AT JESUS FEET: ASK THE FATHER
Scripture Reading: Mathew 7:7-12
Jesus is teaching us (his disciples), that our stability is grounded in the loving reliability of our heavenly father. He commands us to “Ask”. To ask God for anything indicates that we are in prayer and trusting God to answer us. To “seek” indicates prayer, but it also links prayer to the action of faith in our lives. If we seek greater faith, we take action, by reading the word, fellowshipping and worshiping. If we pray for a job, we send resumes and actively follow the leads. There is responsible action in pursuing God’s good will for us. The verb “knock” is a command to act now, and continue to pursue what we have requested. Jesus wants his disciples, to be certain that God will hear and answer our prayers. Jesus assures us that it will be given, you will find, and the door will be opened. We can be certain that God delights in giving what is good to his children. If earthly fathers who are often sinful know how to give good things to their children, our perfect, holy, heavenly father is much more likely to give us what is good. We depend upon our heavenly father for every need, not only physical but spiritual. Jesus increases the stability of his disciples, by simplifying the law for them. The maxim is commonly called the “Golden Rule”. How do we treat people? Simply do to others what you would have them do to you. Jesus says that this “Golden Rule” sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for caring so much for us that you will always hear our prayers and give us what is good. May I continue to ask and act, consistently in faith always trusting you.
Scripture Verse: …how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him? Matthew 7:11
Friday, March 5, 2010
SHIFT WEEK 6 TUESDAY
AT JESUS FEET: DO NOT JUDGE
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-6
Jesus gives us a command in this passage of scripture. He says: Do not judge. The type of judging that he is talking about is a disapproving, harsh criticism of others. Jesus warns us against setting ourselves over others, and condemning them in a self-righteous way. When we have adopted a critical and condemning attitude toward others, we have forced love out of our relationships. Every true disciple of Jesus has experienced the undeserved mercy and love of God. Instead of condemning us, (as we rightly deserved) Jesus extended his grace, love and forgiveness to us. The consequence of judging others has a boomerang effect. The one who judges will receive judgment, instead of God’s undeserved favor and mercy. If a disciple wants to be of help to a brother or sister, he or she must first get rid of their own self-righteous, judgmental attitude. The unexamined spiritual life causes one to be a hypocrite, blinded by the plank of inward sin. Then when the plank is removed, one is free to minister to their brother or sister. There is another type of judgment, which is the ability to discernment or evaluate. Jesus expects us to judge appropriately, discerning right from wrong. We are also to discern enemies of the gospel, who will trample the precious message of salvation.
Prayer: Lord, I am so thankful for your love, mercy and forgiveness in my own life. May I not be judgmental toward others, but show them your love, mercy and forgiveness.
Scripture Verse: Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:1-6
Jesus gives us a command in this passage of scripture. He says: Do not judge. The type of judging that he is talking about is a disapproving, harsh criticism of others. Jesus warns us against setting ourselves over others, and condemning them in a self-righteous way. When we have adopted a critical and condemning attitude toward others, we have forced love out of our relationships. Every true disciple of Jesus has experienced the undeserved mercy and love of God. Instead of condemning us, (as we rightly deserved) Jesus extended his grace, love and forgiveness to us. The consequence of judging others has a boomerang effect. The one who judges will receive judgment, instead of God’s undeserved favor and mercy. If a disciple wants to be of help to a brother or sister, he or she must first get rid of their own self-righteous, judgmental attitude. The unexamined spiritual life causes one to be a hypocrite, blinded by the plank of inward sin. Then when the plank is removed, one is free to minister to their brother or sister. There is another type of judgment, which is the ability to discernment or evaluate. Jesus expects us to judge appropriately, discerning right from wrong. We are also to discern enemies of the gospel, who will trample the precious message of salvation.
Prayer: Lord, I am so thankful for your love, mercy and forgiveness in my own life. May I not be judgmental toward others, but show them your love, mercy and forgiveness.
Scripture Verse: Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3
SHIFT WEEK 6 WEDNESDAY
AT JESUS FEET: WHERE IS YOUR TREASURE?
