to live among us. He came to earth and was ridiculed, rejected, beaten, spit upon and crucified. Loving wasn’t comfortable nor convenient for him. It cost him everything.
Jesus calls us to love others the same way he loves humanity. So what are you willing to spend to love others? Will you give up comfort, convenience, popularity, time, energy or money? Will you step outside your world to get into the lives of others? Will you love the people that the world doesn’t love? What will it cost you? Are you willing to pay the price?
Day 5 - Read Proverbs 25:21-22
We close the week with words of wisdom from the journal: “A One Year Road Trip with Jesus”. “Inaction and avoidance are never options with Jesus. Neither is resentment or bitterness. Nor judgment.
You and I were once enemies of God, being dead in sin and unresponsive to the voice of God. And what was God’s way of relating to us? God initiated to us:
Mercy, not retaliation Blessing, not cursing Prayer, not gossip Good, not evil Forgiveness, not grudges Love, not avoidance.”
As you stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s teaching you “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do” Romans 12:2.
Day 1 - Read Matthew 5:38-39
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth-at first glance this passage looks radically violent, gruesome at best, if one subscribes to non-violence. On the other hand if a person condones retaliation for wrongs they have incurred then clearly this passage sets a limit to retaliation. According to ancient Jewish law the original intention was to set reasonable limits to retaliation and to the crime. For judges it formed the guideline for punishment-it was to be proportional to the crime. And so it seems that society needs justice and the law enacts it accordingly.
But hold on, the very next verse requires us not to resist, gulp, an evil person. Jesus says-yes the ban on retaliation holds but we must do more-we may not harbor hatred for our enemies and we must show personal kindness to evil doers! Could Jesus really mean that? Does this make any sense? Paul reminds us in Romans 12:17, “Repay no one evil for evil.”
Although these passages were familiar I never personalized them. Then a few years ago a close friend forced the application of these verses to my circumstances. The friend violated our family and many others with his evil. Initially I was full of disbelief followed by fear which later was replaced with rage and loathing. Naturally, justice would be upheld in a court of law, I assured myself. And then the “legal system” revealed its limitations and restrictions, according to the law, leaving me with...nothing. Nothing from a human perspective. At the point of utter personal despair and perceived failure of the justice system, God was able to fill me with his words and his ways. Through prayer, wise counsel and study of God’s word a heart of revenge and hatred was replaced with a heart for God. “When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you” Isaiah 43:2. “Your heavenly Father...will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern” Mathew 6:32-33. “When your faith is tested your endurance has a chance to grow” James 1:3. Today, I no longer hate my former friend. In fact the opposite has happened. I pray for his welfare and restoration with Jesus. And, no, we haven’t reconciled.
Day 2 - Read Matthew 5:40-42
One Bible commentary refers to these verses with “four extreme cases follow in rapid succession”. If you are insulted by a slap to the face, go against the natural human tendency, and give the assailant the other side of your face. Huh? Jesus wants us to endure a slap in the face for HIS sake, maybe even two slaps. No reason is given. We are to follow Jesus’ example. Can you think back to a time when you were unfairly treated but you didn’t protect yourself, your personal honor? No one may have even noticed your non-reaction but if you took this stance for righteousness sake surely your father in heaven sees.
If anyone would sue you and take your coat let him have your cloak as well. Perhaps Jesus uses the example of the lawsuit since either it can be offensive to be taken to court or because lawsuits can involve false accusations. The strange logic of being stripped naked is possibly yet another reminder that we ought not be overly concerned about defending our honor nor avenging wrongdoers.
If anyone forces you to go one mile go with him go two miles. Readers of the bible will know that the cruel Roman occupiers forced Hebrew citizens to carry the Roman soldier’s equipment for a thousand paces. Complete humiliation-the Jews carried the weaponry that ultimately was used against them!
Resistance, Jesus says, is futile. After the Romans forcibly extract this service, Jesus says, freely give them another mile. Dear God, may we also go the extra mile for those that exploit us. Jesus, help us to not to stop at the point of anger and humiliation and dwell there. Allow us the grace to understand that you, Jesus, died for all-the cruel oppressor as well as the prideful and the innocent. Forgive us as we forgive those that sin against us. Amen.
