New Testament in a Year

January 31st New Testament Readings

Matthew 20:29-21:22
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Month One - Today we wrap up Month One of our One Year Bible readings! Congratulations! Your marathon pace is looking great. The wonderful habit of reading from God's Word every day is starting to settle into place in your life. Keep your eyes forward on the path before you this year and your eye on the prize! As Paul tells us in Philippians 3:14 – "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Let us each press on toward the goal!

Today in Matthew chapter 21 verse 22 we read these words from Jesus: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.""  This is a powerful verse if you really stop and think about it...  Do you believe Jesus' teaching here?  Do you believe that if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer?  I do believe this... but then there is always in the back of my mind - "but what about so-and-so who was ill and was praying in belief that they would be healed.  But then they weren't..."   I don't have any easy answer on this one.  I have to believe there are probably some good resources out there for this tough question?  If you know of any resources / books on this subject of prayer - or, more specifically, unanswered prayers - please post up in the Comments section below?  Thanks.

Whoo-hoo!  Today is Palm Sunday in our Gospel reading today!  :)  Hosanna in the Highest!  Hosanna means "Save Now" - Amen!

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 21 titled "The Triumphal Entry" is at this link.

Worship Video:  Reading about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem today reminded me of the Christy Nockels song "Hosanna:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfeN__usTzs

Are you praising "Hosanna?" Click here and praise Hosanna in the Highest!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would believe in Jesus unfailingly each and every day. Ask for things in prayer that you believe are the will of the Father.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  It's interesting to me how fast January seems to have flown by. February is now before us. I don't know about you, but I set some big goals and resolutions this year and somehow I'm suddenly a month behind on progress on those goals. However, even though I am feeling behind on some goals for this year, I know that ultimately my life is in a very good place because I am moving forward with my relationship with God. Reading and studying God's Word every day is a higher priority than any of my other goals and resolutions. Those other goals and resolutions can wait. My relationship with God cannot wait. As long as I am in a growing and loving relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, nothing else really matters. How about you? Are there some goals and resolutions for this year that you feel like you might be behind on? Do you agree that reading from God's Word each day and growing in your love relationship with God is more important than those goals and resolutions?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 30th New Testament Readings

Matthew 20:1-28
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Matthew chapter 20's parable of the vineyard workers is one that I have at times had challenges with.  I, like the workers who labored all day, would think - "that's not fair!"   Well.... but then I came to realize that I believe this story is a parable of Grace.  God's grace.  And you know what - God's grace is not "fair."  And thank God for this being so!  God's grace is so powerful and all-encompassing and life-giving and healing and saving.  And God's grace is offered to me.  And to you.  And to our neighbors.  And to everyone.  God's grace is offered to people that have sinned against God.  Me.  You.  Our Neighbors.  Everyone.  God's grace is offered to people who become Christians early in their lives and live wonderfully giving lives.  And God's grace is offered to people who become Christians on their deathbed after living destructive lives, but who finally repent and surrender to God.  God's grace is given freely.  Like these workers in this story, we may accept God's grace at different points in the "day" of our life.  Though, of course, some never do ultimately accept God's grace and there is grave risk as the day grows longer...  How about you?  What part of the "day" are you in?  Have you accepted God's gift of grace?  Will you do so today?  While it is still "today" for you?  Below is an oil painting by Rembrandt from 1637 of "The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard":

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 20 verse 16 has always been convicting to me: "And so it is, that many who are first now will be last then; and those who are last now will be first then." I see the wisdom in this verse... but yet, I still think that I try to be "first" in many ways in my life.  I don't like being "last".  I like being honored.  I like being the star.  I don't like being the servant.  I don't like to be the guy supporting the star.  And yet, Jesus is calling us to be last.  To serve others.  To let others go first.  How about you?  Are you trying to be "first" in your life?  Or do you see the eternal wisdom in being "last"?  Continuing this thought of serving others - below is a painting from 1856 by British painter Ford Maddox Brown of "Christ Washing St. Peter's Feet":

