Tag Archives: #readMatthew

Spoiler ALERT: The Church Prevails!

The Church will stand! The gates of Hades will not prevail against it! (Matt 16:18) Oh, I know, our culture opposes so many things about the Church. And we’ve seen those who lead churches compromise with our ungodly culture, forsake Biblical truth, and fall into scandal. It can be disheartening to say the least. ButContinue reading “Spoiler ALERT: The Church Prevails!”

Because of Who He is – All of the Word…

As Jesus stands in a city surrounded by throngs of idols, He asks His disciples who others say that He is (Matt 16:13) to which they give various answers. Jesus presses further and says, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matt 16:15) Peter famously replies, “You are the Christ, the Son of theContinue reading “Because of Who He is – All of the Word…”

Why are those who think themselves intelligent so blind to the spiritual?

Jesus healed many -the lame walked, the blind saw, the deaf heard. The crowds grew. He miraculously feeds another 4000 (Matt 15:29-39). The Pharisees and the Sadducees (two groups who previously opposed each other) form an alliance against Jesus and demand a sign from Heaven, to which Jesus replies, “Hypocrites! You know how to discernContinue reading “Why are those who think themselves intelligent so blind to the spiritual?”

The Radical Jesus

Sometimes, I forget just how radical the Jesus of the Bible truly is. He came and turned the culture of the day upside down. He set things straight. He shocked religious leaders. He ran to the broken, the marginalized, and the hurting. He seems to be especially drawn to the humble and, in many ofContinue reading “The Radical Jesus”

Those who solely follow their feelings are their own gods.

Instead of looking for ways to follow God closer, many, even many who call themselves Christians, look for loop-holes. They quote scriptures that affirm their feelings and ignore the ones that don’t. In all actuality, they are their own gods who foolishly trust their hearts—hearts that the Bible tells us are deceitful above all things.Continue reading “Those who solely follow their feelings are their own gods.”

Is that You?

For so many, for me, there have been things that have happened in our lives that shook us to the core but ended up helping us see Jesus walking closer to us. I think about the disciples who were afraid as Jesus walked toward them on the water. They initially thought He was a ghostContinue reading “Is that You?”

God is still compassionate towards us!

Jesus’ life on earth was marked by great compassion for those who were hurting, sick, and caught up in sin. The miracles when He feeds the 5000 and when He walks on water are prompted by great compassion towards us. (See Matt 14:13-33) And as we are told in both the Old and New TestamentsContinue reading “God is still compassionate towards us!”

For the HARD thing you are facing…

Jesus loves us so very much that He didn’t keep Himself from the Cross or from feeling our hard, human emotions. In Matthew 13, Jesus talks about the kingdom of Heaven being like a treasure to be found, and a Pearl of great price worthy of the giving of all. (Matt 13:44-46) In these parables,Continue reading “For the HARD thing you are facing…”

When the answers aren’t clear…

Well, I’ve come to a portion of scripture where theologians disagree—the two parables – about mustard seed and leaven (Matt 13:31-35). Most believe these refer to Christianity spreading; but some argue these are a warning about evil mixing in when the church grows unusually large. Those who believe this passage is a warning point toContinue reading “When the answers aren’t clear…”

Stepping in sin or practicing it?

There is a difference between stepping in sin and walking in it—practicing it as a habit or lifestyle. And those who walk in it, with no desire or effort to walk away from it, should be warned. Jesus said, “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of HisContinue reading “Stepping in sin or practicing it?”

I’m certain God can change anyone!

You know, I’m so thankful God redeemed my life, and because I know me, I’m certain He can change anyone! I’m reminded of that again today. And, I never intended to camp out in Matthew as long as I have. This is day 77 and I’m only in chapter 13! It’s just that the WordContinue reading “I’m certain God can change anyone!”

HE came for Ordinary People with Humble Hearts

Why did Jesus use parables? Jesus tells the Parable of the Soils (Matt 13) about a sower sowing seed and its propensity to come up based on the condition of the soil where the seed fell. The disciples ask Jesus why He speaks in parables and He explains that it has been given to themContinue reading “HE came for Ordinary People with Humble Hearts”

Seeking your own way vs. the BEST thing ever!

This short passage is worth a pause- Jesus is told His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to Him. But Jesus said, “whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother” and points to His disciples (Matt 12:46-50) First, WHO do Jesus say are His brother,Continue reading “Seeking your own way vs. the BEST thing ever!”

If you’re frustrated over trying harder and messing up, here’s help…

I think it’s HUGE that we understand this! What exactly does Jesus mean when He says, “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds itContinue reading “If you’re frustrated over trying harder and messing up, here’s help…”

The Word draws us back to freedom—again and again.

Well, I didn’t want to read that. Yes, I’ve heard the Holy Spirit pressing on my heart, but I’ve thought I could just scoot past the nudging. And if I’m real honest, just between us, this thing has been an issue for me before and I thought the same sin wouldn’t be a problem forContinue reading “The Word draws us back to freedom—again and again.”

The Unpardonable Sin

As a little girl, I remember sitting at my grandparent’s house hearing the grown ups talk of the “unpardonable sin”. I would plug my ears as tight as I could with my fingers, knowing if I heard what it was, I’d surely do it. Even back then, I knew what a wandering, sin-prone, rebellious heartContinue reading “The Unpardonable Sin”

With Him or against Him?

Jesus said, “He who is not with Me is against Me,” (Matt 12:30) Jesus is being exclusive here. He is deliberately being very, very clear. Every person needs to understand the magnitude of what He is saying here. It’s a matter of life and death. There is no middle ground. There is no way toContinue reading “With Him or against Him?”

Knowing this, is your heart compelled?

The poor guy was demon-possessed, blind, and mute, and Jesus heals him (Matt 12:22). The crowds begin to wonder if Jesus could actually be the Son of David (the Messiah). But the Pharisees accused Jesus of having demonic power to which Jesus logically reasoned, “If Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself. HowContinue reading “Knowing this, is your heart compelled?”

Jesus died for you anyway!

The crowds grow, but Jesus is not loud or forceful, but gentle, and continues to heal “them all” fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy (Matt 12:15-21). What’s more, and what’s truly radical for that time and culture, is this healing of “all”included the Gentiles! “And in His name Gentiles will trust.” (Matt 12:21) The low of the low,Continue reading “Jesus died for you anyway!”