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19-24
All earthly things are subject to the natural processes that slowing or rapidly destroy them. Any hurricane, tornado, or earthquake can quickly show us the fleeting nature of earthly things. People can expend tremendous energies on these things, while ignoring the things of God’s kingdom. We are not to let these material things become the center of our life’s focus. We are not to accumulate, or treasure up for ourselves treasure on earth. Jesus commands us to: Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. Matthew 6:33 Material wealth is one of the things that can steal away the heart of a disciple, and lead to spiritual ruin. Jesus is not saying that worldly possessions are bad. Some possessions are a necessary part of our basic needs. Some are there merely for our enjoyment, and there is nothing wrong with that either. What Jesus is saying; is that the things of the Lord must be first in our life. There is a temptation, to worship the god of materialism. When the focus of the eye or center of attention is filled with the darkness of greed, hoarding and the idolatry of money, that darkness is so black, that only Jesus can bring one into the light of truth. If our eyes are good, our focus will be the treasures in heaven. There can be no divided loyalties. We can serve God with our money and possessions, or we can serve self, sin and Satan.
Prayer: It is my hearts’ desire Lord, to be wholly devoted to you. Keep me free from the love of money and help me to use all that you have given me, in a way that is pleasing to you.
Scripture Verse: No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:19-24
All earthly things are subject to the natural processes that slowing or rapidly destroy them. Any hurricane, tornado, or earthquake can quickly show us the fleeting nature of earthly things. People can expend tremendous energies on these things, while ignoring the things of God’s kingdom. We are not to let these material things become the center of our life’s focus. We are not to accumulate, or treasure up for ourselves treasure on earth. Jesus commands us to: Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. Matthew 6:33 Material wealth is one of the things that can steal away the heart of a disciple, and lead to spiritual ruin. Jesus is not saying that worldly possessions are bad. Some possessions are a necessary part of our basic needs. Some are there merely for our enjoyment, and there is nothing wrong with that either. What Jesus is saying; is that the things of the Lord must be first in our life. There is a temptation, to worship the god of materialism. When the focus of the eye or center of attention is filled with the darkness of greed, hoarding and the idolatry of money, that darkness is so black, that only Jesus can bring one into the light of truth. If our eyes are good, our focus will be the treasures in heaven. There can be no divided loyalties. We can serve God with our money and possessions, or we can serve self, sin and Satan.
Prayer: It is my hearts’ desire Lord, to be wholly devoted to you. Keep me free from the love of money and help me to use all that you have given me, in a way that is pleasing to you.
Scripture Verse: No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24
SHIFT WEEK 6 THURSDAY
AT JESUS FEET: LOVE YOUR ENEMIES
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:43-48
The Jewish ethic regarding enemies in Jesus time was not much different than the ethics of our secular culture today. It was not a scriptural principle, but it was as common then to “hate your enemy” as it is today. It just makes logical sense to hate those who want to hurt, harm or destroy you. Then, I am reminded that God’s ways are not our ways. Jesus is always there calling us to the higher standard of His perfect love. There is a two way love in most of our relationships with family and friends. Just being loved in return is a reward in itself. Jesus tells us that even sinners can love those who love them, but the highest reward comes from God who tells us to choose to love even our enemies. How do we show that love? First, we do not return evil for evil, or bear hatred in our hearts toward them. Second, we deliberately pray for our enemies, because they are desperately lost and in need of a savior. That is the very essence of the gospel. It was while we still sinners that Christ died for us. We were enemies of God, fighting against his will and his way, BUT JESUS loved us and freely chose to go to the cross. He bore the penalty for our sin. To be sure, God hates evil. He is a just God who will judge all sin, so pray for your enemies while there is still time for them to be reconciled to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for loving me when I did not deserve your love. Help me Lord to care about those who are still enemies of the cross, and enemies of those who love you.
Scripture Verse: But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your father in heaven. Matthew 5:44
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:43-48
The Jewish ethic regarding enemies in Jesus time was not much different than the ethics of our secular culture today. It was not a scriptural principle, but it was as common then to “hate your enemy” as it is today. It just makes logical sense to hate those who want to hurt, harm or destroy you. Then, I am reminded that God’s ways are not our ways. Jesus is always there calling us to the higher standard of His perfect love. There is a two way love in most of our relationships with family and friends. Just being loved in return is a reward in itself. Jesus tells us that even sinners can love those who love them, but the highest reward comes from God who tells us to choose to love even our enemies. How do we show that love? First, we do not return evil for evil, or bear hatred in our hearts toward them. Second, we deliberately pray for our enemies, because they are desperately lost and in need of a savior. That is the very essence of the gospel. It was while we still sinners that Christ died for us. We were enemies of God, fighting against his will and his way, BUT JESUS loved us and freely chose to go to the cross. He bore the penalty for our sin. To be sure, God hates evil. He is a just God who will judge all sin, so pray for your enemies while there is still time for them to be reconciled to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for loving me when I did not deserve your love. Help me Lord to care about those who are still enemies of the cross, and enemies of those who love you.
