From verses 13 through 21 where Jesus feeds the five thousand, the Son of Man does many miracles that are amazing. It was tough for me to picture when I was young about the event where Jesus feeds the five thousand. I truly believe that Jesus can do so many things that are way beyond our imagination and ideas. I encourage everyone to pray and believe in Him.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Matthew 14 - Jason
It is surprising that John the Baptist died the way he did. It seems like he died very young and he had so much to live for. At the same time I was reminded that he had a specific purpose in his life--he was the messenger of God crying out in the wilderness, "Prepare the way of the Lord!" He fulfilled this purpose for which the Lord created him. And he glorified God in his stand against Herod's adultery. He confronted the sin of Herod and gave him an opportunity to repent. Instead John was put in jail, which may also happen to us if we are in an oppressed society and powerful people want us out of their way. I want to be willing to endure suffering in this world for the sake of doing what's right and loving God and his ways completely. I don't want to be afraid of people and what they might do to me if I stand up for what God says.
Matthew 14 - Nathanael
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Matthew 14:31-33 NIV
Jesus calls us to follow him just as he called Peter. At times he calls us out onto the water - the place of amazing power and grace, and yet a place that causes us fear and doubt.
It is interesting here that Peter asked Jesus to call him out on the water.
That tells me two things: 1) Peter thought he would be able to make it if Jesus was with him 2) we can ask God to bring us into those places of miracles and his presence.
The corollary to part 1 is that we also often have a higher assessment of our faith than is actual. We think that we can and would follow Jesus in any situation only to find out that in the middle of it we become afraid. Like Peter we lose our focus on Jesus and see all of the problems around us.
Lord Jesus, help us keep our eyes on you! Build up or faith and trust in you so we can see and experience more of your great power and love!
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Matthew 13 - Nathanael
The parable of the weeds is one of those that is easy to comprehend at some level but tricky at another level. I often want to compare the field to the church, but Jesus clearly says that the field is the world. Also, just like the people in the parable, my tendency would be to pull out the weeds earlier than later, but that would endanger some of the wheat. So I must learn patience and wait for God's perfect timing!
Also, verse 58 is a sobering statement: And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
Lord Jesus, give me more faith so that I can see more of your miracles at work!
Matthew 13 - Esther
The verses that stood out from this morning.
"The good seed stands for the people who belongs to the kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one." - Matthew 13: 38
I pray that everyone of us will be good seed that we will bear good plants and fruits. Even though there will be branching that will be hurtful but God will help us to bear more fruits.
Matthew 13 - Jason
The parable of the sower is so good. When I read it I have to ask myself what kind of soil my heart has. Am I listening and understanding the word of God? Or am I allowing something in this world to distract me or pull me away from what God wants me to do? I try to focus when I read, but sometimes my mind wanders to something else, or I try to finish the reading as part of a religious duty rather than meditate on it and spend time with God. If I let something distract me and don't do anything with what I read from the Scripture then it would be better for me to not read. I should take responsibility for what the Lord is showing me with his word, and put his teaching into practice and grow spiritually.
Friday, April 7, 2017
Matthew 12 - Esther
The verses that stood out from today from Matthew 12: 31 - 32.
"So here is what I tell you. Every sin and every word spoken again God will be forgiven. But speaking evil things against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven. But anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. A person like that won't be forgiven either now or in days to come."
These words encourage me to keep praying for myself and others that the Holy Spirit will speak and guide us.
Matthew 12 - Jason
Jesus emphasized the importance of spiritual relationships over natural family when he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." I think I still struggle with finding the right balance between spending time with family members and having closer fellowship with people who are following God together in the church. I think that many of my family members are believers, but sometimes we have disagreements, and I want to be able to stand up for what God wants me to do instead of being swayed by family. In this Scripture it seems like Jesus' family had come to interrupt his teaching and ministry work. But God had a different plan and Jesus did not go with them. I still feel a strong attachment to my family members, and it is hard to say no or not go along with them at times if they are wanting me to do something.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Matthew 11 - Jason
I was thinking when I read verses 20-24, what is it about the people in some cities that they do not repent when they see Jesus and his miracles and teaching? What is it in the other cities he mentions that does make them repent? Like Sidon and Tyre, Sodom and Gomorrah? Why would they repent in dust and ashes while the other cities do not?
I want to see the miracles of God more and more and receive his teaching and continue to repent and be changed by Him. I do not want to be like these hard-hearted cities that see the Lord and all he does and then just go about my life however I want. Matthew 11 - Nathanael
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."
Matthew 11:23-24
Jesus lived in Capernaum so they saw many miracles and heard much teaching. But still many from Capernaum didn't believe and Jesus said it will be bad for them at judgement time. I think that in the U.S. we are in the same situation.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
Thank you Jesus that you desire to give us rest and relieve our burdens! Help us to trust you and find your rest!
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Matthew 10 - Jason
Jesus gave his disciples many words of encouragement and instructions in this chapter as he sent them out to preach to the lost souls of Israel. He gave them authority to do all the miracles that he had been doing and showing them along the way! I was touched by the verses where Jesus instructs them to not be afraid. He said "everyone who acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." On the one hand, I feel encouraged by this verse because that I have said to others that I am a Christian and have stood up for what I believe God wants me to do at times. However, I think that there were times that I was afraid to say that I am Christian, or I did not say what God wanted me to say at other times. Sometimes I do let fear stop me from doing certain things--but I choose to go forward, and I want to stand up for God in any situation. I don't want to be afraid of people or let fear stop me from doing what's right.