As this chapter proceeds we read about Jesus prophesying his own death and resurrection.  And then, we see Jesus prophesy about the end of James & John's life when their mother and they ask to sit at Jesus' right & left in heaven.  Check out verses 22 & 23: ""You don't know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow I am about to drink?" "Oh yes," they replied, "we are able!" "You will indeed drink from it," he told them."  You will indeed drink from it...  James ended his life being martyred for his faith in Jesus.  And John ended his life in exile on the island of Patmos, where he wrote the book of Revelation.  And I wonder again about us today...  sometimes we hear about the "health, wealth and prosperity gospel", and think that's what we've signed up for as Christians.  But... do you think that it might be possible that at some point in your life that you might be called to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow that Jesus drank from?  If you are called to drink from that bitter cup, will you indeed drink from it?  Below is a painting by Flemish artist Pieter van Mol from the early 17th century of "Jesus with the cup":

The last 10 words of verse 28 remind me of the Passover Lamb / Jesus parallels discussed above in this post: "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."  Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for many.  Do you believe that Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for you?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 20 titled "Workers in the Vineyard" is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today's readings reminded me of Third Day’s song “My Hope is You.” Here they are singing it at their final concert ever at Red Rocks in 2018:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zebrk3yFoaU

Where is your hope these days?  Click here to put your hope in Jesus!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 29th New Testament Readings

Matthew 19:13-30
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Today in Matthew 19 we read some challenging verses about the Rich Young Man.  I have read some commentaries say that we don't need to take Jesus' words literally that each of us must sell all of our goods and give to the poor.  However, these words in context to this rich young man were indeed to be taken literally by him - and he knew it.  He wouldn't do it.  Jesus called him to do this, I think, because the young man's "stuff" was an impediment to his relationship with God.  Perhaps the young man literally valued his stuff more than God.  So - while the commentaries say that we don't have to take Jesus' teaching to this young man literally, I do think we should keep in mind that Jesus may ask of us something along these lines.  Jesus may ask us to pack up and become a missionary.  Or maybe he'll ask us to leave a high powered, high paying job, to go serve the poor in our town.  Or he may ask us to not spend our money on luxury items, but to invest in micro credit loan programs in third world countries.  So - while this may seem like Jesus was asking a lot of this rich young man, keep in mind that Jesus asks much of each of us.  And really, Jesus simply asks us to follow him.  Will you follow Jesus?  No matter the cost?  No matter what you have to "give up"?  Will you follow him?  Below is a painting by Heinrich Hoffman from the late 19th century of Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler:

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 19 titled "Wealth and the Kingdom of Heaven" is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today's readings reminded me of Mandisa's song "Overcomer:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8VoUYtx0kw

Do you want to become an Overcomer?  Click here to Overcome!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life." Matthew 19:29 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will place your relationship with Jesus and spending eternity with Him above all else.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 28th New Testament Readings

Matthew 18:21-19:12
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Today in Matthew chapter 18 we read about Jesus' strong teaching on the need for us to forgive others in our life.  And not just to forgive someone once... but many many many times.  Why?  Because God has been so gracious to us - he has forgiven us for our many many many sins through our faith in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.  If God has forgiven us many times over - who are we to not forgive others many times over as well?  Are we better than God?  :)  We all know the answer to this one.  No.  But, we are all called to forgive as gracefully as God has forgiven us.  We are to forgive, just as we have been forgiven.  Is there someone in your life today that you need to forgive?  Will you? 