Give to him who begs a loan from you and do not refuse him who would borrow from you. Give to the one who asks. Okay, so now we are to follow Jesus’ teaching and forget about checking credit, references, interest rates, deposit insurance, and contracts. Are you kidding me? Is there no limit? Once again Jesus demands reckless giving, free sharing, open door helping, nothing held back. Here we see this upside down world of Jesus in another astonishing way. He hits the wallet, the savings, the retirement, our worldly possessions, our home-everything we have worked for. It’s ours, we shout.
But what if it really isn’t ours? Then, we are God’s conduit on earth for the disbursement of His provisions. Nothing can be claimed/possessed by us in this kind of thinking. Radical thinking-yes indeed. But that is what Jesus was-radical love. Dear Lord, help us to be compassionate individuals and churches, help us with ministry to the needy and to the poor. Allow us to model your generosity. Amen.
Day 3 - Read Matthew 5:43
You shall love your neighbor. How do you define neighbor? Is it a physical address closest to your home? Is it your family members, perhaps your nuclear family and not your extended family? Is it the group of folks you spend the most time with, those that accept you as their own? Is it those that share the same continent as you? Do you still consider those once close to you as neighbor...your ex-spouse, that jerk next door, the friend that betrayed you, the boss you loved that put you on unemployment, etc.?
Day 4 - Read Matthew 5:44-48
Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.
“I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you” John 15:12. Loving others as Christ loves you is costly. Think about the price Jesus paid to love us. He left heaven to live among us. He came to earth and was ridiculed, rejected, beaten, spit upon and crucified. Loving wasn’t comfortable nor convenient for him. It cost him everything.
Jesus calls us to love others the same way he loves humanity. So what are you willing to spend to love others? Will you give up comfort, convenience, popularity, time, energy or money? Will you step outside your world to get into the lives of others? Will you love the people that the world doesn’t love? What will it cost you? Are you willing to pay the price?
Day 5 - Read Proverbs 25:21-22
We close the week with words of wisdom from the journal: “A One Year Road Trip with Jesus”. “Inaction and avoidance are never options with Jesus. Neither is resentment or bitterness. Nor judgment.
You and I were once enemies of God, being dead in sin and unresponsive to the voice of God. And what was God’s way of relating to us? God initiated to us:
Mercy, not retaliation Blessing, not cursing Prayer, not gossip Good, not evil Forgiveness, not grudges Love, not avoidance.”
As you stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s teaching you “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do” Romans 12:2.
Cross my heart and hope to die
by Mary Preston
Day 1 - Read Matthew 5:33-37
Perhaps you remember saying "Cross my heart and hope to die" when you were a child. We would make a promise and reinforce it by swearing such an oath. In other words, we REALLY meant what we said. This passage in Matthew quotes Jesus on the subject of oaths. Jesus says to not swear by heaven or earth or Jerusalem or by your own head. In the law followed by the Pharisees, it was common to swear by something. Yet Jesus says that we cannot change a hair on our head by swearing by it.
What do you swear by?
Why do we feel that it is necessary to swear by something? St. Augustine felt that oaths were beneath the dignity of a gentleman. This is similar to our expression, “my word is my bond”. Do we need to swear by something?
Day 2 - Read Matthew 26:69-74
Look at Peter when he is telling the lie that he does not know Jesus. He progressively shores up his statements so that the listeners will believe him. The first time he says that he doesn’t know what they are talking about. The second time, he denies it "with an oath", and the third time, calls down curses on himself if he lies.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says more than once that he is not abolishing the religious laws but is asking for a higher standard based on the spirit of the law. Oaths in the Old Testament were designed to restrict, to put a fence around serious statements (the word oath, horkos, in Greek has the meaning of fence or enclosure). But God himself takes oaths. They are not light ones – he promises to always be faithful to his people (Hebrews 6:16-20)
Day 3 – Read Deuteronomy 23:21
The writer of Deuteronomy urges us to follow through on our vows to the Lord. What vows (oaths) are helpful? Vows can help us when there are temptations. Vows/oaths are taken in religious and secular settings. They are used on formal occasions such as joining a church, getting married, getting citizenship, and obtaining voting privileges. Even though many might say, “it’s just a piece of paper” maybe in our weakness, this represents help staying the course of a commitment to a marriage or a church in times of conflict or tension.