Scripture Verse: But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your father in heaven. Matthew 5:44
SHIFT WEEK 6 FRIDAY
AT JESUS FEET: ADULTERY
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:27-30
Jesus starts his teaching on adultery by quoting the seventh commandment: You shall not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14 & Deuteronomy 5:18. Adultery in the Old Testament was sexual intercourse with mutual consent, between any man and the wife of another man. It was considered a heinous crime, and both the adulterer and the adulteress were put to death (Lev. 20:10). Even a betrothed (engaged) woman was legally considered as a wife in the context of Old Testament law. Jesus again goes for the heart of the law, rather than the external action of adultery. He is not condemning a passing glance at a woman, but he is condemning a calculated, sexually desirous stare. That lustful stare betrays the unfaithful heart, breaking the bond of trust and oneness that a man has with his wife. Jesus is saying that it is not enough to maintain physical purity, but one also needs to have a heart of exclusive devotion to one’s spouse. The seriousness of lust is shown by two deliberate exaggerations; of gouging out the eye and severing the hand. Jesus is not asking for self-mutilation, but he is saying; deal with lust radically. It is far better to have a sexually restricted or incomplete life, than to have an impure lustful life that may eventually cost the loss of one’s soul for eternity. Whatever becomes a source of lustful temptation must be avoided and abandoned immediately.
Prayer: Give me Lord single-hearted and single-eyed devotion to you, that you might keep me pure within. Enable me by your grace to have that unbroken love & devotion to my spouse.
Scripture Verse: But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:27-30
Jesus starts his teaching on adultery by quoting the seventh commandment: You shall not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14 & Deuteronomy 5:18. Adultery in the Old Testament was sexual intercourse with mutual consent, between any man and the wife of another man. It was considered a heinous crime, and both the adulterer and the adulteress were put to death (Lev. 20:10). Even a betrothed (engaged) woman was legally considered as a wife in the context of Old Testament law. Jesus again goes for the heart of the law, rather than the external action of adultery. He is not condemning a passing glance at a woman, but he is condemning a calculated, sexually desirous stare. That lustful stare betrays the unfaithful heart, breaking the bond of trust and oneness that a man has with his wife. Jesus is saying that it is not enough to maintain physical purity, but one also needs to have a heart of exclusive devotion to one’s spouse. The seriousness of lust is shown by two deliberate exaggerations; of gouging out the eye and severing the hand. Jesus is not asking for self-mutilation, but he is saying; deal with lust radically. It is far better to have a sexually restricted or incomplete life, than to have an impure lustful life that may eventually cost the loss of one’s soul for eternity. Whatever becomes a source of lustful temptation must be avoided and abandoned immediately.
Prayer: Give me Lord single-hearted and single-eyed devotion to you, that you might keep me pure within. Enable me by your grace to have that unbroken love & devotion to my spouse.
Scripture Verse: But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28
SHIFT WEEK 6 SATURDAY
AT JESUS FEET: MURDER & ANGER
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:21-26
Jesus reminds his disciples about the sixth commandment from Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder”. The Hebrew word (Rasah) is used here, which involves premeditation, and deliberateness of intention. This word does not apply to killing animals, or defending ones home or nation. Jesus concern is not only the external act of murder, but also the internal intentions of the heart. It was a personal and public humiliation to call someone (Raca) which meant empty head. To be called “a fool” in the Jewish culture meant that one acted continually like an idiot or moron. Anger and hatred in the heart are the source of murder, suicide, and name calling. The penalty for murder was death (Numbers 35:31), but Jesus tells us that there is also judgment for the one who is angry with his brother. A person could be called before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish court) for insulting and degrading a fellow Jew. Today people are taken to court for the slander of another human being. To be in danger of the fire of hell, denotes a possibility of God’s final judgment. Thankfully, there is an antidote to this anger and hatred in the heart. God is more pleased with forgiveness and reconciliation with a brother or sister, than receiving our gifts and offerings. With God’s help we are to settle matters quickly before they become a wedge in our personal and public relationships with others.
