Day 9: The Great Commission

Day 9: Matthew 27, 28; Mark 1

Do you know what God’s Great Commission was, as Christ left earth upon his resurrection?  It’s such a simple instruction that we as His children should be able to live according by.  What Christ said prior to being taken into Heaven to sit next to our Father was just poignant and heart stirring.

¹⁶Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in^[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The reassurance that he gives us – “..I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” is an immeasurable comfort.  No matter what trial and burden that you go through, Christ reassures us every day that He will always be with us, to the very end of age.  Be comforted by that.  Even when everyone else leaves you, He will always be there.

Father – protect my heart from the works of the devil.  He uses pain, suffering and loneliness to forget about your promises.  I ask that with the Great Commission that was given unto us, would convict us to truly turn to you. I pray this all in your sons name. Amen.

Day 8: The Magnificence of The Lord’s Supper

Day 8: Matthew 24, 25, 26

I wonder what the Lord’s Supper prior to Christ’s death was like.  To have 12 of your loved disciples all around you, listening in utter shock, the prophecy that would come to fulfillment in mere moments.  A table of love and devotion, one that I can say I don’t have at all times – must have been such a strong and spiritual environment.

To be able to partake in Christ’s  body and blood with Him is something that I read and get convicted by.

²⁶While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
²⁷Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸This is my blood of the^[a] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ²⁹I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
³⁰When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Matthew 26:26-30

I leave today with these powerful words that only remind us of the blameless Son of Man that Christ was and the sacrifice he made for us, our sins and inequities.

Father, grant me a softened heart.  Allow me to understand the true sacrifice that your son made for us.  Let that be the one that drives our spiritual walk to be closer to You and Your word.

Day 7: How to Get Eternal Life

Day 7: Matthew 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

The parable that struck me in the most magnificent way was that of the rich young man (Matthew 19:16-30).  Who, that walks in the light of God, doesn’t come across this struggle almost on a daily basis?  What do I need to give up for eternal life?

At first, Christ explained that “There is only One who is good.  if you want to enter life, obey the commandments.”  Matthew 19:17

What would those commandments be?   Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and moth and love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 19:18-19

Yet this was not enough – for those who do follow these commandments, they may find themselves asking, “what more can I do?”

“If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:21

Isn’t this what we all stumble?  Relinquishing all of our earthly possessions to follow God?  In a society, where we have been cultivated to rely on these earthly possessions as a means of survival have created that empty feeling of being both in the world and in Christ.

Who then can be saved?

With a simple answer, Jesus comforts all who are battling this question on a daily basis.  “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Dear Father,

I pray that as I struggle daily on being given eternal life, that I may find comfort in your words.  That it truly isn’t by my own accord but by God that all things are possible.  Help me learn and understand to totally break down the earthly walls that confine me so that I may give my life completely to you.  In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.

Day 6: Changing for the Kingdom of Heaven

Day 6: Matthew 16, 17, 18

How do we change for the kingdom of Heaven?  Do you know what this is actually asking of you?

We have all lost our way and lost sight of who our Father knows to be the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. Our walk is spotted with life, disbelief and sin.  Yet, when asked by His disciples, Jesus answers ³“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

We are all still viewed as this little child, no matter how far we have fallen from our path. However, our Father also knows of the work Satan does to hinder this perfect innocence.  “Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come.” (Matthew 18:7)  Yet, all is not lost, for this is all known by our Father.  He cares so tremendously for each and every single one of his children like a lamb.  As Matthew 18:14 beautifully describes, “In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.”

We struggle daily to remain on this path, thinking all is lost.  Do not let the way s of the world disguise how God wants us to lead our lives.  Its a walk where many will stumble but through faith, even the size of a small mustard seed, nothing will be impossible.

Dear heavenly Father, please allow me to focus back to what You have deemed as necessary for entry into the kingdom of Heaven.  May we use your teachings, words and instructions to mold ourselves back to the innocent children that you want us to be,  In Christ’s most heavenly and precious name, Amen.