Day 4 – Read Matthew 5:37
This verse is all about Jesus’ call to truthfulness. Sounds like a good idea. Yet, how often do we tell “little white lies"? Why do we do this?
Perhaps it is for our financial benefit “the IRS is a big organization, and won’t miss my money if I bend the truth a bit”. Another reason could be to please other people, or to not hurt their feelings. Have you ever told someone with a new haircut (that you secretly think is very unflattering) “I like your hair”? Sounds good in the moment, but perhaps she will always have that style based on your untrue compliment! Or “we really have to get together” when you have no such intention? Do we exaggerate either our troubles to gain sympathy (“I work so hard”) or our accomplishments to gain recognition?
Untruthfulness can ruin a relationship. Bonhoeffer says: “Untruthfulness destroys fellowship but truth cuts false fellowship to pieces and establishes genuine brotherhood”
Let me give you a painful example: A long time acquaintance and I were bemoaning her daughter’s inability to clearly tell an acquaintance that she really didn’t want to get together with her on New Year’s Eve. Yet, when the mom said, let’s the two of us get together, I was not honest in my response (I didn’t want to get together). I left the conversation with a sense of my dishonesty, and with a remembrance of the passage about the splinter in the person’s eye that I was criticizing and the log in my own. (Matthew 7:1-5)
Day 5 – Read Matthew 5:48
This standard of truthfulness is too high. It is too hard. We (I) keep failing at it. We feel guilty. And it doesn’t help to be told “Be ye perfect”. But there is help. One scholar translates this passage as a promise from God “you SHALL be perfect”. Read Matthew 6:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 John 5:18,19 for reassurance. God is with us, protecting us, helping us always. Tom Wilkens expresses this well (Un-American Activities: Countercultural Themes in Christianity p.118-119): “Guilt has gone out of favor in the last century or so. ... Theologies or philosophies that attempt to replace guilt with a comprehensive no-fault life policy are fraudulent. Get real. Get honest. Guilt requires a thick coat of forgiveness, not a thin cloak of therapy or rationalization. And forgiveness, like faith, is not achieved: it is given.” Grace.
Yes, being truthful is hard. Yet if we are, we don’t need to reinforce it with oaths. We could start by keeping our word in small things – for example “I will bring that article to you next Wednesday”. God is our strength in our weakness.
Day 1 - Read Matthew 5:33-37
Perhaps you remember saying "Cross my heart and hope to die" when you were a child. We would make a promise and reinforce it by swearing such an oath. In other words, we REALLY meant what we said. This passage in Matthew quotes Jesus on the subject of oaths. Jesus says to not swear by heaven or earth or Jerusalem or by your own head. In the law followed by the Pharisees, it was common to swear by something. Yet Jesus says that we cannot change a hair on our head by swearing by it.
What do you swear by?
Why do we feel that it is necessary to swear by something? St. Augustine felt that oaths were beneath the dignity of a gentleman. This is similar to our expression, “my word is my bond”. Do we need to swear by something?
Day 2 - Read Matthew 26:69-74
Look at Peter when he is telling the lie that he does not know Jesus. He progressively shores up his statements so that the listeners will believe him. The first time he says that he doesn’t know what they are talking about. The second time, he denies it "with an oath", and the third time, calls down curses on himself if he lies.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says more than once that he is not abolishing the religious laws but is asking for a higher standard based on the spirit of the law. Oaths in the Old Testament were designed to restrict, to put a fence around serious statements (the word oath, horkos, in Greek has the meaning of fence or enclosure). But God himself takes oaths. They are not light ones – he promises to always be faithful to his people (Hebrews 6:16-20)
Day 3 – Read Deuteronomy 23:21
The writer of Deuteronomy urges us to follow through on our vows to the Lord. What vows (oaths) are helpful? Vows can help us when there are temptations. Vows/oaths are taken in religious and secular settings. They are used on formal occasions such as joining a church, getting married, getting citizenship, and obtaining voting privileges. Even though many might say, “it’s just a piece of paper” maybe in our weakness, this represents help staying the course of a commitment to a marriage or a church in times of conflict or tension.