In Matthew 19 we read a discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees on divorce.  The context of this discussion basically revolved around 2 Jewish schools - Shammai and Hillel - and their differing viewpoints in Jesus' day on Deuteronomy 24 verses 1-4: "If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, and if after she leaves his house she becomes the wife of another man, and her second husband dislikes her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, or if he dies, then her first husband, who divorced her, is not allowed to marry her again after she has been defiled. That would be detestable in the eyes of the LORD . Do not bring sin upon the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance."  From the NIV Study Bible commentary - The Shammai school held that "something indecent" from verse 1 above meant "marital unfaithfulness" - the only allowable cause for divorce.  Hillel emphasized to the preceding clause, "who becomes displeasing to him" in verse 1 above - they would allow for a man to divorce his wife for anything she did that he disliked.  Jesus in the midst of these 2 viewpoints seems to take to the side of Shammai - but, only after first pointing back to God's original ideal for marriage.  So...  there you have the context.  What does that mean for us today? I honestly will say that I don't know.  I do know that many folks participating in this blog are divorced.  And many are married.  And many are single.  So...  I guess I'd encourage you to read more or study more about the topic of divorce if you feel God is calling you to this.  I do believe in God's grace in each of our lives and I believe in Jesus...  Bible.org does have a pretty long overview of marriage and divorce at this link - I haven't read it all, so I can't say that I agree with everything at this link... but, if you're interested in diving more into this topic you may want to read.  Also, Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 19 titled "Questions About Marriage and Divorce" are at this link.  No matter what happens in our life - marriage, divorce, health, sickness - we always have One whose love will never fail us:

Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of The Newsboy's song "He Reigns:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8R9ZPT2T-I

Do you know who Reigns?  Click here and meet your King!

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on the topic of divorce that comes up in today's Matthew readings, please do share your wisdom / thoughts / books / websites / other resources on this topic.   Please be graceful in your remarks as many of our participants have gone through a divorce.  If you yourself have been through a divorce, and are willing to share your learnings / experiences from it, this could be beneficial perhaps to some others who might read your comments.  But I can understand if it's too much to post up publicly thoughts on this topic in this type of forum.  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 27th New Testament Readings

Matthew 18:1-20
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Jesus' teaching in Matthew chapter 18 verses 3 & 4 are something for each of us to consider: ""I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven."  I find it interesting the order of the words - first, turn from your sin.  THEN - after turning from your sins - become as little children.  It seems that we cannot become humble as children without first turning from our sins.  This makes sense if you think about it.  If you are still living in sin, how can you become humble like a child?  You must first repent of the sin before moving toward humility.  I think this teaching is a tough one in our modern age.  It doesn't sound quite right... become humble like a child?  Why??  But, there is so much wisdom in it.   Do you want to become humble like a child?  Will you ask God to show you how to do this in your life?

Verses 19 & 20 are awesome: "I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them." Again, these verses remind me of the importance of being in community with other believers regularly.  The importance of church.  And not just showing up to church on Sundays, but really investing in your church.  Serving.  Giving financially. Being part of a small group.  Doing life together with others.  Being the body of Christ.   I will admit that there have been periods of my life where I really felt like I did not need the church.  That I did not need to be in community.  These have turned out to be lonely or hurried or stressful seasons when I look back on them!  I realize now more than ever that I need the church.  I love my church.  I love everyone in my church - warts and faults and all - and I believe they love me in return, warts and faults and all.   How about you?  Do you have a church that you love?  Do you have a community of believers that you love and that loves you?  If not, will you pray to God to lead you to such a community?  Do you believe that Christian community is important for you?  (Please know that when I say church I am speaking very broadly of the body of Christ and all the various ways it manifest itself as church.  For example, I have many friends who are part of the growing house church movement, which is a wonderful way to do church for many folks.  For others it's the mega-church and for others the mainline church, and this list of examples of church could go on and on...)

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 18 titled "Life Under Kingdom Authority" is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today's readings reminded me of Casting Crowns' song, "All You've Ever Wanted:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWH2MkmQIMM

What do you want?  Click here for all you've ever wanted!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:19-20 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would pray with others regularly. Pray that you would gather with two or three others regularly, coming together in Jesus' holy name.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 26th New Testament Readings

Matthew 17:10-27
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Today in Matthew chapter 17 verse 20 stood out to me: ""You didn't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.""  As I think about this verse, I wonder about my own faith.  How much faith do I really have?  Do I have enough faith in Jesus?  And in all of God's promises?  Or - am I hedging my bets?  Do I also place a lot of faith in my own power?  My own skills?  My own "smarts"?   Do I truly have complete faith in Jesus and Jesus alone?  If so, and if it was Jesus' will, do I believe that I could move mountains?  Could you?   I don't think that this idea of not having enough faith means that I need to "try harder" in any way.  I think it means I simply need to depend more - rest more - relax more - give more - to Jesus.  Trust in Jesus.  Trust that his grace is enough...  As a great Chris Tomlin song goes - "All of you is more than Enough, for all of me."  Is Jesus more than enough for you?