Day 5: Understand, Hear & See

Day 5: Matthew 13, 14, 15

Parables – it’s what Jesus used to proclaim His father’s will and direction.  As I read these parables, one by one, they were all familiar.  I remember listening to them during VBS as a child.  Upon re-reading, they have become clearer and make more sense.  But one may wonder, why does He speak in parables?

One of his disciples asked him that very question.  Christ answered in Matthew 13:14-15:
¹⁴In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:
” ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
¹⁵For this people’s heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’

I pray that my heart has not become calloused, that I may hear with my ears and see with my eyes – this is the one true way to healing.  What is the point of living like the false Pharisees, blinded by tradition and blatantly disregarding the actual teaching?  Christ points that out in Matthew 15:8-9.

⁸” ‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
⁹They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.

Seek to truly understand, see & hear.  It’s the way of life that Christ wants us to take.

Day 4: Come to me and I will give you rest

Day 4: Matthew 10, 11, 12

²⁸“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

How magnificent is this verse? Can anyone deny that this is how they feel at times?  Yet, in Matthew 11:28 – 30, Christ instructs what we are to do when are weary and burdened.  The life on this earth is temporary and fleeting.  Yet, we put so much power into something that matters so little.  We worry about our material possessions (or lack thereof), money, houses and other people.  We become anxious without any relent in sight.

Yet, what does Christ ask us to do?  He asks us to come to him.  That’s all.  Come to him in prayer – leave all of your human burdens aside.  In light of my recent unemployment venture, I can admit I was burdened and anxious 24/7.  I sought the answer in prayer.  I can admit that on the days that I sought peace (which should have been everyday but regretfully hasn’t been) that I found myself not worrying about it.  It was an amazing feeling.  I felt like I needed to be anxious and worried but I wasn’t.  Does Christ not ask “How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!” (Matthew 12:12)?  I hope that as I continue to delve into His word, that I may truly be able to become a tree that bears good fruit.

Day 3: Ask, Seek, Knock

Day 3: Matthew 7, 8, 9

The Galilean ministry was that of sheer magnificence.  It is where the faith of man was first brought to fruition.  Through faith in Christ, you read of lepers, those who were paralyzed, demon-possessed, blind, mute and even dead – being healed.

However, the part that struck a chord in me was in Matthew 7:7-8.  ⁷“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Christ wants us to come to Him.  Christ wants us to lay down our burdens.  So why can’t I?  I believe that everyone struggles with this the most.  The Bible instructs us of what God wants us to do, yet we find it difficult and sometimes impossible.  The key is that He doesn’t want us to do it on our own.  He wants us to seek Him, wholeheartedly, and He will open the door.

I pray for continuous development in my faith and spiritual walk.

Day 2: Living According to God’s Instructions

Day 2: Matthew 4, 5, 6

The chapters I read this morning were the simplest of instructions preached by Jesus.  As I read over what He asks of us, I’m reminded of the excuses I used to give in regards to my faith.  “The Bible doesn’t apply to the times now.  God doesn’t get how we get tempted.” You’d be surprised as to how untrue this is.

Christ was tempted every step of the way.  Yet he stood strong in His Father’s strength.  I am reminded of where I struggle as a human being.  Re-reading and getting familiar with the simple instructions left by our Father brought a mind of peace and comfort.

“Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” Matthew 4:4
“Do not put the Lord your God to the test” Matthew 4:7
“Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only” Matthew 4:10

As I am comforted with these words, I come across the Beattitudes (Matthew 5:3-10).
³“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
⁵Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
⁶Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
⁷Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
⁸Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
⁹Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
¹⁰Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Whatever anyone may go through, open up in prayer – be comforted by the promises made by our Father.  Give thanks to Him for all things.

Day 1: Fulfilled Prophecies

Day 1: Matthew 1, 2, 3

Trying to create a new regimen for myself – No Bible, No breakfast.  What can I say?  My hunger reminded me of this new year long project.  I sat down to read Matthew 1-3.  I’m intrigued that the book of Matthew begins with Jesus’ lineage.  Did you know that there were 42  generations in between Abraham to Christ? The most interesting thing that I left with this morning was how often the reference of fulfilled prophecies came up.  It goes to show that everything in life is part of His plan.