Day 4 – Read Matthew 5:37
This verse is all about Jesus’ call to truthfulness. Sounds like a good idea. Yet, how often do we tell “little white lies"? Why do we do this?
Perhaps it is for our financial benefit “the IRS is a big organization, and won’t miss my money if I bend the truth a bit”. Another reason could be to please other people, or to not hurt their feelings. Have you ever told someone with a new haircut (that you secretly think is very unflattering) “I like your hair”? Sounds good in the moment, but perhaps she will always have that style based on your untrue compliment! Or “we really have to get together” when you have no such intention? Do we exaggerate either our troubles to gain sympathy (“I work so hard”) or our accomplishments to gain recognition?
Untruthfulness can ruin a relationship. Bonhoeffer says: “Untruthfulness destroys fellowship but truth cuts false fellowship to pieces and establishes genuine brotherhood”
Let me give you a painful example: A long time acquaintance and I were bemoaning her daughter’s inability to clearly tell an acquaintance that she really didn’t want to get together with her on New Year’s Eve. Yet, when the mom said, let’s the two of us get together, I was not honest in my response (I didn’t want to get together). I left the conversation with a sense of my dishonesty, and with a remembrance of the passage about the splinter in the person’s eye that I was criticizing and the log in my own. (Matthew 7:1-5)
Day 5 – Read Matthew 5:48
This standard of truthfulness is too high. It is too hard. We (I) keep failing at it. We feel guilty. And it doesn’t help to be told “Be ye perfect”. But there is help. One scholar translates this passage as a promise from God “you SHALL be perfect”. Read Matthew 6:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 John 5:18,19 for reassurance. God is with us, protecting us, helping us always. Tom Wilkens expresses this well (Un-American Activities: Countercultural Themes in Christianity p.118-119): “Guilt has gone out of favor in the last century or so. ... Theologies or philosophies that attempt to replace guilt with a comprehensive no-fault life policy are fraudulent. Get real. Get honest. Guilt requires a thick coat of forgiveness, not a thin cloak of therapy or rationalization. And forgiveness, like faith, is not achieved: it is given.” Grace.
Yes, being truthful is hard. Yet if we are, we don’t need to reinforce it with oaths. We could start by keeping our word in small things – for example “I will bring that article to you next Wednesday”. God is our strength in our weakness.
Sex, Love and Wholeness
by Kim Wilkens
Day 1 - Adultery & Divorce
Read Matthew 5:27-32. What is your gut reaction to this text? For me, it starts with guilt because my focus immediately goes to the "divorce" section. I'm divorced. What does this mean for me? I find there are generally not many words of comfort for the divorced in the Bible. My next reaction is anger because as a female I don't like reading this patriarchal language where husbands seem to have all the rights. Did you also feel some strong emotional reactions to this text? Why do you think Jesus uses such strong language and disturbing imagery around the subject of adultery & divorce?
Day 2 - Betrayal
Sex is the ultimate intimate act with another. As such, it can also reveal our most vulnerable selves to another. When one experiences betrayal and/or abuse associated with this act, gut wrenching emotions, spiritual and possibly physical damage will surely follow. I think this must be why Jesus treats this subject so harshly. The consequences of heading down the path of adultery and unfaithfulness are destructive to all involved. Read Lamentations 1. Have you ever been betrayed? What did it feel like? What lasting effects did it have on your life?
Day 3 - Evil
It doesn't seem like any rational person would argue with the concept that faithfulness is good and betrayal is bad. So how come our actions are often in conflict with our reason? This is where evil enters the picture. Evil is not rational. Read Mark 7:1-23. Jesus reminds the teachers, the crowd and his disciples that evil resides in everyone. We cannot blame outside influences for the existence of this evil. What outside influences can do is make it very hard for us to overcome our resident evil. Consider how the values of our culture and the portrayal of sex and love in the media might influence your resident evil.
Day 4 - Love
Many people spend their lives "looking for love in all the wrong places". With so many false ideas and images about sex and love out in the world, how are we to recognize the real thing? In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul does a beautiful job of describing what love is.