Verses 25 & 26 are awesome as Peter is about to ask Jesus about the Temple Tax: "But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, "What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the foreigners they have conquered?" "They tax the foreigners," Peter replied. "Well, then," Jesus said, "the citizens are free!""  Here we see that Jesus is recognizing himself as the King - and his disciples are his citizens who should not have to pay the tax.  But - as to not offend those who did not realize that Jesus was the King, Jesus tells Peter where to find a coin, in the fish's mouth, to pay the tax. 

Worship Video:  As Jesus predicts his death in today’s readings, it seems appropriate to share Shane and Shane singing “Power of the Cross:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g235W2Ef7J0

Do you know how much your sin cost?  Click here for the saving Cross!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 25th New Testament Readings

Matthew 16:13-17:9
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

Today we read about Peter’s confession of Christ in Matthew chapter 16. In verse 15 we hear Jesus ask: ““But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” And then in verse 16 Peter replies – “Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” I believe this is a question that is asked of each of us today as well. Who do you say that Jesus is? Is your answer the same answer as Peter’s? If not, will you pray to God about who Jesus truly is?  Below is a fresco from 1481 by Pietro Perugino of "Christ Giving the Keys to Peter" from verse 19:

In verse 18 we read - "Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it."  Praise God for Jesus instituting the body of Christ, Jesus’ church!  And all of the powers of hell will not conquer the body of Christ!   Do you praise Jesus regularly for the church you attend?  Do you pray for the ministry of your church regularly?  Do you pray often for your pastors / ministers / priests?  Do you pray for others that attend your church?  Do you pray for those that will soon be coming to attend your church?  I have to say - I absolutely love my church.  I honestly cannot imagine what my life would be like without the church.  I met first met Jesus thanks to the church over 20 years ago.  And Jesus changed my life forever.  Thank God for the church!  I realize that some of you may feel that some churches have some issues and so you don’t go to church at all at this time. However, I honestly do believe that we are called to be in community with others in a church – be it a big church, small church, house church, etc. - and that you really can find a great church if you search prayerfully.  Trust me, they are out there!  If you are not currently attending church - maybe because of bad experiences you had at another church in the past, will you pray about this with Jesus?  Will you attend a different church again soon?  I honestly believe it will bless you immensely to attend church again on a regular basis. Also, I am reminded of a classic line from Billy Graham – "If you ever find the perfect church, please do not join it. You’ll mess it up!" :) Indeed, there are no perfect people out there, and hence no perfect churches. But let us be the church anyway! The church may be a majestic mess, but it is Majestic indeed! And I do honestly believe that the body of Christ is the "hope of the world". Please be an active participant in this Hope.

Verses 24 - 26 are so powerful today: ""If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul?"  Wow... there is so much going on in these verses... I pray they speak to you powerfully as well?  Do you want to follow Jesus?  Will you put aside your selfish ambition?  Will you shoulder your cross?  Do you know what your cross is?  Are you trying to "keep your life" in any area of your life?  Or, will you give up all of your life - every area - to Jesus so that you will find true life?  Is there anything that this world has to offer that is worth more than your soul?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 16 titled "Peter's Confession and Christ's Church" is at this link and commentary on chapter 17 titled "The Transfiguration" is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today's readings reminded me of the Needtobreath song "Multiplied" with a great live acoustic fireside version here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWT4gxAFQBs