Matthew 10 - Nathanael
Again a very interesting chaptwr as Jesus sends out his disciples on their first ministry trip.
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
Matthew 10:1
When i read this it is very exciting and i think "i wish that i was there to experience that!" But then I remember that Jesus had given us his Holy Spirit and had sent us out!
"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Matthew 10:16
A call to wisdom. Too often I can be naive and think the best for people but I need the wisdom of God I how to proceed.
But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,
Matthew 10:19
It was not "if" they arrest you but "when".
Persecution is part of the package.
"The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
Matthew 10:24-25
We will also bee called evil and of the devil - this usually religious people.
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Thank you Jesus that you love us so much and that you know every part of us!
"Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
Matthew 10:30-33
A sobering reminder not to give way to fear
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward."
Matthew 10:42 NIV
I want God's reward. This reminds me to accept and honor people for who they are in Christ!
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Matthew 9 - Wun-gwi
In matthew 9, Jesus showed lots of good things like healing, calming storm, etc.
However, the workers for harvesting is a few.(V35)
That is the major reason why Jesus had displeships arround him- to be sent out to spread gospel.
We all are daily ambassador of Jesus sent to this world. I want to do my job well!
Matthew 9 - Nathanael
Each chapter in Matthew is so loaded with amazing teaching and/or amazing accounts of the miracles that Jesus did.
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Matthew 9:12-13
This is quite powerful and speaks to me and other believers. We often think/feel that there are some people who aren't the "right kind" for us to speak to about Jesus. Perhaps a homeless person or a druggie or a criminal or anyone who we might be afraid of or uncomfortable around. But Jesus died for all men and women and desires that all be saved.
Jesus, help us to see those around us with the eyes that you see people with - eyes of mercy, compassion and love.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
Matthew 9:36-38 NIV
Again Jesus saw the huge need of broken and hurting souls all around him. He offered help and life to them. It is amazing how God honors us by allowing and wanting us to be a part of his plan of reaching out and helping this broken world and introducing them to the love of God. It is amazingly good news!
Monday, April 3, 2017
Matthew 8 - Nathanael
Matthew 5 through 7 were chapters were we saw the amazing and profound teaching of Jesus. Now in chapter 8 we are seeing the amazing miracles - From healing, to driving out demons, to controlling the weather!
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.
Matthew 8:10
Here Jesus heals remotely and we see great faith in a foreign soldier.
When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases."
The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"
Matthew 8:10, 16-17, 27 NIV
Matthew 8 - Jason
This chapter was really amazing to read all the sections together because there were many people coming to Jesus with all kinds of problems and yet they knew that the Lord could heal them. The leper knew that Jesus could heal him, but he wasn't sure that God would want to heal him. The centurion knew that Jesus could heal his servant just by speaking the word, and many people came to where Jesus was so he would pray for them to be healed of diseases and demon oppression. When they sailed across the Sea of Galilee, it says that two demon possessed men ran up to him and were pleading for help--but the demons were asking Jesus for mercy. Jesus caused the demons to come out of the men and gave them permission to go into some nearby pigs. Yet the disciples who were closest to Jesus seemed to have the least faith in him because when he calmed the storm on the sea by speaking to nature, they could not understand who he was. They did ask for Jesus to save them, but maybe they did not really think that he could do it. I want to ask God for help like the other people who knew the authority that he has over everything and his ability and willingness to heal any and all problems and situations! Lord God, thank you for your love, wisdom, and power over all creation.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Matthew 7- Wun-gwi
21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
This verse told me to the importance of doing the will of God in our life and it reminded me another strong statement in James 2:26
26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
I pray that I will do the actions God want me to do this week!
Matthew 7 - Nathanael
Wow! Matthew 7 is just loaded with so many amazing and important teachings!
I think that the last two verses of the chapter sum it up perfectly:
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Matthew 7:28-29
Some key verses that stand out to me are here:
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:11
I love this verse because it shows us clearly the live that God has for us. He is a loving father who gives good gifts - much more than we would give add parents!
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12
The golden rule! So simple yet profound, easy for any to understand yet so all encompassing!
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 7:21
A word of warning that we all need to hear - the words we say aren't the key but what we do.
Thank you Jesus for your love and amazing wisdom!
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Matthew 6 - Wun-gwi
"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
God is keep talking to me over this chapter that I need to focus on the relationship between God and me. Not the treasures in this world; reputation/ power/ money.
Then I don't have to worry about living in this world as God will take care of everything I need.
Matthew 6 - Nathanael
The sermon on the mount is quite amazing in the depth and breadth of teaching. Jesus not only establishes a new moral framework but does so with a practicality that all can understand.
"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
One concept he lays out is to have a righteousness based on a relationship with God as opposed to something to build our reputation with others. He pushes us to know and love God first and foremost.
This then impacts not just how we worship God but also how we interact with others and how we view and use or possessions and our money, and how we approach life in general.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:1, 21 NIV
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