Prayer: Lord, let me see the value in every person you have created. Help me to be caring and loving as I relate to others. Especially lord, help me to choose forgiveness whenever I feel offended by another.
Scripture Verse: Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. John 3:15
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:21-26
Jesus reminds his disciples about the sixth commandment from Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder”. The Hebrew word (Rasah) is used here, which involves premeditation, and deliberateness of intention. This word does not apply to killing animals, or defending ones home or nation. Jesus concern is not only the external act of murder, but also the internal intentions of the heart. It was a personal and public humiliation to call someone (Raca) which meant empty head. To be called “a fool” in the Jewish culture meant that one acted continually like an idiot or moron. Anger and hatred in the heart are the source of murder, suicide, and name calling. The penalty for murder was death (Numbers 35:31), but Jesus tells us that there is also judgment for the one who is angry with his brother. A person could be called before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish court) for insulting and degrading a fellow Jew. Today people are taken to court for the slander of another human being. To be in danger of the fire of hell, denotes a possibility of God’s final judgment. Thankfully, there is an antidote to this anger and hatred in the heart. God is more pleased with forgiveness and reconciliation with a brother or sister, than receiving our gifts and offerings. With God’s help we are to settle matters quickly before they become a wedge in our personal and public relationships with others.
Prayer: Lord, let me see the value in every person you have created. Help me to be caring and loving as I relate to others. Especially lord, help me to choose forgiveness whenever I feel offended by another.
Scripture Verse: Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. John 3:15
SHIFT WEEK 6 SUNDAY
AT JESUS FEET: YOU ARE SALT & LIGHT
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-16
Every day we go about our work and activities, and our attitudes, speech and actions reveal who we belong to. Those who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ will function as salt & light, in their surrounding places of influence, whether it is the home, neighborhood, community or workplace. The main functions of salt are to enhance the flavor of our food, and to be used as a preservative. Salt just makes things taste better, that’s why we always find it on our tables. In the same way the Christian is like salt, they are to make things better wherever they go. We are loved by the Lord Jesus and we in turn can love and care about others around us. That makes anyplace a better place to be because Christians are sprinkled here and there. In Jesus day there was no refrigeration and salt was often rubbed into the meat or fish to slow the decaying process. So we as Jesus disciples influence the fallen world around us, thus slowing the moral decay of our society. Jesus calls himself the light of the world in John 8:12. What is amazing is; that Jesus also calls us the light of the world. We have Christ within our hearts and so we are like him. Christ shines out of our lives. We are the light! We are to be an illuminating influence of God’s truth and love, in a darkened world. Our good deeds and loving actions cannot be hidden, but they reveal the faith, truth, and love of the Lord Jesus Christ to a dying world.
Prayer: Lord, it is my desire to be salt and light in every place that I may be. Please enable me at all times, to be that preserving and illuminating influence for the sake of your kingdom.
Scripture Verse: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-16
Every day we go about our work and activities, and our attitudes, speech and actions reveal who we belong to. Those who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ will function as salt & light, in their surrounding places of influence, whether it is the home, neighborhood, community or workplace. The main functions of salt are to enhance the flavor of our food, and to be used as a preservative. Salt just makes things taste better, that’s why we always find it on our tables. In the same way the Christian is like salt, they are to make things better wherever they go. We are loved by the Lord Jesus and we in turn can love and care about others around us. That makes anyplace a better place to be because Christians are sprinkled here and there. In Jesus day there was no refrigeration and salt was often rubbed into the meat or fish to slow the decaying process. So we as Jesus disciples influence the fallen world around us, thus slowing the moral decay of our society. Jesus calls himself the light of the world in John 8:12. What is amazing is; that Jesus also calls us the light of the world. We have Christ within our hearts and so we are like him. Christ shines out of our lives. We are the light! We are to be an illuminating influence of God’s truth and love, in a darkened world. Our good deeds and loving actions cannot be hidden, but they reveal the faith, truth, and love of the Lord Jesus Christ to a dying world.
Prayer: Lord, it is my desire to be salt and light in every place that I may be. Please enable me at all times, to be that preserving and illuminating influence for the sake of your kingdom.
Scripture Verse: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
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