Has your love for God been multiplied?  Click here for multiplication!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." Matthew 16:24-25 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are following Jesus, denying yourself and taking up your cross daily. Pray that you have lost your life for Jesus.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  In our Matthew readings today Jesus institutes the church.  I'm curious what your thoughts are on the church today?  And I'm not talking about any one denomination - I mean church as the overall "body of Christ" Christian churches worldwide.  Big churches, small churches, house churches, cathedral churches. Do you personally go to church regularly?  Why or why not?  Have there been periods of your life where you have not gone to church regularly?  Have these been good or not so good periods of your life?  What would you say to someone now who might be reading this blog who does not go to church about church?  How might you encourage someone to go to church?  Why does it matter if they go to church or not?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 24th New Testament Readings

Matthew 15:29-16:12
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

New Testament - In Matthew chapter 16 verses 11 & 12 stood out to me today: "So again I say, `Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' " Then at last they understood that he wasn't speaking about yeast or bread but about the false teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees."  And I wonder today - are there false teachings that we should beware of today?   I believe there are...  and there have been times in my life where I have bought into false teaching's.  How can we know if a teacher is false?  That is a great question.  I would say that each of you are doing an amazing thing to help discern whether a teacher is false by reading the Bible daily.  I believe the Bible to be the ultimate Truthful teaching that we can read - and thus, if you come across teachers that differ radically or go against the teachings of the Bible, you need to be wary.  Don't get me wrong - every pastor / minister / priest is going to have some different takes or views or interpretations of the Bible.  By slight degrees...  If there are major differences, then you should be worried.  In addition to knowing the Bible relatively well, the key to discerning false teachers will be the Holy Spirit.  If you are getting bad "gut feelings" (hopefully coming from the Holy Spirit) over and over again about a teacher, there might be an issue.  Pray to God about this and ask for his guidance.  I realize this can be a sensitive issue!  I'd say don't freak out about this and start wondering if your pastor is a false teacher....  :)  But, be aware.  I do believe there are still false teachers out and about today unfortunately.  If you ever feel like you are being confused by someone today, keep your eye on the way out of confusion through God's Word!

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 15 titled "A Lesson in Hermeneutics" is at this link.

Worship Video::  Today's readings reminded me of Tenth Avenue North's song "You Are More:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwtcwQwgdsA

Do you know that you are more than the sum of your past mistakes?  Click here for More!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 23rd New Testament Readings

Matthew 15:1-28
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

New Testament - In Matthew chapter 15 today we read about Jesus confronting the Pharisees on their "age-old traditions."  I read in Zondervan's & Tyndale's commentaries that after the Babylonian exile, Jewish rabbis began to make meticulous rules and regulations governing the daily life of people.  And that these rules were added to God's law and were essentially elevated to the same sacred status by the Pharisees.  In 200 A.D. these traditions of the elders were put into writing in the Mishnah.  I think what Jesus gets at here in this chapter is that the Pharisees were allowing the "rules & regulations" to overshadow the spirit of God's law.  They were not honoring their parents because of the practice of Corban - giving $ to the temple.  Which, giving $ to the temple is a good thing... but at the expense of the great thing of caring for your parents?   I know we all could probably go round and round on what is the greatest good - how should we spend our time and our money and our lives.  I like that Jesus basically takes it to the heart.  What is the heart of the matter?  No matter what the matter is - taking care of your parents, giving to your church, obediently following God's will, receiving God's grace - what is the heart of the matter?   One thing that I have been so blessed to learn over the past few years is that the condition of our hearts matters.  Immensely.  The motives of why we do something - anything - matters.  Immensely.  We are called in Proverbs to "guard our hearts, for it is the wellspring of life."  If we do not care for the state of our hearts, we can become very regimented or insensitive in our thinking and doing.  We might even get to the point in verse 8 of this chapter where Jesus quotes from Isaiah: "`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away."  How is the state of your heart today?  Is it close to God?  Does your heart yearn for Jesus?