Day 5 - Wholeness
Read Matthew 5:27-32 again. I wonder if Jesus uses such explicit language about losing body parts not only to capture our attention, but also to indicate how it is our thoughts of betrayal that begin the damage within us. Maybe it is not really the act itself that gets us in the end, but the way we let our hearts become twisted and broken with thoughts of adultery, indecency, envy and pride. Read Romans 8:31-39. Paul's words remind us that nothing can separate us from the love of God and that is where we need to turn to find forgiveness, reconciliation and a path to wholeness.
Day 1 - Adultery & Divorce
Read Matthew 5:27-32. What is your gut reaction to this text? For me, it starts with guilt because my focus immediately goes to the "divorce" section. I'm divorced. What does this mean for me? I find there are generally not many words of comfort for the divorced in the Bible. My next reaction is anger because as a female I don't like reading this patriarchal language where husbands seem to have all the rights. Did you also feel some strong emotional reactions to this text? Why do you think Jesus uses such strong language and disturbing imagery around the subject of adultery & divorce?
Day 2 - Betrayal
Sex is the ultimate intimate act with another. As such, it can also reveal our most vulnerable selves to another. When one experiences betrayal and/or abuse associated with this act, gut wrenching emotions, spiritual and possibly physical damage will surely follow. I think this must be why Jesus treats this subject so harshly. The consequences of heading down the path of adultery and unfaithfulness are destructive to all involved. Read Lamentations 1. Have you ever been betrayed? What did it feel like? What lasting effects did it have on your life?
Day 3 - Evil
It doesn't seem like any rational person would argue with the concept that faithfulness is good and betrayal is bad. So how come our actions are often in conflict with our reason? This is where evil enters the picture. Evil is not rational. Read Mark 7:1-23. Jesus reminds the teachers, the crowd and his disciples that evil resides in everyone. We cannot blame outside influences for the existence of this evil. What outside influences can do is make it very hard for us to overcome our resident evil. Consider how the values of our culture and the portrayal of sex and love in the media might influence your resident evil.
Day 4 - Love
Many people spend their lives "looking for love in all the wrong places". With so many false ideas and images about sex and love out in the world, how are we to recognize the real thing? In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul does a beautiful job of describing what love is.
"Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."Read the rest of 1 Corinthians 13. How is this kind of love possible? Have you seen or experienced this kind of love in the world?
Day 5 - Wholeness
Read Matthew 5:27-32 again. I wonder if Jesus uses such explicit language about losing body parts not only to capture our attention, but also to indicate how it is our thoughts of betrayal that begin the damage within us. Maybe it is not really the act itself that gets us in the end, but the way we let our hearts become twisted and broken with thoughts of adultery, indecency, envy and pride. Read Romans 8:31-39. Paul's words remind us that nothing can separate us from the love of God and that is where we need to turn to find forgiveness, reconciliation and a path to wholeness.
Practicing Reconciliation
by Dave Poole
Following the beatitudes, Jesus discusses some legal issues that were hot topics among the religious leaders of his day ... topics like murder, adultery, divorce, etc. Jesus quotes from the Ten Commandments (the Law of Moses) stating what the Pharisees and teachers of the law would profess and practice (the “letter of the law”). But then Jesus takes it a step further with interpretations that went beyond the details of the law to clarify the intention of God’s will (the “spirit of the law”). This week we’ll look at the commandment against murder and Jesus’ interpretive expansion which includes anger. We’ll look at how anger affects our relationships in community, affects our relationships with each other, and affects our relationship with God.
Day 1 - Read Matthew 5: 21-22
Jesus reminds the people of the commandment “Thou shalt not kill” (or “Do not murder”) then interprets that commandment to include being angry with your brother. While it might be easy for most of us to avoid killing someone, it seems nearly impossible for us to avoid getting angry with someone. Why would Jesus put such a painfully difficult spin on this commandment? Jesus came to usher in a new community ... the Kingdom of God ... and anger expressed in name calling (“fool, idiot, stupid” i.e. character assassination) is a serious threat to a new, small community. Anger and insults could easily spill over into actions and lead to violence, especially in a culture where public honor was highly valued and any breaking of it required some response (recall Joseph’s reaction when he learned Mary was pregnant: Matthew 1:19 ... “Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”). Matthew stresses communal harmony, forbidding angry insults because of their danger to the community.