Jesus continues to speak about the importance of what is in our hearts in verses 18-20 today: "But evil words come from an evil heart and defile the person who says them. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all other sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you."  I think this takes us back again to the Sermon on the Mount - where Jesus teaches us in one example that yes, it is wrong to commit adultery.  But, if you commit adultery in your heart, it is just as wrong.  Because if you commit adultery in the heart, you have defiled your own heart.  And from the heart could come the actual act of committing adultery - which would then shatter several lives.  But it all starts in the heart....   So - the good news?  Jesus can heal our hearts!  Jesus is in the business of heart-healing!  Maybe in your life, you might need to refocus from some external actions and start focusing on the state of your heart?   Maybe by focusing on what's going on inside your heart, the external actions will ultimately change?   Maybe allow Jesus to heal your heart - and then your external life will be healed as well?  I'm not sure you can go about this the other way - trying to work from the outside back in...  I think you need to start on the inside first and work your way out.  But don't do this alone - let Jesus walk this healing path with you.  Let Jesus tattoo your heart with his healing love!

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 15 titled "Jesus and the Traditions of the Elders" is at this link and "The Faith of a Canaanite Woman" is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today's readings remind me of the Laura Story song “Indescribable” sung here live by Chris Tomlin at Red Rocks from the sound board in the middle of the audience:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4-tGQD6sUA

Do you know our Indescribable God?  Click here for His description!

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  In Matthew 15 verses 10 & 11 today we read: "Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “Listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.""  Do you agree with these words of Jesus'?  Are you cognizant of the words that come out of your mouth on a moment by moment basis?  Have you ever had to conscientiously change the words that come out of your mouth because they were not blessing others?  Do you use profanity?  (or am I being a Pharisee by even asking this question... :)  I think it's a fair question - does profanity come out of your mouth?  Do you think this is pleasing in God's sight? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

January 22nd New Testament Readings

Matthew 14:13-36
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV.org ~

New Testament - In Matthew chapter 14 today we read about two miracles - Jesus feeding the 5,000 (or really 10,000 to 15,000 counting men, women & children - Matthew just counted men, as his Gospel was written to a Jewish audience, which had men eat separately from women and children at that time/place) and Jesus walking on water.  While these 2 miracles are amazing and again confirming that Jesus is God - a couple of other things stood out me.  First was verse 23: "Afterward he went up into the hills by himself to pray."  If Jesus did this - do you think we should do the same?   How often do we get away from the "crowds" or even the "disciples" or loved ones in our life to be by ourselves and pray?  Do you do this at least for a few minutes each day?  Do you do this for longer periods of time too?

Verses 29 & 30 also stood out to me today: "All right, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted."  These verses made me wonder in our own lives - Are there times or areas our lives where Jesus has said, "Come", and we've moved forward in faith.  But then - the waves came... the challenges came... the doubts came... the insults came.... and we started to waver in our faith?  Maybe we got scared - and started to sink?  Well - I do admire that Peter did cry out to Jesus to save him in this situation - and we then get the reassuring verse 31: "Instantly Jesus reached out his hand and grabbed him."  If you feel like there are some areas in your life where you are sinking - will you cry out to Jesus to save you?  Do you believe he will instantly reach out his hand and grab you?

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Matthew chapter 14 titled "The Feeding of the Five Thousand" is at this link.

Worship Video: Today's readings in Matthew about Peter calling out to Jesus when he was sinking in the water reminded me of the Third Day song "Call My Name:"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEXXUdU--Zg

Have you ever called on God's name?  Click here and make that call today!

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on our readings in Matthew today where we see that Jesus slipped away from the crowds to pray by himself, do you model this behavior of Jesus' in your life and slip away from the crowds to pray by yourself?  How often?  Where and How?  Also, do you take spiritual retreats?  Do you take the retreats alone or with others?  Is prayer a central part of the retreats?  I'm just curious about spiritual retreats.  I cannot say that I have done a prayer-focused spiritual retreat - or even an alone-with-God focused spiritual retreat.  I think I might be due.  :)  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings?  Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today and also consider financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!