Have you ever been angry at someone? Called him/her nasty names (even if only in your head)? Did you resolve it? Did you renew your relationship? Let us pray that in our community God will work in our hearts so that we may reach out to each other to reconcile our differences and rebuild our broken relationships.
Day 2 - Read Matthew 5: 21-22
When I was a kid and nasty name calling would erupt, my mother would try to soothe the hurts saying: “Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can never hurt us!” I’m sure it was comforting to hear her calming words – but deep down inside I knew that words (name calling) really did hurt. And Jesus knew that too. He knew that speaking an- gry words could be like throwing gasoline on a fire – explosive. So Matthew tells us that Jesus interpreted “Do not murder” to show the intention of God’s will that we not be angry – that we not call each other names – that we not speak badly about our brother or sister or neighbor.
Has anyone ever called you a nasty name? How did you feel? Did it hurt? Angry attacks often provoke defensiveness ... and sometimes retaliation. Let us pray that God will give us the self discipline to speak well of others, and the courage to work out any hurts and angers that we may feel toward others or that we think others may feel toward us.
Day 3 - Read Matthew 5: 21-24
As a teenager, I suffered a few ordeals of breaking up with a girlfriend. (Maybe you experienced this too). It seemed to happen in those most vulnerable times of high school and college. Breaking up – trying to make up – only to later face another break up. It seemed to be a life experience painfully recycled. We even had songs about it back in the 60’s.
Now, as an adult, I wonder whatever happened to that effort to “make up”? It seems that when we “break up” now – when we have a falling out with someone or a disagreement over something, we are more inclined to just “write that person out of our life” rather than try to find a way to “make up” (to be reconciled). And yet Jesus says this is so important that even if we realize this in the middle of a worship service, we should go and “make up” (be reconciled) with that person ... and then come back to finish worshiping. Maybe this is why we include the sharing of the peace in our worship service.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will embolden us to go to the person with whom we have some dispute (or who has some dispute with us) and empower us to work with love, patience and persistence toward reconciliation.
Day 4 - Read Matthew 5: 21-26
God’s commandments were given not only to regulate our relationships in community with each other but also to prescribe our relationship with God. So if there is anger or discord in our relationship with another person ... how might that affect our relationship with God? In 1st John chapter 4 we read: “We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” Jesus knows that our conflicted relationships with each other will inevitably contaminate our relationship with God. So again, reconciliation with our “brother” takes a very high priority.
Let us pray that we not hide or deny our broken relationships with any others, but that God will help us go in love to be reconciled with them. For God has said: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25: 40). Let us reconcile with our brother so that we may likewise be reconciled with God.
Day 5 -Read Matthew 5: 21-26
Why do you think Jesus expresses such urgency about our reconciling: “Settle matters quickly with your adversary ...” ? Jesus didn’t command us to not get angry (he got angry himself several times), but he commands us to deal with it constructively; not stew in it, not pretend it doesn’t exist, not let it fester inside us. Jesus knows that we tend to procrastinate, especially with unpleasant or difficult things we really don’t want to do. And he knows that if we stew in our anger or let it fester, it will trap us in a vicious cycle of unsatisfactory relationships and ultimately alienation from God. So he tells us to go to our brother/sister to settle matters quickly. He tells us to take the initiative to make it happen ... to take the first step ... to make the first move.
Let us pray that God will give us the courage to acknowledge our anger, the humility to go to our brother (or sister) with whom we have that disagreement, and the love to persist in seeking reconciliation.
Following the beatitudes, Jesus discusses some legal issues that were hot topics among the religious leaders of his day ... topics like murder, adultery, divorce, etc. Jesus quotes from the Ten Commandments (the Law of Moses) stating what the Pharisees and teachers of the law would profess and practice (the “letter of the law”). But then Jesus takes it a step further with interpretations that went beyond the details of the law to clarify the intention of God’s will (the “spirit of the law”). This week we’ll look at the commandment against murder and Jesus’ interpretive expansion which includes anger. We’ll look at how anger affects our relationships in community, affects our relationships with each other, and affects our relationship with God.
Day 1 - Read Matthew 5: 21-22
Jesus reminds the people of the commandment “Thou shalt not kill” (or “Do not murder”) then interprets that commandment to include being angry with your brother. While it might be easy for most of us to avoid killing someone, it seems nearly impossible for us to avoid getting angry with someone. Why would Jesus put such a painfully difficult spin on this commandment? Jesus came to usher in a new community ... the Kingdom of God ... and anger expressed in name calling (“fool, idiot, stupid” i.e. character assassination) is a serious threat to a new, small community. Anger and insults could easily spill over into actions and lead to violence, especially in a culture where public honor was highly valued and any breaking of it required some response (recall Joseph’s reaction when he learned Mary was pregnant: Matthew 1:19 ... “Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”). Matthew stresses communal harmony, forbidding angry insults because of their danger to the community.
Have you ever been angry at someone? Called him/her nasty names (even if only in your head)? Did you resolve it? Did you renew your relationship? Let us pray that in our community God will work in our hearts so that we may reach out to each other to reconcile our differences and rebuild our broken relationships.
Day 2 - Read Matthew 5: 21-22
When I was a kid and nasty name calling would erupt, my mother would try to soothe the hurts saying: “Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can never hurt us!” I’m sure it was comforting to hear her calming words – but deep down inside I knew that words (name calling) really did hurt. And Jesus knew that too. He knew that speaking an- gry words could be like throwing gasoline on a fire – explosive. So Matthew tells us that Jesus interpreted “Do not murder” to show the intention of God’s will that we not be angry – that we not call each other names – that we not speak badly about our brother or sister or neighbor.
Has anyone ever called you a nasty name? How did you feel? Did it hurt? Angry attacks often provoke defensiveness ... and sometimes retaliation. Let us pray that God will give us the self discipline to speak well of others, and the courage to work out any hurts and angers that we may feel toward others or that we think others may feel toward us.
Day 3 - Read Matthew 5: 21-24
As a teenager, I suffered a few ordeals of breaking up with a girlfriend. (Maybe you experienced this too). It seemed to happen in those most vulnerable times of high school and college. Breaking up – trying to make up – only to later face another break up. It seemed to be a life experience painfully recycled. We even had songs about it back in the 60’s.
Now, as an adult, I wonder whatever happened to that effort to “make up”? It seems that when we “break up” now – when we have a falling out with someone or a disagreement over something, we are more inclined to just “write that person out of our life” rather than try to find a way to “make up” (to be reconciled). And yet Jesus says this is so important that even if we realize this in the middle of a worship service, we should go and “make up” (be reconciled) with that person ... and then come back to finish worshiping. Maybe this is why we include the sharing of the peace in our worship service.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will embolden us to go to the person with whom we have some dispute (or who has some dispute with us) and empower us to work with love, patience and persistence toward reconciliation.
Day 4 - Read Matthew 5: 21-26
God’s commandments were given not only to regulate our relationships in community with each other but also to prescribe our relationship with God. So if there is anger or discord in our relationship with another person ... how might that affect our relationship with God? In 1st John chapter 4 we read: “We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” Jesus knows that our conflicted relationships with each other will inevitably contaminate our relationship with God. So again, reconciliation with our “brother” takes a very high priority.
Let us pray that we not hide or deny our broken relationships with any others, but that God will help us go in love to be reconciled with them. For God has said: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25: 40). Let us reconcile with our brother so that we may likewise be reconciled with God.
Day 5 -Read Matthew 5: 21-26
Why do you think Jesus expresses such urgency about our reconciling: “Settle matters quickly with your adversary ...” ? Jesus didn’t command us to not get angry (he got angry himself several times), but he commands us to deal with it constructively; not stew in it, not pretend it doesn’t exist, not let it fester inside us. Jesus knows that we tend to procrastinate, especially with unpleasant or difficult things we really don’t want to do. And he knows that if we stew in our anger or let it fester, it will trap us in a vicious cycle of unsatisfactory relationships and ultimately alienation from God. So he tells us to go to our brother/sister to settle matters quickly. He tells us to take the initiative to make it happen ... to take the first step ... to make the first move.
Let us pray that God will give us the courage to acknowledge our anger, the humility to go to our brother (or sister) with whom we have that disagreement, and the love to persist in seeking reconciliation.
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